Positively Pittsburgh Live: Positively Pittsburgh Live! News 03-03-14

Positively Pittsburgh Live! News 03-03-14

Good News and Sad News, Passing of a Legend

Listen to the show online HERE

PPL News Co-Host

Sunita Pandit, Host of Mrs. Cardiology where she shares information and tips not tricks on heart health gleaned from Mrs. Cardiology's Fireside Chats with her cardiologist husband, Dr. Santosh Pandit. After 30 years of wedded arranged marriage bliss to Dr. Santosh Pandit, her "fireside conversations" with him convinced her that there is much more to cardiology care than any doctor can possibly cover in the average fifteen minute consultation. Her personal experience of having taken care of her father with Congestive Heart Failure more than 10 years ago left her helpless in understanding and knowing how to help him. Today she knows more than back then, so she shares her personal adventure to address that somewhat overwhelming world of cardiac education and presents it in plain English! Behind every Doctor's white coat facade churns a world of untapped education that the layperson or would be patient needs to hear in pure unadulterated everyday language.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS TECHNOGRANNY?

Last week: Porgy and Bess and PSO’s Carnival of the Animals

CULTURAL CLUES

KIDZ KORNER: Parenting Expo

WOMEN AND GIRLS ADVANCEMENT: Celebrate & Share

BUSINESS BUZZ

Jazz Networking Community Innovations | Entrepreneur’s Growth Conference | 5 Local Startups | What's Next for Pittsburgh?

NON-PROFIT EVENTS SPONSORED BY BLACKTIE PITTSBURGH
Welcoming Diversity | Business Leader Wellness Series | Boundaries for Leaders | Tea, Culinary Stars and Adagio Health | Peace It Together

NEIGHBORHOOD HI-LIGHTS: Home Sweet Affordable Home the Brewhouse Lofts

POSITIVE PITTSBURGHERS

Gettin' Techy With It | What If Your Child Was Not Supposed to Live Past 2 Years Old?

PITTSBURGH LOCAL SPORTS

The Pittsburgh Games | Slippery Rock Win at Seton Hill

PITTSBURGH GOOD NEWS FORUM: Hill Dance Academy Theatre First Spring Dance Concert

STEELTOWN HERO: Craig "Porky" Chedwick

CULTURAL CLUES

Italian Wedding Traditions Celebrated with a New QED Cooks Italian Wedding Feast
Saturday, March 8th 2014 | 10 AM | Televised on WQED-TV

On Saturday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. on WQED-TV, QED COOKS with Chris Fennimore will bring the joy of the Italian Wedding Feast to its viewers. Carmela and Jolina Giaramita, chefs at Mount Washington’s family owned and operated restaurant La Tavola Italiana, will join Chris in the cooking studio to prepare a variety of authentic dishes served at an Italian Wedding Feast. According to Chris, “Italian food is known and loved for its sharp cheeses, aromatic spices, comforting pastas and a tradition of plenty ‘Abundanza!’” He continues, “Since the family - "La Famiglia" - is central to Italian culture, the weddings feasts are extravagant and joyful. We wanted to share this kind of joyful event with all our viewers.”

Read the full press release at Dreamweaver Marketing Associates on PPLmag.com

Pittsburgh Dance Council Presents Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve
Saturday, March 8th 2014 | 8:00 PM | Byham Theater

The Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, will present Ballet du Grand Theatre de Genève on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 8:00 p.m., at the Byham Theater. Directed by Philippe Cohen, the Geneve Ballet is known around the world for its exquisite choreography and exciting artistic collaborations. The evening program will feature two works, Glory and Sed Lux Permanet.

Glory, choreographed by Andonis Foniadakis, allows the dancers’ bodies to come together in various modes of symbolism to the mastery and quality of Handel’s flamboyant music. Sed Lux Permanet, choreographed by Ken Ossola, uses sculpted shadow play to enhance the delicate nature of the body set to the sensitive and ethereal sweetness of Faure’s Requiem.

From its beginnings, the company has been dedicated to performing various styles of dance and has worked with renowned artists such as George Balanchine, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Rudolf Nureyev, Jiri Kylian, Ohad Naharin, William Forsythe and Lucinda Childs. The company features twenty-two classically-trained dancers from around the world, performing in the neo-classical and contemporary styles. Each season features several new productions, repertoire performances at home, on tour, school productions and educational workshops. La Presse de Tunisie raves, “Divine…this company has established itself as one of the most original and inventive in Europe.”

Read the full press release at Dreamweaver Marketing Associates on PPLmag.com

Jillian Michaels Brings Her Critically Acclaimed Motivational Tour Maximize Your Life to the Benedum Center
Wednesday, March 19th 2014 | 8:00 PM | Benedum Center

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces Jillian Michaels, America’s leading authority in health, wellness and fitness, will bring her critically acclaimed motivational live tour “Maximize Your Life” to the Benedum Center on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at 8:00 p.m. This powerful event will awaken you to reignite your passion, define your goals and live in your authentic truth.

Set fire to your dreams! Imagine. Believe. Achieve. These words define the core of Jillian’s message. In an exhilarating, two-hour show, Jillian will awaken you to reignite your passion, define your goals and live in your authentic truth. She will teach you how to redefine your self-image, dramatically enhance your confidence and self-worth and blast through all internal and external obstacles. "Your health is the platform that your entire life is built upon - from your physical health to your confidence and self-worth, I will give you the skillset, tools and insights to transform any aspect of your life immediately so you realize your true potential, and create the future you've dreamed of and deserve," exclaims Jillian.

Read the full press release at Dreamweaver Marketing Associates on PPLmag.com

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra BNY Mellon Grand Classics:

Highlights from “The Ring”
March 21st 2014 | 8 PM | Heinz Hall

March 23rd 2014 | 2:30 PM | Heinz Hall
One of the featured Pittsburgh Composers of the Year, Nancy Galbraith presents her bluesy melodic Euphonic Blues. Mendelssohn's nuanced Piano Concerto No. 1 features acclaimed British-born pianist Stephen Hough. Donald Runnicles presents a rare treat—orchestral excerpts from Wagner's famous four-epic opera cycle, Der Ring des Nibelungen.

Uncommon Pleas: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth on Trial
Thursday, March 27th 2014 | 6:00 PM | The Duquesne Club

Join PICT Theatre and the Arts and Law Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association for an evening of uncommonly good legal theatre.

Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a three-course dinner, presentation of the evidence, and an appellate argument seeking to overturn the murder convictions of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth before a panel of federal and state court judges. Featuring Dennis Unkovic as Macbeth and Audrey Russo as Lady Macbeth with narration by James FitzGerald.

The Judges:
Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr., U.S. District Courts, Western District of Pennsylvania
Judge Nora Barry Fischer, U.S. District Courts, Western District of Pennsylvania
Judge Jeffrey Manning, Allegheny County, Court of Common Pleas, President Judge
Judge Judith Olson, Pennsylvania Superior Court
Judge Christine Ward, Allegheny County, Court of Common Pleas
Judge Dwayne Woodruff, Allegheny County, Court of Common Pleas, (and former Pittsburgh Steeler)

For more information visit the PPLmag.com Forum

Swing Lowe Sweet Chariote!
Thursday, March 27th 2014 | 7:00 PM | The Hollywood Theater, 1449 Potomac Ave
HWIC Filmworks proudly presents the urban, action drama that took Cleveland by storm: Swing Lowe Sweet Chariote! Finally making it's Pittsburgh premiere at the legendary Hollywood Theater in Dormont, Swing Lowe Sweet Chariote is based on the novel by celebrated Cleveland author Stella Hall and is an exciting coming of age story unlike any other. It contrasts the brutal realities of inner city street life with the struggles of maintaining a family, all from the perspective of a young, Black woman.

Featuring special appearances by Ray, Jr. (The Game Ain’t for Everybody), Peter Lawson Jones (Alex Cross, If Joy Comes), Tony King (Sparkle, The Godfather), and Chuck D of Public Enemy, Swing Lowe Sweet Chariote was directed by local Pittsburgh filmmaker David C. Snyder, who previously shot the video for Public Enemy's song "Everything" here in the city.

Stay after the film for a Q and A with the filmmakers! - Only $5 plus The Hollywood is BYOB

Kente Arts Alliance Continues the Africa Calling Series with South African Legend Hugh Masekela

Sunday, March 30th 2014 | 7:00 PM | The New Hazlett Theatre

Legendary South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela is an innovator in the world music and jazz scene and continues to tour the world as a performer, composer, producer and activist. This iconic artist is best known for his Grammy-nominated hit single, Grazing in the Grass which sold over 4 million copies in 1968 and made him an international star. He later played an integral role in Paul Simon’s tour behind the classic album Graceland, which was one of the first pop records to introduce African music to a broader public.

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Presents Porous Sediments an Exhibition Exploring Temporality
March 7 – April 13, 2014 | 707 Penn Gallery
Exhibition Opening and Reception | March 7th 2014 | 6 – 8 PM

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the opening of artist Haylee Ebersole’s exhibition Porous Sediments. On view at the Trust’s 707 Penn Gallery March 7–April 13, 2014, the installation features an array of vaporous sculptural objects with surfaces suggestive of skin, soap, ice, and rock. An opening reception will be held Friday, March 7, 2014, from 6–8 p.m., at 707 Penn Gallery.

The objects on display allude both to the cyclical nature of existence and to the slow forming processes of geological structures. Using a variety of techniques—printmaking, drawing, sculpture, and performance—Ebersole engages in temporality, investigating the transformative potential of ideas, materials, and actions through an alchemical approach.

“While the term porous describes the material nature of this work, it also embodies a particular way of thinking and making,” says artist Haylee Ebersole. “In my practice, each process is permeable where the actions and residuals from one become the generative premise for the next.”

Pittsburgh Fashion Week: Fashion Hall of Fame Nomination Request

It’s Pittsburgh Fashion Week’s 5TH year running annual event. As part of our fashion showcase, our proud induction caps the week long event. NOMINATIONS are being accepted for the 2014 list of inductees into the Pittsburgh Fashion Hall of Fame at Pittsburgh Fashion Week this fall.

Are you considered a fashion icon or know someone who is? Pittsburgh Fashion Week is looking for individuals who have impacted Pittsburgh through fashion, style or beauty.

The public is invited to nominate anyone with roots in Pittsburgh for the award. Nominees will be evaluated based on longevity and significance of contribution in the general areas of fashion or beauty and must have at least 10 years in the industry. They can be persons living in Pittsburgh, or persons born or raised in Pittsburgh and currently living elsewhere. Five to eight honorees may be culled from what are expected to be scores of nominees.

The purpose is to shine a spotlight on fashion icons from the city of Pittsburgh. We want to bring them to the forefront, honor them and continue to inform Pittsburgh we have persons who have greatly impacted the World of Fashion. In addition to this induction, we will announce the “Exceptional Artist Award” now in its second year. This award will be given to an up and coming artisan exhibiting similar qualities of the nominees.

Read the full press release at Dreamweaver Marketing Associates on PPLmag.com

KIDZ KORNER

Parenting Expo: Dr. Kathleen Hartford Shares 3 Ways to Feel Younger While Parenting
April 8th and 9th 2014 | Monroeville Convention Center

The Parenting Expo takes place at the Monroeville Convention Center on March 8th and 9th - next weekend!

Dr. Kathleen Hartford will be presenting 3 Ways To Feel Younger While Parenting Youngsters, we will also have a meet and greet booth where you can receive details for the 21 day weight loss program for busy parents, information on our April 9th FREE presentation on the effects of STRESS and get some extra goodies. She is a proud supporter of this event because she believes that raising your children in a healthy, positive atmosphere will give them optimal physical, mental, and emotional health.

How about FREE tickets? All you have to do is enter coupon code, REDPITEXH so that instead of paying to enjoy this opportunity, you can get in for free. Hurry this offer for complimentary tickets with coupon code only works until March 5th, so get them now!

WOMEN AND GIRLS ADVANCEMENT EVENTS

Celebrate & Share
Thursday, Mar 6th 2014 | 6 - 9 PM | Omni William Penn Hotel Grand Ballroom
9th Annual Celebrate and Share Event Recognizes Pittsburgh “Women of Achievement”
Allegheny Health Network Sponsors Awards Dinner Benefiting Cribs for Kids® Safe Sleep Initiative

District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. and his wife Mary Zappala will host the 9th Annual Celebrate & Share - Women of Achievement Awards Dinner sponsored by Allegheny Health Network on Wednesday, March 6, 2014 at the Omni William Penn Hotel.

“Each year the women that we honor inspire me to be a better leader and a better representative of our community. Mary and I look forward to hearing about the positive contributions made by this year’s group and sincerely hope that their desire to achieve is passed along to the next generation of young women.”

The event honors 26 Pittsburgh-area women selected by a committee of their peers for their outstanding accomplishments which have significantly contributed to the success and advancement of the city. Proceeds benefit Cribs for Kids National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative; an organization that Zappala helped found in Pittsburgh in 1998.

The event is presented by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office and will kick off the observance of Women's History Month, which is traditionally celebrated in March. Celebrate & Share founders Bonnie DiCarlo and JoAnn Forrester co-chair the planning committee each year and are pleased to present the 2014 honorees:

Abby Bolton, Regina Broudy, Darieth Chisolm, Chris Cieslak, Rosann Cusumano-Elinsky, Joann Cusumano-Sciulli, Deborah Flaherty, Alma Speed Fox, Jane Grebenc, LaVerne Darnell, Dr. Karen A. Hacker, Mary Jo Harwood, Deborah W. Linhart, Charlotte E. Lott, Carol B. Mitchell, Josephine B. Moore, Carol A. Neyland, Marianne Oliver, Titina Ott, Diane M. Pearson, Donna C. Peterman, Michele Rice, Eleanor Schano, Joan Stein, Christy Uffelman and Debra R. Valentine-Gray.

“The Safe Sleep Initiative is a cause close to the hearts of all of us who work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,” said Nilima Karamchandani, MD, Medical Director of the West Penn Hospital NICU, and one of the first “Women of Achievement” honorees. “We salute the work of District Attorney Zappala, Celebrate & Share and Cribs for Kids in helping ensure all babies can sleep safely.”

Proceeds benefit Cribs for Kids®, an organization that provides safe sleep education to new mothers and Graco Pack ‘n Play® portable cribs to families in an effort to reduce the risk of accidental, infant sleep-related deaths due to unsafe sleep environments. For more information on Cribs for Kids or to attend the March 6th event go to http://cribsforkids.org/womenofachievementawards/ or call 412-322-5680 ext. 5.

Read the full press release at Dreamweaver Marketing Associates on PPLmag.com

BUSINESS BUZZ

Jazz Networking by Jessica Lee – Community Innovations
Formally known as Entrepreneurial Thursdays
Thursday, March 6th 2014 | Little E's Jazz and Blues Club (2nd Floor above Mahoney's Restaurant)
Pre-show networking session at 5:30 PM | Live music starts at 6:00 PM

Informal matchmaking for job seekers, employers & new entrepreneurs! Join us every Thursday evening for Pittsburgh’s premier Jazz and Blues Happy Hour show for the entrepreneurial / innovation community. Featuring live open-mike interview sessions with hot entrepreneurs, financing sources, economic development thought leaders and other business stars, we’re uncovering “WHAT’S INNOVATIVE AND POSITIVE IN THE PITTSBURGH REGION.”

Co-host Tom Donoghue, AIA, LEED APProject Manager, Architect, MBA, Donoghue Project Consulting

Donoghue Project Consulting Services provides building planning, project planning, project management, and building code analysis services to building owners, and others served by the construction industry.
Hadley Pratt, Communications Coordinator - Pittsburgh Downtown Community Development Corporation
The Pittsburgh Downtown Community Development Corporation (PDCDC) is a community-based organization that serves Downtown Pittsburgh. Through residential development, the promotion of the arts and entertainment, small business assistance, and more, we strive to make the Golden Triangle a better place to live, work and play.
Becky Rodgers, Neighbors in the Strip
In 1999, Neighbors in the Strip (NITS) began to evolve from the inactive Strip Business Merchants Association. Recognizing a need for more than just business promotions, a group of Strip District stakeholders united their efforts to form an organization that would "promote economic development opportunities, while preserving the personality, integrity and character of the Strip."
Diane Daniels, DID & Associates Community Development Preview
DID & Associates is a for-profit business and events management consulting and promotional firm. Our objectives are to provide training and business development services for established and start-up entrepreneurs; to package, develop, manage book and promote entertainment and artistic talent ad to assist businesses, organizations, communities and individuals in promoting themselves and their events
Emily Buka, Executive Director - The Riverside Center for Innovation
The Riverside Center for Innovation works to create a healthy environment for the region’s entrepreneurs and small businesses to prosper by providing incubation support, training, innovation strategies, and Brownfield development.

For more information visit the PPLmag.com Forum

Is Your Business on the Road to Success?
Duquesne University SBDC Presents the Entrepreneur’s Growth Conference
Thursday, June 5th 2014 | 8:00 AM | Duquesne University SBDC

Keynote Speaker:
Stan Sheetz
Chairman of the Board; Sheetz, Inc.

Stan Sheetz will discuss his company's road to success at the 2014 Entrepreneur’s Growth Conference.

Workshops:
Fueling Up: Finding the Cash You Need
The Fundraiser Fastlane: Successful Crowdfunding Campaigns
Ending Gridlock: Creative Ways to Improve Cash Flow
Accelerating Sales: A Daily to-do List
Tales from the Road: Inspiring Stories from Well-Traveled Entrepreneurs
Rules of the Road: Human Resource Updates
Sharp Curves: How to Win with the Power of Persuasion
Social Media Shortcuts: Shift Your Business Into High Gear LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube
The Scenic Route: Videos & Images to Power Your Marketing Motor
Online Cruise Control: Website Practices for Converting Visitors into Customers
Opportunities Ahead: Supplies Diversity Programs & Government Contracting
The Unbeaten Path: 20 New and Great Ideas for Your Next Business
The Exit Ramp: Preparing to Sell Your Business
The Intersection of Concept and Cash: Steering a Great Idea into a Profitable Business

For more information click HERE

5 Interesting and Diverse Startups Completing the 20-Week Accelerator
From our friends at Innovation Works

With AlphaLab’s Winter 2014 cycle finally settling in, I thought this would be a good opportunity to introduce the five interesting and diverse startups currently completing the 20-week program in our Southside-based accelerator. Since 2008, AlphaLab has supported 72 companies over 12 cycles of its program while opening its doors to be a place for entrepreneurs to meet, work, and share ideas. Executive Director Jim Jen has shepherded the program from the onset, and was recently elected to be one of the seven members of the advisory board of the Global Accelerator Network, the International Benchmark of the seed-stage, mentorship-driven accelerator model.

Each AlphaLab class has represented a new evolution of the type of innovative companies being conceived in the region, and the startups in Cycle 12 are no exception.

Conversant Labs is building voice-enabled applications for the blind and visually impaired to help these users experience the same quality-of-life benefits of sighted users.

INKTD is a pain-free, social, cloud-based scheduling platform for tattoo artists, parlors, and customers that strengthens the artist-client relationship by proactively and socially managing appointments and minimizing costly no-shows.

Jetpack Workflow helps small to medium sized accounting firms manage workflow and repetitive processes in an effort to build a paperless office.

Next Gauge is developing smart device-based systems to improve productivity, enhance communication, and reduce costs for commercial truck fleets and drivers.

Tailored Fit is building a hybrid recommendation system for clothing to power online shopping and in-store discovery.

These companies are the first to participate in the program under the direction of Aaron Tainter, who returned to the region in January to join IW as AlphaLab Program Manager. Please check out the sidebar to learn more about Aaron and follow @alphalab for regular updates and announcements relating to the program. Finally, AlphaLab has just begun accepting applications to its Summer 2014 cycle.

Read the entire article HERE

What's Next for Pittsburgh?
From our friends at URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh)

Pittsburgh born, Pittsburgh bred. The URA is proud to be a founding sponsor of NEXTpittsburgh, the new, online weekly magazine and website debuting this month.

NEXTpittsburgh's mission is to help shape the future of our City by focusing on the smart, innovative and transformative people, projects, places and ideas taking Pittsburgh to the next level - from design and health to science and the arts to the built environment, including news about Pittsburgh from outside the region.

Tracy Certo, founder and publisher of NEXTpittsburgh, and the team at Mullen have created a fully responsive website - which means readers will see user-friendly versions of NEXTpittsburgh and any article or video on all their devices, from smart phones to tablets.

In addition to news and feature stories, NEXTpittsburgh will encourage readers to take a closer look at their city and learn to better navigate it with up-to-date insider guides and first-person videos to our many lively neighborhoods. Events will feature 10 arts and cultural events weekly and invite readers to post photos and videos of events from the previous week. There’s even a special section for families showcasing our city as a top place to raise kids.

NEXTpittsburgh will also feed development and technology news daily to the URA website homepage and news section. NEXTpittsburgh is expected to launch March 4 and you can sign up now to receive this free online publication. You won't want to miss a single issue! You can also check out NEXTpittsburgh on Facebook (NEXTpittsburgh) and Twitter (@nextpittsburgh).

For more information click HERE

NON-PROFIT EVENTS
SPONSORED BY BLACKTIE PITTSBURGH

YWCA Hosts Welcoming Diversity
Saturday, March 29th | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd.
"Welcoming Diversity" is interactive, experiential and carefully designed to begin with light non-threatening material, building gradually into more challenging issues.

Skills to be learned include:
1. Indentifying learned misinformation,
2. Expressing pride in groups to which we belong,
3. Learning how groups experience mistreatment,
4. Learning the personal impact of discrimination incidents, and
5. Learning how to interrupt prejudicial remarks, jokes and slurs.

Facilitators:

Jessamine Montero-Michaels is a diversity and inclusion consultant with Highmark.
Sandy Stevenson is retired from Slippery Rock University, where she was director of training and employee services.

To register call Kearns Spirituality Center at 412-366-1124.

Business Leader Wellness Series: March Session
March 25th | Noon - 1:00 PM

Diamonds & Toads: Balance, Personality and Leadership. Learn how your unique blend of personal traits affects your emotions, work performance and relationships.

Presented by Joan Schenker, Community Education Director, Parent Education Coordinator and Parenting Coach. She has over twenty years of experience as a counselor, teacher, and is also a mother of two grown sons.

If you own a small business, manage a department, or find yourself in a leadership position within your community, non profit, church or other civic organization, the Business Leader Wellness Series will be beneficial for you. Whether you are a seasoned or emerging leader, you will find practical wellness advice that will equip you to stay healthy so that you can be of service to your organization, your team, your family and others that depend on you.

Join us for networking, a light lunch, and an informative presentation.

For more information click HERE

Geneva College MSOL/Serving Leader Conference 2014
Boundaries for Leaders: Results, Relationships and Being Ridiculously in Charge
Thursday, April 10th 2014 | 8 AM - 3:30 PM | Pittsburgh Marriott North, 100 Cranberry Woods Dr

An acclaimed leadership expert and author, Dr. Cloud draws on his experience in business, leadership consulting and clinical psychology to impart practical and effective advice for improving leadership skills and workplace performance.

His best-selling book, Boundaries, sold over two million copies, and he co-hosts the nationally syndicated New Life Live! radio program. Dr. Cloud regularly consults with both small businesses and Fortune 500 companies.

This engaging conference will enable you to:
- Develop an understanding of the relationship among character, integrity and successful leadership
- Build a culture that cultivates “right” thinking in the workplace
- Create high-performing teams based on behaviors that drive results
- Lead yourself in a manner that fulfills your vision
- Know when to have realistic hope and when to execute a necessary ending

For more information click HERE

Tea Among the Culinary Stars Benefiting Adagio Health's Dietetic Internship Scholarship Fund
Sunday, March 30th 2014 | 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Macy's Downtown, 11th Floor Events Center

Slow down on a Sunday afternoon while enjoying delicious refreshments, live music and good conversation. This year culinary stars will serve as the inspiration for our food, decor, auctions and more!

A Ticket Auction and a Silent Auction will be held during the Tea featuring elegant gifts for children and adults.

Auction preview begins at 1:15 p.m. Auction tickets will be available at the Tea.

For reservations, please call 412-253-8115 or click here to register online.
All reservations must be made in advance by March 20, 2014.

Peace It Together Celebration
Thursday, March 13th 2014 | 5:30 - 8:30 PM | LeMont Restaurant

We are pleased to announce our 2014 Peace Partner Awardees! All of these individuals and organizations have shown innovation and dedication toward promoting peace and working to end violence in our homes and communities. Event Emcee: Tonia Caruso, WQED Pittsburgh

Good Samaritan - Charles Saunders, Goodwill Case Manager and Longtime Engaged Pittsburgh Resident
Youth Pioneer - Michael Smith, Student at Woodland Hills High School
Allied Partner- The Society for Contemporary Craft's Enough Violence Exhibit
Business/Corporation - First Commonwealth Bank
Freedom From Silence - Anthony Bock

Our Distinguished Guest Speaker is Dr. Jackson Katz. Dr. Katz is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in gender violence prevention education. He is co-founder of Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP), the most widely utilized sexual and domestic violence prevention initiative in college and professional athletics in North America and the U.S. military. He is the creator of the film Tough Guise 2, and author of The Macho Paradox and Leading Men.

For more information click HERE

NEIGHBORHOOD HI-LIGHTS

Home Sweet Affordable Home the Brewhouse Lofts
From our friends at URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh)

On February 13, 2014 the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) awarded $4,324,328 in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) for five City of Pittsburgh affordable housing projects. The tax credits awarded to developers will be used to leverage millions of dollars in funding for building and rehabilitating multifamily housing units offering affordable rents.

The five approved City projects, which are expected to develop 292 residential units, are Larimer/East Liberty Phase I, Garfield Glen Phase II, Penn Mathilda Apartments (Bloomfield/Garfield), Parkside Manor (Brookline) and The Brew House (South Side Flats).

”The City of Pittsburgh and the URA are appreciative of this significant commitment by PHFA for these worthwhile affordable housing developments. We thank PHFA for its continued partnership in helping to rebuild our City’s neighborhoods,” said Tom Cummings, URA housing director.

The proposal for The Brew House was selected by a jury of affordable housing professionals under the PHFA "Innovation in Design" category. The Brew House project will create affordable and market-rate housing opportunities for local artists in a historic building in the South Side neighborhood. The project received special recognition due to its excellence in design, its implementation of current and future energy efficient technologies, and its leveraging of community and capital resources.

For more information click HERE

POSITIVE PITTSBURGHERS

Gettin' Techy With It : Codefest Winners n'Apps
From our friends at URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh)

PGH.ST, the Codefest winning team, is joined by Mayor Bill Peduto and Laura Meixell, the City's data and analytics manager. Photo credit: J. Altdorfer Photography

The Second Annual Steel City Codefest was a great success! Thanks to everyone who participated, our judges, planning partners, key allies and sponsors. Special thanks to Mayor Bill Peduto for presenting the awards!

Here are some facts and figures from the event:
There were 105 participants, 23 teams, 16 of the teams stayed overnight, working hard and in some cases even sleeping in the hallways, 7 of the 8 challenges were tackled, 6 teams advanced to the finals, and 3 winners were chosen.

1st Place Winner - Team #11 / PGH.ST
Challenge: City of Pittsburgh
Team Members: Ady Ngom, Tricia Handke, Matt Marriotti, David Walker, Quintin Lovicks

2nd Place - Team #17 / Let’s do this for Yundt!
Challenge: Planned Parenthood
Team Members: Michael Derrick, David Troyer, Jay Palat, John MacDuffie Woodburn, Jon Chmura, Spencer Sugarman

3rd Place - Team #15
Challenge: Pittsburgh Cares
Team Members: Andrew McGill, Ryan Pfister, Megan Barrow, Andrew Rush, Ethan Mago

For more information click HERE

What If Your Child Was Not Supposed to Live Past 2 Years Old? What Would You Do?

Written By: Kathy Parry | January 29, 2014
“Your daughter will probably not live past age 2,” was the devastating news that Kathy Parry received when her youngest child was eight months old. Her daughter didn’t properly convert food into energy. But Kathy made it her mission to learn how to help her daughter and now presents this information in her recently published book, The Ultimate Recipe for an Energetic Life: Simple Steps to Eating Well and Feeling Your Best.

Kathy Parry's daughter is now 12 years old! According to Amy Goldstein MD, Neurogenetics & Metabolism Director at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, "Kathy's daughter, Merritt, has long outlived medical expectations. I attribute both to the scientific yet simple recipes and knowledge behind Kathy's life work: feeding our mitochondria with clean nutritious foods that lead to positive energy and health."

Kathy wrote this book because she was constantly asked how to stay energetic. As a mother of four, certified plant-based nutritional instructor and business owner, she is passionate about helping others discover their ultimate energy and live a full life. And Kathy is a foodie. She studied food management, sold imported foods and figured out how to get her own family to eat vegetables!

Kathy wants others to learn the simple steps that help her daughter thrive. With heartfelt and often funny stories from her own family life, Kathy shares how food vitally affects our energy levels. A life full of passion, zest, and unlimited energy is how Kathy wants readers to live! With just a few changes, some fun stories and delicious recipes Kathy Parry can help readers be on their way.

For more information click HERE

ROVING PITTSBURGHER REPORT

Are You a Good Swan or a Bad Swan?

A Review of Swan Lake, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Feb. 13th 2014 Performance

Written By: Stephanie Curtice | Feb.14, 2014

I have been to many classical performances, yet at this one I found myself as one of those people confused about when to clap. At the symphony, don’t clap between movements. But, at the ballet? I didn’t know. Surprisingly, I had only been to a ballet one other time, as a child when I went for a school field trip to the Nutcracker. This is, of course, another ballet composed by Tchaikovsky. I don’t know why I hadn’t gone more, but I’m glad this was my first “big kid” trip to the ballet. And what better one, than the quintessential Swan Lake? It was beautiful and astonishingly athletic. I was worried that I wouldn’t follow the plot without words or singing, but there was no need. The story line was clear and medium of ballet told it perfectly. I was surprised of how moving the story was. It was truly beautiful.

Julia Erickson

(photo credit: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre)

So, being the New Girl in the Burgh but a Kansas girl at heart, I’d have to ask. “Are you a good swan or a bad swan?” To which Odette would reply, “Oh, I’m not a swan at all… I’m a princess.” One could tell from the opening night crowd at the Benedum, Swan Lake is a classic fairy tale. There were many tutu and crown wearing little girls gazing in aw of the swan princess ballerina story. Very cute!

Things I did not know about Swan Lake the ballet:

There are a few prescribed sets of choreography for the entire show, and the choreography used in this presentation was by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, circa 1895.
There are multiple possible endings for the ballet.
Originally Odile was just an enchantress, not a swan/girl like Odette
The score most frequently used is actually an arrangement by Tchaikovsky’s brother Modeste and Ricarrdo Drigo.
The “Swan Theme” was used in Dracula, the 1931 film starring Bela Legos, and The Mummy, the 1932 film starring Boris Karloff.

Read the entire review HERE

Dance of Heritage
Review of Dhirana Feb. 15th 2014 Indian Classical Dance Competition
Written By: Stephanie Curtice | Feb. 16 2014
Stories of the Indian culture and Hindus religion were brought to life Saturday night with lively dancing, bright costumes, and ethnic music. Eight college teams from across the country gathered at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall on the University of Pittsburgh campus for Dhirana 2014, an Indian classical dance competition. The very unique routines included grace like a ballet, transitioning floor work similar to a marching band, dramatic energy akin to Broadway musicals, and multi-level formations that were almost cheerleader-like. The dancing was amazing and unlike anything I have ever seen.

Natya from Rutgers University

Winning 1st place and the Most Traditional Dance Award, Natya from Rutgers University showcased the story of how the Hindu deity Genesha came to have the body of a man and head of an elephant. The way the team created a formation to portray the elephant flapping its ears and trunk was very creative. Second place Pulse from Georgia Tech brought big time intensity of fast moving floor work to the competition with the theme of “Ravana: The Tragic Hero.” Some of the other themes included “Pandora’s Box” by Boston University’s Dheem, “Navarasas (9 Emotions) After the Storm” by Johns Hopkins University’s Shakti, and “Ravanasura’s Fall to Rama” by Penn State’s Natya.

I’d like to say a great big “Thank You!” to Mrs. Cardiology, Sunita Pandit and her husband Dr. Santosh Pandit for not only the invitation to attend this great event, but also sharing their cultural and religious insight throughout the show.

Read the entire review HERE

Dandy Dreams
Review of Paul’s Case, Pittsburgh Opera’s Feb. 22nd 2014 PerformanceWritten By: Stephanie Curtice | Feb. 23, 2014

Paul’s Case at the Pittsburgh Opera

(photo courtesy: David Bachman)

Some things have not changed since 1906. Times are tough, but America still is the land of opportunity. In school, society encourages kids to dream big and work hard to be successful. But young, starry eyed Paul went off the rails at the work hard part. When the young and dumb blaze their own trail and buck the system, there can be stark consequences to pay.

Last night Paul’s Case fittingly made its local debut at the Pittsburgh Opera. The 2013 American opera is half set in Pittsburgh, including the Carnegie Music Hall. Based on the like-titled 1905 story by Willa Cather, composer Gregory Spears and co-libretist Kathryn Walat bring together minimalistic and baroque musical elements to depict Paul’s self-centered life.

The cautionary tale is chock-full of hopes and dreams, disappointment and failure, depicted with dissonant tonal clusters, large oscillating jumps, and repetitive melodic snip-its. The performance featured fine singing, a small chamber orchestra, and very minimalistic production. Of the small 7 person cast, Daniel Curran (Paul) and Alex DeSocio (Father) were my favorites with clear and beautiful singing that was easy to understand. The intimacy of the Pittsburgh Opera in the Strip District was the perfect setting for this opera. The engaging performance will leave you feeling truly connected to Paul and his father, and bewildered by the tragic ending.

Read the entire review HERE

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PITTSBURGH LOCAL SPORTS

The Pittsburgh Games: Amateur Athletics for All Ages and Abilities
Written By: Bob Lafon, Founder and CEO
The Pittsburgh Games offers you the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of amateur athletic events, some of which have not been previously available because we hadn't created them yet!

Team spirit, fitness, stamina and health - we have it all. There's plenty of fun and action to be had with The Pittsburgh Games. Pick one event, several events, or all our events and come feed your competitive desires while staying in shape and having a great time!

For the serious athlete, we'll offer you not only some of the most challenging and diverse forms of athletic competition, but we'll even afford you the opportunity to compete for the title of Mr/Mrs/Miss "Fittsburgh!" (Winners will be by age group for men & women 18 and older.)

For more information click HERE

Rock Men Lock Up Home Playoff Game with 73-69 Win at Seton Hill
From: Slippery Rock University
Written By: Bob McComas
The Slippery Rock University men’s basketball team assured itself of a home Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference postseason tournament home game with a 73-69 win Saturday afternoon over hosting Western Division rival Seton Hill University.

The win improved The Rock’s season record to 19-8 overall and 10-5 in PSAC-West action and guaranteed the Green and White no worse than a fourth-place finish in the division standings.

If The Rock, who hosts nationally-ranked (Pa.) in the regular-season finale Wednesday (8 p.m. tipoff) in Morrow Field House, remains in the No. 4 spot, they will host Seton Hill in a first-round postseason game March 1.

Should The Rock finish third in the division standings, they would host either Pitt-Johnstown or California (Pa.) in first-round action. The latter two teams are currently tied for sixth place and the final PSAC-West postseason berth.

Read the full press release at Dreamweaver Marketing Associates on PPLmag.com

PITTSBURGH GOOD NEWS FORUM

Hill Dance Academy Theatre (HDAT) First Annual Spring Dance Concert
Saturday, March 22 2014 | 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 23 2014 | 4:30 PM

Location: Richard E. Rauh Theater Hillman Center for Performing Arts, Shady Side Academy

Hill Dance Academy Theatre (HDAT) invites you to its first Annual Spring Dance Concert, celebrating the choreographic works of seven male master dance artists. HDAT students, ages 3 to 18 years of age, will perform dances Created in Celebration of Black History, Culture and Traditions.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or calling 412.586.7903 or email: dance@5678hdat.org

All seating is general admissions.

For more information visit the PPLmag.com Forum

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STEELTOWN HERO

Craig "Porky" Chedwick (February 4, 1918 – March 2, 2014) was an American radio announcer known to generations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as "The Daddio of the Raddio," "The Platter Pushin' Papa," "The Bossman," "Pork the Tork", and a host of other colorful nicknames.

Chedwick was the first white DJ to present a racially diverse audience in a major eastern American city a steady diet of what were, in the summer of 1948, called "race records." The trail he blazed—some 3 years before the more famous Pennsylvania native, Alan Freed, called the music "rock and roll"--was a dual one. Chedwick's original playlist was composed of old R&B and gospel records that he had collected over the years, making him the world's first bona fide oldies DJ. He called the records his "dusty discs," since he would literally have to blow the dust off the 78s before he could preview them at the record stores. Record stores had no demand for the records and would often just give them to Chedwick, or he'd rescue them from bargain bins with what little money he could scrape together.

Years later, radio stations, record companies, and concert promoters would take notice and copy Porky's Chedwick's formula, creating the billion-dollar "oldies" rock and roll nostalgia industry which thrives still today. Porky Chedwick has been recognized on the floor of the United States Senate for his pioneering contributions to radio and rock and roll (and countless times around Pittsburgh, including a day-long 50th anniversary oldies concert called "Porkstock", in 1998 at Three Rivers Stadium) and another one in 1999. He was among a group of radio disc jockeys honored in the "Dedicated to the One I Love" exhibit at Cleveland, Ohio's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, in 1996. He's the only Pittsburgh DJ to be recognized in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At age 88, Chedwick celebrated his 58th anniversary on the air at Hall of Fame's Alan Freed Radio Studio on August 12, 2006. Porky died Sunday, March 2 at the age of 96.

Porky's life spanned two world Wars, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Even as a bespeckled senior citizen he was known to generations as the King of Oldies here in Pittsburgh.

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Positively Pittsburgh Live! News 03-03-14

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