AROUND TOWN

So many reasons to party!

8/29/2013
BY BARBARA HENDEL
BLADE SOCIETY EDITOR
  • BARBARA-HENDEL-jpg-5

    Barbara Hendel.

  • Barbara Hendel.
    Barbara Hendel.

    THE fourth annual American Cancer Society Greater Toledo Area "Red, White, and Bark for Life," a one-mile dog walk, is set for Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg with honorary chairman Christina Williams of WTVG-TV, Channel 13. The Blessing of the Dogs is at noon.

    The relay fund-raising event honors the care-giving qualities for canine companions while contributing to cancer cures, said Deb Buker, event chairman.

    Nearly 14 years ago, Mrs. Buker had breast cancer and that same year, her father, mother, sister, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law also had cancer. Her family and friends were there in support but also by her side was her chocolate lab Gillian, who licked her tears, made her laugh, and was the only one to see her bald head. Bark for Life lets Mrs. Buker remember Gillian while giving back to the American Cancer Society.

    PHOTO GALLERIES: Red, White and Bark BBQ and Johnny Knorr Orchestra in Sylvania

    The annual Red, White, and Bark BBQ kickoff party was Aug. 24 at Carranor Hunt and Polo Club with emcee Jeff Smith of WTVG-TV, Channel 13. Dinner was dandy, a silent auction included many dog and cat-themed items, wines, art, and a hot air balloon ride, and the JazzAddiction band entertained.

    Mark Olejownik, left, Scott Buker, center, and Lindsay Buker, right, during the Bark for Life party.
    Mark Olejownik, left, Scott Buker, center, and Lindsay Buker, right, during the Bark for Life party.

    A lottery ticket tree filled with $350 worth of instant lottery tickets was raffled and won by Mike Liebenthal.

    Among the 180 attendees were Sally and John Welch, a cancer survivor who celebrated his birthday that night. Also seen were Mike and Colleen McGoldrick, Bob and Jackie Venzel, Deb and Rick Thielen, Molly and Bob Mack, Judy Reitzel and Dwight Osterud, Tom and Allison Mackin, Jon and Lisa Eckel, and Jeff and Deb Norman.

    Last year, the walk and barbecue raised more than $15,000 and this year's goal is $18,000. About $8,000 was netted from the kickoff.

    The Bark committee includes Annette Sipp, Megan Coutcher, Nikki Badman, Nicole Germann, Lindsay Buker, Jeanette Whalen, and Marcia Clark.

    THE fifth annual Bloody Mary party was Aug. 18 at the home of Mike and Jill Sevoss next to the pool in a beautifully landscaped yard in Perrysburg.

    The casual competition was started by Cyndi Sculfort, Mrs. Sevoss, and Shelly Konz when they all thought they made "the best bloodys."

    This year there were eight contestants and Kelly Hufford, a bartender at Rose and Thistle, was the winner.

    Susan and Rolando Beredo of Jackson, Mich. pictured during a performance by the Johnny Knorr Orchestra August 23, 2013 at Centennial Terrace in Sylvania.
    Susan and Rolando Beredo of Jackson, Mich. pictured during a performance by the Johnny Knorr Orchestra August 23, 2013 at Centennial Terrace in Sylvania.

    IT'S not summer without a trip to Centennial Terrance for Dancing Under The Stars with the Johnny Knorr Orchestra. Mr. Knorr may be gone, but his legacy of big band music continues as his son, Jerry Knorr, leads the band and Johnny's wife Jane is in the audience, wearing her lighted visor, as she has done for years.

    The big band style music, "The Music You Like... The Way You Like To Hear It," fills the air at the terrace, an outdoor dance floor with an orchestra pit, gazebos, tables and chairs, and concessions. It's like being in an old movie, usually under a moon-lit and star-kissed night, and there's nothing like it.

    Many times there are guest singers including songstress Kelly Broadway, who sang in her sultry voice on Aug. 23 during the orchestra's "Music of Glenn Miller" night.

    That night also included a special presentation honoring Larry Wagner for his 15 years of Portraits in Swing, part of WGTE-FM 91.3's Saturday evening program lineup.

    Earlier in the summer there was a tribute to veterans and many more theme nights, but it's not too late to experience the wonderful time. On Sept. 14 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. is the annual roast dance with "Music from Broadway to Hollywood" and bonfires for cooking hot dogs at the casual farewell to summer. Admission is $10 per person.