John Heller, Post-Gazette Sy Holzer and Jane Werner Click photo for larger image.

The excitement was palpable inside and out as the glorious new Children's Museum Pittsburgh celebrated 20 long years of effort with a Grand Opening Gala Friday Night. The black-tie affair attracted more than 600 supporters for cocktails and dinner and another 100 or so for the dance party that took place in the old planetarium, a perfect place to disco down.

Feathered dancers from Vegas got the beat going and the feet moving, but the main attraction was the museum itself, a marvel of imagination and ingenuity that more than quadruples the space and number of interactive exhibits for children.

Sy Holzer served as opening weekend chair, and Susie Perelman (with Greg) and Tim Komen (with Damian Ruyechan) chaired the gala and devised the fabulous decorations with Tim Condron Florist and Bill Chisnell. Giant planetary balloons were suspended from the ceiling in the former Buhl building, and ribbons galore pointed the way for the ribbon cutting by executive director Jane Werner (with husband Bob Rutkowski) and board chair Anne Lewis (with Eddie), who was honored for her 12 years of service to the board. Capital campaign chairs Lou and Henry Galliott and Carol and Myles Berkman spearheaded the drive to raise $28 million for the expansion, with help from so many.

Enjoying the Duquesne Club-catered feast of white corn soup, beef filet and Virginia spots and a heavenly pumpkin or chocolate brulee were Bill and Mardi Isler, Ann and Alvin Rogal, Charena and Lynn Swann, Elin and Jim Roddey, Margo Lovelace, Tom Sokolowski, Janet Sarbaugh, Anuj and Sanjay Chopra, Kathy and Tom Mole, Megan and Rob Glimcher, Ralph and Ruth Anne Papa, Christine and Rob Cochran, Beth and Michael Kuhn, Kathy and Stuart Horne, Lois and Harry Winslow, Dana and Franco Harris, Shelly and Dan Onorato and Mona and Mayor Tom Murphy.

Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette Marleen Ashton and Angel Click photo for larger image.

Black Tie and Tails

In a category all his own was Nine Lives' "Morris the Cat," who flew in from California with his handler, Rose Ordile, to share honorary chair duties with Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein for the Animal Friends' Black Tie and Tails benefit Saturday. Board president Marleen Ashton and her dog, Angel, wore matching dresses. Making a statement in a vintage gown decorated with snapshots of pets was Stephanie Spence (with Bill). Live and silent auctions and a virtual groundbreaking (Hurricane Ivan canceled the real one) rounded out the evening. Among those digging in the dirt on stage with hard hats and shovels were Lloyd Gluck, Jeff Brown, Steve Massaro, Don Huddart, Carlene Cornelius, Eula Houston and chair of the capital campaign Sarah McKean. True animal friends included director David Swisher, Bob Fragasso, PG publisher John Block with Susan and Pittsburgh Business Times' Lauren Lawley.

-- Patricia Sheridan

	John Heller, Post-Gazette Dr. Edward Diamond Jr. and John Spear Click photo for larger image.

Concordia Club's 130th Anniversary

Founded in 1874 by a group of Jewish businessmen who were not permitted to join existing clubs, the Concordia Club in Oakland celebrated its 130th anniversary Saturday with a gala party that honored members of 30 years or more standing. Today it's a nonsectarian club famous for its chocolate cake and other dining delights, many of which were featured on the gourmet menu that comprised the dinner portion of the evening.

Emcee Gertrude Caplan (with Dr. Paul) welcomed guests, as did club president John Spear (with Janet). Enjoying the "Concordia Idol" program were Marjorie Greenberger, Earl and Marilyn Latterman, Arthur and Edyth Fidel, Ken and Marlene Brand, Foster Goldman, Stan and Ada Davis, Janet Markel and Barry Lhormer, Barb Mendlowitz and oldest past president Dr. Edward Diamond Jr. (1970-72).

Theresa Glenn Rocky Bleier Click photo for larger image.

Taste of the Steelers

John Stallworth, Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier and Mean Joe Greene were among the Steelers sharing their stories and celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Super Bowl XIV Championship during Saturday night's Taste of the Steelers event. The Big Burrito Group provided delicious samplings from each of its restaurants including Mad Mex and Eleven. The party in Heinz Field West Club Lounge benefited the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Among the more than 500 guests were Dr. Thomas and Joy Starzl, Dan and Pat Rooney, Art and Greta Rooney, Dr. Stan and Ellen Marks and Frank and Athena Sarris.

-- Patricia Sheridan

University Club Farewell

Young people don't join clubs." That was the explanation given for the slow decline in membership at one of Pittsburgh's landmark institutions, The University Club in Oakland.

	Adam Piscitelli John and Barbara Conroy, Eileen and Ken Patterson Click photo for larger image.

Founded in 1890, "The Last Waltz" farewell party Friday night was a painful goodbye for guests, a few of whom had been members since 1936. The club once had 2,500 members, but the current 500 were not enough to sustain the charm and pay the bills. A silent auction of some memorablia including plates and serving pieces had some hoping to take home a piece of the past. Among those making the most of memories and dancing to the Jack Purcell and Ron Bickel Orchestras were board president John Conroy (with Barbara), VP Ken Patterson (with Eileen), Susan and Dennis Slevin, Susan Tusick with Michael Vetovich, Bonnie and Dick Anton, Barbara and Jack Norris, Dr. Stephen and Lorraine Murphey, Dr. Jane and Larry Breck, Dr. Bob and Joanne Runzo, Dr. Bill and Pat Laird and Amy and James Moore.

-- Patricia Sheridan

Variety Gets Camp Fever

Camp isn't for everyone, but Variety the Children's Charity is making sure disabled kids have the opportunity to write "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah" letters, too.

John Heller, Post-Gazette Chris Kobus, Jamie and Jacqueline Dixon Click photo for larger image.

The Omni William Penn's ballroom became Camp Variety for the charity's 77th Anniversary Gala Friday. As they raised funds for future fun, guests got a taste of a beautiful, bug-free camp experience. The painted dance floor, surrounded by pilings and a dock, had everybody walking on water.

Pitt basketball coach Jamie Dixon (with Jacqueline) was honored with the organization's Humanitarian Award. David Miles, CEO of the Children's Institute, accepted the John H. Harris Award on behalf of the institute. Instead of S'mores it was creme brulee for dessert and dancing to Gary Racan and the Studio-e Band. The evening's chairs, David and Karen Wessel, joined board chair Dr. Ken Melani (with Tracy) and board president Chris Kobus (with Tom) in thanking everyone for their support.

-- Patricia Sheridan