Positively Pittsburgh Live! News 09-29-14 No Show, Just the News

Positively Pittsburgh Live! News 09-29-14

POSITIVELY PITTSBURGHER SPONSORED EVENTS:   Women’s Interactive Network Professional Development Day 2014

CULTURAL CLUES:
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Fiddlesticks Concert Series  |  Calliope Presents The Duhks  |  All-Woman Band LONG TIME COURTING Brings Their Unique Celtic Roots Sound to Calliope’s Roots Cellar Series  |  Cirque Dreams Holidaze  |  The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's BNY Mellon Grand Classics Series Heats Up with 'Spanish Strings'  |  Pittsburgh Dance Council Announces Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

WOMEN AND GIRLS ACHIEVEMENT:
Night Out with the Women on City Council  |  Closing the Gap: 50 Years Seeking Equal Pay  |  4th Annual Women First Forum| International Day of the Girl Celebration  |  7TH ANNUAL NAWBO DAY

BUSINESS BUZZ:  Coffee With

NON-PROFIT EVENTS SPONSORED BY BLACKTIE PITTSBURGH:
STEP AFRIKA!  |  8th Annual In the Pocket with Charlie Batch  |  GOSPEL IDOL

NEIGHBORHOOD HI-LIGHTS:  WQED PRESENTS PITTSBURGH FROM THE WATER

POSITIVE PITTSBURGHERS:  Comedy Central Star Anthony Jeslenik

POSITIVELY PITTSBURGHER SPONSORED EVENTS

Women’s Interactive Network Signature Event

Professional Development Day 2014

Wednesday, October 15, 2014  |  7:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Gaetano’s Restaurant, 1617 Banksville Rd

The 2014 annual Professional Development Day will be filled with an amazing group of women that will share their knowledge, expertise and energy.  Breakfast & Lunch +6 Amazing Speakers!

Be The Change!  A Day Filled With How To's

Intellectual Property 101

By Kathleen Kuznicki, Lynch Weis, LLC

Time Saving Tech Tools for the Savvy Business Owner

By Susan Lieber, Leave it to Lieber

My 20 Year Journey with “The Gift of Holiday Valley”

By JoAnn Forrester

The Benefits of Intentional Self Care

By Jacqueline Algaier and Psychologist Lori Rothschild

Using Podcasting/Internet Radio to Become a Celebrity Expert to Increase Your Credibility and Promote Your Business

By Joanne Quinn-Smith, 2009 National SBA Journalist of the Year, AKA TechnoGranny, Talkcast Host, Publisher, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

Bring donation items that will go to support our local charities, such as gently used clothing, accessories, shoes, handbags, jewelry and receive a complimentary door prize ticket.

WIN-Pittsburgh Members   $35.00  |  Members Only Vendor Table   $50.00  |  Non-Member   $55.00

To register or for more information, visit www.pittsburgh.na-win.com.

CULTURAL CLUES

PSO Fiddlesticks Family Concert
Oct. 18, 2014 | 11:15 AM | Heinz Hall
The beautiful colors of the changing leaves and the fun of Halloween are some of the reasons that
Fiddlesticks thinks fall is a great time of year!  Delight in the sounds of Night on Bald Mountain, thrill to “Harry’s Wondrous World” and other music inspired by fall.  Discovery Time Adventures begin at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $12.00-22.25.

For more information call 412-392-4900 or visit pittsburghsymphony.org.


Tallis Scholars Return to Heinz Hall to Perform with Pittsburgh Symphony Brass
Dec. 10, 2014  |  7:30 PM  |  Heinz Hall 
Take a trip back in time this holiday season with the Pittsburgh Symphony Brass and leading Renaissance vocal ensemble the Tallis Scholars on Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Heinz Hall.  The Tallis Scholars recently completed a very successful world tour with 99 events in 80 different venues throughout 16 countries. In December, they return to Heinz Hall to fill it with a variety of inspiring music for the Christmas season, including another outstanding performance of Allegri’s Miserere. This concert also brings a special present to audiences — for the first time ever, the Tallis Scholars will close the concert in a shared performance of a newly commissioned work with the Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, who also will perform selections from their Christmas albums with the virtuosic flare for which they are known.


The Tallis Scholars were founded in 1973 by their director, Peter Phillips. Through their recordings and concert performances, they have established themselves as the leading exponents of Renaissance sacred music throughout the world. Phillips has worked with the ensemble to create, through good tuning and blend, the purity and clarity of sound which he feels best serve the Renaissance repertoire, allowing every detail of the musical lines to be heard. The Tallis Scholars perform in both sacred and secular venues, usually giving around 70 concerts each year across the globe. In 2013, the group celebrated their 40th anniversary with a World Tour performing 99 events in 80 venues in 16 countries and travelling sufficient air-miles to circumnavigate the globe four times. They kicked off the year with a spectacular concert in St Paul’s Cathedral, London, including a performance of Thomas Tallis’ 40-part motet Spem in alium and the world premieres of works written specially for them by Gabriel Jackson and Eric Whitacre. Their new recording of the Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas by the 16th Century Tudor composer, John Taverner, was released on the exact anniversary of their first concert in 1973 and enjoyed six weeks at number one in the UK Specialist Classical Album Chart.

For more information click HERE


Calliope Presents The Duhks
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014  |  7:30 PM  |  Carnegie Lecture Hall (Oakland)

No band epitomizes the polyethnic strands of modern folk music better than The Duhks. Since forming in Winnipeg in 2001 The Duhks have created a dynamic blend of old-timey, French Canadian and Celtic music punched up with shades of blues, soul and driving Afro Cuban rhythms that leaves festival crowds on their feet. Over the course of 4 critically-acclaimed albums the band has earned Juno and Grammy awards and nominations and have played a significant role in the neo-folk revival.

On Beyond the Blue The Duhks are in the best form of their 13 year career. Rejuvenated by a two year hiatus and energized by the return of vocalist Jessee Havey and the addition of new members, fiddler Rosie Newton, drummer/percussionist Kevin Garcia, and guitarist/bouzouki player Colin Savoie-Levac, The Duhks founder Leonard Podolak found an amazing pallet of inspiration for the new project. “All of the people who have been in the band over the years, including non-touring founding members Tania Elizabeth and Jordan McConnell (who both appear on the album) have had a hand in shaping our sound and direction. The goal with the new record was to draw on everything we’ve learned over the years and everything we know about where we want to take the music now and create something as fresh, exciting and forward thinking as possible.” Toward that end, the band turned to the rising production team of Mike + Ruthy (Mike Merenda and Ruth Unger of The Mammals), who brought a progressive approach to production that was still firmly rooted in the traditions of folk music.  Tickets are  $39 / $23 student rush w/ ID, (prices include handling fee).

For information, contact Calliope at (412) 361-1915, or by visiting www.calliopehouse.org.


All-Woman Band LONG TIME COURTING Brings Their Unique Celtic Roots Sound to Calliope’s Roots Cellar Series
Thursday, Oct. 23rd, 2014  |  7:30 PM  |  The Roots Cellar at The Pittsburgh Center For the Arts

Join Boston-based quartet Long Time Courting for an evening of traditional and original music with evocative vocal harmonies and powerful instrumentals.  Long Time Courting is an all-women supergroup featuring Shannon Heaton (flute, accordion, vocals) of Matt & Shannon Heaton and Childsplay, Liz Simmons (guitar, vocals) of Annalivia and the John Whelan Band, Valerie Thompson (cello, vocals) of Laura Cortese's Acoustic Project and Fluttr Effect, and Katie McNally (fiddle, vocals), also of Childsplay. Together as Long Time Courting, these four talented women offer an extraordinary blend of neo-traditional Irish, Scottish and American music that showcases each musician's versatility, creativity, and mastery. Exquisite vocal harmonies combine with formidable instrumental prowess to create music that is both playful and richly satisfying. The members of the group are all seasoned performers, having toured with such notable acts as The John Whelan Band, Childsplay, Robbie O’Connell, Aoife Clancy, Laura Cortese’s Acoustic Project, and Carlos Núñez.

Calliope Concerts at The Roots Cellar is one of Pittsburgh PA's most charming and versatile performance venues setting the stage for unforgettable live music.  Calliope Concerts are held in the acoustically-sound subterranean room at The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. The Roots Cellar presents a unique and intimate atmosphere for an up-close experience with the best folk musicians the world has to offer. The club-like environment allows for high-top, low-top and couch seating. Wine, beer and soda are available for purchase from the bar (proceeds benefit the PCA).  Tickets are $23 / $12 (w/ student ID) *handling fees included.

For information, contact Calliope at (412) 361-1915, or by visiting www.calliopehouse.org.


Cirque Dreams Holidaze
December 29 and 30, 2014  |  Benedum Center

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND... “if pure entertainment and an abundance of eye candy are on your holiday wish list, Cirque Dreams Holidaze should fill your Christmas stocking” raved the Pittsburgh-Tribune. Cirque Dreams Holidaze returns with a bigger and more elaborate holiday stage spectacular that is a cirque show... Broadway musical... and family show all in one!

Not to be missed before opening in New York next year! With over 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 artists from every corner of the globe, Cirque Dreams Holidaze takes the holiday season to new heights!  Witness snowmen, penguins, angels, reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, ornaments and of course Santa; with soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, elaborate production numbers, imaginative costumes, illusions and more. The show also celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with singers, original music and seasonal favorites all performed in a winter wonderland of amazement.

For more information click HERE


The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's BNY Mellon Grand Classics Series Heats Up with 'Spanish Strings'
Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 PM  |  Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2:30 PM  |  Heinz Hall

 The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra brings the heat with “Spanish Strings,” a BNY Mellon Grand Classics weekend featuring the U.S. debut of Israeli conductor Omer Meir Wellber and the Heinz Hall debut of Spanish guitar phenom Pablo Sáinz Villegas, on October 10-12 at Heinz Hall.  Wellber will lead the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s virtuosic “Manfred Symphony,” an expansive programmatic symphony based on Lord Byron’s tortured character Manfred, as he wanders the Alps grieving the loss of his great love, Astarte. The charismatic Sáinz Villegas will perform Joaquin Rodrigo’s beloved concerto for guitar, which was inspired by the gardens at Philip II’s spring resort palace, Palacio Real de Aranjuez. The program opens with Debussy’s charming “Petite suite,” inspired by the poetry of Paul Verlaine.

Each BNY Mellon Grand Classics concert is part of the Explore & Engage program, which includes pre-concert talks, exhibits, display boards and interactive activities that illuminate the music, composers and the time in which they created. This weekend, Resident Conductor Lawrence Loh will lead a pre-concert talk from the stage one hour prior to the concert start time; a multimedia archival display about former Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Music Director Lorin Maazel’s life and career will be on display in the Grand Tier lobby; and the Three Rivers Young People’s Orchestra will perform in the Grand Lobby one hour prior to concert time on Sunday, October 12.

Tickets, ranging in price from $25.75 to $105.75, can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412-392-4900 or visiting pittsburghsymphony.org.


Pittsburgh Dance Council Announces Aspen Santa Fe Ballet One Night Only Returns to Pittsburgh with a New Work
October 11, 2014  |  8 PM  |  Byham Theater
The Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, announces the return of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, featuring top global choreographers with bold visionary works, all performed
by truly dynamic dancers. Aspen Santa Fe Ballet will perform on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 8 p.m. at the Byham Theater as part of the 2014-2015 Dance Council Season.

Jean-Philippe Malaty, the company’s executive director, is happy to grace the Byham stage once again. “We are thrilled to be returning to Pittsburgh, as we fondly remember the warm welcome we received from the Pittsburgh audience on our debut four years ago. We are proud to present a vibrant program of works, all commissioned by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.”  “What I find so truly marvelous about Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is the artistic commitment to working with new, dynamic, and incredibly gifted choreographers,” shared Paul Organisak, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Dance Council and Vice President of Programming for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “Each program, including the one our Pittsburgh audiences will see, features some of the most exciting new contemporary ballets being created today by the remarkable dancers of this exquisite company.”

Square None, the company’s first commission by Norbert De La Cruz III, is an ambitious and expansive piece that explores themes of youth and naiveté. The Aspen Times commented, “It felt like a thrill, like a discovery of something new.”  Beautiful Mistake, a stunning piece by Spanish choreographer Cayetano Soto, expertly exhibits the gorgeous physicality of this incredible company through dynamic partnering.  The newest work, Heart(s)pace by company favorite Nicolo Fonte, gives audiences a distinctively unique experience as the stage glows with exuberant light and color. This abstract piece explores the complexities of human emotion, specifically highlighting the depths of love and compassion, and illuminated with the importance of touch.

WOMEN AND GIRLS ACHIEVEMENT

Night Out with the Women on City Council
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014  |  6 - 8 PM  |  Chatham University, Shadyside Campus - Mellon Board Room
Please join us for a wine and cheese reception followed by remarks from Pittsburgh's four City Councilwomen about their experience on the campaign trail and in office.  Ticket Cost: $12; please bring an ID Non-alcoholic beverages will be available to guests under 21 years of age.

Deb Gross serves as a Member of Pittsburgh City Council, where she represents Pittsburgh City Council District 7. Deb was elected on November 5th, 2013, and was sworn-in on December 6th, 2013. Deb is a lifelong  community organizer, strategic planner and fundraiser.  Deb is involved with many community development organizations including the Lawrenceville Corporation; Mildred's Daughters Farm; the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation; The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Alliance, as founding executive director; and the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Deb's background in community advocacy also includes having started a business Pecolater, a business whose purpose was to help community development corporations and non-profits strengthen ties within Pittsburgh's business community.
 
Life-long Northside resident Councilwoman Darlene Harris has served Council District 1 since special election in November 2006, but has served the people of Pittsburgh for more than three decades as a community advocate.Mrs. Harris has worked with Spring Hill Civic League for more than 20 years, serving as President of the organization and as a founding member of the North Side Leadership Conference. She helped create the North Side Public Safety Council and has served statewide on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Councilwoman Theresa Kail- Smith was elected as a member of Pittsburgh City Council representing the neighborhoods of District 2 since February of 2009.She was appointed as chairperson of Public Works and is serving as Council President Pro Tempore. She became involved with and worked at a host of nonprofit organizations such as the Pittsburgh Public Schools, The Neighborhood Learning Alliance, formerly known as Wireless Neighborhoods and local Athletic Associations, Community Groups just to name a few. She has nearly three decades of volunteerism. Through her extensive volunteerism, she gained a vast amount of knowledge of the neighborhoods in the City of Pittsburgh and its residents.

Councilmember Natalia Rudiak represents Pittsburgh's fourth district on City Council, covering the neighborhoods of Beechview, Bon Air, Brookline, Carrick, Overbrook, a portion of Mount Washington. On November 3, 2009, Natalia was elected to City Council and she was re-elected on November 5, 2013 and was sworn in for a second term on January 6, 2014. Natalia's professional experience is in management and technology. She previously worked at Deloitte Consulting, where she implemented a state-wide information technology system. She has also done press work for the United States Senate in Washington, D.C. and worked for a public health organization in New York promoting safe and healthy motherhood. Born and raised in South Pittsburgh, she graduated from Carrick High School and Carnegie Mellon University, where she earned a master's degree in Public Policy and Management.

For more information click HERE.


Closing the Gap: 50 Years Seeking Equal Pay
LIVE One-Hour Special Hosted by CNBC’s Sharon Epperson
Thursday, Oct. 2  |  8 PM on WQED-TV

Fifty years after President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, women are still only making, on average, 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. In that time span the current wage gap has improved at a rate of less than half a cent per year...and if it continues at that pace, the wage gap won’t close completely until the year 2053.

Premiering LIVE on Thursday, October 2 at 8 p.m. on WQED-TV, Closing the Gap:  50 Years Seeking Equal Pay is a one-hour talk show special produced by WQED in partnership with YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. Hosted by CNBC’s Sharon Epperson, Closing the Gap:  50 Years Seeking Equal Pay will unpack hotly debated statistics and move beyond highly politicized – and overly simplified – talking points in order to explore the many factors that contribute to the wage gap, and strategies to overcome them.

Guests include the namesake of the 2009 Fair Pay Act, Lilly Ledbetter along with national experts representing some of the most iconic women’s organizations in the nation including:
• Terry O'Neill,  President, National Organization for Women (NOW);
• Linda Hallman, Executive Director and CEO, American Association of University Women (AAUW);
• Teresa Younger, CEO,  Ms. Foundation for Women;
• Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron, CEO, YWCA-USA.

Closing the Gap will also stream online for FREE on October 2 through a new multiplatform application from PBS called “ovee.” Viewers nationwide may participate by registering here. Ayana Ledford, Founding Executive Director for PROGRESS at Carnegie Mellon University (whose mission is to improve society by empowering all women and girls through the art of negotiation) will moderate the discussion on ovee.Questions will be taken from the studio and ovee audiences, as well those on social media using hashtag #womenwagegap.

For more information click HERE


4th Annual Women First Forum
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014  |  11 AM - 4 PM  |  Westin Convention Center

The most powerful women in business in our local economy will gather for this free half-day forum.  Register now to join Women First and your fellow female leaders to gain knowledge and insight to increase revenue, maximize your resources, and better understand the impact of your health on your business.

Keynote Speaker:  Laura Ellsworth, Partner-in-Charge Pittsburgh, Jones Day

Laura Ellsworth practices across a wide range of complex litigation matters, including toxic torts, product liability, insurance, intellectual property, employment, and ERISA. She has been involved in a number of multijurisdictional product liability and bankruptcy matters, several of which have resulted in significant appellate rulings on novel issues such as market share liability and public nuisance. Her work includes coordinating and litigating nationwide matters for various clients, and she has appeared in numerous federal and state courts throughout the U.S

Break Out Sessions: 

Practicing Leadership: Global Perspectives, Personal Focus:  Presented by Lee Ann Munger (Director, Seton Hill University E-Magnify + PowerLink) and Jayne H. Huston (Director , Seton Hill University E-Magnify) 

Make Your Money Work Harder: Developing the Right Approach to Building Your Financial Dream Team:  Panel presentation with Donna Chappel, President, Advanced Integration Group; Karan Waigand, U.S. Small Business Administration, Economic Development Specialist; Karen Saine, Vice President, Business Banking Area Manager, First Commonwealth Bank. 

Raising your Social Voice:  Presented by Meredith Blake Matthews, Director, Consumer Engagement, Mullen 

Do You Have the Strength to Succeed? Building YOUR Best Asset for Climbing the Corporate Ladder:  Presented by Vonda Wright, MD, MS Orthopaedic Surgeon Medical Director, UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex 

Why Women Give It Away...And Why We Shouldn't:  Presented by Denise DeSimone, Chairman, Founder, c-leveled 

How to Grow Your Business Beyond a Million Dollars!:  Presented by AJ Drexler, President and Chief Strategist, Campos Inc, and Yvonne Campos, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Campos Inc

For more information visit www.fcbanking.com/WomenFirst/WomenFirst_Forum

International Day of the Girl Celebration

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014  |  10:00 AM - 12:30 PM  |  East End Cooperative Ministries Community House - Great Room

International Day of the Girl was declared by the United Nations in 2011 to recognize girls' rights and the unique challenges they face around the world. Each and every year, on October 11, we celebrate the strength of girls and their ability to change the world for the better. 

The Day of the Girl Pittsburgh Celebration is a fun-filled, family-friendly event that will celebrate girls and the power that girls have to change the world. Join local girl-serving organizations for fun and engaging activities, enjoy delicious snacks and refreshments, and spend time celebrating the power that each and every girl has to make a difference in our local community and beyond!

For more information visit DayOfTheGirlSummit.org.

7TH ANNUAL NAWBO DAY

Nov. 21, 2014  |  Sigmas Conference Center

Why should you attend?  Because you will learn how to be HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE in Business!   Invest just $99.00 in your business future! Guaranteed results!

Free Promo Goodies for you too, like business and personal gifts, technology prizes, door prizes and more!

Surprise Keynote TBA with plan "Create a profitable business in one weekend!"

Plus info packed panels on:

• Podcasting (internet radio) to Increase Your Brand Visibility & Get Clients

• Creative Financing for Your Business

• Tech Tools for Maximum Productivity

• Healthy Options to Keep You Strong & Vibrant While You Work 

And Much More!

Also enjoy a great networking party the evening before with the speakers and also a post NAWBO Day reception with other guests and speakers!

NAWBO DAY, WILL SELL OUT!  TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

Just $89.00 BEFORE October 31, 2014

For more information click HERE

BUSINESS BUZZ

Coffee With
Have a cup of coffee with us!  Now streaming on CBS Local!   Watch our most recent interview with Rabih Helou! We discuss shared office space - the Beauty Shoppe.

COFFEE WITH  gives leaders an informal outlet to discuss their thoughts and feelings about issues concerning our community today. Jobs, economy, growth and ease of opening a business are topics along with their favorite ride at Kennywood…and of course…how they take their coffee. Produced by Building Bridges for Business in conjunction with Lockerman Studios. The interview questions are crowd sourced on Linked In, Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

Coffee With…™”, is hosted by Christopher R. Evans. Evans is an award-winning executive with extensive experience with both bootstrap start-ups and Fortune 1000s in strategy, branding, marketing and business development. Evans is Vice President of Sales for Savvior Technology Solutions, a firm which helps industry leaders such as Rolls-Royce, Dicks Sporting Goods and Schneider Downs run more smoothly through the design and development of custom web, mobile, and software programs, and the integration and creation of custom enterprise applications.

Creative Director/Lead DP/Lead Editor, Christian Lockerman, has traveled the world creating compelling moving images for a variety of television shows and feature films, both narrative and documentary.  He has lensed promo spots for such corporate giants as ATI Specialty Steel, Maybelline New York, Garnier, FoxSports, Versus, Liberty Power and OLN.  In addition, he has also directed the photography on three feature length documentaries and two feature films (and he just finished principal photography on his debut directorial effort, The Last Samaritan, due to be released late in 2014).  From the treacherous Amazon jungles of Brazil to the overwhelming rain forest cliffs of Pohnpei to the beautiful deserts of Israel, he has had the good fortune to see the wonders of the planet as he has honed the arts of cinematography and filmmaking.  These experiences have shaped an intrepid artistic vision and provided a solid creative foundation that he draws upon for every project, no matter what the size and scope.  He is particularly proud of the visually exciting work he has been able to accomplish with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre over the last few years.  Recently, he has been directing a cinematography workshop for the graduate students of Carnegie Mellon University during their final “television” project each spring and has also been appointed to a visiting artist position in cinematography at Point Park University for 2014-2015.

For more information visit BuildingBridgesForBusiness.org/Coffee-With/

NON-PROFIT EVENTS

SPONSORED BY BLACKTIE PITTSBURGH

8th Annual In the Pocket with Charlie Batch 
Monday, Nov. 10, 2014  |  7 - 11 PM  |  Latitude 360
The annual benefit continues to support our reading & computer literacy programs.  We are excited to announce, proceeds will also benefit the creation of a new STEAM lab!
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math!

It's time once again to see who will have bragging rights for the year!  It's time for my 8th Annual In the Pocket with Charlie Batch fundraiser.  Click here to find out more about attending the event, becoming a sponsor, placing an ad in our commemorative program or donating to our amazing auction.

Our passion at the foundation is to help unlock the potential in youth of financially challenged communities by providing resources for both students and families, educating and empowering them to give their best efforts in all they do but most of all encouraging them to be the "best of the batch” in life.

Join Latasha and I as the "Stars Align for Literacy" and we host the 8th Annualfundraiser. The night will be filled with some friendly competition in ping-pong, pool, poker, and bowling, a great auction and MORE - as we host my teammates and other celebrities.  All of the proceeds raised from In the Pocket will help Best of the Batch Foundation create a STEAM lab and continue to support reading & computer literacy programs.

Visit BatchFoundation.org to get event and ticket info.




National Donor Sabbath Celebration Benefiting Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE)
From:  Our Friends at Soul Pitt

~ Presents 2 Upcoming Events ~

STEP AFRIKA! | October 25

GOSPEL IDOL | November 9

Steppin’ Into National Donor Sabbath Celebration
STEP AFRIKA!
Saturday, October 25, 2014 | 7:30 PM

@ University of Pittsburgh Campus, Scaife Hall
3550 Terrace Street | Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Step Afrika! is FREE and open to the public.



GOSPEL IDOL
Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 3 p.m.

@ WVSU Capitol Center Theater
123 Summers Street | Charleston, WV 25301
Judges will choose 10 contestants to go to the final round.
Top 10 contestants will perform at the event.

For registration and audition rules,
visit www.core.org
All submissions must be post-marked
by Friday, October 10, 2014.

For more information or questions, contact
Lisa Upsher at lupsher@core.org
or 1.800.366.6777

NEIGHBORHOOD HI-LIGHTS

WQED PRESENTS PITTSBURGH FROM THE WATER
Premieres, Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 8 p.m. on WQED-TV

ALCOSAN PITTSBURGH FROM THE WATER “WAYS” YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE!  THE THIRD INSTALLMENT IN THE HOMETOWN “TRILOGY” THAT INCLUDESPITTSBURGH FROM THE AIR AND PITTSBURGH FROM THE AIR II

Filmed over four seasons, Pittsburgh From the Water is WQED’s exciting, new documentary showcasing the waters of western Pennsylvania. From the spectacular point in Downtown Pittsburgh, to picturesque lakes and sleepy streams in outlying counties, Pittsburgh from the Water spotlights the beauty, work and play associated with our waterways. Premiering on Thursday, October 9 at 8:00 p.m. on WQED-TV, Pittsburgh From the Water provides a unique perspective of dozens of local waterways from locations such as:

Allegheny County
• Allegheny River
• Monongahela River
• Ohio River

Beaver County
• Buttermilk Falls
• Ohio River
• Raccoon Creek State Park

Butler County
• Lake Arthur (Moraine State Park)

Fayette County (Laurel Highlands)
• Jacobs Creek
• Monongahela River
• Youghiogheny River (Ohiopyle)

Indiana County
• Conemaugh River Lake Dam

Lawrence County
• McConnells Mill State Park
• Neshannock Creek
• Strawberry Fields Quarry

Somerset County (Laurel Highlands)
• Casselman River
• Clear Shade Creek
• Youghiogheny River Lake & Dam

Washington County
• Monongahela River
• Peters Lake Park

Westmoreland County (Laurel Highlands)
• Keystone State Park

For more information click HERE

POSITIVE PITTSBURGHERS

Comedy Central Star Anthony Jeslenik

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014  |  8 PM  |  Byham Theater

Anthony Jeselnik is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Tulane University. Anthony is a stand-up comedian, most famous for THE COMEDY CENTRAL ROAST OF DONALD TRUMP and THE COMEDY CENTRAL ROAST OF CHARLIE SHEEN, as well as THE JESELNIK OFFENSIVE, which he starred in and crated, airing for two seasons in 2013. Anthony has also performed on CONAN, THE TONIGHT SHOW, JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE and was the first ever stand-up comic to appear on LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON. Anthony has also written for LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON and received an Emmy Nomination for his work on A NIGHT OF TOO MANY STARS: AN OVERBOOKED CONCERT FOR AUTISM EDUCATION. Anthony was named one of Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch in 2008 and one of Comedy Central’s Hot Comics in 2009. In 2010, Anthony released his critically acclaimed debut comedy album, SHAKESPEARE, through Comedy Central Records. After the Comedy Central Roasts of Charlie Sheen, Donald Trump and Roseanne Barr, Anthony released CALIGULA, his first hour long special, to critical acclaim.

For more information click HERE

Thank you for your viewing and listening support. If you have a Good News story you would like us to share on PostitivelyPittsburghLive! or would like your business or event featured please contact us 

News Posted By: Stephanie Curtice
This was reported as a reproduction of PositivelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith.
(c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2014 All rights reserved.

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 9-2-13 - 9-10-13

Positively Pittsburgh Live News Part I

 9-2 and 9-10 

Listen to the show online here.

Tonight's co-host: Sunita Pandit, Producing Mrs. Cardiology-Heart Tips Not Tricks on TalkShoe network every Wednesday at 8:30 AM, soon on PPLMag.com As the wife of a cardiologist, she has become passionate about combating the "perils of the heart." Constantly in pursuit of preventive care, she is dedicated to recording her husbands observations on what keeps a heart healthy. 

Constantly in pursuit of preventive care, she is dedicated to recording her husbands observations on what keeps a heart healthy. Sunita also has 32 years experience in caring for a severely handicapped child, adolescent and adult. Her son Sachin was born with severe cerebral palsy and mental retardation. She has designed her home that allows her family to live a normal lifestyle while giving excellent care to her severely handicapped adult son. Those designs are soon to be available on her website: http://mrscardiology.com. Sunita has two e-books in progress one on healthy heart care and the other on designing a lifestyle as the caregiver to an individual with handicaps.

On tonight's show: WHERE IN THE WORLD IS TECHNOGRANNY: Producing Mrs. Cardiology-Heart Tips Not Tricks, October 10, Enterpreneurial Thursdays Panel


CULTURAL CLUES: MICROSCOPIC OPERA COMPANY Therese Raquin, Disney’s THE LION KING, Impractical Jokers, Poptastic! The Art of Burton Morris, GHOST THE MUSICAL, Calliope Presents Christopher Mark Jones, 2013-2014 PNC BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA PRE-SHOW EDUCATION PROGRAM, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater 2013-2014 Season, Pittsburgh Dance Council Presents Compagnie Marie Chouinard, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Musikfest Berlin

KIDZ KORNER: Tune In, Tune Out, Learning with Games, Girls Growing Up With Media, Health, Wellness and Technology, 5 Toddlers + Tech, Online Identities and Social Media, Common Sense Media, Every Child, Inc.

WOMEN AND GIRLS ADVANCEMENT:Eighth Annual Think Big Forum, The Affordable Care Act: the Facts, the Effects, and the Bottom Line, Dress for Success Women Need Mentors

BUSINESS BUZZ: Pittsburgh Has An Epiphany, African American Small Business Owner Survey, With a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in July of 6.7 percent, Pittsburgh is lower than the benchmark average of 7.2 percent.

HIGH SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS: Using Hip Hop to Educate

PITTSBURGH HISTORICAL STUFF: First Night World Series Game 

NON-PROFIT EVENTS SPONSORED BY BLACK TIE-PITTSBURGH: 2013 Racial Justice Awards, Cocktails for a Cause

NEIGHBORHOOD HI-LIGHTS: Deer Creek Winery Fall Fest, Latino Day Comes to Kennywood Park, Rubber Duck Project Bridge Party, Community Bridge-Building Network's Pittsburgh Mansions

POSITIVE PITTSBURGHERS SEGMENT: Meg's Photo Booth, PURELY PITTSBURGH 

ROVING PITTSBURGHER REPORT: Back to School Block Party, Lion King, All My Sons 

PITTSBURGH LOCAL SPORTS: Tanya Longo earns spot in UWEC Hall of Fame, Pitt begins ACC play, Florida State And Pitt Announce Kidz1stFund Helmet Decals

STEEELTOWN HEROES: Dr. Mervat Abdelhak

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS TECHNOGRANNY

Producing Mrs. Cardiology-Heart Tips Not Tricks; NAWBO Greater Pittsburgh Board Meeting; Last Week: The Lion King and wedding at Carmichaels Firehall, throwing that in for fun, Where is Carmichaels?; October 10, Enterpreneurial Thursdays Panel on PR, Media, Branding & Marketing: Also giving away paperback copy of her book Folly of Marketing Plan in Your Head 101 Compelling Reasons to Write One to all attendees.

CULTURAL CLUES

THE MICROSCOPIC OPERA COMPANY PRESENTS: Therese Raquin 
Join us for a gripping start to Microscopic’s fourth Season, as we stage the Pittsburgh premiere of Therese Raquin (2001)by composer, Tobias Picker (Fantastic Mr. Fox, An American Tragedy) and librettist, Gene Scheer (Three Decembers, To Hell and Back). Based on the controversial masterpiece by Emile Zola, the opera was originally co-commissioned by Dallas Opera, San Diego Opera and Opera de Montreal. It is Picker’s third opera, and this chamber version, which has only been performed a few times, is scored for seven singers and

an 18 piece orchestra. Therese Raquin will be staged at the CAPA High School Theater, under the musical direction of artistic director, Andres Cladera, and stage direction of Gregory Lehane. The cast includes many outstanding Pittsburgh opera stars: Katherine Drago, Anna Singer, Dimitrie Lazich, Sean Donaldson, Jeffrey Gross, Erica Olden and William Strom. In addition to the innovative and stunning scenic design by Britton Mauk and lighting by C. Todd Brown, Microscopic Opera is excited to collaborate with renown videographer and projection artist, Joe Seamans, who will help us create unique, interactive visual elements, which will be integrated into the story and music of the opera. 

Special Nights: Friday, Sept. 13: Join us on opening night for a special conversation with composer Tobias Picker and Artists from The Microscopic Opera Company, following the performance. Sunday, Sept. 15: Starving Artists Night: A night for all Artists to attend for a special Artist Rate of $18. Tuesday, Sept. 17: Ladies Night, featuring a pre-performance wine and cheese reception. 

WHERE: CAPA High School Theater, 111 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 

WHEN: September 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21 8:00 pm 

TICKETS: $25 in advance / $35 at door / $15 student / $18 Artist Night rate Tickets available online at: www.microscopicopera.org 

The Lion King,
Courtesy of trustarts.org

Disney’s THE LION KING 
The Pittsburgh return of Disney’s THE LION KING opens for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, September 29, 2013. “Sales for Pittsburgh’s third return engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING are brisk, but tickets can still be purchased, with weeknights having the best availability. By the end of the four-week, 32-performance run of the blockbuster engagement, we expect to host over 80,000 people at the Benedum Center—many who will be dining out, shopping, and booking hotel stays. All together, the economic impact for Downtown Pittsburgh and the Cultural District is expected to be significant,” comments Marc Fleming, Vice President of Marketing and Communications-Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. 

The award-winning musical’s sold-out six-week premiere engagement in 2004 was followed by a sold-out return run in 2008 at the Benedum Center.

Disney’s THE LION KING is part of the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Broadway Across America and Pittsburgh Symphony. 

In Pittsburgh THE LION KING will play Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There will be a 1:00 p.m. matinee performance on Thursday, September 26. Tickets are on sale (starting at $30) in person at Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Avenue, online at www.TrustArts.org or by calling (412) 456-4800.

Saturday, October 5, 2013: Impractical Jokers
7:30pm · Byham Theater

You have seen them on truTV. Now come and see the Impractical Jokers Tour featuring The Tenderloins Live at the Byham Theater!

Come see the cast of Impractical Jokers live on stage in this interactive comedy show with

improv, never before seen videos inspired by the hit television show Impractical Jokers on TruTV, and more. Q, Sal, Joe and Murr have been entertaining each other for years with the most hilarious dares they could imagine. Now you can watch them on stage with their signature brand of comedy!




Poptastic! The Art of Burton Morris 
Retrospective of the Pittsburgh artist's work opens this Sun., Sept. 15
Poptastic! The Art of Burton Morris, the first retrospective of the Pittsburgh artist's work, opens at the History Center this Sun., Sept. 15. Morris, who first gained national attention in the mid-1990s when his artwork was chosen to hang on the set of the hit television series "Friends," puts an energetic and colorful spin on today's culture.

Burton Morris
Courtesty of History Center website

Over the years, his artwork has been selected for the 76th Academy Awards®, the Paris World Cup Soccer Games, the 38th Montreux Jazz Festival, and the 2004 Summer Olympic Games, and he has created signature artwork for international brands including Absolut Vodka, the H.J. Heinz Company, Chanel, and Pop Tarts.The History Center is the first Pittsburgh museum to organize a major exhibition of Morris' work. 

Artist Talk & Children's Activities: At 1 p.m. this Sun., Sept. 15, participate in a talk with Burton Morris and enjoy children's art activities.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE FIRST U.S. NATIONAL TOUR OF GHOST THE MUSICALPNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh, December 31, 2013-January 5, 2014
Heinz HallTroika Entertainment and Michael Coppel in association with Hilary Williams, Margot Astrachan Production/Dennis Grimaldi Productions/Paul Lucas Productions/Robert Sher and Paramount Pictures are pleased to announce casting is complete for the first U.S. National

Tour of Ghost The Musical based on the film by Bruce Joel Rubin and Paramount Pictures. 

The supernatural power of love is taking North America by storm as the new Broadway and West End musical Ghost The Musical, adapted from the Academy Award-winning film, launches its first national tour in Schenectady, NY, at Proctors Theater on September 14, 2013. Read the entire release here. 

CALLIOPE PRESENTS CHRISTOPHER MARK JONES
The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society welcomes CHRISTOPHER MARK JONES to THE ROOTS CELLAR, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Shadyside, on October 3, 2013, 7:30 PM.

Tickets and information are available online at www.calliopehouse.org or by contacting the Calliope office at (412) 361-1915: $17 / $12 (student rush w/ID at door) *includes handling fees.

"...the sound is layered and warm, and the best songs are perfectly suitable for radio play on stations aimed at grown-ups. Perhaps my favorites are “Home At Last,” a paean to

Christopher Mark Jones

homeownership, which seems almost trite when expressed that simply, but in reality articulates a heartfelt desire to belong somewhere – and for somewhere to belong - and “The Numbers,” a folk-pop future classic that has rooted itself in the part of my brain that prompts unsolicited outbreaks of song at completely inopportune moments."

--Rob F. for Leicester Bangs. [Review of Suburban 2-Step - released April 24th, 2012

Christopher Mark Jones’ long musical itinerary includes busking in Paris, the English folk club circuit, tours of Denmark and Holland, the Bristol and Rotterdam festivals, BBC and Capitol radio appearances in London, electric clubs in Boston and showcase clubs, house concerts and coffeehouses in Pittsburgh. His 1978 album for Transatlantic No More Range to Roam was released in five countries and distributed in the U.S. by Rounder. After forays into rock, jazz and swing, and time off to raise two sons, 2010’s Heartland Variations marked a return to the soulful country and blues-inflected Americana narratives of the first recording. The dozen new songs of Suburban 2-Step were released in April of 2012 and have found favor with folk DJs both nationally and internationally. Here's his website.

PRE-SHOW EDUCATION PROGRAM PREPARES PATRONS FOR 2013-2014 PNC BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA - PITTSBURGH SERIES
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is pleased to announce the 2013-2014 Know The Show Before You Go program schedule for the 2103-2014 PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh Series. Know The Show Before You Go is hosted by Christopher Rawson, senior theater critic for KDKA-TV and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Ticket holders are invited to join Mr. Rawson and cast/company members at the Trust Arts Education Center (805-807 Liberty Avenue, 15222) on select evenings prior to PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh

performances.

Know The Show Before You Go provides educational and background information on each of the Broadway performances, aiming to further deepen each patron’s theatrical experience. PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh is a presentation of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Broadway Across America and the Pittsburgh Symphony. Read the entire release here. 

Pittsburgh Dance Council
The Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, brings you Compagnie Marie Chouinard on Saturday, September 28, 2013, at 8:00 p.m., at the Byham Theater. Marie Chouinard and her Compagnie will open the Dance Council’s 2013-2014 season and launch the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts*, performing two U.S. premieres Michaux Mouvements and Gymnopedia.

Compagnie Marie Chouinard

Inspired by the book Movements, by Belgian artist Henri Michaux, Marie Chouinard creates dreamlike and interpretative dance using the poetics of the body in Michaux Movements. The dancers form silhouette projections portraying the books India-ink drawings and poetry pieces. Gymnopedia features eleven dancers with music set to the glorious piano pieces by Eric Satie. Please note, these performances contain nudity. Read the entire release here. 


Musikfest Berlin 
As part of their European tour, Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will give the inaugural performance at this year’s Musikfest Berlin on August 31 at 2:00 p.m. EST. The concert with violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter at the Philharmonie Berlin can be seen live online on arteliveweb.com and on the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Web site (pittsburghsymphony.org/berlin2013).

The complete concert will be available for three weeks; the orchestral works will stay online for six months in the archive of ARTE Live Web and on the Web sites of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and American Public Media.

KIDZ KORNER 

WQED iQ: smartparentWQED launched iQ: smartparent in response to a research study of regional parents (conducted by WQED in spring 2012) who expressed their desire to build their confidence with

educational, 21st century media and expand their capacity for co-learning with their digitally savvy children. Through a series of six broadcasts and a robust online community iQ: smartparent equips parents and caregivers with tools and resources to aid their understanding and use of digital Future episodes can be found in the entire release here. 

From Our Friends at the Soul Pitt

Go to bat for the children and families in your communityBecome a foster parent and join the team that cares about kids. In Allegheny County there are over 1,000 children in foster care each day. These children and families are often coming from hard places and are in need of a loving coach to get them through these difficult times. There are many teenagers and large sibling groups waiting to join your family team. Become a foster parent and win the game we can’t afford to lose!

Foster parenting is a commitment to helping troubled youth become All-Star players. 
Foster Parents step in and pinch-hit when birth parents are challenged with their own struggles. Foster Parents provide a safe, stable and loving home to children in need for as long as it is necessary. Help us win the game and become a foster parent with Every Child, Inc. today! 
Informational sessions are held at Every Child, Inc.Tuesday afternoons from 5:00 - 5:30 PM. Stop on by to receive your playbook and get the game started. Every Child, Inc. experienced staff will train and support your family on how you can best meet the needs of the children that will join your team. 

Every Child, Inc. begins the next round of certification trainings on September 24, 2013.

Contact Matching and Recruitment Specialist,Emily Welte, at ewelte@everychildinc.org or412-665-0600 for more information on how you can be a winner with Every Child, Inc.!

Every Child, Inc.
The Village of Eastside (in the plaza with Staples)
6401 Penn Avenue, Suite 300 | Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.everychildinc.org

WOMEN AND GIRLS ADVANCEMENT 

Register Today! Friday, October 18th, 2013 (8:00 AM - Noon) 
Eighth Annual Think Big Forum: Topic: "Women Who Lead" 

Keynote Speaker: Jill Blashack Strahan, Founder & CEO, Tastefully Simple, Inc Panel Moderator: Deborah L. Acklin, President & CEO of WQED Multimedia 

Panelists:

- Ellen M Mclean, Interim CEO of the Port Authority of Allegheny County

- Barbara Span, VP of Global Public Affairs for Western Union

- Bernadette Turner, CEO of Addison Behavioral Care

Click here for more information and to register for this event.

Women Need Mentors
How to Find, Create or Be a Mentor Erroline Williams, Director, Professional Development and Corporate Outreach, School of Leadership and Professional Advancement, Duquesne University

Thursday, September 26th, Registration 7:30 a.m., Program 8:00 a.m.
Omni William Penn

Women can and should benefit from being mentored AND from being mentors. Studies have found that mentoring is widely considered a critical component to career success.

Mentoring can provide valuable opportunities for both the mentor and the protégé to grow,

Erroline Williams

develop, and gain a broader perspective about their career and life. Mentoring relationships are especially important for a women's success since they often face challenges in building social capital at work. The concept and practice of mentoring informs both career mobility and psychosocial aspects in a woman's life.

SO - Find, Create, and Become a Mentor and a Better YOU - It really works! A good mentor can make all the difference in your career. You may have the talent and ambition to succeed, however the right mentor can help direct you in a positive direction to achieve career success.

The right mentor can be the key to unlocking your full potential, providing insights into your talents and finding ways to leverage them to advance your career. Mentors truly can change your life, open up new opportunities and give you a new perspective. 
Individual tickets are $30. Call 412-201-4204 for more information. All attendees will receive a gift bag and a ticket for door prizes.

BUSINESS BUZZ 

From Our Friends at the URA

Pittsburgh Has An Epiphany Epiphany Solar Water Systems is a water treatment company that has developed a system that can economically and reliably provide clean water from contaminated or sea water. In July, the company received a $150,000 loan through the URA’s Pittsburgh Business Growth Fund (PBGF), a program designed to stimulate the growth of new and existing businesses in the City. 

"We felt that the loan process (with the URA) was surprisingly easy, smooth and quick, " said Mike Broeker, COO at Epiphany. "The fact that we had a couple of meetings and the people we worked with were prepared with all the right questions made everything easy.”

Epiphany, who recently moved into a manufacturing facility in Lawrenceville, has discovered a truly unique and cost effective way to convert water produced by hydrofractured natural gas wells into pure, distilled water, clean salt and other metals. Harnessing concentrated solar energy to power a high efficiency distillation process, the company has created a system that allows for the beneficial reuse of industrial byproducts. With this environmentally sustainable technology, Epiphany will reduce operating costs for gas producers while simultaneously diminishing environmental risks.

"We had some final questions about the loan process. We were able to work with Kevon (Copeland, senior business development specialist, URA) and he had the answers we needed," said Gordon Craig, strategist at Epiphany. "He is a really nice, laid back guy. We found working with the URA really enjoyable overall.” The company plans to assemble, install and test 15 additional distillation units, and is projected to create 12 new jobs in the City of Pittsburgh. URA Investment: $150,000 / Total Investment: $430,000

From Our Friends at Pittsburgh Today

The unemployment rate in the Pittsburgh region continues to be one of the lowest compared with its benchmark peers. With a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in July of 6.7 percent, Pittsburgh is lower than the benchmark average of 7.2 percent. Pittsburgh's unemployment rate decreased year-over-year by 0.6 percent and was slightly lower than the rate in June 2013 (6.8 percent).

HIGH SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS

From Our Friends at Urban Media Today

Using Hip Hop to EducateWhen Winchester Thurston Upper School English teacher Patrice Alexander decided to challenge her students, she looked past conventional methods and instead turned to the world of hip hop. Alexander's English elective, Memes, Music and Language combines rap, spoken word and other elements of hip hop to teach students. UrbanMediaToday's Allegra Johnson recently spoke with Alexander about her class and how hip hop bridges the racial and cultural divide. 

Allegra Johnson: As a former student, how did you become a teacher at your high school Alma mater?

Patrice Alexander: I had always had an interest in teaching, I just didn't necessarily expect to become a teacher right out of college. I received a call, shortly after my graduation from the University of Chicago from the Upper School Director. I have been there four years now.

AJ: What is your program Memes, Music and Language all about?

PA: I started thinking about creating an English elective my first year at the school. I was teaching poetry to freshmen in American Lit. I noticed that sometimes the students struggled with simple assignments such as remembering a poem. But when I walked through the school halls, I would hear many of those students rapping or sharing some of their favorite song lyrics. And I thought; if they can do that, they can definitely remember a poem. I thought it would be cool to create a class that teaches poetry and literary elements but uses rap music and hip hop as the main form that we examine everything through. I then partnered with Hip Hop on L.O.C.K, an arts education program here in Pittsburgh.

AJ: How does the culture of Hip Hop, that is often looked down upon by the mainstream fit into the curriculum of an English class?

PA: I think with many things in life, there's the negative and there's the positive. Hip hop was born out of some negative circumstances but from that has come wonderful, beautiful things that have affected entire generations. Hip hop was formed to unite people, so we focus on that and the positivity of it. And hip hop is something that is slightly more appealing to students then a regular poetry 101 course. It's nice because we can link some of the classics to hip hop as well. One of the things I do in my course; we'll take a look at a poem by Emily Dickinson and then we'll compare it side by side with rap lyrics by Tupac. So students are seeing that alliterations, metaphors and similes have been around for a long, long time. Then I challenge them to go home and create lyrics using techniques like metaphors.

PITTSBURGH HISTORICAL STUFF 

First Night World Series Game - 1971. Game 4 of the 1971 World Series was the first night game in Series history. Pittsburgh tied the series in that game with a 4-3 win and went on to win the series, 4 games to 3. This was one of the last big moments in the career of well-loved Pirate, Roberto Clemente. Fourteen and a half months after the 1971 World Series, he died in a plane crash off the coast of his native Puerto Rico as he attempted to take food, clothing and medical supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua . 

NON-PROFIT EVENTS SPONSORED BY

 BLACK TIE-PITTSBURGH

2013 Racial Justice Awards
Now accepting nominations! 

Do you know an individual, company, or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to eliminating racism? Nominate them for a 2013 Racial Justice Award. 22nd Annual Racial Justice Awards Dinner
Wednesday, November 13, 2013 / Westin Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA

RJA 2013 NOMINATION FORM AWARD CATEGORIES/SELECTION CRITERIA
LIST OF PAST RJA AWARDEES

Cocktails + a cause = good and good for you. Don't miss the YWCA Young Leaders Board 2nd annual Cocktails for a Cause Party, 9/12/13 at Tavern 245. Food, fodder, fun, raffles and you.

Take advantage of this evening to connect with other like-minded, motivated women and men on September 12th at Tavern 245, Downtown, at 5:30 pm. 

Tickets are $25, and raffle tickets are $10. For more information, please visit ywcapgh.org 
Presented by YWCA Young Leaders Board and Pittsburgh Magazine.

NEIGHBORHOOD HI-LIGHTS

From our Friends at LocalWineEvents.com 

Deer Creek Winery Fall Fest 

September 15, 2013 (Sun) 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Deer Creek Winery
3333 Soap Fat Rd.
Shippenville, PA 16254

FREE ADMISSION. Bring your lawn chairs to enjoy the music by Ricci Hardt and the Sexy Alligators. Get involved with interactive wine tours, bottle your own wine and enjoy free food, fun games and lots of prizes! Latino Day Comes to Kennywood Park 
Saturday, September 14 Latino Day is the newest ethnic day to join the annual Nationality Days at Kennywood Park. In partnership with Kennywood, the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (PMAHCC) announced that Saturday, September 14th, 2013 will be the Latin community’s First Annual Kennywood Latino Day! This marks the beginning of the Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15).

If you have not been to one of the Community Bridge-Building Network's meeting in awhile you don't want to miss this one. 
Wednesday September 18, 2013 

9:30-11:30 AM (Please plan on staying for the 2 hours) Courtyard Marriott, 401 Waterfront Drive Homestead Waterfront 

Our very special guest this month is Melanie Linn Gutowski author of Pittsburgh Mansions. Her book explores the stately homes of the area's prominent residents from 1830s through the 1920s. http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/life/home/grand-mansions-of-pittsburgh-700565/ 

She will have her book available if you would like to purchase it or have one signed. We are looking forward to hearing what good deeds Molly Loney did with the RAK funds. As an attendee to our monthly meetings here are things you need to know. If you are planning on attending the Purely Pittsburgh Conference October 11, 2013 don't forget you have to register. 

Check out our website for update, photos and RAK testimonies www.communitybridge-buildingnetwork.com. "We can all do more." 

Millvale Knows how to throw a Party! 

2013 marks the 20th anniversary of Millvale Days in the Borough of Millvale. Come celebrate with us!  This year we are commemorating the 20th Annual Millvale Days festival in the Borough of Millvale. The event will be held Thursday, September 12, 2013 through Saturday, September 14, 2013. Celebrating along with us will be the Corinthian Lodge No. 573 who are also marking their 125th anniversary this year.

There will be carnival rides, food and drink provide available from vendors, live bands/entertainment nightly, a Car Cruise on Thursday evening, and KWSA Wrerstling Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. As in the past, we will hold our Millvale Days parade on Saturday starting at 11:00 a.m. This year's parade will include the Shriner's, the Corinthian Lodge, local dignitaries and officials, and an exciting assembly of marching units, dance ensembles, and community groups as well as many neighboring fire departments.

We hope you can all come join us and help make this year's celebration a success! 

POSITIVE PITTSBURGHERS SEGMENT 

Platno Ink

Some of you many not know that my daughter, Megan Boboige, is 17 years old and is a business owner. She has a photography business now called "Platno Ink" (formerly - "Meg's Photo Booth'). She recently won first place in the George W. Tippins Regional Business Plan Competition held on June 6th at The Rivers Club in downtown Pittsburgh. In October, she will compete in NYC for the National Business Plan title and a chance to take home $25,000 to put toward her business.

As another aspect of the NYC competition, she made a commercial (or elevator pitch) over the summer and is trying to get the most cumulative votes to win $2500 to be awarded during the final night in New York. There are also prizes awarded for the most votes each day. 

Please remember to vote for Megan EVERYDAY in September. Click HERE to watch her pitch/commercial and vote. When you get there, search for Megan's, titled "Meg's Photo Booth". All you need to do is click on the link that says 'Vote For This' on her block. It will prompt you to enter your email address and zip code and verify that you are at least 13 years old. Encourage everyone in your household to vote (they just need to be 13 or older and have a different email address). Please pass this along to anyone else you think would be kind enough to also vote for her... The kid who won last year had about 2,200 votes. So you can see why we need as much help as possible. Thank you so much! We thank you for your support! 

MEGAN BOBOIGE, PLATNO INK (Formerly 'MEG'S PHOTO BOOTH') 
Facebook 
Etsy

PURELY PITTSBURGH! 

If you are looking to network, gather resources, promote your business or learn more about some of Pittsburgh’s finest contributors to our community, then this unique fast-paced event is for you. 
Sponsored by The Community Bridge-Building Network www.communitybridge-buildingnetwork.com 

A Community Conference celebrating business, education, recreation, social service from the Pittsburgh region 

This free conference brings together both the profit sector as well as the not-for-profit sector in a casual business environment where we guarantee that everyone will walk away with something they can use both professionally and personally.  A complimentary lunch will be provided as well as many GREAT giveaways throughout the day. Bring your Marketing materials and business cards to share. 
Friday October 11, 2013 / 8:30 am - 5:00 pm 
Hyatt North Shore Hotel, 260 N. Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 

(412) 321-3000 / Cost: FREE 
How to Register: Send an email to CBridgeBN@aol.com with “Conference” in the subject line. Include: Name, Company Name. Phone Number 

Registration deadline is Wednesday October 9, 2013. Register early to guarantee a seat. 
Once you submit your RSVP you will receive a confirmation by e-mail. You need to bring this with you to the conference, as this will be proof of your registration. 

Vendor Tables: Limited vendor tables are available for $75.00. 
Please call (412) 735-0947 to obtain a table. 
Presentations: What’s not to love about Pittsburgh? 
Michael Bartley is the cohost of WQED programs “360” and “4802”. Michael is a Pittsburgher through and through and it shows in all his interviews. His love, knowledge and ambas-sadorship for this City are what make him the quintessential proud “Pittsburgher.” Who better to open this event than Michael? 

A Staple of Pittsburgh Culture Rob Rogers considers himself a true Pittsburgher. As a Staff Cartoonist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, his editorial cartoons cover national and international issues. He also lampoons local topics, particularly in his weekly feature “Brewed on Grant.” His work regularly appears in The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today. Rob’s cartoon “The Gingrich Who Stole Christmas” was the cover of Newsweek’s 1994 year-end issue. 

Community Projects that are Catalyzing Change in Pittsburgh Cathy Lewis Long is the Founding Executive Director of the Sprout Fund, a non-profit organization that supports innova-tive ideas and grassroots community projects. The Sprout Fund was named one of the “Top 50 Influences on the Arts” of the last decade by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 

Helping Business Leaders Harness the Power to Fuel our Local Economy

Rhonda Carson Leach, Director, Urban Entrepreneurship Program at the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. Celebrating 20 years of the regional economic development. The Institute’s mission is to be the innovative leader of economic renewal and growth serving enterprising people and businesses in our region.

WYEP 91.3 FM Where the Music and the Community Matter 
Abby Goldstein, General Manager, WYEP 91.3 FM is an independent voice, inspiring us with diverse music, vibrant ideas that help build our community. Can you believe it all started in 1974 in a dusty, dark basement in Oakland, driven by a group of volunteers from the Pittsburgh community? 

What is the World Affair Council of Pittsburgh and What Does it Mean to our Region? 
Dr. Steven Sokol is the President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to the promoting a deeper understanding of key contemporary international issues throughout our region.

Some of the Really Cool Things Going on at the Robotics Institute at CMU 
David Bourne is the Principal Systems Scientist at the Ro-botics Institute at CMU. David has been researching for 30 years and some of his areas of expertise are: Artificial Intelli-gence, Robotics and Manufacturing, Robotics and Medicine and Robotics and Education. 

Pittsburgh, Prepare to Increase Your Awesomeness Matt Gaston is the Founder and Trustee of Awesome Pitts-burgh. Awesome Pittsburgh will mine the brilliance of our city's artists, inventors, designers, leaders, creators, champi-ons, and dreamers and fund projects that have both local impact and global resonance. We believe that Pittsburgh, with all of the resources and amenities that drive us to the top of most of the "Best City..." lists, can bring more awe-someness to the global community, and we give $1000 each month to the people who show us the best ways to do that. 

It’s All Pittsburgh and Something to be Proud of 

Rich Fitzgerald, County Executive, Closing remarks about “Purely Pittsburgh” 

Grand finale entertainment by Pittsburgh Jazz Great Etta Cox 

ROVING PITTSBURGHER REPORT 

From our friends at the Sprout Fund from a Youth ReporterBy Tracey Thomas
Back to School Block Party

On August 24th, 2013, Faison held its annual Back to School Block Party. The block party consisted of 24 tables for all the community organizations including Westinghouse High School and Lincoln Elementary and the Pittsburgh Promise. 

There were tables also set up for face painting that overlooked the blowup bouncy house set up in the field. Upon entering the block party, one had to register and was handed tickets to get food and also enter the photo booth. The food consisted of icies, popcorn, cotton candy, water, hamburgers and hotdogs. The Lighthouse Project’s musical group Profound Myndz and a group of girls from Obama each performed a couple of their original songs.

Arthur Miller’s All My Sons Still Resonates for 21st Century Audiences All My Sons (1947) was Arthur Miller’s first commercially successful play. In fact, Miller vowed to give up playwriting and “find some other line of work” if it was a flop. Fortunately for Miller and for us, All My Sons ran for 328 performances, won numerous awards, and made him famous. The play’s subject was rather provocative in those days of the Cold War, an indictment of the pursuit of

All My Sons: Daina Michelle Griffith, Philip Winters,
Penelope Lindblom, Shaun Cameron Hall
 Photo: Jeff Swensen, 2013 

“The American Dream,” and the unintended consequences that can happen when greed supersedes moral integrity. In our time, these themes are just as relevant as we question the ethics of the pursuit of corporate profits at the expense of social responsibility. All the action takes place in the idyllic suburban setting of the Keller family’s backyard. 

Linda says,
“More than 65 years after its debut, Miller’s powerful story is still moving and relevant to audiences today, and the strong performances by the excellent cast shouldn't be missed.”

All My Sons runs until September 22 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in Oakland. Read the entire release here.

PITTSBURGH LOCAL SPORTS 

SRU coach Tanya Longo earns spot in UWEC Hall of Fame
Slippery Rock University Head Women’s Basketball Coach Tanya Longo has been selected as an inductee into the UW-Eau Claire Blugold Hall of Fame, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire athletic department announced Tuesday.

Longo, The Rock’s head coach since 2010, will be honored Sept. 28 as part of the Hall’s seven-member Class of 2013.

As a UWEC student-athlete, the player then known as Tanya Bauer scored 1,022 points in four seasons, was named to the conference’s five-player All-Defensive team three times and earned all-conference and honorable mention Kodak All-American honors as a senior.

Longo played in all 116 Blugold games, started 96 games and helped lead her team to a 98-18 overall record, four appearances in the NCAA Division III playoffs, two conference championships and a pair of conference runner-up finishes. She was a starter on the 1997

Tanya Longo

national runner-up team.

A 1998 UW-EC graduate as an education major, Longo put up her best offensive numbers as a senior, when she averaged 13.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. She set the school single season 3-point field goal percentage record (.463) that year as well and is tied for the school’s single-game free throw percentage record, having hit all 12 attempts in one game against Stevens Point.

Longo was the tournament MVP in the eight-team First Virginia Bank Tip-Off Classic in Marymount, Virginia during the 1997-98 season.

Upon completion of her playing career, Longo served one season as a UWEC assistant coach, three seasons as an assistant coach at Division I Drake University, four seasons as the top assistant at D-1 Santa Clara University, one season as head coach at Division II Minnesota-Duluth and one season as an assistant at D-1 Southern Indiana University before being named as The Rock’s head coach.

Longo and her husband Phil, the offensive coordinator for The Rock football team, are the parents of two daughters, Gianna and Macaria.
From Our Media Friends at UrbanMediaToday.com

Pitt begins ACC play with Labor Day matchup vs. FSU

(Photo: Ray Porter Jr.)

Well it’s finally here. Almost two years of planning, talking and scheduling, it’s finally here: The inaugural season in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for the Pitt Panthers will happen one week from Monday as they take on defending ACC Champion-Florida State Seminoles at Heinz Field before a national audience on ESPN. The game will start at 8pm.

At his opening season news conference, Pitt Head Coach Paul Chryst gave his views on this special game “The players are excited, the coaches are excited, we have a lot of respect for Florida State, and we’re excited for this week to begin.”

The Panthers and Seminoles began playing each other in 1971, but haven’t played since 1983 when Pitt won a tight 17-16 contest at Pitt Stadium. The last time they played at Florida State was in 1982 and Pitt also won that one 37-17. The Panthers lead the now-revived series 5-3 and are on a 3-game winning streak against the Seminoles, who’re led by 4th-year Head Coach Jimbo Fisher, who has a career 31-10 record with the team. They’re ranked #11 in preseason polls.

When asked about the depth on defense, Chryst replied “Where we’re at, we’ve found some depth and we’ve certainly have a lot of players on defense that we feel good about. Anyway we can make the opposing quarterback comfortable. I think that if you listen in on any news conference across the country, the goal will be to make the opposing quarterback comfortable. And we know that Florida State wants to make Tommy (Savage) uncomfortable.”

On the value of having standout defensive end Aaron Donald back for his senior season: “I don’t know if you can put a value on Aaron, he’s very important to us. Obviously he’s a good player but he’s one of our leaders. Aaron, like every senior has to play the very best football of their career. It’ll be a challenge because one of the strengths of Florida State is the offensive line and the advantage is who controls the line of scrimmage. Aaron’s one of our leaders. If we’re gonna be successful, he’s going to play well.” Donald is a preseason All-American and is on several Defensive Award Watches.

Pitt returns eight starters from a defense that ranked 17th nationally in fewest yards allowed last season (330.5 avg.). The Panthers will face a retooled Florida State offense that averaged 39.3 points (10th in FBS) and 470.8 yards in 2012.

There are many changes to the Panthers offense and it starts at quarterback where redshirt senior Tom Savage will take over behind center after Tino Sunseri started there from 2010-12. Also at running back where junior Isaac Bennett takes over after the graduation of Ray Graham and the sudden departure of Ruschel Shell, and at wide receiver where freshman Tyler Boyd, who was a star at Clairton HS will start alongside senior Devin Street.

Also from UrbanMediaToday.com 

Florida State And Pitt Announce Kidz1stFund Helmet Decals For Labor Day Game
When the Florida State Seminoles and Pittsburgh Panthers open their 2013 college football seasons versus one another on Labor Day, the teams won’t only be fighting for the first victory of the young season. The two squads will join forces to fight for a very personal cause for FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher. Both schools announced today that they will each wear a special ‘I Fight Fanconi’ Kidz1stFund decal on the back of their helmets during the nationally televised ESPN broadcast.

In the spring of 2011, Jimbo and Candi Fisher’s youngest son Ethan was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia, a rare and serious blood disease. The Fisher’s began Kidz1stFund later that fall to raise awareness and FA research dollars at the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital in hopes of finding a cure.

Pittsburgh head coach Paul Chryst felt especially drawn to help the Fisher’s and Kidz1stFund after the story of 2-year-old Logan Stevenson became national news. The terminally ill boy from western Pennsylvania, about 25 miles outside of Pittsburgh, served as the best man in his parents wedding before passing away on August 6. Logan was born with Fanconi anemia and shortly after his first birthday diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

“I thought it was a tremendous gesture by Coach Chryst and the University of Pittsburgh for suggesting that we wear the decal,” said Fisher. “Candi and I and our foundation can’t be anymore thankful as this will continue to bring awareness for the fight against Fanconi anemia that affects many. I can’t thank the University of Pittsburgh enough for such a great idea.”

"In talking to Jimbo this summer, we felt our ESPN nationally televised primetime opener was the perfect opportunity to help build awareness about Fanconi,” said Chryst. “Awareness and education will hopefully lead to more impactful research and funding that will eventually lead to a cure. College football really is like an extended family and we are proud to team with fellow ACC member Florida State on this tremendously important effort."

Patients with FA may have a variety of health issues including short in stature, dark and light areas of skin, abnormalities of the arms and hands, kidney problems, heart defects, hearing problems and many others. Some patients have no physical manifestation, but nearly all will have a decline in their blood counts over time, eventually leading to bone marrow failure. FA is something present at birth. The FA genes are responsible for preventing cancer and bone marrow failure by repairing DNA damage that occurs in everyday life (from sun exposure, x-rays, chemicals in our food and surroundings). Without this restorative ability, people with FA have a significantly higher chance of developing certain types of cancers at a much earlier age than the general population.

STEELTOWN HERO

Mervat Abdelhak

2013 Celebrating Women! Having a Global Impact Nominees {Mervat Abdelhak} Dr. Mervat Abdelhak, chair and associate professor of Health Information Management and Health Informatics at the University of Pittsburgh, is an inspiration to young girls and women in every facet of her life.

Dr. Abdelhak immigrated to the United States from Egypt when she was just eighteen to pursue an education with endless possibilities. She now helps young people expand their thinking in this safe environment full of freedom, prosperity, and knowledge. Now a United States citizen herself, Dr. Abdelhak shares her story often to help young people embrace the change of a new country and be the people they truly aspire to be.

At the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Abdelhak excelled in the fields of Health Information Management (HIM) and Health Informatics (HI) and went on to found the graduate programs and PhD studies of the subjects. In addition, she enhanced the quality of the HIM undergraduate program at Pitt and turned it into one of the top programs of its kind in the country. This program prepares students to make a difference in the field and to take what they have learned and apply it in all countries and in all places. It is with her hard work that the HIM/HI department at the University is prospering in this way.

When she is not working directly at the University of Pittsburgh, she consults throughout the United States and Puerto Rico about HIM/HI issues. She traveled to Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia, Canada, and her native Egypt to teach, as well. Her foundation textbook and ancillaries, currently in its fifth edition, and her over forty published works on the subject, are being read and studied across the globe.

Dr. Abdelhak’s impact is being felt at more than just the university, but through her publications and the work of her students, it is being felt around the world.

This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2013 All rights reserved. 


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Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.