Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Philharmonic performance, reception take on Spanish flair

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2000 | 9:32 a.m.

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

Patrons recently filled UNLV's Ham Hall for the season premiere performance of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, conducted by Harold Leighton Weller. Guest artist Angel Romero, guitarist extraordinaire, played "Concerto de Arangjuez," and responded to the standing ovation by performing a composition by his father, the famous Pepe Romero.

Paul and Mary Ann Steelman sponsored the concert while the reception following was jointly hosted by Lalique and Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada. This Mayor's Martini Party was high spirited in nature with specially created martinis served in great abundance in honor of the genial guest host, Mayor Oscar Goodman. Hors d'oeuvres were provided by Sonoma Cellar. An impromptu flamenco dance by Vassili Sulich, done in tribute to the Spanish-flavored occasion, celebrated his winning the coveted pair of exquisite Lalique martini glasses.

Gracing the reception was Sharon Buntain, president of Lalique North America, with Julia Riedorf, director of retail for Lalique North America, joined by Romero with Susan and Andy Tompkins and Goodman. Enthusiastic supporters included Carolyn and Philip Kenton, Susie Perrine, George and Pamela Dials, Kitty and Ron Boeddeker, Sheila Beaton, William and Lynn Weidner with Sue and Paul Lowden and Betsy and Hal Weller. Present as well were Rokh and Mariam Afshai of Cartier, Wendy and Richard Plaster, Jeanne Hood, Doris Lee, Sharon Bader, Cora Berry, Paul and Mary Ann Steelman and General John Tucker. Discussing the Philharmonic's season over martinis were Anita and John Meyer, Pat and Diane Clary, Jim King with Karen Thomas, Bill Marion with Renee Haught, Keith and Dr. Marcia Neel and Carter and Valerie Ferrari.

Social calendar

The Southern Nevada social season heats up as more worthy events are added to the calendar of choices. Saturday will find guests enjoying an event promoted as "65 million years in the making." The prestigious Dino awards are a featured segment of the evening at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, and most certainly will make its eighth annual Dinosaur Ball lively! Funds garnered from the dinner-dance and treasure-filled silent auction will be used to expand learning and cultural activities for Southern Nevada children. Its goal is to add one major exhibit each year, add to its wildly popular shark room, new African room and the Wild Nevada display. For Dinosaur Ball tickets and information call 384-DINO.

On the horizon as well is the Arts Awareness Luncheon at the Regent Las Vegas on Tuesday. LaMar Marchese of KNPR 89.5-FM will speak on "cultural programming and how it helps you," while Paul Hesselink, dean of the Nevada School of the Arts, has chosen "more than Suzuki strings" as his topic. For reservations to this Nevada Arts Advocates event, please call 362-8885.

On Oct. 17 the Nevada Restaurant Association will honor Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt as Educator of the Year. The lavish Arabian Night event at the Aladdin will provide funding for the NRA Foundation's extensive scholarship program and will include the student winners of this year's awards. Contact the Nevada Restaurant Association (878-9272) for details.

Laura Schulte, president CEO of Wells Fargo Bank-Nevada, will be the featured speaker at the Las Vegas chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) event on Oct. 18. Planned in conjunction with national Construction Industry Appreciation night, the gathering will be at the Grove at Silk Purse Ranch. An organization known for its community-service projects and scholarship programs, the Las Vegas chapter also will be celebrating the recent installation of Nancy Eaton as treasurer of the national organization. Eaton, owner of EverGreen Enterprises in Las Vegas, will also serve as trustee for the NAWIC Education Foundation. Details on the dinner and organization are available by calling 593-1818.

Seasonal success

Super Summer Theatre closed out the 2000 season with its annual volunteer appreciation picnic. Thanks to overwhelming response from the community and the efforts of a battalion-sized volunteer team, Super Summer realized its first-ever sold-out season in its 25-year history. Awarded 15-year service pins were Dan Miller and Adrienne O'Donoghue, while 5-year service pins were given to Patty Brooks, Jane Durham, Noreen Konops, Michelle Vikander, Lois Wright, Sherry Ream and Jeanne Braman. Also recognized were Nicki Hirschi, Sandy Nason, Grace Redmann, Jerry Brooks, Darlene Gilbault, Tammy Veita, Mary Miller, Linda Wright and Art Baker. Longtime treasurer and all-around volunteer Ed Dahl was posthumously awarded a 10-year pin. Special note was also given families that have given of their time in most generous fashion. Anne Brew, board member, with her son Mich ael and grandchildren, Stephanie and Danielle, were praised for their multi-generation efforts. Similarly spotlighted for t! heir whole-family approach was board member Dee Thorn, her son Thomas and daughter-in-law Julie, joined by grandchildren Elizabeth, Agenia, Natasha and Thomas Jr.

Introduced at the volunteer picnic was Betty Sullivan Cleary, producer of "South Pacific" for the 2001 season. Other productions for next summer will be "The Wiz" and "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown."

Temple welcomed

Well recognized in both television and philanthropic circles, game-show icon Monty Hall was recently in Las Vegas to assist with opening ceremonies at Temple Beth Sholom. Hall narrated a musical program by UNLV's 40-piece Symphony Orchestra at the new Summerlin facility of our valley's oldest synagogue. Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack and Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald joined Goodman and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley on the dais for the event.

Children of the synagogue led the way up the aisle with chupahs (coverings made of prayer shawls and used in Jewish weddings) as temple members carrying Torahs walked beneath them to place the Torahs in the ark for the first time. Honored to carry the precious Torahs were Lovee and Bob Arum, Jim Rogers, Betsi and Dr. David Steinberg, Lillian and Henry Kronberg, Abigail and Milton Schwartz and Sherri Sigesmund as well as Larry Speiser, Faye and Dr. Leon Steinberg, Ellis Landau, Ron and Judy Mack, Marcy and Steve Saxe, Melissa and Mitch Ogron, Ellen Scully and Gene Greenberg.

More than 800 guests attended the ceremonies, which marked the conclusion of a five-year building campaign. A champagne reception followed with docent tours of the art throughout the new temple.

Helping children

A salute to Sun West Bank and its efforts to make the summer months a bit brighter for local children. With a policy of charitable giving on a year-round basis, its recent focus has funded Ronald McDonald House, the Shade Tree Shelter, Child Haven and Big Brothers-Big Sisters. President-CEO Jackie Delaney reports that in addition to cash donations, her banking staff has also contributed canned and non-perishable food, disposable diapers and other baby needs, personal grooming products, art supplies and many back to school essentials. Equally heartwarming are the bonds formed by employees as they helped to serve meals, read to kids and provide guidance as mentors. Sun West Bank is an active member of "America's Promise -- The Alliance for Youth," which was formed by Colin Powell in 1997. The Alliance is a national, nonprofit network dedicated to improving t he lives of our nation's children.