Star-spangled bashes, starry-eyed couples

Perhaps you were privy to area Breakfast at Wimbledon parties to play tennis and watch the tournament yesterday. If so, it was a great way to wrap up a long holiday week that glittered with fireworks and lit up with a few weddings and a milestone anniversary.

ADDING an extra spark to their weddings were a few couples among many who chose that lucky date 7/7/07 as their special day. These young, professional couples chose to make Toledo their home.

Michael O Neill II, and Jaime Pooler, who met in dental school at Ohio State University, exchanged vows at the Holy Rosary Cathedral, then were whisked away in a vintage Rolls-Royce to their reception at the Toledo Club.

The couple, one of those selected to be in The Knot bridal magazine, are delaying their honeymoon until a later date because the groom has to be back on duty in his dental residency at University of Toledo Medical School, the former Medical College of Ohio, today.

In the meantime, they lived it up at the reception and danced all night with family and friends.

The bride, who is in dental practice here in Toledo, is the daughter of Neil and Sharon Pooler of Wooster, Ohio, and the groom, who chose his father as his best man, is the son of Michael and Marcia O Neill of Toledo.

Reg Jackson, left, Kate Buckley and her dad, Bill Buckley are among the guests to reminisce about days gone by and the days yet to be as the Toledo Country Club celebrates its 110th birthday.

Another triple-lucky-number couple were Brian Craig and Lisa Reucher, who tied the wedding knot at St. Patrick s Historic Church. Then they motored in a convertible to The Docks, where they boarded a yacht and cruised downriver to their reception at Toledo Country Club. The bride is the daughter of Rick and Sharon Reucher and the groom, the son of Rich and Karen Craig, all of Toledo. The couple, who met while at the University of Toledo he in law school and she in accounting jetted off to Cabo San Lucas for a honeymoon.

Before returning to their Toledo home where she is employed at Owens-Illinois as a senior auditor, and he is an attorney at the McHugh DeNune & McCarthy law firm.

TOLEDO Country Club celebrated its 110th anniversary on Friday night with a fireworks display that beat the band.

Every room had a theme and staffers dressed in garb to match. The 50s room included mini chocolate malts, tomato soup, and grilled cheese triangles, Chex Mix, deviled eggs and more. Pasta was offered in the 70s room that was aglow from candles in Chianti bottles.

And what s a birthday without a cake? Club members, including Bill Buckley, club board president, and Reg Jackson, president of the 1897 society that preserves the club, cut the cake so the party could continue. Mr. Jackson said he grew up at TCC: His parents joined in 1952 when he was 5. Until the late 60s, it was THE social place to be. Now it is more family-oriented.

Dick and Shirley Kelly, members since 1967, had a groovy time in the 60s room with lava lamps and fondue. Their son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Melissa Kelly, and grandchildren Erin, 8, and Julia, 6, were there too. Mrs. Kelly agreed that the club was noted as being the social club, and now it is recognized as more of a family place with a lot of nice people.

Sam and Virginia Rice, members since 1949, were there with son Jim and daughter-in-law Laurie. They were on the patio overlooking the entire outdoor scene along the river. Mr. Rice was reminded of the old days when the parties were like this one, every Saturday night.

Pete and Carol Bentley were there too. From childhood, Mrs. Bentley remembers a time when children were not allowed in certain parts of the club.

Jennifer Marra recalls walking to the club to go swimming. Thirty years later, she watches her children swim in the club pool. She remembers that as a young girl she dreamed of getting married and having her reception at TCC. It was a dream come true when she wed her husband, Joe.

The dance floor in front of the gazebo where the band played was packed with folks burning calories as they rocked to a variety of oldies, from the 50s rock n roll to the 80s disco scene. We Are Family had everyone dancing and singing. Seen were Barbara and Dan Cutillo, Candy and Jim Millon, and June and Erwin Effler.

Meanwhile, the youngest members were indoors watching a magician, making crafts, and dining from a kids buffet.

Ah, but all of a sudden things were quiet as everyone found their special spot the deck, the lawn, and the river on a boat to view the spectacular computerized pyrotechnics show set to patriotic music from the Red, White and Blue to God Bless the USA.

Also among the 380 revelers were Mary and Walt Krueger, Cynthia and Ned Hoffman, who have been there for 32 years, Bob Bell and Kate Arnos, Mike and Carol Anderson and family, Jane and Dan DiSalle, Beverly and Mike Porter, and Joe and Chris Lawless and family.

WHILE thousands of folks were downtown on July 4 to see the fireworks display, some 400 members and guests enjoyed the scene at Sylvania Country Club. And it was perfect entertainment for neighbors who hosted parties in their homes.

But the club s party included an All-American buffet of burgers, potato salad, watermelon, fried chicken, hot dogs, ribs, and more, plus star-and-flag cookies.

Among the crowd were Keith and Katy Walker and their sons Henry, 6, and Teddy, 5, Lynn and Joyce Olman, Camile and Andy Golding and family, Terry and Denise Benton, and Megan and Tom Gallup and daughter Michaela, 7, and Samantha, 5, and Marcia and Mark Rubini, who stopped by Brad and Jan Dolgin s preparty.

FIREWORKS parties appeared to be the only game in town Tuesday night in Perrysburg and Maumee. People gathered at friends homes which had a good view for the fireworks, and brought their favorite dishes to share while they waited for the show.

Several Miami Manor river lot landowners hosted their 15th annual July 3rd party.

More than 100 friends gathered for a cookout and bonfire, and to watch the Perrysburg-Maumee fireworks. The party was hosted by Tony and Marcia Helmann, Barney Stickles, Mary and Ted Smith, Robert Lawless, and Jeff and Wendy Wynn. Also seen were Marie Meade, Tom and Kathy Lance, and a boatload of Maumee River Yacht club members who cruised down to join their friends.

On the Perrysburg side were oodles of parties. Nancy and Erick Kronk s party was fab with a DJ by the pool. Sue and Dave Kienzle, and Karla Chesser can attest to that.

Seen at Mike and Colleen McGoldenrick s patriotic party were Kim and Rick Nickerson, Kurt and Laura Miller, Amy and Scott Steele, Stan and Mary Allen, and former neighbors Cindy and Brock Rimmelin.

STONE OAK Oak Country Club s big celebration was also on July 3rd with rides, entertainment, All-American food stations, and fireworks at dusk. The event, like years past, was open to the public.

BELMONT Country Club celebrated the 4th of July early with a big bash July 1, followed by golf, tennis, and swimming all week-long, ending with a Founder s Day Golf Tournament to raise funds for the golf course.

But the bash was a giant family affair and reunion of friends, with a variety of picnic favorites, plus lots of ice cream. Jimity the Clown kept all ages laughing.

HIGHLAND Meadows Golf Club has been busy preparing for the LPGA, which starts today with pro-am tournaments and officially starts Thursday with the pro tourney. Come on out and enjoy spectating!