Kraus on radio: Pat Ford owes us an explaination

Bruce Kraus of Pgh's City Council was just interviewed on KDKA radio by Marty Griffin about the Pat Ford matter.

Bruce said, "Pat Ford owes us an explanation." "Those (letter of more than a week ago by Mr. Ford about corruption) are very serious allegations."

Others in city hall won't give an interview to Marty for the show. Mayor Ravenstahl took the day off. Doug Shields nor Jim Motznik won't do it either. Michael Lamb, city controller is talking.

The pay off and gag order are bad news. Of course.

But, watch what happens next.

Kraus is deflecting the blame onto Pat Ford.

City controller, Michael Lamb, don't sign the check. Don't pay Pat Ford. Will Michael Lamb stand up and watch our money? Or, will he give it away?

Bob Casey didn't need to make the pay off to the illegal pay raise to the state reps. But he did.

This would never have happened if the law office was terminated.

Michael Lamb, controller, could choke the release of these funds if he was with courage and enough creativity.

For instance, if Mr. Zober wants to pay off Pat Ford, then Mr. Lamb could take the money out of Mr. Zober's pay checks.

Sometimes Heroes Come In the Smallest Packages

Heroes are sometimes in the smallest packages.
My niece Kasey, 8, is a lil’ fireplug. My sister has always said that if I had a daughter, it would be Kasey. You see, she likes monsters, is a scrambling little athlete (soccer’s her game…I could never get into it, so she’s one up on me), and she has an infectious personality. I’m thrilled any time my sister says Kasey reminds her of me or visa versa.
Kasey and I have a little game. She’ll grab my hands and walk up my legs and torso, kinda like when Batman and Robin scaled a wall in the 1960’s. She will giggle like a mad gal. Her little sister, Gabrielle, looks on and often breaks out into a big smile. Gabrielle and I have our own little game: she doesn’t like me much…or at least pretends to. However, when Kasey “climbs” up Uncle Trapper, Gabrielle, now smiling ear to ear, is next in line. Their other sister, Jacqui as she likes to spell it, sits nearby and shakes her head.
Last Friday, Kasey stumbled upon a young boy being bullied and physically attacked by a larger girl outside of their shared Catholic elementary school. Never one to let an injustice go by, Kasey strode up and attempted to break up the fight. In wrestling we call it a “run in.”
Never mind the fact that Kasey cracked a hairline fracture in her spine this summer, horsing around in the yard. The larger, obviously more elementary Fight Club experienced hooligan twisted the adorable sprite’s arm back. Despite the pain, I’m certain she didn’t second-guess her decision to help the young lad. It must have been reminiscent of when George McFly saved Calvin Klein’s “best girl” by coming to her aid against the much-bigger Biff in “Back to the Future.” Check back in 20 years to see if that lad pays Kasey back with her hand in matrimony.
When my son and I talked to Kasey the other day, she downplayed the whole skirmish. My sister tells me that Kasey’s exploits are now the talk of the Johnstown Diocese, or at least the buzz around the kid’s mothers. She should be interviewed on Channel 6. Their studios are directly across the street from my mom and step-dad’s house, so the reporters wouldn’t have to go far. They already interviewed my shoveling step-dad a couple of years ago after a big snow. Kasey can be in the driveway in 10 minutes thanks to side streets.
I thought of Kasey this week when I walked out of my office building. A twenty-something couple was having a heated discussion near a car. As I spoke with my son on our cell phones, I could overhear the young lady ranting about the guy’s presence. He leaned on a car, single-rose in hand. She wasn’t happy. He was letting her rant.
I listened for a few moments then, thinking about Kasey’s courage to help someone in need, I sauntered over and politely said, “Excuse me folks, is everything okay?” The woman stopped immediately, looked me dead in the eye and with some relief, said. “No sir, we’re fine. Thank you.” The young gentleman, maybe thankful to have her stop raving for a minute, turned and ‘we’re okay.’” I said, “have a nice day” and walked away.
Less than two minutes later, they were gone, perhaps their separate ways, perhaps together. Their mini-yet-to-spike quarrel over. Our sleepy lil’ parking lot quiet again.
A co-worker smile when he saw me try the duo. I didn’t want to risk the chance that the whole argument was set up on TV and I’d have to sign a waver to show my expansive posterior simply walk by like an ignoramus as two actors hammed it up for the camera ala 20/20 or Dateline.
But I also had the courage to try and help, bolstered because an incredible 8-year-old in Johnstown risked an arm muscle to stop a true beat-down.
Integrity, character and determination are big ideals if you ask me. Sometimes those lessons are learned, thanks to the smallest packages.

Thoughtful Riot: 5 Questions for the Creators: Mr. Stoke Monkey

Another candidate.

Thoughtful Riot: 5 Questions for the Creators: Mr. Stoke Monkey: "he happened to mention Podcamp. I had been listening to a number of podcasts (Should I Drink That, Sportsocracy, Radio Free Burrito and TheGSpod to name a few) and he asked if I wanted to make an appearance on his show, The Wrestling Mayhem Show. I was thrilled. This was before I had any aspirations to become president of the United States.

Perhaps he'll be able to join us at Podcamp Pittsburgh for the Sunday afternoon discussion about political activities on the internet.

Lamb is doing a good job upholding a tax that cripples

Pittsburgh Hoagie: All meat no filler: "--Good job by Michael Lamb in winning some money for the city in a transfer tax case. The Post-Gazette reports that $828,000 goes to the city, $414,000 to the schools and $414,000 to the state. Good haul.

What did Lamb do beyond doing his job?

Furthermore, the deed transfer tax is one of the worst, if not the worst, tax that we have.

A good job would be to getting the awareness and political will to get a bill passed so as to give the city a deed transfer tax holiday.

The deed transfer tax hurts the little guys.

The deed transfer tax has a few 'shelters' that bigger buildings and ownerships can deploy to avoid paying that tax.

We want a more free, more liquid, more efficient, more productive landscape for investment, including home ownership.

The deed transfer tax puts the breaks upon the selling and buying of a home. Moving from renter to home owner is much more difficult in Pittsburgh because of the deed transfer tax.

Going Fishing?

From Pre-BJ

From Water Town in East China

From NZ dump

From texture - foods

From HK Disney

From Water Town in East China

Ravenstahl reveals plan to fix pension gap

Ravenstahl reveals plan to fix pension gap: Ravenstahl reveals plan to fix pension gap
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Faced with a worsening pension gap shared by other cities statewide, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl unveiled his fix to state senators yesterday, calling for fund consolidations, aid recalculations and defined contributions.

The first thing to do is to fire deadweight employees.

For example, Pat Ford is still being paid. He went most of the year without working but still got an income.

Luke Ravenstahl could fix that on his watch.

Harper's Firing Of Chaplains Shady, Secretive

I’ve been sitting on this news story for a couple of weeks and I finally got around to crafting an opinion.
Pittsburgh Police Chief Nate Harper (who is not blessed with the world's most impressive resume) fired two volunteer police chaplains after he and some in the religious community deemed their credentials to be faulty. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette blindly affirmed Harper’s decision, with no real, legitimate argument.
Rev. Lara M. Zinda and Keith Smith stand by their qualifications. Zinda answered some of the criticism in a letter to the editor in the Post Gazette.
Not once was there any criticism of the volunteer work Zinda and Smith did at police crime scenes. A cursory Internet search finds Zinda has done work with prisoners.
It appears obvious that there was a personality conflict in the decision. Perhaps Harper wanted his own pastor to serve in the volunteer position. The “vetting” (the buzz word of this election cycle) of the ordained religious leaders just wasn’t conducive to Nate Harper’s liking. What exactly are the religious pedigrees for volunteer pastors?
Do Zinda and Smith belong to a different religion than Harper and his spiritual advisors? Chances are they don’t share the same church. Zinda’s letter in the PG says that she lives in suburban Crafton. It would be best if chaplains were from Pittsburgh.
I cannot find photos of Zinda and Smith, so I’m not sure of their ethnicity. Chief Harper is African American. Perhaps there was a desire to bring African American chaplains onto the scene? Harper can appoint anyone he wants, but volunteers should be given more respect. It would be a shame if Harper is being forced by insiders to make the volunteer job a patronage, paid gig.
Perhaps there’s a hidden agenda in this volunteer position. There is something beneath the surface that we haven’t discovered yet.
The decision smells. There might be some jealousy involved. It does seem very ridiculous that two willing, apparently experienced chaplains get the boot for shady accusations.
There isn’t much coverage of the case, it’s not “sexy,” but it looks like two good people were railroaded. This should be followed, especially if a new paid position is created.

Fallen Czar: Presentation at public comment to Pgh City Council on Sept 10, 2008

Notes: These speaker notes were used on September 10, 2008, for a 3-minute public comment to Pittsburgh's City Council.

My name is Mark Rauterkus.

My family and I live at 108 South 12th Street in the historic South Side of Pittsburgh. My other homes include places on the internet as such as a blog, Rauterkus.blogspot.com and two wikis: Fix PA.wikia.com and A for Athlete . wikia.com. Plus, I've been enjoying "Twitter."

My sons attend Pgh Public Schools and last month they won five gold medals at the Citiparks Swim Meet in Highland Park. We expect to run in the 5K in the Great Race.

I am the elected vice chair of the Allegheny County Libertarian Party.

We are hosting a house concert on Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

Everyone is invited. But, you need to RSVP. Send an email or call.

We've put a new roof on our house and are inviting people to gather with a great singer, songwriter and performer -- Joe Jencks. His song, Come With Me, was utilized in one of my past campaign CDs. He is a splendid performer.

From past Joe Jencks house concert

This is a musical and community event, not a political rally.

I am on the ballot in 2008, but it is for a spot in the Electoral College. But I understand it is poor form to campaign for seats to the Electoral College as it only draws attention to the fact that the popular vote for President of the United States is not that important anyway.

So, at the house concert -- we'll focus on the music and the singing of Joe Jencks.

While in Beijing last month, I heard of some news of a fallen czar.

This story is much less lyrical and musical than what Joe Jencks delivers, but let's share the happenings with the public watching on cable TV.

Those in this chamber are smart and are sure to already know of this czar.

Exotic names and customs span various government: Emperors, Pharaohs, Czars, Dictators, Kings, A revolution brews today in Thailand where they have a king and an Australian author and blogger in jail for 3 lines in a novel that sold 7 copies.

In Canada, our neighbors to the north, the Prime Minister has called for a new election.

Generally, when a czar falls, people flee and go into hiding or exile. When caught, space is put between his head and torso.

Royalty stories and their "press releases" always include family ties and relationships.

This czar and story is different.

The Post-Gazette and fellow Pittsburgh bloggers have covered this saga, not some foreign language correspondent in some distant land.

This czar was promoted twice by a mayor -- our mayor, Luke Ravenstahl.

Mr. Pat Ford was Pittsburgh's Czar for Development. He ruled with an authority.

He is gone now. Just in August, while I was in China.

Pat Ford's fall however is not with blood on the streets. Rather, in Pittsburgh, it is different.

Development czar, Pat Ford, has not worked in many months. He was given a leave -- with pay. Now that he has resigned, he will still be paid for the rest of the year.

From planning-urban

Furthermore, from his place in exile -- Pat Ford was able to release a blistering letter that was unflattering to the present administration. I heard that his letter was cause for an interuption of either a golf outing in San Diego or a convention in Denver.

Frankly, it is nice that he is gone.

I doubt this story is actually gone gone. It won't be swept under the persian rug forever.

Rather than dwell on the negative, I like to point out other solutions with better outcomes.

In my humble opinion, it would have been better had Pat Ford been fired. He is still getting paid, to this day, even after his inflammatory outburst.

Why in the blasted name of 'czars' was he promoted to such esteem? Pittsburgh is an American city. Hello. We shouldn't do czars. We don't do czars because we don't cut people's heads off.

Nice: he's gone.

Better: he's fired.

Best: nobody is re-hired. Fire the entire family and family of authorities.

Now is the time to live a long held and cherished dream of mine. Pittsburgh can get rid of all of its authorities.

They are nothing but trouble.

Yesterday's budget amendment in papers to council called for $6-M to the URA.

The stadium authority is giving land to the Steelers, again. This is the Three Rivers Stadium Authority.

The sports and exhibition authority needs to rob the RAD funds as they can't make money.

The airport authority is a bust -- without flights into and out of Pittsburgh and a massive terminal that can't be paid for.

The PORT Authority -- don't get me started.

The Parking Authority with its new building and lighted sign.

I want democracy and accountability.

I don't even want a bike czar.

We biked around Beijing and visited a land of past emperors. It is nice to be home where we have don't have czars.

[412] One week from tonight - join us at a house concert on the South Side

[412] One week from tonight - join us at a house concert on the South Side: "[412] One week from tonight - join us at a house concert on the South Side

researcher looking for Ron Paul insights

Hey all - a writer for the PG-South edition wants 10 minutes of your time...please feel free to contact her.

She does need to focus on South Hills people only, she wants to talk with people from as far south as Washington county...unfortunately this leaves us city folk out :)

Here's what she said:

-DaveP
-----------------
I am writing this article focusing on Mr. Paul's childhood in Dormont, Pa (South Hills of Pittsburgh). My goal is to write an article on Ron Paul and his connections to the area. To this end, I'd like to speak with:

1. Anyone who "knew him when" -- teachers, neighbors, etc.;

2. Local supporters in the South Hills of Pittsburgh (to ask about their ongoing support, what is the fate of Mr. Paul's message after the elections, why he had such broad appeal, etc.);

3. And hopefully Mr. Paul. I'd like to find out the address of the home he grew up in, and names of anyone still living here that were important to him. Also, how did growing up here form him?

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I'll be working on this all week; my deadline is September 15.

Sincerely,
Erin Gibson Allen

Contact me and I'll send along the phone and email of the reporter.

Statement before City Council by Mark Rauterkus - Czars of Pittsburgh

Notes: These speaker notes were used on September 10, 2008, for a 3-minute public comment to Pittsburgh's City Council.

My name is Mark Rauterkus.

My family and I live at 108 South 12th Street in the historic South Side of Pittsburgh. My other homes include places on the internet as such as a blog, Rauterkus.blogspot.com and two wikis: Fix PA.wikia.com and A for Athlete . wikia.com. Plus, I've been enjoying "Twitter."
My sons attend Pgh Public Schools and last month they won five gold medals at the Citiparks Swim Meet in Highland Park. We expect to run in the 5K in the Great Race.
I am the elected vice chair of the Allegheny County Libertarian Party.

We are hosting a house concert on Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

Everyone is invited. But, you need to RSVP. Send an email or call.
We've put a new roof on our house and are inviting people to gather with a great singer, songwriter and performer -- Joe Jencks. His song, Come With Me, was utilized in one of my past campaign CDs. He is a splendid performer.
This is a musical and community event, not a political rally.
I am on the ballot in 2008, but it is for a spot in the Electoral College. But I understand it is poor form to campaign for seats to the Electoral College as it only draws attention to the fact that the popular vote for President of the United States is not that important anyway.
So, at the house concert -- we'll focus on the music and the singing of Joe Jencks.

While in Beijing last month, I heard of some news of a fallen czar.

This story is much less lyrical and musical than what Joe Jencks delivers, but let's share the happenings with the public watching on cable TV.
Those in this chamber are smart and are sure to already know of this czar.
Exoctit names and customs span various government: Emperors, Pharaohs, Czars, Dictators, Kings, A revolution brews today in Thailand where they have a king and an Australian author and blogger in jail for 3 lines in a novel that sold 7 copies.
In Canada, our neighbors to the north, the Prime Minister has called for a new election.
Generally, when a czar falls, people flee and go into hiding or exile. When caught, space is put between his head and torso.
Royalty stories and their "press releases" always include family ties and relationships.

This czar and story is different.

The Post-Gazette and fellow Pittsburgh bloggers have covered this saga, not some foreign language correstpondent in some distant land.
This czar was promoted twice by a mayor -- our mayor, Luke Ravenstahl.
Mr. Pat Ford was Pittsburgh's Czar for Development. He ruled with an authority.
He is gone now. Just in August, while I was in China.
Pat Ford's fall however is not with blood on the streets. Rather, in Pittsburgh, it is different.
Development czar, Pat Ford, has not worked in many months. He was given a leave -- with pay. Now that he has resigned, he will still be paid for the rest of the year.
Furthermore, from his place in exile -- Pat Ford was able to release a blistering letter that was unflattering to the present administration. I heard that his letter was cause for an interuption of either a golf outing in San Diego or a convention in Denver.

Frankly, it is nice that he is gone.

I doubt this story is actually gone gone. It won't be swept under the persian rug forever.Rather than dwell on the negative, I like to point out other solutions with better outcomes.
In my humble opinion, it would have been better had Pat Ford been fired. He is still getting paid, to this day, even after his infamatory outbust.
Why in the blasted name of 'czars' was he promoted to such esteem? Pittsburgh is an American city. Hello. We shouldn't do czars. We don't do czars because we don't cut people's heads off.
Nice: he's gone.
Better: he's fired.
Best: nobody is re-hired. Fire the entire family and family of authorities.
Now is the time to live a long held and cherished dream of mine. Pittsburgh can get rid of all of its authorities.
They are nothing but trouble.
Yesterday's budget amendment in papers to council called for $6-M to the URA.
The stadium authority is giving land to the Steelers, again. This is the 3RS authority.
The sports and exhibition authority needs to rob the RAD funds as they can't make money.
The airport authority is a bust -- without flights into and out of Pittsburgh and a massive terminal that can't be paid for.
The PORT Authority -- don't get me started.
The Parking Authority with its new building and lighted sign.
I want democracy and accountability.

I don't even want a bike czar.

We biked around Beijing and visited a land of past emperors. It is nice to be home where we have don't have czars.

State Department asking vBloggers: "What is democracy?"

What are auteurs?

What is democracy? State Department launches online video contest - On Deadline - USATODAY.com The State Department is inviting budding auteurs to create a short film that finishes the sentence 'Democracy is ...'

YouTube users will choose the winners of this international competition, which will accept submissions between Monday and Jan. 15. The top six films will be shown in Hollywood, New York and Washington.

The outcome is determined by a 'contest.' YouTube is part of the process.

Democracy has little to do with czars, dictators and kings. Rather, democracy is about temporary stewardship that aims to insure and make permanent the rights of others. My rights, your rights and their rights are all inter-twined.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auteur_Theory

Ron Paul urges voters to back alternatives to Dems, GOP | Chronicle | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Ron Paul urges voters to back alternatives to Dems, GOP | Chronicle | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Out of the race for president, Lake Jackson congressman calls Obama, McCain 'the lesser of two evils' and wants voters to go for minor-party hopefuls instead

Third Party Watch reports on Ron Paul's suggestions

Third Party Watch Advance copy of Ron Paul’s Wedesday press conference: He says ‘vote third party’
Posted by TPW News Items --- September 9th, 2008

The Houston Chronicle obtained an advance copy of Ron Paul’s prepared remarks for the press conference he is holding Wednesday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Joining him will be third party presidential candidates Bob Barr (Libertarian Party), Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party), Ralph Nader (Independent), and Cynthia McKinney (Green Party).

OMG - got a winning ticket to South Africa's prize in advance of the World Cup Soccer

Spam never looked so good. Much, much, much. Here is what was sent to me, via email. If I get sued for copyright violation, I'll know that they are legit and I'll have lots of money anyway. See the first comment for the text of the full header of this email.

---

CONGRATULATIONS FOR BEING THE LUCKY WINNER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN 2010 WORLD CUP LOTTERY.

lotto sa

M T N LOTTERY GAMES CONSULTING

Company Reg No;1996/079414/23

M T N Building,132-133
Park Hurst,Balfour-Unit 1440
JOHANNESBURG,GAUTENG 2001
SOUTH AFRICA

2IN CONJUNCTION WITH

SOUTH AFRICA 2010

WORLDCUP LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITEE

M T N 2010 LOTTERY DRAW NOTICE

Dear Winner,

This is to inform you that the M T N Lottery Game Consulting and the Local Organizing Commitee (LOC) of the 2010 World Cup, here in South Africa, has held an Internet Raffle Draw, and your Email Address was among the 2010 Email Addresses that was picked by the computer during the Third Quarter Raffle Draw (TQRD).

We are therefore with great pleasure, to notify you that your Email Address once again, happened to come out top number (1) out of the 2010 Email Addresses, on the FINAL BALLOT DRAW, and this had made you the JACKPOT WINNER OF THE SUM OF US$ 850,000.00(EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLAR).

Be aware that this M T N Raffle Draw was organised by the M T N Lottery Game Consulting (L G C) and the Local Organizing Commitee (L O C) of the 2010 World Cup, to create awareness for the world, as South Africa is finalizing their preparation for the hosting of the 2010 World Cup.

BELOW ARE YOUR WINNING DETAILS:

DRAW NUMBER: 4,13,21,27,36,38 BONUS 45.

EMAIL CODE NUMBER: 15/76/EF36

FINAL JACKPOT NUMBER: 0001

SN: 2010 / MTN LGC / LOC / ZA

WINNING INSURANCE POLICY NUMBER: JJA23ZA

INSURANCE COMPANY: OLD MUTUAL INSURANCE SA

AMOUNT WON: US$ 850,000.00

AGREEMENT:

IT IS NOW AGREED BY THE M T N Lottery Game Consulting (LGC) and the Local Organizing Commitee (LOC) of the 2010 World Cup, THAT THE WINNING INFORMATIONS WRITTEN ABOVE ARE THE ORIGINAL WINNING INFORMATIONS AS WAS SELECTED BY THE COMPUTER ON MONDAY 8 OF SEPTEMBER 2008, AND IT HAS ALSO BEEN AGREED THAT THE WINNER WHOSE THESE WINNING IN FORMATIONS HAS BEEN SENT TO, WILL BE PAID THE WINNING SUM OF US$ 850,000.00 BY SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE'S OF 2010 WORLD CUP LOTTERY WITHOUT FAIL.

Note that this program is being sponsured by:

SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT,MTN AND FiFA.

Mr. Kuash Behler, Our First Quarter Winner of

US$ 850,000.00 from Amsterdam, Holland

30th April 2008.

Our Second Quarter Winner Mrs. Ali Fatima from Nepal receiving her winning cheque of

US$850,000.00 also on the picture is her husband and friends rejoicing with them. 27th March 2008

Congratulations from all our staff and we also extend our thanks to the Sponsures for being part of our promotional program.

VIVA SOUTH AFRICA! VIVA SPONSURES

& VIVA THE WHOLE WORLD.

PRIZE CLAIMING INSTRUCTION:

To receive your prize, contact our Paying agent on the following Details:

Company: GLOBE FINANCE CORPORATION

Company Registration number: 1947/027670/07

Contact address: 27 NEWTON STR, NEWTON PARK,

P.O BOX 7706 NEWTON CENTRAL JOHANNESBURG

Contact person: MR. CALEB SMITH.

Position: Finance Director

TEL: + 27 787 931 175

Email Address:

caleb_smith96@live.com

Please keep this form confidential from public to avoid double claiming and contradition over the receiving of your fund. Very important, Lottery rules says that you must be 18 years and above to be able to claim a prize.
Announcement Made Today Tuesday 10 Of September 2008 (South Africa Time 10:25 am)

Congratulations from the Staffs & Members of the 2010 World Cup Lotteries Board Commission ;

DR Mrs. Teresa Botha Dr.Themba Woodroffe Mr. Rudolf P. Markhams

(Zonal Co-ordinator Sec.) (Board Member) (Promotional Manager)

Signed by:

Copyright 1994-2006 The MTN interative Lottery Inc.

All rights reserved. Terms of Service -Guideline

100860 8556 2548 9576ZA

Thailand jail holds author for 3 lines in novel of 300 page book sold 7 times w 40 other books in inventory

Reporters sans fronti�res - Thailand: "Nicolaides added: “I know the importance of respecting this country’s traditions, customs and expectations. I am not an agitator.”

Guide to setting up a public issues forum released from New Zealand leader

After setting up the Canterbury Online Public Issues Forum,
I wrote a guide to starting a local online public issues forum in Aotearoa New Zealand. It documents some of what I learned in the process, and includes various resources that we created along the way. It's available from this post on our blog.

Please use, circulate and comment.

best to all,

Dan

Extreme Strings Orchestra gets ready for the 2008-09 season soon

The Extreme Strings Orchestra will kick off it's 3rd season on Saturday morning September 27 from 9-11 AM and you are invited. You can come to check us out or come and join - and we hope you do!

Here are all of the details you should know right now.

The XSO is an educational youth music program that specializes in the great American music styles of Fiddling , Jazz, and Rock.

We also play electronic instruments and work with pickups, wireless units, effects, amps and sound systems.

We are looking for middle, junior high, and high school students who play Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass and are also open to Guitar and Mandolin players as well.

This program is open to ALL students from suburban schools, private schools, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and home-schooled students from all over the tri-state area.

We would prefer at least 2 years of experience playing the instrument but we can discuss that. Although we have some very fine advanced players this is not an elite group and we break the XSO into 2 or 3 groups most weeks and work with students at their own levels. However, it's most fun when we put the whole XSO together and we try to do that every week.

We meet at the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts High (CAPA for short) at the corner of 9th St. and Fort Duquesne Blvd. Downtown Pittsburgh as part of the Centers For The Musically Talented program.

We meet most Saturdays through the school year from 9-11 AM.

Tuition cost this year will be $450. There is a discount of $75 for full payment by 10/31/08. Also, families with more than one child in the program receive a discount of $100 per child.

There are full tuition grants available for up to 20 Pittsburgh Public School students.

Your tuition covers 24 educational sessions as well as performance opportunities through out the year. Last year we performed for the Three Rivers Arts Festival, in the Heinz Hall lobby as part of the "BOWFIRE" concert, the All City Arts Festiva, the "Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show" (twice) l and did workshops with students in the Norwin and West Mifflin School Districts and the Pulling String private music studio. We even had two of our students perform on stage with "BOWFIRE"

Our faculty includes myself, Sena Thompson as an instructor and arranger - the kids love her, Erin Snyder as low strings instructor, and Alex Van Laningham - a recent XSO grad - as well as outside professional instructors who will visit to do workshops in their specialty.

Last year we had about 25 students and many are returning. We hope you will join us. It's big fun.

Our new brochure will be ready later this week and we can send you one if you wish. It will definitely be on our site ASAP and we may attach it to a future email message.

Although we hope to do a complete update of the web site this week - which is overdue - there is some good information about our program including video and sound clips at http://www.extremestrings.com/Site/Home.html

Contact me if you need more information. Thank you for your consideration.

--

Steven Vance
Yamaha Certified String Educator
Executive Director
EXTREME STRINGS
2549 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15222
412-325-1211
http://www.extremestrings.com
stevenvance@extremestrings.com

Jazz, Rock and Fiddling
Teaching, Learning and Playing Great American Music

Macworld | Live Update: Apple’s ‘Let’s Rock’ Event

The live blogging of the Apple Event was -- well -- live blogged too.

Macworld | Live Update: Apple’s ‘Let’s Rock’ Event: "10:08 PT - JS: Just a funny note from the event. We are surrounded by the sound of fast, furious typing fingers. Is the entire world liveblogging this event? I suspect it is. They're all here.

Here's an easy way to start your day in a positive way:

1. Create two new files on your computer.
2. Name one file, 'Barack Obama' and the other file, 'John McCain.'
3. Send them to the computer's Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you: "Do you really want to get rid of 'Barack Obama' and 'John McCain?"
6. Firmly Click 'Yes.'
7. Feel better!

Tomorrow we'll do Nancy Pelosi and the PA House of Represenatives.

Sent to me by a friend. I did a few edits and doubled the elation by changing some of the words.

Flashback: Joe Jencks played a prior House Concert for us in Pittsburgh

A slide show of the first Joe Jencks house concert:



That gig was our 'first ever sold out performance.' We held it on the first floor and had just enough people to squeeze into the room. RSVPs are necessary so we can save you a seat.

Next week's house concert is going to be on the third floor, under our new roof. The room has a stage and we're very excited to have you attend. This will be our first concert in the 'newly re-done third floor space.'

We won't have any petitions for you to sign this year. I'm already on the ballot for the November 2008 election. I'm a candidate for the "electorial college."

For fun, I've put the event into a ticket system on the internet. No need to sign-up via that system. But, if you wish, you can check out Show Clix dot com. Direct Link.

SabrinaSpiher.com: A Media Empire

Another blogger rants about the South Side and our clueless Councilperson.

SabrinaSpiher.com: A Media Empire: "here's Bruce Kraus harassing the businesspeople of the South Side for selling food on the sidewalks - horrors! Apparently, he's been getting constituent complaints about messy drunks at 3:00 a.m. It is achingly obvious that these constituents are old. I am 100% certain that the young people who are spending $100,000 to colonize the ugly little aluminum siding box houses around East Carson are not concerned about the 3:00 a.m. drunks - in fact, they came for that atmosphere. I have a better solution than trying to put the poor chicken-on-a-stick guy out of business: if you don't like the South Side, move. You're ugly little box house will sell for 18 times what you paid for it in nineteen ought eight, and you'll be in good shape to head out to a ranch home in Edgewood, or wherever old people like to live. Meanwhile, the city won't waste its time and energy making one of its most appealing spots less appealing to the people they're constantly claiming they want to appeal to: young people. Lord!

I do not agree with Kraus -- nor with the blog posting above for a few reasons. Sure, constituents are going to complain. Sure, some are old. But, many are not.

Our drunk problem isn't at 3 am. Rather it is from midnight to 2:15 or so. Mostly the worse as the bars close around 1:30 to 2 am.

But, the aftermath of the crowds presents another problem that surfaces about 7 am as it gets light and the trash lingers. The drunks are gone. The bouncers are gone. The rented beer is spent an returned to 'Mother Earth' too. But, those that have jobs and lives to lead are seeing the remains.

Frankly, I didn't move here for the South Side bar atmosphere. Wrong. This is a neighborhood, a mixed neighborhood with churches, schools, institutions, families, single folks, seniors, recreation, business, retail, history, eating/drinking and the flexibility/freedom to make yourself here without the burden of conformity's pressures.

The option of moving, if we don't like the South Side, has been done thousands and thousands of times already. The one's that are here now are the cranky types that are going to stay because of the principle of things -- or -- because of their lack of capcity to move.

If the South Side turns into an entertainment district to the detriment of everything else, then the city will die. Dead. Bankrupt. Worse than Detroit. Not just the neighborhood, but the entire city, and in turn, the region.

Frankly, the South Side has done well for itself because the government types have stayed out of the South Side, by and large. The Local Development officials can't move their way out of a wet paper bag. The URA is only something most on the South Side know about from reading the newspapers.

We do not need the city and Mr. Kraus of city council working, as said in the blog post, to make the South Side appealing. But, things need to occur for other motivations, without the city. And, selling food on a stick under a sidewalk umbrella to midnight with a three-block litter patrol from 12 to 3 am (by the same business people) would be a great next step.

In the end, you might want to buy a house here -- as there are dozens of them available up and down our streets now. And, to make that investment, insurances need to be understood so it is a great long-term location. Better than South Park and Shaler, even after your children grow to their tenth birthday.

Here I am on the Great Wall. Shows my better side too.

Erik took this photo of me as we were climbing The Great Wall. You don't just walk or hike it. The ups and downs are steep.

From Beijing - Great Wall

There were few people on this stretch of The Great Wall -- so we had some peace and quiet to absorb its magnitude.

Doing the water cube -- off the board with clothes on -- Beijing scenes of us.

Sure, we went to see Michael Phelps and the rest of the amazing swimmers. But we also got to check out the water polo players as well as spend some time on the diving board!

Ron Paul - In Government We Trust? Part 2 - Texas Straight Talk

Congressman Ron Paul - In Government We Trust? Part 2 - Texas Straight Talk Imagine if the money you earned had honest, stable value, or even appreciated like an investment! No such special measures, like converting dollars to gold, would be required to ensure that your savings would sustain you in your golden years. That is the way it could be and is supposed to be. However, the government's thirst for power will not be easily, or cheaply, quenched. Fiat currency is one tool governments have to extract wealth quietly from the working class. It is time for the people to wake up to this ruse and look to the Constitution to restore sound currency.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac get bailout - as did others like Bear Stearns

I am sure you must be as angered as I am by the government take over of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This taxpayer rip-off is guaranteed to cost you and me billions. . . and who is to benefit?

First and foremost, THE BANK OF CHINA. That's right, the government bank in the People's Republic of China. Among others, numerous countries in the middle east and institutions around the world are also benefiting. Billions and billions are being sent overseas at our expense.

What do Senators McCain and Obama say about this government nationalization of our home lending system? They are both reported to be supportive.

I can tell you unequivocally, that Presidential candidate Bob Barr opposes this bail out!

Why? Because our tax dollars are being used (once again - remember Bear Stearns?) to fatten the bank accounts of speculators who bought bad loans. This is a case of the government rewarding those who took high-risk investment positions and were about to lose. . .

And where is Congress through all of this? Today they are back from a six week vacation and after just three more weeks, they quit work for the rest of the year! Between lengthy paid vacations, you can be sure they will be privately encouraging federal regulators and bureaucrats to bail out their friends. You see, Congress is paid handsomely - in the form of campaign contributions and other gifts - to make sure that the wealthy are protected from their own mistakes.

Do you need still more evidence that the only ones to benefit from this bail-out are foreign investors and Wall Street, check out all the major stock exchanges TODAY and you'll see massive gains that you are paying for.

John McCain and Barack Obama support this. No surprise there. Bob Barr is alone in blowing the whistle on this multi-billion bail out.

Scolding: I sliing this in the wake of a bone-headed comment

A most silly posted in another blog, Burghreport.blogspot.com, reads:

The last thing this country needs is another oil state governor with boob connotations (he is one, she has them.)
Anonymous | 09.08.08 - 9:53 am | #

My reply:

So, it is okay to judge people on where they live? (oil state)

Isn't PA an "oil state?" It used to be, i.e., Oil City, PA.

The sexist part is ignored.

I'd say the "last thing this country needs" is someone (racist/place-ist and sexist) to de-rail the conversations with silly comments.

Behaviors matter. Voting is a behavior too. Words and deeds in the weeks to come are sure to be measured at great length. Anonymous can help -- or hinder. To hinder by design brings a scolding.

From Passion to Action” Parent Leadership Training

Pittsburgh: September 19 & 20, 2008

Harrisburg: October 17 & 18, 2008

Pennsylvania Parent Information and Resource Center (PA PIRC) is sponsoring two regionally based workshops for parent leaders from local, regional and statewide parent leadership and parent advocacy groups, including parent members of family-school-community partnership teams.

PA PIRC supports strong connections between families and schools and advocates the
development of family-school-community partnerships focused on student success. PA PIRC
recognizes that to contribute effectively to these partnerships each member benefits from solid information to support him or her in this work.

“From Passion to Action” Parent Leadership Training

The two-day workshops, scheduled on Friday, September 19, 2008 and Saturday,
September 20, 2008 in western Pennsylvania and Friday, October 17, 2008 and Saturday,
October 18, 2008 in eastern Pennsylvania, are designed for parent leaders who want to
have an integral role in achieving student success through effective parent involvement and leadership in family-school-community partnerships.

Presenters will facilitate workshop sessions that will include:
Discussing personal leadership experiences

Understanding parent roles as leaders in the family-school-community context
Learning about the National PTA Standards of Parent Involvement

Reviewing the Federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) regulations governing parent
involvement with schools

Utilizing Pennsylvania’s “From Compliance to Effective Practice”, a standards-based
rubric aligned with the regulations

Parent leaders will have opportunities to learn and enhance involvement and leadership skills through networking with one another. Each participant will leave with a plan for transferring what they have learned to other parents.

Sign up: via PA PIRC at http://www.center-school.org/pa-pirc/workshops08.php

Action Alert: Verify Our Voting Software!

At 5 pm on Tuesday Sept. 9, 2008 we get to tell Allegheny County Council and Our Board of Election to "Audit Our Voting Software."

If we can't have a paper ballot, at least verify that our voting software is authentic!

County Council Meeting - Tuesday at 5pm, Sept. 9th
4th Floor, County Courthouse - Gold Room

Sign up to speak to council before Monday at 5pm with this link here:

http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/council/meetings/recomm.asp

When you sign up, put "Verify Voting Software" in Agenda Item.

In the two years since our voting machines have arrived from a factory in the Philippines, the voting software has never been audited for authenticity. We are asking for public software audits that compare our voting software with the software certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. "Unauthorized Patches" have been used illegally in other states by the voting machine vendors. Allegheny County promised to verify our voting software. Now, we are calling for the Board of Election to hold a special meeting to make software verification happen.

Our goal is to have 30 voters show up this Tuesday at county council and call for software verification. All folks have to do is walk up to the podium and say "Please, Verify Our Voting Software!" If we show up with 30 voters, we will make news.

See you there!

David Brown, VoteAllegheny.org

Missing blacks at GOP Party and in line-up for US Congress

My instant message to KDKA Radio's Marty Griffin who is race baiting:

Smart black candidates run as for office as an Independent, not Republican. That's why there are only 7 blacks running for US Congress. Marty's concepts and benchmark is more mole-hill than mountain.

FixPA.wikia.com is a wiki that you can influence

See, read, link from, edit, contribute, fix: http://FixPA.wikia.com

URA ignored its own rules in parking lot contracts

Get out!

URA ignored its own rules in parking lot contracts: "Mr. Ravenstahl has said there was no connection between the award and a $10,000 campaign contribution from Matthew McTish, the firm's president.

No fooling.

Ugh. There is so much to say. But the first thing that needs to be said is, "Good job Rich Lord." Thanks for being a watchdog. Thanks for the research. Thanks for telling the story. We need -- Pittsburgh needs -- articles like this to come into the light of day. Pittsburgh needs the 4th estate to rise up and help to correct its ills. Splendid job here.

Restaurant owners face ban on food sales -- city councilor trying to enforce it

Part 1 about Kraus and his relationship with local investors / business people was in the Pgh City Paper, still out for 2 more days.

Food Fight - South Side restaurant owners say a ban on outside food sales -- and the city councilor trying to enforce it -- are bad for business - News - News - Pittsburgh City Paper - Pittsburgh: "'Why enforce it now?' Obaid asks.

Some say the answer is easy: Councilor Bruce Kraus.

'He's making life miserable for us,' says Mary Tolomeo, a bartender at City Grill, located next door to Obaid's market.

Tolomeo says that in recent weeks, Kraus has warned her that City Grill will be cited if she doesn't move her pizza stand off the sidewalk and inside the restaurant. She says he's even taken pictures of her and other vendors selling on the street.

'It's harassment,' Tolomeo says."

Notice the trend: Bigger government, over-reaching, anti-marketplace, enemy creation, fear establishment, sustained uncertainty, doubtful laws.

Other elements might be part of the trend too.

What do you think?

South Siders urge review panel to reject cafe owner's plan for patio

Part 2:

South Siders urge review panel to reject cafe owner's plan for patio: "City Councilman Bruce Kraus, who represents District 3 and spoke at the meeting, said he did not advocate a position but asked for a resolution that didn't involve the courts.

'I feel a judiciary responsibility to the city to not let it come to litigation,' he said.

Neighborhood residents who serve as the city's historic review monitors spoke against the patio last week. They had opposed the demolition two years ago.

Architect Bob Russ, who serves on the local committee, had defended the neo-Dutch colonial facade of the demolished building as unique and worthy amid an architectural collection that is largely Victorian."

Bruce Kraus won't take a stand other than to wish upon a star and hope that the decision does not come from a person wearing a robe.

Again, what do you think?

Both articles are worthy of a full read. Follow the links.

Come back to "your vote doesn't mean shit anyway."

A comment at another blog went:

I will not be voting this election. I have talked to many folks about this and they all say the same thing. Why vote? Your vote doesn't mean shit anyway. The past few months have proved this. They make it to where everyone is confused and they get who they want in there anyway..

My reply, re-posted here:

Your vote is welcomed with the Libertarians. If you feel your vote doesn't mean shit -- make it so -- walk the talk -- deliver a good deed to turn the tide -- and cast your vote for President of the USA for Bob Barr, Libertarian.

You'll feel better for that day at least. And, it insures you'll have bragging rights for the next four years -- or longer -- if we ever turn our nation to a pathway of lawful peace and justice for all.

Inequity found in city staff's pay - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Inequity found in city staff's pay - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: 'But (Pittsburgh) is a city that still runs on patronage and who knows whom,' Hansen said.

But, it is worse than this. You gotta know the person and you gotta not care that the work gets done in a quality way. If everyone knew one another and the city was a model of productivity and efficiency, we'd be able to say we are just friendly, easy to know, and outgoing. But, we've got the best buddy thing down pat so it is often 'cover one's ass' while naps get taken on the job and not much gets done.

So, bad patronage is about who knows whom and all in that network care to do as little as possible. Understood? Rocking the boat is not tolerated. And, the gate-keepers know those people as well.

My comment at BurghReport

So, it is a "Bush economy" now that it is bleeding jobs and unemployment goes sky high to 6%. (See Burghreport.blogspot.com)

It isn't the "American economy?"

My point: I get very worried when any of those over-reaching fix it all politicians take credit for macro things with micro tinkerings.

Empowering them to, for example, fix the energy mess by building power plants (etc.) and in the next breath hearing them saying that they'll deliver 'smaller government" plus have 100-year occupations of foreign lands - golly -- those conflicts do not sit well with me.

Bush's economy is BS.
Bush's war is right on.

The US president can run an invasion just fine on his own. But it is a different matter for this -- or other D & R Presidents - to run an economy.

College Football in a nutshell

We've been neck deep in international athletics and the Olympics. American college gridiron -- err -- football has been only a fleeting memory. But now it is time to get up to speed on the new season.

If you like underdogs, this might be a "glory year." Pitt lost to B-G-S-U-cks on opening day with few in the stands and lots of booing.

Great article for all to read:

Yolk’s on egg-laying Big East, ACC, Big Ten: The Register-Guard, Eugene, Ore.: "the Big East, where Louisville was trounced by Kentucky, Pittsburgh was shocked by Bowling Green and Rutgers was run over by Fresno State. Oh, and Syracuse looked as bad as ever in a loss to Northwestern.

,,, snips about Pitt ...

But how’s this for desperate: the Big East is pulling for Cincinnati to raise the league’s stature. The Bearcats are at Oklahoma.

“If Cincinnati went out there and got a win, that would do a lot for Cincinnati and a lot for our conference,” UConn coach Randy Edsall said.

Indeed, it would. But beat the Sooners in Norman?

“This is a huge measuring stick for our program and our football team,” Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly said. “Certainly we cannot go to Norman and lay an egg.”

Why not? Half of the league already did.

It’s truly the Pitts

Is there any team that needs a win more than Pittsburgh? The Panthers play host to Buffalo but might rather be on the road after that 27-17 loss to Bowling Green led their own fans to boo Pittsburgh off Heinz Field.

“It was probably justified,” Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt said. “I mean, let’s be real ... when people are disappointed, they are going to express it.”

They’re also going to be questioning the coach. Wannstedt replaced Walt Harris, who was eased out despite a 32-18 record in his final four years, including 2-2 in bowl games.

What’s Wannstedt done? He’s 16-20 (three of the wins over lower-division foes) with no bowls, and there seems to be a notable pratfall every season. He did receive an extension last December that takes him through the 2012 season, but the best advice right now would be better beat Buffalo.

... another giggle ...

Even the ACC winners didn’t look very impressive in what should have been one-sided openers as North Carolina struggled past McNeese State and Maryland held on to beat Delaware.

How bad was it in the ACC? North Carolina hired a pair of skydivers to land at its Kenan Stadium with the game ball, but the two parachutists instead arrived at midfield of Wallace Wade Stadium, where Duke was warming up to play James Madison. That means they missed their mark by only about eight miles.

“In about five years, this will be funny,” said Rick Steinbacher, an associate director of athletics at UNC. “Right now, I’m just glad no one was hurt.”

I think it might be more rewarding to devote my limited attention to spectator sports in the direction of the Paralympics now ramping up in Beijing.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7599318.stm

China Journal : After the Games, China looks High-Tech

China Journal : After the Games, China looks High-Tech: "While debate continues over how much the Olympics changed China, a recent survey indicates that hosting the Beijing Games changed some views of China among the 4.7 billion people who watched the event on TV.

PS in email from Iceland says "You suck."

A webmaster in Iceland thinks I suck.

Well, he might be right. But, I hate this crap.



Earlier today I send a nicer, yet still scolding email, to Rev. Ricky Burgess of Pgh City Council. He was able to lead a prayer at the start of today's city council meeting and prayed for "both candidates" for US President. Shame, shame, shame.

See reply in thread comments.

Hiring: Pgh part time job

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (PART-TIME), THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION – PITTSBURGH

POSTED: 8/28/08

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

In 1989, a small group of community activists joined together to create a new kind of philanthropy in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Recognizing that grassroots community organizations are often too small to gain the attention of larger foundations, the Three Rivers Community Foundation focused its efforts on funding groups that were too small, too new, or too controversial to get traditional streams of funding.

Three Rivers Community Foundation embraces the philosophy that the best way to bring about social justice is to support community-based organizations working “on the ground floor” of change. This idea has been exemplified in our grantees. The Foundation’s grants are designed to help people work to change their own lives and communities for the better, resulting in sometimes small but critical changes. Our grantmaking committee is dedicated to an open, honest, compassionate, and accountable decision making process. It is made up of activists, community representatives, past grantees, donors, and Board members, all of whom have an equal voice.

Since our humble beginnings in 1989, the Three Rivers Community Foundation has been at the forefront of recognizing critical social justice movements in the region. We have awarded nearly $837,000 in grants to 257 different organizations.

While we are proud of all our grantees, and what they’ve accomplished, there are some standouts:

Before it was legal to have a needle-exchange program in Allegheny County, Prevention Point Pittsburgh (PPP) was on the ground, passing out clean needles to drug users to prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases. The Three Rivers Community Foundation funded the organization many times during this, and watched with pride when, in 2002, PPP became a legal, officially-sanctioned syringe exchange program.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students, along with their straight allies, decided to help others struggling through high school by forming Dreams of Hope (DOH), a performing arts troupe. DOH members perform their own pieces, telling their own, personal stories, and encouraging honesty and openness. Each performance is followed by a talk-back session with the audience, where all questions are answered.

Not being content to just provide food to the hungry, Just Harvest Education Fund consistently works on educating the community about the links between hunger and public policy, giving people the tools needed to take action against hunger.

Formed after police brutality killed Jonny Gammage, the Black and White Reunion works to build bridges between black and white communities, and hosts the annual Summit Against Racism in January.

Chain of Hope, a recreational and vocational center in Wilkinsburg, was established by and run by mental health consumers. With a grant from the Three Rivers Community Foundation’s, they created a 25-minute video addressing mental illness and self-help, and a manual to establish similar centers around the country.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Revenue generation

1. Increase funding through the organizations annual campaign and endowment giving programs.

2. Oversee all grant writing efforts

3. Develop collaborative projects/partnerships with other community providers

4. Manage fundraising efforts including direct mail, special events, sponsorship proposals, United Way, corporate solicitations and in-kind donations

5. Develop a donor stewardship plan to keep donors engaged.

Personnel and human resources

1. Manage the organization’s part time office manager

2. Evaluate and update the employee handbook as needed

Financial management

1. Monitor and report to the board and key stakeholders on financial activities

2. Develop, obtain approval from the Board and manage annual budget

3. Manage outsourced accountant to ensure proper record keeping and tracking

4. Monitor grant spending and reporting to funders, oversee all compliance issues

Organizational management

1. Ensure that systems, policies and procedures exist and are being followed at all times

2. Manage risk, due diligence, insurance and other operational best practices

3. Ensure that the organization is in compliance with all laws and guidelines governing nonprofit organizations

4. Manage vision and purpose, work within goals identified by Board of Directors, report out on how the organization is performing to the board and appropriate committees

Communications

1. Redesign the Three Rivers Community Foundation newsletter and issue to donors bi-annually

2. Give a written Executive Director’s report on a monthly basis to the Executive Committee. This report will be shared with the Board at each Board meeting and should highlight monthly accomplishments.

3. Expand the profile of the Three Rivers Community Foundation in the community.

External and board relations

1. Board of Directors

   1. Support and prepare for board and committee meetings

   2. Work collegially and collaboratively to accomplish organizational goals and support board governance and oversight

2. Volunteers

   1. Recruit, manage and support volunteers in the office, on committees and at events

The Three Rivers Community Foundation has an expectation that the part-time Executive Director will work 20 hours per week out of our Point Breeze office with oversight of our part-time office manager.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

In addition to the requirements stated above, the ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Outstanding communication skills, including written, verbal and presentation skills

• Experience in raising funds

• Interpersonal skills required to relate well to, and work well with, all people, including volunteers, sponsors, donors, and board members

• A high degree of integrity that garners the trust and respect of others

• A track record of successful growth and the demonstrated business acumen to continue the growth trajectory of the Three Rivers Community Foundation

• A pragmatic and professional nature exhibited by, among other things, an ability to establish and meet deadlines and to establish clear priorities quickly

• A high degree of organization and a work ethic that promotes thoroughness, timeliness, attention to detail and an ability to work effectively under pressure

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Prior experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors preferred

• A Bachelor’s degree, although a Master’s degree would be preferred.

TO APPLY:

Please send cover letter and resume by September 30 to:

Marcie Eberhart, Board Vice President, at eberhartm@ae.com