UT arts students, alumni get together at Cricket West

Nicole Cutcher, left, Joe Diehl, Emily Shively, and Brandon Lynch at Arts Night at Cricket West.

The Blade/Jetta Fraser
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IT WAS one of those creative and laid-back coffeehouse nights. Nearly 80 alumni and students of the University of Toledo attended the annual Visual and Performing Arts Alumni Affiliate s Arts Night April 5 at the Cricket West Shopping Center on Central Avenue near Secor Road, a short distance from campus.

The progressive event began at Calvino s restaurant, where framed art and ceramics were on display and the Latin Jazz Group from UT played background tunes.

Nicole Cutcher, left, Joe Diehl, Emily Shively, and Brandon Lynch at Arts Night at Cricket West.

Then everyone meandered around the corner in the shopping center to Biggby s coffeehouse for three short theatrical scenes by alums and students.

The cost for the night was a steal at $12 per person, which included hors d oeuvres and nonalcoholic beverages, and there was a cash bar.

For information about the group, contact the UT Office of Alumni Relations at 419-530-2586 or online at www.toledoalumni.org. The president is Kate Abu-Absi.

A RECEPTION was held April 5 in the Atrium of the Center for Creative Education on the University of Toledo Health Science Campus in honor of the 2008 inductees into the Medical Mission Hall of Fame founded by Lawrence Conway of Toledo. Two were posthumous: the late Dr. Nathan Barlow, director of the Mossy Foot Project in Ethiopia, and the late Dr. Victor Rambo, opthalmologist and missionary to India.

Leslie Adams, left, with Kate Abu-Absi and Liz Schurrer at Arts Night presented by the University of Toledo Visual and Performing Arts Alumni Affiliate.

Also inducted were Dr. Editha s ACanete-Miguel for the Agape Rural Program in her native Philippines and Dr. Peter Hotez of Washington for his work at the Sabin Vaccine Institute at George Washington University Medical Center.

In addition, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur was presented with the Lifetime Distinguished Service Award and John B. Dau, a native of Sudan who now raises funds to aid Sudanese refugees, was presented with the Distinguished Medical Service Award.

THE JUVENILE Diabetes Research Foundation International s Northwest Ohio Office hosted a reception March 28 at the Toledo Club. Its brief gathering, sponsored by Citi Smith Barney, was a chance to meet the new branch manager, Lori Karasek.

Kimberly and Doug Reinhart in Calvino s wine shop, one of the stops for the UT progressive dinner.

A NUMBER of kickoff parties sprang up in preparation for May events:

MORE than 40 women gathered in the late afternoon in the Perrysburg home of Mary Krueger April 2 for a sneak peak at the finalized plan for the new Children s Garden at Toledo Botanical Garden, which is supported in part by the proceeds from the annual Crosby Award Luncheon. Dave Merrell and Walt Krueger served as wine stewards.

Honorees of this year s Crosby luncheon, slated for May 22, are Sara Jane DeHoff and Denise Gehring. At the preview were TBG Board president Mimi Creutz, Kay Foster, Sandy Drabik, Deb Joslin, Jill Mickel, Priscilla Schwier, Kathi Souder, Lambie Stout, Yolanda Szuch, and others.

MAUMEE VALLEY Country Day School s annual auction is slated for May 9 at the Toledo Zoo s Nairobi Pavillion.

Joanie Barrett, event chairman, said Rainforest Rhumba: It s A Jungle In Here! will include school singers and a steel drum band. Hilary White, vice president of the school board, said this year s goal is to raise $250,000 for teachers salaries, curriculum development, and financial aid.

The Mustard Seed Bar and Kitchen, formerly Matthew s Creative Cuisine, was the site for the kickoff party Jan. 22.