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Carole D'Andrea accepted her Blair County Arts Hall of Fame induction honors Thursday night at the Mishler Theatre in Altoona, where her show business career began 68 years ago.

D'Andrea, who was the original Velma in both the Broadway and film productions of "West Side Story" and has appeared in numerous television specials and sitcoms, was the performing arts inductee.

She first danced on the Mishler stage at age 4 and last performed there at age 17 in a dance recital three weeks after her parents were killed in a car accident.

"My last appearance on this stage was in 1955," D'Andrea said. "I'm 72. To be given this honor is so deeply moving. I feel like I've come full circle."

D'Andrea's brother Ronny presented her with her award, a gesture that "meant everything," she said.

"It was too touching to even talk about," Ronny Dandrea said of the experience.

The Blair County Arts Foundation inducts new members into the hall of fame every two years.

"Each time that we do it, even though I've been involved for so many years - [the artists] are such extraordinary people, and the talent just blows me away," said mistress of ceremonies Ann Benzel, the co-chairwoman of the hall's event committee said. "It's absolutely amazing."

In addition to D'Andrea's work in the performing arts, the hall also honored Dorothea and Dean Nelson of Hollidaysburg for their contributions as arts patrons; the late Edwin Zoller, a Tyrone artist, for his work in the visual arts; the Altoona Symphony Orchestra for its contributions to public art/architecture; and Bellwood author Robert P. Broadwater for his achievements in the literary arts.

Broadwater, who has published more than 25 books on the Civil War, said that accepting the award was overwhelming.

"I do public speaking a lot," Broadwater said at the reception after the ceremony at The Columns in downtown Altoona. "I don't get butterflies anymore but that wasn't the case tonight."

Before the induction ceremony, several performing groups took to the Mishler stage, including a brass quintet from the Altoona Symphony Orchestra, Blair Concert Chorale and dancers from Allegheny Ballet Company, who performed a number from "West Side Story." The performances were in honor of the inductees.

"These artists have enhanced the legacy of Blair County," Benzel said, "and demonstrated excellence in their fields. We're grateful for their work and justifiably proud of their accomplishments. What amazes me about this area is that it has been home to some of the most talented artists in the world."

Mirror Staff Writer Ashley Gurbal is at 946-7435.