Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Musical sisters showcased at Philharmonic Soiree

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001 | 8:48 a.m.

Second in the season's series of four, the exclusive gathering was hosted by Dr. Tony and Renee Marlon. Their home, handsome in the stone and wood style of Frank Lloyd Wright, was a warm and ideal setting for cellist Ani Aznavoorian and her equally talented sister, pianist Marta Aznavoorian.

The intimate program was much enjoyed by Pat and Diane Clary, Dr. Paul and April Stewart, philharmonic founders Susan and Andy Tompkins and Dean and Gloria Allen with Sheila Mackay and previous soiree hosts John and Evonne Allen, as well as Esther Wallace and Roger Thomas. Chefs Jack and Patty Sheridan, of The Inn at Silk Purse Ranch, catered the sumptuous dinner buffet and after-concert dessert offering, where guests Steve Cullen, Patrick Everett, Sue Lowden, Lynn Weidner, Wendy and Richard Plaster, Barbara Molasky and Jack Fischer gathered. Special guest and season sponsor was Alain Viot, president-CEO of Cartier, accompanied by Mariam Afshai, manager of Cartier-Las Vegas.

Holiday festival

With a battalion of volunteers, including the Friends of Valley Hospital, Nevada Surgical Group, Truline Trucking and Smith and Francis CPAs, the enormous Bally's ballroom was transformed into a winter wonderland for the 13th annual Festival of Trees and Lights.

Opening with the Wonder of Winter dinner gala, with a very competitive auction of elaborate trees and exquisite holiday decorations, the evening was well-supported by Eric and Tammy Weisberg of Bally's and Paris Las Vegas, Mike McCandless, Perry Rogers, Don and Jeanne Hamrick, Bill and Dr. Kathy Mahon, Fern Adair with Ray Criddle and Dr. Donald Johnson, as well as June Brennan, Dr. Jules Silver, Patricia and Richard Wright, Nick and Kristy Wilden, Jim and Helen Sax, Lou and Jerry Emmert and Dr. Robert McBeath with a large group of friends in tow.

In the days following the gala, the displays and childrens' craft areas drew several thousand visitors, many of them families. Proceeds from the three days of events will remain in our area to fund the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada. Its mission is to help families and individuals affected by Down Syndrome, as well as enlighten the public through educational outreach programs.

Spago benefit

Spago, gloriously reworked in ever-sleek contemporary design, celebrated its reopening in grand style. A benefit evening with all proceeds going to the Animal Foundation, Child Haven and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada, the party was hosted by Wolfgang Puck with his wife, Barbara Lazaroff, and Tom Kaplan, David Robins and Joe Essa.

Guests, among them Bob and Lovee Arum, Marilyn and Mel Larson, Bryan O'Reilly with Dawn Gearhart and his parents Rene and John O'Reilly, enjoyed a lavish array of the restaurant's most tempting dishes, appetizers and beverages. In the mix of supporters were newlyweds Andras Babero and his bride, Iruka, who spent their recent honeymoon in Hong Kong, Bangkok and other exotic ports of call.

Scott Webb's jazz trio added a musical touch to the evening enjoyed by Vivi Marshall, Phyllis McGuire, Gabriel Quiroz, Michelle McFall, John Klumbach and Roger Peltyn, in addition to Larry Ruvo, Craig Johnson and Puck's longtime friend, Ray Caldaro.

Restaurateur roasted

Well-known restaurateur and philanthropist Freddie Glusman was both roasted and honored as Temple Beth Sholom's Man of the Year 2001 on Sunday.

A capacity crowd of more than 500 guests streamed into the gaily decorated entry tent, where tables of tempting foods and drink were offered while guests congratulated Glusman and his wife, Bonnie. Many moved into the silent auction area, where treasures awaited the bids of Coach John Robinson and wife Linda, Diane and Mike Fauci, Marilyn Moran, Sam Dvorak, George Graziadei and Linda and Bill Richardson.

Temple President Sandy Mallin and her event co-chair Arlene Blut welcomed guests at dinner, while Cantor Daniel Friedman and Rabbi Felipe Goodman gave a ceremonial beginning to the meal.

Assisting with the splendid occasion were supporters including Sidney and Shirley Chaplin of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, Virginia McCord of The Source, Elaine Steinberg of Pro-Travel and Aric Rosenberg of LasVegasShows.com.

Directing the rowdy roast of Glusman was former Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones, who introduced clever commentary by Mayor Oscar Goodman, former Mayor Ron Lurie, Manny Cortez, Henri Lewin, former UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, Mike Sloan, Irwin Molasky and comedian Sammy Shore, who appeared in place of Rick Rizzolo. Glusman's daughter Marla Letizia spoke for the Glusman family, while Bob Arum, representing Temple Beth Sholom, presented the honoree with a Warhol-like painting of Glusman.

Sitting ringside for the program were Gov. Kenny Guinn with first lady Dema, Congresswoman Shelly Berkley, Yvette and Ellis Landeau, Dana and Terry Wright, Melanie Greenberg and Thalia Dondero with Claudine Williams, joined by Mel Wolzinger, Judy Mack, Lois Tarkanian with son George, Abigail and Milton Schwartz, Rob and Marci Murdock, Bob Stupak and Jim and Mary Chaisson.

Literary gathering

The Literary Society of Las Vegas, with sponsorship by the Northern Trust, recently held its inaugural luncheon at the Four Seasons. Keynote speaker was Carl Sferraza Anthony, author of "The Kennedy White House," an in-depth look at the personal lives of John and Jackie Kennedy from 1960-63.

Adding a nostalgic note to the occasion was the authentic menu from a dinner for American Nobel Prize Laureates, hosted by the Kennedys in 1962, and faithfully replicated by Four Seasons chefs for the Literary Society guests.

In the well-dressed crowd were Bonnie Hannifin, Carolyn Goodman, Dorothy Kaser, Laurel Andrew with husand Victor Onufrieff, Michael Buckley and Pat Campbell. Seen as well were Dr. Bob McCord, Marydean Martin, Lamar Marchese, Chris Hudgins, Fred Gibson Jr., Sherry Colquitt, Bonnie Darnell and Joyce Strauss.

Pamela Newell, vice president of the Northern Trust, was in Las Vegas for the occasion and attended with Eric Olsen, executive director of the Institute of Modern Letters. Present in the luncheon crowd were Dr. Joe McCullough, Lori McDonald, Don Roesh, Frances Spooner, Emily Neville, Bea Mieth, Nancy Houssels and Bill Marion.

The Literary Society of Las Vegas was created by the Northern Trust as a way of bringing readers and authors together for stimulating conversation over an elegant lunch. The society provides scholarships to writing students. Those wishing to attend future events are invited to call Newell at 562-4028.