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The Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central Pennsylvania issued passports to a sports safari Wednesday at Ferrante's Lakeview, along Route 30 west of Greensburg.

Three hundred guests in safari hats and animal prints prowled auction item tables adorned with blow-up monkeys, giraffes, lions and zebras.

Big game items up for live auction by Mark Ferry included a plasma television, a jersey autographed by Ben Roethlisberger and a basketball personalized by Michael Jordan.

Judy Painter, foundation executive director, presented a plaque to event chairman Dr. Lou Catalano, a Greensburg neurologist and foundation board member, and his wife, Diana, a committee member.

Other committee members were Tom and Jenny Bean, Richard Galloway, Harry and Karen Kenney, Dr. David and Valerie Kenney, Chuck and Cathy Kolias, Debbie Marigotti, Kimberly May, Jeff and Helen Mucci, Joyce Novotny-Prettiman, Nancy Robbins, Rich Rosey, Rick and Terri Shawley, Dean and Sandy Sickenberger, Joel and Donna Sidney, Steve and Carol Thomas, Al and Cathy Tofani and Suzie Domasky and Cindy Henderson, both owners of Ferrante's, who donated the use of their facility.

"They're so committed to their work, and we're very grateful," Painter said. "We do all this to raise money for programs for people with epilepsy and their families because epilepsy affects everyone in the family."

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Westmoreland County Sports Dinner and Auction, which holds the distinction of being the first event hosted outside Allegheny County by the Pittsburgh-based epilepsy foundation.

"Tonight we'll be at half a million raised," Lou Catalano said. "Everyone says when they leave this event it's the best they've ever been to."

Ferrante's wait staff volunteering their time for the evening were Christina Domasky, Judy Buchanan, Marlene Jones, Jolene Brewer, Diane Polander, Marnie Carlson, Annie Mariconda, Susan Lambing, Kelly Moreno, Mary Sue Deponte and Andrea Cuda.

Executive chef David Henderson, Jeff Grimm and Ted Boyd prepared a "jungle feast" for hungry travelers.

Also on hand to volunteer were Teresa Conn, Melissa Nelson and Diane Skinkis, members of the professional women's football team, Pittsburgh Passion.

Seen on safari: Sandy Davis, Art and Cheryl McMullen, Dr. William Roscoe, Tom Halliday with Sabrina Rittenour and Lindsay Halliday, Bill and Jeanne Cotter, John and Melody Harris, Larry Leventon and Susie Silversmith, David and Threasa MacLean, Drs. Phillip and Leanne Mannella, Dan Prettiman, Rick Starr and Rick Monti.

Library presents awards

More than 200 friends of Adams Memorial Library in Latrobe gathered Friday for presentation of the Harold A. Stewart Amicus Libri Award, given for commitment to the library.

This year's posthumous recipients were hardworking Latrobe-area residents James Caldwell, Agnes Tuma and her brother Frank Tuma.

Presentations were by Keith Visconti, president of the library board of directors.

Accepting for Caldwell, a former Westinghouse employee who passed away in February, was his son, James, of Baltimore, who was there with his wife, Rose.

Caldwell said his father thought when it came to going to heaven, community contribution "looks good on your resume."

Accepting for the Tumas was their niece, Lois Kantor, of Derry Township.

Kantor said the award would have thrilled her uncle, a World War II veteran and former Teledyne Vasco employee who passed away in 2004.

Agnes worked for Pohland Brothers Building and Lumber for 42 years and her death in 1996 left Frank lonely and deeply saddened.

"They lived together very amicably for many, many years." Kantor said. "You have given him recognition beyond his wildest dreams."

Visconti also announced the dedication of the Robert P. Lightcap Reading Room in honor of Lightcap, a longtime board member and introduced Frances Steele, with her daughter Carol, who donated $5,000 to the library in memory of her other daughter Beth.

State Reps. Joe Petrarca and Jess Stairs presented citations from the state legislature in honor of the recipients.

Seen at the library: Gene and Nancy Jo Kantor, Kay Elder, Carl Baumeister, Susan Eiseman, Chris and Annette Couch, Marie McCandless, Milton Radman, Doris Herald, Tamara Cline, Jackie Stiffler, Matt Hartman, Glenn and Jackie Cavanaugh, Mike and Marsha Miller, Dolores Baroli, Bill and Sheila Stavisky, Lou and Barb Steiner, Andy Stofan, Mark and Carol Reiner, Pat Fenton, Warren and Shirley Marckioni, Neal and Sandy Fenton, Tom Marflak, Gene and Mary Jo McDonald, Lon and Judy Sinemus, Ron Kelly, Tom and Ann Pavlik, Karen Herc, Tarrah Dean, Aurea Lucas, Tracy Trotter, Bill and Phil Dymond, Bill and Ruth Fleeson, Chuck and Anita Manoli, Ruth Grasmick, John Graziano and Betty Wayda.

SAMA holds garden gala

Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley knows how to throw a party.

Saturday's garden gala at the museum, on Route 711 south of Ligonier featured a champagne reception with artist Michael Strueber, who has captured the magic of western Pennsylvania woodlands and hills in paintings on exhibit through July 24.

A silent auction led by Polly Artuso and Ann Macdonald was followed by cocktails and hors d' oeuvres.

Dinner for 158 was served in a tent set near the museum's blooming gardens.

SAMA executive director Michael Tomor thanked contributors, committee members and museum coordinator Janet Bucciarelli.

"We began this event four years ago to promote our presence in the community and to raise funds for our beautiful flower gardens," he said. "The garden party has blossomed into a vibrant and engaging event that not only benefits our museum, but also provides a broader support and encouragement for the arts in the greater Ligonier Valley."

Helen Thorne, a member of the event committee, conducted a live auction of a dinner for eight, prepared in the Ligonier-area home of committee member Eve Novak; a weeklong stay in a luxury timeshare from Interval International, donated by Don and Kim Kramer; and a tap party for 50 at Red Star Brewery and Grille in Greensburg, donated by Ernie Vallozzi.

Vallozzi's Restaurant in Hempfield Township was chosen to cater the garden party because of an exquisite menu of gazpacho, tenderloin and panna cotta with mixed berries, said event chairwoman Donna Drenning.

"He was willing to do it as a sit-down dinner, and he offered some wonderful prizes," Drenning said.

Garden party committee members were Madelon Sheedy, Peg Overholt, June Miller, Connie Pilz, Tina Thoburn, Mary Weidlein, Vernie West, Shelley Poli, Abby Ross, Margot Reynolds, Ann Hewat, Shirley Stasiowski, Carroll LaBarthe, Marcia Orr, Donna Hodges, Marion Siebert, Barbara Smith, Marianne McAuliffe, Carole McCray, Wilma McKenna, Bonnie Hoffman, Matt and Carole Pellis, Betty Gaston, Joann Myers, Marie Emanuel, B.G. Alexander, Jan Barone, Suzanne Carlin, Jean Cunkleman, Georgine Golitko, Susan Dent, Mary Ellen Fluxman, Tad Murphy, Holly Monahan, Mary Moran, Renee Zinga and Doris Mullan.

National Honor Society students from Ligonier Valley High School volunteering at the event were Jessica Poli, Kaylan Wessels, Katie Showalter, Zach Hutchinson, Aly Codrick and Nelli Larsen.

Seen at the event: Guy and Betty Gamble, Bill Smail, Chuck Drenning, John Duggan, Dr. George and Linda Austin, David and Linda Assard, Jack and Anne Robertshaw, Shirley Lingenfelter, Glenn and Jackie Cavanaugh, Hannah Thoburn, Donald and Sylvia Robinson, George Shaner and Michael Philopena.

Museum honors supporters

The staff and board of Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg honored some supporters Wednesday with the coveted silver pin, fashioned in the shape of the museum's logo.

Jack Smith, president of the board, lauded the efforts of board member Friedrich Teroerde.

Judith O'Toole, director and CEO, commended Anita Manoli for her work with the Women's Committee and Chad Gabersek's endeavors as an intern.

Katie Barnard, curator of education, praised the achievements of docent Gloria Smith.

Joan DeRose, museum shop manager, recognized the work of shop volunteer Susan Eger.

Pat Erdelsky, assistant for public and financial development, complimented contributions by Westmoreland Jazz Society volunteers Kathy Campbell and Ted Disanti.

Special recognition went to Hazel Booher, a consultant and lender of items for exhibition; Bill Mosher, producer of the PBS series "The Visionaries," which filmed a segment at the museum last year; and Bernie Lynch, Carl Ireland and Tom Laird, participants in the museum educational program "Every Picture Tells a Story: Pennsylvania History Through Art."

Businesswomen in Winners' Circle

It was a who's who in the local business community as folks gathered to honor the accomplishments of three very special women. The Westmoreland County Winners' Circle Awards, held at the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, near Greensburg, were given in recognition of excellence, creativity and initiative in business and community endeavors. Wednesday's gala marked the program's 10th anniversary.

This year's prestigious ATHENA Award was presented to Mary Ann Gawelek, of Jeannette, vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of the faculty at Seton Hill University.

The Award for Community Service went to Judith M. Modecki, of Latrobe, director of coordinated services and development for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg

Rebecca L. Davidson, of Greensburg, vice-president and partner of Thistle Financial Group, received the Seton Hill University Entrepreneurial Excellence Award.

Each of the award winners was introduced by the 2004 recipient: Margaree Pertle, Lisa Frederick, and Linda Stevenson, respectively.

Attendees were also treated to a 10th anniversary tribute video, narrated by Bonnie Lewis, executive director of the YWCA of Westmoreland County. Founding chairwoman, Leora Baron, was on hand -- having traveled cross-country -- to share a few memories of the inaugural event.

Guests were invited to stay for an hors d'oeuvres reception after the program.

Among the supporters were Angela Rose-O'Brien, Jayne Huston, Joanne Raynak, Nancy Kukovich, David Hanna, David Volpe, Suzanne Thinnes, Diana Kreiling, Phil Dymond, Michele Bononi, Mary Catherine Motchar, Tom Sochacki, Ann Emmerling, Debra Hepler, and Carole Thomassy.

-- Ann Saul Dudurich

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