UNION PROJECT ACTIVITIES & NEEDS:
Side Yard Project
The Union Project received a Community Design Center of Pittsburgh grant for its Side Yard Improvement Project! The goal of the project is to transform what is currently a hard-to-use, disconnected and unattractive side yard and transform it into unique community green space that will provide additional rentable space for the Union Project with seating and performance area for the organization’s tenants and programs. Community meetings will be held to gain your input and ideas. Dates for these meetings will be posted next week.

Need Office Space? We Got it!
Two spaces actually. For more info or to schedule a time to swing by contact us at 412-363-4550 x 21 or spaceunionproject.org.
Amenities:
•    Comfortable and professional community environment
•    Easily accessible by over six major bus lines
•    Discounted rentals of larger event spaces in the building including Great Hall, Atrium, Board Room and Café
•    Located in a beautiful, historic landmark with stained glass windows in each office
•    Secure and well-maintained building with beautiful exterior gardens
•    Easy on-street parking for employees and customers
•    Entire facility handicap friendly and accessible
•    Artistic edge with a ceramics and stained glass studio in the building’s basement
•    Light, heat, A/C, wireless internet access, and fax line all included in rent
•    Main building office open M-F 9am-5pm to sign for packages and deliveries
•    Within a mile of the Penn Ave. and Bryant Street business districts and within 3 miles of the new Children’s Hospital

Union Project Offices Closed – September 9th
In observance of Labor Day, the Union Project offices will be closed on Monday September 9th. Remember to take a minute and remember the history of why we observe Labor Day. We hope to see you September 10th when the offices re-open.

IN BUILDING HAPPENINGS:
Crafts N’at Craft Show – September 5th 10am-6pm
The Pittsburgh Craft Collective is proud to announce the first ever Crafts N’at Craft Show on Saturday, September 5th! This year’s show will benefit [ gravity + grace ] and the Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania (PFWPA).Open to the Public: 10am to 6pm
Crafts N’At is an opportunity for independent crafters to show and sell their wares, establish their business, and to celebrate creativity. It features over 50 vendors, make & take crafts for children and adults, craft demonstrations, live performances, a Chinese auction and raffle, and an outdoor BBQ. (BBQ sales go to support the Union Project and our programming).  Website: http://pghcraftcollective.com/craftsnat.html Email: pghcraftcollectivegmail.com.

Frank Wellness Center Spa & Healing Day - September 10th
Sometimes we all need a little Tender Lovin' Care. And on Thursday, September 10 from 3pm until 8pm, the Frank Wellness Center and friends hope to provide just that. We are healers, crafters, and people who want to share our skills with the greater community in Pittsburgh. We are raising money to provide a space in which healing is a priority now and into the future. We are offering a Spa Day featuring: Body Work (trained massage and acupressure), Energy Work (Reiki healing), Herbal Remedies, Live Music, Childcare, Creative stretching and yoga, Crafts, Manicures/pedicures, Hand/Foot/Face Massages, Healing Foods and Teas. All services are available for a sliding scale donation of $10 to $50. For more information or reservations call 412 641 9191 or email thefunnysmithyahoo.com.

Guinea West African Drum and Dance Ensemble - Starting Week of Sept. 14
Mondays: African Dance Class Level 2   (7 – 8:00pm) African dance to live drumming
Suitable for people with some dance experience and who are ready for more. Suggested donation:  $10.00 Drop in.
Thursdays: Community African Dance Class Level 1 & up (7 – 8:00pm)  African dance to live drumming. All ages, all levels come together here to learn the basics, make friends, get some exercise and have fun. Suitable for families or folks who want to try something new. Suggested donation:  $5.00 Drop in.
Drum Classes : (Bring a djembe, conga , doundoun, samban or kenkeni, or borrow one of our loaner.)  For information:  email:  camara.oscaryahoo.com or (412) 327-6446 or www.myspace.com/aboubacaroscar

Nego Gato Ensemble Performance – September 26th at 7pm
The Nego Gato African Brazilian Music and Dance Ensemble brings to their audiences the living history of Africans brought to Brazil during the period of the slave trade through the music and dance that has survived for over 500 years.  The mission of the Company is to empower and enrich the world community through performance, and education in African Brazilian arts of music, dance and Capoeira , a form of martial art/dance.  The director of the Company, Jose Sena grew up immersed in the sounds of Carnaval, Candomble Spirituality and the street music  of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.  Join us for an exciting, energetic, elaborately costumed, engaging evening that will have you dancing in the aisles. He will be joined by Brazilian artists Jair Pereira and Gustavo Caldas as well as students of the Pittsburgh adult and children’s Capoeira Academy will be joining us in this performance. Mestre Nego Gato will also be conducting workshops throughout the week at Steel Dragon Kung Fu Studio, at the Ice House, 100 43rd St, Lawrenceville. Information and reservations can be made by visiting our website www.negogato.org on the Calendar page. This performance is being brought to Pittsburgh by the generous support of The Heinz Endowments, The Multi Cultural Arts Initiative and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Advance Tickets are $10 and $12 at the door.

TENANT/PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS:
Why Pittsburgh?! Party with GLUE (Great Lakes Urban Exchange) – Sept 17th
The Union Project is proud to support this event with one or our past partner tenants. Why Pittsburgh?! will take place at the Shadow Lounge in East Liberty on Thursday, September 17th from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Please join us for light refreshments and entertainment by DJs Buscrates and J Malls, the opportunity to speak to community leaders and organizations, and participate in the IWSI documentary project with acclaimed local artists. $5 suggested donations are welcome at the door. Visit gluespace.org for more information on GLUE (the Great Lakes Urban Exchange), the "I Will Stay If" series of events, photos from our Detroit party. For donor and event information, contact iwsipghgmail.com or visit http://www.benchmarkemail.com/c/l?A1-300610075

Welcome to the Union Project’s New Tenant - Somatic Movement Therapy
Run by Mark D. Shefsiek the mission of somatic movement therapist  is to provide a safe and peaceful environment where I can share my unique profession and experiences with anyone and everyone interested in learning how to learn to heal themselves and their community regardless of history, current situation, or economic means. This mission is accomplished when one person moves closer to understanding and realizing the union of mind, body, spirit and others. Keep your eyes open for additional stories and information about Somatic Movement Therapy For more information contact Mark at Phone: 412-623-3023 or visit his website http://integrativemedicine.upmc.com.