ON THE TOWN

Companies and organizations celebrate anniversaries

Martha Vetter, chief executive officer and founder of R/P Marketing Public Relations presents Sam Melden, executive director and chief thought officer of Food for Thought with a check.

Photo by R/P

Barbara Hendel

Philanthropic minded companies that celebrated anniversaries last year are already involved in this year's community events. They are but a few of the many generous businesses that give back to the area in which they reside. In addition, many area doctors and nurses gathered for annual meetings with their professional organizations as they readied themselves for a new year of hope.

THE winter chill is still here, but boaters are preparing for the warm weather ahead. The Toledo Sail & Power Squadron, the local unit of the United States Power Squadrons for promoting safer boating through education, hosted its Change of Watch on Jan. 12 at Angelo's Northwood Villa in Erie, Mich. 2013 Commander Felicia Evans turned over the helm to 2014 Commander Debra Shaulis of Erie.

Sail, power, and personal watercraft basic boating classes are in February, March, and May. Contact education officer Christopher Hoover at 419-343-0251 or cshoover@yahoo.com.

The local squadron, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, was proud to be part of the USPS District 29 Spring Conference at the Holiday Inn French Quarter in Perrysburg. The district, which includes Columbus, Fort Wayne, Findlay, Lima, Marion, Port Clinton, Sandusky, and Toledo, celebrated 50 years at that time, while the national organization celebrated 100 years.

RELATED GALLERY: Click here to view more photos from society events.

During the conference, long-time sailor Ralph J. Stevens of Lambertville celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member. Former Toleodan John T. Alter, Chief Commander of the USPS, installed the new District 29 Commander Larry D. Cole of Monroe.

Martha Vetter, chief executive officer and founder of R/P Marketing Public Relations presents Sam Melden, executive director and chief thought officer of Food for Thought with a check.

R/P MARKETING Public Relations in Holland celebrated its 20th anniversary last year during one of its Beer Friday's, a weekly tradition that continues this year.

In honor of the anniversary, CEO/Founder Martha Vetter donated $10,000 to Food for Thought. Ms. Vetter, in 2006, founded Chicks for Charity, a group of women and girls who gather for fun and to raise funds for selected charities. RP, again this year, has plans to continue to be active in the community and to encourage others to become involved.

Albert Vonz III

HEIDELBERG Distributing Company celebrated its 75th anniversary last year at the Toledo Club. Red roses set the elegant tone as music filled the air. Beer-related hors d'oeuvres were followed by a gourmet dinner with fine wines. Guinness cupcakes completed the spirited meal.

The business, owned and operated by the Vontz and Miller families since it was founded, has facilities and warehouses in Ohio and Kentucky.

The familiar Heidelberg face of Toledo is Tom McHugh, executive vice president and general manager of the Toledo office, who has made Heidelberg a common name when it comes to charitable events.

The local distributor is already signed up again this year to help with the Taste of the Nation, Chicks for Charity, Crosby Festival of the Arts, and many other community events as well as events for educational institutions.

COOPER Smith Advertising celebrated its 50th anniversary with a celebration at Sylvania Country Club last year. The late Bill Tailford founded the agency with his wife, Jackie, who still survives.

His first big client was Vroman Foods, which manufactured novelty ice cream products. I know because my dad, Bill Hendel, comptroller, vice president, and part owner of Vroman's, hired him. I recall as a young girl visiting the advertising agency and being intrigued with the creativity involved.

Years later, Jim Cooper came on board and is still there, and Steve Smith joined around that time but retired in recent years.

Early on, the agency did campaigns for Toledo Scale, Tinker Toys, and Tony Packo's, to name a few, then later health care agencies such as ProMedica. Now they specialize in the cable industry.

Cooper-Smith gives back to the community via events such as Taste of the Nation and the Sylvania community including the North view hockey team.

THE Academy of Medicine of Toledo and Lucas County's 112th annual meeting was Jan. 9 at the Premier Banquet Complex. The 2013 president Dr. Steven J. Rubin turned the gavel over to 2014 president, Dr. Charles L. Filipiak.

Guest speaker was Ohio State Medical Association President Neal J. Nesbitt, a surgeon with Athens Medical Associates in Athens, Ohio. Dr. Nesbitt, who said employed physicians need organized medicine more than ever for representation and activism, spoke about how the state association has changed its focus to provide support to local and regional medical societies and the American Medical Association. The strategic plan includes advocacy and dealing with insurance companies.

Brenda Brian, RN, left, and Peggy Barton, RN, right, attended the annual Toledo Area Oncology Nursing Society Banquet at Mancy's Italian Grill in West Toledo. About 50 people attended the event on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014.

THE Toledo Area Oncology Nursing Society Banquet luncheon was Jan. 11 at Mancy's Italian Grill. The chapter, beginning its 33rd year in the national society, is run by local president Christine Ernest.

Attendees mingled over lunch as they chatted about the science and art of oncology nursing. Mary Magee Gullatte, president of the national organization, was the keynote speaker. She is also vice president of patient services and chief nursing officer at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta. The world speaker and editor of several books on nursing talked about how to be a leader and to never lose sight of your dreams and vision.