Columnist Elizabeth Foyt:Park honors volunteers for service

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

GONE BUT NOT forgotten are the wonderful musicals many of us enjoyed at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park during past summers. What we often overlook in our pleasure is the battalion of volunteers who assist in making each evening under the stars a safe and pleasant experience.

Recently, at a party hosted by the Super Summer Board, volunteers were in the spotlight and recognized for helping bring live theater to our community. Through their efforts, ticket costs are kept at most reasonable levels while the intrusion on the ecology of Spring Mountain Ranch is kept to a minimum.

Bob Miller, chairman of Super Summer Theater, in speaking of the work of these community-wide volunteers, paid special recognition to those who have served for 15 years: Sue Linda Hill, Mary Perkowski, Harold and Tish Smith and Annie Waggoner.

In addition, 10-year volunteers brought to the stage included Maria Finney, Eileen Hammons, Adrienne O'Donoghue, Megan Miller and Patter Brooks. Further honors were bestowed on individuals serving for the past five summers, amond them Lu Freeman, Connie Bruggeman, Carol Gibbins, Pam Harris, Carissa Miller, Gene Schmitz, Vicki Takagaki, Angela and Natasha Thorn, Cathy Wagner, Don and Edith Aper and Cathy Wagener.

Included as well were Barbie Brooks, Toni Cook, Clark Cortez, Betty Blum, Lorraine Haggerty, Sandy Nanson, Kevin Ferguson, Audrey Vlachovic and Neva Tandy.

The ceremonies were held at a picnic at Spring Mountain Ranch.

Golden Gortes

Golden wedding anniversary festivities for longtime Las Vegans Fred and Vi Gorte were observed on Oct. 4 as the couple renewed their vows at a nuptial Mass of Thanksgiving at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church. The Revs. David Casaleggio and Herbert Ward officiated at the ceremony, while vocalist Dennis Ortwein provided a musical tour of the couple's favorite music from courtship to the present. An apostolic blessing by Pope John Paul II was bestowed on the couple.

Married in Los Angeles at St. Vincent's Cathedral, the couple moved to Las Vegas 37 years ago, where Fred worked for the state and Vi became active in civic and charitable affairs. To celebrate this special anniversary, the Gortes hosted a gold-and-white-themed reception and dinner dance at Caesars Palace.

Joining in the elegant event during the cocktail hour were Caesar and Cleopatra and a host of centurions, who led a series of toasts for the occasion. A formal dinner and speeches came before the dancing to the Boyd Coulter Orchestra. On display were an array of photos depicting the Gortes' lives over the past 50 years.

Present for the anniversary party were Congressman and Mrs. John Ensign, Dr. and Mrs. Ross Gullotti, the Richard MacDonalds, Jewel Brooks, Toni Clark and Larry Finuf, the Frank Caines, Carol and Bill Favro, Rex and Kathy Bell, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Sparcinos and Adea Trapletti, as well as George Beres, the Al Larsens, Marc Gregory and Sophie Palmer.

Public servants

Putting a different spin on community service and their public duties were members of the Clark County public defender's office, who gave generously to help needy children in our schools. Their recent efforts provided $400 worth of school supplies, calculators and backpacks for indigent students. In saluting the office, Brian Cram, superintendent of schools, said, "Although you work in an agency that does not get much public acclaim, you can be assured that the Clark County School District thinks you are an amazing group of public servants."

The scope of their gifts to these students was enhanced by the assistance of the Target Store on South Decatur. Target Guest Services Team Leader Shirley Buckhouse helped spread the money collected from the attorneys and support staff to best advantage and provided a handsome discount as a way of supporting the project. This was the first year for the project with great plans for the public defender's office to continue in the future.

Actors showcase

A fall Actors' Showcase will be presented by Joe Behar's Community Drama Workshop on Oct. 27 at Whitney Library, 5175 E. Tropicana. The afternoon program will start at 2 p.m. and is free to the public, but not recommended for children under 6.

Spotlighting the talents of 22 drama students, the annual event provides an opportunity to illustrate skills learned during the weekly workshop sessions conducted every Monday evening in Room A of the Sam's Town Bowling Center. Slated to run 1 1/2 hours, the program will include Carl Scott, Joy Brittan, Fred Cole, Susan Marks and Chase Kennedy, as well as Debbie Texter, Niki Francisco, George Kerry, JoNell Boit, Phyl Verderosa, Carol Behard and Ana Licon. Also taking part are Noel Julian, Annie Franzraich, Eric Koch, Cindy Walters, Iva Montross, Gayle Comins, Dick Cornell and Roger Wood.

Gloria Hoffman, a frequent actress in many community theater productions, will be mistress of ceremonies. For addition details about the Acors' Showcase or the weekly workshops, call Joe Behar at 457-0234.

ELIZABETH FOYT writes about Las Vegas happenings. Her column appears Wednesdays.