The much-anticipated annual St. Nicholas Tea was held Dec. 7 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Medina, where the women of the church served a capacity crowd of visitors a beautifully prepared tea, sold a vast array of unique holiday boutique items, and offered guests a chance to win door prizes and pieces of crystal and Belleek China.
Susan Rademacher and Sue Nolte respectively won the crystal and china pieces. Ladies who took home door prizes were Holloce Hamilton, Karen King, Margot Skirpstas, Fran Gray, Ginny Dorner, Elaine Luczka, Shari Gardner, Becky McClure, Karen Fugate, Joyce Norton, Trudy Lennert, Judy Rundle, Jan Felius, Ruth Hunter, Denise Pierman, Mary-Louise Kirk, Lisa Wahl, Barbara Kovalchik, Janis Buchanan, Susan Bunner, Lucille Franz, Karen Bandwen and Denise Leslie.
Barbara Baird, Roberta Johnson, Nancy Morgan, Mary Anthony, and Kathy Stehno led a team of ECW members who organized the successful event, among them Pat Morris, Bette Clough, Mary Jane Brewer, Jean Beane, Liz Fellhoelter, Evelyn Funston, Bonnie Freas, and Carol Goslee. The gentlemen who lent support in many ways were Paul Bunner, Bob Anthony, the Rev. Eric Funston, Russ Huston, Jeff Berno, Ted Freas and Richard Raszkiewicz.
A few of the many guests were the Rev. Susan Russell, Loretta Moucha, Nancy Weygandt, Marge Jagger, Wanda Lang, Rosemary Olson, Nancy Brintnall, Goldie Mack, Barbara Stieger, Barbara Ingersoll, Pat Sebek, Char Ficyk, Claire Spero, Nancy Hanwell, Judy Friedrich, Sonia Horvitz, Scottie Gross, Jill Lincoln, Jane Ross, Hazel Kramer and Joyce Komjati.
Spirit of Giving
About 80 staff members of the Medina County Job and Family Service Offices and related agencies gathered Dec. 5 for a holiday breakfast meeting. Co-chairs Jane Farnsworth and Chastity Stonerock chose the theme, “Spirit of Giving†and cited ways of measuring gratitude, one of which was by honoring our country’s military forces.
A number of guest speakers shared personal thoughts and experiences. Career Navy Corpsman James and Sharon Holmes told of feelings associated with being away from family any time, but especially during the holidays. When separated, all James’ thoughts are about his family, when they will reunite, and the fear that he might not return to them.
Something he rarely does in public, Navy Officer/Medina County Auditor Michael Kovack shared his experiences of being recalled more than once after 9-11. He injected many humorous comments, but there were strong emotional feelings close to the surface throughout his talk.
Medina Marine recruiter Aaron Bloomquist, a native of Los Angeles, said he loved everything about Ohio except its (winter) weather. He said Ohio is one of the most supportive states of our military personnel, and he encouraged people to continue sending photos, newspapers, socks and beef jerky to those serving abroad.
Two Marine PFCs who joined Bloomquist, Hollister of Brunswick and Dix, spoke of their goals as marines, their desires to give back for the freedoms we have, and their gratitude for the opportunity to further their education while serving their country. All three men spoke highly of what their military branch means to them.
Director Mead Wilkins thanked Farnsworth and Stonerock and their committee for arranging the events of the morning, which included preparing many large boxes of items that were going to be shipped abroad to our troops that afternoon.
Christine Lubinski, Karen Bennett, Ana Becker and Gary Blake each spoke about holiday traditions within their individual families, some long-standing ones from Italy and Russia passed down through several generations, others more recently established with new and/or blended families. All were unique and special, all were carried in the hearts of those who observed them.
Sandy May introduced new staff members, then individuals told what had been their most favorite Christmas gifts when they were children. The festivities ended with an ornament exchange.
Realtors’ luncheon
The Medina County Board of Realtors’ December Luncheon and Installation of Officers was held Dec. 6 at Blue Heron. The invocation and Pledge of Allegiance were led by Connie Cloud. Bill Kalfas officially welcomed everyone.
Guests had purchased raffle tickets and bid on silent auction items to raise funds for Operation: HOMES, to which about $450 was donated. All thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment provided by Encore, the talented Medina High School Show Choir, under the direction of Tyler Skidmore.
Several guests were introduced, after which Emily Lopez began the presentations by inviting the 2007 outgoing officials to come forward to receive certificates of recognition: President Kalfas, President-Elect Lopez, Vice President Jeff Brandon, Secretary/Treasurer Tom Rebescher, Immediate Past President Alan Hallock, Executive Vice President Lizbeth Kohler, and Directors Kevin Ball, Cliff Bellar, Joseph Guthrie, Donna Henry, Cindy Kintop, Judy Ruppelli and Affiliate Director Sheila Pinkerton.
Kalfas made a special presentation to Bellar for his efforts on the Building Task Force Committee to obtain the new MCBOR building located at 2530 Medina Road.
Medina Mayor Jane Leaver administered the oath of office to the 2008 incoming officers and directors: President Lopez, President-Elect Connie Cloud, Vice President Ruthie Lowery, Treasurer Rebescher, Secretary Kintop, Immediate Past President Kalfas, Executive Vice President Kohler, and Directors Ball, Brandon, Guthrie, Henry, Tammy Frazier, Brandon Marquard and Affiliate Director Pinkerton.
Lopez made a special presentation to outgoing president Kalfas, after which she made a “seven minute, 15 second†speech using shoes as props. Following her humorous offering, Lopez spoke more seriously about her plans and goals, then ended by reading a brief but meaningful excerpt from Lou Holt.
Recognized attending past presidents included Mollie Pfister, Cloud, Ruppelli, Linda Febus, Carol Holmes, Judy Von Duyke, Freida DiStaulo, Richard Kassouf, Rick Stallard, Madeline Laribee, Bellar, Janet Gommel and Hallock. These individuals formed a line and ceremoniously passed the gavel to Lopez.
A few other guests were Michael and Nancy Marquard, Russ and Anita Weaver, the Lopez family, Mike DiStaulo, Ann Reusch, Mike and Donna Stuver, Judy Kalfas, Jan Geib, Sandy Naragon, Carl Demusz, and Ed Grabenstetter.
Huston may be reached at areanews@ohio.net.
