John Heller, Post-Gazette
British trader Daniel Kemen by his campsite.
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Remembering George Washington

In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian War, a troop of soldiers pitched their tents at Point State Park over the weekend. Joining them were Native Americans from various nations and locations, including southern Virginia. They prefer the term "living historians" to re-enactors, and indeed, they brought history to life Friday when the Fort Pitt Museum was grandly re-opened. French and Indian War 250 and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission hosted the ribbon-cutting reception and officially kicked off the commemoration, which will unfold over the next six years throughout the country. A highlight was the unveiling of "Remarks," a rare manuscript written by George Washington in his own hand that recounts his adventures as a young soldier. On display to the public for the fist time, "Remarks" is the centerpiece of the exhibit, "George Washington Remembers: Reflections on the French and Indian War," which is also the title of a new book edited by noted historian Fred Anderson.

Joining Anderson was Laura Fisher (with Chet), director of French and Indian War 250, and Barbara Franco, director of the PA Historical and Museum Commission.

Also there were the donors of "Remarks;" Jim and Suzy Broadhurst, Glen and Diane Meakem and Donna Panazzi of the Laurel Foundation. French and Indian War Commemoration National Advisory Council co-chairs Michele Ridge and Ed Pell attended, as did Sen. Rick Santorum. A buffet of 18th century gourmet indigenous foods (prepared to perfection by La Creme) was enjoyed by 250 president Chuck Queenan, Richard and Alex Mellon, Congressman Tim Murphy, Frank and Ann Cahouet, Herb and Jane Berger, Bill Trueheart and Carol Word, Susan and David Brownlee, Hank and Charlotte Beukema, Mike and Suzy Watson, Bill and Linda Boxx, Ellsworth and Dorothy Brown, Andy Masich, Candace and John Craig, Bill and Carolyn Byham, JoAnne Boyle, site administrator Chuck Smith, artist Robert Griffing (who has created so many vivid images of the period) and Julie and Mike Langley, head of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development which helped to initiate the commemoration.

Roasting Bradshaw

It was an easy sell all the way, and more than a sell-out with 1,600 guests crammed into the Downtown Hilton ballroom Friday night. "They must think I'm singing," quipped Terry Bradshaw, who was the target of great affection during The Mel Blount Youth Home All Star Celebrity Roast. Bradshaw came to Blount's assistance, helping to raise more than $500,000 for the disadvantaged young people whose lives have been turned around through the efforts of the Washington County home. Sharing memories both fond and embarrassing were emcee Randy Grossman and roasters Steve Courson, Andy Russell, Cliff Stout, Jon Kolb and John Stallworth. Bradshaw mingled during the VIP reception, signing autographs and giving bear hugs while Blount and his gracious wife, TiAnda, greeted guests including Pat and Dan Rooney, Chick Noll, Joe Greene, Louis Lipps, Rocky Bleier, Merrill Hoge, Franco Harris, LC Greenwood, Mike Wagner, Tunch Ilkin, Ernie Holmes, Babe and Joe Gordon and many more. Does Bradshaw still remember his way around the city? "Like a duck in water!"

Journey to the Far East

John Heller, Post-Gazette
Terry Bradshaw with John Stallworth
Click photo for larger image.John Heller, Post-Gazette
Dr. Scott Plevy with Ilana and Jordan Valinsky
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When Jordan Valinsky, then 9 years old, was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease five years ago, he wanted to know what he could do to make a difference. With the help of his 18-year-old sister, Ilana, Valinsky has raised close to $90,000 "mostly by writing letters," he says. They must be persuasive -- Kaufmann's alone donated $50,000 to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Saturday night the Valinsky siblings and Dr. Scott Plevy, a prominent IBD researcher, received the Vision of Hope Award at the foundation's gala benefit, "Journey to the Far East." More than 420 guests attended the Asian-themed affair at the Marriott City Center, some in colorful Asian attire and the rest in black-tie. Sandy and Henry Mordoh served as honorary chairs for the evening emceed by KDKA's Ken Rice. Enjoying the ribbon dance performed by the Organization of Chinese Americans were CCFA president and CEO Rodger De-Rose, Pennsylvania chapter executive director Alyssa Cholodofsky, national board member Louis Plung, board president Tom Joyce with Barbara, Dr. Susan Feldman, Ahmie and Sara Baum, Drs. Thelma Snyder and Mark Liang, Drs. Michael and Rachel Mathier, Dr. Paul Lebovitz, JR Philp and Jackie Stanley.

Tennis Auction Ball

John Heller, Post-Gazette
Janet Palumbo, Whitney Snyder and Edna Thomas
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The pro/am tennis tournament at Oxford Athletic Club East was the hard part. The fun came with the celebration -- drinking, dining and dancing along with a substantial live and silent auction that took place Saturday in the Omni William Penn ballroom. More than 350 guests gathered to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and its efforts to find a cure. Chairing the evening with so much heart was Janet Palumbo and her daughter, Edna Thomas. "It's too late for me, but maybe I can help someone else," said Palumbo, who lost a daughter to the disease. Receiving "The Breath of Life Award" Saturday was Whitney Snyder, while Aldene LaCaria was given a special honor for her ongoing fund-raising commitment. Dining on beef tenderloin and seafood in puff pastry were CFF executive director Pat Joseph, Bob and Cindy Feldman, Dr. Joseph and Deborah Stewart with daughter Cate, Deborah and Carl Hessinger, Terri and Don Hastings, Neal Brendel and Pam Rollings, Brian Smith, Rona Nesbit, Georgia Sokol, Neil and Jan Rosen and Cindy Sproull, who put it all together beautifully.

First Published: April 19, 2004, 4:00 a.m.