Luminari: Call for Writers

Luminari is seeking writers with an interest in sharing their knowledge and expertise in a variety of topics including current events, diplomacy, economics, politics, journalism, cooking/nutrition, creative writing or environmental issues. A writer for this series should have an interest in providing clear and useful information to the public in a fun and informal manner (previous writing experience is helpful).

This is your opportunity to submit educational, informative and encouraging content that promotes growth in all aspects of life from business to personal development. Submissions may be published both in the Luminari eNewsletter “LUMOS!” and the Luminari Blog.

Luminari eNewsletter

Luminari Blog

How to Participate...
Once Luminari receives your initial article, you will be invited to participate as a regular contributing author to the Luminari eNewsletter and Blog. 

Acceptable Article Format:
WORD COUNT: Entries may range in length from 500 to 1,200 words.

Submission Requirements

COPYRIGHT: If you have used any reference material to help prepare your article, it is vital that you include the proper credits along with your article. Without this you may be found liable for copyright infringement. If Luminari feels that an article does not display the proper copyright credit, we have full authority to refuse your article without notice.

How to Submit Finished Article

1. E-MAIL SUBJECT: LUMOS! SUBMISSION
2. Submissions may be provided by e-mail in the body of the message in plain text format or as a Word attachment.
3. Article Title
4. End Article with 35-50 Word Biography of the author; include Full Name, and Title)
5. PICTURE: Luminari will accept/publish photography and artwork with any submission. Please submit with your entry a FULL COLOR digital photo as an attachment to pilardesigns@aol.com in one of the following formats: PDF; JPEG; TIFF

PLEASE NOTE: 

1. EDITING. All articles may be edited for content and space at the full discretion of the editors.
2. At the present time, Luminari does not pay for submissions. This is a labor of love that is an indirect way to promote yourself or subject dear to you. Even though the content does not endorse you or your business in any way, you are introduced through the biography at the end of your article where you can tell the readers who you are, where you can be reached and display your Web site information. Be creative, this is in essence your advertisement for yourself.

QUESTIONS? Please contact us at: Luminari 

Your Contributions Strengthen and Grow Our Community. On Behalf of Luminari staff and readers, Thank You for Your Support!

Bi-Cultural, Bi-Lingual Leaders of the Future

All across the United States, children whose first language is not English make up a significant portion of the student population. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, there are approximately 47,567 English Language Learners (ELLs) speaking 229 different languages in Pennsylvania alone.

In an article for Scholastic, Kenneth Shore, Psy.D., wrote: “it is estimated that this population (ELL) is growing two-and-half times faster than that of native English-speaking students.” These are students with a wide variety of life experiences, interests and attributes that can significantly enrich our schools and enhance learning for all of our students.

English as a Second Language (ESL) programs are a vital part of the education system because they provide opportunities for success for non-native English speakers, they foster an appreciation of cultural and linguistic diversity, and they enrich the learning environment by encouraging all students to connect with their own cultural heritage as well as show an interest in others.

With this in mind, Luminari launched a new opportunity to engage these bi-cultural, bilingual leaders of the future by inviting ESL teachers and programs across Allegheny County to participate in its annual Luminari Award by nominating an ESL student to participate.  

Working within local school districts, the innovative leaders and educators at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) who help to develop programs and curriculum that celebrate and value diversity in the classroom, enthusiastically embraced our program.

It is our honor to introduce you to the very first ESL Luminari Award winner: Vladyslav Makarenko, a student at Mellon Middle School in the Mt. Lebanon School District who was nominated by Charlene Byrd, M.Ed., K-12 ESL teacher.

By Sarah McCluan, Supervisor, Communication Services, Allegheny Intermediate Unit

When 13-year old Vladyslav Makarenko grows up, he would like to be an engineer, just like his dad. With soft brown eyes and an infectious smile, Vlad is like many students his age. He likes sports and grilled chicken. His favorite class is tech education. He is a member of the swim club. And he loves cherry pie.

           

But as a recent immigrant from the Ukraine, Vlad’s life experiences have already given him wisdom beyond his tender years. In December 2012, Vlad and his family emigrated from Kiev to the United States, and settled in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. “It was in the winter, and it was very cold,” he recalled.

He enrolled in Mt. Lebanon’s Mellon Middle School and soon was scheduled in an ESL class led by AIU teacher Mrs. Charlene Byrd.  A passionate educator, Mrs. Byrd is inspired by her students, and loves helping them adapt to their new culture and language. “I try to stay one step ahead of them.  They have already faced so many challenges in their young lives, yet they are invariably pleasant, motivated and hard-working,” she said.

           

Although somewhat hesitant at first, Vlad has quickly made friends in his new community and sees differences between his new school, and his old one in the Ukraine. “Here we have lockers, more computers and Google Drive. There is a looser dress code here too,” he said smiling.

           

While Vlad has quickly adjusted to his new routine, the conflict that continues in the Ukraine is still very much part of the fabric of his life. As he Skypes and texts with his friends in Kiev, Vlad is keenly aware of the effects of world events, and seeks to gain a greater understanding about them.

This is one of the reasons why Vlad is excited to be part of the Luminari’s I Want to be an Ambassador! Camp. Luminari is a nonprofit organization founded to broaden minds, inspire innovations and promote community engagement. At its annual I Want to be an Ambassador! Camp experience, which will be held in June, middle and high school students will be introduced to the art of diplomacy while increasing their cultural awareness and sensitivity. Vlad was awarded a scholarship to the camp, and he will study at the Heinz History Center and at various locations in Washington DC. 

           

Vlad earned the scholarship after completing an essay which explained why he would benefit from the experience. “I want to learn how to be an ambassador to solve some family conflicts. Right now my dad and his father have a conflict about the Ukrainian situation with Russia. They have two different main ideas about that situation…If I learned how to be an ambassador, I would use negotiation and make them tolerate each other faster.”

Congratulations to Vladyslav Makarenko for his enthusiasm, determination and resilience.

Vlad's award was featured on the Mt. Lebanon School District's web site.

Meet our Culinary Artists

Camp Delicious! has a full menu of summer fun planned for area teens that’s designed to boost their confidence, strengthen essential cooking skills and promote an appreciation for delicious, nutritious food. In order to accomplish our goals, we are excited to welcome back some familiar faces and introduce a few new ones to our team. Campers will learn from experienced chefs and professionals the importance of food preparation, discover healthy food choices and gain an appreciation for where food comes from -- all while having fun in this truly hands-on summer camp experience (Join us July 6-10, 2015).

Guest Chefs:

Chef TONY PALATUCCI, Head Clubhouse Chef for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Campers will have the opportunity to learn from Chef Tony Palatucci who creates delicious and nutritious pre- and post-game meals for athletes including Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, Josh Harrison and more of your favorite players. Chef Palatucci is also the Executive Chef at Ches Anthony’s in Brentwood. This spring, Chef Palatucci teamed up with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to create healthy recipes from donated ingredients. You can download the recipes cards from the Pirates website.

Chef TONI PAIS, Award-winning Executive Chef and Entrepreneur 

Chef Toni Pais, Executive Chef and Owner of the Mediterranean restaurant Café Zinho in Shadyside, returns for his second year as a guest chef for Camp Delicious! Born in Portugal, Chef Pais moved to the United States in 1978 where he's been creating award-winning dishes and incorporating healthful ingredients into his already wholesome recipes. 

Culinary Partners:

JULIE BUTCHER PEZZINO, Executive Director of Grow Pittsburgh

As executive director of Grow Pittsburgh, an urban agricultural nonprofit located in Pittsburgh, Julie is committed to demonstrating, teaching and promoting responsible urban food production in the region. Campers will meet with Julie and visit the different Homewood Gardens operated by Grow Pittsburgh.

In the Kitchen: Students will work directly with some the best chefs, nutritionist and health coaches in the city. Read their stories:

LESLIE J. BONCI, Director, Camp Delicious

Leslie J. Bonci, MPH,RD,CSSD, LDN, is the director of sports medicine nutrition for the Centerfor Sports Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). She is past chair of SCAN. She is the director of sports nutrition for the University of Pittsburgh’s department of athletics, and is a nutrition consultant for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Toronto Blue Jays. In addition, she is the company nutritionist for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

Leslie is a consultant to the NCAA and has worked with elite athletes including Garrett Weber-Gale, Usain Bolt, Kelly Kuehne and Tara Lipinksi,and Hines Ward in his 2013 Ironman debut.

She is the author of the American Dietetic Association Guide to Better Digestion and Sport Nutrition for Coaches. She is the co-author of  Run Your Butt Off ( 2012), Walk Your Butt Off (2013) The Active Calorie Diet (2011) , and Bike Your Butt Off (2014). She has contributed chapters to several sports medicine texts and the SCAN sports nutrition manual.

Leslie is an adjunct assistant instructor in pediatric dentistry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and also serves on the faculty of Pitt’s sports medicine fellowship training program.

LISA SILBERG, Chef, Intellectual Nutrition
Lisa is a dedicated heath coach and talented personal chef offering specialized food services in the Greater Pittsburgh area. She is passionate about cooking and sharing her knowledge to help others develop lifelong, healthy habits

.

Lisa holds a Health Coaching Certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and a culinary degree from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where she received the President's Award for excellence. She is also a member of the American Association of Drug-less Practitioners. 

KELSEY WEISGERBER, Food Service Director, Environmental Charter School

Kelsey is the Food Service Director for 630 kids at the Environmental Charter School, or as she is known by her students, "The Lunch Lady." Her lunch program is based on healthy, from scratch and locally supplemented meals and she is working on making the model economically and sustainability ready for it to be reproduced by other schools in the region. Kelsey heavily relies on food education as the back bone to her programming and has partnered with over 50 local organizations and chefs to bring hands on learning to her students.

She is a board member for the local chapter of Slow Food Pittsburgh and is co-teaching cooking classes across the city with her program "Teaching a Community to Cook." She is an international ambassador for Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution Campaign and has championed the cause in various projects in schools, community organizations and represented Jamie Oliver in South Africa for an international summit. Kelsey is passionate about food education and access for everyone and celebrates good, clean and fair food.

Describe the Camp Delicious! experience: It was an incredible program last summer! I volunteered with Luminari and had the opportunity to watch students engage positively with food, cooking and collaboration in the kitchen.  All of the students were so passionate about trying new things, working together and expanding their culinary literacy!  My favorite moment of the program was actually the last ten of fifteen minutes of the program seeing how proud all of the students were of the work they accomplished during the week and how eager they were to attend Camp Delicious again, it was clear this experience was much more than just a summer camp.

Favorite Dish: Recently I've been inspired by curries! I have spent a lot of time making my own curry and coconut milk! I love a spicy red pineapple curry!

TARA CONROY, Health Coach

Tara is a Holistic Health Coach, marketing consultant and mom of four teenagers, shares one of her favorite recipes with Luminari. She received her health coach certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Tara also worked directly with our Camp Delicious students lending her nutritional expertise and guidance. She coaches individuals and groups, presents Wellness Workshops to community organizations and businesses and teaches healthy cooking to children, teens and adults.

ALYSS ARDOLINO, Camp Delicious Teaching Assistant

Alyssa is a Junior Nutritional Sciences major at Penn State University. On campus, she is the President of the CHAARG chapter. Our mission is to help college-aged women embrace a happy and healthy lifestyle. In addition, Alyssa works in a Metabolic Diet Study Center. In her free time, she loves to cook, run, craft, and take photos. 

Describe the Camp Delicious! experience: Last summer, I had the opportunity to assist in the first ever Camp Delicious! I absolutely loved the experience! We planned, prepared, and cooked healthy dishes as well as learned where food comes from and why it’s so important. We toured Phipps, Whole Foods, and Grow Pittsburgh before culminating at the Arts Institute of Pittsburgh to cook a Mexican fiesta for all of the parents. Even as a college Nutrition student, I learned so much and I am so excited about helping out again this summer.

Favorite Dish: Sweet Potato Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole (pictured right)

Best Cooking Tip: Make it fun! Cook with friends and family and don’t forget to take a picture when it’s done : )

HANNAH WILLIAMS, Camp Delicious Teaching Assistant

Hannah is a senior studying Nutrition and Dietetics and fitness at the University of Pittsburgh. She loves showing off her creativity through cooking, baking, and sewing. Throughout the school year, Hannah is most often found studying, sipping coffee, and rooting on Pitt in football and basketball. 

Describe the Camp Delicious! experience: The Camp Delicious experience was the highlight of my summer last year.  Not only did I get to work with knowledgeable professionals and some fantastic kids  but I learned quiet a few things myself and found a new passion teaching cooking!  I am unbelievably excited to be a part of Camp Delicious again this summer.

Favorite Dish: Panzanella Salad - What’s better than loads of veggies, yummy bread, and delicious cheese?! (pictured right)

Best Cooking Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try to new flavors, especially when it comes to spices! I tend to try putting cinnamon on everything!  

NICOLE DESTEFANO, Camp Delicious Teaching Assistant

Nicole attends the University of Pittsburgh and is studying to be a Registered Dietitian. She was raised on a small farm in New York and traveled to Italy every other summer to visit her family (and eat delicious foods.) Growing up in an Italian family, food was a part of life. Fifty-Four years ago Nicole's grandparents immigrated to America, like so many before them, in hopes of a better life, and bought a farm. She considers herself an extreme food enthusiast and feels so fortunate to be a part of the Camp Delicious team.

Nicole is new to the Camp Delicious! team, and she is really looking forward to sharing her passion for food, and more importantly, to pass on the message that food is something to be enjoyed and can be really fun!

Favorite Dish: Every time I went to Italy, my Uncle would make sure that our fridge had all the ingredients for us to make Arancini (rice balls) together. My Uncle Angelo, Zia Francesca, my sister, my mom and I would sit around the table all with a specific job, someone to make the rice into a ball shape, another to stuff it with pees, meat and cheese, someone to egg it and bread it. To make one batch of Arancini’s it would take hours but every second was worth it!

Best Cooking Tip: Experiment with a recipe! Make it your own and have fun with it. No recipe is ever written in stone so don’t be afraid to try something different.

MCKENNA ELDER, Camp Delicious Teaching Assistant

McKenna is a junior Nutritional Sciences major with a focus in the Dietetics Option at Pennsylvania State University. She will graduate from Penn State University in May 2016.  McKenna works at the Diet Assessment Center on campus. She is a Nutrition Interviewer who obtains 24-hour recalls through phone interviews from varying populations ranging from 6 to 60 years of age. Once she graduates with a Bachelor's Degree in Nutritional Sciences, she plans to pursue a career in Sports Nutrition or Pediatric Nutrition. 

McKenna is new to the Camp Delicious team this year, but she hopes to advance her skills by helping teens learn the basic skills needed for cooking. She also hopes to educate teens on the importance of eating healthy as well as provide them with the knowledge needed to chose healthy foods. 

Favorite Dish: Grilled salmon and asparagus (pictured right)

Best Cooking Tip: Store spices in a cool, dark, place, not above your stove. Humidity, light and heat will cause herbs and spices to lose their flavor. 

Technology Leads to More Teen Writers

by Gina Catanzarite, Program Director, Lumiari TEEN WRITER! camps

According to a Pew Research Center study titled Writing, Technology and Teens, a whopping 93% of teens say they write for their own pleasure . . . however, much of their personal writing consists of instant messaging, phone text messages, emails and material written on social networking sites.

Here’s the problem: Most teens also say they don’t consider that material to be “real” writing.

I disagree!

Those informal text communications consist of personal messages to friends re-telling events of the day, and that displays storytelling skills, opinion-writing skills, and even basic journalism skills (who/what/where/when/why/how). Teens bloggers are writing about social issues and personal experiences. Other teens are writing material ranging from journal entries to fan fiction to music lyrics --creative formats that inspire both the writerand the reader.

Sure, young people usually ignore the rules of capitalization, punctuation and grammar in those electronic and digital communications and I’d like to see that change – but let’s not overlook the victory and significance of so many teens engaged in writing!

Key research shows personal writing about life goals makespeople happier; creative writing leads to improved academic, social, and emotional intelligence; and strong writing and communications skills were rated by 97% of executives as‘absolutely essential’ or ‘very important’ in a study about skills employers value.

As the French novelist Gustave Flaubert once said, “The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.”    

So, parents… don’t get discouraged if your kids are constantly on those handheld devices because there really is some valuable skill-building going on.

And kids, I’m talking to you now, and I can’t stress this enough: Don’t devalue that content you’re creating!!

Those personal communications and creative “scribblings” really do count as “real” writing. And there are plenty of us out here you can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

Read the full results of the Writing, Technology and Teensstudy here and discover what teens are writing, how parents feel about the topic, and what schools can do to feed the teen writing habit!        

AND… indulge your teen’s love of writing by checking out this year’s Teen Writer! camps, Fantastic Fiction! and Journalism & Opinion Writing!