Women’s Independent Press

Event Details: https://www.chocolatebluesandbusiness.com

Pittsburgh Pa.
The Chocolate Blues and Business Festival is not your typical business event. Chocolate Blues is one of the largest, most productive and fun business events in the country. Currently, we are in over 50 U.S. Cities and we’re very excited to be coming to Pittsburgh.
Chocolate Blues and Business Networking Festival is being held May 2, 2013 at Epiphany Church McDowell Hall 164 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The event will be open from 1pm to 7pm (come & go).
We bring like-minded business owners and professionals together for a day of powerful connecting. Typically, our attendance is 500-700, sometimes a little less and often times much more. We have had as many as 2,730 professionals attend a single networking event!
The event features chocolate treats, blues/Jazz music, a business expo with vendors showcasing their products and services, open networking, a giant business card exchange, networking games, an appointment setting station, an ice-breaker networking game, door prizes and solid business connections.
There will be a collection basket set up to receive broken (in pieces is okay), damaged and old cell phones for Pittsburgh’s battered and abused women’s shelter). Donated phones that can be repaired will be donated and those that cannot be repaired will be recycled along with all monies from the recycling being donated to the Shelters. These cell phones will help women feel more secure and give them the ability to call 911 when and if another emergency arises. This endeavor shows that local business owners of all sizes do care about not only their businesses but their community; you couldn’t ask for a better example of this.

By Mary Grace Musuneggi
www.singlestepsstrategies.com

Most of the stress that we experience in our lives comes from the unexpected, the unplanned for, and what we normally refer to as “emergencies.” How often do we find ourselves in situations where as these things occur, we don’t know what steps to take next? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had at our disposal a resource of people who could make the wrongs alright? If the moment we need them, we could call on the person who can fix the broken or undo the damage that unexpected events can cause?
What if when we found ourselves floundering to solve a family problem, a financial issue, a legal concern, we knew just whom to call? What if when the washer stopped washing or the sink started dripping or the furnace would no longer heat the house, we had a database of people we could trust to rush to help us?
A few years ago I walked into my dining room to find that the chandelier was pulling away from the ceiling. I was afraid it would come crashing to the floor. Wanting to have it handled quickly and not knowing an electrician, I pulled out the yellow pages and started to thumb through. The first and biggest ad that I came to promised 24 hour and same day service available. Without hesitation, I called as I was sure that this was the answer to my immediate need. And as promised they sent someone right away. But as soon as the repairman came in the door, he asked me for a charge card to bill me for his initial service fee; and said it would be deducted from the total cost of the repair. He had not even looked at the light fixture at that point; and he made it clear that he did not take checks. As intelligent as I am, I was not at that moment suspicious of this technique, because I was too anxious to get the chandelier fixed. When he finally went into the dining room he quoted me a price that was totally out of line. In fact it was more than the chandelier was worth. When I complained, he simply headed to the door and said I would be charged the initial service fee for his travel time and estimate. As I finally came to my senses, I told him if he did I would report him to the Attorney General’s office, as now this whole thing looked like a scam. He countered by saying that if I paid him his fee in cash he would tear up the credit card receipt; and fix the light. Wow, had I been conned. But I went along with the deal because now I was “between a rock and a hard place.”
After he fixed the light and he left, I called the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney Generals office, as I could only think of all the “little old ladies” who were being ripped off by this guy. Not surprisingly I found that both organizations were aware of this company and they had had numerous complaints. Why hadn’t I contacted them first?

Hindsight, they say, is 20-20. We learn so much after the fact. So I promised myself that something like this would never happen to me again. I decided to create my own “yellow pages” directory. I began by using the phonebook as a guide and I made a list of all classifications. But instead of just picking someone from the book to be my personal electrician, plumber, painter, handyman, doctor, lawyer, Indian chief; I spent the next 6 months asking friends, family, and business associates who they use. After I got a referral I checked with the BBB. Then I called each person and talked to them personally. I told them I was adding them to my personal yellow pages, and told them who referred me. I told them they were on my list as I heard they gave great service.
To say the least they were glad to hear that. Now I knew them and they knew me.
Over the years I have added a few names in each category, just because things do change. And any time I hear someone rave about the service they get, I ask for the service provider’s name.
So now when an emergency arises my stress level is significantly reduced when I know the right person to call upon. And know they will be glad to take my call.

Mary Grace Musuneggi

Founder and Executive Director
April 2013

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages
Presented by Daniel Stout, Mortgage Analyst, Reliance First Capital

Because Reverse Mortgages are popular you may have questions:

• If I am in debt should I consider this as an option?
• Can I use it to increase my monthly household income?
• What are the pros and cons of making this choice?
• How will this affect my heirs?

Daniel Stout of Reliance First Capital can answer these questions as well as discuss

• Reverse Mortgage Benefits
• The Top Eight Reverse Mortgage Misconceptions

Date: Monday, April 8, 2013
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Manor Oak Two
First Floor Conference Room
1910 Cochran Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15220

To Register or for more information:
Web: www.singlestepsstrategies.com
Email: info@singlestepsstrategies.com
Phone: 412-341-2888

Refreshments will be served.

Seating is limited so register early.

This event is open to all pre-retirees, seniors, and their guests and families

Business Program Calendar

April 2013

Programs are held on Thursdays at 12:15 pm at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Downtown & Business. They are free and open to the public.

April 4 The Economy, and 10 Ways to Fix It
John H. Dunn, Jr., President – J. H. Dunn & Company

Mr. Dunn, advisor to major companies on their strategic and financial objectives, will present his views on the federal deficit, debt ceiling, entitlement programs and more. He’ll discuss free trade and fair trade; education and the need for a skilled workforce; health care; Social Security and government inefficiencies. This program is designed for anyone who has an interest in the current state of the U.S. economy.

April 11 Steps to Starting a Co-operative Business
Caroline Savery,
Independent Consultant on Co-operatives, Organizations and Sustainability

What are co-ops? How do they work? Find out what it takes to start up a new co-operative business, from visioning through starting operations.

April 18 Ask a Patent Attorney
Lee Kim, Esq. – Tucker Arensberg, P.C.

How do you apply for a patent? Do you know the difference between a design patent and a utility patent? How long does it usually take for a patent to be approved? Are you familiar with the copyright process and the types of works that can be copyrighted, such as literary works, songs, and choreography? Ms. Kim, an expert in these areas, will provide useful information to help you expedite these processes.

April 25 Chocolate: The Dark Side of the Cocoa Industry
(DVD – 47 minutes)

Africa’s Cote ‘d Ivoire is a primary source for cacao, the main ingredient in chocolate. Cacao is often harvested by child laborers, lured away from their families by false promises of hourly wages and access to education. Steps have been taken by the Chocolate Manufacturers Association to outlaw these practices, but several major companies are not yet in full compliance. Find out the villains and the heroes in this not-so-sweet documentary.

Augusta Lewis Troup
That the first all-women labor union was the Women’s Typographical Union founded by Augusta Lewis in 1869.

That she was born in New York City c.1848 - Sept. 14, 1920, orphaned in infancy and called “Gussie” Lewis, and eventually adopted by broker Isaac Gage?

That she was a community leader and was called “the Little Mother of the Italian Colony?”

That Augusta Lewis Troup was a reporter, typesetter, labor organizer, publisher and advocate of women’s rights?

That at age 18, following her graduation from the Convent of the Sacred Heart at Manhattanville, N.Y., Troup became a New York Sun reporter and also contributed articles to the New York Times?

That she served an apprenticeship as a typesetter, working for the New York Era and the New York World and at the time, Troup was one of the only female typesetters at the World?

That a friendship with Susan B. Anthony led to helping to found Anthony’s newspaper, The Revolution, for which Troup became a reporter and typesetter?

That the publication’s purpose was to help working women organize in their own interests .One such organization was formed in 1868, and became known as the Working Women’s Association?

That it was this organization that led to the formation of the Typographer’s Union?

That Augusta Lewis married Alexander Troup, the union’s secretary-treasurer, in 1874, and retired from the union, but remained active in other reform work?

www.nawbo.org

“LEANING IN” TO THEIR AMBITIONS
Women Are Starting Businesses at Record Numbers and Responsible for Employing More Than 13 Million People and Generating $1.9 Trillion in Sales

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is announcing its partnership with Sheryl Sandberg and www.LeanIn.Org , an organization dedicated to combining practical education and focused discussion to give women-at all levels
of their careers-the tools they need to realize their goals.

“Since 1975, NAWBO has been the unified voice of America’s women-owned businesses representing the fastest growing segment of the economy and the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries,” said Diane Tomb,President & CEO of NAWBO. “NAWBO is leaning in because we know how much female entrepreneurs have to offer one another. We support Sheryl Sandberg and LeanIn’s mission to connect and support women in all areas and stages of their
professional development and are excited to have the opportunity to work with them to encourage and motivate them to reach their full potential.”

Lean In Education is a growing series of educational materials, jointly
developed with The Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford
University, on topics critical to success for women entrepreneurs, ranging from negotiation skills to team dynamics.

“For years, women have represented an important part of the workforce, earning 57 percent of undergraduate and 63 percent of masters degrees in the United States today,” said Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO, author of Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead and co-founder of LeanIn.Org. “For over 30 years, women have represented half of middle management in a number of industries, yet many organizations struggle to attract and retain high-potential women, especially in the most senior roles.”

Sparked by the book “Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead,”LeanIn.Org consists of three integrated programs: 1) Lean In Community brings women and men together to share stories and have daily conversations around topics that will help them achieve their goals; 2) Lean In Education offers access to free online lectures, produced in collaboration with the Clayman Institute for Gender Studies at Stanford University, on topics including creating successful teams, combating gender bias, negotiating, and advocating for your ideas; 3) Lean In Circles are small groups that meet monthly to learn together and share
experiences in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust. For more
information, visit www.LeanIn.Org or facebook.com/leaninorg.

About NAWBO
Founded in 1975, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide by: strengthening the wealth creating capacity of our members and promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial community; creating innovative and effective change in the business culture; building strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations; and transforming public policy and influencing opinion makers. Learn more at www.nawbo.org

Media Contact:
Christina Jorgensen
NAWBO Communications
(818) 772-9555, ext. 103

SOURCE National Association of Women Business Owners

www.water.org
For Women, It’s Personal

Empowered women will change the world

In many countries, women are responsible for finding and fetching water for their families.
All the water they need for drinking, washing, cooking, cleaning. They walk miles, carry heavy burdens, wait for hours and pay exorbitant prices. The work is back-breaking and all-consuming. Often the water is contaminated, even deadly. In these instances, they face an impossible choice – certain death without water or possible death from illness.

Once they are old enough, girls join this effort. They spend countless hours trying to provide this basic life necessity.

Women also struggle most from the lack of adequate sanitation, the often unspoken part of the water and sanitation crisis. The sanitation crisis for women can be summed up in one word: ‘dignity.’ Around the world, fewer than one person in three has access to a toilet. In many countries, it is not acceptable for a woman to relieve herself during the day. They wait hours for nightfall, just to have privacy. This impacts health and puts their safety at risk. About half of all girls worldwide attend schools without toilets. The lack of privacy causes many girls to drop out when they reach puberty.

The dual aspects of the water crisis – lack of water and of sanitation – lock women in a cycle of poverty. They cannot attend school; they cannot earn an income.

Providing Hope for Generations Ahead

Around the world, women are coming together to address their own needs for water and sanitation. Their strength and courage transforms communities. With the support of Water.org and its local partners, women organize their communities to support a well and take out small loans for household water connections and toilets. They support one another, share responsibility. These efforts make an impact, taking us one step closer to ending the global water crisis.

The results?
Education •Increased girls’ school attendance, level of education and literacy rates, as they no longer need to miss school to secure water for their families and have adequate and separate sanitation facilities.
Health •Improved health for women and girls who no longer have to delay defecation and urination.
•Reduced child and maternal mortality as a result of access to safe water, sanitation facilities and improved hygiene during child birth.
•Increased dignity and reduced psychological stress for girls and women particularly when symptoms associated with menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth can be managed discreetly.
•Reduced physical injury from constant lifting and carrying heavy loads of water.
•Reduced risk of rape, sexual assault, and increased safety as women and girls do not have to go to remote and dangerous places to defecate or to fetch water during the night.
Socio-Economic Opportunity •Increased recognition of women as having skills and knowledge outside the scope of their traditional roles.
•Strengthened voice for women in their families and communities to negotiate their own needs.
•New opportunities for women’s employment as well as greater autonomy and independence.

Children
Every 20 seconds, a child dies from a water-related illness

Women
Women spend 200 million hours a day collecting water

Water
More than 3x more people lack water than live in the United States

Disease
The majority of illness is caused by fecal matter

Sanitation
More people have a mobile than a toilet

Economic
Lack of community involvement causes 50% of other projects to fail

PAINTERS

WALL 2 WALL PAINTING &
FINISHING *
“Specializing in Beautifying Your Home”
Phone: 412-414-3997
Email: jlpasserrello@comcast.net
Ceramic Tile Installation; Hardware
floor installation; Interior Painting;
Cabinet Refinishing: Kitchen and bath
Remodeling.

ZINGRONE LANDSCAPING &
CONSTRUCTION *
Theresa Zingrone
Phone and Fax: 412-886-9818
Email: lmz1437@aol.com
Specializing in Pond and Waterfalls
* Concrete Work * Retaining Walls *
Pavers * New Landscaping Construction
* Mowing and Fertilization. Commercial
and Residential. Fully Insured. “Call a
company that cares.

:
LANDSCAPING

JANE OF ALL TRADES *
Laura Grunert, Experienced & Insured
Landscape Architect
Phone 412-512-0973
www.JANE-OF-ALL-TRADES.com

Jane of All Trades is an independent
contractor specializing in Residential
Painting and Landscape Design. This
includes upscale residential repaints
and restoration work for places in need
of repair. Also providing a broad range
of finish work including plaster repairs,
wallcovering removal, light carpentry and
small ceramic tile installations. Residential
Painting + Landscape Design. B.S.
Landscape Architecture, LEED Green
Associate. Sustainable landscape designs
and complete project management.
Meticulous. Reliable. Honest. Insured.
Licensed PA Home Improvement
Contractor.

TILE AND GROUTING

RAY TILING *
Lisa Ray, owner
4775 Frich Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Phone: 412-407-7298
Website: www.raytiling.com

What we do: Ceramic * Porcelain *
Granite * Marble * Slate
Common Applications: Floors *
Backsplashes * Fireplaces * Showers *
Bath Remodels. Whether you know the
exact tile and design that you would like, or
are just beginning to consider the project
and need some direction, we can help.

CONTRACTORS

LUMBER LADIES *
Diane Frasinelli
126 Lindsay Road
Carnegie, PA 15106
Phone: 412-983-0742
Email: lumberladies@gmail.com

We do remodeling, kitchen and
bathroom redo’s; Decks; Small additions;
Tile; Wood trim; Other repairs around
your house.

www.hfi-cpp.org
Holy Family International College Preparatory Program is looking for Home Stay Families to have English-speaking international high school students live in their home while they attend local Catholic high schools during the 2013-14 school year. Home Stay Families will receive compensation for additional living expenses. For more information, contact Lynn Guerra at
412-766-9020 x304 or
Guerra.lynn@hfi-pgh.org

by Pat McGrath Avery
Publisher
Red Engine Press
River Road Press
www.redenginepress.com
417-230-5555

Mary grew up in Illinois, attended Eureka College and Ohio State University. She became a librarian and married. Her life changed drastically when her husband died leaving her with a young son.

She met Hugo and Gudrun Herschend and their young son just a few years before cancer took Gundrun’s life. Mary and Hugo married and lived with their sons, Pete and Jack, in Wilmette, Illinois.

They shared many common interest and their love of wildflowers would soon lead them to southern Missouri. In 1946, they took a trip to the Ozarks and that vacation changed their lives.

They met Miss Miriam Lynch and her sister Genevieve who owned Marvel Cave outside Branson, Missouri. They fell in love with the beautiful Ozark Mountains. In 1950 the Herschends signed a 99-year lease on the cave. Hugo wanted to develop a business but Mary was content to be a mother and housewife. Although she didn’t want to move, Hugo was adamant about building a retirement business. He continued to work in Chicago, leaving Mary and the boys to live in the Ozarks and start their business. Eight thousand people visited the cave the first year they operated it.

The family capitalized on their individual strengths, Hugo’s marketing skills, Mary’s organizational and business sense and their sons’ willingness to work and learn the business. In 1955, Hugo died of a heart attack, leaving 56-year-old Mary in charge of a lease and a new business.

She made a decision, approached a banker and convinced him to loan her money to make improvements and run the business. Every year she borrowed money during the winter and paid it back when visitors came during the summer months. Hard work and determination drove her.

Mary and her sons loved the history of the Ozarks and in 1960 opened Silver Dollar City, a small Ozark Mountain village based on life in the late 1800s. The village featured the clothing, crafts, art, food and lifestyle of the era. Silver Dollar City brought history to its visitors and created jobs. As visitors came, entertainers came and the area grew.

People loved watching the craftsmen at work, tasting the foods, listening to the music and enjoying the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

Together with Pete and Jack, she made it work and grow. They hired a group of employees who shared their vision and their hard-working lifestyle. No division of labor existed. They all pitched in and learned every aspect of running a park. Mary admitted that they never developed business plans. Each year she and the boys decided how to improve their park and then worked to make it happen. Each year attendance increased.

Mary frequently told people, “Pete runs Silver Dollar City, Jack runs Marvel Cave –
and I run the two boys.”

In 1968, the Small Business Administration named Mary as Missouri Small Businessman of the Year. In 1972, she received the Missouri Tourism Award and in 1977, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce named her as the “Leading Lady of Missouri Tourism.”

Before her death in 1983, Silver Dollar City grew to be the largest employer in the area. The Missouri House of Representatives passed a resolution stating the House “recognizes in the life and work of Mary Rinker Herschend those attribute which characterize and define a true Missouri pioneer…who helped create a wave of recreational development which greatly contributed to the rise of tourism as one of Missouri’s top industries.”