Three recipients of Red Cross services shared testimonies and gratitude April 17th at the Westmoreland County Chapter's sponsor appreciation gala. The event was held at Seton Hill University in Greensburg to honor sponsors of the 12th annual Bowling for Disaster Relief event held earlier this month at Main Bowling Center in Greensburg. All proceeds from the bowling event -- more than $70,000 -- will benefit local disaster victims. Tina Schur , with her son, Carl Pavlak , 8, spoke about assistance they received after their home in New Stanton was destroyed by flooding in September and January. Help came from the Red Cross and Salvation Army, and "Catholic Charities bought me a new trailer," Schur said. On January 14th, a week after the second flood, Carl's father and Schur's former husband, John Pavlak , passed away. Schur said Pat Wilson, director of emergency services with the Red Cross, helped them weather that storm, too. "She was there the whole time for us," Schur said. Brenda DeCecco , a medical lab technologist at Excela Health Westmoreland Regional Hospital, said Red Cross blood services saved the lives of her husband and mother-in-law. "It's important for people to understand how important donating blood is," DeCecco said. "Their lives literally depended on donors." Rebecca Sorice , of Hempfield Township, shared an experience she had with Terrie Anderson , a volunteer armed forces emergency services casework specialist. Sorice said when her mother, Elizabeth Sorice , was hospitalized, she wanted to reach her son, Zachary Wolicki , who serves in the Navy in Norfolk, Va. "I called the American Red Cross -- it was 10:30 at night on Holy Thursday," Rebecca Sorice said, explaining that she left a message. "Within five to ten minutes, Terrie called. She was so supportive and beneficial. On Good Friday morning, the ship's commander had the information and Zachary was able to come home." Bowling for Disaster Relief committee members were John Weir , chairman, Charlotte Kemerer , Mike Felice , Celeste Falatovich , Bob Errett , Donna Uhrinek , Shari Mills , Sherry Miller , Janet McNeel , Kim Magazine , Darren Achtzehn , Diane Byers , Ron Byers , Carmen Eisaman and Nancy Weir . Ribbon-cutting time at Seton Hill athletic complex Officially, it's a hit. Seton Hill University in Greensburg on Tuesday celebrated the grand opening of the Katherine Mabis McKenna Center, the university's shiny new 44,000-square-foot athletic complex. The building is equipped with aerobics and weight rooms, a 1,200-seat gymnasium and the Eden Hall Foundation indoor running track, which offers a panoramic view of city and campus. "This morning, in the presence of faculty, staff and students, Bishop Bosco blessed this building," said SHU President JoAnne Boyle during welcoming comments. "The bells began to ring and we knew we had a new pope. It was a convergence of new beginnings." Boyle supervised a ribbon cutting with Linda McKenna Boxx , chairman of the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation, which contributed $2 million to the $7 million project. "It's just a thrill to be here," said Wilma McKenna , who accompanied daughters Boxx and Zan McKenna to the ceremony. "To see something take shape and be utilized by all the students." Other million dollar contributors listed in the program were the Richard King Mellon Foundation, at $1.5 million, and alumna Constance Angotti Salvitti and husband Dr. E. Ronald Salvitti , at $1 million. After the ceremony, folks piled into Salvitti gymnasium for a game of women's basketball between the Griffins and SHU alumni. The Griffins prevailed, 38-33. Playing for SHU were Elena Radenkovic , Dawn Spence , Denisha Salters , Kaleeda Jenkins , Adrianne Scarsella , Alanna Daniels , Lauren Wilmus , Allison Truxal , Kirsten Eberlein and Autumn Himes , coached by Scott Breegle and Tim Creamer . Playing for the alumni were Kimberly Fore , Mindy McClelland , Stacy Jastrzembski , Amy Bowan , Marcy Davis , Gina Carrick Lindenfeldar , Nikki Bartkus , Monica Claridge , Allison Carrick , Mertz Ferguson , Judy Neminick and Kameico Robison , coached by Rich Rosensteel and John Fogle . Robison, 23, is a 2003 SHU graduate working as a member development specialist with AmeriCorps in Pittsburgh. "It's beautiful. I don't even have words," Robison said. "I'm a little jealous I didn't get to play here." David Slampak , 21, is a junior majoring in political science and history. He particularly liked how Mckenna Center's interior joins the rounded stone exterior of Sullivan Hall. "It's kind of like incorporating Seton Hill College into Seton Hill University," he said. Seen at the opening: Jeff and Gail Malloy , Jennifer Webb , Geraldine Miller , Tammy Blue with daughter Erica and granddaughter Devasha , Emil and Jovanna Peterinelli , David Ludwig and Barbara Jones , Judith O'Toole , Charles and Sally Loughran , Sister Vivien Linkhauer , Allen Kukovich , Pat and Lou Costello , Chuck and Anita Manoli , Nancy Jamison , Tom Tridico , Barbara Ciampini , George Shaner , Michael Philopena , Jack and Anne Robertshaw , Lou and Joan DeRose , Jim and Susan Antoniono , David and Linda Assard , Trudy Ivory , Barbara Hinkle , Seward Prosser Mellon and Armour Mellon . Housing group presents Hope Award Homes Build Hope, a service of Adelphoi USA, is working to end homelessness by creating decent, safe and affordable housing for low-income folks. Homes Build Hope on Wednesday presented its Hope Award to Jack Wagner , executive director of the Health and Welfare Council of Westmoreland County, which operates www.FindWestmoreland.org, a resource for health, human, social and community-based programs. Wagner, executive director since 1992, designed a display rack that holds similar information in the form of brochures. The racks can be found in 42 locations throughout the county. He was involved in establishing the Westmoreland Coalition on Housing, which contributed to the opening of the Welcome Home shelter in Greensburg in 2002. "The Hope Award means a lot to me right now," Wagner said upon acceptance. "Without hope, you don't have a lot left." Wagner, married to Linda , is a resident of Hempfield Township. Bob Rusbosin , 83, a resident of St. Anne Home, and his late wife, Connee , were recognized for community service. The couple's son, John Rusbosin , accepted their award. In all, the couple has 12 children, including adopted son Manny Navarro . They established Rusbosin Furniture and Carpet in 1963 in Latrobe. A second location was added 15 years ago on Route 66 in Hempfield Township. Longtime friends of Adelphoi founder the Rev. Paschal Morlino , the Rusbosin family founded the Adelphoi Mid-Winter Tennis Classic and supports Homes Build Hope wholeheartedly. "They were kind-hearted and giving and so are their kids," said daughter Nancy Rusbosin . "We treat everybody like our own brothers and sisters." Program comments were by James Stewart , president of the Homes Build Hope board and Adelphoi consultant Jim Bendel . Invocation was by the Rev. David Clement , pastor of Good Shepard Lutheran Church in West Point. The luncheon and presentations took place at Four Points by Sheraton, off Route 30 near Greensburg. Chad Ruffner , Homes Build Hope's executive director said attendance of more than 160 was a record for the annual event. "Two reasons," Ruffner said. "Jack Wagner and the Rusbosin family." Seen at the event: Westmoreland County commissioners Tom Balya , Tom Ceraso and Phil Light , Jeanne Rusbosin , Dan and Tammy Rusbosin , Ed and Theresa Rusbosin , Tom and Linda James , Susan Rusbosin McCormick , Janet Rusbosin Barker , Les Harvey , Tay Waltenbaugh , Dennis Cremonese , Latrobe Mayor Warren Marckioni , Norma Samide , Larry Larese , Andy Stofan , Glenn and Jackie Cavanaugh , Anne Simmons , Carl Baumeister and Kay Flack . Mental Health Association honors innovators According to the National Mental Health Association, one in five Americans lives with a mental disorder, and as many as 60 percent of children in the juvenile justice system have one or more diagnosable mental disorders. Yet due to stigma, lack of awareness, disparity in insurance and inadequate services, help is sometimes difficult to find. At the Mental Health Association in Westmoreland County's "Innovations" program and benefit Wednesday at Mountain View Inn off Route 30, east of Greensburg, four awards were presented to innovators in mental health. WTAE-TV personality Michelle Wright was mistress of ceremonies. Wright said the evening's purpose was to "recognize those taking on the hard stuff and making a difference." An Innovations award for recovery was presented to Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services Behavioral Health Mobile Transitional Mental Illness/Substance Abuse Program, accepted by Nora McDonald , program coordinator and Tim Merlin , program executive director. An Innovations award for the workplace went to Adelphoi Village, accepted by Dave Campbell , director of training and Mary Landolina , chairwoman of the Adelphoi Wellness Committee. An Innovations award for prevention was presented to ParentWise Inc., accepted by Terri Katzman , executive director and Jason Gongaware , board president. It was a swan song of sorts for Katzman, who will retire on May 13. An Innovations award for education went to PNC Financial Services Group for its "Growing Up Great" program, accepted by Kimberly Kramer , vice president of PNC Advisors. Program comments were by Molly Robb Shimko , association board president and event committee member. Other committee members were Josie Funari , Jennifer Voytilla , Carolyn Royse , Jim Shanahan , Carl Onufer , Judy Modecki , Michelle Gordon , Barbara Flock and Shelley Polechko , event chairwoman. For more information on association advocacy or services or to schedule a speaker on the subject of mental health and illness, call 724-834-6351 or 1-800-871-4445. Seen at the event: Laura Hawkins , executive director of the association, Westmoreland County Commissioner Tom Ceraso , Richard Flock , RoseMarie Appel , David and Linda Assard , Becca Baker , Fred Balzer , Jim Bendel , Lou and Joan DeRose , Tim Fedele and Charles and Nancy Anderson . Food bank plans conference trip June 7 is National Hunger Awareness Day. The Westmoreland County Food Bank (WCFB) and Pennsylvania Association of Regional Food Banks are arranging a bus trip June 6-7 to a conference in Washington D.C. The conference is sponsored by America's Second Harvest, the Nation's Food Bank Network, in partnership with Bread for the World, a national Christian citizen's movement. Transportation will be provided for all, and overnight lodging will be provided for those who can't afford it. The trip will include participation in an interfaith convocation at the National Cathedral and an opportunity to participate in meetings with congressional staff to advocate for national food and nutrition programs. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for people concerned with poverty and hunger to make their voices heard," said Marlene Kozak , WCFB's executive director. "Advocates from across the country will converge on the nation's capital to speak to congress about the scandal of hunger in this country." Kozak made the announcement Thursday at the sixth annual WCFB partnership luncheon at food bank headquarters in Delmont. She also presented four awards of appreciation to those already engaged in the fight against hunger. Recipients were Mike and Pat Baltich of New Stanton, who operate a food pantry at Grace United Church of Christ in Jeannette; Donna Kiser of Rector, for her endeavors as Commodity Supplemental Food Program coordinator through the Ligonier Valley Association of Churches Food Pantry; Sherry Stahl of Latrobe, who organized an Operation Fresh Express event in the Latrobe area that lead to 23 more events and the distribution of more than 400,000 pounds of food; and Dean Thomas , for service to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program while working with youth in county juvenile programs. Welcome and introductions were by Glenn Cavanaugh , director of agency relations, with invocation and comments by Mel Parsons , vice president of the board of directors. Anyone interested in the trip should contact Kozak at 724-468-8660, Ext. 11. Seen at lunch: Westmoreland County Commissioner Tom Ceraso , Leyla Pilon , Randee Eberhardt , Tom Sochacki , Wallace Tobin , Jay Marturano , Ted Kopas , Margaree Pertle , Denise Martin , Dave Reese , Tara Burkholder and Ron Eberhardt . Dinner benefits St. Anne Home The final fire of the season blazed in the ballroom fireplace of Latrobe Country Club Saturday during the dessert phase of St. Anne Home's third annual progressive dinner. While Carol Curtis played soft tunes on the piano, event chairwoman Bernie Biss spoke to 110 guests. "We're so happy to see so many new faces," Biss said. "It's just become a very festive and social event. Our residents in assisted living at Villa Angela at St. Anne Home are the recipients of the fun we're having here today." Biss and her husband, Joe , were dessert hosts at the country club. Earlier in the evening guests were treated to hors d'oeuvres and cocktails at the homes of Natale and Betty Carbone of Crabtree; Carmen and Paula Pedicone of Jeannette; and Peter and Marcia Balmert and Dr. Sam and Diane Flannagan of Greensburg. Karen Lauer , Ken and Janis Bush and Linda and Warren Galiffa were cocktail hour hosts at the Greensburg YWCA. Soup and salad hosts were Patricia Fenton , Loretta McBroom and Chuck and Anita Manoli of Latrobe; Dr. Robert and Debbie Tymoczko , the Benedictine Sisters of St. Emma's, Dr. James and Karen Lynch , Bill and Carol Stillwagon , Greg and Mary Melko , Dr. Geoffrey and Kelly Bisignani and Dr. Hugh and Ruey Dempsey of Greensburg. Entree hosts were Scott and Lori Appel and Richard and Eileen Stoner of Latrobe; and Dr. Thomas and April DeGregory of Greensburg. Other dinner hosts were Sister Bernice M. Fiedor at St. Anne Home and the Rev. Michael Begolly at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg; Dawn Waller and David Keefer at Vallozzi's Restaurant in Hempfield Township; and George and Janet Desko at the country club. Progressive dinner committee members with Biss were Betty Carbone, Ruey Dempsey, Jo Milie , Anne Aungier , Fiedor, Karen Lynch, Lauren Raimondo and Waller. Some full but happy guests seen at dessert: Nat and Melanie Pantalone , Eric and Michele Bononi , Rebecca Sorice , George Shaner , Michael Philopena , Dick and Judy Kovach , Terry and Jeanne Graft , Bill and Becky Thorne , Mel Wohlgemuth and Kathy Clingan .