Putters go for the green

WHAT A SHOW: John Rintamaki of Ford, Vivian Davies of the British Museum, and Roger Berkowitz of the TMA.

The Epilepsy Center 12th Annual Ameritech Practically a Golf Tournament, which ran February 22 through yesterday at Franklin Park Mall, shot a hole in one with approximately $60,000 net and they're still counting.

The 19 miniature golf holes were designed and built by some 100 local architects, designers, and builders, and set up in one evening. Volunteer chairman Matt Subleski said more than 3,000, novice and scratch golfers from tots and high-schoolers to corporate and family groups plus shoppers, took to the greens for fun and charity.

IT'S FUNKY, OF COURSE: Kathleen and Douglas Andrews.

The evening included tantalizing foods, an auction, and dancing to the Detroit band, Intrigue. Seen were Mary Martin, Rick and Nancy Zerner, Mo Devany, Craig and Michelle Joseph, Hank and Cheryl Silverman, June and Erwin Effler, Mike and Sue Duket, and Dennis Hellmann and Sue Krieger.

The surf was up at Beach Party 2001 presented by the Greater Toledo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross on Friday evening at Gladieux Meadows. Thatched-roof cabanas, beach balls, sunglasses, a life guard chair, and umbrellas created a sunny setting for some 300 guests. Spirited beverages, a zesty tortilla bar, and Mexican chips and dips warmed guests up for limbo, karaoke, and pineapple princess contests. An ice cream sundae bar helped to cool them off.

Guests dressed for action in grass skirts, Hawaiian print shirts, and straw hats.

Seen were Sue and Ed Kaplan, Mary and Paul Nungester, Amy Newman , and a bronzed Darlene Minnik and her husband, Joe - back from the real tropics.

LOVE ME TENDER: Chairman Jeff Gibbs and Susan Gibbs with a statue of The King at the Inverness Club.

It was all gaming and glamour at the 5th Annual Celebrity Waiter Gala, “Viva Las Vegas!” presented by the American Diabetes Association Saturday at Inverness Club. The lively evening included casino games, dancing show girls, a wedding chapel, mouthwatering foods, a diamond raffle, shopping auctions, and dancing to the Mighty Meaty Swing Kings.

Men in tuxedos and ladies in sexy gowns strolled as Elvis impersonator Bill Schlachter worked the crowd with celebrity wait staff - local movers and shakers who joked about stealing silverware as guests dined.

But the real celebrities were honorees John E. Brunner, John F. Brunner, Jyoti Chakravarty, Paul Delamater, Richard Beham, and Luis Gerstenmaier - a group of endocrinologists who are members of the American Diabetes Association Provider Recognition Program. Dr. Beham won more, too: diamond jewelry in the raffle and the live auction.

Event chairman Jeff Gibbs was assisted by a large crew.

WHAT A SHOW: John Rintamaki of Ford, Vivian Davies of the British Museum, and Roger Berkowitz of the TMA.

A feast for the mind and eye is “Eternal Egypt: Master Works of Ancient Art from the British Museum,” said viewers at the North American premiere Thursday evening at the Toledo Museum of Art. Amidst paintings by Rubens and other Old Masters in the Great Gallery, TMA director Roger Berkowitz emceed the opening, where key players praised the show, which will tour seven more American museums after it closes here May 27. The British Museum keeper Vivian Davies said “my wife is from Ohio and my first experience as a curator was with an American.”

Bev and Gary McBride, who saw Egyptian art in Cairo on a TMA trip, were excited. Herb and Carolyn Metzger had a sneak peek at the exhibit earlier and were fascinated with the finished display. Jill and Larry Peterson and Diane and Bob Kalb were impressed with the detail and age of the work. Bob and Kathy Maxwell, who toured the British Museum, enjoyed the TMA's installation. “It's overwhelming,” remarked Marty Bettencourt. Cheryl and John Fulton said,“It's wonderful. We're coming back!”

The annual Date with Dad dinner dance, “Mardi-Gras Madness,” of St. Ursula Academy was Feb. 25 at Gladieux Meadows. Moms stayed home while Dads in suits and ties and daughters in dressy attire went out on the town.

Guests at the eighth annual Putting Tourney in Doc and Patty Schaub's home Saturday played in teams: one guy and one gal chosen by random drawing. Mandatory minimum greens fees were a buck and more was suggested. Proceeds, matched by the hosts, help a needy family.

ART WISE: Ann Robichaux, left, Sunni Brown, and Nancy Lohman at the New Neighbors League auction.

"Do I hear ... Sold!" The Gala Art Exhibit and Auction of the New Neighbors League at Brandywine Country Club February 25 was a delightful afternoon of brunch, door prizes, and bidding on art.

There was something for everyone among framed and signed prints, lithographs, and oils supplied by Marlin Fine Auctions. "It was an easy way to make money," remarked area director Betty Thompson. Event chairperson Nancy Lohman reported a net of about $2,600.

Ann Robichaux is club president. New Neighbor of the Year is Sunni Brown.

Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor. E-mail her at bhendel@theblade.com.