Wednesday, April 15, 1998 | 10:22 a.m.
Longtime Las Vegan Mary Goldwater gave up her status as one of Las Vegas' most eligible women when she married William Orland of Mercer Island, Wash. and Palm Desert, Calif., March 30. The joyful couple recited their vows before Judge Gene Porter, who performed the ceremony. Following the wedding came dinner at Piero's. On hand were the bride's sons, Assenblyman David Goldwater and Jason Goldwater, Jason's wife Bree, and best friends Toni Clark (she's David's godmother) and Larry Finuf.
Palm Desert was the next stop for the newlyweds. After Easter, the Orlands took off for a leisurely honeymoon in Europe, including Italy, where the groom has roots. When the couple returns they will divide their time among their homes in Las Vegas, Palm Desert and Mercer Island.
Birthday marathon
For Toni Clark, the Orlands' wedding was but one of the memorable events she and Larry Finuf attended in March and April. Longtime friends of Toni's hosted a round of birthday dinners that started even before her April 4 birthday. On March 25, Norma and Dick Land opened their Spanish Oaks home for a splendid epicurean dinner. The gourmet meal was prepared by Dick, who is an accomplished amateur chef.
Sharing the birthday honors with Toni were Charlene Scott (March 31), and Mildred Zick (April 17). Finuf, Frank Scott, and Bill Moore were the other guests enjoying Dick's culinary expertise.
On April 3, the day before Toni's birthday, friend Jeri LeWinter hosted a birthday dinner at Petite Provence, a new French restaurant. Included were Larry Finuf, Leon Harbert, Harry Cairn, Peggy Britton and Virginia Compton.
April 4, Jewel Brooks hosted a birthday celebration at the chic Drai's restaurant in the Barbary Coast for Toni Clark and Bonnie Nolan. Sharing the evening were Larry, Deanna and Jack Hanes, Betty and Bob Robinson, Betty and Leonard Carpi, Ruth and Frank Ellerbroek and Jimmie Costello.
April 5, Donna and Roy Crawford (he was, for many years, Howard Hughes' private secretary), with their family -- Nancy Crawford, Scott Johnson, Jim Crawford, and Pat Boschetto -- came from their home in Encino, Calif., to host a party for Toni and Larry at Antonio's at the Rio.
On April 6, the gorgeous private dining room in the Monte Carlo restaurant at the Desert Inn was the setting for yet another birthday dinner. This one was hosted by Betty and Leonard Carpi for their two favorite Aries, Toni Clark and Bonnie Nolan. Sharing the elegant dinner were Larry Finuf, Jewel Brooks and Deanna and Jack Hanes.
All but the April 5 dinner brought together a group of pioneer Las Vegans whose interesting histories would fill volumes. They met in the early days and have remained devoted friends throughout the decades that followed. That's a lot of birthday cakes.
More Toni Clark
Toni's friends Deanna and Jack Hanes added an extra touch to the birthday celebration at the Monte Carlo restaurant. The poem they wrote captures the essence of their beloved friend. Here are a few of the lines:
It's the evening of Toni's birthday dinner. Fragrant flowers abound, the room is aglitter.
This party must be perfect, it all must be supreme. We're here to give good wishes to our honoree, the queen.
She's gracious and thoughtful, most generous in deed. You needn't look further, when you are in need.
Happy Birthday dear Toni, you live life with zest. We are grateful to know you, you deserve just the best.
ADL at FAO Schwarz
The grown-up kids attending the fund-raiser for the Anti-Defamation League at FAO Schwarz in the Forum Shops at Caesars came garbed as the invitation advised, in evening clothes and sneakers. This was a serious run for prizes. Without sneakers, running through the various departments to compete for such treasures as Patrick the Pup with diamonds, motorcycle and sport memorabilia (under the horse), and a host of other desirables, would have been a pain. Normally sedate guests went from floor to floor in search of a treasure. They went into the Trojan horse's belly, in and out of the Monopoly Cafe, and looked into their future in the magic department.
Event co-chairs Susan Fine and Sonya Saltman and their committees came up with a winning concept that started at midnight and continued until all of the prizes had been won. Chinois supplied the food and drinks.
It was a fun-filled event for a worthy cause.
Neon Museum
Experience culture in the new millennium by attending a benefit for the Neon Museum April 25. The event is hosted by Society by Design, Caviarteria and the museum. Society by Design "will unite the present with the past" in their eclectic design show-home, and will preview local artists "while remembering historic landmarks represented by the Neon Museum."
Ticket price, $75, includes martinis and hors d'oeuvres from Caviarteria. Tour- only tickets are available for $20. Students with ID are $12. Tour-only tickets must be purchased in advance. Tour hours are 2-5 p.m. For tickets to either event, call 220-4280.
S.O.S. at Macy's
Macy's Home Store on Spring Mountain Road at Arville will host two days of cooking demonstrations and samplings, Saturday and Sunday, as a preview to the sixth annual Taste of the Nation at the Riviera Convention Center April 23. S.O.S helps support our local hunger feeding programs.
Demonstrations will take place at 1 p.m., both days. On Saturday, Portobella Executive Chef Dan Drayer will cook specialities from his restaurant's menu; Sunday, Mayflower Cuisinier chef/owner Ming See Woo will prepare Asian dishes. Both chefs will answer questions.
From noon to 4 p.m., Taste of the Nation tickets will be sold ($45 in advance). Macy's is going all-out to help. Purchase Calphalon's chef's casserole (4-quart, $59.99) and Calphalon will donate $5 to S.O.S. Macy's Calphalon Specialist Rusty Stanberry will demonstrate the ease of using Calphalon.
More than 40 outstanding restaurants, many wineries and other vendors will be represented at the April 23rd Taste of the Nation. Dining hours are 6-9 p.m. Come hungry.
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