Women’s Independent Press

by Mary Grace Musuneggi
www.singlestepsstrategies.com

Two women, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One woman was allowed to sit up in her bed for an hour each afternoon. Her bed was next to the room’s only window. The other woman had to spend all her time flat on her back.
The women talked for hours on end. They spoke of their husbands and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in community service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon, when the woman in the bed by the window could sit up, she would pass the time by describing to her roommate all the things she could see outside the window.
The woman in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where her world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
She talked about how the window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the woman by the window described all this in exquisite details, the woman on the other side of the room would close her eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the woman by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other woman could not hear the band – she could see it in her mind’s eye as the woman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed by.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the woman by the window, who had died peacefully in her sleep. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other woman asked if she could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure she was comfortable, she left her alone.
Slowly, painfully, she propped herself up on one elbow to take her first look at the real world outside. She strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
The window faced a blank wall.
The woman asked the nurse what could have compelled her deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside. The nurse responded that the woman was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, “Perhaps she just wanted to encourage you.”
Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

By Patricia Thibault
Social Security District Manager in Pittsburgh, PA

More than half a million Americans experience homelessness on any given night. Nearly 20 percent of them are “chronically homeless,” meaning they are on the streets regularly.
Social Security has several programs that pay benefits to qualified individuals, including those who are homeless. These programs include retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program for people who are blind, disabled, or age 65 or older. If you know someone who is homeless, and you want to learn more about how Social Security might help, a good place to get information is at www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness.

That page includes a link to the Spotlight on Homelessness — a website designed to help the homeless apply for SSI. It’s available at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-homeless.htm.

The homelessness page also includes links to information on health care for the homeless, institutionalization, advocacy groups, reports on homeless outreach, and even links to other websites like the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and HUD.
You’ll find other information helpful to the homeless on www.socialsecurity.gov .

For example, there is a link to our Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, or BEST. Based on answers to various questions, this tool helps determine the benefits someone might be eligible for and gives information about how to qualify and apply. Go directly to www.socialsecurity.gov/best.

Tell anyone you know who is homeless or threatened with homelessness to use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool and to check out the different types of benefits and assistance they may be eligible to receive. Spread the word about the help available to the homeless.

Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness to learn more.

by Anne Fleming
www.women-drivers.com

As www.Women-Drivers.com advises, it’s always smart to get a winter tune up—before winter arrives. Tires, batteries, belts, blades and fluids will all be checked or replaced to maximize your car’s performance and safety, during the most challenging months on the road.

To avoid accidents or sliding altogether, never exceed the speed limit. When driving in snow or in freezing conditions, reduce the car’s speed to allow time to react.
If you do hit snow or ice, brake gently, in other words, brake in a slow and steady manner. If the vehicle begins to ‘lock up’ and slide, take your foot off the brake and simultaneously down shift.

Did You Know? If in an accident, dial 911 to get help or to call for roadside assistance. Do not continuously run your vehicle’s engine. If you are stranded, run it about every 30 or 60 minutes to get heat in the car.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

· If you veer off the road and are unable to maneuver back onto a road, it’s best for your personal safety to stay in the vehicle.

· Use your lights, high beams, flashlight or flashers to get the attention of other vehicles. Use your cell phone to call 911 to get help or to call for roadside assistance.

· Do not continuously run the engine. If you are stranded, run the engine every 30 or 60 minutes to get heat in the car.

· Do not drink alcohol – it will lower the temperature of your body and increasingly make you drowsy.

Keep the following items with you in the trunk of your vehicle:

· Fist Aid supplies

· Jumper cables

· Ice scraper with brush

· Tire chains

· Blankets

· Salt or sand – or, kitty litter

· Flashlight and batteries

· Emergency flares

· Snow or retractable shovel

· Water

· Extra phone charger

· Large jar candle and matches

· Quart of oil

That on Nov 1, 1848 the first medical school for women, the New England Female Medical School, opened and in 1874 , merged with Boston University to become one of the world’s first coed medical schools?

That on Nov 8, 1910 the state of Washington passed a constitutional amendment to permit woman suffrage?

That on Nov 8, 1984 - Dr. Anna L. Fisher, a physician, launched into space as the first American mother and third American woman to fly into space on the shuttle Discovery?

That on Nov 11, 1979 - Bethune Museum and Archives opened in Washington D.C. as a center for African-American women’s history, honoring Mary McLeod Bethune?

That on Nov 11, 1993 - The Vietnam Women’s Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. and was conceived by former army combat nurse Diane Carlson Evans and sculpted by Glenna Goodacre? The memorial honors the 265,000 women who voluntarily served during the Vietnam era.

That on Nov 13, 1938 - Mother Francis Xavier Cabrini was beatified?
She was the first American woman citizen to become a saint.

That on Nov 14, 1889 - Journalist Elizabeth Cochran, aka Nellie Bly, sailed around the world in 72 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes, and 14 seconds, beating the fictional record set by Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days?

That on Nov 14, 1903 - The U.S. Women’s Trade Union League was established?

That on Nov 14, 1946 - Emily Greene Balch, co-founder of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize ?

That on Nov 28, 1881 - The first organizational meeting was held for the predecessor group to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) ?

Detective Brenda Tate has served in the field of law enforcement for 35 years, thirty of which have been as a police officer with the City of Pittsburgh Police Department. During her career she has served in many high profile assignments and has mentored numerous female officers to help them navigate successfully through the male dominated culture. Several of her mentees have risen to high rank within the department. She has also taken a leadership role in her non-work activities such as: Boy Scouts of America for Troup #59 and Scoutreach Committee, Centre Avenue YMCA Board of Management, Hill House Board of Directors, New Dawn Ministry “Winner in You” Mentorship program, and CORO Center for Civic Leadership/Women In CORO.
Detective Tate was one of the first female officers to serve on foot patrol in the city of Pittsburgh Housing Authority community. She also served in the high profile Dignitary and Witness Protection Unit, where she was responsible for organizing and providing protective services for high profile dignitaries, kings, queens and other royalty from abroad, as well as several US presidents and vice presidents and other high ranking US and foreign government officials. Also, Detective Tate has played a critical role in cultivating relationships with many agencies throughout the city (i.e. Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh Section 8 and Allegheny County Housing, Allegheny County MH/MR, major Hotel chains). These relationships are the life’s blood to the sustainability of the unit. She is currently a Detective in the PIRC Unit (Pittsburgh Initiative to Reduce Violence), which reports directly to the Chief of Police on matters related to community issues, gang and drug related violence.
Detective Tate has served her community as an Activist on the One Hill Coalition Task Force that was successful in the acquisition of the Benefits Agreement between the Hill District community and the Pittsburgh Penguins. In her church Ebenezer Baptist Church she is involved in the Women’s Mission Ministry and Senior Usher Board and played a significant role in the reconstruction of the church after a fatal fire destroyed the historic structure completely. She has served as chair in both functions as well as the Ebenezer Trustee Board. She currently serves on the Ebenezer Development Board. She has also performed missionary work for her church locally and in Africa, Eastern and Western Europe.
She is committed to helping her community in any way she can. She is a Pennsylvania State Addiction Counselor and an internationally certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She is able to use her expertise in these areas in her informal counseling and mentoring activities. Brenda is the proud mother of two sons, Reverend James E. Tate Jr. and Demetrius J. Tate.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Exceptional Children by Ransom Riggs

This young adult novel is based on a series of very unusual old photographs
which is a very odd set-up for a book and that nearly worked but in my
opinion, completely missed the mark. I found the central character, Jacob,
extremely unlikeable. His personality issues reminded of me of those shared
by the female protagonist in the young adult novel “Revolution” but that
character had a dead brother, a sick mother, and an absentee father to blame
for her emotional turmoil. Jacob, on the other hand, has a two-parent cushy
life that he can’t seem to get comfortable with. Fair enough, it happens,
but I was never sure how Riggs wanted me to feel about Jacob — was I
supposed to think his self-induced ennui was cool? Was I supposed to pity
him? I didn’t quite get it.

Jacob is the narrator and his writing skill is impressive for a teen(though
often nearly sunk by the overuse of adjectives and metaphors) but this is
explained away by our being told that he takes accelerated high school
classes. His hopelessly hateful attitude and burdened writing were sometimes
difficult for me to slog through. But slog I did and that’s because the plot
points in the first half of the book reeled me so powerfully that I couldn’t
stop in until I discovered what had happened to Jacob’s grandfather (BTW,
the only character I found appealing, a Polish Jew who fought in WWII). But
as I entered the fantasy world of the book’s second half, I felt as if I was
Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, poised to open a door into a living color Oz
but instead ending up in an peculiar world of drab grey. It’s
different but not terribly appealing or even interesting.

However, it’s a credit to Riggs that even readers who don’t like the book
will probably have difficulty not slogging to the bitter end where we find
some key questions answered, see a key decision made, and watch a sequel –
shamelessly? — being set up. The idea of basing a novel upon quirky old
pictures is one that I find fascinating but the end result isn’t as good as
it looks.

Sydnee Bagovich
The Grammar Nerd
412.848.2053
www.thegrammarnerd.com
grammar.nerd@yahoo.com

Through many years of introspection and hundreds of conversations with professionals, mentors, coaches, therapists, family and friends… After countless hours of reading articles and books, completion of exercises and tests, participation in seminars and workshops… I am finally heading down the path of defining my true passion. I love to write, I love to teach, and I love to bring people together. Woven throughout those activities is an absolute love for…grammar. What, you ask, grammar? Really?! That is such a dry topic that makes most people squinch their faces in dislike recalling bad memories of elementary and high school English. For me, it is fun! I was the one in class who enjoyed diagramming sentences! In fact, today, when I am unsure of how to say something, I will often do the little diagram in my head. Much as someone else might enjoy analyzing the strategy of a football play, or rebuilding an engine, or building a model airplane—all things that do not appeal to me—I enjoy writing about the right way to say things, the right words to use. Much as understanding the difference among their/they’re/there, or when to use apostrophes, or when to use I vs. me might cause confusion for some, this comes naturally and easily to me. I want to help people to understand and be more confident speakers. So, how do I do that?
I recognize that we are judged constantly by how we communicate. So what, right? Why should I care if people are judging me? Well, if your website is rife with improper grammar and punctuation, incorrect usage of words, partial sentences and bad format, then that judgment could result in a missed sale, a turned-off customer, elimination from the pool of job candidates, or movement from your website in search of the competitor’s page. I review your material—websites, presentations, proposals—for correct grammar usage and give you suggestions that will make your message clear and professional. I also present workshops that help you to understand many of those common errors and how to turn them around in your own communication to prevent that judgment and unfavorable review! And I do it in a way that is hardly textbook style. I present very conversationally and make it easy to understand.
For examples of my writing and a peek into my style, please visit my website, www.thegrammarnerd.com. You can read more on www.bizchicks.org and www.examiner.com. You can “friend” me on my Grammar Nerd Facebook page, and you can find me on LinkedIn and Twitter. Recently I was interviewed by The Web Strategy Coach, Brian David O’Keefe. Read that at: http://briandavidokeefe.com/2011/10/interview-the-grammar-nerd/. If you are interested in learning more about how I might be able to help you, please send me an email to grammar.nerd@yahoo.com.
Sydnee Bagovich
The Grammar Nerd

Contact: Latoya Veal, 202-628-8669, ext. 116

Leaders of Women’s Organizations Call on Congress to
Consider Legislation That Would Strengthen Social Security

On October 26, 2011 , the Older Women’s Economic Security Task Force (OWES), part of the National Coalition of Women’s Organizations (NCWO), delivered a letter to members of Congress, calling on Congress to consider three pieces of legislation that would assure Social Security solvency for the next 75 years by lifting the cap on payroll tax contributions — a move that an overwhelming majority of the public has said they support, according to recent polls. The National Council of Women’s Organizations is composed of 240 member organizations, with more than 12 million members; the OWES Task Force is co-chaired by the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR).
The letter from the OWES Task Force states, “Social Security is a program that binds generations of Americans together, and we should strengthen, not weaken, this critical program. While these are tough economic times for everyone, a balanced budget should not come at the expense of millions of vulnerable Americans.”

The Keeping Our Social Security Promises Act (S. 1558), introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, and the No Loopholes in Social Security Taxes Act (H.R. 797), introduced by Rep. Peter DeFazio, would close Social Security’s 75-year funding gap by applying Social Security payroll tax contributions to cover earnings of $250,000 or more. Currently, only wages up to $106,800 are taxed. These bills would preserve the Social Security Trust Fund by closing a tax loophole so millionaires would pay the same percentage of their salaries to Social Security as the average American worker. This will guarantee that Social Security remains solvent for at least 75 years.

The Preserving our Promise to Seniors Act (H.R. 539), introduced by Rep. Ted Deutch, changes the COLA calculation from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) to a Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), which places more weight on the goods and services purchased by seniors. The CPI-E would account for the rising costs faced by seniors when determining Social Security cost of living increases.

According to a national survey conducted last month by the Lake Research Partners and American Viewpoint, U.S. voters overwhelmingly oppose cuts to Social Security and Medicare as a way to reduce the deficit. By a 50 point margin, they oppose cuts to these programs as a part of a potential Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction proposal. By a margin of 66 percent to 22 percent, they oppose reducing COLA increases for beneficiaries now and in the future.
“Social Security continues to keep many older women out of poverty,” said NOW President and OWES Co-Chair Terry O’Neill. “We urge Congress to leave Social Security out of any deficit-reduction plan produced and to consider these three bills which could truly strengthen, not dismantle Social Security for future generations.”
IWPR President and OWES Co-Chair Dr. Heidi Hartmann said, “Studies consistently show the critical importance of Social Security for many Americans; in fact, we have found that both women and men are increasingly reliant on Social Security income at this time of high unemployment and declining home and investment values.”

Signers to the letter included leaders from the National Women’s Political Caucus, U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Mothers’ Centers, Global Women’s Project at the Center of Concern, American Association of University Women, Black Women’s Health Imperative, Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, National Association for Female Executives, Feminist Majority, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, Wider Opportunities for Women, Jewish Women International, Women’s Committee of 100, Media Equity Collaborative, Women’s Research and Education Institute, National Women’s Law Center and Older Women’s League.

The National Council of Women’s Organizations is composed of more than 240 women’s organizations representing more than 12 million U.S. women. The Older Women’s Economic Security (OWES) Task Force was formed in 1998 to study, monitor, and act to enhance older women’s economic security. NOW and the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) are co-chairs of the OWES Task Force

November 1- Business Growth Expo – Speakers Showcase & tradeshow – Greentree Radisson - 8-4 pm- hundreds of local business professionals and 30 exhibitors – For more info and pricing, call Dena Trusiak at 412-208-3814 or email dtrusiak@bizjournals.com 

November 2 - A Networking For A Cause Event - ALL Proceeds will go to The Military Connections Christmas Stocking Drive - Military Connections sends Christmas Stockings full of goodies to our deployed men & Women at no charge to the family or soldier - MilitaryConnections.org- There are still some vendor/ exhibitor opportunities open. Tables are only $40.00 Please contact Carol Briney 412-781-8773 or Carol@CarolbrineyWorkFromHome.com for more information. - 5:00pm - 8:00pm - Comfort Inn - RIDC Park Fox Chapel - $10.00 before October 28th , $15.00 after or at the door - Price includes: hors d’oeuvres, a door prize ticket, and exceptional networking - Tickets can be purchased on line with a credit card or through the mail with a check (your ticket will held at the door) Send your check made out to BLX Networking to Carol Briney 134 West 8th Street Aspinwall, Pa. 15215. With cash from Carol Briney or Tina Nobers at BLX Networking Lunch Events or From Summer Tissue at the Oakmont Chamber Office, or Dora Butko - Cheswick Floral - Attendees are encouraged to bring any of the following items to be used in the Christmas stockings. For each item you donate you will receive an extra door prize ticket - Canned Chef Boyardee with Pop-Top Lids-Chewing Gum -Individual Packs of Crackers -Granola Bars -Power Bars -Chapstick -Pretzels -White Athletic Socks (ankle or calf) -Powdered Drink Mix -Pouches of Tuna

November 5 - 9:30 - 11:30 am - The Four Agreements: Paths for Peaceful Life - Be Impeccable with your word…Don’t take anything personally Don’t make assumptions - The Four Agreements: Paths for a Peaceful Life
Cost: $25 - Be impeccable with your word - Don’t take anything personally - Don’t make assumptions - Always do your best.
To register go to www.julieannsullivan.com/events

November 6 - Wine & Cheese Networking Event: Talbots, The Galleria, 1500 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon; $10/person, sponsor opportunities available - 5:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. - Registration is online at www.winpitt.org

November 10 - Magee Centennial Celebration - 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm - $100 per person - Circuit Center, 5 Hot Metal Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203-2350 - Cocktail reception featuring live entertainment - Join us for the celebration of the century: Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC’s Centennial Celebration - For the most up-to-date event information and to register, visit www.mwrif.org/365 - We will be unveiling the Magee 100 Mosaic artwork and Centennial video at the celebration. To learn more about and to upload your photos to be included, visit www.mageemosaic.com. The final mosaic, designed by award-winning artist Mark Bender, will become a mainstay in the Magee-Womens Hospital lobby.

November 10 - “Stop Time in its Tracks” - Join us as Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC - celebrates a century of excellence and looks forward to a promising future - 6:30-8:30pm - The Circuit Center, 5 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh - Live Entertainment by the Rick Purcell band featuring Shari Richards - The Magee 100 Mosaic artwork and centennial video will be unveiled. Enjoy the many chef stations and open bar. All guests will be presented with a special gift - Registration is $75/person - Cocktail Attire - Proceeds benefit Magee’s Patient Care Fund - Please see the attached invite and return the RSVP by Friday, November 4 to: Denise Wickline, Magee-Womens Foundation, 3339 Ward Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 or register online at www.mwrif.org/365 - Can’t attend? Consider making a donation to the Patient Care Fund at www.mwrif.org - There is still time to be included in the Magee 100 Mosaic by registering your photos at www.mageemosaic.com

•November 10th, 1:00pm: Diana is hosting a free teleclass: Get Ready, Get Set, Breathe
 www.dianafletcher.com/events/teleclasses/
•November 15th at 6:00 pm: Diana will be speaking at a free event in Asbury Heights Retirement Community in Mt Lebanon on the topic of:
Keeping Your Holidays Stress Free and Absolutely Delightful!
•November 16th - Diana will be hosting a huge Holiday Book Sale with Bonus Gifts. More information will be forthcoming on her website and her EZine.
www.dianafletcher.com

November 11 Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce
WOMEN’S NETWORK
11 am, 6th Annual Holiday Bazaar at theSouth Hills Country Club
4305 Brownsville Road, Whitehall
To help us with our holiday shopping, and to provide greater opportunities for local and home-based businesses, the monthly meeting of the Women’s Networking of the Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special Holiday Bazaar.
If you or any of your friends are looking for new marketing opportunities to We welcome members and non-members.
We will once again hold a raffle at the luncheon with the money raise going to theSouth Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) food pantry. Please bring an item to donate for the raffle. Everyone will pass out cards and brochures and present a one-minute “commercial.
Lunch - $15 - Bring a friend!
Lunch for Non-Members –
$18 Display Table - $10 (Deadline for Display Table reservation is November 7th)
Please make a reservation by contacting our secretary: Mary Dilla at: 412-884-1233 secretary@bbwchamber.com

November 17 – Biz Chicks - Greet the Holidays with Cheer not Fear! 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Offices of Meyer Unkovic & Scott 535 Smithfield St. 12th floor

November 18 – Women’s Power Lunch Pittsburgh - “Holiday Glitz in Glitzburgh” - 1:00 till 4:00 pm - Wyndham Grand Hotel - Downtown Pittsburgh - Lunch, Networking & Holiday Shopping - Cost: $35.00 prepay online - RSVP at www.womenspowerlunch.com - Hosted by: Suzanne Froehlich
suzannef@zoominternet.net - 412-389-3420

December 1- Biz Chicks - 6th annual Holiday Extravaganza - 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Regional Enterprise Tower, 31st floor 425 Sixth Avenue / Pittsburgh

December 7 - Linked In Workshop -Panera Bread, Waterworks, 942 Freeport Road, Pgh. $35/WIN-Pittsburgh members $45 all others; 8:30-11:30 a.m. or earlier to setup your WIFI - Bring your laptop - Registration is online at www.winpitt.org

Women’s Small Business Association (WSBA), LLC.
You don’t want to miss this!
Get Heard! Get Noticed! Get Leads! (TM).
Please join us in the month of November as we welcome Tim Sullivan of The Business Times as our guest speaker at our Network Lunch and learn How to Make More Money Using the Pittsburgh Business Times. The focus is to teach professionals to develop quality leads from the Business Times and be a step ahead of their competition. Please rsvp at WSBAfounder@aol.com and if you have any questions contact marzullope@verizon.net

This is an informal networking event, open to any business woman who would like to increase her business contacts or clients in the Pittsburgh area. RSVPs can be made by email at WSBAfounder@aol.com. Please bring 10-20 of your business cards, cash for your lunch check plus your $2 meeting fee and be prepared to be educated. We look forward to seeing you there!

Women’s Small Business Association (WSBA)
www.WSBA.ws
Look for us on http://www.facebook.com/WSBAPA

A classic Sicilian Pasta sauce, the combination of eggplant and tomatoes make it quintessentially Italian.
1 to 2 Tablespoons of olive oil
3 cloves of garlic
1/2 teaspoon sea salt,
Approximately 2 cups of coarsely chopped and peeled tomatoes
1 pound eggplant cut into ½ inch cubes
Approximately ¾ cup thin sliced fresh basil
Approximately ¾ lb. of spaghetti
About 1 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese cut into cubes,
Cook garlic and oil over medium high heat for about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and salt ,cook for about 15 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add the eggplant reduce heat, cover and cook for about 20 minutes or until the eggplant is tender. Cook the spaghetti according to directions, multi grain pasta works very well, toss with sauce and cheese and serve immediately. Add a nice salad and a wine with a warm Mediterranean flavor, Librandi Rosso Ciro Classico 2005
Buon appétito!
Anna Marie