Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Aspiring country stars turn out for ‘Showdown’

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2000 | 9:48 a.m.

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

Lisa Windom, the newly crowned Miss Rodeo Nevada 2000, made the first in a series of public appearances recently when she assisted with the "True Value Country Showdown" in Laughlin. Co-sponsored by Highway Country Radio and the Riverside hotel-casino, the musical competition was the first stage for entertainers seeking True Value's $50,000 grand prize, a distinction previously achieved by then-unknown Garth Brooks, LeAnn Rimes and other stars.

Las Vegas competitors were plentiful in Laughlin, with Wendy T and Cat Caspar appearing as Crimson Rose, under the management of Doris Keating, taking top honors. Also making their mark were Jenny Mack and Katie Kern, who placed second and third respectively. Others who kept the crowd asking for more included Erica Wages, Brittany Breed, Cheyenne O'Dell, Mark Crough, Brittney Barnum and Katrina Darrell with Keeira Ford. Adding a touch of Elvis with his songs and stylings was emcee John Colin Patrick. Windom, a 1996 Bonanza High School graduate, is the daughter of Rex and Sandy Windom of Las Vegas, and a recent graduate of Judson College in Marion, Ala. Her degree in fashion design and merchandising has earned her a coveted slot in Neiman Marcus' fashion internship program. Windom, who will also keep a busy appearance schedule at rodeo events across the nat ion, will represent Nevada at the National Finals Rodeo in December, and should be a strong contender for the Miss Rodeo Am! erica title.

Challenging dinner

Certainly one of the most delicious responses to a federal Challenge Grant came during KNPR 89.5-FM's dining extravaganza at Rosemary's Restaurant. Planned to perfection by John Curtas, local attorney and restaurant critic for KNPR, the benefit dinner was a true showcase for the culinary artistry of Chefs Michael and Wendy Jordon, owner-operators of the elegant West Sahara Avenue eatery. Each of the meal's five courses, served up with insightful commentary by Curtas, was accompanied by fine wines and spirits as selected and donated by DeLuca Liquor.

Contributors who funded the matching dollars required by KNPR's Challenge Grant funding included Caty Crockett Jones and husband Dr. Jim Jones, Kathleen and John Hraba, Jane and Bob Fielden, Heidi and Frank Rinella, Tom and Sandra Sheets and Bill Laub, Sr. accompanied by Walt and Peggy Casey. Welcoming the dining benefactors was Lamar Marchese, KNPR's general manager with his wife, Patricia, seen with John and Irene Smith, of DeLuca Liquor, and Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Kischner, as well as KNPR board chairman Bill Noonan and wife Sylvia. Joining the dinner party were Patrick and Sheryl Chapin and David and Diane Cabral, in addition to Kim and Mick Roemer and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Holcomb. Assisting with the benefit occasion were KNPR staffers Nancy Wood, Cynthia Dobek, Nancy Gott and Jay Volney.

Scholarship gala

The Nevada Restaurant Association, a professional organization representing some 600 dining outlets and more than 60,000 employees, is also a shining example of our state's generous nature. Each fall, in selecting scholarship recipients, it assists area students in their pursuit of professional hospitality training. This year 15 worthy applicants will be selected for $1,000 scholarships with students at UNLV's Hotel School, Community College of Southern Nevada's Culinary Arts Program and other Nevada-based training institutes, all encouraged to apply by Oct. 2.

Winners will be honored during the Nevada Restaurant Association's annual Scholarship Gala, slated for Oct. 17 at the Aladdin. A gourmet dinner, with entertainment and a silent auction, the event will also be highlighted by the induction of NRA's Educator of the Year, an honor previously bestowed upon Gov. Kenny Guinn and University Regent Tom Weisner. For details on the gracious gala or scholarship applications, please contact the NRA at 878-2313 or visit its newly launched website at nvrestaurants.com

Hooping it up

Peter Morton, Stephen Shapiro and Steve Tisch will once more present Hoops In Vegas, a sportsman's delight, at the Hard Rock hotel-casino this weekend. The two-day gathering will open with a tribute dinner on Saturday evening in the Joint at the Hard Rock. Hosted by Tom Arnold and honoring Les Moonves, president/CEO of CBS Television, the event will draw a most sporty crowd, among them Muggsy Bogues, a mere 5 foot, 2 inches tall and unrivaled as the smallest player in the NBA.

Las Vegas committee members include UNLV Runnin' Rebel coach Bill Bayno, as well as Bill Lastra. Cliff Findlay, a Rebel player in the early years of the university's basketball program and a generous benefactor to youth sports in our community, will be recognized as game honoree during Sunday afternoon's Pro All-Star game at the Thomas & Mack Center. NBA star Grant Hill will be coaching Tracy O'Grady's team while Arnold will provide the same for Antawn Jamison's side, with Tim Thomas, Baron Davis, Paul Pierce, Sean Rooks and UNLV alumnus Shawn Marion among those slated to participate. All proceeds from the weekend will benefit the Kayne-Eras Center, an educational, service and training center that provides personalized instruction to developmentally challenged children and young adults at risk. For further information or tickets, please log on to tickets.c om.

Bit of history

My family moved to Nevada in 1957, settling in Las Vegas when the population numbers swelled to 80,000; Sahara Avenue was called San Francisco Boulevard; and West Charleston Boulevard was optimistically paved all the way to Decatur Boulevard, a mere dirt road in those days. Memories of this time clash wildly with the city as it appears today (with both good and bad aspects of both eras). A fond look back at this time will be offered by the Nevada Women's History Project on Sept. 9 when its presents "Life in the '50s," a closer look at the be-bop days of Las Vegas. Jane Olive, NWHP president, will introduce local historian Joyce Rasmussen Marshall, keynote speaker. The brunch and historical program will begin at 10 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, 4100 West Charleston Blvd. Tickets are $16 with further details by calling 876-3586.

Poolside ball

The Generic/Black and White Ball, a well-enjoyed gathering, is an annual benefit for Aid for AIDS of Nevada. Guests dress in black and white and bring $25 in nonperishable foods and sundries for donation to the AFAN food bank. Complementary beverages, food and top-notch entertainment will be provided at the poolside party at the Hard Rock hotel-casino. Guests can also make a $35 donation at the door in lieu of a food donation.

AFAN, a community-based organization, reaches out to 2,000 clients with daily lunches and provides many more Southern Nevadans with needed assistance through the food bank, home and hospital visitations, a buddy program and support groups as well as outreach and education to the community at large. Eighty-three percent of AFAN's annual budget is directed to those who face the challenge of living with HIV and AIDS every day. For more information, please call 382-2326.