Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Nevada’s female pioneers remembered at tea party

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 1998 | 11:57 a.m.

The Nevada Women's History Project (NWHP) held an elegant "Tea with Nevada's First Lady" event on Saturday at Dr. Monte and Jeanne Greenawalt's exquisite Spanish Trail estate. A success by any standard, the occasion was particularly gracious due to the kind efforts of hostess Jeanne Greenawalt, who opened her enormous home for this affair. Seen with her in the receiving line was NWHP chairwoman Rose Irwin and Nevada's First Lady, Sandy Miller. Joining them in the well-appointed foyer were Monica Fuller, Doris Otterson, Sue Linda Hill and Alice Rissman -- just a few of those who stopped to admire the portrait of Mrs. Greenawalt and other lavish decorations to the home.

Dressed in costumes depicting famous ladies who contributed to Nevada's rich history were NWHP members, among them: Dr. Su Fong Chung (as Ah Cum Kee), Alice Brown (Helen J. Stewart), Rochelle Clark (Lu Bertha Johnson), Frankie Williams (Fanny Soss) and Charlene Cruz (Martha Cragin Cox). Each lady took on the respective persona of the character she depicted and mingled with the crowd of nearly 200 guests. State Sen. Kathy Augustine, Dr. Joanne Goodwin, Donna Krasnitz and Eva Stowers were seen visiting with Colleen Schroeder, Mary Manning and Mary Hausch as they waited to sign the guest book, which was manned by Alice Pearson and Mary Gafford.

In the dining room with elegant murals were Barbara Straight, Bernie Lenz, Marlene Adrian, Joan LeMere, Kate LeMere and Kaye Gray, a few of those who partook of the delectable finger foods and temptations. Gathered at the punch bowl were Sheila White, Blance Zucker-Bozarth and Jean Slaughter. Nearby, admiring the lovely NWHP coverlet which features data on many of Nevada's most notable women, were Mitsi Johnson and her daughter Jessica, joined by Bernice Fischer, Sophia Hesbon, Carolyn Proctor and Maureen Schnitzer, along with former Nevada First Lady, Bonnie Bryan.

Shown throughout the tea was the video titled "Children in the Mansion," a special project of Sandy Miller. Capturing personal glimpses of the youngest residents of the Carson City mansion, the video gives some wonderful insights into the many families who have inhabited the Governor's mansion through the years. Sandy Miller spoke eloquently of her desire to see this video made and the research given to the project, starting with the Dickinson baby, the only child born in the mansion, to the present day experiences of her own three children.

Berk lauded

Bally's spectacular Skyview Room, atop the Strip resort on its 26th floor, proved a fitting site for festivities honoring Mrs. USA, Michele Rogers Berk. Business woman, wife and mother, Berk has set a decidedly philanthropic tone to her reign as Mrs. USA 1998-99. Her crowning in July recognized and raised funds for the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Research Fund. Last week, at a reception hosted by Paul and Lucy Pusatari with Rino and Marie Claire Armeni, Berk unveiled plans for her signature charity event slated for Oct. 24. A benefit for the local Salvation Army, the food collection drive is part of national "Make A Difference Day," and is co-sponsored by Smith's Food and Drug with KVVU Fox 5 Television, UNLV's Golden Key Honor Society and other community supporters.

Attending the reception for Berk were friends and associates including: Papote Varet with Vivian Ross-Scott, Howard Jarlsburger, Angie Wallin, Bernice Roberts with Barbara Robinson, and Dr. Andreas Costas and Eric Weisenberg. A short program led by close friends Sandy and Roger Peltyn included commentary by John Daly, star of "Real TV." Sprinkled through the crowd were: Nancy and Jack Weinstein with daughter Polly, Olga Scheel, Jeri Packe, executive director of the Mrs. Nevada pageant, Berk's husband Michael Berk, Fred Naseri, UNLV Coach Bill Bayno, and sports figures Ed and Danny Manning, Ron Harper and Chris Carr. The legendary "Satellite" Sam Gamburg, who initiated the concept of satellite events at major poker tournaments, was present with his client, Sinatra impressionist/singer Rick Michel.

Academy gala

Founded in the 1980s, the Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy opened with just 52 students, but within the decade had quickly grown to a full-size school with many children and matching needs. In 1990, the school relocated to a 17-acre site in Summerlin and began on the path of becoming a complete kindergarten-through-high school institution. The Hebrew Academy's recent "Reaching for the Gold" gala at the Monte Carlo hotel-casino was a splendid evening celebrating the progress and sense of community that enriches the lives of all involved with this fine school. An evening dedicated to funding further improvements to the school's library and computer center, the occasion also showcased the school's many eager young learners who appeared on a video shown at dinner.

Gail Amster and Ellie Hirschfield co-chaired the elegant fund-raiser with the very creative Gillian Kaatze, adding gilded touches with a gold, creme and navy theme for both the silent auction theme and the table decorations. Arrivals -- among them Denise and Dennis Miller, Janice and Dean Krametbauer, attorney Dennis Sabbath, Mary Dean Martin and Charlie Silvestri and Don and Dr. Maria Chairez -- were quickly drawn into the lively conversation surrounding school principal Phyllis Darling and school director Dr. Roberta Sabbath.

Treasures on the silent auction tables ranged from art pieces, customized hats, silver serving tools and dinner and show packages, and drew the attention of Brian Myers, Hilarty Stoltz, Ronnie Epstein, Steve Wolfson with Jackie Glass, Rich Rose, Ann Kohn, Danny Amster and Robert Langford. Creating quite a stir among the bidders was home run king Mark McGuire's framed rookie card, a most generous donation to the auction by Joan and Fred Lessman.

Schwartz, longtime benefactor for whom the school was named, was further honored during the evening program with the unveiling of a magnificent oil portrait which will grace the school's foyer. Schwartz's brief comments gave attendees a sense of the school's early history and encouragement as they gather funds to enrich the school's learning environment. Attending this worthy event were: Lynn and Bill Weidner, Hal and Dee Ober, Stacey Moltor, Dorit Schwartz, Lia and Joseph Roberts, M.J. and Jack Harvey and U.S. Senator Richard and Bonnie Bryan.

Kerkorian honored

Nearly $1 million was raised to further aid beleaguered Armenia at a black-tie fund-raiser hosted by the United Armenian Fund (UAF) recently in Los Angeles. The evening was a celebration of the UAF's nine-year effort and 100th humanitarian airlift to Armenia. Present at the sold-out event were notables including His Excellency Robert Kocharian, president of Armenia, His Holiness Karekin I., Catholicos of All Armenians, and Elizabeth Dole, president of the American Red Cross.

Honored above all others at this exclusive affair was Las Vegas philanthropist and MGM hotel-casino owner Kirk Kerkorian. President Kocharian presented our distinguished resident with an Armenian passport, making him the first honorary Armenian citizen of his administration. Kekorian has been integral to the success of the United Armenian Fund since its inception in 1989, and through his Lincy Foundation provides cargo planes for airlifting relief supplies. Devastated by an earthquake in 1988 that killed tens of thousands of people and left the country in ruin, and continuing to struggle from the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia became dependent upon help from outside the country. The American Red Cross has long been an ally of the UAF and its efforts.