Serendipity Cafe a success

STEUBENVILLE - Approximately 150 supporters of the Upper Ohio Valley Opera Guild gathered at the Steubenville County Club Friday for Serendipity Cafe, a casual, though elegant, evening of classic musical entertainment, along with conversations, cocktails and canapes.

Joyce Orlando, guild president, welcomed the crowd and thanked them for their support. Nan Watzman, chairman for the event, was assisted by Tony Corella, Mike Strean, Sondra Sutherland and Orlando.

The entertainment featured Mike Underwood, classical guitarist; Sadie and Abi Hoyt, harpist and violinist; and a string quartet from the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra comprised of Ben Podleski, Wendy Fortis, Michele Pissos and James Kiger.

An exquisite array of hors d'oeuvres lined buffet tables and also was catered table to table throughout the ballroom.

Among the guests were many first-time opera guild-goers, along with members and the longtime faithful supporters.

Among those seen enjoying the gala evening were Dr. Augusto Fojas and a table of associates, Dr. Anthony Golas and his wife Patty; Dolores Pirraglia and a table of friends from Weirton; Bill Croskey; Martha Freese and her niece, SueAnn Freese McClellan of Memphis, Tenn. (who provided the photographs of the event that are running with this story); Lillian and Barbara Jean Losey; Donna Keagler; George Wilson; Dr. John and Judy Irvin; Jerry DiLoreto; Rose Chappano; Josephine DiNovo and Liz Fazi.

One table grouping included Mary and Ned Filler, Marlene and John Rhueff, Helen and Bill Reed, Darlene Colburn, Mrs. James George and Jim Bedortha.

Also among those on the scene were Louise and Art Panepucci, Liz and Geno Morelli, Dottie Bossert, Donna Sweeney, Tony Gentile, Mary Conroy, George Glikes, Phyllis Riccadonna, Lynette Pagley, Barb and Rich Wilinski and Ross and MarySue Gallabrese.

Orlando invited the crowd to join in the next opera guild event, which is scheduled for October.