Women’s Independent Press

That in December of 1869,The territory of Wyoming passed the first women’s suffrage law?
The following year, women begin serving on juries in the territory.

That in 1893 Colorado was the first state to adopt an amendment granting women
the right to vote? Utah and Idaho follow suit in 1896, Washington State in 1910, California in
1911, Oregon, Kansas, and Arizona in 1912, Alaska and Illinois in 1913, Montana and Nevada in 1914, New York in 1917; Michigan, South Dakota, and Oklahoma in 1918.

That in 1896 The National Association of Colored Women was formed, bringing together more than 100 black women’s clubs? Leaders in the black women’s club movement including: Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, Mary Church Terrell, and Anna Julia Cooper.

That in 1903 The National Women’s Trade Union League (WTUL) was established to advocate for improved wages and working conditions for women?

That in 1913 Alice Paul and Lucy Burns formed the Congressional Union to work toward the passage of a federal amendment to give women the vote? The group is later renamed the National Women’s Party. Members picket the White House and practice other forms of civil disobedience.

That in 1916 Margaret Sanger opened the first U.S. birth-control clinic in Brooklyn, N.Y.?
Although the clinic is shut down 10 days later and Sanger is arrested, she eventually wins support through the courts and opens another clinic in New York City in 1923.

That in 1919 The federal woman suffrage amendment, originally written by Susan B. Anthony and introduced in Congress in 1878, was passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate? It is then sent to the states for ratification.

That in 1920 The Women’s Bureau of the Department of Labor was formed to collect information about women in the workforce and safeguard good working conditions for women?

That on Aug. 26, 1920 The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote, is signed into law by Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby?

By Anne Fleming
www.women-drivers.com

Green Vehicles
The federal government provides an income tax credit for buyers of hybrid vehicles up to approximately $3,200, depending on the model of the vehicle. Credits are phased out, however, after the auto manufacturer sells 60,000 hybrids.

Green automobiles are all the rage, and why shouldn’t they be? They’re environmentally friendly by lowering emissions and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These vehicles also save gasoline and save you on maintenance costs due to less wear and tear on major automotive parts. There are three types of green vehicles: hybrids, electric and hydrogen.

We want to do what’s right for the environment and our future generations, but in today’s ever-changing technological parade, sometimes it can be hard to keep up. Here’s the scene on all things green:
• Hybrids
Hybrid cars get their power from two different sources, often gas and battery. Hybrid vehicles do not plug in to anything, and average about 30-50 mpg. Usually, they have smaller engines that will let you get anywhere you need to go, but might possibly require an extra boost sometimes when going up a hill, so the battery will kick on. During braking and idling, the engine shuts completely off to save on gasoline and energy. When you apply the brakes, the energy exerted is transformed into heat and propels the car by way of the battery. The car is fully capable of running solely on the battery, but you should never let your hybrid run out of gas. It should not run on the battery alone for long periods of time, as it may cause damage to the car. However, a very positive aspect is the long life that comes along with the batteries of hybrid cars. These parts are well-engineered and designed to last a lifetime. On average, you will get a warranty that will cover the battery for 8-10 years, and you may never have to replace your battery – it completely recharges itself every time you drive the car.

Some other perks:
o Perfect for the stop-n-go life of the city dweller.
o Can acquire some tax breaks after purchase.
o Excellent warranties, most any dealer can repair and it shouldn’t cost more than the traditional gasoline-powered car.
o Body styles are smaller, lighter and more aerodynamic – they’re cute!

• Electrics
Electric cars are powered by an electric motor, instead of a gasoline engine. These cars need to be recharged on a daily basis by way of plugging your car into an outlet. The amount of time that the car needs to charge varies by model, but you will get around 160 miles per charge, if not more. The batteries in electric cars are extremely expensive and have a limited lifespan, but on the flipside, you do not have to perform oil changes or change spark plugs in this type of vehicle. Brakes also last longer because of their regenerative nature, and the maintenance costs are kept low because of the simplified structure. These cars average about 30-50 mpg, similar to hybrids.

• Hydrogen
Hydrogen cars function off a lithium ion battery and a hydrogen storage tank. The hydrogen mixes with oxygen to create enough energy to propel the car. These cars are not on the market yet, but look for the releases beginning 2008, and well into the future.

Gasoline
• Ethanol
There’s a revolution going on at the gas pump. The creation of “greener” gas has been created by adding renewable fuels, like ethanol, to the mix. Ethanol, or E85, is the product of the fermentation of plant sugars, such as corn and other grains. It sells at roughly the same price as gasoline, and doesn’t contaminate the water supply.

All vehicles have the ability to accommodate up to 10% of ethanol, but in order for a vehicle to operate using E85, your vehicle must be compatible for alcohol use. These fuels can be more corrosive than gasoline and damage the liners of the parts internally.

Some cars are flexible-fuel cars, and are readily able to accept either gasoline or ethanol. Over 6 million cars on the road today are E85 compatible, including such makes as: Chrysler, Ford, GM, Isuzu, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury and Nissan.

If you have a vehicle by one of these manufacturers, you can find out if it is E85 compatible.

• Biodiesel
Most diesel operated vehicles can easily make the switchover to biodiesel fuel without too much trouble. There may be some problems, but they are able to be worked out. Biodiesel also lowers emissions and gases that cause pollution. More of the world’s gasoline is spared, and the maintenance costs on the vehicle are lowered.

Here are some things you can do, with or without a green vehicle, or green gasoline, to maximize your MPG.
1. Air conditioning – The more you use it, the more gas you’re burnin’.
2. Cruise control – If you have it, utilize it. This keeps your car moving at a steady pace, which prevents spikes in your gas level.
3. Don’t speed! This only uses more fuel! (I know, you know…)
4. Don’t do 100 mph on the highway; you’re reducing your aerodynamic drag. This also applies to having your windows open. These factors create more resistance, which makes your engine work harder, and your gas tank empty faster.
5. Idling – Unnecessary engine action. If you’re going to be sitting somewhere for a long time – even over a minute – you can save gas by shutting the car off, and restarting when needed.
6. Minimize trips – Factor everything you have to do and all the errands you have to run, and try to do them all at once.
7. Octane rating – Read your manual to find out which octane rating is right for your car, and use it.
8. Oil changes (and all preventative maintenance) – Helps to keep your car running just as the day you bought it. All parts remain clean and working properly with regular care.
9. Tires – Keep your tires properly inflated, now made easier with built-in sensors, to keep your car rolling down the road smoothly.
10. Weight – Don’t keep erroneous stuff in your car, this only bogs you down and slows the car

By Rieva Lesonsky

Getting financing for your business starts way before you ever put pen to paper for your business loan application. Would you give yourself a loan for a startup or growing business?
It’s time to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and maybe face some eye-opening realities.
Are you what your bank is looking for? Do you look good on paper but come off as arrogant in person?
Don’t underestimate the value of first impressions. Go in confident and convincing, without being pushy and condescending. Impart your passion for your business and your mission. Do some role-playing with a peer or SCORE mentor beforehand if possible. Ask this person to be honest with you about how you come across.
And don’t forget your personal references from business associates, vendors and customers. Bankers want to see that you have a good name in the community.
Are you an expert in your industry? You’d better be! And you’d better come prepared to answer any industry questions that are thrown at you. Make an appointment with your local SCORE office to speak to someone who knows your industry and find out what the latest trends are for your market. If your industry is experiencing a low point (or high point), be prepared to say what your business brings to the table.
Do you know what sets you apart from your competitors? Did one of your well-known competitors just go under? How do you plan to keep your business from meeting the same fate? You should also be prepared to discuss who and where your major competitors are, what sales channels your competitors use, and how much they spend on expenses such as payroll, marketing and operations. Know where your pricing falls compared to similar businesses and why you chose the price point you have.
Are you an important part of your community? Be ready to show your community involvement and how your business will improve the business and social climate of your town or city. Today, being involved in community charities or events could make all the difference in attracting customers, many of whom want to spend their dollars with businesses that contribute to the community.
Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a media company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Follow Rieva at Twitter.com/Rieva and visit her blog at www.SmallBizDaily.com . Visit her website www.SmallBizTrendCast.com to get the
scoop on business trends and sign up for Rieva’s free TrendCast reports.

Business Program Calendar
March 2012
Programs are held on Thursdays at 12:15 pm at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield Street, Downtown. All programs are free and open to the public.

March 1 Buying Foreclosed, Bank-Owned or Short Sale Properties - Is it Right For You? Diane Scabilloni, Mortgage Banker, Victorian Finance
Tracy Janov, Realtor, Prudential Preferred Realty

This session will explain how to analyze a property and identify the outstanding financial obligations. You’ll learn how approach lenders to purchase bank-owned properties, deal with the limited disclosure of physical deficiencies in this type of sale, and the necessary information you need to gather before determining if purchasing a bank-owned property is right for you.

March 8 Climbing Your Family Tree: Rethinking Genealogy
Marilyn Cocchiola Holt, MLS, Department Head
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Department

Ms. Holt, a recognized authority in the field of genealogy, will introduce us to the process involved in searching for family roots: how to find the who, when and where of your family. Resources discussed will include census schedules, vital records and courthouse resources, church and cemetery records, military records, and immigration and naturalization data.

March 15 How to Construct a Good Resume
Chris Posti, President, Executive Coach, Career Columnist and Author
Posti & Associates, Inc.

What is the proper length for a resume? Do you need to customize each one that you send out? Is it necessary to include a career objective? How should you arrange your information? Ms. Posti has helped hundreds of people polish their resumes and will share tips to make yours stand out from the rest. If you bring your resume to the program, she’ll offer quick, on-the-spot suggestions.

Copies of Ms. Posti’s new book, The Shortest Distance Between You and Your New Job, will be available for purchase after the program.

March 22 The Pennsylvania Partnership for Long Term Care
Nicole M. DeMartino, CLTC, Long Term Care & Disability Specialist
Pittsburgh Brokerage Services, Inc.

In 2007, the PA Long Term Care Partnership Program was put into law. It contains strong consumer protections and offers dollar-per-dollar asset protection from Medicaid in case a loved one needs care. Ms. DeMartino will discuss the benefits available to you when selecting a long term care policy and what you need to know before you apply for coverage.

March 29 No program – See you next week!

By Mitzi Perdue
WeNews correspondent
http://www.womensenews.org/story/women-in-science/120226/study-takes-mystery-out-hiring-tech-women

(WOMENSENEWS)–Companies have plenty of practical ways to hire more women in the high-paying fields of science, technology, engineering and math, the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology finds in a 50-page report released today.
To prevent unconscious gender biases during the pre-screening part of the interview, for instance, hiring managers should conceal the names attached to resumes, according to the author.
In addition, the report recommends every open technical position should include a viable female candidate.
Companies can also follow the example of IBM, a consistent star on women-friendly rankings, by providing cash incentives for female employees to tap into their personal social networks to recruit more women. The technology giant, based in Armonk, N.Y., estimates that close to 30 percent of all their hirings of professional women worldwide are made through such personal connections.
Knowing why women are under-represented in technical fields, (reasons include unconscious biases in the recruiting process, lack of role models and mentors, plus organizational cultures that hurt recruitment and retention) the authors look at how companies such as Intel, Cisco, Google and IBM have lowered barriers.

The Anita Borg Institute, based in Palo Alto, Calif., was founded in 1997. Its name honors the founder of Systers, the first online community for women in computing. The group encourages the development of women technology leaders.
Women make up only 24 percent of the work force in science, technology, engineering, and math. They hold some of the best-paid jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Women who hold these jobs average $31.11 per hour, compared with the $19.26 women earn on average in other occupations.
“What’s really cool,” says Jerri Barrett, vice president of marketing for the Anita Borg Institute, “is while everyone for years has been talking about, ‘How do we get more women in technology jobs?’, this report gives answers. We’re sharing with the world how to recruit more women.”
Barrett says companies have good reason to care about recruiting women. “If you’re in a technology industry, and you’re ignoring half the human race, you’ll find that there are holes that are difficult to fill, and you’ll sacrifice innovation and profits.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sue Kerr
(412) 216-3535
tote4pgh@gmail.com

Pittsburgh, PA - Local organizations On The Spot and the Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project have teamed up to dedicate the month of March to collecting menstrual supplies with tote bags. On the Spot works to address the scarcity of menstrual products for many young girls in local low-income communities. The group focuses on collecting menstrual supplies that can be distributed in the schools, where teachers and staff often purchase items for girls who come to school with nothing. The Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project collects items defined as a “priority” by Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
Many women and girls in our region simply do not have the extra cash to stop at the drug store to pick up a box of tampons or pads. SNAP (food stamps) doesn’t cover these products. The difficult reality for many working women is that feminine hygiene products are a luxury.
During the month of March (Women’s History Month), The Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project and On the Spot, will be asking community members to fill tote bags with menstrual supplies for those women and girls in our region who so desperately need them. One grocery store tote bag with pads or tampons could provide a local woman with up to six months worth of supplies. Totes with products can be donated at any of the regular drop-spots for the three projects. More information on drop-off spots can be found at www.tote4pgh.com/sister-supplies.
“Dignity is an important part of the project,” explains Sue Kerr, co-chair of The Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project. “It is good fit with our goal of making the food pantry experience a bit more dignified. Working with On The Spot highlights the impact of poverty throughout our community and creates opportunities for us to support our neighbors.”
Suggested ways to participate include asking coworkers or family members to purchase products to be included in a tote bag, organizing a drive at your place of worship or community group, or working with a group of young women to educate them about this critical need.
“Many women and girls are stunned when they realize that this need exists,” says Kerr. “We take these items for granted, assume that the days of using rags or similar solutions are ‘history.’ That’s why we chose Women’s History Month – it is important for everyone to understand that poverty – even for working families – makes this very much a current problem.
###
How to Donate:
Donations will be divided between the Food Bank and On The Spot for distribution throughout the region.
The Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project Drop-Off Spots
Download our flyer (.pdf)
What To Donate:
Box of pads, any size. Variety is good. Special need for pads designed for young girls.
Box of tampons, any size. Variety is good.
Panty liners, any variety. Unscented is best.
New reusable products are welcome, too. If we can give women choices, that’s good.
New or gently used tote bags. Backpacks also useful.
Sample and trials are fine as long as they are sealed.
What Else Can We Do?
We need women and girls groups to commit to one product drive a year. Pick a month and sign up now, make a two year commitment for 2012 and 2013. This will ensure a steady supply of products. You can continue to use the Tote Bag Project as a resource to coordinate transport (good chance to also collect tote bags.)
Our goal is to end March 2012 with commitments from 24 different organizations & groups to conduct a drive beyond this specific drive. This is a great teachable moment if you work with young woman who might benefit from learning about the real impact of poverty on women’s lives, health and welfare.
To make this commitment, email tote4pgh@gmail.com with your details.
Other Events and Activities:
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 we are coordinating a “blogswarm” about this issue. Any blogger is invited to participate. Please send a link for your post to tote4pgh@gmail.com so we can include you in our list.

By Kim Kisner

Early this week, tens of thousands of residents in Allegheny County received their new property assessment notices. These assessed values, which are used to calculate the property taxes owed, increased dramatically for most homeowners, who now have big questions on their minds. Residents in the City of Pittsburgh and some other areas already received their notices in December or January. The last of the Allegheny County residents should expect to see their new assessment notices in early March.

Property owners who saw high increases or who think their assessed values are too high should file formal appeals to get their values reduced. The deadline for filing appeals is in early April, and thousands of Allegheny County homeowners have already filed appeals.

The Kisner Law Firm represents property owners through the formal appeal process. Our resources and experience allow us to work toward the best possible outcomes for our clients. For a low flat fee, we take care of the entire appeal process from beginning to end:

1. We file for a formal appeal
2. We gather evidence that supports a lower assessed value
3. We represent you at the hearing (you don’t have to come)
4. We appeal to the next level, the Board of Viewers, if necessary to fight for a lower value

Although nobody can guarantee a particular result, in our experience, the vast majority of our clients are thrilled to see significant reductions in their assessed values. The reductions in their assessed values mean hundreds or thousands of dollars in savings every year, which makes hiring an experienced real estate attorney a good investment. Visit http://kisnerlawfirm.com to learn more

For fifteen years, the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network has been devoted to providing seniors with the highest quality care in their own homes, and to arming families with the information they need to make the best decisions about caring for aging loved ones. The Wall Street Journal recently interviewed Home Instead Senior Care President Jeff Huber for an article titled “New Resources for Caregivers.” The article discusses the Home Instead Senior Care network’s new dementia training program that helps caregivers better meet the needs of people with Alzheimer’s. The article, listed below, includes further information to assist families in their caregiving experience.
Wallstreet Journal. February 18, 2012. Title: “New Resources for Caregivers”
“Caring for an elderly relative isn’t just costly and time-consuming—studies show it could even harm your own health. Now, some companies and nonprofits are rolling out free and low-cost professional help for family caregivers.
Genworth Financial, a large long-term-care insurer, and AARP, the membership group for older Americans, on Thursday introduced a new service for AARP members through which the families of older adults with dementia and other illnesses can assess their needs and develop a care plan—either online, over the phone or in person with a registered nurse. (Genworth already has marketed long-term-care insurance with AARP’s logo for nearly five years.)
The program’s fees vary depending on the service used, starting with online access all the way up to an in-home assessment and help finding local home-health aides, facilities or other medical providers to match those needs.
Improving Dementia Care
Separately, service provider Home Instead Senior Care has started training its home-care workers in new techniques and strategies to improve care for dementia patients—and is starting to offer the same instruction at no cost online and in person to family caregivers.
“Families need help keeping their loved one safe and mentally engaged and stimulated, and managing difficult behaviors,” says Jeff Huber, Home Instead’s president.
To that end, Home Instead developed a life journal, designed to collect information about a patient’s history “to create a much more effective caring experience,” he says.
The financial toll on family caregivers who are 50 or older averages $303,880 a person in lost lifetime wages, pensions and Social Security benefits, according to a June 2011 analysis of U.S. Heath and Retirement Study data by the nonprofit National Alliance for Caregiving and others.
The toll on one’s health also can be significant. Taking care of a family member with Alzheimer’s disease could make your own health-care bills increase by an average of $4,766 a year, according to a separate study that the National Alliance for Caregiving released in November. It also found that family caregivers make visits to emergency rooms, doctors and hospitals at higher rates than others the same age.
Unpaid Caregivers
More than 43 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers for adults who are 50 and older (the age at which you can join AARP), and nearly one in four say they have a difficult time coordinating care, according to a 2009 study by the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP, which has some 40 million members.
The new service, formally known as AARP Caregiving Help and Advice from Genworth ranges from $12.99 for six months of online access to $149 for a phone assessment, a service plan and six months of online access, to $489 for an in-home consultation. Adding the “service finder” option—which includes researching local availability, providing quality ratings, negotiating discounts and coordinating the start of care—brings the phone total to $295 and the in-person bill to $665.
Genworth has offered the assessment and matchmaking service to its long-term-care policyholders for four years. Ralph Cummins, a 51-year-old marketing consultant in Richmond, Va., sought help from the insurer in late 2010 when his mother was facing knee-replacement surgery, which would require a short stay afterward at a rehabilitation center, at the same time that she was caring at home for his father, who had cancer.
Genworth provided information on rehab centers, pinpointing the closest one to his parents’ home, and also in-home health-care providers.
“I only had to make about five phone calls instead of 100 phone calls,” Mr. Cummins says. “I would have had no idea where to start. It was overwhelming.”
Home Instead Senior Care, for its part, is trying to help caregivers—both its own 70,000 paid workers and the public—better meet the needs of people with Alzheimer’s.
“Rather than trying to force Alzheimer’s patients to live in our world in the here and now,” Home Instead’s Mr. Huber says, “we need to meet them in the past.”
For example, one of Home Instead’s clients in Omaha, Neb., where it is based, had served in the military. To persuade him to take a bath—something Alzheimer’s patients often have an aversion to—his caregiver told him a general was coming for inspection and he needed to get ready. He immediately took a bath, Mr. Huber says.
Prolonging Time at Home
Such simple strategies, he adds, can help people with Alzheimer’s prolong their time at home as well.
By the end of this year, all of the company’s 600-plus franchised locations expect to offer Alzheimer’s training for caregivers. And in May, it plans to post an online course at the Help for Alzheimer’s Families website, which already has other resources.
These new programs come on top of free services offered by the U.S. Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator, which connects older adults and families to local agencies, and the nonprofit National Council on Aging’s BenefitsCheckUp site, which provides screening for more than 2,000 public and private programs.
More good news: The U.S. Tax Court ruled last year that in-home personal care can qualify as a deductible long-term-care expense if it is prescribed by a doctor for a person who meets the definition of “chronically ill.” Taxpayers generally can deduct such costs as medical expenses if they exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income.
If you, or any organization of which you are a part, is interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s, please contact our office. We would be happy to speak to your group free of charge about this subject, our services, and even employment opportunities.
Sincerely,

Rebecca Champagne, Human Resource Coordinator
Home Instead Senior Care
1102 S Braddock Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Phone: (412) 731-0733
Rebecca.Champagne@homeinstead.com

Networking Luncheon for Women Business Owners & Professionals
“Get Heard, Get Noticed, Get Leads”

A networking event open to any business woman who would like
to increase her business contacts/clientele. Our networking
format will be structured to provide participants with high
profile and networking. Bring 20-30 business cards/brochures,
cash for your lunch check, and be prepared to give a 60-second commercial about yourself.
March 1 - 11:30 a.m. - Natrona Heights
March 9 - 1:00 p.m. - Robinson/Airport
March 12 - 1:00 p.m. - Beaver County
March 14 - 11:30 a.m. - Shaler/Gibsonia
March 15 - 1:00 p.m. - East End
March 16 - 1:00 p.m. - Monroeville
March 21 - 1:00 p.m. - South Hills
March 23 - 12:00 p.m. - Westmoreland
March 26 - 6:30 p.m. - Washington (After Work)
March 27 - 1:00 p.m. - North Hills
March 28 - 5:00 p.m. - After Work Network
Host: Women’s Small Business Association
Fee: $2 meeting fee (plus the cost of lunch)
RSVP: Required (Note: Any “Yes” RSVPs who do not show
will be charged a $20 no-show fee.)

For more info and to register online,
go to http://www.wsba.ws
If you have further questions, contact Eileen Conniff Marzullo
at 412-429-9919 or marzullope@verizon.net.

March 1 - BizMix Networking Event

Join the Pittsburgh Business Times and their partners to mix,
mingle and network with Pittsburgh professionals at BizMix, an
evening networking event presented by the Business Times. This is also a great opportunity to meet and visit with Business Times
editors, reporters and staff in an informal setting. Bring your
business cards and get ready to make new acquaintances. Most of this open-house style event will be informal networking.

This event will be hosted by Contemporary Craft–an organization that engages people in the creative experience through cutting edge art exhibitions, studio classes in a range of media for both makers and non-makers, and a store with unique merchandise. On view currently at the contemporary urban gallery are three exhibitions highlighting work in small metals and jewelry.

Please contact Dena Trusiak at 412-208-3814 or
dtrusiak@bizjournals.com for information and pricing.

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Contemporary Craft, 2100 Smallman Street, Strip District
Cost: $35-Business Times Subscribers; $45-Others
(Includes hors d’oeuvres & drinks, Advance payment required)
RSVP: Early registration encouraged (Limited Space)

For questions or additional information, contact Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845 or kkomondor@bizjournals.com.

March 2 - Interval: The Duke of Uke and His Novelty Orchestra - at noon | Lobby | Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (500 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana)
Satisfy your musical cravings, get the latest from Campus Recreation and the Illinois Marathon, shimmy on up to our new soup bar, try your hand at the craft table, and indulge in a mini-massage from BodyWork Associates. Interval Series Sponsor: Anonymous | Creative Intersections Sponsor: The News-Gazette - visit KrannertCenter.com for more details

March 3 - 10 PM - 2 AM - 2012 Fundraiser/Benefit - THE P.R.O.M.I.S.E. GROUP PRESENTS - THE 4TH ANNUAL, BLUES AND R&B SHOWCASE @ Hard Rock Cafe’ | Station Square - Join us at the Hard Rock Cafe for our 4th Annual Blues & R&B - Showcase that benefits the P.R.O.M.I.S.E. Group - committed to stopping violence in the inner city. The show features The Muddy Kreek Blues Band introducing Shawnie Moon, plus with special guest Barbara Ray & the Stingrays and some other surprises! Come out and support a great cause and hear some great music.

7th Annual Celebrate & Share Women of Achievement Awards
DATE: Wednesday, March 7, 2012
TIME: 6:00 to 9:00 pm
LOCATION: The Omni William Penn Hotel Grand Ballroom – Pittburgh, PA
ATTIRE: Business
TICKETS: $85
CONTACT: Heather Glaser, 412-322-5680 ext. 5,or go to http://cribsforkids.org/event-calendar.
March 7 - Join us at IKEA Pittsburgh for this Leadership Lunch and Learn! Get Involved! Increasing Your Leadership Potential at 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
IKEA Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh - http://www.ikea.com/us/en/store/pittsburgh/activities  
Leadership Coach Tom Baker will show business professionals and students how to improve their professional and civic lives, join and lead groups and start making more of an impact both within and outside of work and school - Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch) - RSVP by Tuesday March 6, 2012 - To Jennifer Stockdale via email jennifer.stockdale@ikea.com
or To Jennifer Stockdale via phone 412-747-0747 X 1201
March 7 - Wexford Area - Business Leads Exchange Networking Lunch - YOU MUST RSVP TO THIS EVENT BY Monday- March 5,  midnight - You must also cancel your reservation by Monday midnight - If you do not cancel you WILL be billed $18.00 for the lunch you reserved.
Where: Atria’s 
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Presenters: To Be Announced
Please RSVP to MichelleZmijanac@BestPracticesDelivered.com
March 8 - Pittsburgh Professional Women Clever Connections Lunch from 1-3pm - Andora Restaurant, Greentree 1928 Cochran Road, Pittsburgh - Guest Speaker Health Coach and Author Lindsey Smith discussing her book: “Junk Foods & Junk Moods: Stop Craving & Start Living” Register Online www.PittsburghProfessionalWomen.com
March 8 - Woke Up Black, a film by Mary F. Morten
Kelly Strayhorn Theater
Pittsburgh, PA

Thursday, March 8, 2012
4 PM | 8 PM - http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/228514 to register - Co-sponsored by The Women and Girls Foundation and The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, as part of New Voices Pittsburgh’s Women of Color HERStory Month 2012.
March 9 - **Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have changes to our March Breakfast Series event on Friday, March 9th, 2012. Please notice that we have changed the speakers, the topic and description. We apologize for any inconvenience. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.**

Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series
7:30-9:00AM - Venue: James Laughlin Music Hall, Chatham University, Shadyside Campus
Cost: $25.00 (including continental breakfast) - Register Online at www.chatham.edu/cwe
 
Speakers: Noreen Campbell, Sharon Young, and Jennifer Daurora, McGinnis Sisters Special Food Stores - Topic: “Running a Family Food Business”
 
This multi-generational panel of women from the McGinnis Sisters Special Food stores know firsthand not only what it takes to run a successful business, but to successfully run a business with family members! From succession planning to training, making a food business work is a challenge and making a family business work can seem impossible. Hear from these speakers on
how to set yourself up for success when it comes to food and family.

March 11 – 17th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - 2 - 6 pm
Rodef Shalom Congregation
- 4905 Fifth Avenue, Oakland – visit http://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/Details.aspx?RecID=115&type=Calendar for more details
March 12 - Conflict Managment Skills for Women, a one-day seminar March 12, brought to you by SkillPath. Ladies,  I received the attached coupon for this workshop.  Skillpath offers great training and seminars.  I highly recommend them.  The pricing for this workshop is typically $99.  My attached coupon is to save $10 
 
I have negotiated with Skillpath to offer reduced rates to anyone receiving this message through WIN-Pittsburgh.  If you are interested in attending, please call 1-800-873-7545 and tell them you want to register as you have received this from WIN-Pittsburgh. 
 
Our special pricing will be as follows:
IF 1, 2 OR 3 ATTEND YOU CAN USE COUPON CODE ATTACHED
IF 4 OR MORE ATTEND - EACH TICKET WILL BE $80
IF 10 OR MORE ATTEND - EACH TICKET WILL BE $75
 
You must call the 800 number to get the special pricing.  Once we cross a threshold on the number attending, then you will be charged the appropriate rate.  If you register online or do not convey this information, then you will be charged the $89 or $99 price.  I spoke with Niki, if you need a point of contact.
 
March 14 - Mount Lebanon Area - Business Leads Exchange Networking Lunch
YOU MUST RSVP TO THIS EVENT BY Monday March 12. midnight - You must also cancel your reservation by Monday midnight - If you do not cancel you WILL be billed $18.00 for the lunch you reserved.
Where: Atria’s - Mount Lebanon
110 Beverly Road Pittsburgh (Mount Lebanon), Pa. 15216
Time 11:30 am - 1:30pm
Presenter: To Be Announced
Please RSVP to this event to Tina Nobers
Email: TinaNobers@CMNNutritionGroup.com

Brown Bag Lunch
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
12:00 – 1:00 pm
 
Speaker:  John McCool  
 
Topic:Stop Identity Theft by knowing how to protect your personal data.  Keep your Social Security number, your bank account, your credit card number, your telephone calling card number, and other identifying data ­from thieves who will profit at your expense. It’s a costly crime!
 
Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org
March 15 - 4:00-6:00 pm Point Park University,
University Center - GRW Theater, 414 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA
 
Panelists include:
Dr. Mary Burke, Carlow University
Supervisory Special Agent Brad Orsini, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Dr. Muge Kokten Finkel, University of Pittsburgh
Deborah Acklin, WQED Multimedia (moderator)
 
Register at www.worldpittsburgh.org

Disability Resource Breakfast
Thursday, March 15, 2012
8:30 – 9:30 AM
 
Speaker: Carolyn Komich Hare, Clinical Coordinator for the Autism Tissue Program (ATP) and Founder of AHEADD (Achieving in Higher Education with Autism/Developmental Disabilities)  
 
Topic:  The growing number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders require increased support in our school and work settings. Join us to learn about the current diagnostics and practical strategies for providing the best services possible.
 
Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE - RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org
 
March 15 - Entrepreneurial Thursday Networking Event
Featured Theme:
Green and Sustainable Businesses
A casual weekly networking event for those interested in what’s
innovative and positive in Pittsburgh. A jazz, soul & blues happy
hour show plus open-mike interviews with local executives.

Time: 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Place: Little E’s, 949 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh
Host: Jessica Lee
Cost: $5 (hors d’ouevres included)

For further info, email smarshall@pghgateways.org.
March 16 - “Animal Friends’ McBark & Brew – St. Patrick’s Day Beer Tasting “
Erin Go Bark!  All dogs can feel like Irish Setters at Animal Friends on Friday, March 16 as Animal Friends hosts a special McBark & Brew St. Patrick’s Day Beer Tasting from 7 pm until 8:30 pm.
 
BYODog, as dog- and people-friendly pooches are invited to play with canine friends in our Outreach Center, while their human companions sample a variety of micro-brew beers (some may be green!) and Irish treats.  A Chinese auction with an Irish twist and a 50/50 raffle add to the fun, all for a donation of $20 per person, which benefits the homeless residents of Animal Friends. Registration is required as space is limited.  Register online at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or by calling 412.847.7055.  You must be 21 or older.
Guests must bring vaccination records for their four-footed companions.  Please, no retractable leashes.  Standard five- or six-foot leashes only.
Animal Friends is located at 562 Camp Horne Road in the North Hills, just 0.5 miles from Exit 15 off I-279. For more information, call 412.847.7000 or visit www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
 March 16 - 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. - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Place: (To be announced), Pittsburgh
Cost: $32.00 (Prepayment required) - RSVP: By March 14th
Questions: Contact Suzanne at Suzanne@womenspowerlunch.com
or 724-452-5152.
March 21 - PSE March Networking Event:”March Networking Madness” – 6 PM – 9 PM – Pittsburgh Athletic Association, 4215 5th Avenue Pittsburgh – contact Tricia Derry, Pittsburgh Social Exchange – tricia@pghse.com  or by phone: 412-735-9765 – to register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=g5woh4cab&oeidk=a07e5fmbz2w90789233&oseq=a01lhg8vzb58n

March 21 - Monroeville Area-  Business Leads Exchange Networking Lunch

 YOU MUST RSVP TO THIS EVENT BY Monday-March 19th  midnight You must also cancel your reservation by Monday midnight - If you do not cancel you WILL be billed $18.00 for the lunch you reserved -  Bella Luna Trattoria 5060 William Penn Highway, Monroeville, Pa. 15146
Time 11:30 am - 1:30p - Presenters  - Mycal Jones - Western & Southern - Please RSVP to this event to Rob MageeBLXMurrysville@gmail.com 

All MEETINGS 
Please bring cash!  We cannot accept credit cards. You will receive a receipt!  - You must RSVP to ALL events!
Meeting Agenda - All Lunch Meetings:

Open Networking from 11:30am -11:45am
Networking at tables while eating
2 -10 minute commercials
Everyone ’s 1-minute commercial
Kudo’s
Announcements
* Please bring your business cards and collateral to share with everyone.
We look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

March 22 – Strategies for REACH Compliance Workshop – Overview, update and compliance: A Comprehensive Workshop for U.S. Manufacturers & their supply chain – 9 am – 3 pm – Duquesne University - visit http://www.sbdc.duq.edu/EventRegistration.asp?id=310 to register

March 23 - Women’s Power Lunch – Westmoreland

Time: 1:00–3:00 pm
Place: To be announced (Westmoreland County)
Cost: $30.00 (Prepayment Required)
RSVP: by March 21
Questions: Contact Melanie Ansell at:
melanieansell@comcast.net or 412-848-0165

March 21 - Business for Breakfast Networking Event
Featured Presentation: Creating Impact with Email Marketing - Featuring: David Yunghans, Constant Contact
Email is everywhere - you can’t reach for your phone anymore and not end up “doing” your email, which typically involves hitting the delete button nine times in a row. As Constant Contact’s Regional Development Director, David leverages his training and business development expertise to help local businesses maximize the power of relationship marketing through the use of online communication tools. If the term eBlast is part of your vocabulary, join us at Business for Breakfast and discover strategies to effectively use email marketing to increase your business.

Time: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Place: Southpointe Golf Club, 360 Southpointe Blvd.,
Canonsburg, PA 15317
Host: Pittsburgh Business Times
Cost: $25 (includes cont.breakfast)
RSVP: Suggested by March 16 (Seating is limited.)
Register online at:
http://pittsburgh.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/event/
For more info, contact Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845 or
komondor@bizjournals.com.

March 22- A Common Sense Approach to Business Success - Presented By: Barbara A. Killmeyer, Author of It’s Nobody’s Business but Yours - This seminar will focus on a number of topics including: Smart Marketing: Get the most for your marketing dollar
Your Attitude for Success: Learn to develop a positive attitude for success
Put Your Best Foot Forward: Project a professional image that will attract customers
A Trustworthy Reputation is Beyond Value: Build a reputation to attract and retain customers

Call the SBDC at (814) 393-2060 or Toll free at 1 (877) 292-1843 or Email: sbdc@clarion.edu
Visit http://web.clarion.edu/SBDC/training/businessws.asp  for additional information
March 24 - “Tune in to Animal Friends’ Telethon on March 24″
Animal Friends has big news! Find out what it is when Animal Friends takes over WTAE-TV’s airwaves on Saturday, March 24 from noon until 4 pm for their 7th Annual Telethon. Pittsburgh celebrities like legendary comic Jim Krenn, Cris Winter from WISH, Monty from Y108, PJ Maloney from KQV and Gail Buckner from Animal Friends’ Board of Directors will join forces to host the Telethon, but the real stars of the show will be the adoptable dogs, cats, and rabbits from Animal Friends. Go behind-the-scenes with our shelter pets, follow our intrepid Humane Investigations team on one of their life-saving rescue missions, meet adoptable animals and hear a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT about the future of animal welfare in our region! There will be plenty of surprises, and Jim Krenn and his dog Gizmo will launch Gizmo’s Friend-a-Thon with special adoption incentives! At Animal Friends, we believe that adopting a pet can be a priceless experience, and Jim Krenn and Gizmo are the perfect pair to prove that’s true!Tune in Saturday, March 24th from noon until 4 pm on WTAE –TV.Or, join us at Animal Friends for a fun reception and incredible adoption specials! Animal Friends is located at 562 Camp Horne Road in the North Hills, just 0.5 miles from Exit 15 off I-279. For more information, call 412.847.7000 or visit www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.   

March 25 - NORTH HILLS INTERFAITH GATHERING - “Living Forgiveness and Compassion In a Diverse World” - The North Hills Anti-Racism Coalition is sponsoring the 15th Annual North Hills Interfaith Gathering, at 3:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the North Hills, 2359 W. Ingomar Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.  Representatives from many faiths will explain how they practice forgiveness and compassion within their faiths.  Attendees will have the opportunity to attend three breakout sessions to hear three different faith presentations and to ask questions of the presenters.  The afternoon will conclude with a closing ceremony and a social featuring ethnic food.  The event will be a wonderful learning experience bringing together people of all ages - The North Hills Anti-Racism is organizing the gathering for its fifteenth year as a way of overcoming divisiveness and intolerance by getting to know and educating ourselves about our neighbors of diverse faiths.  All ages are invited and encouraged to attend.  Childcare for young children will be provided. For more information, call (412) 486-9036 or email nhcoalition@comcast.net.

March 28 – Girls Coalition of South Western Pennsylvania - Fourth Annual Conference – 8:30 am – 4 pm - Doubletree Pittsburgh (Monroeville)  - 101 Mall Blvd Pittsburgh, http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5jvdsbb818701c2&llr=fx6svmcab to register

March 29 - Secrets of Pittsburgh’s Fastest Growing Companies
Discover the Secrets of Pittsburgh’s Fastest Growing Companies
Featured panelists will include:
· Melanie Querry, President, Beyond Spots and Dots
· Anthony Braun, CEO, Heartland Restaurant Group
· Jason Wolfe, CEO, MyCoupons LLC
How do you manage a company with triple digit growth? And do you represent one of those companies? Join us for lunch at the Rivers Club for a lively discussion about rapid growth with some of the leaders of the 2011 Pittsburgh 100. Their perspectives on achieving and dealing with rapid growth are sure to provide you with valuable insight for your own business operation.

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Place: Rivers Club, 301 Grant Street, Suite 411, Pittsburgh
Host: Pittsburgh Business Times
Cost: Business Times Subscribers-$40; Others-$70
For more info, contact Michele Broda at 412-481-6397 or
mbroda@bizjournals.com.
Register online at: http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/event

SAVE THE DATE
April 20 - BYODog to Animal Friends’ W(h)ine Tasting on April 20! - There will be barrels of fun at Animal Friends’ W(h)ine! event on Friday, April 20 at 7 pm. 

W(h)ine! is a unique event that pairs two of life’s greatest comforts: dogs and wine. This event is for people over the age of 21 and their dogs of any vintage.  All dogs who are people-and dog-friendly are welcome to attend. 

Guests receive samples of wine and cheese along with explanations of different tastes and varietals, while treats are provided for dogs.  People can also enjoy raffles and a fun night out while their canines mingle at the doggie social hour. 
Photographer Lisa West Photography is offering portrait sittings for your furry family members as part of Animal Friends’ W(h)ine Tasting. Photography sessions will be approximately 15 minutes long and will be held between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Photography sessions are limited and by appointment only. For more information or to schedule, call 412.847.7055.   Unwind with your dog and other animal lovers, but register early, as the W(h)ine events always sell out. Spaces are limited, so register now at www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or call 412.847.7055. We request a $20 donation for our homeless animals. Please bring your dog’s vaccination records. No retractable leashes, please.  Animal Friends is located at 562 Camp Horne Road in the North Hills, just 0.5 miles from Exit 8 on I-279. To learn more, visit www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or call 412.847.7000.

www.womensindependentpress.com

No matter where you go, out to breakfast, lunch, dinner, at a meeting, seeing a movie/play/concert you will find people, young old and everyone in between, on their phones, iPods, and computers. Talking sometimes comes to a halt as people respond to texts, emails, tweets, respond to Face book, LinkedIn.

Hardly anyone is looking at the person they are with, looking instead down at some screen and typing on little keyboards afraid that if they don’t respond right this instant, something might happen, like looking and talking to the person they are with.

I have been out to lunch dinner, coffee with friends, family members, potential clients only to have them look down and see what’s going on, and then completely ignoring our conversation. Technology is great, keeps us informed connected and sometimes clueless about real face
to face or ear to ear (phone) communication

We should try living in the moment, call someone, and talk to them using more than 140 characters. Or better yet, meet with a friend or family member or business client and put the electronic device away. You may actually find yourself liking this new way of communication know as conversation.