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Green Drinks July 28: "Too Shallow for Diving: the Twenty-First Century is Treading Water" Closing Reception

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Pittsburgh Green Drinks
Now for Something Completely Different!
Wine graciously donated by
 
Eric Sutliff
Saltsburg River and Trail
 
saltsburg 
 
 
 
 
Event Venue:
 
Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh
 
5738 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
 
jcc logo
 
 
 

 
 "Too Shallow for Diving: the 21st Century is Treading Water"

hosted by 
Carolyn Speranza 
 and the 
Jewish Community Center Squirrel Hill

July 28, 2011
5:00-9:00 pm
Too shallow for diving
The American Jewish Museum of the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh's Anna L. and Irene V. Caplan exhibition Too Shallow for Diving: the21st Century Is Treading Water, guest curated by Carolyn Speranza, includes sixteen artists and comprises painting, sculpture, video, installation, spoken word and photography. The artists' work inventively fuses aesthetic concepts with ecological observations as a catalyst for viewers to consider how human intervention impacts the future of water sources. Affirming their role in bringing unspoken conversations about our relationship with the environment to the surface, the artists created new work to facilitate dialogue regarding this most precious resource.

The exhibition is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, Sprout Fund, The Buhl Foundation and the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.

Host:  Carolyn Speranza
 
Whose project portfolio is at http://www.speranza.net
Upcoming Events
 
 Pittsburgh Green Drinks

July 28, 2011 Jewish Community Center, Squirrel Hill 
August 25, 2011 PEnn Brewery, North Side Envirobikes
September 29, 2011 The Renaissance, Downtown Pittsburgh
October 27, 2011 Global Links
November 17, 2011 Elements, Downtown Pittsburgh
December 29, 2011 TBD
 
What is Green Drinks? Every month, people who work in the environmental field or have in interest in a greener planet meet up for drinks at places all around the world at informal sessions known as Green Drinks. We have a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, government and business. Come along and you'll be made welcome. Just say, "are you green?" and we will look after you and introduce you to whoever is there It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there's always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organizing network.

These events are simple and unstructured Make friends, develop new ideas, do deals and forge a new organic future It's a force for the good and we'd like to help its spreading to other cities. Green Drinks meets on the last Thursday of the month (except in November).  Put it in your calendar and count on it: Green Drinks is happening every month.
 
 

Pittsburgh Green Drinks Data Sheet:

WHAT: The world-famous Green Drinks
WHEN: usually 5:00 - 9:00 PM
STATUS: Informal, self-organizing network
GLOBAL: Now active in 812 cities worldwide! Every month globally since 1989, locally since 2005. Average attendance: 90
 RULE: Last Thursday of every month (Except November 2011)
WHERE:  Rotating Venues in Pittsburgh 
HOW: Walk, cycle, bus, boat, taxi or drive
WHO: Anyone working on environmental issues or who wants to!
WHY: Fun, contacts, alcohol (or not), info, gossip, inspiration, business and pleasure
NEW: Just go up to someone and say "are you green?", and you'll be made welcome
email us at pittsburghgreendrinks@gmail.com with questions, comments.A

 

Contact Info

 
Pittsburgh Green Drinks | Various Locations | Pittsburgh | PA | 00000

"Too Shallow for Diving" Sister Exhibition, "Artists' Books on the Environment" Closing Reception Tuesday June 28 at Carnegie Mellon


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Local Water Issues and Public Health Presentation at the JCC Monday June 6 at 7:00pm

WATER’S WAYS: A Presentation & Discussion of Local Water Issues and Public Health
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When: Monday, June 6, 7:00pm
Where: Jewish Community Center, 5748 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh 15217 (Squirrel Hill near Murray Ave)
Contact: Ann Rosenthal, Dargan Street Studios, 412-688-0417, atrart@gmail.com
Web Site: http://www.jccpgh.org/page/ajm

In conjunction with the exhibition Too Shallow for Diving: the 21st Century is Treading Water, participating artists Ann Rosenthal and Steffi Domike have organized a discussion of local water issues and public health with environmental and academic leaders:

Dr. Patty DeMarco, Director of the Rachel Carson Institute, Chatham University will discuss water issues and choices for the 21st Century. Dr. Charles Christen, Director of Operations for the Center for Healthy Environments & Communities (CHEC) at University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health will address the public health implications of water and Marcellus Shale development. Dr. Christen worked closely with Dr. Conrad "Dan" Volz who recently resigned as Director of CHEC.

This event is free and open to the public. Those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers and artists, and will be able to view the exhibition.

The exhibition Too Shallow for Diving: the 21st Century is Treading Water, guest curated by artist and educator Carolyn Speranza explores the environment, especially those issues surrounding water and its impact on our planet, human health and public welfare.


Too Shallow for Diving: the 21st Century is Treading Water opens May 14 at 7:00PM

May 14th at 7:00pm Too Shallow for Diving: the 21st Century is Treading Water opens to the public at the American Jewish Museum at the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill.  I will be speaking at 7:30 to introduce the project and to talk with you about creating new communities; the role of the artist; and issues on water and the environment.  Please join me for an evening of engagement and celebration until 9:00 pm. 

Throughout the course of the exhibition, environmental organizations will host citizen action workshops at the JCC, including Clean Water Action, Penn Environment and Penn Future.  Green Drinks, a networking event for people working to make Pittsburgh greener in the areas of business, policy, new technologies and activism will be hosted by the AJM.  Former professor Conrad "Dan" Volz, Jr., who recently resigned from his position at the University of Pittsburgh this April over his public health advocacy on water and natural gas drilling will give a presentation. Too Shallow for Diving artists will host workshops throughout the course of the exhibition which concludes July 28.  All events are free and open to the public.

Too Shallow for Diving: the 21st Century is Treading Water has received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, The Buhl Foundation and The Sprout Fund.  All of the exhibition's artists have received honorariums to support the creation of new and provocative work.

TOO SHALLOW FOR DIVING: THE 21ST CENTURY IS TREADING WATER
AMERICAN JEWISH MUSEUM OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF GREATER PITTSBURGH MAY 16 – JULY 28, 2011
OPENING SATURDAY, MAY 14TH, 7 – 9 P.M.
CURATOR'S TALK: CAROLYN SPERANZA at 7:30 P.M.
PERFORMANCE: VANESSA GERMAN at 8:00 P.M.

THE ARTISTS:
Tim Collins and Reiko Goto
Jim Denney
Vanessa German
Prudence Gill
Jamie Gruzska
Richard Harned
Roger Laib
Lisa Link
Maritza Mosquera
Wendy Osher
Ann T. Rosenthal and Steffi Domike
Carolyn Speranza and Frank Ferraro
David Stairs

Additional information can be found at: http://www.jccpgh.org/page/ajm

Sestak Debate watch party on the Nside Friday night

On Friday, Admiral Sestak will be taking on Pat Toomey in his second televised debate, right here in Pittsburgh.  Our Northside supporters are putting together a debate-watch party, and rally, for Joe.  The event details are as follows:

When:  Friday, October 22, 2010 
Watch: 7pm
Rally with the Congressman:  8:30pm - 9pm
Where:  Elks Lodge #339
             400 Cedar Ave.
             Pittsburgh, PA 15212

We would be honored to have all of Joe's Allegheny supporters come out to bring us down the home stretch.  The polls are tipping in our favor.  It's up to us to close the door on Pat Toomey.  Let's keep the energy up and take Joe across the finish line.

For more information, or to confirm, please call the Pittsburgh office at 412-533-1200.

Thanks for all of your support!  Let's go Joe!

Democracy Rising - Your Handle on the Scandals

From the most recent Democracy Rising email - here is an update on some the things happening around the state

============================

The Ramaley Trial.
The first trial stemming from the Bonus Scandal investigation continues this week after jury selection and opening arguments last week. Former Rep. Sean Ramaley, D-Beaver, is defending himself against charges of theft for allegedly working almost exclusively on his 2004 election campaign while being paid by taxpayers. 

In last week's testimony, House Democratic research staffer Stephen Webb said that he worked with Ramaley on his campaign at taxpayer expense. Webb said he intended to take leave from his tax-funded job and said he needed $2,000 to set up shop in Beaver County for the rest of the campaign. Shortly thereafter, he received a $2,000 bonus, at taxpayer expense, for work that was part of his normal duties. 

Webb's testimony at trial contradicts his testimony before the grand jury, which Ramaley's attorney was quick to point out. Click here for the Post-Gazette's story.

Yesterday, former Democratic staffer Mike Manzo confirmed Webb's story about the bonus, and an email documented former Rep. Mike Veon's interest in Ramaley's campaign. Click here for a Tribune-Review story.

Three More Invitations to the Grand Jury.
State Revenue Secretary Steve Stetler, D-York, House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne, and House Majority Whip H. William DeWeese, D-Greene, last week disclosed that they received letters from the grand jury inviting them to appear. 

The grand jury's interest in Stetler comes not from his current job as secretary of revenue but from his former role as chair of the House Democratic Campaign Committee. According to grand jury testimony, Stetler was advised to hire outside consultants to conduct research on candidates opposing Democrats but decided to continue having the work performed by House Democratic staffers.

Such letters are seen as the state equivalent of federal "target" letters, letting the recipient know that the grand jury is investigating them. Last month, similar letters preceded charges against former House Speaker John Perzel, R-Phila., and former Rep. Brett Feese, R-Lycoming. Click here for a story in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Another Luzerne County Judge and the Cost of Corruption.
Last week a third Luzerne County judge was forced from the bench after pleading guilty to federal charges of fraud and false tax filings. The state Supreme Court immediately suspended Judge Michael Toole. Click here for a report from the Scranton Times-Tribune.

Finally, the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader has its eye on the cost of all the corruption in Luzerne County, and not just the financial cost, which is in the millions. Read The high price of corruption and substitute "PA" every time you see "Luzerne County." 

Uptown Public Safety Meeting - Monday, Dec. 7

Uptown Public Safety Meeting 
Monday, December 7, 2009
6-7 pm
Uptown Partners office, Suite 1000, 710 Fifth Ave

This meeting about safety and crime issues in Uptown will include:

  • Opportunity for fellowship with other Uptown community members and stakeholders;
  • Brainstorming about how to recruit more residents to become involved in Uptown Public Safety;
  • Presentations explaining common strategies used in other communities to successfully reduce crime.

Will it be time for Klein?

You are cordially invited to attend an evening with… 
Court of Common Pleas Judge Candidate Arnie Klein
 
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
IBEW Local # 5
5 Hot Metal Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Hors d’oeuvres and drinks
 
$50 Donation Requested, Payable to Klein for Judge
 
For questions or to R.S.V.P., please call Raeann or Theresa at (412) 391-8713.
 

Are WAMs Constitutional?

The following is from this week's Democracy Rising email blast.  Some interesting information about WAMs and some link's to Sen. Daylin Leach's Blog.  What can we do to get this WAM issue under control?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WAMs: Guilty as Charged

We are indebted (if you'll excuse the expression) to Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery) for proving that WAMs are unconstitutional. Writing in " Daylin's Blog ," he not only defends WAMs but describes the process forbidden by a 1995 court decision, Common Cause of Pennsylvania v. Commonwealth 668 A.2d 190. Click here for a legal memo about this case and why WAMs violate the Constitution.

Leach, a lawyer, wrote, "The way DCED Grants work is that a certain amount is passed as part of the budget in open session. Each caucus then gets access to a percentage of the total, and legislative leaders then divide that amount up among their members. Organizations can apply to receive grants. Members can then decide which projects in their district get funded within the constraints of the total amount of money available and the legal parameters of allowable grants."

While Leach defends WAMs as beyond reproach, he fails to explain:

  • Why neither lawmakers nor the governor document how much money is sequestered in which line items throughout the budget.
  • Why there has never been an independent review and annual list of those who got grants, those who didn't, and why.
  • Why senior citizens in his district deserve state support more than seniors in far poorer parts of PA.
  • Why beautifying sidewalks is ever more important than, say, safe water, which was cut $11 million (100%).

P.S.
Rumor has it that some legislative leaders will use caucus surplus funds for WAMs. We'll keep watching.