Partygoers warm up to food and fun times

Spring is here, according to the calendar, and while we wait for warmer, sunnier days, parties continue to chase the clouds away.

THE TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART Docents gathered just in time for their annual winter party Saturday: spring began Sunday. Partygoers paid no attention to the weather, though, because they were too busy enjoying the fun inside the Paula Brown Gallery owned by Paula Brown, a docent herself.

The party theme was "alley cats and cocktails," and instead of entering through the front door, partygoers entered from the alley. Everyone had to follow two rules: no cat fights, and casual collars had to be worn. Guests nibbled on artfully presented treats served on framed mirrors by Diva restaurant as they sat at tables centered with cat-shaped gummy candy and cat-themed luminaries made by Lynn Duty, a docent in training. Hot jazz was provided by the Cool Cats Trio: Matt Pohlad, who works at the museum, his twin brother, Mark, and a friend, Don Hess.

From left, Marlene Uhler, Deanna Johnson, and Paula Brown enjoy the art museum docents annual winter party Saturday.

Guests had fun having pictures taken as they poked their heads through cutout silhouettes of the pharaoh Tanwetamani. The cutouts were made by docent Kelly Sheehan. Seen were several tomcats who crept in with their mates: Tom and Martha Houston, Tom and Nancy Verner, Tom and Janice Gagnet, Tom and Terry Wolfe, Tom and Julia Mahoney, Tom and Kelly Sheehan, and Tom and Marlene Uhler.

MARCH MADNESS, Junior League style, was March 16 at Sophia Lustig and Sophie's Sister. Members of the Junior League of Toledo gathered for shopping and socializing. The event was the brainchild of the recruitment and retention committee, the sustainer council, and new members program committee. Best of all, it was a chance to gather just for fun.

IT WAS THE LAST HURRAH for Ron McKinney of North Shore Display. He planned one last party - his own farewell/pre-auction party that took place Tuesday night. Friends and longtime customers stopped by for a sneak peek at what will be on the auction block April 2, when everything will be for sale, including the building. Wine, tasty treats from Fifi's, and lots of reminiscing filled the evening.

THE TOTALS are in for the Ahava Ministries March 14 fund-raiser in Navy Bistro. The Charmed and Cherished: A Wine Tasting Event netted $18,381. And founder-director Katie Morgan-Lousky couldn't be happier with the success of the first-time event. In addition to the wine tasting, there was a silent auction, a raffle, and the sale of the spa's "Cherished" bracelets. (Ahava means "cherished one" in Hebrew.) Nearly 430 guests attended the event. The proceeds support the spa and wellness services provided at no charge to those faced with the challenges of cancer.

Ms. Morgan-Lousky was assisted by co-chairman Julia Smirnov and a team of volunteers including Beth Hill, Paula Jones, Julie Kujawa, Deb Krall, Ann Pumphrey, Theresa Romano, and Shelia Wollet.