Women’s Independent Press

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

Four Dates and Locations:
Jan. 4- Wexford, Atria’s, 12980 Perry Highway, Wexford
RSVP: email Michelle Zmijanac at
Michellezmijanac@bestpracticesdelivered.com

Jan. 11- Mount Lebanon, Atria’s, 110 Beverly Road, Mt. Lebanon
RSVP: email Tina Nobers at TinaNobers@CMNNutritionGroup.com

Jan. 18- Murrysville, Bella Luna Trattoria, 5060 Wm Penn Hwy,
Monroeville, Pa 15146
RSVP BLXMurrysville@gmail.com

Jan. 25- Fox Chapel, Comfort Inn (Old Holiday Inn) RIDC Park,
Ohara Twp
RSVP: 412-781-8773 or PlanBConsultant@comcast.net 

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $18 (Bring cash; No-shows will be billed for the lunch)
RSVP: By Monday prior to the event
For more information: http://www.blxnetworking.com

Business Women Connect Lunch
Business Women Connect is a free monthly networking group open to any woman in business who is interested networking and sharing information about her business with other professionals. Lunch locations alternate between the Monroeville/Murrysville areas one month and the Greensburg/North Huntingdon areas the other month.
Bring 30- 35 business cards and be prepared to give a 60-second commercial about your business.
Date: Friday, January 6, 2012
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:0 p.m.
Place: Rodney’s Restaurant, 557 Wendel Road, Irwin PA 15642
Cost: Cost of your own lunch check
RSVP: Suggested by Wednesday, January 4th
To register contact Donna Cheswick at 724-837-1130 or
dcheswick@bpuinvestments.com

January 9 – Pittsburgh Professional Women Clever Connections Dinner Club -from 6-8pm - at BRAVO! McKnight Road - Speaker: Dr. Shannon Thieroff - “Strong Women, Strong Business” www.pittsburghprofessionalwomen.net

January 12 - Featured Theme:
The Business of Communications - Traditional & Leading Edge
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

January 13 - Butler Women’s Power Lunch -1:00-3:00 pm - Siba Restaurant - Rt. 228 Cranberry Twp - Cost: $30 - Prepay at www.womenspowerlunch.com - Hosted by Suzanne Froehlich - 412-389-3420 for details

January 11 - Brown Bag Lunch - 12:00 – 2:00pm - Speaker: Suzanne Caplan - Topic: Show Me the Money….What Does my P & L Say? Understand the information needed to generate a profit by increasing revenue and reducing costs.Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania 1650 Main Street Pittsburgh – FREE - RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

January 13- WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS BREAKFAST SERIES - 7:30-9:00A.M. - Venue: James Laughlin Music Hall, Chatham University, Shadyside Campus - Cost: $25.00 (including continental breakfast) - Register Online at www.chatham.edu/cwe- Olga Watkins, Performer, The Olga Watkins Band
Donna Baxter, Founder & Web Mistress - Chris Dilla, Owner, Bocktown Beer - “Social Media Success Stories”-Come join us as a panel of successful women entrepreneurs talk about how they’ve mastered social media, building a customer base and maintaining virtual relationships by engaging, informing, and connecting through social media outlets. Hear firsthand what they’ve tried, what worked, what didn’t, and find out what could work for you!

January 13- BRENTWOOD BALDWIN WHITEHALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WOMEN’S NETWORKINGLUNCHEON
 New Venue–
The monthly luncheon meeting of the Women’s Networking of the Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce will meet on Friday, January 13, at
Steel Center Area Vocational Technical School. 
 Since South Hills Country Club is closed for remodeling, this is a perfect opportunity to try something new!
 In addition to lunch, we have the option of having a spa service performed by the cosmetology department. 
If you are interested, you can choose a Manicure and pedicure $15, Manicure with paraffin wax treatment $10, or a Facial with a manicure $15. 
Appointments need to be scheduled. All appointments will be for 10 o’clock.  
 To make an appointment, please email Lori Warabow,  lwarabow@scavts.net or leave a message at 412-469-3200, x2542. 
The Steel Center is located at 565 Lewis Run Road, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025. Directions
To enter the school, drive to the very top of the hill and enter at the back of the building.
Students from both Baldwin and Brentwood attend classes at the school. The food service class will be preparing lunch.
 
Lunch for Chamber Members - $15 - Bring a friend!
Lunch for Non-Members - $18
For Lunch Reservations, please email Mary at secretary@bbwchamber.com.
 Please make your reservations by January 5.

January 14- Small Business Basics Workshop
8:30 am – Noon - Place: Mellon Board Room, Chatham University - Cost: $30.00 -Register online at www.chatham.edu/cwe The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University (CWE) and SCORE® Pittsburgh partner to present a “Small Business Basics” workshop to women interested in starting their own business or expanding their current business. Industry experts will discuss business planning, financing, bookkeeping, marketing, and legal issues pertaining to small business. The workshop is informal, and questions from the participants are solicited and encouraged throughout to help each participant receive the knowledge they need.The Small Business Basics workshop is a great introduction to the 10-week Kauffman FastTrac® NewVenture program. A continental breakfast will be available at 8:30 a.m. and parking is free.

January 18- Pittsburgh Social Exchange
Networking Center Stage at The Byham Theater!
When: Wednesday, January 18th from 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Where: The Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh, PA
What: Make your business shine in the spotlight like never before as we draw back the curtains for one of the most interesting and cultural networking events of the year! Don’t forget to bring travel-sized toiletries for the Light of Life Rescue Mission if you wish to participate in the cause. Esspa Kozmetika is generously donating a bar of soap for every guest that registers!
Info/RSVP: www.PittsburghSocialExchange.com

January 19 - Disability Resource Breakfast - 8:30 – 9:30 AM - Speaker: Becky DeSantis, American Heart Association, Physical Therapist and Stroke Support Group Leader - Topic:Heart Disease and Stroke: What we can and cannot control - Risk factors, signs and symptoms, prevention, limitations and getting back to work are all concerns for employees and employers. Learn what you need to know about these important health issues and how to help yourself and others -Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania - 1650 Main Street Pittsburgh – FREE - RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

January 20 - Pittsburgh Women’s Power Lunch - 1:00-3:00 pm - Tambellini’s Restaurant - 139 Seventh Avenue Pittsburgh - Cost: $30. - Prepay at www.womenspowerlunch.com - Hosted by Suzanne Froehlich
412-389-3420 for details

January 26-Pittsburgh Social Exchange Wine Club, Educational Series Part 3/6
Thursday, January 26th 7:00PM - 9:00PM
Where: Willow, 634 Camp Horne Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
What: “Old World Wines vs. New World Wines.” Why do French and Italian wines tend to be more subtle, and California wines tend to be more bold and fruit-forward? What is the better selection for food choices, how do you explain the different tastes, are the growing conditions a contributor to the difference, or is the traditions that make the wine so unique to each other? Event caps at first 50 registrants!
Info/RSVP: www.PittsburghSocialExchange.com

January 30 - April 9 -Kauffman FastTrac® NewVenture™(no class on March 5th) Session runs 10 weeks: Mondays 6:30 – 9:30 PM - Cost: $375.00 (includes textbook, online materials, and class sessions) Place: Chatham University - Register online at www.chatham.edu/cwe- Kauffman FastTracNewVenture is a nationally renowned, hands-on entrepreneurial training program designed to help entrepreneurs hone the skills needed to create, manage, and grow successful businesses. Over 300,000 entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs have found success through the proven, practical benefits of FastTrac’s award-winning entrepreneurial learning programs. - This is a 10-week entrepreneurial training program offered on Monday nights from January 30 to April 9. Please submit applications prior to this date. For more information, please go to http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/fasttrac/fasttrac.cfm

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The WSBA Network Lunch
A 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.
January 5 - 11:30 a.m. - Natrona Heights
January 9 - 1:00 p.m. - Beaver County
January 13 - 1:00 p.m. - Robinson/Airport
January 17 - 5:00 p.m. - After Work Network
January 18 - 1:00 p.m. - South Hills
January 19 - 1:00 p.m. - East End
January 20 - 1:00 p.m. - Monroeville
January 23 - 6:30 p.m. - After Work Network - Washington
January 24 - 1:00 p.m. - North Hills
January 27 - 12:00p.m. - Westmoreland
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.)
http://www.wsba.ws

Key Card Events

January 9th - from 6-8pm
at BRAVO! McKnight Road
Clever Connections Dinner for Members only
Speaker: Dr. Shannon Thieroff
“Strong Women, Strong Business”

February 23rd - from 11am-2pm
at Embassy Suites Hotel, Moon Twp.
Special PPW Workshop with Rhonda Britten
“Fearless Business” Note: This event is NOT available as a Key Card Event

March 8th -from 1-3pm
atAndora Mt. Lebanon/Greentree
Clever Connections Lunch
Speaker: Health Coach and Author Lindsey Smith
“Junk Foods & Junk Moods: Stop Craving and Start Living”

Save the Date
Pittsburgh Social Exchange
Lunch & Learn Series - Featuring Cindy Rack of Social Voice Marketing!
Optimize Your LinkedIn Account!
When: Friday, February 3rd, 12:00PM - 2:30PM
Where: ContactPointe, 1000 Omega Drive, Pittsburgh, PA
What: Want to optimize your LinkedIn account for business and personal growth?
Many people have a LinkedIn account but are uncertain on how it works and how
it can improve your business! Join PSE and the owner of Social Voice Marketing,
Cindy Rack, for this in-depth 2.5 hour training class. Event caps at first 50 registrants!
More Info/RSVP: www.PittsburghSocialExchange.com

February 28 - Pittsburgh Public Schools – Business Opportunity Extravaganza – 1:30-4:30 – Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers – 10 South 19thStreet , Pittsburgh

March 11 - 17th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner, a simple meal of bread and soup, to benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest, and raise awareness about the problem of hunger in our communit at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 5th Ave, Oakland, 2-6 pm. Celebrity soup servers, live entertainment, children’s activities, silent auction of world-class ceramic art and celebrity-autographed bowls*, and ticket holders choose a beautiful hand made bowl to take home. Tkts: $20: call (412) 431-8960 or visit www.pittsburghfoodbank.org. - *Autographed Bowls for 2012 Empty Bowls: Tom Cruise, Bono (U2), Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Joe Manganiello, Bret Michaels, Pittsburgh Penguins, Bob Segar, Meredith Viera, Carlos Mencia - for more information, contact - Iris Valanti, Director of CommunicationsGreater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank - 412-460-3663, ext 208 - Visit www.pittsburghfoodbank.org for information about the Food Bank and all of our events!

By Rieva Lesonsky
www.pittsburgh.score.org

At the end of the year, most people are in dual modes of looking back at how their business did over the past year and looking forward to what can be improved in the New Year. It’s probably time to blow the dust off your old business plan and see what’s missing. Most likely, there’s room for significant improvement. Here are three ideas to craft a fresh and effective business plan for 2012.

1. Make a plan for social media. If you haven’t fully dived into the social media pool, you not only risk missing out on a crucial marketing tool, you also risk appearing behind-the-times to your customers, to your lenders and to the media who can bring you publicity. Being hip to social networking shows you want to communicate with your customers whenever and wherever. If you’re not an expert in the field, then find someone who is. Take a SCORE webinar on social media or find a workshop in your area. You can find local and online events at SCORE.org.

2. Make a Plan B. Especially in today’s uncertain economy, it’s important to have some backup plans and some flexibility in your target market, your product/service focus or both. Describe possible situations that might occur and how you’ll respond. Make a plan: If the market goes one way, you’ll go this way. If your service becomes obsolete, here’s how you’ll make it current.

3. Include your keen understanding of your market: What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry? Here’s the place to brag about who you are and why you are an important player in the industry. Whether you’re preparing this business plan to attract new vendors or you’re trying to get financing, it’s important to list all your advantages over your competition. You must take pride in yourself and know more about your product or service than your competitor—and if you don’t, you’d better learn. Attend trade shows, communicate with peers and keep an eye on the market by talking with experts. Make an appointment with someone in your field at SCORE, and you may learn a thing or two.

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.

by Julie Ann Sullivan
www.julieannsullivan.com

Listening is an aspect of your life that you do instinctively. You have been listening since you were born,
so this ability has become second nature. In some respects that is good, because without thinking you
are aware of your surroundings. However, familiarity creates unconscious behavior. You might have
forgotten that there is an art to listening. To be a good listener, you must be aware of what you are
doing at a conscious level. For some of us, it can be quite a challenge. You may have become so
comfortable with what you are currently doing, that you are unaware that there is room for
improvement. The better you listen, the more effectively you can respond. This enhanced exchange
creates better communication. Better communication leads to improved relationships. Improved
relationships create a better world to live in.

Here are some areas to focus on to become a better listener.

Make sure you are giving your full attention to someone who is speaking to you. Be aware of what
thought processes are going on in your head. Stop yourself from judging what is being said because of
some personal characteristics of the speaker. Don’t get preoccupied with who is speaking; rather
concentrate on what is being said.

Provide feedback when asked. It is encouraging to a speaker to acknowledge that you are listening by
nods or asking clarifying questions. However, don’t fall into the trap of giving your advice unless
someone actually asks for it. Some people just need to vent. If you are unsure of what is being asked of
you, then present the question, “How can I help?”

Keep an open mind while listening to others. You might think you know the point someone is trying to
make, but a good listener does not jump to conclusions. When you allow the speaker to finish their
thoughts first, you have a more definitive idea of the information they are sharing. Who knows, you
might learn something new.

Don’t create distractions. The world is distracting enough. Multi-tasking may be advantageous to
complete a project, but it is not representative of a good listener. You are not truly listening if you are
texting, interrupting or looking for someone you know in a crowded room. If a conversation is going to
be substantial, find a place where interruptions will be unlikely.

One of the most important aspects of listening is taking responsibility for being the receiver of
information. When you are not clear on what is being said, or the intent of the speaker, it is your
responsibility to clarify by asking questions. Every question is worthwhile if it allows a valuable
communication to be shared.

Concentrate on trying each of these tips for a day. Learn what type of listener you are and where you
can improve.

Attention media. This article is available for reprint as long as you include the following information:

Julie Ann Sullivan has been engaging people with her workshops and presentations for more than 30 years. She speaks to
educators, students and professional organizations about life’s journeys. She is the author of Life Lessons and Pocketful of
Inspiration. Julie Ann lives in Pittsburgh PA with her son Sean and her poodle Lucky. Learn more about Julie Ann by visiting
www.LearningNeverEnds.com

Business Program Calendar
December 2011
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.

December 1 How to Get Organized for the Upcoming Tax Season
Diana Smith, Tax Specialist
Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Office

It’s hard to believe it’s almost that time again, but it won’t be long before year-end statements will arrive in your mailbox. Preparing to file your taxes will be easier once Ms . Smith explains the most efficient ways to organize your important 2011 tax documents. She’ll also discuss current IRS updates that may save you time and money.

December 8 What is the Value of Your Coins and Jewelry?
Kitty Litman, Owner
The Coin Exchange, Inc.

Kitty Litman will discuss the current rise in the price of gold and silver and show examples of billion denarious from 4th century Rome, U.S. Continental currency from the 1700s, Broken Bank notes from the 1830s, Hard Times tokens from the 1840s and silver dollars from the early 1900s that reflect many of the same economic conditions we are experiencing today. She will also offer free appraisals for any coins, paper money or jewelry you may want to have evaluated.

December 15 The Amazing Treasures in the Carnegie Library’s William R. Oliver Special Collections Room
Gregory M. Priore, Manager and Archivist
The William R. Oliver Special Collections Room

You would expect to find material about Andrew Carnegie and the early history of Pittsburgh here, but what about Bach manuscripts, original cel paintings from Disney’s Pinocchio and Fantasia, and rare photographs from the Edward Curtis North American Indian Portfolio? Greg Priore will talk about the Oliver room collections, appraising books, historic documents and photographs, and preservation-related issues.

December 22 No programs. Happy Holidays!
December 29

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christine Haas, Executive Director
412-321-6884

THE MIDWIFE CENTER PLANS OPEN HOUSE TO SHOWCASE
NEWLY RENOVATED BIRTH SUITES

P I T T S B U R G H –The Midwife Center is pleased to invite the community to come see its newly renovated birth suites at its open house on Tuesday, December 13th from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at its Strip District location. The event will feature tours of the birth center and refreshments.

“We are excited to welcome our clients, supporters, and the community to see the updates to our birth center and learn about our services,” says Midwife Center Executive Director, Christine Haas. “We are thrilled with the success of our recent fundraising campaign that allowed us to update our center.”

The Midwife Center anticipates more than 300 babies to be born with the practice in 2011 and more than 350 in 2012 (up from 244 in 2010). More than half of the babies born with the practice are born at its state-licensed birth center, which features three nature-themed birth suites: the ocean room, forest room, and desert room. The remaining births occur at the Center’s primary referral hospital, UPMC Mercy.

TMC’s mission is to provide exceptional woman-centered pregnancy, birth, and well-woman care in southwestern Pennsylvania’s only independent birth center. Since its inception in 1982 nearly 4500 babies have been born with The Midwife Center. The facility is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers.

The Center accepts most insurance plans and is a member organization of Adagio Health, Inc., which enables it to provide care to women on a sliding fee scale. The Center is a private, non-profit practice supported in part by patient fees, United Way Contributor’s Choice, and tax-deductible contributions from individuals, businesses and foundations.
More information about The Midwife Center can be found on its new website www.midwifecenter.org

Information obtained from
www.womensmediacenter.com

These statistics were gathered to illuminate the current status of women in today’s media. The categories include radio, film, television, and news journalism. The lack of women in top positions is widespread. The research indicates a diminished presence of women in the various forms of media surveyed.
Industry Stats
•Women hold only 3% of clout positions in the mainstream media. (Annenberg Public Policy Center, “The Glass Ceiling Persists,” 2003)
•Only one in four communications/media jobs created between 1990 and 2005 were filled by women. The only area where the share of women increased was in the newspaper industry—the lowest-paid industry in the sector, where many of the women are employed as part-time telephone sales positions.
(Institute for Women’s Policy Research. “Making the Right Call,” 2006).
•In 2007, women represented only 12.1% of the boards of directors of corporations in the information industry, and only 11.5% in the arts, entertainment and recreation corporations. In 2006, women represented 14.5% of the directors in the information industry and 14.7% in the arts, entertainment and recreation industry.
(“Census: Women Board Directors,” Catalyst 2007, and 2006).
•For full-time workers in the communications/media sector, a gender and race wage gap persists: White men are paid 29 percent more than white women and 46 percent more than women of color. (Institute for Women’s Policy Research, “Making the Right Call” 2006)
•Among communications companies in the Fortune 500, women comprise just 15 percent of top executives and only 12 percent of board members.
(Annenburg Public Policy Center, “The Glass Ceiling Persists,” 2003)
•At current rate of changes, it will take women 47 years to reach parity with men as Corporate Officers of the Fortune 500 (“Corporate Officers and Top Earners,” Catalyst, 2006).
•“With few exceptions, we have not moved beyond tokenism in the number of women in top leadership positions or serving on the boards of communications companies. Men still hold the vast majority of positions. The glass ceiling is firmly in place.” former Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Susan Ness (Sheila Gibbons, 2004)
•Groups such as Fox Entertainment, McGraw-Hill, and advertising firms Grey Global Group and Omnicom did not have women in any of their executive positions. (Sheila Gibbons, 2004).
•The median salary for male journalists in all news media is $46,758 and $37,731 for women. (Sources: Dates 2007, Cramer 2007, Nicholson 2007, Media Management Center 2006, 2001. From Fact Sheet #2 in “Women and News” Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy, November 2007)

by Nancy Stampahar of Silver Lining Solutions
www.silverliningsolutions.com

The crazy, hustle-bustle holiday season is approaching. By learning how to occasionally say “no” and treating each other with respect, you can take control of the demands at work and home you are facing. You must learn how to not fret over your own feelings of guilt, fears of rejection or possible repercussions. You can still be helpful and considerate of others, but you must take care of yourself first. Before you respond to someone, ask yourself, “What would make me most happy and fulfilled?” Once you develop assertive communication skills, you will be able to effectively handle difficult people and awkward situations.

Aggressive Communication Looks Like This:

“This is what you’re going to do and you have no say in the matter.” Too many dominating, overbearing behaviors surface and push people away or into submission. The aggressive person lacks self-esteem and acts out of fear to control people and situations. Unfortunately, most people get turned off and don’t want to be around this type of person because they are too disrespectful and demanding.

Passive Communication Looks Like This:

“Whatever you ask, I’ll do it whether I want to or not.” Too many unwanted yes’s build up resentment and passive-aggressive behaviors can surface. The passive person lacks self-worth and self-respect. Unfortunately, the word of a passive person cannot be trusted because they are not open and honest about their feelings, needs or opinions.

Assertive Communication Looks Like This:

“I know that this is important to you. This is also important to me. Let’s talk about some options that are fair to both of us.” Respectful, healthy behaviors evolve. This healthy, mature style says, “I hear you. You matter, and I matter too.”

7 Tips to Say “No” and Assert Yourself Today

1. Become self-aware of your communication and behavior patterns. What is consistently happening in your life? How do these patterns affect you?
2. Evaluate the reasons you feel the need to please or control everyone.
3. Realize the goal of assertive communication is to express your thoughts and boundaries while being direct, honest and respectful of others.
4. Realize it is necessary and okay to say “no” sometimes and to ask questions.
5. Example for Anyone: “I see why this is important to you. I am unable to help this time. Let’s try to figure out some other possible solutions that could work.”
6. Example for Boss: “This is what is on my plate right now. Which one of these priorities would you prefer I remove to accommodate your request?”
7. Example for Anyone: “I’d love to join you but my schedule is already full that week. Please keep me in mind the next time. Have fun.”

If you do not address your own unique needs, your frustrations will build, you will feel taken for granted and your performances and relationships will suffer. As Dr. Phil says, “We teach people how to treat us.” It is up to you to face the fears and guilt you carry from your disease to please. Find your courage to change and grow. When you stop feeling guilty and seeking approval of others, your days will be fueled by positive energy, confidence and self-respect. You will feel empowered and in control of your life because you utilized your power of choice. You hold the power. Enjoy the season and assert yourself today!

Source: Nancy Stampahar’s energetic, engaging personality and work initiatives are packed with real-life how to’s and solutions that help you succeed at both work and home. A skilled consultant and the award-winning author of Peace, Love, and Lemonade: A recipe to Make Your Life Sweeter, Nancy’s heartfelt words, expertise and enthusiasm will ignite your power within to succeed, and her famed “Silver Lining Solutions” will have you making lemonade out of lemons in no time at all!

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. But did you know that Home Instead Senior Care partners with local non-profits during the Holiday Season to deliver gifts to needy older adults?

Each year Home Instead Senior Care® offices throughout North America spread holiday cheer to lonely or financially-challenged seniors through the Be a Santa to a Senior program. The program has attracted upwards of 60,000 volunteers over the past six years distributing gifts to deserving seniors. Since introducing the Be a Santa to a Senior program, Home Instead Senior Care has helped provide 1.2 million gifts to more than 700,000 seniors.
Home Instead Senior Care partners with local non-profit and community organizations to identify seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season. The company then works with local businesses and retail stores to help facilitate the purchase and distribution of gifts by placing trees and ornaments within their various locations. Each senior’s gift requests are written on a Be a Santa to a Senior tree ornament.

Here’s how to help a lonely senior:
1. Find the nearest Be a Santa to a Senior tree location
2. Remove an ornament
3. Purchase the gift
4. Bring ornament and gift back to participating store and give to
store employee.
It’s that easy!
Our trees at Kmart and Target will be available until December 8th. Volunteers collect, wrap, and deliver the gifts to the seniors prior to the Christmas Holiday.
If you, or any organization of which you are a part, is interested in learning more, 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

www.water.org

Water

Today’s water crisis is not an issue of scarcity, but of access. More people in the world own cell phones than have access to a toilet. And as cities and slums grow at increasing rates, the situation worsens. Every day, lack of access to clean water and sanitation kills thousands, leaving others with reduced quality of life.
• 884 million people lack access to safe water supplies; approximately one in eight people. (5)
• 3.575 million people die each year from water-related disease. (11)
• The water and sanitation crisis claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns. (1)
• People living in the slums often pay 5-10 times more per liter of water than wealthy people living in the same city. (1)
• An American taking a five-minute shower uses more water than a typical person in a developing country slum uses in a whole day. (1)