Lakes historical society raises funds for museum

Joseph Zerbey, left, Sharon Speyer, and Bill Buckley, honorary co-chairs, at the Treasures on the Lakes, the 2012 Fund Raiser for the Great Lakes Historical Society, in Toledo.

The Blade/Jetta Fraser
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Joseph Zerbey, left, Sharon Speyer, and Bill Buckley, honorary co-chairs, at the Treasures on the Lakes, the 2012 Fund Raiser for the Great Lakes Historical Society, in Toledo.

Ship ahoy! Treasures on the Lakes, a fund-raiser for the Great Lakes Historical Society, was Nov. 3 at the Toledo Club. The estimated net of more than $65,000 supports the National Museum of the Great Lakes, Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, Peachman Lake Erie Shipwreck Research Center, Clarence S. Metcalf Great Lakes Maritime Research Library, and Island Seas historical journal.

Society board chairman Jim Karpinski talked about the National Museum of the Great Lakes on the east bank of the Maumee River where the Schoonmaker is docked at the Toledo Maritime Center. The museum is expected to open next summer, according to Chris Gillcrist, executive director of the historical society.

Honorary chairmen were Bill Buckley, retired president at the Hylant Group and community philanthropist, Sharon Speyer, president of Huntington Bank, and Joseph Zerbey IV, president-general manager of The Blade.

Nearly 170 supporters mingled, dined, and navigated the silent auction of great gifts. Waves of tickets were sold for the Chinese, wine, and Luck of the Lakes raffles.

Richard Wolverton of Columbus won the top prize of $10,000. Anthony Szambecki of Vermilion, Mike Calabrese of Lambertville, George Jones of Toledo, and Robert Pocotte of Port Clinton all won six-day history cruises.

Thanks go to event chairmen Karen Bettcher and Jola Karpinski, their committee, and the 19 sponsors including The Andersons, Bettcher Industries, Interlake Steamship Co., Anthony and Diana Szambecki, and The Blade.

Charter memeber Jeanette Bradley attends the sorority's 40th anniversary..

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Toledo Alumnae Chapter celebrated its 40th chapter anniversary Nov. 3 with a luncheon in the Glass Pavilion of the Toledo Museum of Art. The sorority supports programs in communities throughout the world, including scholarships, a Habitat for Humanity house in Africa, voter registration activities, mentoring and tutoring programs, and mental and physical health awareness events.

Three of the 42 charter members -- Joyce Williamson-Henderson, Jeanette Bradley, and Dorotha Stubblefield -- were honored. Among the 100 attendees were chapter president Robin Stone and event chairmen Stephanie Teamer and Shannon Tisdale.

The celebration will continue with a day of community service Saturday at the Toledo Seagate Foodbank.

A proud and patriotic American citizen, Mahmoud "Mac" Rafati celebrated his 50th year in the United States of America. Monday night Mac and Tong's Restaurant in the Ottawa Hills Shopping Center boomed with excitement as loyal customers and friends paid tribute to restaurant owner Mr. Rafati, a Palestinian, with his wife Tong, a Korean.

Amid the red, white, and blue cake and pink champagne, Mr. Rafati greeted guests.

A poem written by Mr. Rafati in honor of the occasion was on display. The poem expressed his love for his chosen country.

Mr. Rafati came to New York in 1962 at the age of 26, speaking no English. He got lost on his way to Pittsburgh and ended up in Toledo.

In 1971, Mr. Rafati became a U.S. citizen.

The retired Owens-Illinois, Inc. supervisor has traveled to many countries.