Local Children Shine Brightly in Times Square | A Chocolate Affair for St. Barnabas

Photos, left to right: Claire Barclay with her dad, Emily Ortman, Selah Gallo

Local Children Shine Brightly in Times Square

By Janice Lane Palko

Since the nomination of Gov. Sarah Palin as the Republican candidate for Vice President, children with Down syndrome have been in the news a lot lately. Palin is the mother of a fivemonth- old son, Trig, who has Down syndrome. But the area can boast of its own newsmakers. Claire Barclay, 2, of Cranberry Twp.; Selah Gallo, 5, of Beaver Falls; and Emily Ortman, 8, of Hampton Twp., appeared as lights on Broadway on Sunday, September 28, as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s video production to demonstrate that people with Down syndrome can be successfully included in community activities, education and employment. October is national Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

The family of each girl, all of whom have Down syndrome, submitted a photo of their child, and their photos were selected from thousands of entries received from across the country. The photos appeared in the video which was shown on the huge plasma screen in the heart of Times Square in New York City.

The Ortmans were not able to be in New York for the event, but nevertheless were excited to have Emily make her Broadway debut. “We’re thrilled to be able to show how much she has achieved,” said Dori Ortman, Emily’s mother. Emily attends Poff Elementary and is a cheerleader. “She doesn’t really understand what New York City is, but she is excited by all the attention. She’s been mentioned in her school’s newsletter, and her teacher laminated her photo and hung it in the classroom,” Ortman said.

Selah Gallo is also thrilled by the honor. “She doesn’t understand it all, but she knows her picture won a prize,” said Christine Gallo, Selah’s mother. They also were unable to go New York City, but they are looking forward to seeing the video when it is made available on the official buddy walk website at www.buddywalk.org. The Pittsburgh Buddy Walk takes place on Saturday, October 18, at Hartwood Acres.

Claire Barclay, 2, of Cranberry Twp. was the youngest of the group from our area to appear in the video. She may be the youngest, but she is a veteran of the big screen. Her photo was selected last year too. “We are pleased and honored that her photo was chosen again. Last year a photo of her and her grandfather appeared,” said Holly Barclay, Claire’s mother. “Inclusion is paramount. We want people to know our kids are just like other kids.”

All three girls and their families are members of CARE 21, an organization started by Dori Ortman. CARE 21 builds Community, Awareness, Resources and Enrichment for families living with Down syndrome.

“I always say that Emily is more like other kids than people realize,” Ortman said. NC magazine congratulates these three local luminaries.

For more information on Pittsburgh’s Buddy Walk, visit the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh at www.dspagh.org. For more information on CARE 21, call 724-444-6956 or e-mail: care21@connecttime. net.

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St. Barnabas Charities’ Annual Fashion Gala
“A Chocolate Affair”

This October, a fall tradition continues as St. Barnabas Charities hosts its annual Fashion Gala on Saturday, October 18, at the Kean Theatre and The Washington Place at St. Barnabas in Gibsonia. This year’s gala will follow the theme “A Chocolate Affair,” promising guests a fun-filled afternoon of fashion, shopping and sweets galore.

Trisha Pittman of WPXI-TV will serve as mistress of ceremonies.  Doors open at 1 p.m. followed by the fashion show at 4 p.m.  There will be three seatings in the elegant Mount Vernon Restaurant: 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. featuring decadent desserts, chocolate delights and complementary beverages.

Guests will be treated to the popular fountain of melted chocolate and array of desserts, unique shopping, music by the Donna Bailey Jazz Quartet and a fall and winter fashion show featuring local celebrities.  Guests can get a start on their holiday shopping or simply treat themselves to something special at tables set up by more than 30 boutique style vendors including local artisans.  Among the goods the vendors will offer are handbags, unique jewelry, fashion accessories, gourmet foods, books and more.

Additionally, guests will be able to purchase tickets for a chance to win a pair of Steelers football tickets, a pair of Penguin tickets and nearly 20 themed raffle baskets.

“A unique highlight of this year’s event features an exclusive offering of special occasion items including dresses, vintage furs, handbags and accessories,” states Debra Panei, director of development at St. Barnabas.  New and twice-loved items will be available for purchase and special pieces will be modeled during the event.  “We have many fabulous items including beautifully detailed wedding gowns – the guests will be amazed!”

Sponsors for “A Chocolate Affair” include Armstrong, Baierl Automotive, DBS Jazz, ESB Bank, Highmark, Miaco Media, Northern Connection Magazine, Pollak’s Candy, Reed & Witting Company, UPMC Health Plan and WPXI-TV.  Proceeds benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, which provides more than $5.6 million a year to the patients at St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas and The Arbors at St. Barnabas who otherwise would not be able to afford their care.

Tickets are $32 and are available by calling 724-444-5521 or by visiting www.stbarnabashealthsystem.com.

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