WEEKENDER | AROUND TOWN
Rockets say 'aloha' at homecoming
10/12/2017
From left: Joe Darcangelo, Zack Shaw and Brad Darcangelo in front of Darcangelo's Class A RV during the University of Toledo Homecoming tailgate party.
The Blade/Lori King
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ALOHA Rockets! was the theme of the University of Toledo Homecoming. The parade was followed by tailgate parties in the parking lots, corporate tents and the Alumni Pavilion, where there were 3,000 revelers. Jim Poure celebrated his 80th birthday in his own tent with friends. Then it was on to the game and cruising the suites.
The Alumni Association Homecoming Gala last weekend drew more than 400 alumni including emcee Dan Savig, executive director. Alumni President Lee Johnson greeted everyone. UT president Sharon Gaber thanked all for their continued support.
Alumni honors were presented to Michelle Carey, Edward H. Schmidt Outstanding Young Alumnus; the Honorable Nancy Miller, Blue T award; and Dr. Julian Kim, Gold T award.
College awards were presented to Nancy Preis, Gary Thieman, Susan Abu-Absi, Dawn Buskey, Jose Padilla, the Honorable Roderick Kennedy, Dr. Samir Khleif, Dr. Leon McDougle, Louanne Stratton, Albert Wright, Jr., the Honorable Gene Zmuda, and Dan Smith.
■ JAMIE Farr received a warm welcome from fans and friends at the Stranahan Theater for An Evening with Jamie Farr with host Lee Conklin of WTVG-TV, Channel 13.
Toledo-born Jameel Farr, whose parents were a grocer and a seamstress, began his acting career at the age of 11 in a talent contest. While attending Woodward High School, he wrote and acted in various variety shows, wrote for the school newspaper, and was Radio Club president.
His first film role was in The Blackboard Jungle, but he credits Red Skelton for mentoring him while he was on The Red Skelton Show and beyond. Farr said Skelton entertained servicemen overseas and invited him to join in on many occasions.
Danny Thomas, also from Toledo, was another of Farr’s mentors.
After two years in the Army in Korea, he went back into show business appearing on The Danny Kaye Show and the Chicago Teddy Bears. Farr has co-starred with Andy Griffith, Dick Van Dyke, Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Dean Martin, and Lucille Ball. Of course, we all recall Jamie as Corp. Max Klinger, in a dress and hat in M*A*S*H, which still airs today.
He was also in the films The Greatest Story Ever Told, Cannonball Run with Burt Reynolds, and Scrooged with Bill Murray. On stage, Farr was in Guys and Dolls, A Christmas Carol, The Odd Couple, Oliver!, Say Goodnight Gracie, and Tuesdays with Morrie.
Farr has hobnobbed with the best of the Hollywood celebrities, but he has never forgotten his roots and his friends. Farr's dedication to Toledo has been apparent, especially as host of the LPGA Jamie Farr Classic at Highland Meadows, now called the Marathon Classic. Bravo! Jamie.
■ COMEDIAN and actor Michael Colyar was in town for a special visit to Jones Leadership Academy, with a significant enrollment of black students. He saw the Woodberry Park Chess Room with all of its students trophies and pictures of successful black musicians on the walls.
■ THE National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Toledo, hosted its 16th annual Dinner of Champions and raised $73,000. Honored guest was presenting sponsor Joe Shrader, president and CEO of Shrader Tire and Oil, a third-generation family business founded in 1948. Chairmen of the event, recently held at Inverness Club, were Kim Kaplan, Susan Park and Katrina Iott.
Barbara Hendel is The Blade’s society editor. Contact Barbara Hendel at bhendel@theblade.com or 419-724-6124.