IN THE CROWD:25 years of Sophisticated commitment

The Sophisticates of The Assessment Treatment Services Center lived up to their name as they gathered for a 25th anniversary membership reception.

The Pacific Coast estate of Mindy and Glenn Stearns was the spectacular backdrop for some 100 Newport women who came together to reaffirm their dedication to the ATSC cause and motto — “Arrest the problem, not the child.”

For 25 years, ATSC has provided counseling to local youth and their families, diverting young people from problems that escalate into anti-social and criminal behavior.

Working closely with schools, ATSC volunteers and staff make a discernible difference in the lives of young men and women in search of help and direction.

Longtime Newport social leader Barbara Magness has joined forces with a lovely new face on the Newport social scene, Francine Cashen — a Texas transplant — to promote the work of The Sophisticates and ATSC.

The pair joined with yet another Newport dynamo, Sarah Corrigan — current president of The Sophisticates — and Lisa Hallaian — who will serve as the fashion show fundraising chair this season — to welcome the elegant group of women to the Stearns residence.

Chaired by Donna Card and Rebecca Squier, the event was a lively success as local standouts — including Ollie Hill, Barbara Hertzberg, Linda Lamitie, Jo Anne Mix, Christy Netro, Nancy Lynn Olson, Carol Pontremoli and lovely Grace Thelen — enjoyed the music of pianist Ron Levy and sampled food from Maltese Cuisine.

Gerald Aust, president of the ATSC board, was on hand to address the ladies, updating them on the recent progress at ATSC.

Also in the crowd were Georgeana Ireland, Bobbi Mahler, Sharon Paisley, Mary Rock, Leyla Saba, Jennifer Spindler, Melissa Theriot, Eva Verdult, Anne Wyett and Brenda Yeshin.

For more information on the work of The Sophisticates and ATSC, please send an e-mail to francashen@cox.net or BMagnessNB@aol.com.