More gatherings and notable events...

Monday, November 12, 2001

Just Add Inspiration

Just Add Inspiration" and you get a bash with a beat, not to mention a private concert by the legendary Nancy Wilson.

Rose and Bill Strickland with Nancy Wilson and Ann McGuinn. (John Heller, Post-Gazette)

The Manchester Craftmen's Guild has come a long way in 15 years, and it hopes to go a lot farther. Combined with its well-established Jazz Master series, plans to break ground on a similar facility in San Francisco in 2002 and the launching of a new record label, the Guild is positioning itself as a prime location for jazz across America. More than 375 guests demonstrated their support Saturday night during a black tie gala that raised $400,000 for a jazz endowment fund. Ann McGuinn (with Marty) served as honorary chair of the benefit, and Clifford and Diane Rowe served as chairs. Surprise guest Herbie Mann and local musicians Roger Humphries, Jay Ashby, Dwayne Dolphin and Joe Negri played during the champagne reception, and Sherrie Miracle and DIVA, the all-female big band, backed Wilson's expressive performance. In between there was fabulous food by the Bidwell Training Center with guidance from the Perfect Event Catering Company, served in a nightclub setting that was really the commons area transformed with draping. Among the guests were MCG CEO Bill Strickland with Rose, Peter and Lizzi Benzing, Tony and Linda Bucci, Bill and Carolyn Byham, Eddie and Willette Edwards, Mark and Lynne Frank, Murry and Allison Gerber, Art and Gladys Edmunds, Bill and Sissy Lieberman, Mark and Nikki Nordenberg, Ken and Lennie Vesio, Jan and Dick Pagliari and e-Bay founder Jeff Skoll.

(For a review of the concert, Click here.)

-- Nate Guidry

1879 Dinner

Always a perfect repast to celebrate the past, the 1879 Founders' Circle Dinner at the Sen. John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center Friday filled the great hall.

	Grace Compton and Ed roach with an actor portraying Josh Gibson of the Homestead Grays. (Franka Bruns, Post-Gazette)

The evening began with cocktails and an alphabet soup of the annals of our area. With drinks in hand, guests toured Rick Sebak's new "Pittsburgh A -Z" exhibit and then proceeded to dinner. Jan and Bob Barensfeld, who hosted the event with Grace Compton, welcomed guests with a toast. Among those raising a glass to future projects including the Sports Hall of Fame were historical society chair Ed Roach (with Deborah), Ann and Marty McGuinn, historical society president Andy Masich (with Debbie), Nadine Bognar, David and Kitty Hillman, Joyce Baskins with Dr. Wayne Peck, Bonnie and Dick Anton and Irene and Bob Bozzone.

-- P.S.

Bal Polonaise

The Central Council of Polish Organizations Ninth Annual Bal Polonaise Saturday night was a blend of Old-World elegance and stylish sophistication as 12 debutantes were presented in the Hilton's grand ballroom.

Waltzing at the Bal Polanaise. (Lake Fong, Post-Gazette)

They were Monica Wally, Aimee Stubock, Brittany Taylor, Mandie Walter, Elizabeth Groch, Pam Beliunas, Elise Dobrosky, Marie Lynn Sasinoski, Kristen Korenoski, Andrea Michalenko, Rebecca Michalik and Alicia Pociask. Bal chair Don Mushalko (with Helen) greeted guests along with president of the CCPO Colonel Merle Addams (with Irene). Enjoying the evening were Richard and Eleanor Rzaca, Max Petrunya, Gemma, Rick and Alec Pierchalski, John and Charlotte Bartus, Joe and Marlene Kaminski, Irene Jakubowski, Ed Moskal and Wallace Zielinski. -- P.S.

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