Larger text
Smaller text
Print
E-mail
Fanfare: Winged Wonders
Back for a high-flying return engagement, birdman supreme Steve Martin directed a bevy of beaked scene stealers that swooped, soared and even sang during the pre-dinner spectacular that included the whisper-quiet flight of a Eurasian Owl across a hushed ballroom and an African Pied Crow that plucked a dollar bill from an audience member's hand and neatly tucked it into his trainer's shirt pocket on stage. And Groucho, a yellow-naped Amazon Parrot warbled a red, white and blue rendition of "Yankee Doodle Dandy."
Nothing about this season-opening wingding was done on the fly. Here's a feather or two for the caps of event planner Nancy Byrnes and NA development director Patty Rambasek (with Rik Laird), who made sure that the evening's flight plan was perfect -- right down to the nattily attired penguins who greeted guests. As the Syrinx Ensemble mimicked bird calls of the wild on stage during the cocktail reception, many of the Aviary's finely plumed human friends migrated toward X the Owl, Mellon the Red Fronted Macaw and other NA resident's who flew their Northside coop for a night on the town.
Once nearly doomed to extinction, the NA continues to spread its wings thanks to the generosity of supporters such as Sandy and Prosser Mellon, who accepted the Phoenix Philanthropy Award on behalf of the Richard King Mellon Foundation. Such heartfelt giving will enable the nation's primo birdland to continue its expansion with a "wow" factor theater created by a team that includes Emmy-winning designer Jeremy Railton, architect John Kemper and renowned falconer Tony Huston, whose dad, John, directed a nifty bird flick called "The Maltese Falcon."
Emcee Ken Rice added a touch of class by leading the audience in a rousing round of applause for the late Mayor Bob O'Connor before introducing NA board chair Mel Rex (with Carol). Director Dayton Baker (with Barbara) kept his remarks brief, thanking the Aviary's many friends for their support. The evening's menu featured a delicious grilled filet stuffed with shrimp followed by a delectable dessert sampler of strawberry cheesecake, chocolate bombe and caramelized banana crème. Rest assured that no one ate like a bird.
Apres dinner, George Gee struck up his fabulous Make Believe Orchestra to help get tail feathers shaking on the dance floor. And just whom did we spot? To name a few: event co-chairs Jane and George Greer and Darlene and Jack Mascaro; Ann and Ron Wertz; Lari and Vince Locher; Ginny and Dick Simmons; Ruth Anne and Ralph Papa; Dara and John Henne; Randi and Van Dauler; Jane Treherne-Thomas and Bill Dietrich; Sylvia and Don Robinson; Doreen Boyce; Kim and Don Nyalka; Gaye and Bob Wood; Jane Werner and Bob Rutkowski; Gisela and Konrad Weis; Lynn and Joe Smith; Parie and John Duggan; Ellen and Dr. Loren Roth; Lynn and Ron Davenport; Kim Marcione and Bob Lewis; and congresswoman Melissa Hart with Frank Goldba.
- John Altdorfer
| Chukkers, Anyone? |
We didn't need much horse sense to find our way to the lush lawns of Hartwood Acres for the 23rd annual National City Family House Polo Match -- the perfect giddy up and go complement for a gorgeous Saturday afternoon in the country.
Of course, the thundering hooves of those magnificent steeds provided the backbeat for a lively contest between Maryland's Potomac Polo Club (and eventual victors) and Virginia's Great Meadows squad, as Villages Polo Club announcer Ron Allen called the action. After the trophies were awarded, the real winner was Family House, as the event grossed $250,000 for the "home away from home" that opens its doors to patients and their families undergoing treatment at local hospitals.
Among the 2,200 fans of this ancient game of kings, we caught sight of these clothes horses: polo chair Joanne Sarver and vice chair Christina O'Toole; FH director Christie Knott with Ian; board chair David Lovejoy; National City's Todd Moules with Miriam Booth; Rob Cochran and his young brood; Corey O'Connor, son of the late mayor, with Roz and Sandy Neiman; Mary Beth and David Johnson; Tacy Byham with son Spencer; Fran Abraham; Sue Roselle; Peter Leone; Barbara Barry; and Debi Wheeler.
- John Altdorfer
| Gala of champions |
On the field, Steeler Casey Hampton inspires fear among opposing quarterbacks. But during Friday's Black and Gold Gala at the Heinz Field West Club Lounge, the standout nose tackle warmly hosted a jazz-themed benefit for Every Child Inc., the East Liberty agency that helps find loving families for kids in need of a good home.
Along with a VIP tailgate party and video highlights of the Steelers' Super Bowl season, this musical soiree hit a high note during a performance by Duquesne U. prof and trumpeter Sean Jones. Dusting off his sales skills, Jim Roddey presided over an auction of Black and Gold goodies and a trip to California wine country.
Joining the huddle were honorary chair Curtis Aiken (with Adrienne); Steelers Ike Taylor, Rodney Bailey, Aaron Smith, Chris Hoke, Deshea Townsend, Brett Keisel, Travis Kirscke and Willie Parker; EC founder and director Susan Davis (with John Pierce); board chair Susan Mussman; Gloria and Aaron Walton; defensive line coach John Mitchell; emcee Bob Pompeani; Lynne Figgins; and Claudette and the Rev. Harold Lewis.
| Sunday best |
Fall fashion created the buzz during Sunday's "House of Style" glamfest at the Pittsburgh Hilton to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh. The fourth annual runway romp attracted 500 dedicated followers of fashion, who spent freely for the good cause at the swank shopping gallery. And let's not forget "Handsome Hunks" Bob Fragasso, Rob Poling, Russ Kemmerer, Dennis Huber, Mark Rendulic, Gary Roberson and Mitch Barcask, who put their charms and good looks to fine use to sell a bevy of tickets for the "feather boa" auction.
Creating their own fashion statements were benefit chair Joyce O'Connor; Judy Linaburg; Angie Longo; Marsetta Schweiger; Ellen Engstram; Ellie Delligatti; Nadine Bognar; Leslie Giaquinto; Paula Daily; Betsy Teti; Marty Tiani; Diane Greco; Cookie Roberson; and that clown prince of fashion, Ronald McDonald.
| Top of the Morning |
Usually, the nighttime is the right time for our favorite get-togethers. But Wednesday's United Way Women's Leadership Initiative Breakfast at the Westin Convention Center was the perfect wakeup call for 700-plus professional working women -- and a few gents -- who took advantage of the early-bird special to add new contacts to their BlackBerrys.
Now in its fifth year, the WLI benefited several UW charities and highlighted personal-finance expert and author Terry Savage, who offered advice on how to build a comfortable retirement nest egg. Among those taking notes were co-chairs Carol MacPhail and Lisa Roudabush; Becky and John Surma; UW prez William Meyer; Carolyn Duronio; Ann Cahouet; Judge Cynthia Baldwin; Dorothy Horvath; Karen Feinstein; Leslie Merrill McCombs; and Diane Holder.
