Soirees in the summer sun

ROOF PROOF: On a perfect midsummer night, Sandra and Greg Chesnutt have a breathtaking view of the downtown from the Main Branch library.

Summer soirees were a great way for some area folks to make hay during the sunshine for charities, or just celebrate success.

THEY watched the sun set and the city lights sparkle during the Library Legacy Foundations "A Midsummer Night: Up on the Roof presented by National City bank" at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library downtown Saturday night.

ROOF PROOF: On a perfect midsummer night, Sandra and Greg Chesnutt have a breathtaking view of the downtown from the Main Branch library.

Elegantly landscaped gardens and lighted trees were impressive enough, but a cityscape and larger-than-life shots of party guests projected on the walls added glamour. Candlelight and the star-studded tablecloths finished the scene.

The Scott Potter Group with Kelly Broadway played sultry jazz for the 400 guests who were told, "No ties allowed." Yes, it was a picture-perfect night with great weather, unlike last year's downpour that forced the party indoors. Light fare of crab cakes, bruschetta, fresh fruit, and more sated appetites, but the chocolate fountain and star-shaped cookies sweetened the meal. Just ask Nancy Delicat and Steve Serchuck, Tom and Gretchen Ziems, Tina and Rob Black, Denny and Sheila Johnson, Ben and Peggy Brown, and Chris and Ann Kozak.

Honorary chairmen Mary Pat and Tom Anderson and Beth and Brian Bucher were there as were community ambassadors Melissa Voetsch and Gary Sensenstein. Mr. Anderson, who helped start the Library Foundation, has been a trustee for 32 years.

ON THE ROOF: Mary Pat and Tom Anderson wait for guests so they can spend a midsummer night on the roof.

During the evening, a raffle included something for all: a Hens package, a Catawba Island Club trip, a Toledo Museum of Art tour and dinner at Diva; jazz and lunch in the Toledo Botanical Garden, and a library lover's package. Winners were Dan and Joan Rigal, Bob and Kathy Chirdon, Tim and Linda Yenrick, Madlyn and Tony Pizza, and Jamie and Ellen Black.

Also paying $75 each to attend were Melissa and Hal Munger, Kelly and Sam Zyndorf, Tom and Marlene Uhler, Bill and Diane Kitson, Mary and Bob Arquette, Pete and Margot Beckmann, Virginia and Steve Keller, Mark and Laura Knierim, Bob and Katie Martin, and Edith Rathbun and cousin Bill Rathbun. Among the last to leave were chairmen Paula and Bill Fall and Sandra and Greg Chesnutt. Totals are not in yet, but the event is expected to net at least $20,000 for the library's Summer Reading Club and Homework Help centers.

AFTER hours Friday at the Toledo Zoo, it was the animals' turn to watch people-feeding time during the 4th Annual Feast with the Beasts. The soiree started in the zoo's formal gardens on the beautiful evening. Gadding about among the nearly 100 guests who paid $250 were Steve and Penny Staelin, Bob and Sue Savage, Dorothy Price, Jack and Ruth Hadley, Areka and Tim Foster, John and Yolanda Szuch, Jim and Pat Appold, Judd and Sheila Johnson, Pete and Kathy Wilson, and Cindy and Fred Redmann.

Then dinner with the fishes in the Aquarium. As the fish swam, guests gabbed and dined at crisp yellow linen-covered tables centered with simply elegant fish-motif vases with delicate flowers. Louie hand towels were at each place setting as hostess gifts. A giant Pacific octopus seemed to peer at guests from his aquarium as a giant fake shark hung high above the tables, glaring at Suresh and Marna Ramnath, Rita Kern, Nick and Judy Dye, Rich and Chris Iott, Bill and Anne Lathrop, Holly Metzger, and Tom and Karen Baither.

In a bright-yellow jacket, Ron Coffman ran the auction that showcased a one-of a-kind Belinda Milligan purse; a chance to have a painting by Louie the elephant, and framed original illustrations from the new Louie the Miracle Elephant written by "Grandma" Marian Goldner and illustrated by the zoo's own Vanessa Snyder. Auction proceeds directly support Louie, who keeps growing and growing, at the zoo. The committee included Kay and Steve Foster assisted by their daughter Weezie Stoddard, there with her husband, Blake. The event proceeds of more than $20,000 will benefit programs and exhibits.

ANGELS were behind the scenes for an act of kindness, and that scene was Toledo Speedway. It was a fund-raiser for Jake Block, a 4-year-old with leukemia, sponsored by P.B. Fabrication and Bailey Racing, thanks to owners Pete Bailey and his son Dan Bailey. Every dime raised at the event went directly to Jake. Thanks to the Baileys and the in-kind donations, volunteers, and guests, the event raised about $4,600.

FOR JAKE'S SAKE: Jake Block, 4, stands with Pete Bailey, left, and Jake's grandmother Pat Boes, at the Toledo Speedway Bar and Grill.

Volunteers - all in T-shirts to match - included Rockin Ron's DJ music. He kept things peppy as did the StilVoice band, both offering their services gratis. The Oak Park Gang antique cars on display added extra vroom.

The more than 250 guests bid and bid at the auction filled with oodles and oodles of items from area businesses, including a Cabbage Patch Doll in its original box, NASCAR items, gift certificates, and more. And this was a no fuss, no muss deal; checkbook or cash only.

Barker for the day was Jeremy Baumhower of Tower 98.3 assisted by Bill Ehrsam. Among the bidders were Chuck and Donna Burge, Tom and Susie Dudley, Doug Block, Ron Gorney and others.

A tasty pork and chicken dinner prepared by Pete Bailey and friend Theresa Ceravolo, Pat and Paul Boes, and Janise Pack, sated appetites. The speedway's Driven Women volunteered as servers. Guest of honor, Jake, was with dad and mom, Bill and Amy Block, and brothers Tyler, 15, and Billy, 8.

'VETTE FANS: Doug Brainard, left, and Steve Jagodzinski admire Mr. Brainard's 1963 Sting Ray during the Glass City Corvette Club's 40th anniversary bash.

FAST cars, fancy cars. The Glass City Corvette Club is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The Maumee Indoor Theatre, a bit of nostalgia itself, was the perfect place for a summer gathering. The roads were dry, the skies were clear, and the temperature was just right for a spin in the high-octane vehicles.

While members dined indoors, their prize possessions were near, behind the theater. Just like the classy chassis, guests were dressed to impress. Event chairman was Doug Brainard. Steve Jagodzinski is the president.

ACTS of kindness. Some are random, and others take a bit more planning.

Lynne Radecki, an employee at The Arbors at Sylvania, created a benefit to make a wish come true for a special little girl, Joii, who wanted to see New York City. That wish came true for Joii and her family, who returned from the trip a few weeks ago. It was a busy trip: the statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Broadway play The Color Purple, shopping on 5th Avenue, and more.

Helping were the Arbors staff and donations and services from businesses, individuals, and restaurants and food vendors - 26 vendors fed the guests. The auctions were silent and live, and even a Chinese fishbowl auction. One of the hot items was an art piece by Whoopi Goldberg.

The proceeds went through Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. The event netted more than $3,400, but donations are still coming in. The average amount that it costs to make a dream come true is about $5,500.

BIRTHDAY BASH: Mark Bostleman, left, Fred and Konni Bostleman, and Bill Bostleman have a little birthday fun at their company in Holland.

EVERYONE is still talking about the sunny time at the 60th anniversary celebration, of the Bostleman Corp. No long speeches or programs, just a fun casual celebration. Founder Fred Bostleman, young at heart at 85, sported beer-can motif glasses and a big smile.

But on a serious note, Mr. Bostleman remarked at the new Holland headquarters: "No one is more proud than I am at this time. How many individuals started a business and 60 years later it's still here and bigger and better than ever?"

Grandson Bill became sole owner in 1992 and president in 1998. "But first, just like his father, the late Richard Bostleman, Bill had to go to college - he got a law degree - and go out and work for someone else to get some experience so "it's not dad telling you" what needs to be done," Bill's grandfather said.

Guests toured through the brand spanking new contemporary digs that they moved into in April, past the giant drafting tables, conference rooms, and offices, including one labeled "Bill's Enclave."

On the way, there were pictures of jobs well done, including Trinity Episcopal Church, Sunset House, Wildwood Health Pavilion, and the old Hudson's at Franklin Park Mall, which was Fred's baby.

Just outside was a horseshoe pit installed just the day before by Doug Mold, but everyone was too busy schmoozing under the big tent laden with luscious fresh fruits and cheeses and other tasty tidbits.

Soft drinks, wine, and beer were available, however, several guests imbibed margaritas in just about any desired flavor.

Joining the celebration was family including Fred's son, Mark Bostleman and wife, Jennifer; Bill's wife, Evy Jarrett; Bill's mom, Konni Bostleman, wife of the late Dick Bostleman, and her parents, Bob and Margie Specht, and her daughter and son-in-law Diane Bostleman Lehman and Adam Lehman.

Among the more than 200 that grew to nearly 300 guests including employees, vendors, clients, bankers, realtors and other business associates were John Sluhan, Carolyn Newell Turner, Joe Inderhees, Mark Zyndorf, Pete Shawaker, Kevin and Mary Pat Smith, Peg and Ron Hanna, Bruce Rumpf, Jim Poure, Todd Carman, Karen Boedeker, Jack Lindberg, Lisa Babich, Joe Swint, and CFO Terry Moore.