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Area events a salute to veterans

The Blade - 11/18/2018

Nov. 18--VETERANS Day, aka Armistice Day, was extra special this year because not only did it pay tribute to all American veterans, living or dead, who served their country honorably during war or peacetime, but it was also the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

The war began in 1914 and ended Nov. 11, 1918. The United States entered the conflict in 1917.

In honor of the national holiday, numerous local events were held. While we can't name all of them, here are a few:

The Rotary Club of Toledo celebrated with a concert by the Psallite Musical Group, which sang songs from the WWI era.

At the Toledo Club's annual Armed Services Dinner, local servicemen were honored guests.

Belmont Country Club hosted a ceremony and dinner to honor the veterans among its members. Also highlighted were several American flags, paid for by several members, that will be on permanent display.

The Exchange Club of Toledo, with other area Exchange Clubs including Maumee, Greater Maumee Bay, and West Toledo, hosted its 4th Annual Chili Cook-off to help house homeless veterans. The event, on Veterans Day at Hensville downtown, was part of The National Exchange Club, a partner of the Veterans Matter group.

THE Dancing with the Stars television show ignited many local dance events.

DANCING with the Realtors presented by the Women's Council of Realtors Toledo at The Premier Banquet Hall included couples who performed with an area choreographer/dancer from Spotlight, The Dance Factory, Toledo School for the Arts, and The Dance Center.

Dancers whirled and twirled as ToledoDJs.com played tunes and Guy in the 419 was the emcee.

Ivan Smith of Serenity Realty with Kerri Wilde and Kimberly Dick of Key Realty and husband Adam Dick, performed followed by half time show by Toledo School for the Arts.

Then Katrina Birr and Chris Wolniewicz, both of ReMax Preferred, and Megan Hornsby of Remax Preferred and husband Aubrey Hornsby took to the dance floor. The final contestant and winner was flash-mobber Thomas Knier of Mavillino Homes who danced with Miranda Calhourn with the TSA dance team as his backup. About $2,000 went to TSA.

Plans are already in the works for next year, said event coordinator Katie Timbrook of ReMax Preferred Associates, who was injured just two hours before the event so she didn't get to do her performance.

THE CATHOLIC Clubs Sock Hop Remix presented by the LaValley Foundation at Parkway Place raised a heap of fun and nearly $30,000.

The dance contest included local community celebrities.

Mike Bell, former Toledo mayor, performed with dance pro Kristin Reichardt Rummel.

Wendy Pestrue, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Toledo, danced with Tom Williams of The Ballroom Company.

Tom Cole of BCSN and a community outreach coordinator with Taylor Automotive Family performed with professional dancer Lorie Clark.

Lisa McDuffie, President and CEO of the YWCA of Northwest Ohio, danced with professional dancer Tom Nehring of Kempo Martial Arts Center.

Deon Thompson, BCSN sports commentator and a Toledo native, said the Catholic Club played a major role in his life. He performed with pro dancer Mandy Harman of Encore Dance Studio in Adrian.

Kristi Leigh of WTOL-TV, Channel 11 danced with pro dancer Gil Aromas, owner of The Ballroom Company, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Each dance couple was interviewed by event co-chairman Dody Hamilton, with emcee Bill Clark. Event co-chairman Bob Arthur, a suave dancer, did a whirl with dancer Julie O'Connell.

While waiting for the scores, many took to the dance floor, including Sister Ann Carmen Barone.

Happy Birthday was sung to former football star Dane Sanzenbacher and last year's contest winner, who presented this years trophy to winner Kristi Leigh.

DANCING with the Docs was at the Premier Banquet Complex. The money raised supported the hospitals' Family Medicine Residency program. Drs. Adam Rettig, Lalaine Mattison, Megan Cranor, Dave Oram, and Peter Nguyen, and Jasmine Wakeman, wife of St. Luke's Hospital president Dan Wakeman, performed with the pros from The Ballroom Company.

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(c)2018 The Blade (Toledo, Ohio)

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