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Local Voices

“Goal Setting for Success” at Westport Continuing Education October 9

September 26, 2013 (Westport, Conn.) -- Westport Continuing Education (www.westportcontinuinged.com) has added “Goal Setting for Success” -- an exciting new installment in their popular Speakers’ Bureau series.  This new addition (class 529) is offered on Wednesday, October 9 from 7 - 9:00 pm at Staples High School (Room 1036), 70 North Avenue, Westport.   The instructors include Marcelle Soviero, award-winning author and CEO of Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers (www.brainchildmag.com) and Catherine Siroka, Editor of the Westport - Greenwich edition of Macaroni Kid -- a family-friendly, online newsletter (www.westport.macaronikid.com).  The course is tuition-free, but requires a $10 registration fee and advance sign-up.

In the tradition of Westport Adult Continuing Ed, the course will be informative and give attendees tangible goal setting techniques.  Ms. Soviero will addresses both personal and business goal-setting and growth, while Ms. Siroka will discuss growing your business through targeted marketing.  Both will give insight, tangible techniques and helpful handouts so attendees leave with an action plan.

Marcelle Soviero, an accomplished writer and owner of Wilton’s Erielle Media LLC, recently reached a milestone business goal -- she acquired Brain, Child Magazine after being a long-time contributor and subscriber.  When Soviero saw notice that Brain, Child was shutting down last summer, she was heartbroken.  “So I e-mailed the founders and said, I want to buy the magazine.”  The next thing she knew, she and her husband were heading to Virginia in a U-Haul to pack up the previous Brain, Child offices.  “It’s one of the best career decisions I’ve made that sprung from journaling my goals.  I hope it inspires other women in business.”  

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Founded in 2000, Brain, Child is the largest literary magazine about and for mothers.  Soviero relaunched the publication this winter and has expanded both its content and reach.  The magazine now includes additional literary fare, web-only content not found in the print edition, an increased social media presence and a has new blog on deck.  Brain, Child is also now available on mobile devices, including Apple’s iPad.  “We bring together voices of women of different backgrounds and circumstances together on the page, on our website, and in our online FaceBook and Twitter communities.” 

A similar business leader, Catherine Siroka, became editor of the Greenwich to Westport edition of Macaroni Kid when the opportunity arose last year.  Siroka, a seasoned writer and editor is also a Westporter and mother of two young boys.  “Sifting through local, enriching activities for children and families can be overwhelming.  As Editor of Macaroni Kid, I organize a wealth of information so this task is less daunting.  In addition, when my youngest son was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I wanted to become a resource for parents in a similar situation.  Marcaroni Kid was a wonderful vehicle through which to do so,” said Siroka.  In addition to varied parenting information, Macaroni Kid includes cultural, not-for-profit and school happenings, themed issues (i.e., Women’s Health and Wellness) and tips on attractions and places to eat.  Siroka is also known as the “Gluten-free Mom” and contributes to CT Bites, The Huffington Post and is penning a children’s book for those living with food issues and allergies.  “I’m constantly researching new foods and eateries and seek to educate the Fairfield County Celiac community and beyond,” said Siroka.  

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At “Goal Setting for Success,” Ms. Siroka will speak to “nurturing yourself” via personal accomplishments and professional goals.  She will also share marketing and social media know-how and help attendees brainstorm ways to promote their businesses both locally and on the national level.  Macaroni Kid is an online, free newsletter featuring community happenings, family-oriented activities, a business directory, recipes, giveaways and more.  

“Goal Setting for Success” requires pre-registration and a nominal fee of $10 per person.   To register and for more information, visit www.westportcontinuinged.com or call  (203) 291-4800.

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