Summer time for reunions

9/3/2001
  • Summer-time-for-reunions

    BABIES MAKE FOUR: Lisa Simpson and Richard Wittenberg showed off their 11-week-old twins Sydney, left, and Ethan.

    • The good old summertime. Memorial Day kicks it off with parades and picnics. July 4th fireworks add that special spark to the parties, festivals, fairs, sporting events, and water activities.

    But today, Labor Day, says good-bye to it all. We'll still have warm weather, but with school and work, people are too busy to squander time.

    BABIES MAKE FOUR: Lisa Simpson and Richard Wittenberg showed off their 11-week-old twins Sydney, left, and Ethan.
    BABIES MAKE FOUR: Lisa Simpson and Richard Wittenberg showed off their 11-week-old twins Sydney, left, and Ethan.

    In the meantime, today is another day for family. It's that last day of summer when families unite for a picnic or barbecue - a family reunion.

    This reunion roundup honors all families, large or small.

    The Savage Family Reunion - held every three years - was a weekend affair July 20-22, since 164 of the 189 direct descendents present came from all over the country. Bob Savage, known to many as Uncle Bob, invited them all to his 80-acre farm in Morenci for some "recreating" time.

    90 AND COUNTING: Helene and Wendell Schlichting partied with family and friends to mark their 90th birthdays during nice traveling weather.
    90 AND COUNTING: Helene and Wendell Schlichting partied with family and friends to mark their 90th birthdays during nice traveling weather.

    Cousin Duke Wheeler hosted the Schoen Family Reunion Aug. 4 at his Whitehouse Christmas Tree Farm. Nearly 300 descendants gathered for the event. Sixty-six cousins graduated from area Catholic Schools.

    A family of another sort gathered July 21 at Centennial Terrace for the DeVilbiss High School all-class reunion. The school is gone, but its alumni still roars.

    Helene and Wendell Schlichting's 90th birthday celebrations Aug. 11 at Waterside brought friends and family together. Mrs. Schlichting was 90 on Aug. 21, and Mr. Schlichting will be 90 in January. The couple partied in perfect travel weather. Ex-Toledoan Richard Wittenberg and wife Lisa Simpson of the D.C. area returned to show off Ethan and Sydney at an Aug. 19 reception at Park Lane.

    FROGFRONT: Barbara Baker, left, Lissa Guyton, and Richard Baker.
    FROGFRONT: Barbara Baker, left, Lissa Guyton, and Richard Baker.

    Frog hopping were Toledo Club members and guests Thursday as they loaded TARTA buses for a tour of "It's Reigning Frogs". When Barbara Baker dreamed up the idea, she had no idea of the response - there were four bus loads and two dinner seatings for the nearly 200 frog groupies. The toads were great, but a plus was the grand tour of downtown. And of course, the menu included - what else - frog legs.

    Slamming, spiking, and serving in the sand. The 10th Annual Pollyball volleyball tournament Aug. 18 at International Park was a family-and-friends affair that drew 1,000 in memory of the late Polly Hylant-Tracy. Proceeds benefit the Victory Center, a support system for those battling cancer.

    Toledo Country Club's Lobster Party Aug. 18 was a casual outdoor affair for members and guests, and included a raw bar, lobster dinner, and dancing till midnight. Seen were John and Beth Zavell, John and Amy Spangler, and chairmen Dave and Maggie Kaser.

    Up North is THE summer spot for many Toledo area folks. For those who don't mind the drive to Northern Michigan, the area is breathtaking. Walloon Lake is Millie and Jaan Mannik's under-the-stars-spot. Bay Harbor, in Petoskey, is Michael and Lillian Walsh's retreat. The world-class development is really a city in itself.

    Multimillion-dollar luxury Hatteras yacht owners had a Diamond Rendezvous in Harbor Springs that included top-dollar champagne and endless lobster tails. Tim and Laurie Gladieux hobnobbed with the group and played golf the next day at Little Traverse Bay Golf Club.

    Cedar Point is known for its thrills. But for those who like their spills chilled, the place to go is Bubbles Swim Up Bar in neighboring Soak City.

    One needs to be 21 to go on this ride. Those who do enter can belly up to the wet bar in belly-deep water, take a seat on submerged bar stools under a colorful tiki cabana, sip cool drinks, and watch TV or the wave action from nearby Lake Erie.

    The bar has a dry side to the bar for those who may not want to drink while half-submerged.

    - HEATHER DENNISS

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