Positively Pittsburgh Live News Part II
5-20-13
On tonight’s show: Part II WOMEN AND GIRLS ADVANCEMENT Mompreneurs: Changing the Way Business is Done Using Social Media, Summer Open House Chatham University; BUSINESS BUZZ: Innovation Works Community Impact Report HIGH SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS: Clairton High robotic team, CAPA CABARET; PITTSBURGH HISTORICAL STUFF: Shining Brow at Fallingwater; NON-PROFIT EVENTS SPONSORED BY BLACK TIE-PITTSBURGH: First Annual STANDING FIRM Awards, Calliope Scott Ainslie concert, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh Hard Hats & High Heels Fashion Show, NCJW Pittsburgh Section 120th anniversary with "That Girl" Marlo Thomas; NEIGHBORHOOD HI-LIGHTS: Summer Music Drama Camp for Adults.
Women and Girls Advancement
Monday, June 10th, 2013 (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
Free (Appetizers will be served)
Location: Mellon Board Room, Chatham University
Come meet our staff, facilitators, and past participants while learning about all of our services f
or women business owners and women in business. From membership to business development classes, small business workshops, women's leadership breakfasts, and our online community for our members, The Center has programs for women in all stages of business development. Click here for more information and to register for this event.
Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series
Free (Appetizers will be served)
Location: Mellon Board Room, Chatham University
Come meet our staff, facilitators, and past participants while learning about all of our services f
Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series
Friday, June 14, 2013 (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM)
Topic: "Mompreneurs: Changing the Way Business is Done Using Social Media"
Speakers: Rachel Blaufeld, Freelance - Lifestyle Writer, Blogger, Social Media
Deborah Gilboa, MD - International Parenting Speaker and Writer, Founder of AskDoctorG.com
Kiya Tomlin - Founder and Owner of KIYA Tomlin, Pittsburgh LLC
Dr. Vonda Wright, MD, MS - Panel Moderator
Click here for more information and to register for this event.
Business Buzz
Innovation Works Community Impact Report Innovation Works (IW) invests capital, business expertise and other resources into high-potential companies with the greatest likelihood for regional economic impact. IW is the single largest investor in seed-stage companies in this region and one of the most active in the country.
183 companies received business and financial assistance
91 companies received IW funding
583 jobs created and retained
1.5 billion revenue at IW companies
4/8 million invested by IW
29 companies raised a million or more in outside investment
65% of vendor deals in Pittsburgh went to IW participants
100 CEO’s and executives engaged by IW as mentors
Topic: "Mompreneurs: Changing the Way Business is Done Using Social Media"
Speakers: Rachel Blaufeld, Freelance - Lifestyle Writer, Blogger, Social Media
Deborah Gilboa, MD - International Parenting Speaker and Writer, Founder of AskDoctorG.com
Kiya Tomlin - Founder and Owner of KIYA Tomlin, Pittsburgh LLC
Dr. Vonda Wright, MD, MS - Panel Moderator
Click here for more information and to register for this event.
Business Buzz
183 companies received business and financial assistance
91 companies received IW funding
583 jobs created and retained
1.5 billion revenue at IW companies
4/8 million invested by IW
29 companies raised a million or more in outside investment
65% of vendor deals in Pittsburgh went to IW participants
100 CEO’s and executives engaged by IW as mentors
High School and University News
From the Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Clairton High robotic team raises money to go to national competition Thanks to the generosity of strangers -- some as far away as California and Florida -- the five-member robotics team at Clairton High School will be able to attend the National BotsIQ Competition in Indianapolis this weekend.
The team members were crowned the grand champions of the Western Pennsylvania competition held last month at California University of Pennsylvania. That earned them the chance to compete at the national level, but a lack of funds threatened their ability to attend. Clairton, one of the smallest and poorest school districts in the state, did not have the funds to cover the minimum $4,000 cost for transportation, fees, lodging and meals for the competition.
The students fundraising had stalled at about $1,400 late last week. But after an article about their plight in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Saturday, more than 100 individuals have sent checks to the team, creating a $30,000 pot, enough to cover the costs of travel to the competition and plenty of extra money for spare parts that are generally needed for replacement during the competitions.
Although a final tally of funds has not been computed, it's expected there will be enough left over to cover the club's costs next school year and perhaps expand it to include middle school students, said Dennis Beard, an industrial arts teacher who is the Robotics Club sponsor.
To date, the students have raised most of their own funds to build the ankle-high robots and take them to competitions.
"It's amazing the support that we've seen," Mr. Beard said. "Some of the people have been alumni, some are ex-teachers and some had fathers who were teachers here in the building and it just tugged at their hearts."
He said several companies have offered to bring the students to their sites for tours next year and some have offered financial support.
Among them is Aerotech Inc., whose vice president for sales and marketing, Stephen Botos, mailed the team a check for $2,000 along with words of encouragement for the national competition and an invitation to visit the firm's O'Hara factory to tour and learn about careers in robotics and automation. Mr. Beard said the checks ranged from individuals donating $25 to a firm that donated $2,500. He said many of the notes that came with the donations indicated that people were unaware that Clairton was a school with academic successes in addition to its athletic successes. "A lot of people in the area said they were not aware that Clairton had a robotics team and now they are reaching out to help us," Mr. Beard said.
He said the students were touched as they helped to open mail and read the letters of encouragement that came with donations.
"They can see that they are not out there alone, that people are supporting them," Mr. Beard said. "I would like to send a big thank-you from the district, administration, staff, students and personally from me. We are overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity that everyone has shown us."
The district will be posting photos and video from the competition Saturday and Sunday to its Facebook page and Twitter account so that supporters can follow along.
Mary Niederberger: mniederberger@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1590.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/clairton-high-robotic-team-funded-for-us-competition-687667/#ixzz2TYEzboG6
The team members were crowned the grand champions of the Western Pennsylvania competition held last month at California University of Pennsylvania. That earned them the chance to compete at the national level, but a lack of funds threatened their ability to attend. Clairton, one of the smallest and poorest school districts in the state, did not have the funds to cover the minimum $4,000 cost for transportation, fees, lodging and meals for the competition.
The students fundraising had stalled at about $1,400 late last week. But after an article about their plight in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Saturday, more than 100 individuals have sent checks to the team, creating a $30,000 pot, enough to cover the costs of travel to the competition and plenty of extra money for spare parts that are generally needed for replacement during the competitions.
Although a final tally of funds has not been computed, it's expected there will be enough left over to cover the club's costs next school year and perhaps expand it to include middle school students, said Dennis Beard, an industrial arts teacher who is the Robotics Club sponsor.
To date, the students have raised most of their own funds to build the ankle-high robots and take them to competitions.
"It's amazing the support that we've seen," Mr. Beard said. "Some of the people have been alumni, some are ex-teachers and some had fathers who were teachers here in the building and it just tugged at their hearts."
He said several companies have offered to bring the students to their sites for tours next year and some have offered financial support.
Among them is Aerotech Inc., whose vice president for sales and marketing, Stephen Botos, mailed the team a check for $2,000 along with words of encouragement for the national competition and an invitation to visit the firm's O'Hara factory to tour and learn about careers in robotics and automation. Mr. Beard said the checks ranged from individuals donating $25 to a firm that donated $2,500. He said many of the notes that came with the donations indicated that people were unaware that Clairton was a school with academic successes in addition to its athletic successes. "A lot of people in the area said they were not aware that Clairton had a robotics team and now they are reaching out to help us," Mr. Beard said.
He said the students were touched as they helped to open mail and read the letters of encouragement that came with donations.
"They can see that they are not out there alone, that people are supporting them," Mr. Beard said. "I would like to send a big thank-you from the district, administration, staff, students and personally from me. We are overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity that everyone has shown us."
The district will be posting photos and video from the competition Saturday and Sunday to its Facebook page and Twitter account so that supporters can follow along.
Mary Niederberger: mniederberger@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1590.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/clairton-high-robotic-team-funded-for-us-competition-687667/#ixzz2TYEzboG6
PICT is pleased to support Pittsburgh Public Schools Creative and Performing Arts Academy
CAPA CABARET – Last Saturday, May 18th, 5:00-10:00 pm
More than 100 CAPA students performed in the Faces of CAPA Cabaret, with Post-Gazette columnist Tony Norman, serving as Master of Ceremonies!
Mainstage and breakout performances took place around the school and included, music, poetry-on-demand, and much, much more!
Pittsburgh Historical Stuff
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| Fallingwater |
“Shining Brow” at Fallingwater
Opera and architecture come together in a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic local masterpiece, Fallingwater, becomes the stage for Daron Hagen’s acclaimed opera about the architect’s tragic love affair. Celebrate Frank’s birthday and experience Shining Brow performed on the outdoor terraces at Fallingwater.
This event provides private access to the house, light summer fare and fine wines, and a fun birthday celebration with the artists.
Performances are Friday, June 7 & Saturday, June 8 with Pre-show receptions at 6:30 pm, Both performances at 7:30 pm. ORDER EARLY -- only 120 seats per performance!
General Admission $350, group discounts available. Special round-trip transportation on private motorcoach from Opera Theater offices at 286 Main Street in Lawrenceville Sat., June 8 only ($35). http://otsummerfest.org/
Opera and architecture come together in a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic local masterpiece, Fallingwater, becomes the stage for Daron Hagen’s acclaimed opera about the architect’s tragic love affair. Celebrate Frank’s birthday and experience Shining Brow performed on the outdoor terraces at Fallingwater.
This event provides private access to the house, light summer fare and fine wines, and a fun birthday celebration with the artists.
Performances are Friday, June 7 & Saturday, June 8 with Pre-show receptions at 6:30 pm, Both performances at 7:30 pm. ORDER EARLY -- only 120 seats per performance!
General Admission $350, group discounts available. Special round-trip transportation on private motorcoach from Opera Theater offices at 286 Main Street in Lawrenceville Sat., June 8 only ($35). http://otsummerfest.org/
Non-Profit Events Sponsored By Black-Tie Pittsburgh
First Annual STANDING FIRM Awards
Women Center & Shelter Spring Clothes Out Event
"Intimate partner violence is an issue that cuts across all socioeconomic, demographic, and educational backgrounds. It not only affects families, it also affects our schools, workplaces, and communities" - Diane Holder, Executive Vice President, UPMC and President & CEO, UPMC Health Plan.
The subject of partner violence (PV) and its effects was the topic of conversation at the 23rd Annual Spring Clothes Out event benefitting Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh held on May 8, 2013. The event was attended by over 250 guests and produced an atmosphere inspired by knowledge, action, and change.
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| Standing Firm |
A STANDING FIRM Employer Award has been established which "recognizes superior integration of business practices addressing partner violence that promote safety of the workplace and well-being of the workforce." This year there were two awardees: The Department of Personnel and Civil Service Commission, City of Pittsburgh and KTA-Tator, Inc. Both employers joined STANDING FIRM in the fall of 2010 and were honored because of the many actions they have taken to address partner violence. Featured in the picture above are Tamiko Stanley and Paula Kellerman from the Department of Personnel, City of Pittsburgh and Daniel Adley and Wendy Dameron from KTA-Tator, Inc. Learn more from Dan and Tamiko about their experiences with STANDING FIRM, and how their organizations were affected.
These awards and the event as a whole highlighted the impact that individuals, organizations, and communities can have in reducing partner violence.
Scott Ainslie concert, A Robert Johnson Multimedia Presentation, and Blues Barbeque Fundraiser
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| Scott Ainslie |
Thursday, May 23, 2013, 7:30 PM , The Roots Cellar, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
We’re kicking off the summer with a Blues Barbeque Fundraiser for Calliope that will be followed by the Scott Ainslie concert. From community concert series and local schools to the Kennedy Center and the renowned Empire Music Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Scott Ainslie plays and speaks of the music he loves with passion and authority. Combining over thirty years of scholarship and forty playing guitar, Ainslie presents a beguiling mix of the African and American roots of the Blues, in story and song. Scott has spent nearly forty years studying and playing traditional music, visiting and documenting senior musicians in America’s old-time banjo and fiddle music, blues and gospel traditions. With four CDs, a teaching DVD on the guitar techniques of Delta Blues legend Robert Johnson, and a book on Johnson’s music “Robert Johnson/At The Crossroads” (Hal Leonard, 1992) to his credit, as a performer and a teacher, Ainslie continues to present programs that are vital and entertaining. He currently makes his home in Brattleboro, Vermont.
We’re kicking off the summer with a Blues Barbeque Fundraiser for Calliope that will be followed by the Scott Ainslie concert. From community concert series and local schools to the Kennedy Center and the renowned Empire Music Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Scott Ainslie plays and speaks of the music he loves with passion and authority. Combining over thirty years of scholarship and forty playing guitar, Ainslie presents a beguiling mix of the African and American roots of the Blues, in story and song. Scott has spent nearly forty years studying and playing traditional music, visiting and documenting senior musicians in America’s old-time banjo and fiddle music, blues and gospel traditions. With four CDs, a teaching DVD on the guitar techniques of Delta Blues legend Robert Johnson, and a book on Johnson’s music “Robert Johnson/At The Crossroads” (Hal Leonard, 1992) to his credit, as a performer and a teacher, Ainslie continues to present programs that are vital and entertaining. He currently makes his home in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh Hard Hats & High Heels Fashion Show
Friday, May 31, 2013, 6:30 PM, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Downtown Pittsburgh, 1 Bigelow Square
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Hard Hats & High Heels Fashion Show. The event, which benefits the Veterans Build Program at Habitat will be held on Friday, May 31, 2013 at the Double Tree Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. Habitat,
All materials for outfits worn by the models are found at the Habitat ReStore and assembled by designers from the Art Institute. VIP Tickets $100 each (plus fee) Exclusive access to the DoubleTree Hospitality Suite's private bar and lounge VIP gift bag including Sarris Chocolates and Habitat gifts Two complimentary drink tickets Array of gourmet Hors D'oeuvres Priority seating along the runway Private VIP cocktail hour entertainment Mention in event program book General Admission Tickets $25 each (plus fee) Silent auction Cheese, Vegetable and Cookie selections Cash Bar Pre-show live music entertainment. Details at http://www.pittsburghhabitat.org.
National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh Section Celebrates 120 Years
On Thursday, May 30, NCJW Pittsburgh Section will kick off their 120th anniversary with an event beginning at 5:30 p.m.at Rodef Shalom Congregation.
Award-winning actress, author, and activist Marlo Thomas is keynoting the commemorative event.
Best known for television’s That Girl, which broke new ground for independent women everywhere, Ms. Thomas is a founding Director of the MS. Foundation for Women and is the national Outreach Director for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. She will speak to “Growing up Laughing” and how her childhood experiences inspired her feminism and activism.
Also of note will be the presentation of the Hannah G. Solomon Award to Judy Greenwald Cohen. Ms. Cohen has been an active member of NCJW Pittsburgh Section since 1988, served as Section president from 2004 through 2006, earned Section’s Ruth and Jerome Lieber Leadership Award in 2008, and has served in numerous NCJW leadership roles.
The Hannah G. Solomon Award is presented by NCJW to an individual who has helped change and expand the role of other women in vital roles of community life and motivated others to fight for change, resulting in progress and enlightenment in the community. This is only the 16th time in the 120-year history of NCJW Pittsburgh Section that the Hannah G. Solomon Award has been awarded.
As part of a national organization of more than 90,000 members, NCJW Pittsburgh Section exemplifies the power of its 1,300 members to affect change through collective action. From the 1894 establishment of the first kindergarten in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Columbian Council Settlement School (which today is the Jewish Community Center) to the most recent initiative with the Jewish Women’s Foundation to establish a Center for Women, which will create a gender-specific resource for women to achieve and maintain economic security), NCJW has a rich history of turning ideals into action.
“For 120 years,” says past NCJW Pittsburgh Section president Lynette Lederman, who along with Paula Garret and Susan Foreman Jordan are co-chairing the 120th Annual Meeting, “NCJW Pittsburgh Section has consistently and compassionately touched generations of lives, enriched our community, and built a foundation of hope and strength for women, children, and families from which to chart the course of its next 120 years of service.”
National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh Section Celebrates 120 Years
On Thursday, May 30, NCJW Pittsburgh Section will kick off their 120th anniversary with an event beginning at 5:30 p.m.at Rodef Shalom Congregation.
Award-winning actress, author, and activist Marlo Thomas is keynoting the commemorative event.
Best known for television’s That Girl, which broke new ground for independent women everywhere, Ms. Thomas is a founding Director of the MS. Foundation for Women and is the national Outreach Director for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. She will speak to “Growing up Laughing” and how her childhood experiences inspired her feminism and activism.
Also of note will be the presentation of the Hannah G. Solomon Award to Judy Greenwald Cohen. Ms. Cohen has been an active member of NCJW Pittsburgh Section since 1988, served as Section president from 2004 through 2006, earned Section’s Ruth and Jerome Lieber Leadership Award in 2008, and has served in numerous NCJW leadership roles.
The Hannah G. Solomon Award is presented by NCJW to an individual who has helped change and expand the role of other women in vital roles of community life and motivated others to fight for change, resulting in progress and enlightenment in the community. This is only the 16th time in the 120-year history of NCJW Pittsburgh Section that the Hannah G. Solomon Award has been awarded.
As part of a national organization of more than 90,000 members, NCJW Pittsburgh Section exemplifies the power of its 1,300 members to affect change through collective action. From the 1894 establishment of the first kindergarten in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Columbian Council Settlement School (which today is the Jewish Community Center) to the most recent initiative with the Jewish Women’s Foundation to establish a Center for Women, which will create a gender-specific resource for women to achieve and maintain economic security), NCJW has a rich history of turning ideals into action.
“For 120 years,” says past NCJW Pittsburgh Section president Lynette Lederman, who along with Paula Garret and Susan Foreman Jordan are co-chairing the 120th Annual Meeting, “NCJW Pittsburgh Section has consistently and compassionately touched generations of lives, enriched our community, and built a foundation of hope and strength for women, children, and families from which to chart the course of its next 120 years of service.”
Neighborhood Highlights
East End Song Studio announces Summer Music Drama Camp for Adults
July 14 - 20, 2013
Dancing with Dragons: Transformation of the Mind through Music, Art, and Dance
East End Song Studio announces the Summer Music Drama Camp for adults, evenings, from Sunday, July 14 to Saturday, July 20, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church, 5401 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh. The 2013 summer camp for adults, Dancing with Dragons: Transformation of the Mind, will engage workshop participants in the theme of transforming conflict in society and in the mind through Music, Art, and Dance. “When a dragon–metaphorically or hey, even a real one–comes into your life, you have to figure out how to respond. Do you run from it? Try to kill it? Let it burn you with its fire? We want to figure out how to dance with it. This year’s camp offers new flare and flavor with the tribal drumming and dragon dances. We’re taking the personal conflict one encounters in opera down a spiritual path. It might sound weird but let there be dragons”, comments Jett Christensen, founder East End Song Studio and Director of the summer camp.
Workshops include a tribal drum circle, presentations on self-defense, gun education for non-owners, tools for non-violent conflict resolution, a movement class based on the mechanics of Chinese lion dancing, and the crafting of life-size dragon puppets. The dragon puppets will be used in the final “dragon dances” to augment the drama of bel canto (19th century Italian) opera scenes performed by members of the East End Song Studio. Camp admission is open to community activists, drummers, dancers, and crafters of all levels.
Schedule: Summer Music Drama Camp for Adults
Location: First United Methodist Church, 5401 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh
July 14-16 & July 18-20: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
July 20: 7:30pm: Camp Culmination Party with live opera performance.
Cost for the 2013 Summer Music Drama Camp is $185.
Optional: Wednesday, July 17: Dragon Boat ride for participants through the Pittsburgh Rowing Association; cost: $18 (seating limited) General Public: Tickets to the Culmination Party on Saturday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m. are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. A portion of the Camp proceeds will be donated to the Pittsburgh Center for Victims of Violent Crime.
Participation in the 2013 Summer Music Drama Camp for Adults is based on an informal consultation with Jett Christensen, founder of East End Song Studio and Director of the summer camp. To learn more about “Dancing with Dragons” Music Drama Camp or to schedule an appointment, please email Jett at eesongstudio@gmail.com.
For more information, visit www.EastEndSongStudio.com
Celebrate the start of summer at the 54th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival
a free celebration of the arts unlike any other in the nation
1,000 visual and performing artists will enliven downtown Pittsburgh in newly-renovated Point State Park, picturesque Gateway Center, and our world-renowned Cultural District as we celebrate our renaissance city, which now enjoys international acclaim due in no small part to the transformative power of the arts. Stay connected:Receive Festival news, insider previews, and tips to enjoying the Festival Discover the complete line-up Follow us on Facebook/Twitter for the latest updates!
1,000 visual and performing artists will enliven downtown Pittsburgh in newly-renovated Point State Park, picturesque Gateway Center, and our world-renowned Cultural District as we celebrate our renaissance city, which now enjoys international acclaim due in no small part to the transformative power of the arts. Stay connected:Receive Festival news, insider previews, and tips to enjoying the Festival Discover the complete line-up Follow us on Facebook/Twitter for the latest updates!
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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.
Listen to the show online here.
Listen to the show online here.
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.
