Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Goodman honored for literacy contributions

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2000 | 10:02 a.m.

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

International Literacy Day was celebrated in Las Vegas at the Imperial Palace. Ed Cripsell, general manager of the hotel-casino, led the committee with Gov. Kenny Guinn, as well Rod Davis, Dr. Thomas Gutherie, Marsha Lindsey, Paul Lyle, Steve Schorr and Pat Shalmy. Co-chairing the event were Richard Sgaglio and Karen Bramwell Thomas. Wally "Famous" Amos, National Literacy spokesman, was a most entertaining guest speaker. His fees and expenses were a gift from What's On magazine publishers Pamela, Stacey and Haley Hertz, who also provided reading lights and magazines for each attending guest.

Carolyn Goodman was the 2000 Pioneer Award recipient. Founder of the Meadows School, CEO of College Bound Counseling and first lady of Las Vegas, Goodman is a well-recognized champion of education issues. The Pioneer Award pays tribute to her significant contributions to literacy, education and our community.

Speaking during the evening as well was Connie Ross, president of the International Association of Business Communicators and Imperial Palace's director of advertising. Mingling with the many literacy tutors and their adult students were Gary and Chrisse Waddell with Sue Strand, president of the Clark County Classroom Teachers, as well as Nancy Ledebetter, Mary Lou Foley, Ruth Moderhak, Barbara Robinson and husband Dr. Andre Costas, Paul Lyle, Kim Becker, Marilyn Huff and Bud Cranor of Guinn's office. Attorney Lillian Sonderoth, accompanied by James Kimsey and her daughter Lillie Muije, brought her entire staff, as did many of the community's corporate sponsors.

Architecture affair

A pre-publication party celebrating the collaboration of the American Institute of Architects and Las Vegas Life magazine was recently held at the Hard Rock hotel. Its joint venture, Architecture Las Vegas, an annual collectible-edition publication, will debut in December. Showcasing our community's best homes and buildings, the companies that help create them and the dreamers who will shape our city tomorrow, the magazine will also be a design reference for the entire industry.

Eric Strain, president of AIA-Las Vegas, and Sharon Bates, Las Vegas Life publisher, co-hosted the reception at Mortoni's inside the Hard Rock, which drew architects and related professionals Greg Schafler, Wayne Mellor, Mike Brinkley, Gary Carlson, Tom Shoeman, Domingo Cambeiro, Brian Patterson and Becky and Michael Crowe. Enjoying the delectable buffet were John La Spaluto, Tony Lief, Debbie Bergin, Lisa Dove, Eric Blank, Ron and Beth La Bar and Elias and Maria Ruiz, who found seating on the patio. Admiring the adjacent pool area, a celebrated feature of the Hard Rock, were Sally Taraban, Dwayne Eshenbach, Anthony and Rita Young and Steve Von Gorp as well as Windom Kinsey, Steve Lindley, Ethan and Elizabeth Nelson and Eddie Cervantes. Introduced during the evening's brief ceremonies were Michael Alcorn, director of UNLV's school of architecture and assis tant professor of architecture, as well as Jeff Koep, dean of the UNLV fine arts department.

Chamber honors

The Luxor provided an elegant backdrop to recent ceremonies recognizing members of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. David Griego served as master of ceremonies for the program, which included keynote speaker Alan Feldman, vice president of MGM MIRAGE, joined by Latin Chamber president Orlando Sandoval. Honored with the Arturo Cambeiro Outstanding Hispanic of the Year award, the organization's highest distinction, was Sandy Peltyn. Accepting awards as well were Nancy Alamo-Borboa (educational); Frank and Isabel Quiroga (entrepreneur); Sheldon Adelson (tourism); Eloisa Martinez (professional); and Ixela Gutierrez (culture), as well as Nevada Power (corporate) and KISF/KLSQ Hispanic broadcasting (media).

The dinner event, a benefit occasion to fund the Latin Chamber's capital campaign for a new building, was supported by Horacio Lopez, Isabel Pfeifer, Rose Dominguez, Rick Michaels, Ray and Charlene Vega, Tony Alamo and Mr. and Mrs. George Lopez of Amalgamated Safety, who were accompanied by Robert and Stephanie Henry. Others seen in attendance included Leticia Acevedo, Dr. Leo and Sandy Spaccavento, Mary Kincaid and Angie Wallin.

Foundation event

A note from Wayne Newton reminded us of the fast-approaching Notte di Carnevale, a most exquisite evening planned for Saturday at Caesars Palace. Newton and his bride, Kathleen, are honorary dinner chairs for the benefit, which will honor his friend and physician Dr. Parvin Modaber Jacobs. A longtime resident of Southern Nevada, this honoree combines a busy medical practice with charitable endeavors to help the fine arts and other community needs.

Notte di Carnevale will fund the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people establish self-sufficiency and break away from welfare and public assistance. FIT works with vocational goals, following through with getting clients the right education and work skills.

Planning this special evening at Caesars Palace are Cheryl Fish, Camille Ruvo and Sandy Peltyn, to name just a few. Contact FIT at 362-8544 for details and reservations.

Food festival

Be Greek for a day and enjoy the bounty of the annual Greek Food Festival, scheduled for Sept. 22-24. A favorite among locals for the past 28 years, this sumptuous feast of Hellenic foods includes favorite dishes, delectable pastries, plus ethnic flavor provided by an authentic Greek band and costumed folk dancers. A bazaar, pony rides, coffee tavern and Greek games will be enjoyed by attending families. The festival will be held on the grounds of St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 5300 S. El Camino Road, at Jones Boulevard and Hacienda Avenue. Contact the church at 248-3896 for further details.