WILLIAM WINKENWERDER JR.

by Marc Levy

Associated Press Writer

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Health insurance giant Highmark Inc. received conditional approval Monday from Pennsylvania regulators to take over the financially troubled West Penn Allegheny Health System as part of its plan to compete with UPMC, western Pennsylvania's dominant network, for patients and their health care dollars.

READY FOR BUSINESS—Rae Coleman owner of Enhanced Creativity (center) and staff Eric Toal and Draone Council await the attendees of the My Fair Lady Edition Brunch.

“You dream it, we deliver,” is the motto of Enhanced Creativity, an event planning company owned and operated by Rae Coleman. Since 2010 she has focused on ethnic event planning and wedding services specializing in African-American, Yoruba, Jewish, Indian, Trinidad, traditional and same-sex matrimony ceremonies. A full service event planning business, Enhanced Creativity offers guidance and support in every stage of any event they are hired to organize. “Our intent is to create each event to be a perfect memory that will make clients smiles last forever,” said Coleman.
Cautious that every religion has its own wedding customs, Coleman says she and her staff are abreast of traditions. As an example she pointed out that for African-American weddings they are able to incorporate libation, jumping the broom, tying the knot, tasting the four elements and Kola Nuts.
More than just a wedding planner, Coleman classifies her business as, specializing in community, cultural, educational and unique events. She creates floral designs and produces customized gifts of all kinds.
Still reflecting on her last affair, Coleman says her desires are to help people, to expose her audience to uniqueness and to educate. Earlier in April she sponsored the My Fair Lady Health and Awareness Edition Brunch at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. Benefiting the Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania, the afternoon consisted of speakers talking about the importance of taking time out for self, the benefits of massage therapy, the environmental responsibilities of using natural skincare products, wellness and general information on Lupus. There also were a variety of exhibitors and brunch.

CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL

Depending on the day, what you’re reading or who you’re listening to, the economy is either still in the tank, in recovery, getting worse or is on the upswing. Whatever the fluctuating state of the American economy, money is being spent. And, guess what, ladies? The economic oil that keeps the wheels and workings of our world turning is largely controlled by us.

Comedian Earthquake said, “Being in debt is worse than being broke. When you’re broke, you simply need money. When you’re in debt, you need money so that you can have an opportunity to be broke.” Comedian Jimmy “JJ” Walker said, “Interest rates better go down soon or the murder rate is going to go up.”
Americans are drowning in debt! In the past when people found themselves in a financial jam, they’d tap into the equity of their home to do a debt consolidation. If the situation was extremely dire, they’d file bankruptcy. Now that mortgage lenders and the bankruptcy code have tightened up their guidelines, millions of people are running out of viable options that would allow them to reduce their monthly payments and get a better handle on their money.