First Night Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2008
Contact: Veronica Corpuz, 412-471-6082 / corpuz@pgharts.org
Electronic art and a complete listing of events are available upon request.


FIRST NIGHT® PITTSBURGH 2009:
Celebrating the First Night® of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s 25th Anniversary!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 6 pm – Midnight
In the heart of the Cultural District

PITTSBURGH … Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District with The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s First Night® Pittsburgh 2009. This family-friendly community event is presented by Education and Community Engagement department of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, with generous support from lead sponsor, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. The city will revel in a joyous celebration of the arts: dance, music, theater, comedy, magic, visual art and film, plus hands-on activities for children and adults.

In addition to celebrating the conclusion of Pittsburgh 250, First Night® also marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s 25th anniversary. Founded in 1984, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has led the way for the creation and ongoing development of Pittsburgh’s award-winning Cultural District. Utilizing the arts as a means for transforming a formerly blighted downtown, the Cultural Trust today welcomes over a million visitors annually to thousands of performances, gallery exhibitions and community events.

In addition to First Night® Pittsburgh, the Trust presents the PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh series; the Pittsburgh Dance Council; the Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Festival; and Three Rivers Arts Festival among other events. Additionally, the Trust owns and operates Theater Square and the Cabaret at Theater Square; the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts; Byham, O’Reilly, and Harris Theaters; Wood Street Galleries; SPACE, a visual arts gallery at 812 Liberty Avenue; 707 and 709 Penn Galleries; and 937 Liberty, a multipurpose performance and exhibit space, among other downtown arts facilities.
First Night® Pittsburgh Festivities begin at 6 pm with the Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks Display and a performance by the Spirit and Soul All City Gospel Choir on the Dollar Bank Main Stage, followed by the Target First Night® Parade at 8 pm. This year, the evening concludes with a live performance by The Fabulous Thunderbirds and the First Night® tradition, The Countdown to Midnight and Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale atop Penn Avenue Place. The Highmark Stage, where all the First Night® revelry concludes, is located on Penn Avenue by Fifth Avenue and Fifth Avenue Place.

Among the 125 events and activities held in 50 venues throughout the Cultural District, other special First Night® Pittsburgh attractions include the Duquesne Light Family Tent and performances by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Symphony Brass at the Byham Theater, Pure Gold at the Benedum Center, the city’s largest Line Dance Party, among many “weatherproof” activities. For a complete listing of events, please visit www.firstnightpgh.org or call (412) 456-6666.

FIRST NIGHT® BUTTONS
To join the celebration, simply purchase a First Night® Pittsburgh 2009 Button, a passport to all of the performances, activities and art exhibits. A First Night® button costs only $8; children age 5 and under are admitted for free. First Night® buttons are available at participating Giant Eagle stores and The Box Office at Theater Square. NEW: First Night buttons are also available online at firstnightpgh.org!

Due to their overwhelming popularity and limited seating in Cultural District theaters, a free General Admission Seating Voucher is necessary to see the performances of Pure Gold, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, The Amish Monkeys, Hustlebot, and Magician David Lawrence’s Magic Show. Vouchers are available at The Box Office at Theater Square. Simply show your First Night® button to obtain up to two seating vouchers per performance. The Box Office at Theater Square is located at 655 Penn Avenue between the O’Reilly Theater and Katz Plaza.

There will be general admission waiting lines for performances at the Benedum Center, Byham Theater and CAPA Main Stage; patrons will be served on a space-available and first-come, first-served basis. Box Office hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm and Sunday, noon to 6 pm.

VOLUNTEERS
First Night needs volunteers for numerous jobs--from button checkers to activity helpers to parade assistants. Families, co-workers, school groups and individuals of all ages are needed to help us ring in 2009 in a fun, alcohol-free, family-friendly way. To volunteer with First Night, please email Kathi Radock, First Night Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@pgharts.org, call 412-390-4660.

SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS
First Night® ® Pittsburgh 2009 Celebration Sponsors as of release date include: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as the lead sponsor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Dollar Bank, Duquesne Light, Giant Eagle, PNC Foundation and Target.

First Night® Pittsburgh 2009 Community Supporters include: Dominion Resources, Eden Hall Foundation, Roy A. Hunt Foundation and R.P. Simmons Family Foundation, US Steel Corporation and Take Care Health Systems.

First Night® Pittsburgh 2009 Media Partners include: KDKA TV, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Port Authority of Pittsburgh, Comcast, WDUQ 90.5 FM, WQED fm89.3, 91.3fm WYEP and Y108.

First Night® Pittsburgh 2009 is further supported by the following local officials: Senator Jay Costa, Senator Wayne Fontana, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, Pittsburgh City Council President Doug Shields, and Councilman William Peduto.

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Musical "Annie" at Heinz Hall for Holidays

For Immediate Release
Veronica Corpuz, (412) 471-6082 / corpuz@pgharts.org

ANNIE’S BACK!
AMERICA’S MOST BELOVED MUSICAL HITS THE ROAD

Leapin’ Lizards! America’s most beloved musical, ANNIE, is back in 30th anniversary tour, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. The timeless tale of Little Orphan Anniewill be coming to Pittsburgh’s Heinz Hall for eight performances from Tuesday, December 23, through Sunday, December 28, 2008, as part of the PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh series, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America.
Performances are on Tuesday, December 23, at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday at 1 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets ($20.50 - $59) are available at the Box Office at Theater Square, online at pgharts.org and by calling (412) 392-4900. For group discounts, please call (412) 392-4819.
“One of the best musical ever,” proclaims the Chicago Tribune, and the Chicago
Sun-Times says, “Ageless ANNIE as engaging as ever.”
ANNIE, with music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meehan, is again directed by its lyricist, Martin Charnin, who brought the original production of ANNIE to Broadway in 1977. Tony Award winning set designer, Ming Cho Lee, has created a fresh look for this new production.
The original Broadway production of ANNIE won seven 1977 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Book and Score. It ran for 2,377 performances, and has subsequently been produced all over the world. The original production is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadway history, and ANNIE continues to be one of the most successful musicals ever.
Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and the ever optimistic “Tomorrow,” you can bet your bottom dollar that ANNIE will bring a smile to your face.
In addition to Charnin, Meehan, Strouse and Lee, ANNIE’s creative team includes original Broadway musical staging by Peter Gennaro, choreography by Liza Gennaro, lighting design by Ken Billington, costume design by Theoni Aldridge and sound design by Peter Hylenski. ANNIE is being produced by Networks Presentations, LLC. For more information, visit annieontour.com.
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Network of Networks Panel at Entrepreneurial Thursdays

Firewater's Grill, 412.323.4688

LIVE RHYTHM, JAZZ & BLUES
Musical Networking Happy Hour
EVERY THURSDAY!!!
5:30 PM - 8 PM
Firewater's Grill,
120 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Across from PNC Park

Hosted by Jazz/R&B Vocalist - Jessica Lee

Cover Charge: Only $10.00!
Hors d'oeuvres included

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The "ENTREPRENEURIAL THURSDAYS" Happy Hour Show
Live Music by City's Great Jazz/R&B Artists!
Interviews @ Musical Break with City's Leading Entrepreneurs/Innovators!
Great Business & Professional Networking!
December 4, 2008
"Network of Networks"

Featuring Interviews with:
William Generett, Pittsburgh Central Keystone Innovation Zone (www.pckiz.org)


Jill Kummer, Black Tie Pittsburgh (www.blacktie-pittsburgh.com)
Maureen A. Ciarolla, NAWBO (www.nawbo.org)


Laura S. Buck, President Elect 2008 - Pittsburgh Human Resource Association (www.pittsburghhra.org)


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www.jessicaleesong.com
"Entrepreneurial Thursdays" Partners
Gold Sponsors
Pittsburgh Gateways
ABG Capital

Marketing Partners

BIOSAFE, Inc.
Chrysler Corp. (SBDC) Duquesne University
Eagle Ventures Inc.
George Mendel Photography
HDJ Assoc., Inc.
Help Startups
Human Connections
Latin American Cultural Union
MAKK Strategies
MIT Enterprise Forum
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Pittsburgh Technology Council
Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP)
Pittsburgh Young Professionals
Positively Pittsburgh Live
Sales Star Enterprise
Seton Hill University's E-Magnify®
Sigma Pi Consulting
STAAR Funds
Technical Products & Supply
TiePGH-Pittsburgh Chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs
Vistage
Women's Independent Press

Huge TalkCast with International Women On World Economy

For Immediate Release,

Contact Information:
United States:
Joanne Quinn-Smith
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
412-628-5048
joanne@positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com
Iceland:
Rúna Magnúsdóttir
Reykjavík, Iceland
354-898-0727
runa@connected-women.com

International Women Getting Together for Conversation on Rebuilding the World Economy
(On the Wings of Historic Election in the U.S., Women are Prepared to Help Re-energize the World Economy)

Reykjavík, Iceland; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November, 2008 On the wings of an historic election in the United States, if an African American President can be elected in the United State then the question should be asked, how different can the world be if international women unite to reinvent the world economy from the ground up? On Saturday, at 12 PM EST on Saturday, November 8, 2008 a group of dynamic international women will get together for a two hour conversation about just that “reinventing the world economy.” Reinvention and revitalization of this economy will be the topic on internet radio show, “Professionals with Impact™” hosted at www.talkshoe.com and facilitated by internet talkcast host, Joanne Quinn-Smith, also known as the “Techno Granny.” This show will be hosted on internet radio originating from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania social media radio site at www.talkshoe.com

Women have been getting together and talking for centuries and thereby solving family and community challenges and now through the use of Web 2.0 technology a group of women are turning their attention to the world. This is happening through a social networking site started by Rúna Magnúsdóttir and originating in Icelandic Cyberspace. The Site is www.Connected-Women.com and the conversation is ongoing in the forum on the site: “Economic Downturn—what have we learned.” Rúna Magnúsdóttir has developed this site to facilitate women doing business with each other internationally. The conversation is active in the forum of www.Connected-Women.com for the world to see. The use of Web 2.0 technology is further being exploited by a 59 year old grandmother from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA who has gained international audience on the internet through four internet Radio shows. Joanne Quinn-Smith, also known as “the Techno Granny” will host a live internet radio show episode that can accommodate 200 callers at www.talkshoe.com. The show, “Professionals with Impact™” can be accessed live through computers and real time chat at www.TalkShoe.com at Noon EST. “Professionals with Impact™” can be accessed live at: Phone Number: 724) 444-7444 using Call ID: 33431 and will accommodate VOIP users such as Skype and Gizmo. The title of this “Professionals with Impact™” Episode is: International Women Building a New World Economy.

The Concept: World development in the 21st Century
“This is a new vision, a new approach to development cooperation together with corporate business. Especially for the business industry we created the website 1We The Chain, the international entrepreneur's platform which makes the difference. It is the first platform in which anyone can be involved in making the world a better place.” Quote from: Fazila Scierrbas International Ambassador & Director of International Contacts for 1We - One World Experience For more information please visit: http://www.1wethechain.com/
1WE is an international broadcast station with passion and the new most exiting national broadcast station. Positive TV-programs convince individuals and corporations to support the surprising development projects of One World Experience. The new style development organization and the combination of the broadcast station and its development organization make 1We - One World Experience a unique organization with international accomplishments. Socially involved entrepreneurship play an important part in this concept. Additional info at: http://www.1we.com/web/show/
Three dynamic women are spearheading the live radio conversation, two of them have met in person and two of them have not. Runa Magnusdoittir and Joanne Quinn-Smith met at the National Association of Women Business Owners Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona and subsequently Joanne engaged Runa to speak at the 2nd Annual NAWBO Day in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The title of the conference in Pittsburgh was, “Think Ginormous” and as you can see, they have. Fazila Scierrbas and Runa met at an international conference for women. The connection for all three is: www.Connected-Women.com.

All three, Joanne and Runa and Fazila are visionaries who believe in making things happen. Runa began the conversation on the Economic Downturn at: www.connected-women.com and Fazila SCIBERRAS and others joined the conversation. Fazila commented that there were things in the world that needed changing and that getting back to basics was very important and talked about implementing a plan to do that. Joanne wrote back that she would love to see her plan. Fazila put out her plan right on Connected-Women.com and now a radio conversation with several international women is scheduled for Saturday at 12 PM EST thru the wonders of the internet. Any international woman with a passion for reenergizing the world economy by getting back to basics is welcome to attend.
The Concept: World Development in the 21st Century:

This is with new vision, a new approach to development cooperation together with corporate business. Especially for the business industry we created the website 1We The Chain, the international entrepreneur's platform which makes the difference. It is the first platform in which anyone can be involved into making the world a better place. For more information please visit: http://www.1wethechain.com/
1WE is an international broadcast station with passion and the new most exiting national broadcast station. Positive TV-programs convince people to support the surprising development projects of One World Experience.

The new style development organization and the combination of the broadcast station and its development organization make 1We - One World Experience a unique organization with accomplishments. Socially involved entrepreneurship plays an important part in this concept.
Content: Women at their Best Getting Together to Solve Challenges
“The main issues wherever we are in the world and result in six main factors which have to be addressed from the very core in order to sustain projects and build economies. They are: Healthcare, Education, Sanitation, Ecology, Environment and Funding.” Fazila SCIBERRAS
“The slogan of Connected-Women is: ‘Let's get together & make a difference!’” “This is huge and can have a great impact on the world economy. The world is going through turmoil of financial downturns. After years of prosperity we are facing bad "hang-over". “But what is done, is done. We can't change the past, but we can build the future. So, what are we learning from this? What are we going to be doing differently in the future? How do you want to see the future? Your opinion is valuable! It's easy to participate, just sign-in or register.”
Rúna Magnúsdóttir. This is how the conversation started on Connected-Women.com!
“The Presidential Election in the United States has transformed us irrevocably no matter who we voted for. It’s time to now transform the world. Our challenges are not just local, they are global. This is just a good fit from Positively Pittsburgh Live Talkcast and www.PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com” to work on building on the positive and using global girl power to do it.” Joanne Quinn-Smith

The Characters:
Rúna Magnúsdóttir 0f Connected-Women.com; Founder Connected-Women.com
Previously Runa ran her import company in Iceland – today she is running a GLOBAL search and networking site for women business owners and women entrepreneurs. A site where women can promote themselves, their services, products and companies, participate in global discussion forums, give and receive referrals/recommendations for their businesses.“ A site which women associations around the globe such as the world association of women entrepreneurs, Les Femmes Chefs D’Enterprises Mondiales, FCEM, will be use as their official networking site.
Fazila Scierrbas International Ambassador & Director of International
Contacts; 1We - One World Experience

Fazila started her media career at The International Advertising Film Festival, Cannes. She now holds the position of President for The Netherlands and Malta for the European Economic Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry (EEIG). 1We - One World Experience (http://www.1we.com/web/show) has been a dream for hers since her childhood and feels like a lifetime commitment. 1We - One World Experience is an international groundbreaking TV broadcasting and development organization backed by the corporate sector. With innovative development projects and positive TV programs we cut through all traditional practices.

Joanne Quinn-Smith, Creative Energy Office of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Publisher, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com also known as The Techno Granny and 2006-2008 president of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Greater Pittsburgh Chapter. Joanne’s forte is Web 2.0 Gorilla Branding™ for small to medium businesses and she is the host of four internet Talkcasts with international listeners. She is also the publisher of positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com, a multi media on line community magazine with internet magazine, radio and TV channels. Joanne is an advocate for women business owners locally, nationally and now internationally and a sought after speaker for organizations and business for Web 2.0 Best Practices.

-30-
Hi-Lights
• International Radio Talkcast by Community Call at Pittsburgh Based www.talkshoe.com
• International Women from www.connected-women.com discussion on
• International Women Building a New World Economy.

• November 8, 2008 EST live internet broadcast on “Professionals with Impact™

• Live chat or call in at: 724) 444-7444 using Call ID: 33431

• Joanne Quinn-Smith, Creative Energy Office of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Publisher, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

• Fazila Scierrbas International Ambassador & Director of International
Contacts; 1We - One World Experience

• Rúna Magnúsdóttir 0f Connected-Women.com; Founder Connected-Women.com

PositivelyPittsburghLive Host at Entrepreneurial Thursdays

Firewater's Grill, 412.323.4688

LIVE RHYTHM, JAZZ & BLUES
Musical Networking Happy Hour
EVERY THURSDAY!!!
5:30 PM - 8 PM
Firewater's Grill,
120 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Across from PNC Park

Hosted by Jazz/R&B Vocalist - Jessica Lee

Cover Charge: Only $10.00!
Hors d'oeuvres included

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The "ENTREPRENEURIAL THURSDAYS" Happy Hour Show
Live Music by City's Great Jazz/R&B Artists!
Interviews @ Musical Break with City's Leading Entrepreneurs/Innovators!
Great Business & Professional Networking!
November 6, 2008
"Social media Entrepreneurs"

Featuring Interviews with:
Joanne Quinn-Smith, CEO - Dreamweaver Marketing Associates & Publisher - Positively Pittsburgh Live Magazine (www.positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com)
Bill Weil, LovePong International, LLC
(www.LovePong.com)
Jill Kummer, President - Blacktie-Pittsburgh
(www.blacktie-pittsburgh.com)
Donna Baxter, Founder & Web Mistress - The Soul Pitt (www.thesoulpitt.com)
Dave Nelson, Founder and CEO - TalkShoe (www.talkshoe.com)

www.jessicaleesong.com
"Entrepreneurial Thursdays" Partners
Gold Sponsors
Pittsburgh Gateways
ABG Capital

Marketing PartnersMarketing Partners

AFTRA
BarSmart
BIOSAFE, Inc.
Chrysler Corp. (SBDC) Duquesne University
Eagle Ventures Inc.
George Mendel Photography
HDJ Assoc., Inc.
Help Startups
Human Connections
Latin American Cultural Union
MAKK Strategies
MIT Enterprise Forum
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Pittsburgh Technology Council
Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP)
Pittsburgh Young Professionals
Positively Pittsburgh Live
Sales Star Enterprise
Seton Hill University's E-Magnify®
Sigma Pi Consulting
STAAR Funds
Technical Products & Supply
TiePGH-Pittsburgh Chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs
Vistage
Women's Independent Press

National City Presents WE-DO Conference, Continues Women's Leadership Efforts

WE-DO Leadership Conference
Womens Economic Development Outreach
Creating Connections, Building Business

Local Leadership Invitation for
Business Women in Allegheny and
Beaver Counties



Business Women! You Don't Want To Miss The 2008 WE-DO Conference being held this year at Robert Morris University's Moon Campus on Tuesday, October 21st! Along with a Fantastic National Program, We'll have These Inspiring Local Leaders:


The 2008 Local Pittsburgh WEDO Tour is pleased to present this years conference:

BreakThrough!

Impact through Innovation:

Your Competitive Advantage

The only event of its kind for women executives and entrepreuners the WEDO Tour is a resource rich program that will energize your business. ; It's packed with invaluable business advice from nationally acclaimed business women and our own local experts in business leadership. Shaped by Women's Business Advocates, women executives and entrepreneurs, along with organizations representing women business owners the WEDO Tour is your most relevant resource.

Attend this years workshop and gain key insights that will help you:

Introduce an innovation framework that sets realistic goals, leverages cumulative gains and carefully accommodates experimentation.
Create an innovation toolbox that accelerates new product and service developments in an ever-changing business environment.
Snych up company culture and customer demands with a holistic approach to nurturing employee's creativity, responding to new opportunities, and channeling the voice of the customer.

Surround Yourself with Pittsburgh's Smart and Savvy Women Leaders as they connect with Business Women across the Nation by Video Conference.

Enjoy the local panel of Pittsburgh Area Leaders who will help you gain your competitive advantage with Leadership and Innovation!


National City WEDO Tour 2008 for Allegheny & Beaver Counties:
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Robert Morris University
Sewall Center Executive Conference Center, Moon Township, PA 15108

Agenda: 9:00am to 3:00pm

Keynote Presenter:


Maria Berdusco
Author, Leadership Consultant & Executive Coach

Kathy Buechel
President, Alcoa Foundation

Oditza Carrasco
President, American Bank FSB


Kristie Guthrie
Professional Counselor Hope Counseling Services

Deanna Tucci-Schmitt
Owner BNI Western PA

2008 WEDO Allegheny & Beaver Counties Local Committee:

Beth Caldwell
Pttsburgh Professional Women

Ann Callen
National City

Jenn Carr
Credit Justice Services

Lindsay Cost
National City

Christian DeSarbo
National City

Barbara Fisher U.S. Small Business Administration

Suzanne Froehlich Froehlich & Associates Insurance

Sarelle Gross
National City
Donna Herrle Drawing Conclusions
Daniel Hooper
National City
&nbs p;
Kristi Hosko
ADP

Tamara Howard
National City

Betty Karleski Home Instead Senior Care

Michele Mook
National City

Janette Schafer
National City

Jill Yahnite
Zoltun Design

10:00 Satellite Video Conference

11:30 Lunch & Leadership Presentation, Maria Berdusco

Author: How To Think Like A Leader
12:30 Breakout Sessions: Small Group Round Table Discussions with Local Leaders

3:00 Door Prize Drawings And Adjourn

Register at: WE-DO.net

Peace Love and Lemonade, New Book Release by Nancy Stampahar

PRESS RELEASE
September 29, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Nancy Stampahar
412-882-1866
Silver Lining Solutions



PEACE, LOVE AND LEMONADE
A Recipe to Make Your Life Sweeter

Are outside circumstances or inner turmoils turning you sour? This book offers an inspirational recipe for enduring adversity, embracing change,
and living a sweeter life.
PITTSBURGH, PA (September 2008) - If we are to believe the headlines in today's daily news, things look pretty grim: the cost of consumer goods continues to rise, unemployment is up, a recession is looming, Wall Street seems precarious, and the war on terror persists. Is all of this dire news bringing you down? Or, worse, is a personal hardship beginning to overwhelm you?

It doesn't have to. A book by Nancy Stampahar offers a hopeful twist on the adage "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." In Peace, Love and Lemonade: A Recipe to Make Your Life Sweeter, she explores the power of choice through a practical approach that engenders happiness-regardless of outside circumstances-through three main ingredients: accountability, attitude, and action.

Stampahar reveals personal stories of how life threw her lemons from an early age. With candor, she speaks about gleaning courage from her beloved disabled brother, as well as her mother-who rose above an abusive marriage and, while single and on welfare, persevered to earn a law degree. Feeling vulnerable and distressed by circumstances as a teenager, Stampahar dropped out of high school and turned to drugs and alcohol. As a young adult, she stumbled many times before learning to effectively face challenges, make informed choices, and eventually triumph over tragedy. Now, Stampahar is an adversity/change consultant who helps others lead more empowered lives by building the requisite life skills.

"No matter how tough our lives have been, we can reach our 'greatness potential,'" Stampahar says. "It is deep inside us." Peace, Love and Lemonade offers hands-on techniques and simple wisdom for overcoming obstacles and achieving our greatness potential. Self-reflection questions and worksheets round out each chapter, enabling readers to apply the methods to their own lives.

About the Author:
A sought-after organizational development consultant, trainer, and speaker, with a degree in human resource management, Stampahar owns and directs Silver Lining Solutions, a consulting firm that specializes in adversity/change management, assertiveness/conflict resolution, empowerment, leadership, and team building. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Find Nancy Stampahar on the Web at Silver Lining Solutions and Peace Love and Lemonade.

About the Book:
Peace, Love and Lemonade: A Recipe to Make Your Life Sweeter (November 2007, ISBN: 9780980092707, $14.95) is distributed by Baker & Taylor and is available online at Amazon.com, BN.com, Borders.com, and Peaceloveandlemonade.com.

Think Ginormous Networking Panel, 2nd Annual NAWBO DAy, September 19, 2008

2nd Annual NAWBO DAy, September 19, 2008

Ultimate and Global Think Ginormous Networking Panel

Local, regional, national and global networking experts invite you to Think Ginormous about networking. Panel at 9:30 AM as part of 2nd Annual NAWBO Day.

Moderator and Introductions by Joanne Quinn-Smith, Publisher of PositivleyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, on line multi-media community magazine.

Discussion will hi-light:

• Platform, network, relationship and alliance building for successful business
• Value of using more than one medium for building your network
• Referrals
• Organizations and associations,
• On line networking, social media

Jessica, Lee, Host of Entrepreneurial Thursdays, National Recording Artist

• developing your list,
• using resource and supporting partners,
• building of community, exchange of ideas,
• types of strategic alliances

Deanna Tucci Schmitt, Executive Director of BNI Western Pennsylvania

• Why belong to a quality networking organization
• Benefits of a lead generation organization
• making networking year long proposition
• Commitment needed to developing quality leads

Lorin Beller Blake, World Class Entrepreneur and Author

• Turning a book into a coaching paradigm
• training and networking on national level,
• need for extending an on line organization to business owners nationally
• benefits of an on line coaching and support group

Rúna Magnúsdóttir, ACC Executive Coach, Board Les Femmes Mondiale,

• Why Import, export business is a global necessity
• Utility of regional and local strategic partners when doing business internationally,
• making the world smaller thru power of on line networking
• give back provisions to leadership development in Africa and India


Learn how networking has helped their business and organizations
Discover the importance of a multi-faceted approach to business to business networking

Check out other day long events.

Entrepreneurial Thursday at 1902 Tavern, September 18, 2008

1902 Tavern, Entreprenurial Thursday, September 18, 2008

(412) 471-1902


LIVE RHYTHM, JAZZ & BLUES
Musical Networking Happy Hour
EVERY THURSDAY!!!
5:30 PM - 8 PM
1902 Tavern,
24 Market Square
Pittsburgh, PA 15222


Hosted by Jazz/R&B Vocalist - Jessica Lee

Cover Charge: Only $10.00!
Hors d'ouevres included

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The "ENTREPRENEURIAL THURSDAYS" Happy Hour Show
Live Music by City's Great Jazz/R&B Artists!
Interviews @ Musical Break with City's Leading Entrepreneurs/Innovators!
Great Business & Professional Networking!
September 18, 2008
"Building a Selling Business"

Featuring Interviews with:
Danette O'Connell – Sales Star Enterprise, LLC - www.SalesStarEnterprise.com
John Rosso – Peak Performance Management – www.superiorselling.com
Steve Lippock – HarvestGold, LP – www.harvest-gold.com
Bonnie Budzowski - Incredible Messages - www.incrediblemessages.com

Entrepreneurial Thursdays Moves to Firewaters

"Entrepreneurial Thursdays"

Rhythm Jazz & Blues Happy Hour Show



Starting August 7 "Entrepreneurial Thursdays" is moving to Firewater's North Shore Saloon. Firewater's is located on the North Shore at 120 Federal Street (412.323.4688). Firewater's is located at the intersection of Federal Street and General Robinson directly across the street from PNC Park. From downtown you can just cross the 6th Street bridge and you are there. There is ample parking at outdoor and indoor parking lots as well as street parking.

August show's at Firewater's include August 7, "Serial Entrepreneurs", and August 21, "MIT Enterprise Forum: Entrepreneurs & Opportunities". There will be no shows on August 14 and August 28.

We thank you for your past support of the show and look forward to seeing you at Firewater's.

At Your Service and On Your Side, Pittsburgh's Finest

Immediate Release, Pittsburgh, July 15, 2008 Well sometimes we start a segment on Positively Pittsburgh Live and then we fill it but this time we are starting a segment because we have some great people to fill it. Last week-end was the Miles for Marissa Bike Run and Family Fun complete with block party in the Historic West End. In order to block off streets in the City of Pittsburgh you must have a permit and to get that permit you must have police security which you have to pay for.

I understand the policy and I understand the security reason but the price was a little exorbitant for a fundraiser intended to make money for a young lady, Marissa Web, who is preparing for her 42nd surgery for spina bifida related illness. Enter two customers of Carol's Restaurant and Hometown Sports Deli on Main St. in the West End. They just happened to be customers who were also members of Pittsburgh's Finest. Officer Ed Dolly from Zone 1 in the North Side and Sergeant Kathy Alexander from Zone 6 in the West End requested time off for the event and volunteered their services.

This is a great example of the Pittsburgh Police Force being not only, "At Your Service" but "On Your Side." Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and the Pittsburgh City Council need to know that not only do they have great policeman in the city of Pittsburgh but great humanitarians also.

Both officers provided a safe and congenial environment for the Miles for Marissa Bike Run and Block Party in the Historic West End on Sunday, July 11, 2008.

Next Miles for Marissa and Oktoberfest will be held in October, listen and watch at Positively Pittsburgh Live Alliance for date and details. We will be adding the Hometown Heroes segment to Positively Pittsburgh Live TalkCast on Monday, July 23, 2008. You can listen in at: http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/tscmd/tc/18520

Business Exchange Breakfast--Do Business in the African American Community

Our Erie Neighbors

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
7:30-9:00 a.m.
RSVP by July 11, 2008
Toll Free: 877-374-0222
Email: ra-gacaaa@state.pa.us
Location:
Bayfront Convention Center
1 Sassafras Pier
Erie, PA 16507
The Business Exchange Breakfast is a platform for entrepreneurs, small
business~ community leaders, and government officials to learn about
opportunities and needs in the community. Don't .miss out on this exceptional
occasion to meet those who affect the African American community.
Don't miss out on this great opportunity!
Bring plenty of business cards!
This is a free event brought to you by the Governor's
Advisory Commission on African American Affairs.
For more information about the commission, visit
www.africanam.state.pa.us
Edward G. RendeJ~ Governor
,Sof!YaM. Tole1) Executive Director


Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs
506 Finance Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 877-374-0222
Fax: 717-787-4015
Email: ra-gacaaa@state.pa.us
www.africanam.state.pa.us

--

Schleroderma Foundation, Western Pa Seeks New Chapter President

Scleroderma Foundation
Western Pennsylvania Chapter

We are seeking candidates for the position of
Chapter President

We want someone:

Who meets challenges head-on
Whose middle name is “cause-driven”
Who sees the glass as half full
Who thinks volunteering is fun, not a chore

Take action – Volunteer!

Primary responsibilities include:

• Facilitates the development and implementation of the chapter’s plan to carry out the Scleroderma Foundation’s mission of support, education and research

• Chairs the Board of Directors and full chapter meetings

• Assists committee chairs and members in performing their functions

For further information please contact:


Roger Brechner, Chapter and Support Manager
Scleroderma Foundation, Danvers, MA
800-722-HOPE (4673) or
rbrechner@scleroderma.org

Salome Pre Show Discussion Location Changed

Media Contact:

Melissa Hill Grande

Director of Marketing

412.561.6000 x203

mgrande@picttheatre.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


PICT discussion series moves to Schenley Park for Salome


Pittsburgh, PA – June 12, 2008. Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre will hold free pre-show discussions for Salome on Wednesday and Thursday, June 18th and 19th, at 7 p.m. under the Schenley Plaza Oval Tent, across from the Stephen Foster Memorial.


The discussions are part of a regular series, featuring “Artistically Speaking” (sponsored by UPMC) on Wednesdays and “Behind the Scenes” on Thursdays in the week following the opening of each main-stage production. The discussions are hosted by PICT artistic director Andrew S. Paul, and the special guest for the Salome discussions will be Roger Doyle, composer and pianist for Salome.


Doyle studied composition at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, the Institute of Sonology at the University of Utrecht and the Finnish Radio Experimental Music Studio. He has worked extensively in theatre, film and dance, in particular with the music-theatre company Operating Theatre, which he co-founded with actress Olwen Fouere. Awards include the Program Music Prize at the 1997 Bourges International Electro-Acoustic Music Competition, France, and the Marten Toonder Award (2000) in recognition of his innovative work as a composer. Doyle is a member of Aosdána, Ireland’s state-sponsored academy of creative artists.


Oscar Wilde’s masterful poetic drama Salome is directed by Alan Stanford, with original music composed and performed by Doyle. The production runs June 12th through 28th in the Charity Randall Theatre at the Stephen Foster Memorial on Forbes Avenue in Oakland. DUQ-FM is the media sponsor for Salome.


Corruption, sensuality and self-indulgent hedonism reign in Herod’s kingdom; at the other extreme is Jokanaan – a vain, self-absorbed prophet. Salome is trapped between the fanaticism of Jokanaan and the decadence of society. When her advances are rebuffed by Jokanaan, Salome reacts by succumbing to her step-father Herod’s request that she dance for him. Herod offers her the world on a plate as payment, but she has something else in mind.


For more information, contact Melissa Grande at 412-561-6000 x203. Tickets for Salome are available by contacting ProArtsTickets at 412.394-3353 or online at www.proartstickets.org.


Melissa Hill Grande

Marketing Director

Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre

PO Box 23607

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-561-6000, x203

mgrande@picttheatre.org

Visit our website: www.picttheatre.org!

TEchno Granny Talks--Week of June 9, 2008

These shows can be accessed live by call in or chat or you can listen to archived version at www.talkshoe.com

Monday Morning Marketeer--jump start biz Listen at: http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/tscmd/tc/33960

Host: technogranny - jqsdreamweaver@hotmail.com
Episode: EPISODE43 - Luring Prospects to Your Website
You've got a great website, but how many people have seen it, just exactly how do you get them to your site? 15 minutes of quick suggestions and questions later.
Call ID: 33960
Monday, June 9, 7 AM EST


Techno Granny--updates 21st Century Tech Listen at: http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/tscmd/tc/30986

Host: technogranny - jqsdreamweaver@hotmail.com
Episode: EPISODE57 - On Line Identity Theft__Who Left the Door Open
Are you leaving the door open to identity theft on the internet? Greer Stasko talks about common "don'ts" on the internet to keep your self safe. Greer is a Small Business and Group Specialist with Pre Paid Legal.
Call ID: 30986
Personal Message from the Host:
Everyone should listen to this call to find out how you may be exposing yourself to internet identity theft.


Scheduled Time:

Date: Mon, June 9, 2008
Time: 07:00 AM EDT

Positively Pittsburgh Live! Listen at:
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/tscmd/tc/18520

Host: technogranny - jqsdreamweaver@hotmail.com
Episode: EP71 - Pittsburgh Vacation Destination--Bed & Breakfasts, Theme Hotels
Confirmed so far, The New Pardor on the North Shore of Pittsburgh and the Morning Glory in Pittsburgh's South Side; Priory Hotel--North Shore and Weatherbury Farm, Avella, Pa.
Call ID: 18520
Personal Message from the Host:
With the rising cost of gasoline, a Get Away in the city or within a short distace of the city is a wonderful vacation or week-end option. These are a few of the fine samples of what's Positive About Pittsburgh as a vacation destination. Join us Live for questions of guests at 7:45 PM, Show runs from 7 PM to 8 PM starting with Positively Pittsburgh Live News and the Roving Pittsburgher Segment. You can also chat questions live.


Scheduled Time:

Date: Mon, June 9, 2008
Time: 07:00 PM EDT

Pre Show Discussions for Oscar Wilde's, "An Ideal Husband"

For Immediate Release


Contact: Melissa Hill Grande

Director of Marketing

P.O. Box 23607

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

mgrande@picttheatre.org

412-561-6000 x203

www.picttheatre.org


Director, noted Wilde scholar announced

as guests for upcoming discussion series


Pittsburgh, PA – May 7, 2008. The upcoming Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre pre-show discussion series will feature Philip E. Smith as the guest for “Artistically Speaking” on Wednesday, May 14th, and Andrew S. Paul for “Behind the Scenes” on Thursday, May 15th. Both talks are free of charge and begin at 7 p.m., followed by an 8 p.m. performance of An Ideal Husband. All events take place in the Stephen Foster Memorial on Forbes Avenue in Oakland.


Philip E. Smith teaches in the English department at the University of Pittsburgh, where his seminar in Oscar Wilde and the 1890s is offered regularly for graduate students and senior English majors. He is the editor of Approaches to Teaching the Works of Oscar Wilde (MLA 2008) and the co-editor of Oscar Wilde's Oxford Notebooks (Oxford University Press 1989).

Andrew S. Paul is the artistic director for Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre, and the director of An Ideal Husband.

The Wednesday night lecture series is sponsored by UPMC.

Tickets for An Ideal Husband are available by calling ProArtsTickets at 412-394-3353. No tickets are required to attend either discussion.

New Networking with Jazz--Social Entrepreneurs

LIVE RHYTHM, JAZZ & BLUES
Musical Networking Happy Hour
EVERY THURSDAY!!!
5:30 PM - 8 PM
Upstairs At Sassy Marie's,
(formerly the James Street Tavern)
422 Foreland Street on the North Side
Free Parking

Hosted by Jazz/R&B Vocalist - Jessica Lee

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cover Charge: Only $5.00!

The "ENTREPRENEURIAL THURSDAYS" Happy Hour Show
Live Music by City's Great Jazz/R&B Artists!
Interviews @ Musical Break with City's Leading Entrepreneurs/Innovators!
Great Business & Professional Networking!
May 15, 2008
"Social Enterprise and Pittsburgh's Dynamic Nonprofit Sector"
Featuring Interviews with:
Deborah A. Moses, Senior Relationship Manager - Charitable Management Services, Fifth Third Bank (www.53.com)


Mike Gable, Executive Director - Construction Junction (www.constructionjunction.org)


Lulu Orr, Executive Director - Good Grief Center (www.goodgriefcenter.com)


Eric Lingren, Executive Director - Venture Outdoors (www.ventureoutdoors.org)


Gerald Driggs,CEO - Social Innovation Accelerator (www.acceleratenow.org)

www.jessicaleesong.com
"Entrepreneurial Thursdays" Partners

Press Release--Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde

For immediate release:

Contact: Melissa Hill Grande

Director of Marketing

(412) 561-6000 x203

mgrande@picttheatre.org

http://www.picttheatre.org


An Ideal Husband launches PICT’s “Wilde Affairs”

Scandalous behavior and political intrigue give Oscar Wilde’s

social comedy a contemporary relevance

Pittsburgh, PA – April 25, 2008. A politician embroiled in a moral dilemma takes center stage in Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre’s upcoming production of An Ideal Husband, by Oscar Wilde. The show runs May 8th through May 31st in the Henry Heymann Theatre at the Stephen Foster Memorial on Forbes Avenue in Oakland.

The notoriously straight-laced politician Robert Chiltern is on the verge of obtaining cabinet rank, when a mysterious woman from his past emerges and threatens to reveal his darkest secret. Unbeknownst to his adoring wife and admiring friends, Chiltern launched his career by less-than-honorable means. Mrs. Cheveley – the woman who holds his fate in her hands – is willing to keep his secret safe for a price. To save himself from discovery, he must tarnish his honor once again. His neer-do-well friend Lord Goring holds both the key to Chiltern’s salvation and to Chiltern’s sister Mabel’s heart.

An Ideal Husband is directed by Andrew S. Paul, with scenery by Gianni Downs, lighting by Erick Leininger, costumes by Joan Markert, and sound design by Zachary Brown. The production stars David Whalen, Nike Doukas, Paul Todaro, and Beth Hylton.

Playwright Oscar Wilde was born October 16, 1854 in Dublin to William and Jane Francesca Wilde. Wilde studied at Trinity College, Dublin and Magdalen College, Oxford, then moved to London where he began his literary career. In addition to poetry, his published works include the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891), a series of stories for children, and a number of dramatic works, including Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892), An Ideal Husband (1895), The Importance of Being Earnest (1895), A Woman of No Importance (1893), and Salome (written in 1891 but banned by the censor; first produced in Paris in 1896). He married Constance Lloyd in 1884, and his sons Cyril and Vyvyan were born in 1885 and 1886, respectively. He gained celebrity status in his own time, first as a notorious wit and member of the aesthetic movement, and later for his conviction on a charge of gross indecency (homosexuality) for which he served time in prison. He died in Paris in 1900, three years after his release from Reading Prison.

Director Andrew S. Paul is the founder and artistic director of Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre. Last season for PICT he directed Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, and David Hare’s Stuff Happens and Via Dolorosa. He recently traveled to Poland, where he directed and collaborated with Hare on the non-English language premiere of Stuff Happens at the Slaski Teatr in Katowice.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2007 Performer of the Year David Whalen plays Sir Robert Chiltern. Whalen played Edgar in the recent PICT production of King Lear, and was seen last season as George W. Bush in Stuff Happens, Mark Antony in Julius Caesar, Padraic Osbourne in The Lieutenant of Inishmore, and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. A Pittsburgh native, Whalen is a graduate of Point Park University and the North Carolina School for the Arts. He played Joe Pitt in the American regional premiere of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America at Houston’s Alley Theatre and toured Europe with the production. He also appeared in the Arden/City Theatre co-production of Michael Hollinger’s Opus.

Nike Doukas makes her PICT debut as the seductive and deceitful Mrs. Cheveley. An MFA graduate of the American Conservatory Theatre program, Doukas has performed at many of America’s most respected regional theatres. Her credits include Major Barbara, Much Ado About Nothing, and Blythe Spirit at South Coast Repertory; The Wood Demon and Henceforward at the Mark Taper Forum; Sea of Tranquility and Much Ado About Nothing at the Old Globe; and The Importance of Being Earnest at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Her recent television and film credits include Shark, Women’s Murder Club, Numbers, Boston Legal, and Desperate Housewives (recurring.).

Paul Todaro, who recently played Edmund in PICT’s production of King Lear, plays Lord Goring, resident man-about-town and confidante to Sir Robert. Last season for PICT, he played Lövborg in Hedda Gabler, and Elyot in Private Lives, and he was Gabriel in PICT’s 2004 production of James Joyce’s The Dead. Todaro spent ten years in New York with Independent Theatre Company where his acting credits included the title roles in Hamlet, MacBeth, and his directing credits included the plays of Beckett, Brecht, and Ionesco.

Beth Hylton returns to PICT after playing Amanda in the 2007 production of Private Lives. Her most recent performances include Catharine in Suddenly Last Summer at the Hippodrome State Theatre, Sonia in Life x 3 at Gulfshore Playhouse, and Helen in And a Nightingale Sang at Everyman Theatre. She has an MFA in acting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s professional actor training program.

The cast of An Ideal Husband also includes Anwen Darcy, James FitzGerald, E. Bruce Hill, Kathleen Huber, Dek Ingraham, Jay Keenan, Catherine Moore, and Mary Rawson

Scenic designer Gianni Downs designed the 2007 PICT productions Pride and Prejudice, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Private Lives, Nine Parts of Desire, and Stuff Happens, as well as the 2006 PICT production of Boston Marriage. Costumes are designed by Joan Markert (School for Scandal), lighting by Erick Leininger (Boston Marriage), and sound by Zachary Brown (Pride and Prejudice, Private Lives).

An Ideal Husband is the first in a series of three plays in the PICT season that showcase Wilde’s diverse artistry as a writer. Wilde’s beautiful children’s tales are brought to life through spoken word, song, and dance in the world premiere of Wilde Tales, a musical by Bruce Dow adapted from Wilde’s stories “The Happy Prince” and “The Selfish Giant,” and directed by Sheila McKenna. In “The Happy Prince,” the prince’s statue sits high on a pedestal from whence he sees the misery of the people he once ruled. Desperate and forlorn, he enlists the help of a friendly swallow to distribute his jewels and gold leaf among the poor…but to what end? “The Selfish Giant” tells the touching story of a giant who prohibits children from playing in his garden. It is always winter inside his walls… until his heart is softened by a very special boy.

The first half of Wilde Tales, “The Happy Prince,” is this year’s recipient of the Stanier Arts Award and will be presented as part of the International Children’s Festival from May 14 to May 18 at Bellefield Hall. PICT will then present Wilde Tales in its entirety from May 22 to May 31 at the Charity Randall Theatre.

Wilde’s talent as a writer in verse is showcased in Salome, running June 12th through the 28th in the Charity Randall Theatre and directed by Alan Stanford. Salome is not a woman who takes rejection lightly! When Jokanaan rebuffs her advances, she reacts by succumbing to her step-father Herod’s request that she dance for him. Herod offers her the world on a plate, but she has something else in mind. PICT presents Oscar Wilde’s retelling of the Biblical story of Salome and John the Baptist, reimagined by director Alan Stanford, and with an original score composed and performed live by Roger Doyle.

An Ideal Husband runs May 8th through May 31st in the intimate Henry Heymann Theatre, located in the Stephen Foster Memorial in Oakland. The Wednesday night preshow discussion on May 14th is sponsored by UPMC. A special student matinee is scheduled for Thursday, May 8 at 10 a.m. Tickets for public performances are $47 to $17 and are available by calling ProArts Tickets at 412-394-3353 or visiting www.picttheatre.org. To schedule students into the matinee performance, contact PICT education director Michele McClendon at 412-561-6000 x208, or email mmcclendon@picttheatre.org.

An Ideal Husband Fact Sheet

An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde
Directed by Andrew S. Paul

Henry Heymann Theatre, Stephen Foster Memorial, Oakland

Cast: Anwen Darcy, Nike Doukas, James FitzGerald, E. Bruce Hill, Kathleen Huber, Beth Hylton, Dek Ingraham, Jay Keenan, Catherine Moore, Mary Rawson, Paul Todaro and David Whalen

Design Team: Zachary Brown (Sound), Gianni Downs (Scenic), Erick Leininger (Lighting), Joan Markert (Costumes)

Performance Dates and Times:

First Week: Thursday – Friday, May 8 - 9, Previews, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 10, Opening Night, 8 p.m. (followed by reception)

Sunday, May 11, 2 p.m. (followed by Mother’s Day treats with the cast!)

Second Week: Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m.

Wednesday – Saturday, May 14 - 17, 8 p.m.

*Artistically Speaking – Wednesday, May 14 (Sponsored by UPMC) at 7p.m.

*Behind the Scenes – Thursday, May 15 at 7p.m.

Sunday, May 18, 2 p.m.
Third Week: Wednesday – Friday, May 21 – 23, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 24, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 25, 2 p.m.

Fourth Week: Tuesday – Friday, May 27 – 30, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 31, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

*Audio-Descriptive performance Saturday, May 31 at 2 p.m.


Ticket Prices: Wednesday and Thursday Nights, and Matinees: $41 Adults, $37 Seniors

Friday and Saturday Nights: $45 Adults, $40 Seniors

Opening Night: $47 Adults, $42 Seniors

Previews: $33 (all seats, no Senior discounts)

Youth, 25 and Under: $17 all performances



For Tickets, call ProArts at (412) 394-3353 or visit www.picttheatre.org

Annnouncing Free Movies on the North Shore--Got Kids!

GOT KIDS!!!!

If so, join us each and every Saturday for May Movie Madness!
Admission for the kids is FREE!!! All movies are family friendly!
Parents, for your convenience a very kid friendly food menu will be
offered!

Now Showing
May 3 – Shark Tale
May 10 – Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix
May 17 – Shrek the III
May 24 – Fantastic 4 Rise of the Silver Surfer
May 31 – A Bugs Life

Bring Your Own Blanket, bean bag, pillow, & PARENTS!!!

Hope to see ya @ Amani Coffeehouse & Cafe
507 Foreland Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-322-0647
amaniinternational@yahoo.com

Benefit for Crisis Center North

Contact:
Niki Campbell
412-310-6882
ncampbell@zoominternet.net


Cocktails and Cuisine Benefit to Hold First Annual Caesar Salad Taste Off

Pittsburgh, PA – April, 2008 – Crisis Center North, a North Hills non-profit organization dedicated to stopping domestic violence, will be holding it’s first Annual Cocktails & Cuisine for Women in Crisis fundraiser, sponsored in part by UPMC Passavant. It is scheduled for May 8, 2008 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at The Woodlands in Bradford Woods, Allegheny County.
The event will feature food samplings from local restaurants, wine and ale tastings, and the sounds of jazz singer Antoinette. Along with all the food and libations will be the Caesar Salad Taste Off where the Peoples Choice will be awarded. Representatives from the Pittsburgh Passion will be on hand as well as a silent auction for those last Mothers Day purchases!
Food purveyors, wineries and breweries include: Bravo!, Murials, Key Impact, Fresco’s, China Palace, Sweethouse Bake Shop, The Camelot, Erin’s Fine Foods, Ugandan Gold Coffee, Passport Café, Atrias, Kaleido Kone Creamery, Bella Frutteta, Stone Mansion, John Marshall Catering, Sweet Jane’s Shortbreads, Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale, Yuengling, Great Lakes, Magic Hat & Harpoon, D’Andrea Wines, and Barefoot Wines.

Funds raised at the event will benefit Crisis Center North’s mission to end domestic violence and the critical programs and services they provide to victims. Those services include a 24-hour hotline, medical and legal advocacy for victims, and prevention education programs for schools and the community.

Tickets are on sale now and cost: $75 for VIP tickets and $50 for general admission. VIP tickets include a signature wine glass or beer stein and an entry into the grand prize drawing. To purchase, or for more information, call Crisis Center North at 412-364-6728 ex.16 or visit www.CrisisCenterNorth.org.
####

Editor’s Note: Crisis Center North covers a region that spans all of northern Allegheny County as well as areas west such as Moon, Coraopolis and Sewickley and east to Fox Chapel, Aspinwall and Millvale.

Pittsburgh Irish Classical Theatre presents Oscar Wilde's, "Ideal Husband"

Oscar Wilde's "Ideal Husband" presented by Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre
For Immediate Release

Contact: Melissa Hill Grande, Marketin Director Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre
(412) 561-6000 x203
mgrande@picttheatre.org
http://www.picttheatre.org

Calendar Listing

An Ideal Husband
by Oscar Wilde

May 8 - 31, 2008

Henry Heymann Theatre, Stephen Foster Memorial, Oakland

Sir Robert Chiltern – brilliant politician, perfect gentleman, and ideal husband – is in the verge of obtaining cabinet rank. Then the scheming and seductive Mrs. Cheveley threatens to reveal a dark secret from his past, and the foundations of his prized career and marriage look set to crumble. In order to be a successful blackmailer, however, one’s own reputation must be beyond reproach! A dazzling blend of farce and morality, An Ideal Husband stars Beth Hylton, Paul Todaro, and 2007 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Performer of the Year David Whalen.

Featuring: Anwen Darcy, Nike Doukas, James FitzGerald, E. Bruce Hill, Kathleen Huber, Beth Hylton, Dek Ingraham, Jay Keenan, Catherine Moore, Mary Rawson, Paul Todaro and David Whalen

Directed by: Andrew S. Paul Scenic Design: Gianni Downs

Costume Design: Joan Market Lighting Design: Erick Leininger

Properties: Johnmichael Bohich Sound Design: Zachary Brown

Production Stage Manager: Ashley J Martin

Performance Dates and Times:

First Week: Thursday – Friday, May 8 - 9, Previews, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 10, Opening Night, 8 p.m. (followed by reception)

Sunday, May 11, 2 p.m.

Second Week: Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m.

Wednesday – Saturday, May 14 - 16, 8 p.m.

*Artistically Speaking – Wednesday, May 14 (Sponsored by UPMC) at 7p.m.

*Behind the Scenes – Thursday, May 15 at 7p.m.

Sunday, May 18, 2 p.m.

Third Week: Wednesday – Friday, May 21, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 24, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 25, 2 p.m.

Fourth Week: Tuesday – Friday, May 27 – 30, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 31, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

A special student matinee is scheduled for Thursday, May 8 at 10 a.m. Teachers, call 412-561-6000 x208 for more information!

Ticket Prices: Wednesday and Thursday Nights, and Matinees: $41 Adults, $37 Seniors

Friday and Saturday Nights: $45 Adults, $40 Seniors

Opening Night: $47 Adults, $42 Seniors

Previews: $33 all seats (No senior discounts)

Youth, 25 and Under: $17 all Performances
For Tickets, call ProArts at (412) 394-3353 or visit www.picttheatre.org

Executive Women's Council Presents Women in Arts Festival

Executive Womens Council
April 14, 2008


April 18, 2008-April 19, 2008


Co-Presented by the
New Hazlett Theater, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
& Women and Girls Foundation

The New Hazlett Theater, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council and the Women and Girls Foundation present a dynamic symposium, Art, Activism & Equity, as part of the "Women in the Arts" Festival on April 18 and 19, 2008. The festival, which features the Guerrilla Girls (art activists who have come to be known as "the Conscience of the Art World.") and Faythe Levine (Director and Author of "Handmade Nation: Documenting the rise of DIY Art, Craft & Design"), celebrates the accomplishments of women in the arts in Pittsburgh and connects the local arts community with national resources, trends, and philosophies.

The symposium will explore solutions regarding Southwest Pennsylvania's embarrassing record of women's compensation rates, build networks among Pittsburgh's emerging and established arts leaders while celebrating our region's unique strengths as a center for individual accomplishment. The program will also explore politics and feminism and will encourage local action, connection to resources and coalition building.

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2008, 2:00 to 9:00 PM

Opening Presentation
Guerrilla Girls, featuring Frida Kahlo, on the history and work of the Guerrilla Girls in exposing sexism, racism and corruption in the art world, politics, film and pop culture.

Workshops

Crafting Your Life: Craftivism & Creating Community
This workshop will be spearheaded by Faythe Levine, Director and Author of "Handmade Nation: Documenting the rise of DIY Art, Craft & Design" (Book Release: November 2008, Princeton Architectural Press. Documentary Release: 2009), and Elizabeth Perry, BlogHER Innovator New Media Artist and creator of Woolgathering, conceived as an 18th-century Commonplace Book brought to the Web (http://www.elizabethperry.com/woolgathering).

Getting active and Initiating Change.
Guerrilla Girls


Panel Discussion
The quest for equality is still critical. Conversation will explore today's feminist movement in the arts, in politics, in business and across generations.
Moderator: Sara Radelet and Sylvia Rhor
Panelists:
Heather Arnet, Women and Girls Foundation
Vanessa German, Slam poet and visual artist
Chelsa Wagner, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Nancy Washington, Vice Chairperson, August Wilson Center for African American Culture

Reception and Performance
Selected works by Vanessa German

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2008, 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Opening Presentation
Melissa Swauger, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Carlow University, will present the Implicit Association Test, demonstrating that we all have subconscious discriminations.

Panel Discussion
Women Making Change! Today women in PA make 70 cents for every buck a man earns. This panel will talk about how we can work together to CHANGE this!
Moderator: Heather Arnet, Women and Girls Foundation
Panelists:
Selena Schmidt, Chief of Staff for City Council President Doug Shields
M.J. Tocci, Fulcrum Advisors
Audrey Murrell, University of Pittsburgh, Katz School of Business

Mini Catapult Workshop
Presenter: Heather Arnet, Women and Girls Foundation
Catapult is a new project of the Women & Girls Foundation that matches trained, volunteer coaches with women who want to become more skilled and confident in their use of negotiation to improve their professional situations.

Reception and Performances
Autumn Ayers
Nicole Reynolds
Soma Mestizo

To register for the symposium or for more information, please call the New Hazlett Theater at 412-320-4610, ext. 17 or email dsciranka@aol.com.

Karen Myres

Executive Womens Council

Anthony Chisolm, Broadway Star to Headline, Two Trains Running

April 14, 2008
For Immediate Release Contact: Melissa Hill Grande
(740) 350-6456
melissa.grande@gmail.com

Broadway star Anthony Chisholm to star in Pittsburgh Playwrights
production of August Wilson's Two Trains Running


PITTSBURGH, PA -- Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre continues their
tradition of a yearly production of one of August Wilson's Pittsburgh
Cycle plays with Two Trains Running, from May 10th through the 25th at
the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, 542 Penn Ave. The production is
sponsored by the Pittsburgh Multicultural Arts Initiative, with
support from the Hill House Association and the Pittsburgh Cultural
Trust.

Two Trains Running is set in the historic Hill District in 1969, and
is the fifth play that Wilson wrote in his ten-play Pittsburgh Cycle.
The play explores attitudes about race, justice and civil rights held
by black Pittsburgh residents who congregate in Memphis Lee's
Restaurant. Two Trains received a Tony Award nomination for best play
in 1992.

A Hill District native, Wilson was the co-founder of Pittsburgh's
Black Horizon Theater along with playwright Rob Penny. His many awards
and honors include two Pulitzer Prizes, a Tony Award, and an Olivier
Award, as well as the only high school diploma ever issued by the
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

The production is directed by Onyx Award winner Mark Clayton Southers.
Founder and Artistic Director of PPTCO, Southers is a director and a
playwright. Locally he's directed for New Horizon Theatre, Bricolage
and Frick International Studies Academy. His plays have been produced
locally and on the national level.

Legendary actor Anthony Chisholm will play Memphis, owner of the diner
where the play is set. Chisholm is one of the nation's most prominent
interpreters of August Wilson's work, and was nominated for a 2007
Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway production of Wilson's
Radio Golf. His film and television credits include Beloved, Reign
Over Me, Vietnam War Stories (Cable Ace nomination), and the HBO
television series Oz.

Sala Udin returns to the role of Holloway, which he played in the
Pittsburgh Public Theater production in 1994. A member of the
Pittsburgh City Council for eleven years, he played the role of Becker
in the very first production of Jitney and in August in February at
the Byham Theatre.

The cast also features Wali Jamal as the numbers runner, Wolf. This is
Jamal's fifth full production of one of Wilson's works, having played
Toledo in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Seth Holly in Joe Turner's Come
and Gone, Canewell in Seven Guitars, and Avery in The Piano Lesson,
which earned Jamal a Best Supporting Actor award at the 2007 AACTA
Onyx Awards. Jamal has performed in all of the August in February
productions at the Byham Theatre.

Jomo makes his Pittsburgh debut as the mentally disabled Hambone.
Prior to coming to Pittsburgh, Jomo worked as an actor and teaching
artist in Chicago, Boston, and his hometown of Newark, New Jersey. He
has played Gabe in Wilson's Fences for the New Repertory Theatre
outside of Boston, and for Trinity Rep. in Providence, Rhode Island.

Donald Marshall, former Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Performer of the Year,
plays the undertaker West. Most recently, Marshall played the role of
Mugabe in Quantum Theatre's production of Breakfast with Mugabe.
Jonathan Berry plays the handsome young ex-con Sterling. Berry
recently received the 2007 Best Actor AACTA Onyx Award for his
performance in New Horizon Theatre's Pill Hill. This marks his third
PPTCO August Wilson play. CAPA senior Sharnece Thomas plays Risa.
Thomas is an aspiring playwright and a director.

Due to the interest in the production, patrons are urged to purchase
tickets in advance. Tickets are $22.50 to $27.50 and are available
through the website at www.pghplaywrights.com. Group rates are
available by contacting Mark Southers at austinsills@aol.com.

Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre
Fact Sheet


Two Trains Running by August Wilson

May 10 – 25, 2008
Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre
542 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Directed by: Mark Clayton Southers

Featuring: Jonathan Berry, Anthony Chisholm, Wali Jamal, Jomo, Donald
Marshall, Sharnece Thomas, and Sala Udin.

Scenic Design: Mark Clayton Southers
Costume Design: Cheryl El-Walker
Lighting Design: E.A. Smith
Sound Design: Mark Whitehead

Performance Dates and Times:
Thursdays and Fridays – 8 p.m.
Saturdays – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sundays – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Ticket Prices:
Thursdays: $22.50
Fridays and Saturday evenings: $27.50
Matinee performances: $24.50
Opening night, Saturday May 10: $35.00


Sold out performances (as of April 14):
All previews May 8 - 10
May 10 opening night
May 11 at 7 p.m.
May 16 at 8 p.m.
May 17 at 2 p.m.

For tickets visit www.pghplaywrights.com

Unique Twist on Tragedy of King Lear--presented by Pittsburgh Irish Classical Theatre

The Grandfather of all Shakespearean tragedies was portrayed by the Pittsburgh Irish Classical Theatre cast more like a tragic old uncle’s family tale. Despite the fact that this is a classic Shakespearean tragedy, there are so many comedic forays in the play that the star, Dakin Matthews adroitly exhibits that at times you find yourself chuckling out loud. Take heart though you will cry also at this exquisitely executed Shakespearean tragedy.

The sparse set is wonderful and the drum for sounds affects very effective in allowing the dialogue to shine. My favorite characters personally in addition to Lear are Edmund and Edgar and the Fool. Edmund is the perfect cad with a lascivious look that can best be enjoyed in the intimacy of The Charity Randall Theatre in the Stephen Foster Memorial in Oakland. Likewise Edgar bounces between his disguise as Tom the beggar and a gentleman heir to Gloucester with regal ease. And The Fool could not have been more aptly cast in Simon Bradbury whose antics truly mimic what you would expect of a court jester with just a hint of modernization.

The acoustics in the theatre are amazing and the story telling undiminished by editing of this lengthy play. From start to finish the rending of the play is wrought with genius from the directing of James Christy to the scenery by David Gordon.

A story of deception and valor at odds with each other, of good versus evil, of triumph and the twist of tragedy, King Lear has always been for centuries a favorite of the masses and now the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre cast, director and artists have truly earned the banner of a production that is Positively Pittsburgh Live.

If you haven’t yet seen King Lear it is worth the ticket price at twice the price.
Performances are Tuesday, April 15 at 7 PM
Wednesday to Saturday, April 16 to 19 at 8 PM.
Wednesday to Friday, April 23-25 at 8 PM
Saturday, April 26 at 2 PM and Saturday, April 26 at 8 PM
For Tickets call Pro Arts at 412-394-3353 or visit www.picttheatre.org.

Pittsburgh Holds 2nd Annual Girls Going Places Conference

Girls Going Places Conference, April 23, 2008
Entrepreneurship for Girls 12 to 18

The second annual Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Conference will be held on April 24, 2008 from 8:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Chatham University. Girls Going Places is an exciting and interactive day of learning for young women ages 12 – 18. The conference will partner 120 female students with local women executives and entrepreneurs for activities and discussions that introduce students to the concepts of financial independence, entrepreneurship, and business ownership. This event offers girls an experience that will stimulate their interest in pursuing enterprising careers and developing financial acumen. There is no charge for girls to attend, but the school must approve and submit registrations, which can be done on-line at www.girlsgoingplaces.com/Pittsburgh. The conference is sponsored by Hurley Associates, Guardian, the Pittsburgh Chapter of National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the Chatham University Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship, and Communities In Schools. Any questions can be directed to Kristine or Nicole at Communities In Schools at 412.471.7911 or via e-mail at kweaver@cispac.org.

April 2008
Pittsburgh,
Hurley Associates, a local agency of The Guardian Life Insurance Company (Guardian) is proud to extend this invitation to six of your students to participate in our second annual Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Conference for girls ages 12-18. The conference is sponsored by Hurley Associates, Guardian, the Pittsburgh Chapter of National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the Chatham University Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship, and Communities In Schools.

This program will be held Thursday, April 24, 2008 from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at Chatham University. We would be delighted if your students could join us for this unique and inspiring day. Attached please find a conference program and agenda.

The conference will partner 120 female students with local women executives and entrepreneurs for activities and discussions that introduce students to the concepts of financial independence, entrepreneurship, and business ownership. This event offers girls an experience that will stimulate their interest in pursuing enterprising careers and developing financial acumen. In our changing economy, financial independence and security are on the minds of young people who have watched as their parents are “down-sized” and friends worry about finding a job.

Teens need to understand the opportunities to “make a job” as well as those to “take a job”. The overriding objective of the conference, therefore, is to promote and communicate the advantages of business ownership, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.

In the past, we have found that the best conferences involve a diverse audience of girls; hence the program is not limited to high academic achievers. If your school participated last year, we hope that you will send different girls than those who attended in 2007.

Please note the following conference details in selecting students to attend:

§ There is no charge for the conference.

§ Breakfast and lunch will be provided, but the schools/attendees must arrange transportation to and from Chatham University.

§ You may register on-line at www.girlsgoingplaces.com/Pittsburgh (click “Registration” along the top of the page) or you can go on-line and print off the Registration Form, Permission Slip and Photo Release Form that should be sent home to parents for approval and signature. Please be sure to get the required signatures and submit to our attention. Also, please keep copies on file!

§ Please be sure to select only students that can attend the conference in its entirety, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. STUDENTS MUST ARRIVE ON TIME and NO EARLY DISMISSAL IS PERMITTED.

§ Space is limited! We can only accommodate 120 female students, so let us know as soon as possible if you are interested in having your students participate by completing and returning the attached Registration Form and Permission Slip & Photo Release via fax to 412-471-7882 as soon as possible to reserve seats. There are still a few spots availabe for interested parents or counselors, you can contact Nicole Molinaro at Communities in Schools: 412-471-7911

In addition to this conference, Guardian sponsors the Girls Going Places® Entrepreneurship Award Program for girls 12 to 18. How does Girls Going Places® work? It’s simple. A girl is nominated by an adult who must submit an essay of 750 to 1000 words, endorsing the candidate and touting her accomplishments as a young female entrepreneur. Prizes are awarded as follows: first place $10,000, second place $5,000, third place $3,000 and 12 finalist prizes of $1,000 each. There is no cost to participate. Recipients are awarded prizes to pursue further education and to support their entrepreneurial projects. Additional information is available at: www.girlsgoingplaces.com

Hurley Associates supports this award program because of their commitment to promoting to girls and women in our community the values of entrepreneurship and financial independence. We encourage you to share this information with colleagues and students.

We are looking forward to the participation of your students in a great Girls Going Places® Entrepreneurship Conference and working with you in making a difference for the next generation.

If you have any questions about the conference or award program, please contact me by phone at 412-471-7911 or nmolinaro@cispac.org. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Nicole Molinaro

Nicole Molinaro

Executive Director, Communities In Schools

Girls Going Places ~ Girls Committee Chair

SCHEDULE FOR CONFERENCE

8:30 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. Opening and Welcome
9:15 a.m. Hot Company® Board Game
—Participation in a board game that introduces the girls to the vocabulary, history, and creative problem solving of business ownership.
10:15 a.m. What is Economic Power for Teen Women?
—Short opening discussion on what economic power means and how to obtain it.
10:30 a.m. Women Who Dare® Video: Exploring the Entrepreneurial Adventure
—17-minute video highlighting three young women entrepreneurs and their successes and challenges in establishing and running businesses.
10:45 a.m. Interviews with Women in Business
12:30 p.m. Product in a Box®
—Interactive, group activity requiring the girls to create or invent a new product and business.
1:30 p.m. Budget Savvy®
—An activity that connects career and lifestyle choices. Girls connect their dreams with reality through a financial budgeting exercise.
2:10 p.m. Girls Going Places® Entrepreneurship Award Program
—Short video highlighting past conferences and winners of the Girls Going Places® Award Program.
2:30 p.m. End

Economic Empowerment


Economic empowerment is critical to addressing the needs of today’s young people, particularly girls. Research shows that women have made tremendous progress toward gaining economic equality during the last several decades. Nonetheless, according to published reports, US women earn less, are less likely to own a business, and are more likely to live in poverty than are men. Consider the facts:

§ In the US, women working full time earn 76 cent for every dollar men earned in 2000 (Institute of Women’s Policy Research)

§ In 2002, the median income of full-time, year round U.S. workers was $39,429 for men and $30,203 for women. Source: U.S. Census Bureau – Income in the United States: 2002 (www.census.gov)

§ Older women are more likely to face poverty than older men. Source: Institute for Women’s Policy Research (www.iwpr.org)

§ U.S. women represent 51% of the population, but comprise less than:

§ 1.2% of Fortune 500 CEOs. Source: Catalyst Census of Women Corporate Officers (www.catalystwomen.org)

§ 2.7% of the highest paid officers at Fortune 500 companies. Source: Catalyst

§ 15% of the members of Congress (Source Women’s Research and Education Institute. (http://www.wrei.org/pubs/WC_108.pdf)

§ Of the 15 million people age 15 or older who were full-time workers in 2001, 4.4% of women reported earnings less than $10,000 as compared with 2.8 percent of men. At the opposite end of the economic spectrum, 5.5 percent of women as compared with 15.8 percent of men reported earnings of $75,000 or more. Source: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov)

§ Women have made progress in entering occupations predominantly held by men; however as of March 2001 the majority of women in the workplace were still in traditional “female” occupations, i.e., 79% of administrative support workers were female. Source: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov)

§ During retirement, women’s median annual Social Security benefits reach only 70 percent of men’s benefits. Source: Institute for Women’s Policy Research (www.iwpr.org)

§ Women are much less likely than men to receive pension income in retirement, but for those who do, their annual benefits are only half the amount received by men. Source: Institute for Women’s Policy Research

Heritage Church Fiesta Mexicana Today!

Press Release
Reminder: It's Fiesta Mexicana Time!!!
Friday, April 11th
5:00 - 8:00pm
(come any time during these hours)
Heritage Church in Franklin Park
2262 Rochester Road
$12 for adults
All You Can Eat Taco Bar Donated by the
Fabulously Yummy Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant!
Great food - Great Fun - Great Music - Great Silent Auction



Directions are available at Heritage's website: heritagepcusa@comcast.net.


__._,_.___

Brown-Eyed Girl with Spina Bifida Sings for Dave Crawley, KDKA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
CAROL CARMICHAEL
412-921-2627
CELL: 412-225-1293
WWW.CAROLSRESTAURANT.BLOGSPOT.COM

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2008
“The Little Bopper” Beleagued by Spina Bifida Walks 235 Feet
Our Brown Eyed Girl—Sings for Dave Crawley on KDKA
PITTSBURGH, If you watched the Dave Crawley Show on KDKA last week you saw our brown-eyed girl, Marissa Web, sing Chantilly Lace. There’s a story about that song and a story about Marissa. After 41 surgeries and all of the anesthetic that goes with it, Marissa’s short term memory was not the greatest. Now thanks to the school system mainstreaming, counselors and tutors here in Pittsburgh Marissa is learning new things all the time. Every week she comes to Carol’s Restaurant and has learned a new line to “the big bopper’s song” which she has now made “the little bopper’s song.” Marissa is a nine year old with a big burden but an even bigger appetite for fun and life.

When Marissa first came to Carol’s almost a year ago, when she walked her feet were so turned out she could only walk with assistance. Every week now she walks a little better and when she comes in to the jam sessions at Carol’s on Friday and Saturday that are held for Marissa’s benefit not only to raise money but to raise her indomitable spirits, we can every week see a difference. Last week at the therapist’s she walked 235 feet with her canes only. The only other time she had done that was at Carol’s. Carol has hardwood floors and Marissa’s home does not.

If you want to get away from your troubles and be inspired by an eleven year old with an indomitable spirit, then come to Carol’s on Friday and Saturday night. Local musicians and music lover’s with a heart gather to raise money for Marissa’s Miracle, the hardwood floors and a wheel chair ramp for her home so that her disabled father does not have to carry her into their home. Marissa has another big surgery coming up in July, 2008.

This week-end, Friday, April 11, 2008 from 6 PM to 10 PM, you can hear Ben Reda, local songwriter who plays rock, oldies; folk and Christian rock and also the customers sing Karaoke and Ben offers an open mic to all comers. Marissa loves music and can be seen center change in her tiny wheel chair, tapping out the time, she has excellent rhythm. She also strums along on her pink guitar. On Saturday, April 12, 2008—Tommy Kal duo will be playing and singing country rock and rock classics. They have even learned to play “Chantilly Lace” so that Marissa can sing with them. Ben Reda drives from Beaver and Tom Kal duo from Charleroi to volunteer to play for Marissa.

Customers and guests can meet Marissa, experience Carol’s warm welcome and fantastic food, sit down, have your dinner and have a great time. The environment is family friendly, but you can BYOB, if you like. Your heart will be warmed, your stomach will be full and your heart will be joyful when you leave. Admission is free but your offering for Miracles for Marissa should be an offering from the heart. Carol’s Restaurant is on Main St in the historic West End and Pittsburgher’s historically have been banding together to help Marissa and the Webb family.

Hi-lights
9 year old Marissa Webb on Dave Crawley
41 surgeries for spina bifida
Miracles for Marissa jam session
Brown Eyed girl sings Chantilly lace
Friday and Saturday Jam Sessions
Carol’s in historic West End
Raising money for Marissa’s needs
Local Musicians Volunteer from distance

Entrepreneurial Thursday Features: "Building Entrepreneurial Board," April 17, 2008

LIVE RHYTHM, JAZZ & BLUES
Musical Networking Happy Hour
EVERY THURSDAY!!!
5:30 PM - 8 PM
Upstairs At Sassy Marie's,
(formerly the James Street Tavern)
422 Foreland Street on the North Side
Free Parking

Hosted by Jazz/R&B Vocalist - Jessica Lee

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cover Charge: Only $5.00!

The "ENTREPRENEURIAL THURSDAYS" Happy Hour Show
Live Music by City's Great Jazz/R&B Artists!
Interviews @ Musical Break with City's Leading Entrepreneurs/Innovators!
Great Business & Professional Networking!
April 17, 2008
"Building the Entrepreneurial Advisory Board"
Featuring Interviews with:
Karl Schieneman, Esq./MBA, Partner,2004 E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year - Delta Law Group (www.MakingLawEasy.com)


Stephen Swanson, President - The Alternative Board (www.TABBoards.com)

Ken Doerbecker, President - Perfection Services, Inc. (www.psipc.com)

Jessica Lee and Dr. James Johnson African American Music Institute Boys Choir, FREE CONCERT

Free Concert of Hope

A Celebration of Americana Inspirational Music
Benefiting
Ingomar United Methodist Church Community Life Center
&
America’s Music Crossroads Center

SATURDAY, MAY 10th

7:30 PM
Ingomar United Methodist Church
1501 W. Ingomar Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Featuring:
Jazz/R&B Vocalist Jessica Lee
Pianist Greg Macaluso
Drummer/Percussionist Jim Donovan
Dr. James Johnson & the Afro American Music Institute Boys Choir
Justin Muchoney & the Choirs of Ingomar Church

Free Admission – Good will offering optional.

Come and celebrate the hope of the spring season with us!

King Lear presented by Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre

For immediate release:

Contact: Melissa Hill Grande

Director of Marketing

(412) 561-6000 x203

mgrande@picttheatre.org

http://www.picttheatre.org





Family betrayal, sibling rivalry take center stage in PICT‘s King Lear

starring Dakin Matthews



Pittsburgh, PA – March 24, 2008. Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre kicks off the 2008 season, Family Affairs, with the grandfather of all Shakespearean tragedies, King Lear, in a bold, visceral new production directed by James J. Christy and generously sponsored by BNY Mellon. Previews begin April 9th, with an opening on April 12th and performances through April 26th at The Charity Randall Theatre in the Stephen Foster Memorial, Oakland.

The aging king divides his kingdom among his three daughters, basing each one’s share upon a public declaration of love to her father. Goneril and Regan make eloquent and hypocritical speeches, but the youngest daughter, Cordelia, refuses to participate and is disinherited. Meanwhile, the Earl of Gloucester is falsely persuaded by his bastard son, Edmund, that his other son, Edgar, is conspiring against him. It is only after these stubbornly misguided fathers have endured terrible physical and mental suffering that they realize it is the offspring they have so bitterly renounced, not those to whose flattery they have succumbed, who truly love them.

King Lear is directed by James J. Christy, with scenery by David P. Gordon, lighting by Andrew David Ostrowski, costumes by Pei-Chi Su, and sound design by Nicholas Crano. The production stars Dakin Matthews, Simon Bradbury, Larry John Meyers, and David Whalen; with Helena Ruoti, Robin Walsh, and Karen Baum as the three sisters.

Philadelphia-area director James J. Christy makes his PICT debut with King Lear. Local audiences may remember Christy from his work with the Three Rivers Shakespeare Festival in the 1990’s, where he directed As You Like It and The Comedy of Errors. He has directed over twenty Shakespeare productions at theatres like the Utah Shakespearean Festival, the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival, the Virginia Shakespeare Festival and at Villanova University where he taught theatre for thirty-nine years. He has garnered seven nominations for directing by the Philadelphia Theatre Alliance Barrymore Awards, winning two Barrymore Awards for directing and a special Barrymore for Lifetime Achievement.

Lear is played by Dakin Matthews, a renowned actor, dramaturg, and writer. Matthews is an Associate Artist of the Old Globe Theatre, a founding member of the Acting Company, and the former Artistic Director of California Actors Theatre, Berkeley Shakespeare Festival, and the Antaeus Company. As an actor for such companies as ACT in San Francisco, the Old Globe, The Mark Taper Forum, South Coast Repertory Theatre, and numerous summer Festivals, he has specialized in Shakespearean roles, including Falstaff, Julius Caesar, Capulet, Brutus, MacBeth, Shylock, and many others. On Broadway, he appeared in his own adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry IV (directed by Jack O’Brien), winning the Bayfield Award for acting and a Drama Desk Award for adaptation. No stranger to contemporary plays, his many recent roles include Dick Cheney in Stuff Happens and Hector in The History Boys at the Mark Taper and Alfred Hitchcock in Hitchcock Blonde at South Coast Rep. His 20 films include Thirteen Days, Nuts, and Clean and Sober. He has also appeared in over 200 television shows, including, most recently, recurring roles on Desperate Housewives, The King of Queens, and Gilmore Girls.

Simon Bradbury returns to PICT to play Lear’s Fool. Recent credits in Vancouver include Charlie Chaplin Goes to War, Oliver and the upcoming Stargate movie. Bradbury spent sixteen years as a company member at the Shaw Festival, and was PICT's 2006 actor-in-residence, performing in The Pillowman (Ariel), Endgame (Clov), and The Shaughraun (Conn).

The Earl of Gloucester is played by Pittsburgh-based actor Larry John Meyers. Meyers has performed in more than a dozen PICT shows over the past seven seasons, including the acclaimed 2006 production of Samuel Beckett’s Endgame (Hamm), and last season’s Julius Caesar (Caesar) and Stuff Happens (Dick Cheney).

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2007 Performer of the Year David Whalen returns to play Edgar. Last season, Whalen was seen as George W. Bush in Stuff Happens, Mark Antony in Julius Caesar, Padraic Osbourne in The Lieutenant of Inishmore, and Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice. A Pittsburgh native, Whalen is a graduate of Point Park University and the North Carolina School for the Arts. He played Joe Pitt in the American regional premiere of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America at Houston’s Alley Theatre and toured Europe with the production. He also appeared in the Arden/City Theatre co-production of Michael Hollinger’s Opus.

Lear’s three daughters are played by Pittsburgh residents Helena Ruoti (Goneril), Robin Walsh (Regan) and Karen Baum (Cordelia). Helena Ruoti was last seen in PICT’s Heartbreak House. Previously for PICT, Walsh played the title role in Hedda Gabler, as well as appearing in The False Servant and Henry. Karen Baum returns to PICT after playing Moya in The Shaughraun and Catherine in Boston Marriage. The King Lear ensemble includes David Cabot, Matt DeCaro (Kent), Jarrod DiGiorgi, Kevin Koch, Randy Kovitz, Christopher Maxwell, Maurice Redwood, Mark Staley, Paul Todaro (Edmund), Evan Walker, and Dereck Walton.

Scenic designer David P. Gordon makes his PICT debut with King Lear. A recipient of three Barrymore Awards and ten nominations for Outstanding Set Design for his work in the Philadelphia area, Gordon currently serves on the faculty of Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School for the Arts. The costumes are designed by Pei-Chi Su, whose previous PICT credits include Pride & Prejudice, Private Lives, and BeckettFest. Andrew David Ostrowski (Hedda Gabler, Private Lives) designs lights, and Nicholas Crano (Shakespeare’s Henry IV) sound.

This production runs April 9th through the 26th in the stately Charity Randall Theatre, located in the Stephen Foster Memorial on Forbes Avenue in Oakland. Student matinees are scheduled for school groups on April 9th, 15th and 22nd at 10 a.m. Tickets for public performances are available by calling ProArts Tickets at 412-394-3353, or through the PICT website at www.picttheatre.org. To schedule students into a matinee performance, contact PICT Education Director Michele McClendon at 412-561-6000 x208, or email mmcclendon@picttheatre.org.



King Lear Fact Sheet



King Lear by William Shakespeare

Directed by James J. Christy

The Charity Randall Theatre, Stephen Foster Memorial, Oakland



Cast: Karen Baum, Simon Bradbury, David Cabot, Matt DeCaro, Jarrod DiGiorgi, Kevin Koch, Randy Kovitz, Dakin Matthews, Christopher Maxwell, Larry John Meyers, Maurice Redwood, Helena Ruoti, Mark Staley, Paul Todaro, Evan Walker, Robin Walsh, Dereck Walton, and David Whalen.



Design Team: Nicholas Crano (Sound), David Gordon (Scenic), Andrew David Ostrowski (Lighting), and Pei-Chi Su (Costumes)



Dates and Times:

First Week: Thursday – Friday, April 10 - 11, Previews, 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 12, Opening Night, 8 p.m. (followed by reception)

Sunday, April 13, 2 p.m. (followed by a talk-back with actors)



Second Week: Tuesday, April 15, 7 p.m.

Wednesday – Saturday, April 16 -- 19, 8 p.m.

· Artistically Speaking -- Wednesday, April 16 (sponsored by UPMC)

· Behind the Scenes -- Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m.



Third Week: Wednesday – Friday, April 23 - 25, 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 26, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

· Saturday, April 26, 2 p.m. – Audio descriptive performance

· Saturday, April 26, 8 p.m. – Shakespeare’s (Belated) Birthday Party

(a post-show celebration)



Student Matinees for School Groups: April 9, 15 & 22 – 10 a.m.

To schedule student matinees, call Michele McClendon at 412-561-6000 x208 or email mmcclendon@picttheatre.org



Ticket Prices:

Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday Nights and Matinees: $41 Adults, $37 Seniors

Friday and Saturday Nights: $45 Adults, $40 Seniors

Opening Night: $47 adults, $42 Seniors

Previews: $33 (all seats, no senior discounts)

Student Tickets: $17 (All Performances)

For Tickets call ProArts at (412) 394-3353 or visit www.picttheatre.org



Visit PICT online at www.picttheatre.org



The Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre was founded in 1996 to diversify the region’s theatrical offerings by providing Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania audiences with high-quality, text-driven, affordable productions of classical theatre and the works of classical and contemporary Irish playwrights and to significantly improve employment opportunities for local talent in all facets of theatrical presentation and production. PICT is a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, and a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Alliance. PICT is Professional Theatre in Residence at the University of Pittsburgh and PICT productions at the Charity Randall and Henry Heymann Theatres are presented in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh – Department of Theatre Arts.





Melissa Hill Grande

Marketing Director

Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre

PO Box 23607

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-561-6000, x203

mgrande@picttheatre.org

Visit our website: www.picttheatre.org!