Columnist Muriel Stevens: Celebrating 90 years of a life-loving woman

Muriel Stevens

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 1998 | 11:03 a.m.

Alice Goldberg, who just celebrated her 90th birthday, not only knows the secret to longevity, she also knows how to enjoy life to the fullest.

Family and friends gathered at the Las Vegas Country Club Saturday night for a party that was every bit as lively as the history of the honoree. Hosted by her daughters and sons-in-law Renee and Hugh Johnson and Barbara and Bob Weinreich, the event was filled with nostalgia and the memories of a long, interesting life.

During the cocktail reception a videotape, beginning in infancy, recalled a life filled with singing lessons and performances. Especially poignant were family photos with SUN founders Hank and Barbara Greenspun, and Dave and Belle Greenspun -- Alice's brothers and their wives, and her late sister, Millie Kishner.

Alice, a beautiful, eternally young woman, never looked better. Her sparkling eyes, slim shapely figure and flirtatious spirit never change. She was in her glory Saturday night.

Among those who helped celebrate this special birthday were longtime friends Sen. Richard and Bonnie Bryan, who made a special presentation in honor of the significant day.

Also enjoying the video were Barbara Greenspun, Belle and Dave Greenspun, Ruthe Deskin, Carolyn and Mike O'Callaghan, Myra and Brian Greenspun, Susan Fine and Charles Lipschitz, Janie and Jeff Gale, Robin and Danny Greenspun, Lynn and Larry Silva, Ann and Dr. Richard Greenspun, Tama and Dr. Robert Taub and Sylvia and Bert Tregrub.

Many of Alice's grandchildren and great-grandchildren attended. Renee and Hugh's children, Sam and Kathy Irvine, Michael and Tina Irvine, Jennifer Bentzen, Lara Bentzen and Katherine and Paul Johnson were there; and so were the Weinreich offspring -- Robi and Josh Weinreich, Ann and Chris Getty, Ilene and David Smith and Paula and Paul Canchester. During dinner the grandchildren spoke of the example set by their extraordinary grandmother -- to always live life to the fullest. Alice has yet to share the secret of the source of her boundless energy and enthusiasm.

The gaggle of adorable great grandchildren who fill Alice's life, some in high chairs, were well represented.

Cousins Maurice Fleishman and Norma Block came from Montreal, Canada. Other cousins and great-nieces and nephews also shared the delightful event: Bernice Schwartz, Cheryl and David Schwartz, Moira Greenspun, Harrison Gale, Julie Greenspun, Kara Greenspun, Katie Fine, Allyson Fine, Lisa Taub, Hilary Taub and Linda and Mark Mendelsohn.

Of course, there were many friends. Among them: Alma and Rabbi Herschel Brooks, Faye and Dr. Leon Steinberg, Paula and Dr. Joseph Quagliana, Blanche Stein, Elaine Lewis, Pearl and Pinky Savitt, Stephanie and David Shirit, Toby and Herman Rosenbush, Leonard Asher, Jane Pathman, Venus and Arthur Wilke, Anne Walker, Jane Harrison and Ruth and Herschel Weinrot. Dinner was a joyful event with champagne toasts, delicious food and a huge strawberry-filled birthday cake.

There was a birthday sing-a-long with lyrics that lampooned that "once-in-a-lifetime thrill of going over the hill." Dave Greenspun managed to find a song book birthday card that included new lyrics to "On Top of Old Smokey," "Home on the Range," and other old-time favorites.

"On Top of Old Frosty all covered with fudge, stand more birthday candles than a forklift could budge" began one. It also advised, "don't lose your old gusto, don't lose your old snap, don't stay out till sunrise -- you'll sleep through your nap." It's doubtful that Alice ever takes the time to nap. This is one super nonagenarian.

More memories

One of my fondest memories from the days when I hosted a live cooking show was the appearance of the Van Betten kids. Mom Pat Van Betten had a community message to impart. To sweeten the pot and maintain the theme of the show, she brought along her children to prepare a favorite family recipe, "no no" cake. Tommy, the youngest, was so small (age 4) we stood him on a roll of carpet so the cameras could see him. That funny, wonderful show has remained in the memories of all of us. Whenever we'd meet we'd talk about the one-pan chocolate cake the kids prepared.

Recently, I received a note from Pat that included a gorgeous family wedding picture with talented actress daughter Melanie in her finest role. She had married actor Jeff Jeffcoat. Jeff is the narrator at the beginning and end of the critically acclaimed family oriented film, "The Education of Little Tree."

The Van Betten brood has grown. Son Paul and his wife Pauline have two children, Andrew, and Steven, who appears to be about the age Tom was when he debuted on television. I wonder if his granny has taught him how to make "no no" cake.

Pat and husband Herman will retire to Blue Diamond at the end of this summer. It's where the grandchildren live, so there's bound to be a "no no" cake in their future.

Such sweet memories.