Barbara Hendel: A trip to the museum and a sidewalk of stars

May 30—THE Toledo Museum of Art Ambassadors Day Trip Committee hosted its first event of the year after a long pandemic nap: a Stay Trip, a perfect gathering for people not quite ready to travel.

The two-hour Easels and Aperitifs "trip" on May 20 in the Glass Pavilion included an interactive art experience led by local artist Julie Draeger, music by the Toledo Symphony Jazz trio, and individually boxed gourmet refreshments by the museum's cafe.

The sold-out event for ambassador members was limited to 60 attendees, for pandemic safety. Half of the group painted while the others socialized over refreshments, then they switched, giving everyone a chance to create their masterpieces.

"It was a way to be together in person again, while sharing art and helping to get people back to coming to the museum," ambassadors president Cindy Skaff said.

Among the group were Barb Oostra, Karen Gauthier, Sarah Strong, Cathy Scannell, Susan Reams, Cheryl Silverman, Dee Isaac, Sue Martin, Marsha Molnar, Claudia Handwork, Diane Snyder, and Kiran Rai, vice president.

While the museum was closed during the early months of the pandemic, the ambassadors remained busy bees, working behind the scenes in preparation for when the museum reopened.

The ambassadors have set a challenge to bring 500 guests to the museum in five months to help turn the museum into a bustling place once again.

They also allocated $49,000 from its 2020-22 endowment fund to renovate the family center, for patio furniture for the cafe; contributing to two exhibitions — the Age of Armor and Souls Grown Deep — and purchasing art supplies for the museum's outreach initiative in the surrounding Junction neighborhood.

Bravo to Arlene Bodette and Cathy Nelson, co-chairmen of the TMAA day trip committee assisted by committee members Ann Bennett, Kathy Jones, Bonnie Fumo, Sherry Bloom, and Terri Ward.

MANY adult events for schools happened before summer recess:

WEST SIDE Montessori school's first virtual spring fund-raiser, EpiCuriosity: Wanderlust Edition, was May 15. The hour-long program "attended" by about 200 supporters included a silent auction, a fund-a-wish paddle raise, and a five-item live auction including golf in Bo Jackson's celebrity charity golf outing, a private plane trip, and more donated by John and Kristie Thomas; a gentleman's custom clothing experience from V Couture; an epic backyard party for 50 with Ladder 419 fire engine beer truck, a portable bar and bartender from Premier Pour, plus beer and liquor donated by Tapped 419 and Premier Pour; VIP Solheim Cup tickets and VIP opening ceremony tickets to the performance by Gwen Stefani donated by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas; and paintings from the late Dr. Thomas Flanigan's family, whose children attend West Side.

Entertaining was a virtual selfie photo booth and trivia on family owned restaurant sponsors whose children attend the schools: Sidon, Domo Sushi, Fowl and Fodder, the Humbard family McDonald's, Tandoor, and QQ Kitchen. The children asked questions such as "How many pounds of hummus are used each day?" and "How many chicken nugget shapes does McDonald's have?"

Also live were three watch parties at the homes of Tenley and Billy Yark, Bonnie Rankin, and Gary Whitacre, and John and Kristie Thomas, the evening's volunteer event chairman.

More than $115,000 was raised. The fund-a-wish funds will expand the Outdoor Education Program with a yurt for the Toledo Campus and a pergola and sand area for the Perrysburg Campus.

West Side Montessori is an independent, nonprofit, accredited school educating children 13 months through eighth grade. For information, visit www.montessoritoledo.org.

THE BIG EVENT: Off to the Races for Lial Catholic School finished lengths ahead with nearly $60,000 net raised, according to advancement director Jackie Flom.

Carranor Hunt and Polo Club was the setting for the fun on Kentucky Derby Day. For many, it was the first event they have attended since the pandemic hit.

Holly Spenthoff's table design, centerpieces by Angel 101, and red roses made everyone feel they were at Churchill Downs.

More than $12,000 was raised in the Paddles Up for a new fire alarm and sprinkler system.

At the end, it was a photo finish in the Lial Derby presented by Lyden Oil with Montessori Mama, ridden by jockey Lauren Carr, a teacher, crossing the finish line and earning the Pre-K Readiness Unit program more than $3,700. Many didn't want the party to end, staying well after the activities had concluded.

TOLEDO School for the Arts dedicated three stars along the TSA sidewalk "Walk of Fame" during the schools first and last in-person First Friday of the 2020-21 school year on May 7 with a limited guest list for pandemic safety.

The Walk of Fame is TSA's highest honor awarded by the board of directors to recognize teachers, administrators, and board members who have made a significant, long-lasting impact on the school and students.

Stars were placed for three teachers from the very early years of the school, which opened in 1999: retired math teacher Carol Bell, the late english teacher Kathy Scott, and retired music teacher Ken Zuercher, who was also honored with the school's guitar studio named for him, thanks to friends and former students.

Pop Combo students directed by music teacher Megan Leslie, a TSA grad and former student of Mr. Zuercher's and his successor, entertained as guests enjoyed refreshments by Black Kite Coffee in the Martin D. Porter Art Gallery. School director Douglas Mead welcomed guests and introduced the speakers/teachers Mel Prior, Justin Longacre, and David Saygers.