Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Nidetch Center honors those behind the scenes

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2000 | 10 a.m.

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

Each August, in recognition of the founders, members and supporters of the Jean Nidetch Women's Center at UNLV, a heartfelt luncheon of thanks and appreciation is held at UNLV's Alumni Center. This is a gathering which draws together the diverse elements responsible for much of the center's efforts on behalf of both men and women on campus. Noteworthy for their efforts with older or re-entry students, the Jean Nidetch Center also works to provide freshmen and continuing students scholarships, community job fairs, workshops on leadership and personal safety and other far-reaching services to name just a few of their programs.

Started seven years ago, with an endowment from Weight Watcher's founder Jean Nidetch, the center has to date granted 101 scholarships of $2,500 each, which led to similar efforts from both individuals and professional organizations including the Executive Women International's Las Vegas chapter. Nidetch glowed as she spoke of her continued pleasure in being part of UNLV and of the friendships developed among her fellow supporters and the students they assist. Joining her in brief remarks was UNLV President Dr. Carol Harter and Women's Center Executive Director Conee Spano. Announced were details on Community Job Fair 2000, slated for Sept. 30, a no-fee event with 140 participating employers. Keynote speaker for the luncheon was Dr. Rebecca Mills, UNLV interim vice president for student life.

Seen in the congenial crowd were supporters including Mary Hausch, Sandy and R.J. Peltyn, Linda McCoy, Peggy Leavitt, Rep. Shelley Berkley, Alice Mauricio and Nancy Bernstein as well as Jan Williams and Dr. Juanita Fain. Contributors who give both monetarily and of their time also included state Senator Valerie Wiener, Judge Nancy Oesterle, Marian Gubler, Kim Harney, Grace Salazar, Nichole Lake, Jim Clancy and Caroline Rohrer who donated the tropical centerpieces for the luncheon. Recognized as well for their efforts to underwrite the printing needs of the Women's Center were Bob and Annette Mignault joined by Stu Platt, general manager of Alexis Park hotel, who provided the door prizes.

Production milestone

After two years, 800 shows and an incredible 623,192 tickets sold, the strength of Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance" continues to dazzle visitors and locals alike. Recently, in celebration of its second anniversary at New York-New York hotel-casino, a dinner reception and special performance were hosted by the property and SFX Entertainment, producers of the show.

Greeting guests were New York-New York executives Dan Bradley, Wendy Mosca and Meredith Lanning, who stood with show publicist Ira David Sternberg in the second-level dining room (once a part of actor George Hamilton's restaurant and cigar establishment). Providing delightful mood music for the party was Walter O'Douling and the Wild Irish Celts, while welcoming remarks were graciously made by Dave Cacci, president and COO of New York-New York. Adding their own thoughts were Tom Crangle, of SFX Entertainment, and Jim Murrihy, dance captain for the Las Vegas troupe. Enjoying the party and show were Tai and Bob Walsh, Barbara and Terry Nosek, Lynne and Richard Gubbe, Bernie Stanton, Blake Bradley and Rob Powers.

Bon Voyage

Wing and Lilly Fong, with their son Ken Fong, gave a royal send-off to family friends heading to quite distinctly different destinations and tasks. The luncheon party, arranged with the delectable intention of enjoyment from an array of dim sum, was held at Cathay House and quickly became a most congenial affair.

Honored was Professor Bill Corney of UNLV's College of Business. Corney, an author-lecturer who has lived in Las Vegas for nearly 20 years, will spend the fall semester in Santiago, Chile. His teaching assignment, with English-speaking and American students and business leaders, is part of a cultural teaching exchange. Equally honored was Steven Jiang, recognized as valedictorian of Clark High School's class of 2000 and a National Merit Scholarship winner. Jiang, the son of Luxia Fu and her husband, Jiang Jianz Hong, left this week for college at the University of California at Berkeley, where he will pursue a dual degree in electrical engineering and computer science.

Lounging around

The Regent Las Vegas and DW&A Entertainment recently opened the afternoon and early-evening show, "When Lounge Shows Were King." Centerstage for the delightful merriment was Sonny King, a true legend in his own time, who has charmed Las Vegas lounge audiences for several decades. For the coming months King and his assorted and equally talented friends will appear at the Regent Las Vegas' Addison's Lounge at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, and 3 p.m. Saturdays. Joining King in the early weeks will be Lezlie Anders and her big band sound, as well as Freddie Bell, Pete Barbutti, Steve Rossi and other multitalented lounge stars.

Jim Grifall, director of entertainment and special events for the Regent Las Vegas, was host for an opening-night party, which drew a large crowd of Las Vegas notables including Toni Clark with Larry Finuf, Judge Joseph and Barbara Bonaventure, Tony Tillman, Gennifer Flowers, Cindi Doumani and Sandy Hackett with his wife, Chandra. Others recalling the golden years of Las Vegas entertainment included Bell and his attorney wife, Angela, Johnny Ray, Frances and Mac McDonald, Victor Moe'a, Troy Carraway, John and Teri Daly and Sonny Charles and Sweet Louie of the famed Checkmates.

Listening to welcoming remarks by John Tipton, vice president/general manager of the Regent Las Vegas, were Dennis Silvers with Paula Gentile, Dr. Toni Hart, Michael Berk, Janet Linden, Bob Stupak, Michaelle Goodwin and Fred Doumani. Assisting with host duties was Nora Cooper, the resort's newly appointed public relations manager, and Allison Kneubuhl, executive director of communications.