Women’s Independent Press

Informing Women About Our World
Subscribe

Archive for February, 2015

Carnegie Library Business Programs

February 09, 2015 By: admin Category: Consumer Education

Carnegie Library
612 Smithfield Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15222
DOWNTOWN & BUSINESS

Lunch & Learn ❘ 12:15 pm
Fill your belly and your brain!

Black History Month: Resources for
Black Business Success
February 5 ❘ Presented by Judith Kirby
Western Pennsylvania Small Business Administration
Learn how the Small Business Administration (SBA) can help
qualifying African American owned ¬rms develop and grow their
businesses through one-on-one counseling, training workshops and
management and technical guidance.

What’s New in Federal Tax Credits
February 12 ❘ Presented by Patrick Price
IRS Tax Consultant
Ready to ¬le, but confused about the many tax credits for personal
taxation? Mr. Price will review recent changes and updates to the
federal tax credits.
How to E-File Your Federal Return

February 19 ❘ Presented by Diana Smith
IRS Tax Consultants
This tax season, you don’t have to be tech savvy in order to ¬le your
taxes electronically. Ms. Smith will explain the many bene¬ts of
using IRS e-¬le to ¬le your federal return for free.
All About the Schedule D

February 26 ❘ Presented by Patrick Price
IRS Tax Consultant
Learn the ins and outs of using Schedule D to report capital gains
and losses on stock and other transactions. Join us for an informative
discussion and prepare yourself for the April 15th tax ¬ling deadline.

February 2015 Events

February 09, 2015 By: admin Category: Consumer Education

*******************************************************************

February 2015 Events
Business Exchange Networking Lunch

* Give a 1-2 minute commercial for your business.
* Bring business cards, brochures, and samples.
* Make new business contacts.

Dates and Locations:

Feb. 4 - Wexford, Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North,
910 Sheraton Drive, Mars/Wexford, PA 16046
RSVP: email Carol Briney at
Carol@CarolBrineyWorkFromHome.com

Feb. 11- Mount Lebanon, The Devonshire of Mount Lebanon,
1050 McNeilly Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
RSVP: email Carol Briney at Carol@CarolBriney.com

Feb. 25- Fox Chapel, Comfort Inn (Old Holiday Inn) in RIDC Park,
Ohara Twp
RSVP: email Carol Briney at
Carol@CarolBrineyWorkFromHome.com

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $18 (Bring cash; No-shows will be billed for the lunch)
RSVP: By Monday prior to the event
For more info, go to: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=gigXMl.Tyg5_GoiC52AtJg.

*******************************************************************

What Does It Mean to Have a Million-Dollar Voice?

Presented by Lynda Stucky of Clearly Speaking

Learn techniques that will propel your career to new heights
and make your more understandable, more trustworthy, and more
influential.

What can you expect?

* Learn speech tools to establish credibility.
* Develop a unique voice.
* Recognize vocal traits that can be improved.
* Be inspired.
* Be the dynamic leader you were meant to be.

Date: February 11, 2015
Time: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m:
Place: Cambria Suites Pittsburgh at Consol Energy Center
1717 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Host: Clearly Speaking
Cost: Complimentary Briefing (includes breakfast)
RSVP: Required (Suggested by February 6)

Register online at
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=jEiG45wTjIVNazN3s_tbDg

Further info or to request a voice makeover:
Call 412-264-1717 or email lynda@clearly-speaking.com.

*******************************************************************

Use Podcasting to Establish Yourself as a Celebrity Expert

Speaker:
Joanne-Quinn-Smith, Partner JJ Media Group

This presentation will cover JoAnn’s eight year journery in
podcasting with anecdotes of successes and failures at a time
when there were no mentors for podcasting and it was not COOL!
The presentation will also highlight the resurgence in popularity
of podcasting and how it can help you build credibility and grow
your business.

Learning Objectives:

- Podcasting/internet radio creates excellent internet visibility
and SEO results.
- Associate yourself with Celebrity Experts using Podcast/Internet
Radio Interviews.
- Branded podcast/internet radio show increases your brand
visibility, speaking engagements, fees and consulting projects
- Create your own celebrity persona.
- Learn the simple steps to start your own podcast/internet
radio show.

Date: February 11, 2015
Place: Sheraton Hotel at Station Square,
300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Time: 11:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Registration/Networking
11:30 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. Luncheon and Announcements
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Featured Program
Host: International Coach Federation, Pittsburgh Chapter
Cost: By 5 p.m., Feb. 6: Members -$39, Nonmembers-$55.
After 5 p.m., Feb. 6: Members-$55, Nonmembers-$55

Register online at
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=feE.ZGneTUrmNQjj6c38vA

Further info: contact Roberta Rollings at Pghcoachesassoc@aol.com.

BRENTWOOD BALDWIN WHITEHALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WOMEN’S NETWORKING LUNCHEON

February 13, 2015
Noon
South Hills Country Club
The monthly luncheon meeting of the Women’s Networking of the Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce will meet on Friday, February 13, noon, at South Hills Country Club. . Please plan on attending and bring a friend. We welcome members and non-members. Everyone will pass out cards and brochures and present a one-minute “commercial.”

Guest Speaker
Jenni Hulburt

Inspiring You to Revolutionize Your Health through Nature

Jenni Hulburt is a fitness and lifestyle coach whose mission is to inspire people in health and movement – in their body and life. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, a Master’s in Kinesiology, and is an educated researcher in body image, chronic pain, exercise psychology, and motivation. Jenni is a doTERRA wellness advocate, essential oil educator, and leader in wellness entrepreneurship as a health and business mentor to a growing team of doTERRA wellness advocates. She is a movement maven, the creator of the Inspire Workouts, as well as the author of two e-books, The Dirt Detox and Essential Juices and Smoothies. Her work has been featured online in Trail Runner Magazine, Runner’s World, Women’s Adventure Magazine, and Mind Body Green.

Her mantra? Move your body – change your life.

Lunch for Chamber Members - $20 - Bring a friend
Lunch for Non-Members - $25
Display Table $1
Please make a reservation by contacting our secretary:
Mary Dilla - secretary@bbwchamber.com

*****************************************

Unlikely Entrepreneur: the Intersection of Life Experiences,
Food, and a Drive to Succeed

Speaker:Regina Koetters, Founder/CEO of Marty’s Market, LLC

Not every entrepreneur has a childhood dream of starting a
business; some don’t discover until midway through their first
career that they’re driven to be their own boss. Still others
who know they want to own a company are unsure what business
to start.

With no background in food or experience running a company,
Regina launched Marty’s Market in July 2012. The company
continues to evolve and challenges Regina and her team in
new ways every day. Through the lens of her experiences,
Regina will share what being an officer in the Navy has
taught her about building a business, what starting a
company has taught her about commanding a ship, and what
they both have to teach all of us about entrepreneurship.

Date: February 13, 2015
Time: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM (Breakfast served at 7:30 AM)
Place: James Laughlin Music Hall, Chatham University, Shadyside
Host: The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University
Cost: $25 (includes continental breakfast)
Students- $12.50 with valid ID (Email pdecker@chatham.edu)
RSVP: Suggested by February 10

Questions? Contact 412-365-1253
Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=S9OcL_my182cirUyyKkK5A

*******************************************************************

Focus Pathways to Achieving Results

Led by Bonnie Artman Fox, Mindfulness Speaker and Coach

You are good at what you do and yet there are certain patterns
that get in your way of obtaining the results you want. You
have good intentions, but daily distractions from technology,
social media, and responsibilities create roadblocks in taking
(and maintaining) empowered action.

When your mental mindset is calm and grounded, you are more likely
to see possibilities that elude you when caught up in distraction.
Training your brain to focus optimizes your ability to make choices
that align with your goals.

The brain has tendency to focus on limitations instead of
strengths. Learn life-altering skills to convert negative
words into positive action for 2015.

Date: February 17, 2015
Time: 11:30 - 1pm
Place: The River’s Club, 301 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Host: The Rivers Club
Cost: $20/session - pay at the door
RSVP: Suggested by February 13

Questions: Call Bonnie Artman Fox @ 412.877.8331 or
email Bonnie@AConscious.com

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=vxKex2dIyPth8yM8CT0cFQ

*******************************************************************

Proposal Writing
Presented by Al Borowski, MEd, CSP, PP
Discover the secrets of successful Proposal Writing. Successful
proposals sell for you when you are not in front of your clients.
That statement is important because we all pride ourselves on our
oral presentations. But writing is a challenge for most business
professionals.

This highly interactive presentation will cover:

- 17 Qualities Of A Successful Proposal
- 5 Qualities Of A Well-Written Executive Summary
- 20 Skills Required To Create A Successful Proposal
- 3 Biggest Mistakes In Proposal Writing
- 10 Things a Proposal Is NOT

If you are one of the first 15 participants to register for
the event, Al will review, edit, and return one of your proposals
before your client sees it. That alone is at least a $100.00 gift.

Date: February 17, 2015
Time: Noon until 1:30 p.m. (Bring your own lunch.)
Place: Peak Performance Management, 790 Holiday Drive Foster Plaza,
Bldg. XI, Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Hosts: Peak Performance Management and NSA Pittsburgh
Cost: No charge but RSVP required
RSVP: Suggested by February 13th

To RSVP, go to: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=xZ.hUcQLiDgrowU9nz0D.Q.

*******************************************************************

Getting Your Customers to YES!

Speaker: Scot Teachout, Sandler Training

Learn how to deal with the folks who say no or the masses who say
“maybe” before they even hear what we have to offer. Join us to
learn how to shorten your sales cycle and how to increase your
revenue by understand the truth about the sales process.

Date: February 18, 2015
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Place: Volunteers of America, 1650 Main Street, Sharpsburg, PA
Host: Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
Cost: Free (Bring a brown bag lunch)

To register, call 412.782.5344 (x209) or email
volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

Disability Resource Breakfast
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2015
Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Topic: How To Make The Most Of ACCESS
Speaker: Judy McCormick, ACCESS

Volunteers of America
Working Order program
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
412.782.5344, ext. 209
volunteersofamerica@voapa.org
www.voapa.org

Learn how to make the most of this shared-ride, advanced reservation, door-to-door, open to the public transportation service that helps you be as independent as possible. Find out how ACCESS can save you money and what other options are available to get you there!

Annual Consulting Survey Summit

Join the Pittsburgh Consulting Community to peruse, ponder and
get the low-down onthe results of the 3rd Annual Challenges and
Trends Survey.

You will discover:

- How was the consulting/freelancing business in 2014?
- What is the outlook and projection for 2015?
- What challenges are consultants and freelancers facing?
- What does the consulting landscape look like in our region?
- How do our local trends compare to national trends?

We also plan to do some Speed Peer Consulting to address
some of the issues that arise from the survey.

For those of you that are interested, we will also be discussing
the 2015 Consulting Mastermind Groups and how you can use them
to start or grow your practice.

Date: February 19, 2015
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Place: Sigmas Conference and Event Center, 1717 Babcock Blvd.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Host: Pittsburgh Consulting Community
Cost: $30 for survey participants; $35 for all others
(includes continental breakfast)
RSVP: Suggested by February 16

Questions: contact Michael Couch at
michael@mcassociatesinc.com or 412-952-9036.

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=TZoYjNvKdI9vR95HDOKV2g

*******************************************************************
Stepping Into The Next Best Version of Yourself
Presented by Coach Monique
Date: February 19, 2015
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Place: The DoubleTree Pittsburgh Green Tree
Host: Pittsburgh Professional Women
Cost: PPW Memers - $36.00; Non-members- $49 (includes lunch)
RSVP: Early registration encouraged (Limited Space)

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=vVsHMKpimJxI.hCLH8BiGw

*******************************************************************

How Personality Type Determines Your Success as a Speaker

Presented by Joe Mull, M.Ed., Certified MBTI Practitioner,
President of Ally Training & Development

Psychology tells us that humans have innate preferences for the
ways we perceive and interact with the world. However most people
fail to recognize these differences in others or understand how
their own preferences influence their style and approach.

In this program, uniquely for public speakers, participants use
the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to identify and understand their
own psychological preferences for communicating, learning, and
teaching, then explore how to reach ALL audiences in their
programs and business. Specific strategies to improve program
delivery, marketing, prospecting and selling will be discussed
as part of this interactive, compelling program.

Each participant gets to take the MBTI assessment (online prior
to the event), receives a personalized profile packet, and gets
a copy of the book: Introduction to Type.

Date: February 19, 2015
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Place: City Theater (South Side), 300 Bingham St.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Host: National Speakers Association, Pittsburgh Chapter
Cost: Members-$40 Non-members-$50
RSVP: Suggested by February 16th

To register, go to: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=xZ.hUcQLiDgrowU9nz0D.Q.

*******************************************************************

Women’s Power Lunch

Come be a part of the longest running networking luncheon in the
Pittsburgh area. Bring 50 business cards or brochures to hand
out and be prepared to give a short presentation on your business
to introduce yourself to other business women and professionals.

Date: February 20, 2015
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: To be announced
Cost: $22.00 (Prepayment required)
RSVP: By February 18th

Questions: Contact Suzanne at Suzanne@womenspowerlunch.com
or 724-452-5152.

Register online at: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=Rrum6gDWKYADRc0d8.Lj0A

*******************************************************************

Unleashing Your Inner Comedian: Using Improv Comedy Techniques
to Add Humor to Your Program — Without Telling Jokes!

Presented by Avish Parashar
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=Ow3MAqK0Ayl9IGsxBCuU9A

Guess what? You (yes you) are funny! You just may not know it yet.
In this interactive, fun program, you will learn the fundamentals
of great improvisation and then use the ideas of improv comedy to
access, develop, and incorporate your own natural humor into your
presentations.

This program is NOT an improv comedy class. It is an interactive
session where you will play improv games designed to help you
discover your natural humor and allow you to practice ways of
quickly adding humor to your programs that is authentic and
natural for you.

If adding humor to your programs is important to you (as it
should be) then be sure to attend this highly entertaining,
highly interactive, very fun, and content-packed program!

By the end of this program, you will be able to:

- Use three techniques to quickly add humor to your presentations
without writing “jokes.”
- Access your quick-thinking and creative skills to flow with
the unexpected with humor and speed.
- Quickly generate humorous content that is authentic to you,
even if speak on a “dry” or “serious” topic.

Add this Bonus Afternoon Session! 1:00 - 4:00 pm

In the afternoon session, Avish will follow up the morning
content with a hands-on workshop where you get to apply the
humor concepts to your material in real time. You will develop
new humorous material and also practice “punching” up old
stories by simply adjusting your delivery. Avish will also
run a few “hot seat presentations” where he will work on
participants’ stories and content in real time.

Bring along some content to “freshen up.” Attendees of this
hands-on afternoon session will walk out the door with new
and improved material they can incorporate into their
presentations right away - so don’t miss it!

Date: February 21, 2015
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12 noon; Bonus Session: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Sheraton Station Square, 300 W Station Square Dr,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Host: National Speakers Association, Pittsburgh Chapter
Cost: NSA Members & Affiliates-$45 for AM Session; $99-Full Day;
Nonmembers-$55 for AM Session; $109-Full Day
(Includes networking lunch.)
RSVP: Suggested by February 18th

For more information and to register, go to:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=xZ.hUcQLiDgrowU9nz0D.Q.

*******************************************************************

How to Create Trust, Confidence, & Content Faster Than
Your Competition Can Fathom

Speakers:
Becky Auer & Weston Lyon

Becky Auer & Weston Lyon will show you how to create trust and
confidence with your prospects by producing more content than
your competition can comprehend!

Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Time: 3:00 - 5:30 PM
Place: Sigma’s Conference & Event Center,
1717 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Sponsor: No BS Marketing Meeting
Cost: FREE for First Time Guests; $20 for Returning Guests
RSVP Date: February 20

Registration Web Address:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=d_7n1z0sKLd_UcQqoF_L1w

*******************************************************************

Jazz Happy Hour Networking

A casual twice-a month networking event for those interested in
business innovation in Pittsburgh. A jazz, soul and blues
happy hour show plus open-mike interviews with local executives.

Created by Jessica Lee, a successful entrepreneur and musician,
Jessica Lee’s Jazz Happy Hour promotes live music in downtown
Pittsburgh and assists the entrepreneurial networking of the
region with funding and partnering opportunities.

Date: February 25, 2015
Time: 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Place: Rivers Club, 301 Grant Street, Level Four,
One Oxford Centre, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Host: Jessica Lee
Cost: $5 (hors d’ouevres included)

Jazz Networking events are held on the second and final
Wednesdays of each month. For information on upcoming events,
visit http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=IiuIkiIk4eZhGz&b=SUsCxkC4TyxWMbuTcovuAQ

To RSVP, call 412-391-5227 or email erin.sustar@ourclub.com.

Who Pays For Hospice Care?

February 09, 2015 By: admin Category: Consumer Education

www.cancer.org

Home hospice care usually costs less than care in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutional settings. This is because less high-cost technology is used, and family and friends provide most of the care.

Hospice care is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid in most states, the Department of Veterans Affairs, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations. Also, community contributions, memorial donations, and foundation gifts allow many hospices to give free services to patients who
can’t afford payment. Some programs charge patients according to their ability to pay.

Medicare hospice
To get payment from Medicare, an agency or facility must be approved by Medicare to provide hospice services. In this case, you pay nothing for hospice care, but you may have co-pays for prescriptions. You also have to pay a percentage of the bill for inpatient respite care. (Respite care is discussed in the section called “What does hospice care provide?”)
To qualify for the Medicare hospice benefit, a doctor and the hospice medical director (also a doctor) must see the patient and certify that the patient has less than 6 months to live if the disease runs its normal course. The hospice benefit starts with 2 periods of 90 days each, then an unlimited number of 60-day periods. The doctor or nurse practitioner must re-certify the patient in a face-to-face visit before the third election period, then again before each benefit period after that. This means that the patient must be seen by their own doctor and the hospice doctor to be certified for the first 180 days of hospice care. After the first 180 days, the patient must be seen again to be re-certified every 60 days for as long as the patient is getting hospice care.
The patient signs a statement that says he or she understands the nature of the illness and hospice care, and that he or she wants to be admitted to hospice. By signing the statement, the patient chooses the Medicare hospice benefit for all care related to his or her cancer. The patient can still receive Medicare benefits for illnesses that aren’t related to cancer. A family member may sign the statement if the patient is unable to do so.
If you’re not sure how hospice might work for you, Medicare offers a one-time only hospice consultation. You can meet with a hospice medical director or hospice doctor to discuss your care options and treatment needs. You don’t have to choose hospice care if you use this consultation service.

Medicaid coverage
Most states have a Medicaid hospice benefit, which is patterned after the Medicare hospice benefit.

Private insurance
Most private health insurance companies include hospice care as a benefit. Be sure to ask about your insurance coverage, not only for hospice, but also for home care.

Private pay
If insurance coverage is not available or does not cover all costs, the patient and the family can hire hospice providers and pay for services out of pocket. Some hospices are able to provide services without charge if a patient has limited or no financial resources.

Valentine’s Day is near

February 09, 2015 By: admin Category: Consumer Education

www.womenforahealthyenvironment.org

Here are some helpful tips to green your Valentine’s Day:

• Check your local florist for organic bouquets or order online at organicbouquets.com. A potted plant from a local nursery is also a great alternative and will last longer.
• Try sustainable, organic, and/or biodynamic wine. Organic vineyards do not use herbicides or pesticides while sustainable vineyards focus on practices that can yield constant product over time. Biodynamic methods concentrate on holistic practices and ecological self-sufficiency. Check your local wine shop for these alternatives.
• Buy organic and fair trade chocolates. Child and slave labor continue to be used in the production of cacao. Support companies that pay workers livable wages. The East End Food Coop, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s carry organic and fair trade chocolate. Amazon also has a variety of chocolates for sale. Search for brands like Shaman, Equal Exchange, and Sweet Earth Organic.
• Light a beeswax or soy candle for the perfect ambiance. These candles are paraffin free, burn longer, and are better for the environment.
• Learn new vegetarian or vegan recipes together. Sign up for cooking classes.
• Purchase unique upcycled/repurposed jewelry. These accessories are often one of a kind. Look for artists on Etsy to suit your style.
• Have dinner at an environmentally-conscious restaurant.
• Write your valentine a special note on a card made from recycled material.
Purchase natural and organic soaps, lotions, and cosmetics.

New Fashioned Funding

February 09, 2015 By: admin Category: Consumer Education

You have a great idea and need some cash to make it happen. Sometimes traditional old fashioned funding isn’t forthcoming.
Have you heard about new-fashioned funding?
Here are some ideas to help make your fabulous idea a reality.

Awesome Pittsburgh @AwesomePittsbgh
Monthly $1,000 micro grant for an awesome project
www.awesomepgh.com/how-to-apply/
Deadline – 1st of each month

Dream Cream Ice Cream @DreamCreamPgh
Dreamers raise money for their cause one scoop at a time
Apply Online: www.dreamcreamicecream.com
Or stop by 539 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh
Fygment @ygment
Help fund training and equipment for a diverse host of doers through our marketplace
www.figment.com/blogs/news
Apply/nominate: www.figment.com/pages/nominate

Indiegogo @Indiegogo

Crowd-funding platform for broad range of uses: www.indiegogo.com
www.indiegogo.com/campaigns/new

Kiva Zip @KivaZip @KivaCityPgh
Crowdfunding platform for revenue generating nonprofits and small businesses
www.Zip.kiva.org or www.kiva.org/Pittsburgh

Apply :
View list of local trustees at www.kiva.org/Pittsburgh
Or contact Emily.keebler@fellows.kiva.org

Pittsburgh Party For a Purpose @PGHParty

Paying it forward one party at a time. Looking for directors and volunteers
www.pghparty.org
Apply: www.pghparty.org/be-a-beneficiary/

Soup N”At @Soup_n_at

Community meals to raise funds to support local artmaking.
Apply: www.soupnat.wordpress.com/submission-guidelines
Deadline: May 1st for the Amy 17th event
Contact soupnat@gmail.com

The Sprout Fund @sproutfund

Catalytic micro grants for innovative community projects and events.
www.sproutfund.org

Apply: www.sproutfund.org/apply
Deadline – 1st Fridays, check web site for details.

Contact: apply@sproutfund.org

InnovateHer

February 09, 2015 By: admin Category: Consumer Education

www.sba.gov

InnovateHER is a cross-cutting women’s business challenge to unearth innovative products and services that help impact and empower the lives of women and families.

Did you know…? 57% of working age women participate in the labor force. 74% of employed women work full-time. 70% of working women have children under 18 years old. -2013 US Dept of Labor Statistics. We know that our workforce looks very different from 50 years ago. Women now make up nearly half of the labor force and play a critical role in our nation’s economic prosperity. Most children live in households where all parents work. And as our population ages, families are increasingly caring for aging parents while balancing the needs of work and home. As demands on women and families grow, the need for products and services that address unique challenges increases. This Challenge will provide that platform.

InnovateHER provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase products or services that have a measurable impact on the lives of women and families (30%), has the potential for commercialization (40%), and fills a need in the marketplace (30%).

Participants must be at least 18 years of age, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and meet other requirements as defined in the Competition Rules .

How to Participate, contact: www.sba.gov

InnovateHER’s first round goes live March 1st. Throughout the month of March, universities, accelerators, resource partners and other organizations will host local competitions. A month after going live, each host will select and submit one local winner to the SBA, who will then identify no more than 10 finalists. These finalists will travel to Washington D.C., and have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges and compete for up to $30,000 in prize money during National Small Business Week, May 4 – 8, 2015.

Finalists will be responsible for covering their own travel costs to DC for the national competition.

What is Hospice?

February 09, 2015 By: admin Category: Consumer Education

www.gatewayhospice.com

Hospice is a supportive service focused on pain and symptom management to individuals with a life limiting illness. Hospice care will provide medical services, emotional support, and spiritual resources for people who are in the last stages of a serious illness, such as cancer or heart failure. The hospice focus is to treat the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – and not just the disease. In addition to caring for the patient, hospice care will help family members manage the emotional and practical challenges of caring for a loved one who is in the last stages of life.

Hospice care can be provided at the patients home-in the hospital or a hospice center-in nursing or rehab centers. The goal is to keep one comfortable and improve quality of life as much as possible.

Hospice care is not a last resort. It is the type of care that focuses on the quality of life as opposed to prolonging life. During the often difficult last stages of a serious illness, many people feel that they have lost control over their lives and over what will happen to them. Hospice care can give you or your loved one , options. And knowing your options gives you back some control. It allows you to make decisions about things that are important to you.

The purpose of hospice is to enable patients to remain alert and carry on a pain free lifestyle. Hospice affirms the human spirit and allows the patient dignity, comfort and support when aggressive medicine is no longer desired or appropriate.

What are the levels of care provided by hospice?

There are four levels of hospice care. A hospice patient may be admitted under one level of care but find they require a different level throughout the disease process. You may be transferred to levels of care depending on symptoms or disease progression.

ROUTINE: Visits by the hospice team are provided and based on the needs of the individual and family. This includes medication, supplies, and equipment related to the life limiting diagnosis. Routine visits can be provided in private homes, extended care facilities (i.e.: personal care, assisted living) and nursing facilities (i.e.: skilled nursing homes).
INPATIENT: Provides short term clinical management for pain and symptom management in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. All hospice services are covered, including room and board. This is a short term level of care to alleviate immediate clinical issues.
RESPITE: 5-day accommodations for the patient in a licensed nursing facility designed to provide the caregiver with time to rest, recuperate or for personal time.
CONTINUOUS CARE: Higher level of care used during a medical crisis. Provides a minimum of 8 hours of Hospice care and is reassessed every 24 hours to ensure that immediate clinical needs are addressed, particularly during the actively dying process.

What kind of services are provided?

Hospice services usually include:
•Basic medical care with a focus on pain and symptom control.
•Access to a member of your hospice team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
•Medical supplies and equipment as needed.
•Counseling and social support to help you and your family with psychological, emotional, and spiritual issues.
•Guidance with the difficult, but normal, issues of life completion and closure.
•A break (respite care) for caregivers, family, and others who regularly care for you.
•Volunteer support, such as preparing meals and running errands.
•Counseling and support for your loved ones after you die.