Lifestyles

Incense smoldered, candles flickered, and costumed guests were entranced by the music and tribal style of belly dancing by Hajai Delaney and Pam Benton.

Doc Dixon roamed the room, dazzling attendees with comedic slight of hand, and onstage, mediums of various method offered bargain rates on readings: Michele Dugan interpreted tarot cards and individuals' vibrations; Marianne McAuliffe studied runes of Norse Viking origin to indicate past, present and future; Akasha used messages from angels and spirit guides to promote balance and peace; and Pam Alexander analyzed dreams to encourage healing of body, mind and spirit. Using the draw of a card, Jim Koontz introduced participants to their animal spirit guides.

Tending to details and mingling was retiring Valley Players executive director Jackie Cavanaugh, at the event with Glenn, and event coordinator Shelley Poli.

Seen enjoying the fun: Yvonne Stack, Skip and Jill Knapp, Bonnie Hoffman, E. Kay and Gertrude Myers, Charlie and Stephanie Fagan, Kathy Koontz, Marie Emanuel, Red and Kathy Baughman, Mary Jo Culbertson, Marcy Zajdel, Kirk Utzinger, Jack and Helen Thorne, Don Stitt and Jayne Frye, Peggy Shepler, Ellen Meyers, David and Mary Benson, Marlene Kozak, Kathie Kowach, Eileene Klingensmith, RickbRoxana Flickinger, Ed and Jean Marchok and Lisa Hays.

Guests had a great time at St. Anne Home's annual Harvest of Blessings fundraiser.

After browsing silent and Chinese auction items and relaxing over dinner Saturday at Greensburg Country Club, friends of the nursing and assisted-living facility settled in for a performance by hardworking auctioneer Mark Ferry.

Ferry worked up a sweat encouraging the highest bids on a cash-filled ceramic pig, a handmade wildflower quilt and access to the president's box during Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College.

And you never know what Sister Bernice Fiedor, administrator of the Greensburg home run by the Felician Sisters, will do.

This year, she appeared as Minnie Mouse, joining mistress of ceremonies Jen Miele to stir up laughter and bidder interest in a wooden Amish-made wagon filled with dolls.

Fun aside, Fiedor said she and the sisters shared the responsibility of giving thanks for their benefactors.

"You are a blessing," Fiedor said to the audience, quoting a reflection by Pope Benedict XVI, on charity:

"'Love of neighbor consists in the very fact that, in God and with God, I love even the person whom I do not like or even know.'"

Event chairwoman was Diane Yuhas.

Having a good time: Westmoreland County Controller Carmen Pedicone and Paula; Dave and Debbie Hanna; Ron and Anne Aungier, with their daughters Beth McGough and Joan Davis; Fay Pierdominici; Joe and Bernie Biss; Bud and Ellen Smail; Patrick and Marianne Merlino; Eric and Michele Bononi; Sister Mary Justice Przybocki; state Rep. Tom Tangretti and Sandy; Sister Vivien Linkhauer; Westmoreland County Judge Rita Hathaway and George; Donna Guskiewicz with her daughter, Laura; the Rev. Dan Blout; Barbara Christner; Ron and Sally Whighham; Sister Mary Lou Przybylski; B. Patrick and Lou Costello; and Nat and Melanie Pantalone.

A chill November drizzle didn't hinder more than 100 lovers of art and music from coming out Saturday evening to toast the growing success of Scottdale's Geyer Performing Arts Center.

The second annual Geyer Gala at Pleasant Valley Country Club near Connellsville found the ladies resplendent in shimmering evening wear and the gentlemen handsome in basic black -- except for a couple of dandies sporting red and yellow.

Circulating among the crowd were center president Karen Kiefer, vice president Brad Geyer, treasurer Linda Pivarnik, general manager Richard Means, technical director William White and production manager Christina Maroney.

Kiefer praised the support of Scottdale's civic and business leaders as a key ingredient in the Geyer's success. The venerable structure housing the center first opened in 1900 as the Geyer Opera House and more recently was known as the Showtime Theatre.

Geyer noted that "we've climbed so much over the past year" in terms of name recognition and booking power. Kiefer added that the renovated venue is now booked for most weekends with entertainment ranging from opera and dinner theater to rock concerts and high-school musicals.

Gala-goers mingled during the cocktail hour before sitting down to an elegant dinner by chef Don Bell. Then they were back on their feet for dancing to the always irresistible music of Neon Swing X-perience.

Seen at the event: Joan Mountain, Pam Sturtz, Greg and Rose Keefer, Cheryl Eicher, Denny Korba, Rob and Jackie Rabenstein with son Rob and Laura Ramaley, Ron Pivarnik, Kevin and Lena Altomari, Dawn Gideon, Harry Jarouse, Jim Gaut, Robert Ferguson, Lou Lynn, Diana Lucia, Barbara Androstic and Joan Prosnik.

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