Women’s Independent Press

February 2012
All programs are held on Thursdays at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown. They begin at 12:15 pm and are free and open to the public.

February 2 How To File Your Taxes Online Using an IRS e-File Provider
Diana Smith, Tax Specialist
Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Office

There are many advantages to e-filing. The forms you need appear on the screen, the possibility of calculation errors is minimized, and refunds can be deposited directly into your bank account in as little as two weeks. Ms. Smith will be here to answer questions and walk us through the entire process.

February 9 Federal Tax Credits – Which Ones Can You Claim?
Patrick N. Price, Tax Specialist
Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Office

Federal tax credits can be confusing because there are many rules and requirements for each one. Eligibility depends on several factors, such as if the taxpayer has children, is a parent of a college student or owns a home. The basics of each credit will be explained so you can determine which credits apply to you.

February 16 Downsizing Your Home – Not Your Lifestyle
Jill Yesko, Certified Professional Organizer
Discover Organizing Inc.

Ms. Yesko will review the entire moving process, including how to say goodbye to items no longer needed. She’ll provide take-home checklists, space planning ideas for your new home, and how to engage family members in the process.

February 23 How to File a Property Assessment Tax Appeal
Kenneth R. Behrend, Esquire, Senior Partner
Behrend & Ernsberger, P.C.

Mr. Behrend, an attorney and former member of the Board of Assessment of Allegheny County, will discuss and review the steps required for a successful appeal of your real estate assessment.

February 1 - Large Group Healing Circle - Take a break from your busy schedule and join me for a group healing circle. You might be amazed at how much more intense your response to the healing energies of Reiki can be when you combine your energy with the energies of all who participate in this larger group circle. There is a synergy that happens when a larger group gathers that often intensifies the experience of everyone present. Experience the Native American channeling combined with the vibrations of the drum for a powerful whole body experience, and be open to hands on healing and messages from your angels and guides as the circle progresses. Each circle is different, so don’t stay away just because you’ve experienced one before. And the response to Reiki is cumulative, so the more you receive, the more change you experience! Call or email early to reserve your space. And please bring a notebook or journal! - 6:30 – 8 PM – Cost: An Offering from Your Heart - Please note: The healing attunements scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4 are completely filled at this point. If you would like, I can add your name to the waiting list in case of cancellations. I do already have 4 names on the list, just to let you know - visit http://www.the-place-for-reiki.com/ for additional class information

Women and War: Women and Peace and Pittsburgh Playback Theatre
-February 4th 6:00 pm
Personal accounts from four women who have lived or spent time in war zones, and
their search for peace. Followed by Pittsburgh Playback Theatre and a chance for the
audience to reflect on the exhibit and the stories through the creativity of the Playback actors.
Light refreshments will be served at 6pm.

Lessons Learned from Iraq with Peter Lems –
February 11th 3:00 pm
Presentation by Peter Lems, American Friends Service Committee Program Director
for Iraq and Afghanistan. He will look at the impact of the troop withdrawal from Iraq,
our responsibilities, and lessons learned for the peace movement. How can we use
these lessons to speed up the removal of US troops and bases from Afghanistan?

For more details on these events go to our website at www.windowsandmirrors.org

_______________________

February 7 - The Rivers of Resources : www.BuildingBridgesforBusiness.org
– Our monthly Tweetchat, #smallbizpgh, on www.twitter.com provides a subject matter expert who will answer your questions

Another Pittsburgh FIRST.

It is the perfect forum to:

• Consult with subject matter experts
• Ask and get your questions answered for free
• Ask and get your answers from your home
• Build relationships

Linda Handley
Join us on TWITTER for a FREE EVENT 02.7.2012 Rivers of Resource
www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org
Twitter: @bridges4biz and @lindahandleyinc
https://www.facebook.com/BuildingBridgesForBusiness
412 475 9010

Other dates:
March 13, 2012
April 17, 2012
May 15, 2012
July 10, 2012
September 11, 2012
November 13, 2012

South Hills Chamber Events

2/8 Monthly Luncheon at Andora’s Restaurant-Doors open at 11:30 A.M., lunch at noon,
speakers at 12:30 p.m.-K & J Travel-“Traveling in 2012 on a Shoestring” Cost #20
2/27 Monday Madness After Hours at Andora’s Restaurant from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost $5.00 Cash bar-$2.00 off on selected drinks.
Bring a friend.
Reservations must be made 2 days before the event and cancellations
1 day before the event by calling 412-306-8090 or e-mail connie@shchamber.org

Brown Bag Lunch
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
12:00 – 1:00pm
Speaker: Jennifer Reissaus, MAS, Advertising Specialties Alliance
Topic:Free Technology Tools for Better Engagement, Efficiency & and Cost Control
Think you can’t afford the coolest technology tools for your business?
Join us to learn how you can get and use free and affordable programs
that increase your productivity for less money.

Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

February 8 - The Power of Forgiveness - Moving forward can be difficult enough, but when we find ourselves stuck in unforgiveness , it can be almost impossible. This workshop will give you additional insights into the power of forgiveness, including research findings that document the benefits of forgiveness for your overall health and well-being. It may also help you open the door to forgiveness in your own life, not only forgiveness of others, but of yourself also. A group healing circle will follow, to assist you in moving out of the past, and into the power of forgiveness 7 – 9:30 PM - Cost: $35 – visit http://www.the-place-for-reiki.com/ for additional class information

February 8 - Helping Women Helps the World: Leslie Braksick, PhD, MPH
11:30 AM – Fairmont Pittsburgh – please join us for a lecture series that
brings women together to meet and be inspired by the personal stories
of some of the community. Our second speaker is Leslie W. Braksick, PhD,
MPH, is a nationally known consultant. Please join us for a lecture series that brings
women together to hear the personal stories of some of the most dynamic leaders in our community,
executive coach, and author who co-founded the Pittsburgh-based company. Leslie is also
deeply involved in civic and community activities where she serves on the board of several
organizations, including the Children’s Hospital Foundation, Princeton Theological Seminary,
and Imani Christian Academy. https://bethlehemhaven.ejoinme.org/?tabid=319876

February 9 - Pittsburgh Magazine and Fifth Third Bank invite you to
Fashion with Compassion
Benefiting the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women - 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Fairmont Pittsburgh, downtown
 - Tickets are $45 each or two for $80 - 100 % of proceeds benefit Go Red for Women - The event features a strolling fashion show with models from The Docherty Agency, live music by The Kevin Howard Duo, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, fashion retailers and more - For tickets, contact Wendy McCabe at the American Heart Association, 412-208-3559 or wendy.mccabe@heart.org

February 9 - 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: WRITING GRANT PROPOSALS FOR WRAP
Free Webinar sponsored by the Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery – to register visit http://copelandcenter.com/blog/2012/01/03/webinar-writing-grant-proposals-for-wrap/?utm_source=HeartSource&utm_campaign=HeartSource-Jan2012-Intro+Blog+%26+WRAP+Webinar&utm_medium=email  

February 9 - Clever Connections Networking Event: Waterfront - from 6-8pm at First Commonwealth Bank, Waterfront, 500 E. Waterfront Drive, Homestead - Special Guest Speaker: Jayne Huston, Director of 
Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify - Topic: Developing Young Leaders - Event Benefits: The STARR Program, a two day leadership development course for teenage girls - Pittsburgh Professional Women partners with First Commonwealth Bank for an evening of networking, leadership and fundraising for a good cause.
www.pittsburghprofessionalwomen.net

Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce
Women’s Networking Luncheon
Friday, February 10, 2012
Salvatore’s
5001 Curry Road, Pittsburgh, 15236
Guest Speaker
Lindsey Smith, Health Coach and Motivational Speaker, Author: Junk Foods & Junk Moods: Stop Craving and Start Living:
Visit her website: www.TheRealYouNutrition.com

Lunch for Chamber Members - $15 - Bring a friend!
Lunch for Non-Members - $18
Display Table—$10
Please make a reservation by contacting our secretary:
Mary Dilla at secretary@bbwchamber.com 412-884-1233

February 13 - Please join Executive Women’s Council for an evening of networking, tours AND receive a professional headshot (selection will be made from an online gallery) for your professional use - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. - This event will provide a great way for you to spend time with your colleagues from EWC and receive or update your professional business headshots. Whether it is a non-profit, a corporation, or a small business, professional photographs of the key people within the organization helps others get to know who they are going to do business with. So, please join us and you are invited to bring prospective members as your guests but the event will not be open to the public. We ask you to register yourself and your guests by Feb. 10th. Cost is $50 per member and $60 per guest.

Photographer: Anita Buzzy-Prentis, Buzzy Photography
Make Up: Donna Meshenko, Senior Sales Director, Mary Kay Cosmetics

Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tours of the Urban Pathways School will be offered. FREE PARKING behind the school. To register: https://ewcgp.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=formlogin&form=113847&return=L2luZGV4LnBocD9vcHRpb249Y29tX21jJnZpZXc9bWMmbWNpZD1mb3JtXzExMzg0Nz9zZXJ2SWQ9Mzg4NSZvcHRpb249Y29tX21jJnZpZXc9bWMmbWNpZD1mb3JtXzExMzg0Nw== Email for additional information: ewcpittsburgh@gmail.com

Krannert Center Youth Series Presents
Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem
Tu-We, Feb 14-15, 2012, at 12:30pm

$4.50
This Valentine’s Day, fall in love with the funky, fiddle-based grooves of
Rani Arbo and her audaciously talented team of roots practitioners in two
public performances of the Center’s popular Youth Series, normally offered
only to school groups. The magical mayhem of Rani and her collaborators
earned a 2010 Parents’ Choice Award and is sure to warm your heart with
a rousing, joyous mix of dance-along songs.
Buy tickets now!
www.KrannertCenter.com
217/333-6280 or 800/KCPATIX
500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana (Ticket Office hours: 10am-6pm every day)
Learn more about the Krannert Center Youth Series at youth.KrannertCenter.com

February 15, 6 pm to 8pm

You are cordially invited to join us for a fabulous evening of Networking as
PSE hosts it’s 2nd Annual Red Velvet Social in one of the city’s finest hotels,
The Renaissance!
Meander freely in the regal lobby and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres provided byBraddock’s American Brasserie as you mingle and network with hundreds of established business owners, entrepreneurs, and other Pittsburgh Professionals.
Come prepared for the Chinese Auction and plan to bring plenty of business cards as you mingle on the Red Carpet Staircase with your signature drink for the evening, our “Red Velvetini.”
Don’t forget to add a splash of RED to your attire!
This event will close at the first 300 registrants.
Don’t miss it! Early Bird Pricing will soon be over
www.pittsburghsocialexchange.com

Jewish Family &Children’s Service is participating in an
“International Happy Hour” hosted by Global Solutions Pittsburgh
and Amizade Global Service Learning on Feb 16, from 6-8PM
at the Walnut Grill in Shadyside. If you’re interested in learning
more about international issues affecting the Pittsburgh area and
the organizations (like JF&CS) that deal with them,
Please join us.
www.globalsolutionspgh.org

February 16 - Business Leads Exchange Networking Group TM Presents a Lunch & Learn - Eating Smart While Meeting - Whether you are at a family dinner, meeting with a client for breakfast or running errands with only time for fast food, we all face many food challenges every day. Should I have the pancakes? Is the salad my best option? Who am I kidding I don’t have time to eat! - Join Tina Nobers from CMN Nutrition Group for an interactive hour where you will learn how to overcome any food challenge you may face - You will walk away from this lunch and learn with the knowledge of how to make better, healthier choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the best foods to choose at a restaurant and what to eat on days you can’t seem to find the time to eat - Atria’s Restaurant and Tavern, 12980 Perry Highway Wexford - Please RSVP and pay by February 14 - 11:30am - 1:30pm - $18.00 - (If paid by Feb, 14th) $20.00 after space permitting. Prepaid with credit card www.blxnetworking.com

February 17 - 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm: PLANNING MEETING - Forming a Southwestern PA Chapter of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) to request information, visit http://heartresources.net/contact/?utm_source=HeartSource&utm_campaign=HeartSource-Jan2012-Intro+Blog+%26+WRAP+Webinar&utm_medium=email

February 23 - 11:00 am to 2pm - RHONDA BRITTEN Teaches Fearless Business Strategies - Professional Women and Men - Who Want to Overcome Common Business Fears - 11:00am Discussion from 11:00-12:00 Lunch from 12-12:30, Workshop from 12:30-2 - LeMont Restaurant, 1114 Grandview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15211 Valet Parking is just $6 - Registration: $49 for Pittsburgh Professional Women Members and $79 for non members, includes lunch and workshop – to register: http://www.pittsburghprofessionalwomen.net/index.html 

February 27 - 9:30 am - 3:30 pm: BASIC PROPOSAL WRITING - Grant training seminar presented by Katherine F.H. Heart, sponsored by the Foundation Center-Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – visit http://heartresources.net/training/?utm_source=HeartSource&utm_campaign=HeartSource-Jan2012-Intro+Blog+%26+WRAP+Webinar&utm_medium=email for more details

Save the Date

March 1 - MWDBE Governmental Committee - 11th Annual Conference - The MWDBE Governmental Committee is preparing for its 11th Annual Conference for Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. The Conference is from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the IBEW Conference Center. The theme of each conference is Business Opportunities for MWDBE. Also, a Trade Fair with more than 25 government purchasing agents. This Conference gives each MWDBE the opportunity to market its business to government purchasing agents and other agencies at one time. Find out what bidding opportunities are available and coming up for you, and how to do business with government authorities and other agencies. The conference is free with breakfast and ample free parking around the IBEW Conference Center.

March 7 - Celebrate & Sharewould like to remind you to mark your calendars for the7th Annual Women of Achievement Awards Dinner “A Celebration of Women’s History Month” on from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Omni William Penn Grand Ballroom in downtown Pittsburgh. This gathering of a veritable ‘who’s who’ in Pittsburgh will honor 23 prominent Women of Achievement from our region and will benefit a worthy cause, Cribs for Kids® National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative.

If you or your company is interested in joining event Sponsor and Chairman, DA Stephen A. Zappala, Jr., as a sponsor of the awards dinner; purchasing tickets or a table; or placing an acknowledgement ad in the event program book, please respond to this e-mail, call Heather Glaser at 412-322-5680 ext. 5, complete the attached sponsor form and fax to (412)322-5686, or view information on the Cribs for Kids National Infant Safe Sleep website: http://cribsforkids.org/event-calendar/.

If you have any questions, please contact Heather Glaser at 412-322 5680 ext. 5 or hglaser@cribsforkids.org. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at this event to honor our Women of Achievement who have contributed so greatly to the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities.

April 4 - Pittsburgh Entrepreneur Conference & Honoring Extraordinary Women Awards Luncheon - Presented by the WSBA - 9:30 - 3:00 pm - Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 401 Holiday Drive Pittsburgh - The event includes a full day of education, networking and our signature Honoring Extraordinary Women Awards Luncheon. The award luncheon will recognize business women that have been nominated for the following awards. Nomination forms are available at WSBAfounder@gmail.com - This year’s programs will offer “Hands On” interaction with the presenters. Attendees that bring their laptop or mobile devices will be able to try the techniques that are being presented. Event Pricing: This full service package includes lunch with open networking, 4 education sessions, awards ceramony, access to the exhibitors. Pre registered Cost: $38.00 At door registration Cost: $48.00 Premier Member Cost: $35.00 - Interested parties for speaker opportunities, sponsorship, or exhibit tables should contact Wadria Taylor, WSBA Event Director, at Style & Steel Event Planning - 412 208 0249, or by sending an email to events@styleandsteel.net.

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

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. Our “I Will Remember You” campaign is designed by Home Instead Senior Care to support families caring for relatives with Alzheimer’s Disease. Visit www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com to learn about Preserving Memories, Alzheimer’s Conversation Tips, and even Creating Memory Boxes. But first! Enter to win a $10,000 Family Reunion Grand Prize!

Family reunions are special occasions that bring relatives together from far and near to share lots of love, laughs and memories together.
The family of one lucky “I Will Remember for You” contest winner will get the opportunity to experience an unforgettable family reunion. The event, funded by Home Instead Senior Care, will include activities to help family members create and capture special memories together such as a scrapbooking and shadow box station, a memory booth to capture videos, photos or written thoughts, and assistance from a professional family historian to create a family memory anthology.

Attendance of the family member with Alzheimer’s disease will be left to the discretion of the Grand Prize winner. If the individual with Alzheimer’s does not attend, Home Instead Senior Care will arrange for a local office to provide the family member with in-home care services during reunion activities.

Every family has a story. So gather together to share and preserve the stories that help keep memories alive, especially for families touched by Alzheimer’s disease!

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

That Coretta Scott King was born on April 27, 1929 in Marion, Alabama in Perry County and that her parents were truck farmers?

That Coretta S. King made money by working for neighbors picking cotton?

That during Ms King’s school years she had to walk to and from (about 6 miles) school while white children were bused to and from a closer school?

That Coretta Scott went to Lincoln High School in Marion, Alabama?

That at Lincoln she became interested in music and decided music would be her

career?

That in 1945 Ms King graduated from Lincoln High School and won a partial

scholarship to Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio?

That she then went to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston,

Massachusetts and it was there that she met Martin Luther King, Jr. ?

That Coretta Scott and Martin Luther King Jr. were married on June 18, 1953?

That Martin Luther King was a minister and that meant that Coretta Scott would be giving up her career as a performing concert artist.

That Martin Luther King Jr. became the minister at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama and both Coretta S. King and Martin Luther King became important leaders in the Civil Right Movement?

That the Kings had three children?

That On April 4, 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee?

That Coretta Scott King was a civil rights activist?

That at Lincoln she became interested in music and decided music would be her career?

That in 1945 Ms King graduated from Lincoln High School and won a partial scholarship to Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio?

That she then went to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts and it was there that she met Martin Luther King Jr?

That Coretta Scott and Martin Luther King Jr. were married on June 18, 1953?

That Martin Luther King was a minister and that meant that Coretta Scott would be giving up her career as a performing concert artist.

That Martin Luther King Jr. became the minister at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama and both Coretta S. King and Martin Luther King became important leaders in the Civil Right Movement?

That the Kings had three children?

That On April 4, 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee?

That Coretta Scott King was a civil rights activist?

That Ms King continued to speak out after her husbands’ death and continued his work. And that she wrote a book called “My Life with Martin Luther King Jr.?

That the Coretta Scott King Award is given every year by the American Library Association and it is given to an African American author and an African American Illustrator for an outstanding inspirational and educational book published that year?

An Ancient Tradition in Modern Times
by Yvonne Phillips FSII
www.Creativecolordesigninc.com
www.Fengshuipublications.com
www.Fengshuiabc1.com

As the most important and festive of the traditional Chinese holidays, the 2012 Chinese New Year of the Water Dragon starts January 23 and will end on February 9, 2012. The celebrations begin New Years Eve and continue on until the full moon 15 days later.

Every year, the New Moon in Aquarius marks the Chinese New Year. Rather than have a fixed date each year, the Chinese culture tunes into more natural celestial events. Aquarius is the sign that represents humanitarianism so there may be something to this approach that we in the west can learn from this ancient civilization.

The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old. Honored in countries with significant Chinese populations, it is also celebrated in countries that don’t recognize it as their own national holiday, such as Canada, United States and Australia. For many, the spectacular New Year parades throughout China towns are the main attraction, showcasing colorful costumes, elaborate floats and performances, fireworks, lion dances and the hundred foot-long dragon puppet made from silk, bamboo and paper.

The tradition is that every family thoroughly cleans their house to sweep away any ill-fortune with the intention to make way for good incoming luck. Windows and doors are decorated with red color paper cut-outs with positive themes of “happiness”, “wealth”, and “longevity”. Living rooms are adorned with blooming plants to symbolize rebirth and new growth, platters of oranges and tangerines and a candy tray with eight varieties of dried sweet fruit are there for the celebration. Each following day of the 2 week celebration marks customary activities, and the 15th day is the Lantern Festival celebrated at night, with children carrying lanterns in a parade.

The Year of the Water Dragon

According to the Chinese Five Element Astrology Calendar, January 23, 2012 marks the year of the Water Dragon, with the Water Element providing better communication and endurance, and the elemental colour of black or dark blue.

Dragons are known to be one of the most auspicious animals in the Chinese Zodiac and have the intelligence and drive to bring all projects to a great conclusion. Those lucky enough to be born in the year of the Dragon are passionate and magnificent. Their inner energy is bold and strategic and they most always are successful.

The Chinese New Year is a celebration of change; out with the old and in with the new! A Chinese proverb says that all creations are reborn on New Year’s Day. We can all benefit by celebrating this ancient tradition to bring renewal into our own lives.

By Barbara Killmeyer
www.barbarakillmeyer.com

I first noticed a problem in mid-October while in Nashville TN doing research for a travel article. Sometime early Saturday morning, about 4 am, I awoke with pains in my stomach. I wasn’t feeling too well in general, not really sick - just not right. I had several places on my agenda to visit that day so I did what was needed to get the facts for my story.
I managed to sit at every opportunity and ate a small, light lunch: convinced that by the time I arrived home the next day the pains would be gone and things would be back to normal.
That didn’t happen. I continued to have small jabs of pain and after a few days my husband insisted that I make a visit to the doctor. I described my symptoms to our family practitioner and after a careful examination he sent me for some blood work and an upper GI test. The results were a shock to me; it turned out that my sugar was up and my blood was down. I was severely anemic; in fact the nurse who called with my results said that if I were very much more anemic I would have to have transfusions. This caught my attention. The upper GI showed only some acid reflux. Because of the anemia my doctor thought I must be bleeding internally and he referred me to a gastro-intestinal specialist to have a colonoscopy.

I was nervous and frightened, but everyone assured me that the evening before, when you must clean out your colon is the worst part – and they were right. The procedure itself was simple and comfortable. I was given a “conscious sedation” so I was asleep during the entire procedure and woke up comfortably in the recovery room.

Now the real worry began. The doctor informed me and my husband that he removed five polyps but the problem came when he discovered a tumor that was cancer. He referred me to a surgeon with the notation that “he can cut it all out and you’ll be done with it.” Cancer! I was frightened and as soon as I got home I called to make an appointment with the surgeon. I couldn’t get one for several weeks and by now we were into the Christmas holidays so I’m sure that had something to do with the wait. But waiting was just horrible because I imagined every sort of tragedy. I could see myself lying in the funeral home and wondered if this might not be my last Christmas, and would the family miss me next Christmas. Outrageous things I know, but I couldn’t turn my brain off. I had watched my father die of cancer and it was terrible. Now I might be facing the same thing. I was so tired at night that I went to sleep right away, but I always woke up between 3 and 4 o’clock and then the thoughts would come and I couldn’t get rid of them. I prayed a lot and was just plain scared.

I needed to have a CT Scan prior to my appointment with the surgeon so I scheduled that for Christmas Eve morning, December 24th. I was dreading this; not the exam itself, but they were going to do my pelvis, stomach and colon. What if they found more tumors there.

I have so many good friends and they all sent encouraging wishes and offers of help. I was very appreciative of each one. I was also on the prayer list for several churches and of several individuals.

On December 28th I received a telephone call from the doctor’s office giving me the results of my CT Scan. They could detect no more tumors! I felt as though a 100 lb. weight was lifted from my shoulders. Now I began to feel more confident. I still had to wait a week before I could see the surgeon, but at least I felt that the cancer was probably localized and, although I still had to go through a rather unpleasant operation, I was feeling more positive that it would turn out alright.

The longer the wait the more anxious I get. Let’s get this over with!

On Saturday evening I started to have more pain in the area of the tumor (lower right side) In addition to being uncomfortable it is very frightening to me. The pain is not a sharp jab, but more of a feeling of soreness. Today is Monday and I can’t wait until my appt with Dr. Lally tomorrow a.m.: the sooner the better. Did I mention that I’m anxious to get this done? Today I have an appt w/ Dr. Noecker about my eyes. What is this? I’m literally falling apart. Maybe I can get all this garbage over now in the beginning of the year and have the rest of the year as normal as possible. I’m trying very hard not to be a baby about this and complain all the time…

Finally! It’s Tuesday and I have my appt with the surgeon, Dr. Lally. He was very nice and explained everything to Don and I answering all my questions. The best news is that the success rate of this surgery is 95%, that made me feel a lot better. I will be having the operation on Friday, January 7 at Ohio Valley General Hospital. About half of my colon will be removed along with the surrounding lymph nodes and blood vessels. In the recovery room I will wake up to find that I have a catheter and an NSG tube that runs from my nose to my stomach. Also, the colon does not begin to work again for about 3 days after the surgery so I will be fed intravenously until they can hear my “guts gurgle” which is a sign that the colon has come alive again. I will be in the hospital for 5 or 6 days with the day of surgery counting as day 0. I left his office and went right to the hospital section to have my blood work done and to have an ekg, more waiting!

It’s Thursday and I am on a liquid diet, waiting for the hospital to call and tell me what time to be there in the morning. I’ve become resigned to the fact that this is going to happen so I made up my mind that I will go to the hospital, get on the bed, gurney, whatever, and let them do their thing. The hospital didn’t call until around 5 p.m. I am to be there at 11 a.m. and the operation is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. The citrate of magnesia that I drank at 2 finally started to work about 7 so I’ve been spending a lot of time in the bathroom.

Now it’s Friday morning and I’m getting ready to go to the hospital. I’m looking forward to getting out of the operating room, out of recovery, and into a room of my own when I’ll know it’s over and I can just relax and sleep off the effects of the anesthetic.

One thing I have found through all this is that I have so many wonderful, caring friends who are worried about me, praying for me, and who have offered to do anything at all that would be helpful to me or to Don. Their concern means a lot to me and I am so thankful for them.

It was quite an adventure. The operation was scheduled for 12:30 and they didn’t even take me down to the operating and prep rooms until 1:30. Needless to say I was a nervous wreck.

On the advice of several people I opted for an epidural rather than the self-administered morphine. It may have worked wonders for others, but for me it was a bad move. I ended up with a terrific backache that may or may not have been from the epidural. Anyway, the procedure for inserting the tube and medication was interesting. Not painful, but at that point everything is worrisome.

At last I was wheeled into the operating room and shifted to the operating table. A very kind and sympathetic nurse told me when she was going to administer the anesthetic and said that I would next wake up in the recovery room. That’s my last memory of Friday. I don’t remember the recovery room and Don said he talked to me, and I answered, in the hall when they brought me to my room.

I slept through Friday. Saturday and Sunday were painful, but I got through it. Then Sunday night/Monday morning the nurses came to my bed and asked if I was feeling alright. I told them yes and asked why. They said my heart was fluctuating a lot. Don told me later that this was what had him very worried because my heart rate would jump from 180 to 175 to 150 then spike back up to 180. I was moved to intensive care and there they were able with the cardiologist to stabilize the heart rate. I had so many tubes etc coming out of me, into me and hanging from me that I couldn’t keep track of them.

The incident with the heart called for heart tests. I received an echocardiogram and the doc said he was scheduling me for a stress test for the next day. I must have looked shocked because he quickly assured me that I didn’t have to get on the treadmill. That was good because I have no idea how I would have managed that! Instead I remained on a gurney and they chemically simulated the stress of the treadmill. I was amazed – I never knew that could be done.

One of the heart tests showed a shadow on one of the chambers of my heart and needed to be checked out to make sure there was no clot. The next morning Don was there at 8 a.m. to be there while I had the test. I was taken to a room on the same floor as my room – 4th floor, heart patients. My throat was sprayed with something to make it numb. This was extremely difficult for me since I have a very sensitive gag reflex and just getting the tongue depressor near my mouth is a major accomplishment. After several tries they got it numbed. I was turned onto my side and the doctor came in. I was given a twilight sedation so I heard, saw, and felt nothing. A probe was put down my throat to check out the heart chamber. The next thing I knew the procedure was over and I was waking up and gagging out the probe. I wasn’t permitted to eat or drink anything for an hour afterward because my throat was still numb and there was the possibility of choking. We waited patiently until 4:00 and no one came to tell us any results. I had been told that I could go home that day depending on what was found. Finally, Don went to the desk to ask. No one knew anything. They called Dr. Ghandi who performed the procedure and she said she had no authority to release me. They then called her associate Dr. Kunsman and he said he couldn’t release me – that was up to the admitting surgeon, Dr. Lally. He was called, but was in surgery. At last, about 4:45 Dr. Lally came to the room and informed us that there was no clot (I wish Dr. Ghandi had taken a minute to tell us that earlier!) and that I could go home.

Dr. Lally assured me once again that all the cancer was taken out. But as a precaution I need to have six months of chemo.
I went home sore and moving quite slowly, but glad to be there. I had been operated on Friday, Jan. 7 and went home the evening of Thursday, January 13.
Recovery seemed to be slow, but Don is a great nurse and took such good care of me. My friends were also so fantastic. I just never knew I had so many of them. Between calls, cards and flowers I was overwhelmed. Then there were the special friends who did things like provide us with home cooked meals.
On Jan. 28 I was back in the hospital. This time as an out patient to get a port implanted in my chest with a tube running to a large vein. Through this port I will get all bloodwork and chemo done.
On Feb. 7, one month after the surgery, I had my first chemo treatment. I have to go every two weeks. On the first day I receive a combination of drugs in a two hour session, then home with a bag containing more medicine and a pump which keeps giving me the medicine over a 22 hour period. For several days I have to be very careful about eating or drinking anything cold because the one drug will give me reaction where I’ll feel like my throat is closing. Don’t want that!! I also have to cautious when handling cold things because it will make my fingers etc. hurt. On the second day, I return for another two hour chemo session and a refill of “Buddy” my bag. On the third day, I go to be disconnected from Buddy. The week I don’t go for chemo I have to have my blood checked. If this sounds like a lot – it is! And I won’t be done with it until the end of July.
I am well now, still go for checkups, but the prognosis is good.

Barbara Killmeyer
Author of: It’s Nobody’s Business but Yours
www.barbarakillmeyer.com

Business Program Series Calendar
January 2012

Programs are held on Thursdays at 12:15 pm at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown. They are free and open to the public.

January 5. 2012 What’s New in Taxes for 2011 / 2012
Robert J. Henkels, CPA, Senior Manager
R.D. Hoag & Associates, P.C.

Mr. Henkels, adjunct professor at LaRoche College and president of Professional Tax & Accounting Seminars, Inc., will discuss recent changes and updates in personal and business taxation than can save you money when you file your return.

January 12, 2012 A Guide to Public Benefits
Frank J. Pistella, Public Benefits Attorney
Neighborhood Legal Services Association

Mr. Pistella, Public Benefits Attorney with the Neighborhood Legal Services Association, will focus on those programs funded by the government that help individuals and families in need, including Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and child care subsidies, as well as help for seniors and women seeking emergency protection from abuse (PFA) orders.

January 19, 2012 Build Your Business Using Every Door Direct Mail – an exciting shipping solution from the U.S. Postal Service
Michelle J. Dugas, Business Development Specialist
United States Postal Service
Every Door Direct Mail can provide your business with an efficient way to promote your services by getting your marketing message directly into the hands of customers while reducing the mail preparation costs associated with lists and printing. Find out how this service can help you build more traffic, find new customers and increase revenue.

January 26, 2012 Getting Started with eBooks and eReaders
Scott Pyle, Reference Librarian
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Downtown & Business

Mr. Pyle will discuss the basics of eBooks and eReaders, the differences between a Nook and a Kindle, and how to use Carnegie Library’s Overdrive service that loans eBooks to its patrons free of charge. He’ll also demonstrate several devices and walk us through the process of finding and checking out an eBook from CLP’s web site

By Patricia Thibault
Social Security District Manager in Pittsburgh, PA

January 16 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — a national holiday. To some, the day means more than an observance of the birthday of the civil rights leader. It is also a day to be of service to others.

The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President’s national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.
A great way to be of service to others is to help someone you know who may need assistance applying for Social Security, Medicare, or Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs. Each of these is easy to do at www.socialsecurity.gov

Some people who need these benefits may not be comfortable with computers or may not even know applying online is an option. But now it’s easier than ever to apply for such benefits from the convenience of a home computer at www.socialsecurity.gov

For example, it’s easy to apply for retirement benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. It can take as little as 15 minutes from start to finish, and once the application is electronically submitted, in most cases, there is nothing more to do.

It’s even easier to apply for Medicare, for people who do not plan to begin their Social Security retirement payments yet but who do want Medicare coverage. The application takes about 10 minutes and can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly.

People who already have Medicare coverage, but who have trouble meeting prescription drug costs, can apply for Extra Help online at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp.

This holiday, you may want to make a trip to see the new Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial in Washington D.C. or listen to a recording of a memorable speech. You can also make your Martin Luther King Day a day of service to someone who can use your help. Lead them to www.socialsecurity.gov. It may be easy for you, but it may be a dream come true for the person you help.

by Mary Grace Musuneggi
www.singlestepsstrategies.com

Sometimes, we all like working alone. That said, I have often seen people find greater success solving problems when they work with a partner.

The Princeton Weekly Bulletin reported in February of 2001 about experiments conducted by two Princeton economists which proved the old maxim that two heads are better than one. Two sets of experiments showed that groups made better decisions on average than individuals.

Some of us are self-motivated, and once we make the decision to go after something, we do. For others there needs to be a person behind us moving us along - a coach. Besides the obvious sports coaches, today there are people to coach us in every area in our life. There are career coaches, life coaches, fitness coaches, business coaches.

Sometimes they are called consultants; people who you can consult to get good input on how to reach your goals. Financial consultants, marketing consultants, investment consultants, make-up consultants.

To reach your personal goals, make a list of people that you think you could use to coach you or consult with you on how to take the right steps to your life goals.

Chances are that what you are trying to accomplish in your life has ben done before. Who do you know that has been down the road you want to follow? What qualities do they have that you need? How did they do what they did? Would they be willing to share their knowledge? Can you follow in their footsteps?

Read the “Richest Man in Babylon.” Learn the value of having mentors - a group of like-minded people who can inspire and fill the gaps in what you can and cannot do on your own.

Build a mastermind group. In Napoleon Hill’s book “Think and Grow Rich,” he demonstrates the value of having his own special group of people who have an interest in his success. If you don’t have all the skills you need, and most people do not, gather together a group of talented people who can complement your talents.

The best people for your group will be those who have a vested interest in you - people who will also benefit if you are successful. For instance, in my business I have people whom we count on to provide us with products and services for our business. The more successful we are, the more of their services we use. That means our success helps their success. So we have asked them to be part of our team. We started a program many years ago called “Friends Helping Friends.” We ask our clients and business associates to introduce us to their friends, family, organization members, and business associates. When they do and these people become our clients, we reward the introducing client with invitations to special events including our “Friends Helping Friends” gala event that is held every October.

Most of us already know many people who can help us, but for some of us we will have to go out and find those people. This is “networking,” a process to get you out in front of the people who have the information and skills to help you reach your goals. Sometimes this means joining a group with similar interest to yours. This can be social or business. Sometimes it just means being out in your community, involved in your church, attending classes at the local community college, or working to raise finds for a charity.

But the fact is, whenever have to go it alone. When we meet a challenge where we know we don’t know what we need to know; we need to find that person who knows what we don’t know and make them a part of our team.

The most successful people are those that know what they know and what they don’t know; and they surround themselves with a T.E.A.M. of people who fill in the blanks.

Mary Grace Musuneggi
Executive Director and Founder
January 2012

Did You Know?

That on Jan 3, 1949 - Margaret Chase Smith (R-Maine)
started her tenure in the Senate, where she remained until 1973.She was the first woman to serve in both the House and Senate as she previously served in the House (R-Maine, 1940-1949)?

That on Jan 5, 1925 - Nellie Tayloe Ross was inaugurated as the first woman governor in U.S. history (governor of Wyoming)?

That on Jan 7, 1896 - Fanny Farmer’s first cookbook was published in which she standardized cooking measurements?

That on Jan 7, 1955 - Marian Anderson was the first African American woman to sing at the Metropolitan Opera?

That on Jan 8, 1977 - Pauli Murray, the first female African American Episcopal priest, was ordained?

That on Jan 11, 1935 - Amelia Earhart made the first solo flight from Hawaii to North America?

That on Jan 12, 1932 - Hattie Wyatt Caraway (D-Arkansas) was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate?
She was the first woman to chair a Senate Committee and the first to serve as the Senate’s presiding officer as well.

That on Jan 16: Martha Cotera, pioneering Chicana Feminist, author of two seminal texts Diosa y Hembra and Chicana Feminist was born?
She was the founding member of the Raza Unida Party in Texas, 1969 and one of the mothers of Chicana Feminism.

That on Jan 25, 1980 - Runner Mary Decker became the first woman to run a mile under 4 1/2 minutes, running it at 4:17.55?

That on Jan 29, 1926 - Violette Neatly Anderson was the first black woman to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court?