Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Stirring groundbreaking for Stirling Club

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, June 14, 2000 | 10:21 a.m.

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

Developers Donald and Jeffrey Soffer recently hosted a lavish cocktail reception at Turnberry Place, marking the groundbreaking of Stirling Club, the private facility that will complement the condominium towers on Paradise Road.

Attending were many future Turnberry Place residents, among them Frances and Mac MacDonald, Zoe Brown with her present and future neighbors Charles and Shirley Dickson, and Elizabeth Ackerman with her daughter Rachel Kanter. Admiring the detailed model of the luxurious towers were Richard Bonar, Rob Powers, Waimae and Greg Borgel, June Brennan, Rod Harbach and Jeff Silver.

Touring the elegantly appointed models while discussing real estate options were Dr. Leonard and Betty Carpi with Jewel Brooks, Debbie Hermann with Shenandoah Merrick, Edward Doumani, Susie Chenin and David Atwell. Others glimpsed at the sophisticated gathering were May Muskin, Azeda Bernstein, George McCabe, Toni Hart and Kathryn Rigdon.

Brunch time

Rose Irwin, president of the Nevada Women's History Project -- Southern Region, recently opened the spring brunch at Desert Pines Country Club with brief remarks covering the past year's successful activities. Irwin also introduced Gov. Kenny Guinn's wife, Dema, the honored guest for the event. A $1,000 check for further renovation and redecoration of the state governor's mansion was presented to Mrs. Guinn by Kay Gray and Joyce Marshall.

Officers for 2000-2001 were installed, including Jane Olive, president; Anne Reck, first vice president; Joan Le Mere, second vice president; Eva Stowers, third vice president; as well as Irene Rostine, recording secretary; Evelyn Bisek, corresponding secretary; and Mitsi Johnson, treasurer.

Looking on were attendees Jeanne Greenawalt, Bernie Lenz, Bernice Fischer, Barbara Slivac, Dr. Marlene Adrienne, Kathy Howell and Judy Ingham as well as Frankie Williams, Kathy and Celeste Lowe, Cindy Seaman and Alanna Noyes.

Supreme Court Justice Nancy Becker, guest speaker at the affair, gave an insightful speech on women in politics. Listening attentively to the program were Sheila White, Lois Rohay, Billie Bates, Sara Noyes and Mary Gafford.

The mission of the NWHP is to provide visibility and support for the gathering and dissemination of history about the roles and contributions of Nevada women of every race, class and ethnic background.

Seeing shred

Bob Linden, owner of a document shredding company called Shred It Las Vegas, served as the keynote speaker for a special breakfast at Big Dog's Cafe when United Way of Southern Nevada recognized small businesses and organizations for helping it reach its goal of $10.6 million in this year's fund-raising campaign.

Nancy Sprague, vice president of marketing for Robert Ashworth, Certified Public Accountants, chaired the Small Business Initiative campaign, which attracted the support of businesses including Green Point Credit, Black and Veatch, Mac Tac, La Quinta Inn and Conseco Finance Corporation.

Mike Niggli, president and CEO of Nevada Power Company, was a presenter at the event, praising these firms for making a difference in our community. He was assisted by Tom Weisner, owner of Big Dog's Hospitality Group, who has been a part of United Way efforts since 1964.

Recognized firms also included American Pacific Corporation, Framatome Cogema Fuels, McGladrey and Pullen, Community One Federal Credit Union, Reynolds Foundation, Western Sunrise Mortgage and WFS Financial, joined by Nevada First Bank, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Eldorado Bank, Priority Staffing and Robert Ashworth CPAs.

Vinnik honored

Dr. Charles Vinnik, a plastic surgeon who served as a founder and past trustee for Nevada Ballet Theatre as well as many other efforts on behalf of the arts, will be honored during luncheon ceremonies on June 24 at the Regent Las Vegas in Summerlin.

Joining him in the spotlight as honorees will be Richard Hooker, cultural specialist for Las Vegas Cultural Affairs, and Lonny Gordon of UNLV's Fine Arts Department. "Canvas in Motion," the luncheon event, will be presented by the American Dance Company and feature a delightful exhibit of works by local and regional artists. In addition, a performance by American Dance Company has been included in the program.

Opening with a champagne reception, guests will enjoy a first look at works created by artists Vickie Richardson, Louann Chiodini, Mark Vranesh, Roy Purcell and his son Loren Purcell, John Banks, Dottie Burton, Peter Paul Ott and Mohammad Darehbaghi, to name just a few. In addition, "EFX" star Tommy Tune has contributed a special piece of artwork for the auction to benefit American Dance Company. Founded in 1997, ADC trains and developes young dancers for professional careers, providing experiences in all aspects of performances and artistry with fellow dancers. Linda Shoemaker, artistic director, is handling reservations (735-1981).

That's a 30

Thirtieth wedding anniversary celebrations found Nancy and J.K. "Kell" Houssels globe-trotting on an extensive trip through Asia. Their self-paced vacation found the couple enjoying the sights and the shopping adventures in Singapore and Beijing with side trips to walk the Great Wall of China and explore the museum and excavations of the famed terra cotta warriors.

While in Hong Kong the Houssels were granted special visitor privileges to the Hong Kong Ballet rehearsals and were graciously welcomed backstage to meet performers and staff. This special treat was arranged by Bruce Stievel, artistic director for Nevada Ballet Theatre, who previously served in the same capacity for the Hong Kong Ballet. Nancy Houssels, founder and president of Nevada Ballet Theatre, is now home, happy to share the joys and photos of the trip with students and dancers at NBT's center in Summerlin.