Summer social calendar sizzles

The social calendar overflowed Saturday, with parties almost too numerous to count, but here are a few highlights:

PERFECT WEATHER and a star-kissed sky were the finishing touches for the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of John and Marilyn Bureau at their Perrysburg home. The Bureaus were hosts for a party for 137 family members and friends from near and far. The bridegroom of many moons ago was delighted that his best man, Wally Buckler, was present; he and his wife, Shirley, traveled from their home in Crosby, Minn.

A giant trellis of white flowers and lights drew guests into the riverfront setting by the swimming pool, which was decorated with floating flowers and candles. Everything was top-notch, from the decor to the gourmet-quality dinner of generous proportions. The beef fillet was so tender, guests could cut it with dinner knives. White-linen-covered tables held black glass top-hat-shaped ice buckets filled with bottles of wine and with flowers, candles, and mini-champagne bottles of bubbles. Music played and everyone present was included in a video.

John and Marilyn Bureau marked 50 years of marriage.

There also was a toast and humorous roast arranged by the Bureaus' family. John, a former U.S. Marine and area yachtsman, was noted for being a prankster, and Marilyn, a retired teacher and master shopper, was noted for being an avid fan of Bowling Green State University football. A final toast said it all: “John and Marilyn, we love you!”

Among the diverse group were the Bureaus' son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Mary, and their children, John and Suzy; and their daughter, Theresa Frick and children Andrew and Amanda.

GRAPE LEAVES, garlic bread, guacamole, gazpacho, ginger snaps, green beans, gingerbread, and more: It was all part of the fun at Cigar-B-Que 8 at the Sylvania home of Leslie and Stevin Groth. Guests were invited to bring their favorite side dish or dessert that begins with the letter “G” along with their favorite stogies, of course.

SUNNY SKIES created a perfect scene for the ninth annual Pollyball at International Park. The event, in memory of Polly Hylant Tracy, who lost her battle with cancer in 1990, is a volleyball tournament to benefit the Victory Center, which aids families dealing with cancer.

In honor of the late Mrs. Tracy, the event was a rockin' good time with music, team photos, rousing competition, and ample soft drinks and ice-cold beers. The backyard champion team was Kingston Health Care, which prevailed over Savage and Associates. The advanced team champion was NFO World Group, which beat the William Ryan team. The event netted $45,000, thanks to the sponsors and the 48 teams that participated.

FLAPPER AND GANGSTER getups were the popular attire for “Gatsby 2003” to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. The event, held at Toledo Country Club, started with cocktails and an elegant sit-down dinner along the river under a giant tent decorated with fresh-cut flowers.

Gambling followed with play money in the “Speakeasy” - the dining room - with blackjack, craps, roulette, and a horse race. The grand raffle prize was a walk-on part on That '70s Show, won by Roger Skiver.

Theme baskets of golf, martini, margarita, spa, and other items were also given as prizes.

The best Gatsby attire award went to Daryl Miller of Lima and Jennifer Shuff of Sylvania. Among the group of 200 were board member Ruth Lewandowski, who wore an authentic 1920s dress belonging to her mother; board chairman Jennifer Thompson and her husband, Jim; chairmen Joe Luzar and Cheryl Hardy, and Donato and Christine Borrillo in their Keystone Kop costumes. Honorees were Robert Gosling, a founding father of the chapter, which dates to 1968, and Jazzlyn Nichols, 12, who attended the Arthritis Foundation's summer camp at Miakonda. The estimated net is $20,000.

FRIDAY NIGHT was busy, too. The Toledo Repertoire Theatre announced its 2003-04 season during a wine-tasting benefit. The soiree was given by Richard Gee and Gloria Moulopoulos at 20 North Gallery.

LAST-MINUTE details are being worked out for the Toledo Symphony League Clam Bake slated for Sept. 5 at Inverness Club. Also, SRO for David's House is scheduled for Sept. 6 on Adams Street between 11th and 13th streets, and Links, Drinks, and Lobster will be Sept. 6 to benefit the Bedford Branch Library.