Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Stately ‘Camelot’ ushers in local holiday season

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 1999 | 9:37 a.m.

Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfoytsimmons@prodigy.net.

"Camelot," an evening of enchantment at the Magical Forest, heralded the beginning of the holiday season in Southern Nevada. The gala evening chaired by past honoree Billy Vassiliadis prefaced the opening of Opportunity Village's Magical Forest, a wonderland of holiday displays, spirited song and enchantingly decorated trees open for tour and enjoyment of citizens of all ages.

Camelot began to spin its enchantment at curbside as the richly costumed lords and ladies welcomed arriving guests Charlie and Pat Cavagnaro with Harold and Louise Sells, Terri Sturm, Kathy and Ernie Becker Jr. with Linda and Gary Vaue, and Mary and John Carlson with Kurt and Janice Weinrich, as well as Coral and Peter Reveen, Diane Dickerson and Councilman Larry Brown.

Gov. Kenny Guinn and Sig Rogich greeted attending friends Marge Robinson, Bob Fowler, Helen Foley, Jeannie Hood, John Wasserburger and Judge Nancy Oesterle. Many guests took the newly-paved walkway through the Magical Forest to enjoy the holiday decorations and some were seen riding the miniature railroad.

Passing through a greeting line of assembled nobles and lords to dinner, guests were then seated at tables adorned with cloth of gold, winter finery and chocolate coins. The leisurely paced five-course dinner was a joint effort presented by the chefs of Bally's, Caesars Palace, the Desert Inn, Station Casinos and the UNLV School of Hotel Management, with wines provided by Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada. Servers were professionals from top resorts and UNLV, each of whom volunteered their time for this charitable event to benefit the mentally challenged who are part of Opportunity Village.

Attending with their son, Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald, and his girlfriend, Jennifer Simich, were Doris and John McDonald. Nearby guests enjoying the party as well were Sonny Hackett, Lou and Linda Silvestri, Betty Sutton, Chris Rimmek with Amy Blanchard, Marie Hummel, Claudine Williams with her niece, Susie, Cahty Koscica and state Controller Kathy Augustine. In leaving each guest was given a richly-brocaded wine bag containnig bottles of Gato Negro cabernet savignon.

The Magical Forest on the West Oakey campus of Opportunity Village opens at dusk each evening through late December.

Inaugural Ball set

A note from Dottie Kemp indicates that invitations are in the mail for the Inaugural Holiday Ball 1999 to benefit the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center. Honorees at the black-tie event on Dec. 10 will be the Helen and Paul Meyer Foundation and Maryann and Paul Steelman. Gov. Kenny and Dema Guinn are honorary chairpersons, while committee members include Las Vegas notables Dr. Charles and Nancy Vinnik, Mary Dreschler, state Sen. Valerie Wiener, Angie Wallin, Vera and Robert Goulet, Assemblyman Mark Manendo, John and Darlene Ensign and Paul Work, to name just a few.

The splendid evening will be held in the grand ballroom of the Resort at Summerlin and includes a gourmet dinner, dancing and fine entertainment. Reservations are a must and can be made by calling 252-8551.

Goodman focus of tribute

"Tribute," an evening to honor Carolyn and Mayor Oscar Goodman, will provide both locals and celebrity friends with the opportunity to gently "roast" this lovely couple. Expected in the celebrity crowd are Mike Wallace of "60 Minutes" fame, Robert DeNiro, Don Rickles, Breck Wall and Wayne Newton.

The dinner and tribute event at Four Seasons on Dec. 12 will open with an astonishingly rich silent auction with treasures of Tumi luggage from El Portal, a trip to the French wine country courtesy of Southern Nevada Wine and Spirits, a stay at the St. Regis in New York, a Zegna tuxedo from Neiman Marcus and Louis Vuitton luggage from Fendi, to mention just a few.

Presented by Temple Beth Sholom, this evening is priced at $200 per person, with reservations by calling 804-1333.

"Big Smoke" a success

A top-drawer evening from start to finish, Cigar Aficionado's "Big Smoke Las Vegas" was an unqualified success. Designed to match cigar lovers with the finest of liquors, cigars and restaurant selections, the "Big Smoke" once again proved to also be a very social occasion with live musical entertainment and dancing, all showing the great versatility of the Paris Las Vegas grand ballroom.

Entering guests, among them Mark Charles, George Strong, Chris Clarkwell and John Valdez, were given cigar redemption booklets for use at each of the 50 cigar manufacturers stations.

Guests tucked their treasured cigars into commemorative tote bags or lit up with immediate pleasure as they strolled the aisles. Seen deep in discussion over the merits of a favorite smoke was Bernie Stanton with Michael Frey of Frey Boys Tobacco, joined by UNLV law student Ellen Chacha. Nearby, looking over a magnificent Bentley in the luxury car display, were guests Randy Cestone, Steve Keith, Brian Sheakley and Patrick Blake, who spent the entire weekend at Paris Las Vegas to enjoy related cigar and cognac seminars and preservation classes.

Dining selections were plentiful, with most delectable offerings from the Big Dog's Hospitality Group, Emeril's New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand, Morton's of Chicago, Delmonico Steakhouse, China Grill, Andre's French Restaurant, Smith and Wollensky, Rumjungle, Red Square and Rock Lobster. Enjoying the ambiance of the evening were Mario Sciortino, Doug Chadwick, Tony Ferry, Brooks Ravencroft, Brian Tote and John Schreven. A portion of the "Big Smoke" proceeds will benefit CAPCure, a research organization seeking a cure for prostate cancer.

Theatre celebrated

"Carneval Di Venzia," a musical extravaganza of note, was a highly successful celebration for Nevada Opera Theatre and their patron supporters.

Held in the Venetian's exquisite peach-toned Palazzo ballroom with its guilded ceilings and beautifully crafted mirrors and chandeliers, the evening was the first such gala for an arts organization on the property.

Following a champagne reception, guests entered the ballroom to witness the formal entrance of dignitaries during a grand march directed by Gayle Anderson, Nevada's diplomatic liaison. Leading off was Denny Weddle, president of Nevada Opera Theatre, and Tove Allen, chairman of the NOT Guild. Count Robert Deiro of Las Vegas and Consul General Andrew Ippolito, secretary of the Los Angeles Consular Corps., and his wife, Jan Ippolito, followed.

Shining like an aquamarine star in her French-made gown, Lia Roberts, chairman of the dinner and honorary consul of Romania, entered with husband Joseph Roberts. NOT's most distinguished guest, Ferdinando Salleo, Italian ambassador to the United States, attended with his wife, Anne Marie, and their younger son, Alberto, a doctoral candidate at the University of California, Berkeley.

Glorious entertainment included the soaring voices of the NOT Chorus performing "Masquerade," as well as Kimberly Switzer, who sang the clear notes of "Carnevale di Venezia." Further pleasure came from the delightful program featuring guest artists Stephen Plummer and Paul Facoory, as well as NOT artists Dr. Morton Hyson, Robin Janess and Elizabeth Knight. Attending in most formal finery were Gary Carlson, Mary Ann Hantout, Sheila McKay, Laura Smith, Bea Soares, Adele Kadens and Milton and Abigail Schwartz, as well as Leezie and Kadell Kremer.

Others in the crowd of 300 had selected the option of cleverly designed costumes recalling the splendor of Venice in the Renaissance. Elisa Del Prado looked magnificent as she accepted compliments on both her costume and the table decor she and committee members Dania Petrillo and Janet Kiff created. Basking in compliments as well was Margie Conway, who wore an elaborate beaded mask as she went about her duties as silent auction chair.

Attending with son- and daughter-in-law Steve and Janis Fish was longtime opera patron Elaine Fish. Nearby with friends were David Griego, Andrea Thomas, Bob Clark, Ray Shreder, Barb Sheehy, Dr. Lonnie and Sandy Hammargren and Sondra Lynch. Of particular note was the performance by opera star Demetra George, much enjoyed by Lia's many friends in Republic Women Clubs.

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