Happy 103rd Halloween America ▲ And Happy Sweet 16 Halloween Google Doodle October 31, 1911

"Double, double toil and trouble;
fire burn and cauldron bubble."
~~ William Shakespeare, “Macbeth, 1611
English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". (1564-1616)

Google has been creating Halloween doodles since 1999. Last year Google went trick or treating and celebrated Happy Halloween with their 15th spooky, entertaining, " interactive doodle treat. It will be interesting to see the doodle this year and for sure will update and link to it.

You can concoct your own witches brew potion with this innovative witches brew interactive doodle.

Using combinations of apple, bone, skull or tonic by clicking on the icon will stir up different witch brews.

Are you a kind sparkling, good witch or a mean green, bad witch?

Much more than a just a Google doodle, today many internet surfers enjoyed spooky, interactive, search results instead of Google’s customary and “I’m Feeling Lucky” search options.

Fifteen Halloween's ago, Google posted it's very first Halloween Google Doodle.

Photo right, screen capture of Google's first Halloween Doodle, October 31, 1999.

Internationally, Halloween's first celebration traces back 118 years ago in Scotland (1895)and for North America the first Halloween was celebrated in 1911.

To experience Google's Halloween doodle for yourself, visit this Google Halloween 2013 doodle.

This year doodle is a far cry from last year’s haunted house jack-o-lantern and the year before with the pumpkin-carving medley inspired doodle.

Here'a is the link to last year’s Google Halloween 2012 doodle and to Google's 2011 carving pumpkin doodle celebrating 100 Halloween years.

Happy Halloween to you and yours!



What do you think of Google’s Halloween doodle today?

ABOUT HALLOWEEN AND HISTORY

Halloween or Hallowe'en (a contraction of "All Hallows' Evening"), also known as All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly celebration observed in a number of countries on October 31, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows (or All Saints) and the day initiating the triduum of Hallowmas.

Trick-or-treating is a customary celebration for children on Halloween. Children go in costume from house to house, asking for treats such as candy or sometimes money, with the question, "Trick or treat?" The word "trick" refers to "threat" to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given.

According to Frank Leslie's popular monthly, (Volume 40, November 1895, p. 540-543) in Scotland and Ireland, guising – children disguised in costume going from door to door for food or coins – is a traditional Halloween custom, and was recorded in Scotland at Halloween as far back as 1895 where masqueraders in disguise carrying lanterns made out of scooped out turnips, visited homes to be rewarded with cakes, fruit and money.

The practice of Guising at Halloween in North America was first recorded in 1911, where a newspaper in Kingston, Ontario reported children going "guising" around the neighborhood was first noted by Rogers, Nicholas, "Coming Over: Halloween in North America". Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night. p.76. Oxford University Press, 2002, ISBN 0-19-514691-3.

American historian and author Ruth Edna Kelley of Massachusetts wrote the first book length history of Halloween in the US; The Book of Hallowe'en (1919), and references souling in the chapter "Hallowe'en in America":

"The taste in Hallowe'en festivities now is to study old traditions, and hold a Scotch party, using Burn's poem Hallowe'en as a guide; or to go a-souling as the English used. In short, no custom that was once honored at Hallowe'en is out of fashion now."

OTHER RESOURCES

▲ Google's Halloween doodle turns you into a witch, CNET, http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57610125-93/googles-halloween-doodle-turns-you-into-a-witch/
▲ The wizards behind Google's doodles, CNET, http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57573307-93/the-wizards-behind-googles-doodles/
▲ Halloween witch: The real history behind Google's doodle, The Christian Monitor, http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/2013/1031/Halloween-witch-The-real-history-behind-Google-s-doodle Please share this on your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media networks you enjoy! Thanks!

Women’s Media Awards Gala 2014 Honors Amma Asante, Ursula Burns, Katie Couric and Barbara Walters

"Barbara is a true glass-ceiling-breaker in the world of media. From a time when a woman would not be taken seriously reporting hard news, her relentlessness, bravery, intelligence and vision has changed the landscape of television journalism. Her skillful, timely and probing interviewing, her ability to ask the questions the public would most like to hear, and her fearlessness in challenging the world's most powerful leaders, has made her one of the most influential journalists in the history of television, and has provided us with a deep chronicle of the people that influenced the latter 20th century and a big chunk of the 21st Century" ~~ Gloria Steinem , Co-Founder of The Women’s Media Center, will present the Trailblazing Media Award to Barbara Walters. Quotes and photos throughout this blog will be updated after the event. Bookmark and visit frequently.
Photo above left of Amma Asante, Ursula Burns, Katie Couric and Barbara Walters courtesy of James Grant PR and WMC.

Enjoy the "see what you missed" photo album of The Women's Media Awards Gala 2014 on Facebook and stay tuned for the "see what you missed" video.

On Wednesday, October 29, 2014, celebrities, personalities, feminists, artists, business and media leaders gathered for The Women’s Media Center 2014 Women’s Media Awards. The event was hosted by Joy Reid – Joy Reid, host of MSNBC’s “The Reid Report”.

Co-founders Gloria Steinem and Robin Morgan were among the presenters.

Honorees are:
♦ Katie Couric, global news anchor for Yahoo News - Pat Mitchell Life Time Achievement Award;
♦ Amma Asante, BAFTA Award-winning writer/director of A Way of Life and director ofBelle - WMC Directorial Excellence for “Belle” Award;
♦ Ursula M. Burns, chairman and chief executive officer, Xerox Corporation - WMC Carol Jenkins Visible and Powerful Media Award.
♦ Barbara Walters, creator & executive producer of “The View,” and ABC News special correspondent -WMC Trailblazing Media Award.

The Social Media Award went to Elianne Ramos, Principal and CEO of Speak Hispanic Communications and Founder of the Border Kids Relief Project. Ramos, (@ERGeekGoddess) also a Latino community advocate and is known as one of the most influential Latinas in social media. Ramos has a phenomenal online presence as social entrepreneur and is dedicated to various advocacy programs.

The social media honoree is selected online by twelve distinguished digital journalists, bloggers, and thought leaders.

The full house, sold-out event was held at Capitale, http://capitaleny.com/ , a Beaux Arts architecture building located on the lower east side of New York City. Known for its opulence décor, Capitale features a 65-foot ceiling with an art glass skylight, spectacular interior Corinthian columns and marble mosaic floors throughout.

Photos above left, exterior and below right interior dinner reception hall at Capitale from Capitale Web site.

This event marks the 6th annual awards celebration which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing women’s and girls’ visibility and power in media.

The WMC 2014 Women's Media Awards event is co-chaired by Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan, Gloria Steinem, Gayle King, Loreen Arbus, Pat Mitchell, Martha Nelson, Carol Jenkins, Jewelle Bickford, Lauren Embrey, Jodie Evans and Gloria Feldt.

Photo below left of Jane Fonda from WMC 2013 event by Gloria Buono-Daly. Photos will be updated throughout with Women's Media Awards Gala 2014 soon. Bookmark and visit frequently.

The Social Media Award will be presented to an honoree to be announced.

The honoree is selected online by twelve distinguished digital journalists, bloggers, and thought leaders.

"Social media has brought news and differing perspectives to the world and changed the conversation...It is where the power to make significant change exists today," ~~ Jane Fonda, two-time Academy® Award-winning actress, humanitarian, activist and Co-Founder of The Women’s Media Center, as quoted during the Women's Media Awards Gala 2013.

Also Attending:

◊   Marlo Thomas, four-time Emmy-winning actress, producer and activist.
◊   Phil Donahue, nine-time Emmy winning Talk Show Host/writer/producer, media personality, creator and host of The Phil Donahue Show.​
◊   Julie Burton, president of the Women’s Media Center.
◊   Pat Mitchell, president & CEO of The Paley Center for Media, Women’s Media Center Board chair emerita, former Women’s Media Award honoree, co-chair of the Women’s Media Awards.
◊   Lauren Embrey, president and CEO of the Embrey Family Foundation and CEO of Embrey Interests, Ltd., board chair of The Women’s Media Center, co-chair of the Women’s Media Awards.
◊   Donna Deitch, award-winning film and television director, co-chair of the Women’s Media Awards.
◊   Sheila C. Johnson, founding partner of Black Entertainment Television, CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, vice chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, president and Managing Partner of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, co-chair of the Women’s Media Awards, and past Women’s Media Award honoree.
◊   Bonnie Schaefer, former co-CEO and co-chairman of the board of Claire’s Stores, Inc.,co-chair of the Women’s Media Awards.
◊   Regina K. Scully, Artemis Rising Foundation founder, social documentary filmmaker,founding sponsor of “Women's Media Center Live with Robin Morgan,” founding sponsor of WMC Press, founding sponsor of Athena Film Festival in New York City, co-chair of the Women’s Media Awards.
◊   Mary and Steven Swig. Mary Swig is the founder and CEO of Mary Green Enterprises. Steven Swig is founding co-chair of Presidio Graduate School. Both are co-chairs of the Women’s Media Awards.
◊   Carol Jenkins, author, former WNBC anchor, former and founding president of The Women’s Media Center, contributing writer for The Huffington Post, board member of The Women’s Media Center.
◊   Maggie Wilderotter, chairman & CEO of Frontier Communications, past Women’s Media Award honoree.
◊   Clive Davis, five time Grammy-winning Chief Creative Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, Co-Producer of Diva Classic and founder of Arista Records and J Records.
◊   Carolyn Jane Maloney, U.S. Representative for New York's 12th congressional district.
◊  Melissa Mark-Viverito, Speaker of the New York City Council.
◊  Martha Nelson, past editor-in-chief and editorial director, Time Inc. and former Women’s Media Award honoree.
◊  Ehab Al Shihabi, CEO, Al Jazeera America.
◊  Rachael Kun Morehouse, five-time Emmy-winning producer, “60 Minutes.”
◊  Vanessa De Luca, editor-in-chief, Essence.
◊  Anne Fulenwider, editor-in-chief, Marie Claire.
◊  Richard L. Wolffe, Vice President and Executive Editor of MSNBC.com and MSNBC commentator.
◊  David Corn, Washington Bureau Chief for Mother Jones & Analyst for MSNBC/NBC News.
◊  Blake Morgan, musician, singer-songwriter, music producer and CEO of ECR Music Group.
◊  Roger Hickey, co-director of the Institute for America's Future.
◊  Lois Sasson, Jewelry Designer, Lois Sasson for Sasson Thomas.
◊  Janita, recording artist, singer-songwriter.

The Women’s Media Center 2014 Awards represent a powerful, influential, emerging, and engaging media force.

Facebook album will be available soon. In the meantime, there are many photos posted of the 2013 Gala on Facebook album titled The Women's Media 2013 Women's Media Awards.

Photo right Gloria Steinem by Gloria Buono-Daly taken from the Women's Media Awards Gala 2013.

Photo left of WMC 2013 Visionary Role Model and Corporate Leadership Award recipient, Sheila C. Johnson by Gloria Buono-Daly.

Photo right of WMC 2013 Pat Mitchell Life Time Achievement Award recipient, Christiane Amanpour by Gloria Buono-Daly.
Photo below left of Robin Morgan by Gloria Buono-Daly.

This article will be updated regularly with photos, videos of interviews and other related information. Please visit frequently and subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks.


Here's the "see what you missed video" from Women's Media Awards Gala 2013. Enjoy and stay tuned for the "see what you missed video” of the Women's Media Awards Gala 2014.


Additional resources:

• Yay, the photos of The Women's Media Center 2013 Women's Media Awards are posted on Facebook and we hope to have videos in record-breaking time.
• Women’s Media Center, LIVE with Robin Morgan
• Gloria Buono-Daly photos on Facebook from last year’s event; will be updated with tonight’s photos soon.
• James Grant Public Relations

The Women’s Media Center – founded by Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan and Gloria Steinem – works to make women and girls visible and powerful in the media. The influence of the media is the most powerful economic and cultural force today. By deciding who gets to talk, what shapes the debate, who writes and what is important enough to report, the media shapes our understanding of who we are and what we do.

Difference Matters Annual Awards Gala 2014 Honors TOP Corporate Allies for Diversity at Club 101 in New York City

The “See What You Missed” video of the event is here. Watch, see what you missed and please share with your social media and professional networks. Thanks.

"If companies want to stay competitive in the marketplace, they are going to have to accept and support all employees regardless of their gender, orientation, race, or physical challenges. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it is the only thing to do if companies want to attract the best employees, the most loyal employees, and the most productive employees."
~~ Lori Sokol, Ph.D., Founder & Publisher of Work Life Matters, Contributing Writer for The Huffington Post & Board Chair of Women’s eNews, as quoted during the 2013 Work Life Matters Gala. Photo and quote will be updated for 2014 soon so bookmark and visit frequently.

Photo above right, Lori Sokol, Ph.D., on the red carpet at Difference Matters Gala 2014gala by Gloria Buono-Daly.

Photo left of Dr. Sokol on the red carpet by Gloria Buono-Daly. Dr. Sokol is holding Teapot Poodle, Scarlet, half-sister to Pupi Dupi, star of "Pupi Dupi in the City" produced and directed by Loreen Arbus. Incidentally, the pilot aired on Fox and already won an Emmy.

Photo left of Laureen Arbus, President of The Loreen Arbus Foundation/Producer/Disability Rights Activist and first woman to head up programming for a major U.S. Television network.


Ms. Arbus is holding the adorable and talented Doggywood star Pupi Dupi, star of "Pupi Dupi in the City" produced and directed by Loreen Arbus. Incidentally, the pilot aired on Fox and already won an Emmy.


Photo below of 2014 Difference Matters Gala 2014 banner courtesy of Lori Sokol and James Grant PR.

On Thursday, October 23, 2014, corporate business leaders, VIPs, performing artists, actors, celebrities, entrepreneurs, leaders in media, TV personalities, philanthropists, activists, advocates and politicians gathered at the premiere members-only, Club 101 on Park Avenue in New York City for The 12th Annual Difference Matters (incorporating Work Life Matters) Gala Honoring Top Companies for their steadfast and pioneering commitment and support of employees in one or more of these five categories: LGBT, Disabilities, Women, People of Color, and Veterans.

Dr. Lori Sokol, Founder & Publisher, Difference MattersMagazine, host of the Gala. Panelists included Loreen Arbus, President of The Loreen Arbus Foundation, Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D., CEO of the YWCA USA, and Sam McClure, Vice President of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).

Vivid logos transformed the backdrop which complimented the “rainbow” carpet as stellar attendees graced the atmosphere to share their thoughts and perspectives on the importance of diversity and to celebrate the leading 14 companies.

These leading organizations are being honored for their steadfast and pioneering commitment and support of employees in one or more of these five categories: LGBT, Disabilities, Women, People of Color, and Veterans.

A portion of the event's proceeds will be donated to Non-traditional Employment for Women (NEW).

Honored Corporations for 2014:
♦ AT&T
♦ BARCLAYS
♦ CA TECHNOLOGIES
♦ CADWALADER WICKERAHAM & TALT LLP
♦ DELTA AIRLINES
♦ DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS
♦ INTERPUBLIC GROUP (IPG)
♦ MERCK
♦ MONDELEZ GLOBAL LLC
♦ MORGAN STANLEY
♦ NIELSEN
♦ QUEST DIAGNOSTICS
♦ TURNER CONSTRUCTION
♦ VIACOM

Twelve 'Pioneering Women in Real Estate' were also honored in Sokol Media's special annual real estate magazine for their outstanding accomplishments in a field still dominated by men. There was also a special tribute to Mary Dietz, AIA, Design Manager at Silverstein Properties, for spearheading the development of the Retail Hub at the new World Trade Center site.

Pioneering Women in Real Estate Honorees:
♦ Carolyn BaRoss (Perkins & Will)
♦ Laura Bush (Lend Lease)
♦ Susan Clamage (Gensler)
♦ JJ Falk (JJ Falk Interior Design)
♦ Amy Frankel (IF Studio)
♦ Highlyann Krasnow (MNS)
♦ Sara Mirski (The Sapir Organization)
♦ Abbie Newman (Abigail Michaels Concierge)
♦ Ilana Schwartz (Online Marketing Group)
♦ Ellen Sinreich (Green Edge, LLC)
♦ Diana Sweeney (Energy Watch)
♦ Orah Weisberg (SRW Engineers)

*A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the non-profit organization NEW (Non-Traditional Employment for Women).



Stellar guests include:
♦ Dr. Lori Sokol, Founder & Publisher, Sokol Media Inc.
♦ Loreen Arbus, President of The Loreen Arbus Foundation/Producer/Disability Rights Activist and first woman to head up programming for a major U.S. Television network.
♦ Sam McClure, Vice President of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
♦ Liz Abzug, Founder & President, Bella Abzug Leadership Institute.
♦ Camilla Barungi, of “Project Runway” fame/entrepreneur/activist.
♦ Linda Stein, artist, author, feminist, educator, intellectual, lecturer, journalist and philanthropist.
♦ Lauren LoGiudice, Actress/Activist.”
♦ Aryn Cole,” The Sisters Plotz”, “Ugly Betty”, “All My Children.”
♦ Stacey Tisdale, Correspondent PBS “NewsHour.”
♦ Lisa Ferber, co-star of the upcoming film “The Sisters Plotz.”

NYC's 101 Park Avenue venue, known for it’s spectacular millennial dining room, is one of the most highly rated membership-based business luncheon clubs in New York City.


Photos above left, exterior Club 101and below right "Big Subway-Motif Apple" sculpture adorns the dining hall entrance by AllThingsDigitalMarketing.com.

Diversity Matters (incorporating Work Life Matters) Magazine is a national business publication that provides news and analysis about the corporate, public and social issues inherent in the quest for achieving effective work life balance on behalf of the nation’s workforce.

Published since 2002, the publication pays annual tribute to companies that serve as leaders in their respective fields by providing innovative and effective work life balance programs and policies for their employees.

About Lori Sokol:
Lori Sokol is one of the nation’s most influential writers and editors covering women’s issues, politics, business, and LGBT issues. A regular contributor to The Huffington Post and host of the Radio Show, “Work Life Matters with Dr. Lori Sokol” on 1490AM WGCH, she has written for The New York Times business blog, Slate, The Baltimore Sun, Women’s eNews, and several other publications. Sokol is a frequent guest on television, appearing on MSNBC, NY1 News, Fox News, WPIX News, and CNBC. Her book, The Agile Workplace and Workforce: The New Future of Work, was published by Working Mother Media in October, 2011.

For more information visit Difference Matters web site .

Event photos from 2013 gala on Facebook at The Difference Matters Gala 2014 Facebook Photo Album

Event photos from 2013 gala on Facebook at The 11th Annual Work Life Matters Facebook Photo Album.

Stay tuned for the "see what you missed" red carpet video. We'll keep updating to keep you informed so RSS feed this blog and visit frequently. Thanks


This article will also be updated regularly with photos and other related information. Please visit frequently and subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks.

Stay tuned for the exciting “See What You Missed” video of the event which will include special interviews from the Founder and President as well as representatives from honored companies and special guests.

Additional resources:

• Facebook photo album from Diversity Matters (Work Life Matters) 2013 event gala at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151926839046435&type=1&l=a68438d97b
• Sokol Media Online
• Lori Sokol, Ph.D., on Huffington Post
• James Grant Public Relations

'See what you missed video' from the 'Moving Families Forward Gala benefiting Ackerman Institute for the Family' is here!

Here's the "see what you missed video" from the 'Moving Families Forward Gala benefiting Ackerman Institute for the Family' in NYC at Waldorf~Astoria with host Tamsen Fadal! Enjoy, see what you missed and please spread the word by sharing with your social media and other professional networks. Thanks.

Below is the earlier post of the event.

"Raising a child with special needs puts the family in a category all of its own … The child’s needs become a powerful organizing force within the family and at the same time create intense challenges and strong emotions affecting family life and relationships ... "
~~ Lois Braverman, LCSW , President and CEO of the Ackerman Institute for the Family. Quoted during the Moving Families Forward Gala 2013. This post will be updated with the 2014 event soon. Bookmark this post and visit frequently.

Photo above left of Lois Braverman, President and CEO of the Ackerman Institute for the Family.


Photo right pictured L-R Host Tamsen Fadal & Honorees Andrew Solomon, and Linda Dishy​.

Photos courtesy of Ackerman.org and James Grant PR.



On Monday, October 20, 2014, philanthropists, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and TV personalities gathered for the eighth annual "Moving Families Forward Gala benefiting The Ackerman Institute for the Family." Tamsen Fadal, four-time Emmy-winning Pix 11 News Anchor hosted the Gala.

Besides Waldorf~Astoria signature dinner and Awards Ceremony the event featured a Silent Auction hosted by C. Hugh Hildesley, Executive Vice President, Sotheby’s and entertainment by renowned house band of the Carlyle Hotel, The Gillespie Quartet.

Photo below left of Moving Families Forward Gala 2014 information scanned from Ackerman.org Web site.

The Ackerman Institute for the Family is one of the first training institutions in the United States committed to promoting family functioning and family mental health.



Moving Families Forward Gala Benefiting the Ackerman Institute for the Family 2014 Honorees:

      ♦ Andrew Solomon, Author, Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity; Ackerman Partner Award. After years of interviews with families and their special children, the book focuses on how families accommodate children with physical, mental and social disabilities and differences.

      ♦ Linda Dishy, Ackerman Board Member; Ackerman Distinguished Service Award. Linda Dishy joined the Ackerman Board of Trustees in 2000 and became Vice Chair of the Board in June 2008. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee. She was honored for her decades of dedication in family therapy.

Attendees and Special Guests:
■Lois Braverman - President & CEO, Ackerman Institute for the Family.
■Martha Fling - Moving Families Forward Gala Co-Chair.
■Alice Netter - Moving Families Forward Gala Co-Chair.
■C. Hugh Hildesley - Executive Vice President, Sotheby’s, and Host of the Moving Families Forward Gala Auction.
■The Chris Gillespie Quartet - renowned house band of the Carlyle Hotel.

VIP Guests:
■ Scott Stanford​ – ​Lead Sports Anchor, PIX 11 News & Host WWE​.
■ Tim Morehouse – Olympic Medal winning Fencer and Founder of Fencing in the Schools.
■ Rachael Kun Morehouse – Five time Emmy winning Producer, 60 Minutes.
■ Camilla Barungi – Model, Entrepreneur and Activist of Project Runway fame.
■ Javier Gomez - Noted Fine Art Photographer & Host.
■ Cheryl Wills – Award winning Anchor & Author, NY1 News Television.
■ Marie C. Wilson - Co-founder of Take Our Daughters to Work Day, Founder & President Emerita The White House Project & Ms. Foundation for Women.
■ John Muller, Emmy winning Anchor, PIX 11 News
■ Mr. G, Four Time Emmy winning Weathercaster, PIX 11 News
■ Rich Graziano, General Manager, WPIX Television

The event, held at NYC's spectacular Waldorf Astoria, is the most luxurious and prestigious art deco landmark in NYC.

The Waldorf Astoria is recognized as a “Historic Hotel of America” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is also the first hotel to offer room service.

Photos above left, exterior Waldorf Astoria and below right crystal chandelier adorns the dining ballroom by Gloria Buono-Daly.

Photo below left of Ackerman's new downtown location, 936 Broadway, New York, NY taken from Ackerman News Blogspot.

Since 1960, the Ackerman Institute for the Family has achieved international prominence and earned national awards for the development of innovative models of family therapy, professional training, and community programs for families facing major life challenges.

One of the first training institutions in the United States committed to promoting family functioning and family mental health, Ackerman is dedicated to helping families at all stages of family life.

Here are event photos from the 2013 Moving Families Forward Gala on the Facebook photo album. Please share and visit frequently.

This article will also be updated regularly with 2014 photos and other related information including the "See What You Missed" video. Please visit frequently and subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks.

Stay tuned for the exciting “See What You Missed” video of the event which will include special interviews from the President of Ackerman Family Institute as well as honorees and host.

Additional resources:

• Photos to be posted soon. In the meantime, here's photos on Facebook photo album at Moving Families Forward Gala 2013 benefiting the Ackerman Institute for the Family
• Moving Families Forward Gala 2014 information on Ackerman Web site
• Ackerman Institute News Blog
• Ackerman Institute on Wikipedia
• Ackerman Web site
• James Grant Public Relations
• Event information, reservations, donations for Moving Families Forward Gala
• Tamsen Fadal Charity Work and Causes on Look to the Stars

ABOUT ACKERMAN INSTITUTE: The Ackerman Institute for the Family is a training institute for family and couple therapy. The Institute was founded in 1960, in New York City, by Nathan Ackerman, who became its first president and from whom the Institute derives its name. It is located at 936 Broadway, New York City.

Ackerman Institute's mission is to provide:
• Couple and family therapy services through its on-site Clinic (licensed by the State of New York Office of Mental Health).
• Training programs for mental health and other professionals on-site, in community settings and internationally.
• Research initiatives that focus on the development of new treatment models and training techniques.

Tamsen Fadal hosts 'Moving Families Forward Gala benefiting Ackerman Institute for the Family' in NYC at Waldorf~Astoria

"Raising a child with special needs puts the family in a category all of its own … The child’s needs become a powerful organizing force within the family and at the same time create intense challenges and strong emotions affecting family life and relationships ... Colin Farrell’s work with the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome reflects his deep understanding about the many challenges that families with special needs children face."
~~ Lois Braverman, LCSW , President and CEO of the Ackerman Institute for the Family. Quoted during the Moving Families Forward Gala 2013. This post will be updated with the 2014 event soon. Bookmark this post and visit frequently.

Photo above left of Lois Braverman, President and CEO of the Ackerman Institute for the Family.


Photo right pictured L-R Host Tamsen Fadal & Honorees Andrew Solomon, and Linda Dishy​.

Photos courtesy of Ackerman.org and James Grant PR.



On Monday, October 20, 2014, philanthropists, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and TV personalities gathered for the eighth annual "Moving Families Forward Gala benefiting The Ackerman Institute for the Family." Tamsen Fadal, four-time Emmy-winning Pix 11 News Anchor hosted the Gala.

Besides Waldorf~Astoria signature dinner and Awards Ceremony the event featured a Silent Auction hosted by C. Hugh Hildesley, Executive Vice President, Sotheby’s and entertainment by renowned house band of the Carlyle Hotel, The Gillespie Quartet.

Photo below left of Moving Families Forward Gala 2014 information scanned from Ackerman.org Web site.

The Ackerman Institute for the Family is one of the first training institutions in the United States committed to promoting family functioning and family mental health.



Moving Families Forward Gala Benefiting the Ackerman Institute for the Family 2014 Honorees:

      ♦ Andrew Solomon, Author, Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity; Ackerman Partner Award. After years of interviews with families and their special children, the book focuses on how families accommodate children with physical, mental and social disabilities and differences.

      ♦ Linda Dishy, Ackerman Board Member; Ackerman Distinguished Service Award. Linda Dishy joined the Ackerman Board of Trustees in 2000 and became Vice Chair of the Board in June 2008. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee. She was honored for her decades of dedication in family therapy.

Attendees and Special Guests:
■Lois Braverman - President & CEO, Ackerman Institute for the Family.
■Martha Fling - Moving Families Forward Gala Co-Chair.
■Alice Netter - Moving Families Forward Gala Co-Chair.
■C. Hugh Hildesley - Executive Vice President, Sotheby’s, and Host of the Moving Families Forward Gala Auction.
■The Chris Gillespie Quartet - renowned house band of the Carlyle Hotel.

VIP Guests:
■ Scott Stanford​ – ​Lead Sports Anchor, PIX 11 News & Host WWE​.
■ Tim Morehouse – Olympic Medal winning Fencer and Founder of Fencing in the Schools.
■ Rachael Kun Morehouse – Five time Emmy winning Producer, 60 Minutes.
■ Camilla Barungi – Model, Entrepreneur and Activist of Project Runway fame.
■ Javier Gomez - Noted Fine Art Photographer & Host.
■ Cheryl Wills – Award winning Anchor & Author, NY1 News Television.
■ Marie C. Wilson - Co-founder of Take Our Daughters to Work Day, Founder & President Emerita The White House Project & Ms. Foundation for Women.
■ John Muller, Emmy winning Anchor, PIX 11 News
■ Mr. G, Four Time Emmy winning Weathercaster, PIX 11 News
■ Rich Graziano, General Manager, WPIX Television

The event, held at NYC's spectacular Waldorf Astoria, is the most luxurious and prestigious art deco landmark in NYC.

The Waldorf Astoria is recognized as a “Historic Hotel of America” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is also the first hotel to offer room service.

Photos above left, exterior Waldorf Astoria and below right crystal chandelier adorns the dining ballroom by Gloria Buono-Daly.

Photo below left of Ackerman's new downtown location, 936 Broadway, New York, NY taken from Ackerman News Blogspot.

Since 1960, the Ackerman Institute for the Family has achieved international prominence and earned national awards for the development of innovative models of family therapy, professional training, and community programs for families facing major life challenges.

One of the first training institutions in the United States committed to promoting family functioning and family mental health, Ackerman is dedicated to helping families at all stages of family life.

Here are event photos from the 2013 Moving Families Forward Gala on the Facebook photo album. Please share and visit frequently.

This article will also be updated regularly with 2014 photos and other related information including the "See What You Missed" video. Please visit frequently and subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks.

Stay tuned for the exciting “See What You Missed” video of the event which will include special interviews from the President of Ackerman Family Institute as well as honorees and host.

Additional resources:

• Photos to be posted soon. In the meantime, here's photos on Facebook photo album at Moving Families Forward Gala 2013 benefiting the Ackerman Institute for the Family
• Moving Families Forward Gala 2014 information on Ackerman Web site
• Ackerman Institute News Blog
• Ackerman Institute on Wikipedia
• Ackerman Web site
• James Grant Public Relations
• Event information, reservations, donations for Moving Families Forward Gala
• Tamsen Fadal Charity Work and Causes on Look to the Stars

ABOUT ACKERMAN INSTITUTE: The Ackerman Institute for the Family is a training institute for family and couple therapy. The Institute was founded in 1960, in New York City, by Nathan Ackerman, who became its first president and from whom the Institute derives its name. It is located at 936 Broadway, New York City.

Ackerman Institute's mission is to provide:
• Couple and family therapy services through its on-site Clinic (licensed by the State of New York Office of Mental Health).
• Training programs for mental health and other professionals on-site, in community settings and internationally.
• Research initiatives that focus on the development of new treatment models and training techniques.

Bob Woodruff Hosts MHA-NYC Gala 2014 'Working for Wellness and Beyond' - Honors Corporate Leaders Committed to Hiring Veterans

See what you missed video of the MHA-NYC Gala 2014 "Working for Wellness and Beyond"

~~ Bob Woodruff, Award winning journalist and founder of Bob Woodruff Foundation, @stand4heroes; Master of Ceremony, MHA-NYC Gala 2014 'Working for Wellness and Beyond'

Photo above left, snapshot of Bob Woodruff Tweet about MHA-NYC Gala honoring corporations hiring Veterans.

Photo right of Bob Woodruff on the red carpet by Gloria Buono-Daly.

Photo below, from left to right, Duncan Niederauer, chief executive of NYSE Group; Kevin Danehy, Board Chair of the MHA-NYC; Honoree Gregory J. Fleming, President of Morgan Stanley Wealth and Investment Management; Giselle Stolper MHA-NYC CEO, and Jack Jacobs, retired colonel in the United States Army and Medal of Honor recipient, MSNBC + NBC Nightly News Military Analyst

On Wednesday, October 1, the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC, @mhaofnyc) hosted their Annual Gala at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City. More than 500 people attended the event, which raised over $1 million, a record-breaking milestone for this annual event.

The theme this year, “Working for Wellness and Beyond,” recognizes companies committed to educating and employing veterans including America’s Armed Forces and service members who experience significant mental health issues and unemployment while transitioning back to civilian life. Award winning ABC news correspondent, Bob Woodruff was Master of Ceremony.

Gregory J. Fleming, President, Morgan Stanley Wealth and Investment Management was honored for his commitment and support for educating and employing veterans.

Also honored was Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta, for raising awareness about veterans ongoing mental health needs. Sgt. Giunta is the first living person since the Vietnam War to receive the Medal of Honor. Interestingly, of the 79 living Medal of Honor recipients alive today, Sgt. Giunta was one of the two Medal of Honor recipients attending the gala.

Please bookmark this and share this with your social and professional networks. To get involved or to make a donation visit MYA-NYC web site.

Photos already posted onto Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152767868436435&type=1&l=94dc5adb32 Stay tuned for the “see what you missed” video to uploaded soon.



Special Guests, Dinner, Vice and Co-Chairs, and MHA-NYC Leadership included:
♦ Gregory J. Fleming, President, Morgan Stanley Wealth and Investment Management, and event honoree
♦ Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta, Medal of Honor Recipient, the first living person since the Vietnam War to receive the honor, and event honoree
♦ Bob Woodruff, award-winning ABC news correspondent, and his wife, Lee Woodruff, event Masters of Ceremony
♦ Frank J. Branchini, Chairman and CEO, EmblemHealth, and event Dinner Chair
♦ Ric Clark, CEO, Brookfield Property Group, and event Dinner Chair
♦ Kevin Dunleavy, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley, and event Dinner Chair
♦ Laurence D. Fink, Chairman and CEO BlackRock, and event Dinner Chair
♦ Duncan Niederauer, Former CEO of NYSE, and event Dinner Chair
♦ Col. Jack H. Jacobs, Medal of Honor Recipient, MSNBC & NBC Nightly News Military Analyst, and event Special Guest
♦ Scott Cutler, Executive Vice President, NYSE, and event Vice Chair
♦ Cynthia Zirinsky, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, New York Gracie Square Hospital, and event Vice Chair
♦ Sheri Danehy & Diana Gaines, event Co-Chairs
♦ Giselle Stolper, President and CEO, MHA-NYC
♦ Kevin J. Danehy, Executive Chairman, Brookfield Global Relocation Services, Inc. and MHA-NYC Board Chairman
Dinner Committee:
♦ Jennifer Ashley, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, CBRE
♦ Mark Bavaro, Former NFL Tight End for the New York Giants
♦ John Glotzbach, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley
♦ Eric Hesse, Director, NYS Department of Veterans Affairs
♦ Bruce Mosler, Chairman of Global Brokerage, Cushman & Wakefield
♦ John Piccone, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley
♦TV Personalities:
♦ Tamsen Fadal, Four-time Emmy Award winning Anchor, WPIX
♦ Cheryl Wills, Award Winning Anchor & Author, NY1 News
♦ Teresa Priolo, Reporter, Fox Good Day New York
Other Notable Guests:
♦ Andrew Cohen, Chair, Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disability, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services, NYC Council
♦ Kenneth Fisher, Chairman, Fisher House Foundation

NYC's Mandarin Oriental, known for its’ spectacular Manhattan iconic skyline views and locations in the heart of Midtown West Side, is one of the most luxurious hotels in New York City.

Photos right, Mandarin Oriental New York City and below left "Globe at Columbus Circle" sculpture adorns Columbus Circle by Gloria Buono-Daly, Founder of AllThingsDigitalMarketing.com.

MHA-NYC MISSION: The Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC) is a not-for-profit organization that addresses mental health needs in New York City and across the nation.



Through our three-part mission of service, advocacy and education, we identify unmet needs and develop culturally sensitive programs to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by mental illness while promoting the importance of mental health.

Our subsidiary, Link2Health Solutions, is a leading innovator developing technology and communications infrastructure critical for supporting the emotional wellness of individuals and communities in need. Together, MHA-NYC and Link2Health Solutions provide high-quality services that reach more than one million people every year.

For more information visit MHA-NYC web site .

Event photos already posted on Facebook at MHA-NYC 2014 Gala - Working for Wellness and Beyond .

More to follow including videos. We'll keep updating to keep you informed so RSS feed this blog and visit frequently.


This article will also be updated regularly with photos and other related information. Please visit frequently and subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks.

Stay tuned for the exciting “See What You Missed” video of the event which will include interviews from the MHA-NYC CEO as well as special guests.

Additional resources:

• Facebook photos at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152767868436435&type=1&l=94dc5adb32
• MHA-NYC on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MHAofNYC
• MHA-NYC on Twitter @mhaofnyc)
• MHA-NYC Web Site http://www.mhaofnyc.org/
• MHA-NYC MISSION: http://www.mhaofnyc.org/who-we-are/mission/
• James Grant PR: http:// www.jamesgrantpr.com
• Bob Woodruff Foundation on Twitter @stand4heroes

Peanuts, Americas most beloved, pop culture comic strip, premiered 64 years ago today, October 2, 1950

“My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I'm happy. I can't figure it out. What am I doing right?”
~~ Charles M. Schulz, aka “Sparky, most influential “American cartoonist, “Peanuts” creator, Charlie Brown protagonist, based on his life as a child.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org

Sixty four years ago today, "Peanuts," known by many as the most influential popular culture comic strip premiered (October 2, 1950), in nine newspapers:
The Washington Post,
The Chicago Tribune,
The Minneapolis Tribune,
The Allentown Call-Chronicle,
The Bethlehem Globe-Times,
The Denver Post,
The Seattle Times,
The New York World-Telegram & Sun,
and The Boston Globe.

Trials, tribulations and life lessons of 8 year old Charlie Brown with subtle racial and gender equality issues, and dashes of politics were celebrated throughout this cherished, American comic series which appeared in print for over five decades, and quickly finding the way to TV, Theater, Film and later on, Digital.

Originally a daily comic strip -- the first strip was only four panels long.

Charlie Brown is shown walking by two other friends, Shermy and Patty. Shermy greets Charlie Brown as he walks by, but then tells Patty how he “hates him.”
Photo of first comic strip above, courtesy of Wikimedia.org

This marked the ultimate precedent -- the first time ever (1950s) where comic strips depicted a child expressing hatred for others.



Another early famous character in the strip, Snoopy, Charlie Brown's pet dog with uncanny mind abilities, first appeared in the third strip, which ran on October 4. The first Peanut Sunday strip appeared January 6, 1952, in the half-page format.

Photos courtesy of Wikimedia.org

The final daily original Peanuts comic strip was published on January 3, 2000.


The last Peanuts strip to run in papers was on February 13, 2000, the day following Schulz's passing.

The strip began with Charlie Brown answering the phone with someone on the end presumably asking for Snoopy. Charlie Brown was the only character to appear in both the first strip in 1950 and the last in 2000.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is the first prime-time animated TV special based upon the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. It was produced and directed by former Warner Bros. and UPA animator Bill Melendez, who also supplied the voice for the character of Snoopy.

Initially sponsored by Coca-Cola, the special debuted on CBS in 1965, and has been aired in the USA during the Christmas season every year since -- on CBS through 2000, and on ABC since 2001.

The story touches on the over-commercialization and secularism of Christmas, and serves to remind viewers of the true meaning of Christmas (the birth of Jesus Christ).

Today the animated Christmas special is shown at least twice during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The special has been honored with both an Emmy and Peabody Award.
Photos courtesy of Wikimedia.org
RESOURCES
▲   Peanuts Official Web Site http://www.peanuts.com/
▲   Cartoonist Charles M. Schulz Museum, History of Peanuts, http://www.peanuts.com/museum/
▲   Charlie Brown on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Brown


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