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Fanfare: A Living Legacy
With the stately joint dressed in its holiday best, the couple dozen plus one ladies who form this small but dynamic powerhouse masterminded yet another glorious bash to benefit MWH's neonatal intensive care unit. For 67 years, this devoted group has displayed the true spirit of the season by helping to give the gift of life to the smallest, most vulnerable of newborns. Expressing the hospital's gratitude were MWH CEO Leslie Davis (with mate Abe Leizerowski) and neonatology chief Dr. Gary Silverman (with Lisa).
Orchestrating all the glam and glitz were party co-chairs Debbie Barbarita (with Mike) and Peggy Snavely (with Steve). From start to end, the fabulously gowned ladies and dapper gents at this festive happening brought the meaning of elegance to life. While delightfully warm temps kept many a fur wrap closeted at home, we spied scores of gorgeous ensembles accessorized by the most dazzling of diamond-studded baubles and beads.
As always, this soiree was about making merry, which meant it remained blessedly free of auctions both silent and live. Apres cocktails in the Patio Garden, the 125 gals and swells repaired to the second-floor main ballroom, where Tim Condron's towering cylindrical vases brimming with peach and white roses, gold pinecones and holiday greens graced gold-linen-covered tables. Then, after sumptuous feast of tournedos of beef and Virginia spots, Dreamscape struck up the band to play the "Anniversary Waltz" to continue the enduring tradition of introducing each of the club's present members and their escorts before opening the dance floor to all.
A peek at the guest list reveals that the revelers included 25 Club prez Carol Massaro with Joe; Dee Bold; Karen Linder; Vi and judge Bob Gallo; Sue and Dr. John Zitelli; Dani and Al Grego; Arlene and Barry Sokolow; Eleanor Schano Feeney with Jack; Barb Mendlowitz; Joyce and Donald O'Connor; Jean and Louis Astorino; Terri and Don Hastings; Joanie and Sam Kamin; Leslie Sargent and Ed Gott; Judy and John Woffington; Electra and Jim Agras; Kathleen and Creed Hess; Dr. Elliott Kramer and Bill Modrak; Heather and Randy Hillier; Jan and Ernie Meade; Beth and Mike Kuhn; Ruth Anne and Ralph Papa; Kathe and Jim Patrinos; Athena and Frank Sarris; and Laura and Matt Witt, the proud parents of healthy 6-year-old triplets who spent the first months of their fragile young lives in the MWH neonatal unit.
- John Altdorfer
| Czech Mates |
On the road from Prague to the White House, she fled Nazi oppression, served as the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and discovered her Jewish ancestry as an adult. Along the way, the woman born in Prague as Marie Jana Korbelova made a name for herself as Madeleine Albright, Tuesday's guest speaker during the Via Foundation's 10th Annual Celebration at the Duquesne Club.
The first woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State, Albright discussed the importance of promoting democratic initiatives in her homeland, which just happens to be Via's mission. After the brief talk, she answered questions from the audience of 165 that included notables such as emcee Andre Heinz; Via director Jiri Barta; Czech ambassador to the U.S. Petr Kolar; Czech U.N. ambassador Martin Palous; Catherine and Bill Cabaniss; Caren Glotfelty; Bonnie and Tom VanKirk; Stephanie Martineau; Jean-Pierre Collet; Joe Bielecki; Maureen Smyth; Bill Lafe; Carol Hochmann; and Natalie Hoffman.
- J.A.
| Sweet Judy Blue Eyes |
For years, her angelic voice delighted fans with hits such as "Both Sides Now" and "Send in the Clowns." But behind the pop-chart success, singer Judy Collins silently battled the twin demons of alcohol and drugs use after the suicide of her son.
Wednesday evening, the golden-tressed songstress talked openly about her struggles during Gateway Rehabilitation Center's Hope Has a Home Gala at the Pittsburgh Hilton. The muse who inspired the likes of Crosby, Stills & Nash and legions of fans ended the evening, aptly titled "Singing Lessons," with a truly amazing rendition of "Amazing Grace." Among those celebrating Gateway's more than 30 years of helping addicts reclaim their lives were GRC founder Dr. Abraham Twerski; board chair Bob Carter; Ed Linder; Judi and Ron Owen; Lori Cardille Rogal with Jim; Tina and Floyd Switzer; Bonnie Levine and Dr. John Kristofic; and Lois and Barry Zwiebel.
| Amazing Achievements |
Spanning the corporate boardroom to the football field, a select group of VIPs received well-deserved recognition during Monday's Achieva Awards of Excellence ceremony at Station Square's Sheraton Hotel. For more than a half century, Achieva, a South Side institution, has been helping adults with disabilities to lead richer, more independent lives thanks to the dedication of honorees such as Nancy Gannon; Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko; Becky Burrell; Dick Williamson; Bernadette Matsook; Karen Webb; and Linda Jerick.
On hand to applaud the good deeds of all were Achieva board chair Mike Tiani and CEO Marsha Blanco; Rae and Joe Ott; Susan Leech; Lynn and David Yates; emcee Dave Crawley; Helen and Gina Aldisert; Nancy and Gary Fleming; Jeanne Wholey; Foster Goldman; and Alexandra Robinson.
| Holiday High Note |
Fresh from rave reviews as Mercutio in the recent production of "Romeo and Juliet," baritone Craig Verm, accompanied by wife Karen, entertained all during Friday's Pittsburgh Opera Association Christmas Gala at the Duquesne Club. Once again, this magical "Candlelight Musicale" toasted the spirit of the season and the POA's commitment to nurturing young talent.
Here's a tip of the hat to gala chairs Ellie Murphy and Barbara Norris (with Rod) for orchestrating this grand affair. Among the notables were POA prez Michel Franklin with Dr. John; Loretta and Edward Crum; Nadine Bognar; Anita and Ross Dacal; Dolores Smith Barber and Dr. John; Rose and Dr. Mike Kutsenkow; Ann Connelly with Jim Gray; Nessa and Samuel Mines; Gloria Schneider; Rose and Dr. Joe Roarty; Gloria Schneider; and Gene and Edmund Smith.
| Porsche Perfect |
Just in time for a last-minute Christmas gift for that special someone who has just about everything, the new 2007 Porsche Targa 4 and 4S debuted Friday at Oakland's Auto Palace. On hand for the unveiling was AP owner David Scaife (with Sara) as droves of auto buffs fantasized about getting behind the wheel of this sexy, sleek little hatchback that features a completely removable roof for the ultimate open-air driving experience. In addition to showcasing the classy chassis, which carries a sticker price of around $100,000, the Pittsburgh Porsche premiere revved up to full speed as fans signed up for a test drive the next day.
