ON THE TOWN

Halloween, anniversaries inspire local party-goers

Bill Roan, Chris Krauser, Roger Holliday, and Jeff Vollmar at the Maumee Valley Region Porsche Club of America's 40th anniversary gala.

Toledo Zoo board member Pete Boyer and his wife Amelia awoke from their coffins to join the fun.

Oct. 27 was a bewitching time for events ranging from costume parties to anniversary celebrations.

The Ghoulwill Ball to benefit Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio was at Brandywine Country Club. Under a nearly full moon, a witch lurked at the entrance where a scary character stood guard. Skeletons, cobwebs, and other decorations led the 220 creepy and creatively dressed guests to the party. Tantric Soul Band enticed many to dance 'till the bewitching hour of midnight. In the meantime libations quenched thirsts, appetites were sated with a tasty array of edibles, and Inspire Dance Studio, all in black, did a creative performance. Chris Conley of Toledo Refinery won a 50/50 cash raffle and donated all of the $482 back to the Goodwill. More than $500 in gift certificates were given as door prizes. The inaugural event netted more than $15,000.

MaskZOOrade presented by KeyBank at the Toledo Zoo was a great time in the Nairobi Pavilion next door to the Africa exhibit. Rats, bats, skulls, and cobwebs set the spooky scene as creepy tunes played. A Mexican buffet and desserts created by the zoo's catering department enticed party-goers to feast all night long. Among about 600 attendees were Pete and Amelia Boyer, Alex Nader and Katie Wallace, Pat Hamilton, Uma Savanoor, and Romont Johnson. The anticipated net is approximately $20,000 for the zoo.

PHOTO GALLERY: Costume parties and other gatherings

Lauretta and Paul Papp enjoy the spooky fun festivities at Ghoulwill Ball.

Toledo Ski Club members and guests gathered at the Schaller Memorial Hall in Perrysburg for Wicked Fun! Haunting music set the scene along with orange and black decor, a frightful array of food, and costumes worn by most of the of 50 attendees. Chairmen Sherrie and Dave Zirn greeted goblins, ghosts, and more as they arrived. Costume judges Nick and Debi Koltoniak enjoyed the Monster Mash parade and selected the winners: Pirates Amy Decker and Daryl Rodney, Dapper Couple Dave and Sherri Zirn, and Dancing Bunny Donna Whitner. Assisting with the night were Michael Lieber and Judy Cooper, Susan Wammes, Zauzi Brown, Paula Hanigosky, and president Tricia Fee-Mainhardt.

Toledo Country Club's family Halloween party included a light buffet, a magic show, a clown who that made animal-shaped balloons, hayrides, homemade doughnuts and hot cider, and a costume parade.

Family Outreach Community United Services, better known as FOCUS, held its 30th anniversary bash "There's No Place Like Home" at Maumee Valley Country Day School. More than $25,000 was raised to help provide independence for Toledo's homeless families. Seen were Randy and Janna Lake, Joel and Becky Hansen, Drew and Gail Masse, and event chairmen Aimee Bretzloff and Nicole Muir.

The Maumee Valley Region of the Porsche Club of America celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Black Tie Gala at the Toledo Zoo. Tom Gorsuch and Ron Carr, of the National Porsche Club of America, presented Michael Soriano, local club president, with plaques and awards commemorating the club's milestone. Founding member Bill Bauman, and members celebrating 25 or more years of membership, were recognized including Jack and Dax Bushmeyer, 39-year members. Keynote speaker and member Jay O'Connell of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing talked about how racing Porsches helped him in various racing teams.

A raffle and silent auction raised more than $1,250 for the Pat Tillman Foundation, which provides scholarships to military veterans and their spouses.

Bill Roan, Chris Krauser, Roger Holliday, and Jeff Vollmar at the Maumee Valley Region Porsche Club of America's 40th anniversary gala.

Among the attendees were Chuck and Kristine Schaub, Zack and Kathy Zacharias, Diane and Jim Schoen, Shellie and Robb Mack, event chairman Jeff Vollmar and his wife Teri, and Deb and Tom Isley who is the editor of the Der Ruckspiegel (the rear window) newsletter.

The Wednesday Nooners group of the Toledo Club celebrated its 60th anniversary Oct. 27. The men's lunch group occupies a long table in the dining room every Wednesday. The group is a "who's who" of community leaders who share jokes and stimulating conversation. They are very strict on their rules -- no fund-raising, no speeches, and no dues. No women are allowed at the lunches. Spouses and female guests, however, are invited to the two dinner meetings per year, including this formal affair where tuxedos were the preferred attire.

At the head of the table is the birthday boy or when no birthday, the president, who is honored with buying a round of drinks. They do, by tradition, shake hands with every one of the 22 active members before lunch.

There are no officers except a president, Fred Harrington, this year for one term, and a scribe, Bill Vaughan. Among the long-time members are Lon Poll, 1981; Ed Weber, 1991; Dean Roberts, 1994; Fred Bostleman, 1995, and Ernie Weaver, 1996.