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Winging It
Close encounters of a bird kind brought us face to beak with African penguin Elvis, Gonzo the Amazon Parrot, Joni the Wattled Currasow, oodles of Rainbow Lorikeets and other winged wonders. Even a flamboyant Carmen Miranda in her tutti-frutti turban couldn't outshine our fine feathered friends.
High flyers return to this wingding annually, not merely for its $50 early-bird special, but because this neighborhood treasure is the only birdland of its kind in North America!
Guests in bright, summery looks flitted through the Tropical Rainforest, Hornbill Hall and the Wetlands while grazing an endless array of light bites from big Burrito, McCormick & Schmick's and many other generous local eateries. Watering holes, too. Meringue, cha-cha-cha and Margaritaville ... there was a hot-hot-hot island beat every step of the way, from a steel drummer at the entrance and DJ Carlton's salsa spins in the Atrium to the Freedom Band's late-night groove in the garden tent.
It was standing room only as the N/A strutted its stuff by previewing "Get Winged! Flight Zone," an amazing performance that had avians speaking, singing, swooping and thrilling guests in the Rose Garden. Trainer Cathy Schlott orchestrated the show which included a visit from a fiery-eyed Eurasian Eagle Owl whose soundless flight nearly ruffled a few carefully coifed do's. Adorable baby African Penguin Sidney (named for you know who) also made an appearance. The finale flurry was a release of white doves to everyone's delight.
For the birds, and how ... steered by Jane Dixon (with Michael) and a very hands-on committee, the benefit net-netted over $35,000.
Closer to earth, we spotted Lari and Vince Locher of title sponsor Huntington Bank; N/A CEO Linda Dickerson; Grant Oliphant; John Ellis; Judi Nocito; Gregg Ramshaw; Julie and Pat Mangus; Fran and Jim Abraham; Dr. Diane Todd and Lou Bucci; Ruth Anne and Ralph Papa; Eric Dickerson; Donna and Pat Guter; Jody and Michael Doherty; Joe Lagana; Jina and Manuel Castillo; Robert Baldis; Steve Hartshorn; Christina O'Toole; Drs. Janet and Matt Simon; Alice and Pat Loughney; Susan and Tom Schmidt; and Elizabeth and Brad Bennington.
Plus such other night owls as Teri Whooley and fiance Ryan Burke; Renee Yurchison; Diana and Mike Sexauer; Anne Louise Feeney; Rudolph, Stefan and Chriss Merick; Donna Bour; Cindy and Joseph Sabol; Lana and Fred Neumeyer; Nancy and Robert Rudzki; Samantha and Carey Trunzo; Lisa and Shawna Wireman; Joan and Tom Cook; Mary and John Hotchkiss; Julie Tyo; and Benjamin Luffey.
How tweet it is.
-- Kate Guerriero and J.H.
| Dinner with the Director |
'Twas an evening of grand proportions on Grandview Avenue Monday, with the Quantum Theatre kicking off its Dinner with the Director series with effervescent "Cymbeline" director (and QT founder!) Karla Boos.
Gathering in the lush, candle lit gardens of hosts Ken and Pam McCrory's gorgeous hilltop home, Quantum fans chatted up Karla about her unique twist on the classic. Indeed, 'tis hardly commonplace to hear Shakespeare and robots uttered in the same breath, but, oh curious one, take a jaunt down to the Rose Garden in Point Breeze's Mellon Park through August 24th to see what all the excitement is about.
Cravings for intellectual stimulation satisfied, our appetites were soon equally fulfilled, thanks to the paella bursting with flavor a la chef extraordinaire Bob Sendall of All in Good Taste, who further chipped away at our willpower with trays of his Toffee Taboo.
Marveling over our dazzling cityscape under the stars were QT board chair Sara Radelet; Jamie and Bill Sarris; Sue and Dan Skena; Jim Roddey; Joel LeGall; Teri and Damian Soffer; Torey and Dick Beuke; Fran and Jim Abraham; Linda and Stu Miller; Steve Herforth and Peter Karlovich; Paul Mavernac; Lorene and Denis Vinski; Jan Meade; Steve Robinson; Dr. Judith Glies; and Bob's sous chefs Marguerite McCrory and Anthony Capretto.
-- Kate Guerriero
| Tastefully Tiffany's |
The Civic Light Opera Guild bestowed its Constance Rockwell Scholarships on nine young stellars during Wednesday's Taste of Tiffany luncheon at the LeMont Restaurant.
"These outstanding young people represent the best of the best," commented Bobbi Aiello, who, along with Scholarship Selection chair Patti Matty, had the difficult task of choosing the awardees from a troup of thirty talents.
For over three decades, the CLO Guild has been an avid supporter of Pittsburgh's rising stars, encouraging their dreams of pursuing a career in the performing arts. Board chair Dee Bold presented a $4,000 scholarship to Lara Backus, Sarah Chybrzynski, Jaron Frand, Holly Kepins, Heather Kleinschmidt, Anna McTiernan, Kristen Martinelli, Ryan Novakovich, and Dylan Taylor Putas.
Amongst those sipping Tiffany Blue-tinted (don't you love it, dahling?) champagne were Guild prexy Arlene Sokolow; 2008 Pink Frolic chairs Lynne Federle, Dani Grego and Judy Woffington; Violet Gallo; Anna Dunlap; Dottie and Karl Urda; Pauline Henry; Dottie Florence; Rona Dane; Mary McVay; Donna Murtha; Dena Zaimes; and (ta-dah!) 2009 Pink Frolic chairs Maryann Boehm and Norma Sobel.
-- Kate Guerriero
