WEIRTON - The St. Joseph the Worker and St. Paul Holy Name societies held annual wine-tasting event Friday at the Madonna High School Gymnasium. The society members were assisted by the St. Paul Christian Mothers.
"It's a nice social event for people," said Mike Veltri.
The event funds special projects and tuition assistance throughout both parishes. The two societies originally held two separate events as socials, but decided to combine them into what has become one of the largest, wine-tasting events in the area, drawing nearly 40 local winemakers from an exhaustive list developed over nearly two decades of holding the event, organizers said.
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Peggy Kula, Mary Kay Angelo and Jackie Gaughenbaugh
"We really want to extend appreciation for what (the winemakers) do," said Rich Pellegrino.
"We've had one of our biggest turnouts ever this year," said Paul Neeley. "It's a nice way for the community to get together - you never know who you'll see, old friends, people who you didn't even know made wine until you see them here."
Winemakers included Chuck and Erma Rangos, Greg Ciotti, Mike Orecchio, Dave Scarfo, Sean Muscara, Ted Walasczyk, Robbie France, Mike Cupini, Alfred and Fred Provenzano, John and Norma Kovach, Luiggi Muscedere, Bernie Bish, Fedele and Wanda Lee Arlia, Jerry Angelo, Joe DiAntonio, John and Chris Fair, Bill and Elizabeth Shipe, George Slanchik and Larry Walasczyk, Rick and Cindy Parker, Wilson and Linda Cole, Tom Gruda and Marlene Marsh, Gino Guglielmo, Krissy Smurda and Erika Guz, James Reed, Tom and Mary Ann Poole, Clifford Edgell, Ted and Linda Bolen, Susan and Denny Johnston, Emilio and June Cupini, Derek Sliday and Christina Baumgartner, Bill and Mary McElhaney, Max and Elaine Flinn and Jack and Sandy Hatala.
Platinum sponsors included Serra Village Retirement Community, Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, First Choice America and Fans First Signs and Shirts. Gold sponsors included Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, Anile Pharmacy, Steel and Wolfe Funeral Home and candidate Ken Thorn. Silver sponsors included Weirton Lumber Co., Sellitti, Nogay and McCune, Michael DiDomenico, candidate Rich McCollough and Dr. Alain Alimario.Bronze sponsors included Frankovitch, Anetakis, Colantonio and Simon, James White Construction Co., Lyle's Auto Sales, DeeJay's BBQ Ribs and Grill, United Bank, Marsh Hardware and Supply, Jack Fowler Insurance, Village Pharmacy, Penn-Way Pharmacy, Iannetti's Garden Center, Del. Randy Swartzmiller, Del. Ronnie Jones, Magistrate Scott Hicks, P.S. Marketing Inc., candidate Ralph Fletcher, R. E. Saxon Jewelers, candidate Marilyn Boyd, candidate Ronald Haggerty, Weirton Electric Supply, Starvaggi Charities, Del. Phil Diserio, Hancock County Clerk Eleanor Straight, Patsy Brancazio and Hancock County Board of Education, Blakemore Insurance Agency and Dr. Kelli Fournier.
"Every year, what they do is very appreciated," said Neeley. "We could not do it without the sponsors, and many of them come back every year. "Come on down next year, have some fun, enjoy some nice wines and bring your friends."
