ON THE TOWN

Crosby preview and festival have art enthusiasts flocking

From left, Paul Haye, Kelly Murray, Ruth Haye, Adrian Odendahl, Ryan Odendahl, and mark Murray at Schedel Arboretum and Gardens.

Sue and Larry Mullins are framed by a sculpture at the Crosby Festival preview party at Toledo Botanical Garden.

Art, music, and wine make for some wonderful events. "Food is to your body, what art and music are to your soul. Come and be nourished" said artist Carol Connolly Pletz in reference to a recent art show in Sylvania.

The 46th annual Crosby Festival of the Arts presented by The Andersons at Toledo Botanical Garden last weekend reaped an estimated $125,000 for the garden.

Friday night's Gala Preview Party presented by Yark Fiat was attended by about 600 folks who ate food provided by Premier Catering as the Toledo School for the Arts Steel Drum Band played peppy tropical tunes.

Many volunteers were hard at work, including Tim Valko and Jim Moore. Among those enjoying the evening were Mary Martin, Melissa and Dick Marcus, Edith Franklin, Mike and Carol Anderson, Nancy Delikat and Steve Serchuk, Kim and John Sidwell, Dorothy Price, Lee Murray, Nancy and Tom Kabat, Lori and Glenn Paton, Karen and Carlton Fraker, Sarah McHugh and David Hart, Dave and CaryWise, Bill and Diane Kitson, Denise and Richard Hasbrook, Janet and Dennis LeGolvin, Kathy and Doug Andrews, Lisa and Brad Lay, Pat Brondes, Ben and Peggy Brown, Marv and Nancy Robon, Mike Barthold, Carol Roswell, Eric and Olivia Summons,George Baibak, and Brent and Nancy Schneider.

Sarah Guran and sister Tracy Guran at Toledo Botanical Garden.

The festival on Saturday and Sunday attracted about 20,000 folks to the garden. Entertainment was continuous, with Kerry Clark, Aegela Middle Eastern Dancers, Dan Opperman, Charlene Ransom, Night Sessions, No Excuses, Academy Brass Quintet, Steve Masternack, Jason Quick, Sisai, Paul Zimmer, and Dan Thomas.

There was something for everyone, from pottery to glass to jewelry to garden art and more. Robert Zollweg, who has been in the show for many years, presented his newly released cookbooks and said there is another one going to press this week.

The weekend also included the Garden Forum Flower Show in the Crosby Conference Center.

From left, Julie Storch, Melissa Shaner, and Erica Emery at the Crosby Festival of the Arts Gala Preview Party.

Beach House Family Shelter hosted a Summer in Paris dinner on the first day of summer -- June 21 -- at Treo Restaurant in Sylvania. The street was blocked off for the occasion, which took place under a giant white tent. Everything else was white too, from the wine and food to the decor and flowers to everyone's attire. Champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and wine with dinner were served, followed by live and silent auctions.

Event chairmen and board members Katrina Iott and Kim Kaplan reported that $25,000 was raised.

That's thanks to all of the sponsors, staff, and attendees. Among the 150 guests at the sold-out event were Susan Stoner, Dean Kaplan, Keith and Susan Burwell, George Simon, Rick and Mary Gallagos, Frank Kahle, Jamie Adams, and many others, including board members Cissie Schnoering, Scott Cousino, Valerie Murphy, Bonnie Weis, John Zajac, Marilyn Levine, Mona Shousher, Joe Rosenberg, Andrea Proctor, Susan Park, and Angie Zalesak.

From left, Paul Haye, Kelly Murray, Ruth Haye, Adrian Odendahl, Ryan Odendahl, and mark Murray at Schedel Arboretum and Gardens.

Schedel Arboretum and Gardens hosted a Gardens, Wine, and Food Fest June 10 in the gardens under a giant tent.

The weather was iffy with the threat of storms, but it turned out to be a cool evening for strolling and schmoozing amid the flowers and trees and art as Local Delivery played classic rock tunes. Dining stations were by Stella's and Swig of Perrysburg. Specialty brews and wines were by Aficionado Wine and Cigars of Perrysburg. Enjoying the evening were 175 supporters who helped raise about $8,000 for Schedel.