Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Celebration marks National Tourism Week

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 16, 2001 | 8:24 a.m.

"Las Vegas: Welcoming the World," a celebration marking National Tourism Week, concluded with a delightful luncheon at the MGM Grand Conference Center. Ira David Sternberg, chair of the week's activities, and luncheon chair Connie Ross, with Judy Robinson, Gina Polovina, Erika Brandvik and dozens of Las Vegas leaders taking significant roles, the week was packed with worthwhile conferences and gatherings related to our visitor and convention industry.

William Wells, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Las Vegas Chamber of Conference, opened the luncheon program, welcoming fellow speakers including Gov. Kenny Guinn and Mayor Oscar Goodman. Luncheon entertainment, in keeping with the arts theme, was provided by performances of the Nevada Ballet Theatre and the Las Vegas Philharmonic. Attendees were many and reflected the diversity of our hospitality industry, among them Maggie Bock, Roger Blazic, Eric Blank, Mary Ann Ferguson, Dr. Keith Boman, Dee and Don Snyder, Dennis Stein and Bob Forbuss.

Exhibits included examples from the Neon Museum, with representatives Barbara Molasky and Arlene Blut, as well as an array of materials about the Las Vegas Philharmonic's new season with supporters Bill Marion and Norman Cain answering questions.

Seen in the stream of arrivals were Rob Powers, Debbie Levy, Myram Borders, Dennis Hetherington and Nancy Deaner and Norm Nussbaum of Goodwyn Productions, who created the video survey of tourism week's far-flung acitivities. Others seen included Victoria Rivers, Pat Shalmy, Manny Cortez, Jim Seagrave, Nancy Archer and Michele Tell, as well as Jan Murphy, Blake Bradley, Heidi Gable with husband Geoff Pratt, Nannette Long and Dan Bradley.

Keynote speaker was Laurie Beckelman, deputy director for special projects at the Guggenheim Museum. Her speech, punctuated by dazzling photos of past and projected museum expansions, left the audience entranced with the knowledge of what's underway at the Venetian. Slated to open Sept. 16, "The Art of the Motorcycle" exhibit will set new standards and enrich our visitor base and cultural reputation.

Prenuptial party

Jean Delano and Sandy Peltyn with Jeri Packe recently presented a splendid prenuptial event honoring Packe's son, Ashton Packe, and his bride-to-be, Jodi Lynne Simmons. Held in the Mesquite Room at the Four Seasons, the Sunday gathering was a most elegant occasion, drawing upon the beauty of the hotel's many resources and the personal touches made by the hostesses.

The bride's favorite color of pink was reflected in the beribboned rosebuds set upon the gilt-edged china. Centerpieces were delicate bouquets of baby's breath with silken butterflies nested in shimmering organdy and netting surrounded by soft pink rose petals.

An occasion to celebrate, the party drew dear friends including Dianne Clary, University Regent Thalia Dondero, Sandy Spaccavento, Latisha Bell, Zarina Collado, Carolyn Dixson, Cindy Creed and Isabel Colon. Beaming with a special joy as they met the bridal couple were Giana Orlandi and Laura Fritz, both of whom are also brides-to-be. Dr. Parvin Modaber-Jacobs, taking a break from supervising her move to a new residence in Park Towers, was seen relaxing for a short while with Isabel Pfeifer, Lulu Bubon and the groom's sister and grandmother, Samantha Packe and Sue Tucker.

Present for introductions and a series of cute stories were Kerry Munk, Laura Bujjoni and Sandra Bain, all of whom will be members of the wedding party in mid-June in Northern Nevada. Sipping passion fruit mimosas and later enjoying the tastes and rituals of the High Tea ceremony were fellow guests Sloan Arnold, Linda Gingres, Miriah Katahules, Angie Wallin, Rebecca Berney and Earlene Downey.

Group meeting

Artist Carol Kolberg recently hosted the National League of American Pen Women -- Las Vegas Branch at her home in Summerlin for its April meeting. Barbara Nosek, vice president for letters, presided over the gathering, giving a generous introduction to Bruce Spotleson, group publisher of Las Vegas Weekly, InBusiness Las Vegas and the Ralston Report. He spoke of his early experiences as a writer-reporter and the scope of his current duties. Listening attentively were members including Joanne Trahan, Elizabeth Perry, Jeanne Maxwell Williams, Karen Foster, Jan Jellis and Barbara Hunter.

With a membership drawn from the ranks of writers, artists, actors and fields related to the fine arts, the group filled the Kolberg home with lively discussion and showed a rich appreciation of Kolberg's fine paintings. For information about the group please contact Fran Haraway, membership chairman, at 293-1832 or Joan LeMere, president, at 456-9242.

Birthday bash

Surprised beyond description, Dennis Hetherington found himself the center of a great celebration marking his 60th birthday. With the help of son Shawn, an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department, guests were alerted to the secret and quietly assembled at the West Sahara Library where they then traveled by caravan to the Hetherington home at the Lakes. Wife Judy, the clever behind-the-scenes organizer, fired up the grill and brought out all the goodies for an all-American barbeque of hamburgers, chicken and all the trimmings.

Taking the stage for a bit of comedic commentary was Hetherington's friend of 30 years, Dave Dahl, who shared stories from their mutual years in Des Moines. Further merriment came from tales provided by longtime friend Nickie Wright and lastly from fellow Ameristar executive Gillian Silver, vice president of communications. Other well-wishers included Judith Harriman, Jim and Demi Jefferis, Bob and Paula Beran, Fred Schaefer, Ev Dahl and Gary Mouden. Present as well were fellow officers from his Naval days, Jerry Thiele with wife Rosemary, as well as Leo and Margaret Connolly. Toasting Hetherington on the happy occasion were Bob and Joyce Toth, Pat Whitlock, Fred Oravetz, Lynn Larson, Yvonne Splichal, Kelly and Troy Center and Cyn Winzer.