YWCA Seeks Nominations; Deadline Today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      

CONTACT:    
Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279

YWCA seeks nominations for 2014 Tribute to Women Leadership Awards

Nomination deadline is February 19

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 11, 2014):  Do you know an exceptional woman who has made a difference for other women in our community?  It’s time to nominate her for a 2014 Tribute to Women Leadership Award.  The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is currently accepting nominations through Wednesday, February 19.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh launched the Tribute to Women Leadership Awards in 1983 to affirm its mission to empower women and girls to reach their personal and professional goals. Since then, the YWCA has honored the accomplishments of more than 200 exceptional women, saluting them for helping to shape the direction of our region and improve the lives of others.

This year’s awards will highlight women in seven categories: Arts & Culture, Business & Professional Services, Civic & Community Services, Education, Health & Human Services, Science & Technology, and Young Leader. The nomination form for all categories is available online at www.ywcapgh.org.

The YWCA invites nominations from individuals, businesses, professional groups and community organizations.  Choosing awardees is the responsibility of the YWCA’s 2014 Tribute to Women Selection Committee, comprised of a diverse group of professionals representing the award categories.

Awards will be presented at the 32nd annual Tribute to Women Leadership Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 29, at the Westin Hotel, 1000 Penn Avenue, downtown.

Proceeds from the event help create positive changes in the lives of thousands of Pittsburgh area women and families served by the YWCA.  For more information about Tribute to Women, call 412-255-1261 or go to www.ywcapgh.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh strengthens our community by creating and advancing opportunities for all women to seek equality and self-sufficiency.  For more information about the YWCA’s programs and services, visit www.ywcapgh.org or call 412-391-5100.
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Laura Harwin
Director of Development and Marketing
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
305 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-1279 (phone)
412-391-5109 (fax)

lharwin@ywcapgh.org
www.ywcapgh.org

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

First Class Patriot Achievement Award Nominations Call

Media Contacts
Lynette Asson
412.973.9828
lynette@newplace.us

Yvonne Hudson
412.512.0589
yvonne@newplace.us

Public Contact Information Reservations for free admission and details at: www.fpapittsburgh.org
E-mail: fpa.pittsburgh@verizon.net
Call 412-653-1054

NEWS from Financial Planning Association of Pittsburgh

Call for Nominations for First Class Patriot Achievement Award honoring Veterans making a difference in their Communities Financial Planning Association of Pittsburgh to present award at Saluting Service on May 22

PITTSBURGH, PA (2/29/2012) -- Nominations are being accepted for the Financial Planning Association of Pittsburgh’s First Class Patriot Achievement Award to honor a veteran who is making a difference through community service. FPA of Pittsburgh will present the Award to the recipient at Saluting Service on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, Pittsburgh.

A $10,000 donation to Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania will be made by FPA of Pittsburgh in honor of the top award winner. All nominees and veterans attending will be recognized at Saluting Service, which will be open to the public at no charge.

The First Class Patriot Achievement Award from Financial Planning Association of Pittsburgh honors past and/or present community service by veterans of any US military branch, including reservists and National Guard, who reside in Western Pennsylvania. Nominations are now being accepted online at www.fpapittsburgh.org or by requesting a form at 412-653-1054. FPA of Pittsburgh is also on Facebook.

Nominations are due with postmark by/on Fri., April 13 for postal mail submissions, or by midnight on
Sun., April 15 by e-mailed entries.

The Financial Planning Association of Pittsburgh’s Saluting Service will feature outdoor picnic-style refreshments and entertainment, 6-7 pm, and an indoor program, 7-9 pm on May 22. In addition to music and special guests, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Barry Bridger, a highly-decorated, 22-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, will share his inspirational story. Lt. Col. Bridger, who flew more than 70 combat missions over North Vietnam, survived a six-year imprisonment in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” at the same time as Sen. John McCain.

The historic Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum is located at 4141 Fifth Ave., Oakland, Pittsburgh, PA (15213). Admission is free, but reservations are required at www.fpapittsburgh.org. Tickets will be provided at the door, if seating is available.

About Financial Planning Association of Pittsburgh

The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) is the leadership and advocacy organization representing the financial planning community. FPA is the largest membership organization for personal financial planning experts in the U.S. and includes professionals from all backgrounds and business models.

FPA helps connect thousands of consumers to competent and ethical planners who uphold the highest standards – FPA’s Standard of Care.

The Financial Planning Association of Pittsburgh has more than 300 members. The Pittsburgh chapter is comprised of experienced financial planners who are energized by member events and community service initiatives such as Saluting Service.

To find a planner near you or to learn more about the Code of Ethics adhered to by members, go to www.fpapittsburgh.org and click on “Planner Search”.
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Editors: Speaker, special guests, entertainment and award recipient photos will be available and provided on request.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Bracken Burns Honored as Dignity and Respect Champion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact: Melissa Allen
412.281.0995
412.969.2530
maa@judith-kelly.com

Washington County Commissioner Bracken Burns Receives Dignity & Respect Champion Award

Commissioner Burns Honored for Years of Service to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Region

(PITTSBURGH, PA) November 30, 2011– County Commissioner Bracken Burns has dedicated 40 years to Washington County government, working tirelessly to make sure everyone had a place in the community where they were valued and accepted for their differences.

Bracken has tried to build a regional community that embraces diversity and encourages its citizens to love and respect each other. He often reminds others that “inclusion is not just about race, it also includes gender, age, geography, income, folks with handicaps, etc.”

Nominated by Melissa Allen, County Commissioner Bracken Burns was selected as the November Dignity and  Respect Champion for expanding the work he does in Washington County to surrounding communities and throughout the southwestern Pennsylvania region.

“Bracken’s devotion to the community is invaluable. Within just minutes of talking with him or hearing him speak to others, you can tell that the work he does is truly from the heart. He’s dedicated to making our communities welcoming to all of us,” Melissa said.

Serving as Washington County Commissioner since 1996, Bracken decided not to run for a fifth term in office. Since taking office 16 years ago, Bracken’s accomplishments include spearheading construction of the 50 bed Alzheimer’s Unit at the Washington County Health Center, developing an Attendant Care Training Program to aid elderly and disabled citizens, leading historic preservation efforts to restore and utilize the old jail as a Family Court Center, and more.

Commissioner Burns is known for starting all of his public comments with the phrase, “It’s a great day in Washington County.” He feels that we all have an obligation to be a “cheerleader for our community.”

Bracken is an influential supporter of the Dignity and Respect Campaign. In addition to advocating with Washington County Commissioners to recognize October as Dignity and Respect Month, he wrote a personal letter to nine other counties in southwestern Pennsylvania, promoting the Campaign and October as Dignity and Respect Month. Thanks to Bracken’s efforts, October was proclaimed Dignity and Respect Month in 10 southwestern Pennsylvania counties.

Bracken has always admired the saying, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” He feels that those of us who have been blessed with health, wealth, a good family, etc. have an obligation to assure that others in the community are given the same opportunities.

In addition to being recognized as a Dignity and Respect Champion, Bracken has received many honors that show his dedication to fighting for everyone’s right to be treated equally. These awards include the Mental Health Neighbor of the Year Award in 1991, the Friend of 4-H Award in 2003, the NAACP Human Rights Award in 2007, and the Teen Outreach Social Justice award in 2009, among many others.

In accepting the award, Commissioner Burns said that he was, “humbled and honored to be recognized for doing what he called “the minimum expected of each of us – loving your neighbor.”

The Dignity and Respect Campaign is an awareness initiative designed to join individuals, community leaders, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and corporations under the common notion that everyone deserves dignity and respect.

For more information and to take the Dignity and Respect pledge, visit dignityandrespect.org.
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WICKED Cast Members Teach Musical Theater Master Class

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Today's date: September 14, 2011

Contact: grandtheatre@verizon.net



WICKED Cast Members, Ryan Jackson and Dan Pacheco, will teach Master Class at Grand Theatre

WHERE:  Grand Theatre, 207 S. 2nd Avenue, Elizabeth, PA 15037; www.elizabethgrand.com

WHEN:  Thursday, September 22

TIME: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

COST: $25*

CONTACT: Lori Kolodziej, (412) 384-0504; grandtheatre@verizon.net



ABOUT the Master Class: Cast members from the national tour of WICKED, playing at the Benedum Center, Pittsburgh, PA, September 7-October 2, will be teaching a musical theatre master class on Thursday, September 22, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. The class will include dance warm ups, scene work, and stylized movement combination, followed by a talk back with the master class instructors.



Members of the media are invited to attend the master class and take photographs. Interviews with the instructors and students may also be arranged. Please contact Lori Kolodziej from the Grand Theatre.



Master Class Dance Instructors

Ryan Jackson (Wicked - Swing, u/s Chistery) Tours: Cats, Dr. Dolittle, West Side Story. Theater: Goodspeed, Walnut St., Portland Center Stage, Ford’s Theater, Paper Mill, T.U.T.S, K.C. Starlight, Sacramento Music Circus, Radio City, Westchester B’way, City Center Encores. B.F.A-Marymount Manhattan College. Founding member of The Chase Brock Experience, a New York City-based contemporary dance company.



Dan Pacheco  (Wicked - Boq) is excited and grateful to be on tour with Wicked! Regional favorites: Altar Boyz, Zanna Don’t!, Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular, I Love a Piano, Disney’s Snow White, Four Guys Named José. TV: “117th Annual Rose Parade,” “Hard Times of RJ Berger.” Graduate of New York University; CAP21.



*All proceeds from this master class will support the charity, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDSis one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised over $195 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States. BC/EFA is the major supporter of seven programs at The Actors Fund, including The HIV/AIDS Initiative, The Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, The Actors Fund Work Program, The Dancers’ Resource, The Stage Managers’ Project and three supportive housing residences.

BC/EFA also awards annual grants to more than 400 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide.

One of the few remaining single screen movie theatres in the Mon Valley, the Grand Theatre has been entertaining audiences for over 100 years. Abandoned and empty for nearly 20 years, Lori and Ken Kolodziej purchased the property in 1997, and spent three years bringing it back to life. This special venue is now host to live theatre, concerts, bands, community events, private parties and movies. Named one of the Top Ten preservation opportunities in Pittsburgh in 2011, this historic theatre is dedicated to serving children and families in the Mon (Monongahela)Valley and Western Pennsylvania.

*****

Pittsburgh, PA: The return engagement of WICKED, Wednesday, September 7-Sunday, October 2, at the Benedum Center (7thStreet at Penn Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh) is a season special, part of the PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh series, a presentation of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Broadway Across America and Pittsburgh Symphony.

The WICKED performance schedule is as follows: Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.; Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, September 8, there will be a 1 p.m. matinee. Tickets are selling fast and many performances are close to selling out. Best availability is for weeknight performances and the Thursday matinee. For ticket information call (412) 456-4800, visit www.pgharts.org, or the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh.
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Pat Ballon Named Distiguished Citizen Brownsville Chamber

GREATER BROWNSVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


For immediate release:

July 11, 2011

Brownsville Chamber Honoring Ballon

With Distinguished Citizen Award

BROWNSVILLE, Pa. – The Greater Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce has selected Brownsville native and businessman, Pat Ballon, as its 2011 Distinguished Citizen.

The award will be presented July 18 as part of the festivities of the "Meet Me at the River" Cruise, a first-time joint initiative of the Greater Brownsville Area and Fayette County chambers of commerce. Each chamber has selected an honoree, with Fayette naming Christopher Kennedy of Hopwood as its 2011 Volunteer of the Year.

"Pat has been a faithful community supporter," says Frank Ricco, president of Brownsville's chamber.

Ballon is a self-made businessman whose longstanding reputation for giving back to the community is what merited the Distinguished Citizen Award. He is a 35-year member of the Hiller Fire Co., where he served as chief for 12 years; member of the board of directors for Mon-Vale Health Resources Inc. and its executive board for non-acute care and the Fayette County Area Vocational Technical School; chairman of the Luzerne Township Sewage Authority; and executive board member for the Patsy Hillman Park Foundation and the Greater Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce. He is the 2009 recipient of Mon-Vale Health Resources' Gibbons Award for Dimensions in Service for the Health, Social and Civic Well-Being of Area Residents.

"I have always learned from Day 1 that you help people," Ballon says. "Neighbors help neighbors. That's instilled in you … and you do whatever you can to help the community." He and his wife of 22 years, Susan, are known throughout the area for their lifelong commitment to community service.

Ballon graduated from Brownsville High School in 1970 and attended California State College, predecessor of California University of Pennsylvania. He started in the business world during high school by opening a television repair shop in his parent's basement. Four years after he graduated from high school, he bought Brownsville Hardware, building it through the years into the largest independent business of its type in Fayette County – a 19,000-square-foot Do It Best store being expanded by 6,800 square feet this year and a 29-employee workforce.

Tickets for the July 18 dinner cruise are available through both chambers: 724-785-4160, Brownsville; 724-437-4571, Fayette. The Gateway Clipper will leave Brownsville's downtown wharf at 6:30 p.m. for a 2.5-hour cruise down the Monongahela River. Tickets are $65 per person, including dinner and entertainment.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Cutline information, Pat and Susan Ballon. For additional information or an interview, contact the Greater Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce, 724-785-3600.