ON THE TOWN

Country clubs glitter for the holidays

Block Communications, Inc. Chairman Alan Block and his wife Susan.

Enjoying themselves at Stone Oak Country Club’s 20th Annual Lighting of the Lights Gala were Greg Meyers, Lori Moffitt, Terri Schmakel, and Jeff Dykas.

Twinkling lights, greens, and red ribbons accented the entrances to local country clubs, all decked out for the holidays.

Stone Oak Country Club is always the first of the clubs to kick off the holiday season. The 20th Annual Lighting of the Lights Gala Nov. 19 highlighted the club's newly decorated dining room with gold, copper, and chocolate brown accented with candles and lights. Setting a backdrop for the glittering night was the window view of the golf course, with lighted trees. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres gave members time to chat, and then everyone sat for a delightful beef Wellington stuffed with lobster dinner followed by an elegant assortment of desserts.

The first Saturday in December is always the night for Belmont and Toledo country clubs' holiday balls.

PHOTO GALLERY: On The Town -- Holiday parties

Belmont Country Club's Winter Dance started with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the foyer and bar with photo opportunities by the Christmas tree in the living room with the fireplace adding a glow. Greeting everyone were Scott and Brenda Chambers and Charles and Martha Ash.

Mingling were club president Steve Stanford and his wife Linda, Dave and Cary Wise, Mike and Trina McGivern, Marv and Nancy Robon, John and Sue Byerly, Tracy and Alex Gerken, Gloria and Tony Shaw, Tom and Joanie Fought, and Bill and Laurie Seibold.

The bell tolled for dinner and everyone retired to the dining room where tables were set with gold charger plates that sparkled in the candlelight. Lobster bisque, a delicious salad, roast tenderloin with crab stuffed scampi, fresh asparagus, and a tempting array of desserts sated appetites as members and guests enjoyed conversation.

Block Communications, Inc. Chairman Alan Block and his wife Susan.

Amid the elegant scene were new members including Tom and Lynn Sojak, Matt and Suzanne Norton, and Connie and Gary Murphy.

Toledo Country Club was all aglow for its Holly Ball with a theme this year of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Hosts Ron and Cindi White, Harry and Virginia Shaw, and Steve and Allison Taylor graciously greeted everyone along with club president Mike DiNardo and his wife Doy.

Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were served in the living room as the Tapestry Duo played soft tunes.

Everyone was delighted to meet the new club manager, Peter Swick, and his wife, April. But it was the five-course meal that drew awe: Pear soup with smoked partridge, blue cheese stuffed fillet with five golden Yukon rings, and more, ending with pastry swan swimming in pools of Dove chocolate.

The Toledo Club's Holiday Parade of Trees is officially open. The trees were already up, so some who were at the club had a sneak peek. The member viewing and dinner was Tuesday.

Each tree is in honor of a charity, which is listed with the tree along with who decorated the tree and the company sponsor. To view pictures of the trees go to toledoblade.com/trees.

Eileen and Lorin Zaner enjoy themselves at the Toledo Country Club's holiday ball.

Trees, wreaths, and ornaments are auctioned off by silent bids. Bidding is in the lobby of the Toledo Club until 3 p.m. Dec. 31. Opening bids for trees are $300, wreaths $200, ornaments $100. Bidding increments are a minimum of $20. Winning bids must be picked up between Jan. 3 and Jan. 7.

The club is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday, and Dec. 20 and 21 for a viewing of the trees and a buffet dinner along with entertainment by local choirs. Admission is $25 for adults, $12 for children 5-11. For reservations call 419-243-2200.

At the members dinner, the dining room overflowed with more than 120 people. There were seafood and steak choices for entrees that all included dessert. Gadding about were Elizabeth and Richard Ruppert, Dick and Fran Anderson, Lon and Patricia Poll, Barbara Baker, Dave and Ann Marie Quinn, Don Leary and Becky Fuhrman, Shirley and Philip Levy, Lisa and Scott Rozanski, Tom and Marlene Uhler, Ty Fankhauser, Barb and Bob Bettinger, Mike Goetz, Marlene and Scott Lederman, Cindy and Jack Niggemyer, Tom and Connie Schmidt, and Karen and Tom Klein. Bravo to event chairman Jackie Barnes.