Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Wells Fargo Honors NAWBO Women

For Immediate Release
June 24, 2009


Three Women Business Owners honored for
Wells Fargo, National Association of Women Business Owners Award
Award recognizes innovation, growth and community service

Chicago, IL – Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO®) will recognize three women-owned businesses with the 8th annual NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award. The award demonstrates the two organization’s long-standing commitment to the success of women-owned businesses. Each winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and be honored at NAWBO’s 2009 Women’s Business Conference in Chicago on June 25.

The Trailblazer award is part of Wells Fargo’s Women Business Services program. Established in 1995, the program uses outreach and education to help women business owners increase their access to capital and other financial services. The program forms key national and community relationships, conducts primary research, sponsors events, and provides financial information and resources to support the success of women-owned businesses. Since 1995, Wells Fargo has loaned more than $34 billion to women business owners nationwide.

The winners were selected from a nationwide pool of applicants and evaluated on their companies’ business performance, innovation, growth, and service to the community.

This year’s winners are:

· Wayzata, Minn. – based Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, sells donated upscale furniture, designer clothing and decorative accessories through two retail stores in Minnesota. A portion of the stores’ earnings funds breast cancer programs including emergency financial support, education, research, treatment and hospice care. Owner Barbara Hensley, who started the company after losing her sisters to the disease, will be honored.


· Pacific Grove, Calif. – based Psi Bands develops, manufactures and sells stylish acupressure wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness (pregnancy), motion sickness/travel, chemotherapy, and anesthesia. Since launching in October 2007, P Psi Bands are now carried by multiple nationwide retail chains and online stores. A portion of the company’s proceeds support Fertile Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides reproductive information and support to cancer patients whose medical treatments may cause infertility. Owners Romy Taormina and Carla Falcone will be honored.


· DeSoto, Tx. – based Warrior Group is a construction services business providing construction and project management for permanent modular and conventional construction projects. The company has pioneered new building techniques, including a proprietary lifting and setting method for placing and securing buildings on foundations. In 2007, owner Gail Warrior-Lawrence, who will accept the award, started the Heart of a Warrior Charitable Foundation to provide educational enrichment programs for underserved children in Texas.

“It is our honor to recognize these three women-owned businesses with the Trailblazer award,” said Joy Ott, regional president for Wells Fargo in Montana and National Spokesperson for Women Business Services program. "These business owners are running successful businesses, and have also found the time to give back to their communities and make a difference in the lives of others. They are all inspirational and embody the talent, passion and strength demonstrated by trailblazers.”

“It is inspiring to see women business owners continuing to prosper throughout the country,” said Helen Han, NAWBO executive director. “This is the eighth year that we have presented this award and every year, we are impressed by the fortitude and drive of our applicants. We are privileged to welcome these business owners to our talented group of trailblazers.”

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 10,400 stores, over 12,000 ATMs and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally.

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is America’s #1 small business lender in total dollar volume according to the most recent Community Reinvestment Act data (2007) and the #1 SBA 7a national bank lender in total dollar volume (2008). Wells Fargo has loaned close to $39 billion to women, African American, Latino and Asian business owners since 1995. For more information, speak with a Wells Fargo banker, visit wellsfargo.com/biz or call the National Business Banking Center at 1-800-CALL-WELLS.

About NAWBO
Founded in 1975, NAWBO propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide. Thirty years later, NAWBO is still the only organization that solely represents the interest of women entrepreneurs in all industries. The organization’s mission is to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of its members and promote economic development; to create innovative and effective change in the business culture; to build strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations; and to transform public policy and influence opinion makers. Visit www.nawbo.org for more information.


NAWBO Media Contact: Wells Fargo Media Contact:
Drizen-Dohs Corporate Communications Wells Fargo
Christina Jorgensen, ext. 103 Sarah Toffoli
Lauren Astor, ext. 115 (415) 396-0866
(818) 772-9555 sarah.toffoli@wellsfargo.com
publications@nawbo.org

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Summer Kid's Crawl in Cultural District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Veronica Corpuz, (412) 471-6082 / corpuz@pgharts.org

Summer Kids Crawl in the Cultural District celebrates The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s 25th anniversary
Saturday, July 18, 2009, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.


PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will host children and their families throughout the downtown Pittsburgh area at the Summer Kids Crawl Saturday, July 18th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please call 412-456-6666 or visit www.pgharts.org.

SUMMER KIDS CRAWL EVENTS

SPACE
812 Liberty Avenue
SMOKE AND MIRRORS: Featuring the work of 16 artists who are faking it in every sense of the word. Curated by Jesse Hulcher.

Pennsylvania Culinary Institute
808 Liberty Avenue
Decorate cookies
Food and beverages prepared by PCI students available for $1

Trust Education Center
805-807 Liberty Avenue
It’s Carnival Time with Kenia – learn Brazilian percussion, samba school parade 11:30, 1pm
Gateway to the Arts / Tracie Yorke Dance - Stories on the Move 12:15, 2:15pm

Pittsburgh Filmmakers – Harris Theater
809 Liberty Avenue
Use your imagination to create a paper film strip.

Catholic Charities Building
212 Ninth Street
Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater
Meet Mr. McFeely from Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood 1-3pm

Catholic Charities Building
212 Ninth Street
Create tie-dyed art and chromatography butterflies and flowers with the Carnegie Science Center.

MCG Gallery @ 800 Penn
800 Penn Avenue
Join the fun and participate in a special path-making scavenger hunt!

“Magnolias for Pittsburgh”
Corner of 7th and Penn Avenue
Delight in these bronze magnolia trees, designed by artist Tony Tasset, that “bloom” year-round.

Transformers “Arch” 2008
7th and Ft. Duquesne Blvd

Katz Plaza
Corner of 7th & Penn
Soul line dancing, musical performances, face painting, caricatures and mascots
Umoja African Arts Dance Company – drum workshop 11
Gateway to the Arts / River City Percussion Duo – 11:30
Roland Ford’s Soul line dancing lessons for kids 12-12:45 and 1:15-2pm

Meet Iceburgh, the Pittsburgh Penguins mascot from 11am-12pm.
Meet Steely McBeam, the Pittsburgh Steelers mascot from 1:30-2:30pm
Meet the Pirate’s Parrot, the Pittsburgh Pirates mascot from 2-3pm

The Parking Lot of 7th and Penn
Eurobungy – Mike the Balloon Guy
Flip and somersault 2 stories above the Cultural District

Theater Square – Scott Place
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Polar mascot and chalk artists

Cabaret Theater
655 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh CLO Ministars
CLO Ministars performances 11, 11:45

EQT
625 Liberty Avenue
Make a sun catcher and create sand art with Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

EQT Plaza
625 Liberty Avenue
Mike the Balloon Guy
Jugglers / unicyclists / stiltwalkers
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh – learn to hula hoop

Heinz Hall
Sixth Street entrance
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Fun with Fiddlesticks and Friends
Musical activities from 11:00-3:00
Meet Fiddlesticks from 12:30-1:30

Heinz Hall Garden
Corner of Liberty & Sixth
Cheryl Capezzuti and Things that Stick present Bunny Jump: Don't be a Lump, 12:30, 2:30pm

Fifth Avenue Place
Corner of Fifth and Liberty Avenues
Fuzzy Boundary Produictions presents Stuff featuring Kellee Van Aken and Cheryl Capezzuti, Stanwix Street Lobby 11:30, 1:30pm
Magician – in Liberty Avenue hallway
Airbrush tattoo – at Penn Avenue entrance
Face painting – in the Food Court

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Saturday, June 27, 2009

Office Max Named NAWBO Corporate Partner of Year

For Immediate Release
June 24, 2009



OfficeMax Named 2009 Corporate Partner of the Year
by National Association of Women Business Owners

--NAWBO honors OfficeMax’s contributions to the
advancement of women-owned businesses nationwide --



NAPERVILLE, IL -- OfficeMax® (NYSE: OMX), a leading provider of office supplies and services, today announced that it as been named the 2008-09 Corporate Partner of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). NAWBO recognized the contributions that OfficeMax has made to further advance and promote the livelihood of women-owned businesses across the U.S.

“We are proud to receive this distinction and value the mutually beneficial partnership we have established with NAWBO,” said Ryan Vero, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer for OfficeMax. “NAWBO members provide valuable insights into the needs and wants of a key group of business customers and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

NAWBO will present the award to OfficeMax at NAWBO’s annual Women’s Business Conference in Chicago during the opening session on June 25, 2009. OfficeMax is a major sponsor of the conference and will offer attendees on-site work stations that include wireless Internet access and electronic charging stations. NAWBO expects hundreds of women business-owners to attend this year’s conference. The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the unified voice of America's more than 10 million women-owned businesses representing the fastest growing segment of the market.

This is the fourth industry award OfficeMax has earned in recent months. OfficeMax has been recognized for its commitment to helping its customers achieve a better bottom line and to date has received three industry awards for outstanding service. In April, The University Health System Consortium (UHC) and Novation, the healthcare industry's leading contracting services company, awarded OfficeMax the 2009 UHC Service Excellence Supplier of the Year Award. In May, OfficeMax received the Ariba Spend Management Excellence Award in the Supplier Network Pioneer category and was named the 2009 Supply Partner of the Year award by Educational & Institutional Cooperative Purchasing (E&I).

About OfficeMax
OfficeMax Incorporated (NYSE: OMX) is a leader in both business-to- business office products solutions and retail office products. The OfficeMax mission is simple. We help our customers do their best work. The company provides office supplies and paper, in-store print and document services through OfficeMax ImPress®, technology products and solutions, and furniture to consumers and to large, medium and small businesses. OfficeMax customers are served by more than 30,000 associates through direct sales, catalogs, e-commerce and more than 1,000 stores. To find the nearest OfficeMax, call 1-877-OFFICEMAX. For more information, visit http://www.officemax.com/.

About NAWBO
Founded in 1975, NAWBO propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide. Thirty years later, NAWBO is still the only organization that solely represents the interest of women entrepreneurs in all industries. The organization’s mission is to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of its members and promote economic development; to create innovative and effective change in the business culture; to build strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations; and to transform public policy and influence opinion makers. Visit www.nawbo.org for more information.





NAWBO Media Contact: OfficeMax Media Contacts:
Drizen-Dohs Corporate Communications William Bonner Jennifer Rook
Christina Jorgensen, ext. 103 630-864-6057 630-864-6057
Lauren Astor, ext. 115 OfficeMax Investor Contact:
(818) 772-9555 Tony Giuliano
publications@nawbo.org 630-864-6820

Monday, June 22, 2009

Roof Top Party Held by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Veronica Corpuz, 412-471-6082


Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh 2009
Rooftop Party Celebrates the Impact of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust on the Downtown Landscape for 25 years
Friday, July 17, 2009, 9:00 pm – Midnight (VIP Party beginning at 8:00 pm)
Rooftop of Theater Square, in the Heart of the Cultural District
PITTSBURGH – Everything you need to mix up a spectacular night takes place high above the city streets in the heart of Pittsburgh's Cultural District. Enjoy a beautiful summer evening while celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and its impact on the Downtown landscape, at Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Partners Board presents the third annual summer party on top of the Theater Square Garage (Seventh Street and Penn Avenue in the heart of the Cultural District, downtown) from 9:00 pm until midnight, immediately following the Trust’s summer Gallery Crawl held from 5:30 pm until 9:00 pm. “This is a wonderful evening to celebrate what the arts mean to Pittsburgh, the vitality of the Cultural District, and this important milestone in The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s history,” says Lisa Newman, Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh 2009 Chair.
Tickets for Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh are now on sale. Prices are $35 for Trust members, $50 for non-members who will also receive a one-year Partners Membership with the purchase of a ticket and $100 for access to the VIP reception, beginning at 8 pm. VIP ticket holders will enjoy exclusive pre-party festivities featuring special entertainment, food by Eleven and complimentary parking at the Theater Square Garage.
Guests will enjoy a unique evening with a celestial ambiance conceptualized by artist and event architect, Thommy Conroy. Back by popular demand is Bricolage Production Company with their sensorial journey Mission: Delight. Art to create and explore, cosmic readings, dancing and music delivered by DJ Edgar Um are some of the evening’s entertainment. Refreshments will be provided by Absolut, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, August Henry’s City Saloon, Backstage Bar, Barefoot Wines, Bossa Nova, CafĂ© Zao, The Capital Grille, Dozen, F. Tambellini’s Ristorante, Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale Company and MolsonCoors Brewing Company, GIVE Water & GIVE Energy, Mahoney’s Restaurant, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, Melange Bistro Bar, Palazzo Ristorante, Seviche and Sonoma Grille.
Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh is also the part of a 25-week celebration of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s 25th Anniversary. Founded in 1984, the 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 area, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust today welcomes over a million visitors annually to thousands of performances, gallery exhibitions and community events.
In addition to Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh, the Trust presents the PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh series; Pittsburgh Dance Council; Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater; First Night Pittsburgh 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.
Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh is presented with generous support from sponsors UPMC, Southwest.com, ALCO Parking Corporation and McCory & McDowell, LLC.
For a more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit pgharts.org/cosmopgh or call the Box Office at Theater Square at 412-456-6666.
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Thursday, June 18, 2009

Whiskey Rebellion Walk

June 18, 2009

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

>

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rob Windhorst
412-221-0348

rwindhorst19@comcast.net

>

QUICK FACTS:

Event: A Unique Walking Lecture: The Whiskey Rebellion

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009

Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Place: Woodville Plantation, 1375 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Cost: Free

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WOODVILLE PLANTATION HOSTS SPECIAL EVENT
A UNIQUE WALKING LECTURE: THE WHISKEY REBELLION
>

BRIDGEVILLE, PA (June 18, 2009) – On Saturday, July 18, 2009, the public is invited to join the soldiers of Wayne’s Fourth Sub-Legion as they return to Bower Hill for the first time since 1794. This special event will verbally and visually recreate the momentous events that occurred during the Whiskey Rebellion on Bower Hill in July of 1794. The walk will be lead by re-enactors portraying the soldiers sent from Fort Fayette (Pittsburgh) to defend Bower Hill and the Neville family from local insurgents. These uniformed historians will discuss the dramatic events that culminated in the burning of one of the largest and well-furnished homes in Western Pennsylvania at the time.

>

Lasting approximately 1 mile, the walk will begin at 11 am at the Bower Hill state historical marker located on the peak of Bower Hill, near the parking lot between Our Lady of Grace Church and Kane Regional Nursing Center on Kane Blvd. The walk will continue along the Scott Conservancy trail adjacent to the Jewish Community Center, follow the Neville trail to the Whiskey Point trailhead and conclude at Old St. Luke’s Church. Topics covered include the Bower Hill plantation, Neville family, soldiers of Wayne’s Legion, whiskey rebels and the Whiskey Rebellion itself. The walk is free of charge, but donations can be made to the Scott Conservancy.

>

Following the walk, participants are invited join the soldiers of Wayne’s Legion at Woodville Plantation to experience camp life as it was lived by the U.S. Army in 1794. The camp will be open to the public on Saturday, July 18, from 1 pm to 5 pm, and on Sunday, July 19, from noon to 5 pm. Special admission price for the encampment and house tour is $3.00.

>

Woodville Plantation, the home of John and Presley Neville, is Western Pennsylvania’s link to the late 18th century. Built in 1775, this living history museum interprets life during the period of 1780-1820, the Era of the New Republic. Guided tours of the house are available every Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.

>

Just 7 miles and 15 minutes south of Pittsburgh, Woodville is conveniently located 1/4 mile north of Interstate I-79 Exit 55 (Kirwin Heights Exit) on Route 50, near the intersection of Thoms Run Road. For further directions or for more information, please visit Woodville’s website at http://www.woodvilleplantation.org or call 412-221-0348

Whiskey Rebellion Walking Tour at Woodville Plantation

June 18, 2009

>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

>

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rob Windhorst
412-221-0348

rwindhorst19@comcast.net

>

QUICK FACTS:

Event: A Unique Walking Lecture: The Whiskey Rebellion

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009

Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Place: Woodville Plantation, 1375 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Cost: Free

>

WOODVILLE PLANTATION HOSTS SPECIAL EVENT
A UNIQUE WALKING LECTURE: THE WHISKEY REBELLION
>

BRIDGEVILLE, PA (June 18, 2009) – On Saturday, July 18, 2009, the public is invited to join the soldiers of Wayne’s Fourth Sub-Legion as they return to Bower Hill for the first time since 1794. This special event will verbally and visually recreate the momentous events that occurred during the Whiskey Rebellion on Bower Hill in July of 1794. The walk will be lead by re-enactors portraying the soldiers sent from Fort Fayette (Pittsburgh) to defend Bower Hill and the Neville family from local insurgents. These uniformed historians will discuss the dramatic events that culminated in the burning of one of the largest and well-furnished homes in Western Pennsylvania at the time.

>

Lasting approximately 1 mile, the walk will begin at 11 am at the Bower Hill state historical marker located on the peak of Bower Hill, near the parking lot between Our Lady of Grace Church and Kane Regional Nursing Center on Kane Blvd. The walk will continue along the Scott Conservancy trail adjacent to the Jewish Community Center, follow the Neville trail to the Whiskey Point trailhead and conclude at Old St. Luke’s Church. Topics covered include the Bower Hill plantation, Neville family, soldiers of Wayne’s Legion, whiskey rebels and the Whiskey Rebellion itself. The walk is free of charge, but donations can be made to the Scott Conservancy.

>

Following the walk, participants are invited join the soldiers of Wayne’s Legion at Woodville Plantation to experience camp life as it was lived by the U.S. Army in 1794. The camp will be open to the public on Saturday, July 18, from 1 pm to 5 pm, and on Sunday, July 19, from noon to 5 pm. Special admission price for the encampment and house tour is $3.00.

>

Woodville Plantation, the home of John and Presley Neville, is Western Pennsylvania’s link to the late 18th century. Built in 1775, this living history museum interprets life during the period of 1780-1820, the Era of the New Republic. Guided tours of the house are available every Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.

>

Just 7 miles and 15 minutes south of Pittsburgh, Woodville is conveniently located 1/4 mile north of Interstate I-79 Exit 55 (Kirwin Heights Exit) on Route 50, near the intersection of Thoms Run Road. For further directions or for more information, please visit Woodville’s website at http://www.woodvilleplantation.org or call 412-221-0348.

>


-END-

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Golf Tournament for Child Burn Victims, Pittsburgh

PCA 2009 Annual Golf Invitational
“Benefits Burned Kids”

The Pittsburgh Claims Association 2009 Annual Golf Invitational will donate a portion of the profits from this event to benefit a local summer camp for children that have suffered severe burns. As many individuals in the field of insurance claims derive a portion of their earnings as a result of fires. We as a local respected professional organization feel that we can give back to some of the most unfortunate victims of fires “burned children”.

Summer Camp for burned children, held each summer at a local well known camp in Western Pennsylvania. The camp has been offered free of charge to all children who have been burn center patients. When kids are burned, life changes. During their hospital stay, kids must cope with pain and with separation from family, friends and school. Recovery is an ongoing process, and kids may feel that they are “different.” If kids have visible scars or wear pressure garments, they may feel that they don’t fit in with other kids.

At camp, children ages 7 to 17 meet to share personal stories and new experiences. In this supportive environment, kids are encouraged to meet new challenges and take positive risks that help boost their self-esteem. Adventures such as horseback riding or rope climbing help build confidence as well as strong bodies.

Camp is a place where kids’ scars and struggles do not limit their opportunities for friendship and laughter. The counselors ensure that every camper gets the most from the camp experience. Children are transported by bus to camp and back. Skilled medical staff is equipped for emergencies and are able to supervise dressing changes, pressure garments and scheduled medications.

Burn Center Summer Camp receives financial support from various local organizations and individuals. The event sells out every year and is staged at Churchill CC on Monday June 22nd. Sponsorships at this year’s invitational will help the Pittsburgh Claims Association make what we would like to be a considerable contribution to this year’s benefactor.

Thank You! Your support is needed to accomplish this goal.

For More Information Contact: Tim Dillon- 412-621-6070

http://www.webjam.com/pittsburghclaimsassociation

Monday, June 8, 2009

Johnstown Flood Memorial Van Tours

For Immediate Release: May 18, 2009 CONTACT: Megan O’Malley 814-886-6156


Johnstown Flood National Memorial announces the start of summer programs. Starting June 7, 2009 and continuing through August 22, 2009 park rangers will lead guided van tours of the Johnstown Flood National Memorial including the historic Clubhouse of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club and the ruins of the South Fork Dam.

Programs are given daily at 10 AM, 1 PM and 3PM. Call 814-495-4643 for reservations. While transportation and a tour guide are free, there is an admission fee to the site.
Adults are $4.00 and children 16 and under are free. All National Parks Passes are accepted.

Johnstown Flood National Memorial can be reached by taking the Saint Michael/ Sidman exit from US 219. Park signs will direct you to the ruins of the dam, the Club House, and the visitor center.

Johnstown Flood National Memorial was created by Congress in August of 1964 to preserve the ruins of the South Fork Dam and to commemorate the 2,209 lives lost in the Great Flood. Any questions about the park, the story of the Flood, and these events can be answered by calling (814) 495-4643. The park’s website can be found at

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Approach to Acting Development Workshop

Media Contact: Melissa Hill Grande

Director of Marketing and Artistic Associate

412.561.6000 x203

mgrande@picttheatre.org

http://www.picttheatre.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE





PICT offers professional development opportunity

Simon Bradbury brings expertise to share with Pittsburgh-area actors





Pittsburgh, PA – May 21, 2009. Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre, in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Theatre Arts, presents a professional development opportunity for actors in the Pittsburgh area to connect their voice to physicality, improve facility with classical texts and release their inner clown!



“Language of the Soul: A Physical Approach to Acting” will be held June 15 to 19, 2009 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. The intensive, five-day professional development workshop will prepare the student for physical expression of character and motivation under the guidance of master actor Simon Bradbury. Cost for the workshop is $200.



Participants will develop their ability with physical expression of character and motivation in a series of five, four-hour sessions. Exercises and games will be used to examine a variety of physical techniques, including Delsarte, clowning, Laban and Method. Scenes from Moliere’s Tartuffe will be used to explore use of these techniques in scenework and character expression. Participants should be prepared for intensive physical work on their feet. Early registration is urged, as enrollment is strictly limited to fourteen participants.



Simon Bradbury was born in Manchester, England, and has over 30 years of professional experience. His credits include sixteen seasons as a company member with Canada’s Shaw Festival and four seasons with The Stratford Shakespeare Festival. His one-man show, The Trial of Charles Spencer Chaplin, Esq., has been performed at the Shaw Festival, in Vancouver, and as part of the PICT 2005 season.



To register for the workshop, or for more information, contact Melissa Hill Grande at 412.561.6000 x203 or email mgrande@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 the 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

Director of Marketing and Artistic Associate

Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre

PO Box 23607

Pittsburgh, PA 15222



mgrande@picttheatre.org

412.561.6000 x203

Live Jazz Returns to Katz Plaza

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Veronica Corpuz, (412) 471-6082 / corpuz@pgharts.org


The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's JazzLive series returns to Katz Plaza


PITTSBURGH: The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Education and Community Engagement Department presents JazzLive in Agnes R. Katz Plaza every Tuesday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. In case of inclement weather, JazzLive will move indoors to the Cabaret at Theater Square. This series is proudly presented with the generous support of BNY Mellon. The media sponsors of JazzLive are WDUQ 90.5 FM and the New Pittsburgh Courier.

Vice President, Janis Burley Wilson, says, "Jazz is alive and thriving in Pittsburgh's Cultural District, and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is proud to present this highly anticipated weekly event in the beautiful setting of Katz Plaza."

For more information, please visit http://www.pgharts.org or call 412-456-6666.

JAZZLIVE SUMMER EVENTS 2009:

Date Agnes R. Katz Plaza 5:00-7:00pm
June 9 Robbie Klein
June 16 Kevin Howard
June 23 Salsamba
June 30 Dwayne Dolphin
July 7 Sweaty Betty Blues Band
July 14 Murray Avenue Jazz Initiative
July 21 Tony Campbell
July 28 Al Dowe and Etta Cox
August 4 Tim Stevens and Friends
August 11 Jevon Rushton Group
August 18 Don Aliquo Sr. & Don Aliquo Jr.
August 25 Kenia
September 1 Gerald Haymon
September 8 JazzLive Jam Session with Roger Humphries

Program is subject to change. For an up-to-date listing of events: www.pgharts.org

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National Recreation TRails in Southwestern Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 20009 CONTACT: Megan O’Malley


Secretary Salazar Announces Designation of
6 New National Recreation Trails in Southwestern Pennsylvania



Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently designated 22 trails in 13 states as newly recognized National Recreation Trails, adding more than 525 miles of trails to the National Trails System. Included in this designation are 6 trails in southwestern Pennsylvania.

"From coast to coast, the National Trails System helps connect American families with the wonders of the outdoors," said Salazar. "These new National Recreation Trails, built through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, will create new opportunities for fitness and stewardship, while creating a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren."

This announcement is timed to coincide with the 17th annual celebration of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, 2009. The theme for this year, “Take In the Outdoors,” encourages people of all ages to get outside and use trails for exercise and exploration. Thousands of trail enthusiasts will participate in hikes, educational programs, bike rides, volunteer repair projects, festivals, paddle trips, and trail dedications across the country.

All of the southwestern Pennsylvania trails now included in this designation encourage people to learn about area history as well. These trails were all a part of the Harrisburg Main Line Canal system, a vital transportation route westward during the mid-19th century. To encourage people to explore local history, enjoy the outdoors and get exercise, the staff of Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site will be leading interpretive hikes and bicycle rides along several of these trails including the 6 to 10 Trail, the Lower Trail, the Path of the Flood Trail and the West Penn Trail this summer and fall.


Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - 6 to 10 Trail – This 7.75-mile trail follow the remnants of the Allegheny Portage Railroad, an engineering landmark that lifted canal boats over the Allegheny Mountains in the mid-1800’s. Staff from Allegheny Portage Railroad will lead hikes along the 6 to 10 Trail on June 14 and August 23.

Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - Juniata River Water Trail – For 184 miles this water trail parallels the route of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal which operated primarily in the 1830’s through 1850’s.

Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - Lower Trail – The 16.5 mile multi-use Lower (rhymes with “flower”) Trail features many historic canal era remnants with interpretive signs telling the history of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. It is the center link in the Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway. On June 28 join a park ranger from Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site for a bicycle ride along the Lower Trail in Williamsburg. Park rangers will lead a bicycle ride along the Lower Trail in Alfarata on September 6.

Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - Path of the Flood Trail – This 6.5 mile trail follows the path of the Great Johnstown Flood of 1889. For part of its length, the trail joins the 2.5-mile Staple Bend Tunnel Trail which follows the remnants of the Allegheny Portage Railroad to the first railroad tunnel built in the U.S., the 901-foot long Staple Bend Tunnel. On July 12 and August 9 park rangers from Allegheny Portage Railroad will provide transportation to Staple Bend Tunnel for people who need assistance. On October 4 park rangers will lead a hike along the Path of the Flood Trail and the Staple Bend Tunnel.

Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - Roaring Run Trail – Following the Western Division of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal along the Kiskiminetas River, this 4-mile trail is rich in historic transportation themes and recreational opportunities.

Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - West Penn Trail – The 12-mile West Penn Trail offers many scenic, natural and historic assets, including 100-year old stone arch railroad bridges and parts of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. Forty interpretive signs enrich this trail experience. Learn more about the West Penn Trail on a bicycle ride with a park ranger on September 20.

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is located 10 miles west of Altoona, Pennsylvania off the Gallitzin exit of U.S. Highway 22. The park preserves portions of the first railroad crossing of the Allegheny Mountains. This unique railroad connected the eastern and western divisions of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal.

All hikes and bicycle rides listed above are free, but reservations are required. For more information and to make reservations for the program contact Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site at 814-886-6150 or visit our website at http://www.nps.gov/alpo.


For more information about National Recreation Trails visit http://www.americanhiking.org.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

What the Butler Saw at Pittsburgh Irish Classical Theatre

Media Contact: Melissa Hill Grande

412.561.6000 x203

mgrande@picttheatre.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



“Let’s put our clothes on and face the world”

PICT’s production of Orton’s comic masterpiece turns morality on its ear!





Pittsburgh, PA – May 29, 2009. PICT turns conventional morality upside down with its production of Joe Orton’s masterpiece What the Butler Saw, a fast-paced, hilarious farce set ablaze with seductions, cross-dressing, mistaken identity, infidelity and blackmail!



The trouble begins as a middle-aged doctor (Douglas Rees) convinces an attractive young woman (Amanda Jane Cooper) to undress during her job interview at a psychiatric hospital. His plans for a quick afternoon seduction are dashed by the unexpected arrival of his harpy of a wife (Helena Ruoti), followed in rapid succession by a randy bell-hop from the local hotel (Sam Trussell), an eccentric government official charged with oversight of mental institutions (Martin Giles), and a dim-witted policeman who gets in over his head (Jeffrey Carpenter)! Separating the mad from the sane becomes an impossible job, as Dr. Prentice runs into one complication after another while trying to keep his wife from finding out about his interrupted infidelity. Leading the pack of lunatics is director Simon Bradbury, with a design team comprised of Gianni Downs (set), Andrew David Ostrowski (lighting), Erin Collins Rittling (costumes), Elizabeth Atkinson (sound), and Jason Strom (properties).



What the Butler Saw skewers a number of sacred cows, including religion, the authority of the government and ruling class, military/political hero worship, and sexual prudery and repression. Because of adult themes and partial nudity, the show may not be appropriate for all audience members.



Pittsburgh native Douglas Rees comes home from New York to play Dr. Prentice. Rees’ most recent Pittsburgh appearance was in the City Theatre Company production of Marriage Minuet. His previous PICT shows include The School for Scandal and Travesties. Helena Ruoti comes to Butler straight off her bravura performance as Eleanor/Esme in PICT’s season opener, Rock ‘n’ Roll. She also appeared in PICT’s critically-acclaimed 2008 production of King Lear, as well as Heartbreak House, A Woman of No Importance and The Seagull.



PICT regular and Pittsburgh favorite Martin Giles plays Dr. Rance. Giles’ most recent PICT productions include Rock ‘n’ Roll, Synge Cycle (as an actor and a director), and St. Nicholas, and he returns to PICT in August for The History Boys. Other recent local appearances include Die Fledermaus with Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh and The Seafarer for City Theatre Company. His play Beautiful Dreamers, with the music of Stephen Foster, will receive its world premiere in a co-production between PICT and Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh in April of 2010.



Jeffrey Carpenter plays the police officer, Sergeant Match. Carpenter was in the PICT production of The White Devil, and he serves as the founder and artistic director of Bricolage. He has been seen in many recent local productions, including barebones’ Take Me Out, Quantum Theatre’s Mouth to Mouth, and City Theatre Company’s The Missionary Position.



Amanda Jane Cooper plays the innocent secretarial candidate Geraldine Barclay. She returns to PICT after performing in Synge Cycle last season, and will be a senior in the musical theatre program at Carnegie Mellon University. She was recently seen as Little Red Riding Hood in CMU’s Into the Woods, and Feste in CMU’s Twelfth Night.



Sam Trussell makes his PICT debut as Nicholas Beckett. A recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, he has been seen in Ring Around the Moon, Evita, and The Phantom Tollbooth. Later this summer, Sam will perform in The Broadway Rising Stars Concert in New York City.



Butler marks Simon Bradbury’s debut as a PICT director, but he has graced the PICT stages numerous times as an actor, most recently in Rock ‘n’ Roll. In previous seasons, Bradbury has appeared for PICT in King Lear, The Pillowman, The Shaughraun, and his own one-man play, Chaplin, among others. Bradbury’s previous directing experience includes The Burning Tree, The Pregnant Pause and the workshop version of Chaplin for the Shaw Festival Academy; Arms and the Man for the University of Toronto and Brock University; and Big Rock Candy Mountain for BackRoad productions, Vancouver.



The set is designed by PICT Resident Scenic Designer Gianni Downs. His previous PICT credits include:

Boston Marriage, Stuff Happens, Synge Cycle, and Salome, among others. Lighting is designed by Andrew David Ostrowski (PICT’s King Lear, Private Lives and Hedda Gabler, among others), costumes by Erin Collins Rittling (Rock ‘n’ Roll, Dublin Carol, and St. Nicholas), and sound by Elizabeth Atkinson (Rock ‘n’ Roll, Synge Cycle, BeckettFest, The Pillowman, Henry, Copenhagen, among others). What the Butler Saw plays June 11th through the 27th in the Charity Randall Theatre.



In conjunction with the production, PICT is sponsoring an online photo contest. Participants are asked to submit a photo of what they think the butler saw. Fun, random, and imaginative photos are encouraged; they need bear no direct relation to the play itself. Photos must be jpg format at 300 dpi or greater, and must be submitted to mgrande@picttheatre.org on or before June 14, 2009. Voting will take place on the website from June 17 through June 25. The winner will receive four tickets to any 2009 PICT production, and a signed poster of “What the Butler Saw” (or their photo signed by the cast). An enlarged version of the winning photograph will be displayed in the lobby the closing weekend of the production. Visit the PICT website at www.picttheatre.org for more information.



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 the 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.



What the Butler Saw FACT SHEET



What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton Joe Orton



Directed by Simon Bradbury

The Charity Randall Theatre in the Stephen Foster Memorial, Oakland

4301 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh 15213eyHey





Cast: Jeffrey Carpenter, Amanda Jane Cooper, Martin Giles, Douglas Rees, Helena Ruoti, and Sam Trussell



Design Team: Gianni Downs (scenic design), Andrew David Ostrowski (lighting design), Erin Collins Rittling (costume design), Elizabeth Atkinson (sound design), Natalie Baker Shirer (dialect coaching)



Performance Dates and Times:



First Week: Thursday – Friday, June 11, 12, Previews, 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 13, Opening Night 8 p.m. (followed by reception)

Sunday, June 14, 2 p.m. (followed by talk-back with the company)



Second Week: Tuesday, June 16, 7 p.m. (Professional Tuesdays performance)

Wednesday – Saturday, June 17 - 20, 8 p.m. *

Sunday, June 21, 2 p.m.

*Preshow lecture series

· Artistically Speaking – Wednesday, June 17, 7:00 p.m.

· Behind the Scenes – Thursday, June 18, 7:00 p.m.



Third Week: Wednesday – Friday, June 24 - 26, 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 27, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.



Ticket Prices

Opening Night: $48 Adults, $45 Seniors

Fri. & Sat. Nights: $46 Adults, $42 Seniors

Wed. & Thurs. Nights, and Sun. Mats: $42 Adults, $40 Seniors

Tues. Nights & Sat. Mats: $42 Adults, $40 Seniors

Preview Thurs. & Fri: $36 (all seats, no Senior discounts)

Youth under 25: $17 all performances, w/valid ID





For tickets, call ProArtsTickets at 412.394.3353 or visit http://www.picttheatre.org



Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre. Great Stories. Well Told.





Melissa Hill Grande

Director of Marketing and Artistic Associate

Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre

PO Box 23607

Pittsburgh, PA 15222



mgrande@picttheatre.org

412.561.6000 x203



Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre.

Great Stories. Well Told.

Lee Renninger Exhibit at 709 Penn Gallery

For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Veronica Corpuz, 412-471-6082

“Threaded Line”

Exhibition by Lee Renninger
June 5 – July 18, 2009
Preview reception and trunk shows on Thursday, June 4th
709 Penn Gallery

Pittsburgh, PA: The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Education and Community Engagement Department is pleased to exhibit the work of artist Lee Renninger in the show “Threaded Line,” which uses couture to explore concepts of personal and political, as well as ethnic and group, identity. A preview will be held on Thursday, June 4, with a Cake, Couture & Chardonnay reception, from 4:30-8 p.m. at The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s gallery at 709 Penn Avenue. The reception will also include trunk shows by two nationally-known designers: Earth & Alchemy Jewelry by Richelle Wilson and Susan Farber Handbags.

Lee Renninger explores the use of clay as fabric. She writes, “Ceramic material is inherently dense and inflexible--qualities that have historically recommended it for utility. The transformation of this material into works that are soft and fluid, as well as visually weightless, is only one way of challenging the long-standing beliefs about clay as an artistic medium.”

“This exhibition is so powerfully beautiful. It’s amazing how Lee uses clay and other materials to create the gorgeous pieces that you will find in this show. I’m anxious for Pittsburgh to see Lee’s work,” says Janis Burley Wilson, vice president of Education and Community Engagement of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Renninger trained at the University of Florida and her work has been exhibited all over the world. Her work was featured in the Fiberart International: Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Fiberart in New York’s Museum of Art and Design, the Sidney Myer International Ceramic Competition in Victoria, Australia. She has been a visiting professor in Tokyo, Japan, and throughout the United States. Renninger has also received numerous awards and commissions, including the Directors’ Award for Innovative Use of Materials from the Fiberarts International: Biennial Exhibition, from the Andy Warhol Foundation, and a fellowship from the Mississippi Arts Commission.

Richelle Wilson is a Pittsburgh native, living and working in New York City. She specializes in hand-casted 18k gold and silver, as well as semi-precious and precious stone jewelry. The stones are sourced from around the world.

Susan Farber Handbags-Susan Farber creates handmade leather goods. She is based in Fox Chapel; her work is carried in boutiques all over the country, most notably Henri Bendel in New York City.

The preview reception will feature cupcakes by Jamie Okopu of Cook for You. Jamie is another Pittsburgh native who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and Paris to perfect her art of pastry design.

GALLERY DETAILS
709 Penn Gallery is located on 709 Penn Ave. / Cultural District, Pittsburgh
Cake, Couture & Chardonnay, June 4, 4:30-8 p.m.
In the gallery, 709 Penn Avenue
Preview Reception and trunk shows by two nationally-known designers: Earth & Alchemy Jewelry by Richelle Wilson and Susan Farber Handbags
Gallery Crawl: Friday, July 17, 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Closing date: July 18, 2009
Gallery Hours: Tuesday thru Thursday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.;
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

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Hockey Loving Fans Special Penguin Baked Goods

Hockey-Loving Fans Get Assist from Bethel Bakery During Stanley Cup Run
Contact: Debbie Shiring

724-226-3962


Pittsburgh PA, June 1 — Bethel Bakery is turning out an all-star roster of Penguins-inspired goods, just in time for the team’s return to Pittsburgh for game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals. Fans of the beloved South Hills retail institution are in frenzy over the items that feature the bakery’s signature batters, icing and flavors, creatively embellished with hockey-inspired, black and gold designs.

“We’re in overtime keeping up with the incredible demand for our Penguins-enhanced merchandise, but we’re having a blast combining our love of the team and making the finest baked goods found in the city,” says John Walsh, owner of the 53-year-old bakery.

The 2009 hockey line-up includes The Igloo and Puck Drop cakes, Pens Brownie Pie, kid-friendly penguin cupcakes and the bakery’s top-selling, signature shortbread cookies that have undergone a Penguins makeover. But perhaps the breakaway seller this season is sure to be the No-Cut Stanley Cup Cake, cleverly decorated and arranged from 24 individual cupcakes and inspired by the holy grail of NHL hockey, the Stanley Cup.

All items are available are available at Bethel Bakery and at the McMurray Dairy Bar in Peters Township. Call or visit these stores or place an order online at www.bethelbakery.com.



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Editor’s Note: Bethel Bakery is located at 5200 Brightwood Road in Bethel Park. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bakery is closed on Sundays. Phone number: 412-835-6658. Web address: http;//www.bethelbakery.com.