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On Sunday September 20, 2009 I was surrounded by strong women and strong girls and the organization strong women and strong girls (SWSG).  The mission of Strong Women, Strong Girls is to build upon the lessons learned from strong women throughout history to help girls and young women become strong women themselves. By building communities of women committed to supporting positive social change, Strong Women, Strong Girls works to create cycles of mutual empowerment for women and girls.

Strong Women, Strong Girls has created an innovative after school model that uses the study of contemporary and historic female role models, mentoring relationships with college undergraduate women, and skill building activities to help at-risk girls in grades 3-5 build positive self-esteem and skills for life-long success.

 In addition to supporting the development of young girls, Strong Women, Strong Girls also emphasizes the leadership and growth of the college women who volunteer as mentors. Strong Women, Strong Girls seeks to build the skills and leadership capacity of these talented young women to engage them as mentors for girls in their communities now and as life-long advocates for women and girls.

 College women developing the skills to become change-agents in their communities. Girls gaining role models and the skills they need for future success. By working together we believe they’ll change the world. They KNOW they will.

Financial support allows Strong Women, Strong Girls to offer high-quality programming to girls in grades 3-5 and provide high level training to the college women who serve as their mentors. Would you like to support Strong Women, Strong Girls National? You can make a donation on-line or by mail!  Go to http://www.swsg.org/support.htm

 Lynne Garfinkel is the executive director of the organization and Mila N. Yochum is the program director.  I was called by Lynne to provide a fun atmosphere for everyone.  The theme was a Steeler Tailgate Party.  We had food, played games, and of course, were girls, we danced!

I encourage you to get involved in anything that will make a community stronger.

Thank you for having me Lynne!

   

I really enjoyed working with Carrie and Sean.  Sean really made me laugh.  He was funny, sarcastic, witty, and just a lot of fun to be with.  Carrie was always so kind and would hit Sean on the shoulders and say “Quit it”  whatever he was kidding about.

Wedding Service Providers

The day was beautiful at The Frick and with Gini Calabrese leading the way only lead to success.  I found Gini to be very organized, flexible, considerate and accommodating.  Thank you Gini. 

The Catering was done by Rania.  Her staff was excellent to work with.  Susie made things happen and I was happy to work with someone who cared how the event was going go. 

Speacial lighting was done by ADS Lighting.  Their colors were pink.  Andy Shick the owner and operator had a collection of lanterns in all differnt sizes over the dance floor area.  Andy even came through last minute to fullfill a special request from Carrie and Sean.

The photographer for the event was Melody Farrin.  I have worked with Melody in a few times and only find her very easy to work with. Its great to have people around you that are kind and talented.

Last but no least, Carrie and Sean decided to have a videographer last minute and I recommended John Tunney from Digital Keepsakes Video.  I know John from doing his daughter’s wedding last year and know he does exceptional work.

Music Selections From Carrie and Sean 

Entrance Song:“At Last” by Etta James  Then Sean’s mother Thelma surprised Carrie and Sean by having me play into ”The 12th Man” From Dusty Drake, It’s a Steeler fight song.                                                                                                          

First Dance:  “Misty” Johnny Mathis                                                                                                                                                       

Carrie and Her Mom (Julie): “Because You Loved Me” Celine Dion                                                                                           

Sean and His Mom (Thelma): “You Raise Me Up” Josh Groban                                                                                                     

Carrie and Her Dad (Ed):  What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong                                                                                    

Sean and Aunt Jo:  “I Hope you Dance” Lee Ann Womack                                                                                                             

Sean and Aunt Terri:  “Thankful” Josh Groban 

My Highlights

Here are some things that stuck out to me that night.

Sean’s best man was his brother Seth  and he had a very nice speech about how controlling his brother was and that if he needed any help with the speech that he would send over some “speech making tips” from Google.  We all laughed at how they interacted and then Seth really spoke from his heart and we were all moved.  You don’t see that every weekend.

 Carrie and Sean wanted to surprise their guests by doing a Steeler Medley instead of taking off the garter and throwing the bouguet.  So when it came time for Sean to pull off her garter, I started “The Stripper” which is a campy song that everyone has heard before.  After about 20 seconds Sean pulled out two Steeler towels and started spining them in the air and the place went nuts!  I went right into a whole Steeler Medley of songs, even the Pittsburgh Polka.

I’m glad I met you Carrie and Sean I will always remember the special touches you put on your wedding reception!  Best to you both!

Kelli Burns                                                                                   

DJ Entertainment

Here it is my first blog.  I only find it appropriate to write about Joanne Bartone.

She is the reason I have this place to chat (this is part of my homework assignment – “now get out there and blog!”).  Joanne and I met about 5 months ago at a coffee shop in the South Hills.  We never met before, but hit it off immediately.  We have the same passion for our careers and  clients that we service.  Joanne is a very giving person to all the people in her world.  Period.

We now share an office space together collaborating on many levels (mostly laughing through our meetings).  As I look around my office, we have many wedding pictures. They are beautiful and loving.  Click, she captures the moment that happens for just a second.  I would like to make a request and have you visit http://www.joannebartoneblog.com/ and see exactly what I mean.

On October 7, 2009 we will be launching our new office space and hope you can come and laugh with us too!  More to follow about that.

Heres to you Joanne. 

What’s my grade?

Kelli Burns

I’m here and ready to create my blog community.  I will be sharing my world through the eyes and ears of my 23 years of experience. I will have some entertaining surprises that I know you will enjoy.

Comment frequently and I do take requests!

I look forward to hearing from you!