ON THE TOWN

Come aboard, boating season is underway

Debutantes highlight Cotillion event

Boaters and sailors socialize in front of the Maumee River Yacht Club at the annual gathering of the clubs at the Opening of the Port ceremony.

The Blade/Amy E. Voigt
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Commodores from the host clubs are, from left: J. Michael Walsh, Bay View Yacht Club, Barry Vincent, Toledo Yacht Club, Barb Pfleghaar, Toledo Sailing Club, and Ron Reeder, Maumee River Yacht Club, during the Opening of the Port ceremony at the Maumee River Yacht Club.

It's official — the boating season is here. It kicked off during the Opening of the Port celebration over Memorial Day weekend. The traditional affair is hosted every year by Toledo Yacht Club, Bay View Yacht Club, Toledo Sailing Club, and Maumee River Yacht Club. This year’s festivities were at Maumee River Yacht Club and Toledo Sailing Club, both of which are at Walbridge Park.

The weather was perfect for the big celebration along the Maumee River. A champagne breakfast at TSC Saturday was followed by the Opening of the Port Ceremonies at MRYC led by emcee Dan Maenle, past commodore of Toledo Sailing Club. David Dauer, past commodore of River View Yacht Club sang the U.S. and Canadian anthems as the flags were raised. The host club commodores tossed flowers into the river for The Blessing of the Fleet.

Special guests were Maumee Mayor Rich Carr, Perrysburg Mayor Nelson Evans and his wife Felicia, and Associated Yacht Clubs Commodore Tom MacDonald and Lady Kathy.

After the boat parade, everyone partied with a steak dinner. Among the revelers were members of the Toledo Sail and Power Squadron, which hosts safe boating and navigation classes open to the public.

The next big boating event is the Invitational Mills Race which is Friday with a pre-party Saturday at Toledo Yacht Club.

PHOTO GALLERY: Boating season and Debutante Cotillion

Boaters and sailors socialize in front of the Maumee River Yacht Club at the annual gathering of the clubs at the Opening of the Port ceremony.

A beautiful sight to see was the 49th Annual Debutante Cotillion presented by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. May 25 at Stranahan Great Hall. Twenty-four debutantes dressed in full-skirted white gowns and long white gloves were escorted by debonair young men in white tails, shoes, and gloves. The couples did the waltz which was so elegant and poised, it demanded an encore performance.

President Denise Black Poon welcomed everyone.

The debutantes train all year long, learning etiquette and responsibility. For the escorts, it was also a night to shine as young men.

Honored with the Miss Debutante title was Faith Mitchell, Notre Dame Academy, a $3,500 scholarship. Others honored were: Jayla Satterfield, first runner-up, Toledo School for the Arts, $2,000; and BreAnn Russell, second runner-up, Toledo School for the Arts, $1,000.

Many other awards were given:

Cameron McKelvin, Mr. Escort; Pearline Young, Miss Congeniality, Horizon Science Academy; Jayla Satterfield, first place talent, Toledo School for the Arts; Sarabe Russell, second place talent, Toledo School for the Arts, and Jada Bolden, Toledo School for the Arts, and Faith Mitchell, Notre Dame Academy, tied for third place talent.

Chandler Johnson receives a pearl necklace from debutante-in-waiting Yatian Caldwell as her escort Caleb Willhight looks on.

University of Toledo President’s Community Scholarships valued at $13,700 each were given to Imani Barnett, Central Catholic High School; Michelle Blue, Rogers High School; Jada Bolden; Cheyanne Dye, St. Ursula Academy; Bria Highsmith, Start High School; Autumn Mitchell, Early College High School; Sarabe Russell, and Deja Wilson, Start High School.

Event chairman Wilma Brown was assisted by co-chairman Karen Jarrett, and committee members Donnetta Carter, Leola Haynes, Phyllis Dunbar, Dennis Jarrett, Oscar Haynes, Larry Cardwell, Denise Cardwell, Sharon Green Gaines, Deborah Carlisle, Beverly Tucker, Al Smith, Jackie Miller, and dance instructor Bill Miller who has been part of the Cotillion since its inception.

Toledo Country Club’s season-opening extravaganza on Memorial Day weekend kicked off May 24 with the annual family picnic and fireworks display. More than 400 members and guests enjoyed a great barbecue with hot dogs, ribs, corn, salads, and more. A shortcake station with strawberries and peaches finished the meal. The evening of family and friends ended with fireworks over the river.