Music, dance fill Kasich's inaugural gala

Kasich twins Reese, left, and Emma join their mom, Karen, for a spirited O-H-I-O cheer as the Ohio State band plays the university's fight song near the end of Monday night's inaugural gala in Columbus.

The Blade/Amy E. Voigt
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Kasich twins Reese, left, and Emma join their mom, Karen, for a spirited O-H-I-O cheer as the Ohio State band plays the university's fight song near the end of Monday night's inaugural gala in Columbus.

Northwest Ohioans filed into the historic Ohio Theatre and the nearby inaugural ball on Monday night to help usher in the Kasich administration with dancing, toasts, and a spirited O-H-I-O cheer.

The marquee of the beautiful downtown Columbus theater read "The Inauguration of Governor Kasich and Lt. Governor Taylor January 10th 2011."

Inside the building among the baroque-style woodwork in gold leaf and the rich red velvet-covered seats was a giant sparkling chandelier that could be viewed up close from the balcony where Mary Lou and Phil Rudolph, Jr., of Perrysburg were seated.

A mural of the front of the Statehouse provided the backdrop for the stage, and The All-Ohio State Fair Band played a stirring rendition of "Stars and Stripes Forever."

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the governor's daughter Reese Kasich and her fifth grade class from Worthington Christian Powell Elementary Schools.

Governor Kasich received a kiss from his wife Karen and whistles and applause from the crowd along with a standing ovation before he gave his inaugural speech. The Ohio State Band played the university's fight song as people left and Mr. Kasich did a little jig while his daughters did the O-H-I-O cheer.

The Greater Columbus Convention Center was the scene for the Inaugural Gala where giant Ohio, Kasich, and Taylor signs hung from the ceilings.

Dee and Lance Talmage are ready to attend the Inaugural Gala.

At the ball were Toledo Mayor Mike Bell, looking quite dapper, and Jon Stainbrook, chairman of the Lucas County Republican Party, and his date, Meghan Gallagher. Mr. Stainbrook said he was with 15 Toledoans Sunday night at the Conservatory reception for volunteers including Narvez Al Fonzo, Jonathan Anderson, and Hans Schnapp.

U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R., Bowling Green) and his wife, Marcia, were there, and they said state Sen. Mark Wagoner (R., Toledo) was on his way.

Attending a number of events over the weekend was Dee Talmage, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Owens Community College and a member of the Republican State Central Committee, along with her husband, retired Brigadier Gen. Lance Talmage.

Contact Barbara Hendel at: bhendel@theblade.com, or 419-724-6124.