Larger text
Smaller text
Print
E-mail
Joy Ride
Now in its 26th year with 154 drivers from coast to coast, it's the only vintage race in America held entirely on city streets. "With the price of gas, you know that's a commitment," said Mike Connolly, PVGP prez, "and at least 15 drivers have been here for all 26 years."
Weather gods smiled on party tents and the auto world's sweetest love songs ... the kind that turn every head on the road and have valets brawling for a driver's keys. Italian Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Ferraris and Alfa Romeos, the Marque Cars of 2008. As well as row after row of other eyeball-flattening classic, antique and exotic showboats in displays attended by thousands of enthusiasts who didn't seem to care if the rear storage compartment might hold a set of golf clubs. And nobody kicked these tires.
Now the race-bred wheels, so pristine they look like they've just rolled off the assembly line, were closer to the course in the paddock area. Drivers were tooling with their engines and answering questions from admiring fans. "It's the most beautiful venue in America for racing vintage cars, and we use them to support charity," allowed David Duthu of Seabrook, Texas, whose rare '25 Bugatti Type 35A was cooling in the shade next to his huge trailer emblazoned with a mural of the car.
Here's why the PVGP is such a hot draw: 1,200 passionate volunteers, bless their hearts, who have piloted it from the first checkered flag while delivering more than $2.25 million to the Allegheny Valley School and Autism Society of Pittsburgh.
Between cars and drivers, we spotted Rege Champ; Dan Torisky (he co-founded the PVGP with the late Myron Cope); Dan DelBianco; Bob Speer; Gigi Saladna; Beth Martin; John Kerr; Sue and Paul MacIntyre; Amy Harvilla; Steve Weber; Dorothy Gordon; Dan Taylor; chocolatier Tom Allen; Susie and Joe Dobrowolski; Dave Quinlan; Bill Seman; Guy Costa; George Miles; Doug Shields; Gary Gentile; Pam and Dave Finney; Don Smith; Marianne Dutho (she bought artist Mark Bender's 2008 PVGP poster!); Dave George; Keith and Robert Johnston; Eric Sauereisen and son Jes; Diane and Jim Boffo; Bill Fitts and son Billy; Ramona Corey; Lori and Vince Merlot; Hank and Barbara Jo Nerone; Roger Friday; and WQED's Ted Sohier, voice of the PVGP for 26 years.
Licensed to thrill, the race is always free to the public. It also garners gobs of good will and tons of national press for our fair city.
My driving gloves, please.
| Viva la revolution! |
Francophiles celebrated Bastille Day during a chi-chi outdoor fete at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Fountains splashed, a French Pierrot mime clowned, crepes were whisked and a trio of cafe musicians transported guests to the streets of gay Paree.
"Everyone speaks French tonight," beamed Jean-Pierre Collet, honorary French consul, who hosted the soiree for 200 guests to benefit Alliance Francaise de Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Museums. Alors, even Marie Antoinette made a guest appearance, though she eyed the guillotine crafted by Joel LeGall and Youss Kadri with a wary glance.
Standing shoulder to shoulder while singing "La Marseillaise" were AF prez David Kremen; Richard Armstrong; Janie and Harry Thompson; Steve Mendelson; Sybil and Pete Veeder; Electra and Jim Agras; Kathe and Jim Patrinos; David Hairhoger and Richard Moriarty; Dr. John McSorley; Harley Trice; Damian Soffer; Judi Collins; Susie and John Wean with daughter Britton; Rena Paris; Jane and Jerry Voros; Lou and Henry Gailliot; Lynne and Dr. John Lister; Steve Webster; and Barbara MacQuown who planned the ooh-la-la nuit.
-- Kate Guerriero and J.H.
| Notes from the Heart |
Every song was an ode to joy as the young talents of The Woodlands wowed an audience of 300 during Friday's Bringing Out the Stars. After a week of rehearsals, 50 youngsters with disabilities made their entrance to the "Star Wars" theme.
Orchestrated by Charlie Gray and such distinguished artists as PSO oboist Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida, maestro Edward Cumming, choirmaster Andrew Clark, soloist Lilly Abreu and director Marylou Monich Bushyager, bigs and littles played together across enormous challenges in a deeply moving program.
Now in its ninth year, the overnight music camp in Wexford was the dream of Woodlands' chairman emeritus Dr. Don Reigel. But it took the late great neurosurgeon Dr. Laibe Kessler and his wife, Sydelle, to make it a reality. 'Twas she who recruited the musicians to work with the children in the program.
Enjoying every amazing grace note were Woodlands' director Peter Clakely with Gail; Drew, Karen, Bruce and Constance Morrison; board prexy Susan Williams and Tim; Bradford Woods Mayor Theodore Fithian with Martha; Frieda, Lynn and Steve Silberman; Marian Finegold and Dr. Fred Marks; and Judi Cannava.
| One Night Stand |
What are you up to on October 11? That's the date -- do mark your calendar -- of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's glamorous black-tie onstage at the Benedum Center, where the high-powered pack is destined for star treatment.
US Steel's chairman John Surma and wife, Becky, are chairing the singular sensation that will highlight the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts in the Cultural District. Firsts like Germany's Max Raabe and his Palast Orchester, internationally acclaimed for their big-band riffs on the '20s and '30s, who will entertain after the Duquesne Club's lavish wine and dine.
Among Monday's party faithful at the LeMont Restaurant for the kick-off were Toto Fisher; Jane Arkus; Juliette Grauer; Eva Tansky Blum; Kitty and John Goodish; Jill Brodbeck; Selma and Leon Sherman; Barbara Barry; Catherine Loevner; Debbie and Rick Efkeman; Suzy and Jim Broadhurst; Jackie and Ley Jones; Louisa Rosenthal; and Cate Linn.
| Birthday Wishes |
Former prez of Gulf Oil/Canada and executive V.P. with a seat on the once mighty Gulf Oil board, Ed Loughney celebrated his 103rd birthday on Wednesday with a swelegant dinner party for family and friends at the Duquesne Club.
Pat and Dan Rooney gifted him with a personalized Steelers jersey and, for their longtime trustee, the Pittsburgh Opera lent a tenor and accompanist to the festivities for a superb high note of arias from his fave operas. As Ed was prez of the Pittsburgh Symphony, the orchestra's first trumpet surprised him that morning with a musical fanfare in his home. Never mind the neighbors.
How often we've heard the cliche "a legend in his own time." Well, Ed is several legends at any time. And already is planning the blowout bash for his 105th. Never mind the 104th.
