Ten-time Grammy Award winner Bobby McFerrin invited music students from Jones Junior High School, St. Ursula Academy, and area home schools to the Toledo Symphony rehearsal Friday morning in the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle for his nearly sold-out performances last weekend.
Mr. McFerrin is committed to music education. He is one of the world's best-known vocal innovators and improvisers, a noted classical conductor, and creator of one of the most popular songs of the late 20th century, "Don't Worry, Be Happy."
After the performance Saturday night, the concert sponsor, Fifth Third Bank, was host for a reception with its diversity committee and invited guests.
The aroma of chocolate filled the air as guests entered the museum's Green Room; there was a chocolate fountain laden with strawberries, pretzels, and other treats for dipping. Chatter was infectious, and revolved around the fun everyone had during the concert as Mr. McFerrin interacted with audience members and had them singing along. About that time, in strolled Mr. McFerrin, who mingled with the guests.
Seen were Fifth Third Bank President and CEO Bruce Lee and his wife, Lisa, Karen Merrels, Karen and Scott Seeliger, Keith and Susan Burwell, Karen Fraker, Robert and Stephanie Alexander, Dirk and Julie VanHeyst, Elizabeth and Dave Kollar, Ellen Critchley, Don and Mary Decker, Bob and Carolyn Pinkston, Sharon and James Haxton, Bob and Linda Helmer, Lonnie Peppler-Moyer and Herb Moyer, Bob and Sue Savage, Jim and Kay Silk, Olivia and Eric Summons, Michael and Stephanie Rash, and Carolyn Jabs and son Zach Zamichow, a budding musician.
IT WAS POURING rain last Thursday night, but that didn't deter folks from attending the Press Club of Toledo's first Afterwork Networking for news makers and shakers at Diva. To kick off the series, Australian wines were donated by Heidelberg Distributing for tasting. In addition, Firelilly Chocolates donated its prize product - sinfully succulent Truffle Cones that tempted even the strictest of dieters.
The next Afterwork Networking is slated for Feb. 10 at Mancy's Italian. No invitations will be printed or mailed. Only word-of-mouth and e-mail reminders will be used. RSVP via e-mail or by calling the Press Club of Toledo, 419-381-2100.
MANCY'S ITALIAN appears to be a hot spot these days for lots of people, not just the Press Club. The newly renovated bar area is busy just about every night of the week. Brad Rubini, who is not drinking or smoking for the month, was there after work recently with a few buddies. Also seen were Hector MacKinnon, Suzette Valiton, Jon Richardson, Julie Fisher-Riley, Joe Francis, Joey Skaff, Dean Schmidt, and Dick Loeffler and Rhonda Long. John Oswald and his fiancee, Nada Eid, were seen through the bar opening in the dining room, as was Gus Mancy, who was having dinner with his son, Jon, 11.
Meanwhile, Larry Boyer said he was excited to lunch at Mancy's Steakhouse, a tradition for 35 years, with friends including Blade retiree Tom Ensign, who talked to everyone via cell phone since he is in process of moving from Florida to San Diego, so he was not able to attend. But Mr. Ensign said he will come home to visit when the weather is warmer.
A STEUBEN GLASS piece was presented Tuesday night by Jack Fynes, the new president of the Toledo Animal Shelter board, to immediate past president Barney Stickles. Mr. Fynes was installed that evening to succeed Mr. Stickles, who remarked, "A good leader picks a successor better than oneself to pick up the ball, and I believe Mr. Fynes is that person."
ST. PATRICK'S DAY, March 17, is the date slated for the second annual Women Against Multiple Sclerosis luncheon, presented by the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Bonnie Tucker, who writes romance novels for Harlequin and is fighting MS herself, will be the featured speaker.
The event was announced at a kickoff breakfast for table captains Saturday at the Inverness Club, and the word is that, as last year, the event will start promptly at noon and end at 1:30 p.m. sharp, if not before. Chairman of the luncheon is Suzanne Carroll Witherell, who also has MS.
INVITATIONS ARE IN the mail for a unique evening "4 Play 4 David's House of Compassion" presented by Matthew's Creative Cuisine. The fund-raiser, slated for Feb. 4 from 7 p.m. to midnight, will include four grazing stations, four silent auction packages, and four entertainers including Ramona Collins with Bob Rex and Eric Dickey, and a special appearance by Twila Starr. Tickets are $100 each or $360 for a quartet.
First Published January 20, 2005, 10:57 a.m.
