Wednesday, July 7, 1999 | 9:49 a.m.
Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at [email protected].
The Southern Nevada Women's History Group recently met for a brunch and slice of business at the Elks Club. The June session had a nostalgic program, carefully planned by member Loni Moyes. "The Things From Grandma's Attic" began with a trunk showing, courtesy of the Nevada State Museum and Historical Society, featuring unusual things that were necessities of Nevada life in the pioneer days. Many of the objects were foreign to attending guests, as they were household tools from an era when homes did not have electricity or other conveniences. They provided a look at the typical brutal workload allotted to women in pioneer days.
Mary Gafford, of the Mayflower Society, displayed an heirloom plate brought to this country by her ancestors, and then spoke on representative pieces she brought from her own collection of Depression-era glass. Frankie Williams showed place settings of Spode, Haviland, Royal Albert and German Bavarian china with the flatware and stemware which belonged to four generations of her family. She also showed a special piece, a butter dish, one she wished "could talk," for it first was brought to this country, to New York, from London, and then as a treasured family piece made the trek to Illinois, Texas and California during the Gold Rush era, and finally to Nevada.
Seen enjoying the fellowship and lovely brunch were Celesta Lowe, Frances Saxton, Kathleen Hanselman and Cindy Seamon. Also present was Jeanne Greenawalt, who will once again open her lovely home for NWHP's annual Fall Tea, which will honor the First Ladies of Nevada. The Southern Nevada Women's History Project provides a window to the past and an appreciation of our future. Rose Irwin serves as president, while Frankie Smith is coordinator of membership. Get details about the organization by calling 876-3586.
Patriotic party
For a dozen years Jan and Owen Nitz have delighted their friends and associates with their annual July 3rd party at their country estate. Each year Jan finds more patriotic touches to embellish the home and grounds in true red, white and blue glory.
Guests -- Gov. Kenny Guinn, Senator Richard Bryan and his wife, Bonnie, Congresswoman Shelly Berkley and husband Dr. Larry Lehrer, Chief Justice Bob Rose of the Nevada State Supreme Court, and nearly 500 more -- comprised the throng of casually-dressed arrivals at the summer party. Many enjoyed the all-American buffet of fried chicken, hot dogs and all the trimmings, served from the spacious outdoor kitchen, a project recently completed by our very handy host. Ice cream sundaes with all the delectable toppings were offered from the gazebo, which was encircled by flag buntings that flapped gently in the summer breeze.
Aubrey and Joanne Goldberg, Hope Walton, University Regents Thalia Dondero and Mark Alden with Kitty Rodman, Jewel Brooks with Toni Clark and Larry Finuf and Christiane and Marcel LeBon were among those who stayed late into the unusually balmy evening to enjoy the congenial mood of the gathering. Seen with friends were Arlene Mack, Judy and Frank Brusa, Sara and Art Besser, retired Judge Jim Seitz, Joe and Leah Roberts, Dr. Bob and Betty Robinson, Oran and Bonnie Gragson with son Ken, Catharina Costa and District Court Judges Lee Gates and Mark Denton, as well as Alice Denton, Saundra Richardson and Bucky Buchanan with fellow attorney Gianna Orlandi. Nearby, catching up on news of their recent travels with Sara and Ralph Denton, were Judge Bill and Nora Jansen, race fans of the most loyal sort who attended the Indy 500 over Memorial Day weekend.
Co-hosting the enormous party were the Nitz's daughters, Leah Holleran, Stacey Albregts with her husband, Dan, and their children, Zack and Maddi, and Gina Guevara and husband Rob, with their son, Spencer.
Hunt honored
The elegant Four Seasons resort was chosen by the Desert Southwest Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for its annual Dinner of Champions, this year honoring Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt. The evening opened with a private donors' reception graciously hosted by Bonnie and Frank Martin of Martin-Harris Construction. Early arrivals to the reception were welcomed by dinner chair Jaki Baskow, of Baskow and Associates, with special thanks from the honoree, her extended family and husband, Charles "Blackie" Hunt.
At the silent auction held adjacent to the Fours Seasons Ballroom, treasures abounded and were easily coveted by dozens of bidders including: Nevada State Controller Kathy Augustine and husband, Chuck, joined by Denny Weddle, Karen Rogers, Nancy Lamb with Dale Meyers, Tony and Bobette Tegano, Vicki Soares, Norm Johnson with Cathy Bittinger and Christy Walker. An informative program, directed by master of ceremonies Pat Shalmy with an insightful speech by Valerie Christie, chair of the Desert Southwest Chapter's Board of Trustees, prefaced the award ceremonies honoring Lt. Gov. Hunt, a reflection of her many community and volunteer efforts through the years.
Frankie Randall, giving a splendid performance as his personal gift to this benefit evening, provided a dazzling array of songs and nostalgic stories. The gifted musicians on stage with Randall were under the direction of Las Vegan Vince Falcone, longtime musical conductor and arranger for Frank Sinatra. Enjoying the evening were supporters including: Jeri Packe, state Sen. Mark James, Kitty Rodman, Mel Carter with Jackie Brett, Bobbie Katz, Sandy Schroeder, Claudine Williams, Linda Smith with John Wasserman and Patti Randall. In the contingent from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority were Cam Usher, Rob Powers, Tom and Dianne Smith, Karen Siveroli and Juanita and Bill Wilson. Charlotte and Elliot Krane represented Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada, which provided the dinner wines for the charitable gathering. To date the MS Dinner of Champio ns has raised almost $1 million for MS research, and for local programs for patients and their families.
Upcoming performances
"A Shot in the Dark," a mystery-comedy filled with great suspense and intrigue, will open at Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center on Saturday. Written by Harry Kurnitz and directed by Bobby Rogers of the Fourth Wall Theatre Company, the play begins with a young woman being found unconscious, holding a gun, while her lover lies dead nearby. Performances at 7:30 p.m. will run on a Thursday through Saturday schedule throughout July. To order tickets, call 878-PLAY.
Batting for youngsters
While there's often much in the way of lip service about helping kids and our local educational system, there are also angels who literally "Go to Bat for Kids." This season the Las Vegas Stars baseball team, in conjunction with the Clark County Public Education Foundation, has developed a program where each Stars player's home run during the 1999 season will raise the funds necessary to help enhance classroom instruction and "level the playing field" for our public schools by providing such things as Equity grants, library books, summer school scholarships and field trip transportation.
Each participating individual, family or business enterprise will be announced after each home run hit by the Stars. Sponsors will also see their name and/or business name flashed on the Cashman Field scoreboards. Pledges run the entire season, with details available by calling the Foundation office at 799-1042.
Recently Don Logan, the Stars' general manager, and Manager Mike Ramsey hosted a private gathering for "Go to Bat for Kids" sponsors prior to a home game. Held in the Stadium Club at Cashman Field, overlooking the baseball field, the party drew a slew of fans, including Mr. and Mrs. David Boggs, of ATC/Vancom of Nevada, operators of Citizens Area Transit, as well as Kim Hansen, of the Olympic Group, the developers of Southern Highlands Golf Club -- both major supporters of this fine program.
Jim Manning, Public Education Foundation board member and chair of "Go to Bat for Kids," attended with his wife, Karen, and spoke glowingly of the program. Present as well were Las Vegas City Councilmen Michael MacDonald and Larry Brown with Assemblyman Mark Manendo, Jennifer Simich and Karla McComb. Speaking briefly in thanks was Judi Steele, executive director of the foundation, and Don Logan of the Stars. Winning the Steve Maddux-signed baseball during a special drawing at the party was tiny Jordan Ramierez, godson to Councilman MacDonald.
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