ON THE TOWN

Party launches new Buckeye Community Arts Network

Graffiti artist Tony Touch performs during the Buckeye Community Arts Network premiere at Maumee Bay Brewing Company.

The Blade/Lori King
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THE new Buckeye Community Arts Network premiere party was Wednesday night at Maumee Bay Brewing Co. The network, exclusively on Buckeye Broadband, airs shows including Buckeye Bright Spot, Exposure, Fashion of Life, Common Ground, Arts Now!, Four One Nosh, Rise Up!, and the new Live from 201 Morris beginning 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays on channels 109 and 609 (HD).

Graffiti artist Tony Touch performs during the Buckeye Community Arts Network premiere at Maumee Bay Brewing Company.

BCAN is about spotlighting the tremendous art and cultural communities in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan to enhance the local quality of life through art and humanities, said Marc Jaromin, general manager.

Guests got a sampling of what one will see on BCAN, including harpist Denise Grupp-Verbon, LAS jewelry, medium readings by Sirena La Point, Tippstoons Caricatures, graffiti and tattoo artist Tony Touch, Firenation Glass Studio demonstrations, and models in togs from Eden Fashion Boutique sporting hair sculpted by the Salon Institute.

Musical entertainment was by Andrew Ellis and Nikki D & the Sisters of Thunder. Quenching thirsts were craft beers, wines donated by Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, and specialty drinks including the 201 Morris and the BCAN Float. Sating appetites were soft pretzels, a nacho bar, and 7 Little Cupcakes in the warehouse, which was decorated by Your Perfect Day, and brick-oven pizza in the main building.

Each guest received a custom designed, hand-fired, one-of-kind pilsner glass by Firenation. Door prizes included certificates for Reve Salon and Spa, Jonathon Khoi Nail Spa, and a $5,000 Buckeye Broadband advertising schedule.

Making his first public appearance since his election the previous day was Toledo Mayor-Elect Wade Kapszukiewicz. Also seen were Marc Folk of the Arts Commission; arts supporters Mary and John Fedderke; Susan Allan Block, wife of Allan Block, chairman of Block Communications, Inc., owner of Buckeye Broadband and The Blade; Kurt Franck, executive editor, executive vice president and interim general manager of The Blade, and many more.

FALL colors, sequins, leathers, furs, and other casual and formal wear were all at the Auxiliary to the Ability Center’s 33rd annual style show Passport to Fashion presented by Home Instead Senior Care at the Pinnacle in Maumee. The $28,000 raised supports Ability Center services for children and adults living with disabilities, including a program to prepare students with disabilities for postsecondary education.

Vendor shopping, raffle baskets, and a silent auction were followed by a tasty lunch in an elegant setting for the more than 400 attendees.

Barbara Hendel

Emcee Dave Gierke of the Toledo School for the Arts gave colorful commentary as community models paraded the runway in fashions provided by Amy’s Allie, Atlas Bridal Shop, Chico’s, Elegant Rags, Ragazza Boutique, and Vivian Kate, plus eyewear by the Optical Shop. Hair and makeup were by Creative Headlines.

There were coats, boots, hats, dresses, jumpsuits, gowns, and more. Adding just the right touch to the day was music performed by Toledo School for the Arts students and pianist Greg Thibodeau.

Bravo to event chairmen Lisa Rozanski and Mary Tucker and their committee!

TWO’S Athletic Club in Toledo was the scene for a Rally for the Cure tennis, lunch, and fashion show of business attire from Monica Kelley of Cabi. In addition to the fun, $500 was raised according to Angie Thetford, Susan G. Komen ambassador and board member and an athletic club member.

DIA de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) was cause for celebration at Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center. Entertainment included local artists Hector Mendoza, Jacob Estrada and Imagenes Mexicanas, altar displays honoring deceased loved ones, a miniature village exhibit, card games, dancing, and great foods.

THE SWEET SUCCESS Gala dinner auction, presented by Diabetes Youth Services at the Premier banquet facility, raised about $60,000 for services to families facing Type 1 diabetes. Honorary chairman was Robin Cutcher, who was instrumental in getting the DYS camp and programs started.

Emcee Jerry Anderson and Teri Anderson attend the Anne Grady Center's Enchanted Evening at Parkway Place in Maumee.

ANNE Grady’s 29th annual Enchanted Evening at the Parkway Place banquet hall in Maumee was an elegant scene. The Toledo School for the Arts Alumni Jazz Group performed as the 300-some guests shopped the silent auction with electronic bidding. Station dining followed with cuisine from around the world: Italian, French, Polish, Hungarian, and Asian.

Emcee Jerry Anderson of WTOL-TV, Channel 11, welcomed everyone, then did his magic as auctioneer extraordinaire. But not before honorary chairman Karen Medina was recognized, as were honorary committee members Wendy Austin, Dr. Stephen Bazeley, Jim and Lois Whiteman, Dr. R.W. and Laurie Mills, Joanne Ollivier, and Lauren and Byrne Stapleton.

Thanked were Hart Inc., which designed the lovely invitations, and gallant young men from St. Francis de Sales High School who did the valet parking. Winner of the Las Vegas vacation raffle was Michael Skaff.

Tears filled guests eyes as the IDance team of Anne Grady clients performed.

The evening’s live donation goal of $2,500 was exceeded. Donations reached $5,235, which was added to the $67,521 raised that night for housing, services, and transportation for individuals with intellectual disabilities served by Anne Grady.

Enjoying the night were Vince and Debbie Marinelli, Andy and Christy Schober, Bruce and Martha Bridgeman, Don Yerks, Dan and Diane Kazmierczak, Deb and Tillman Sandusky, Mike and Nora Cassidy, Barb Gose, Emil and Penny Marks, Mike Zapiecki and Candy Millon, Stu and Jo-Jo Goldberg, Rhonda Sewell, Tom and Gaye Martin, and Steve, Julia, and Dale Nafziger.