Article published January 02, 2006
Ringing in 2006
The year 2005 went out with champagne, kisses, and hugs when the clock struck midnight. Blaring noisemakers, thundering fireworks, and the traditional renditions of "Auld Lang Syne" accompanied wishes for new hopes and new beginnings. Whether dressed in blue jeans, black ties, or anything in between, everyone celebrated in their own way. Although attendance was down at many of the usual big bashes, the fun wasn't dampened for those who did attend.
AULD LANG SYNE: Lisa and Scott Rozanski pause to reflect on the year past and the year right around the corner at the Toledo Club.
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THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT
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THE Toledo Club hosted "the Biggest and Best Party in Town," featuring an early-bird dinner or the classic "All Night Celebration Party," with a cocktail hour, a filet mignon and lobster tail-dinner, and dancing to the Night Hawks or Traffic Jam. The clock struck midnight, champagne flowed, and partygoers in festive hats made a racket.
Among the early crew were Shirley and Philip Levy. Cruising the club all evening were Tom and Connie Schmidt, Lou Tosi and Mary Ellen Pisanelli, Joe and Bonnie Coyle, Dick and Skip Gross, Pete and Margot Beckmann, Don and Virginia Strayer, Dee and Lance Talmage, Howard and Mary Madigan, Irene and Newell Kaufman, Dan and Mary DiSalle, Milo and Chrissie Danzeisen, Ellie and Fred Burgie, Barbara and John Hammill, Larry and Kathy Ulrich, Chuck Krueger and Jan Skunda, and Mike and Marcia O'Neill. Marianne Ballas and Jim Maciejko and Al and Eldora Brogan all left before midnight to head back to the Brogans' home to toast 2006 with Dom Perignon.
Bill and Ann Baronas-Jonke and Scott and Lisa Rozanski were hosts. The Jonkes had a hospitality suite and limousine service for their guests.
UP CLOSE: Scott and Karen Weaver hit the dance floor at the Stranahan.
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TEA for Two, cha, cha, cha. Johnny Knorr and his orchestra were pleased as punch to play old favorites and a few new tunes too. Ballroom buffs only sat long enough to dine and visit a bit, then took to the floor at the Stranahan Great Hall. Mr. Knorr, 84, joined the band as a sax player and his son Jerry played host. The senior Mr. Knorr was featured throughout the night, including when he played "Stranger on the Shore."
The band presented Mr. Knorr and his wife, Jane, something they can reminisce with: Toledo, Our Life, Our Times, Our Town, a Toledo history book published by The Blade. Knorr fans seen cutting a rug included John and Dorothy Whitacre, Gloria and Bill Carpenter, and Dick and Andrea Weaver. The Weavers' son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Karen Weaver, also showed: The younger Mrs. Weaver was missing in action last year because the couple had just welcomed baby Bryce, now 1 year old. Lyn and Gary Miller have been coming to the Knorr New Year's Eve bash for countless years. Bobbie and Ed Shabnow were looking good on the dance floor. Mike Henry of Defiance took a night off from his rock and roll band to celebrate the new year with his wife, Pat, who said, "This is my year not to be a wall flower." Then the pair hit the dance floor with flair, using the dance steps they learned from videos.
SIGN OF THE SEASON: Erica Veneziale, left, and Christie Swiczkowski let their headwear say it all.
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THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT
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GLADIEUX Meadows had a big crowd - 500 - including some who were carted from the Fairfield Inn. With party hats, station dining all night long, an open bar, and champagne at midnight, it was a complete package. The dance floor was full as revelers grooved to the tunes of Johnny Rocker and the Hitmen. The band pleased just about everyone: each set was from a different era from the 1960s' to the '70s and '80s, with matching costumes.
Among those celebrating the end of another year were Erin and Scott Bonnick, Cyril and Kelley Joseph, Allison and Greg Row, and John and Leslie Joseph.
THE Zenobia Shrine had two parties going at once. One was in the ballroom with a Hawaiian flair and the other was downstairs with "Elvis."
FINE DINING: Mechelle and Pete Zografides enjoy the atmosphere at Fifi's as the calendar changes from 2005 to 2006.
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THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH
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SOME partygoers played it a bit more low-key, dining out, then going home early. Heather Downs Country Club served dinner to several members and guests - including Bruce and Jane Larsen - but were closed by 10 p.m.
At Brandywine Country Club, Dorcey Hayes and Pat Critch, Breen and Tara Lyden, and Nancy and Kim Klewer were just a few who enjoyed a cocktail hour and a beef filet and lobster tail dinner. Dancing followed with Ronn Michaels spinning favorite tunes. After a midnight champagne toast, revelers - including those who used the free babysitting service - headed home.
Toledo Yacht Club had a New Year's Eve prime rib buffet, and Stone Oak Country Club threw a party. Catawba Island Club offered members three choices: dinner only; an orchestra - Runyan Jay Big Band - and a formal gourmet dressy dinner, or a family fun time with a prime rib buffet, kids' games, a pinata, and an early champagne toast.
LAID-BACK: Deb Lengel and her husband, Alex, take a low-key approach to the new year as they celebrate at Mancy's Bluewater Grille.
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SEVERAL local restaurants had reservations all afternoon and evening. The first of the diners at Stella's on Perrysburg's main drag arrived at 3 p.m. By 12:30 a.m., the place was pretty cleared out, as was the Rose and Thistle, a stone's throw away.
FIFI'S, a classic and elegant place for more than 25 years, once again catered to its loyal patrons. That the clientele was upscale was obvious, judging from the abundance of Mercedes Benzes and the volume of furs. Soft lighting and piano music set the romantic scene. Guests, showing up as early as 5 p.m., rang in the new year with Fifi and her daughter Kelley. Seen were Nick and Sylvia Lopez, Nadeem and Mary Jane Kutaish, Titi and Soteri Kakissis, Bruce and Marina Lung, Barry and Joyce Savage, Tim and Patti Green, Mike and Kathleen Vassar, Harvey and Judy Bowles, Bill and Marnie Ammann, Bob and Lisa McPherson, Bob and Cary Swan, Shakil Khan and Susan Stoner, Pat and Rob Robinson, and birthday boy Panos Doukides, who was there with his wife, Susan.
ALL SMILES: Rose Ann and Pat Kenny are all smiles at Mancy's Bluewater Grille.
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MANCY'S new Bluewater Grille was booked starting at 3 p.m., and the crowd continued all evening. Dan and Becky Bollin, Dan and Lynn Saab, Steve and Kathy Moyer, Tammy and Michael Dean, Karen Murphy and Tom DuBose were all sipping "stolidolis." Lois Laurent, Stan Saucke, and Diane Baker were enjoying a quiet reunion with friends. Also seen were Jack and Gloria Hiles.
Other festivities included the German American Festival Society's bash at Oak Shade Grove; Collingwood Arts Center's celebration of its 100th anniversary along with the dawn of 2006; Zoar Lutheran Church's family-style party with Ramona Collins and Line One.
Those still in the partying mood attended the "Hair that Bit The Dog" party at Jack Sculfort's home. Guests also dropped by to congratulate Mr. Sculfort and Cyndi Marcis. They became engaged on Christmas Eve.
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