Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Dinner reception honors Neon Museum donors

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2001 | 8:23 a.m.

Guests spread through Thomas' art-laden home and spilled out into the courtyard, where the lily pad-filled reflecting pools and sculpture pieces invited further comment. Admiring the displayed neon letters spelling out "SIN," reclaimed from the former Dunes hotel, were Susan Molasky, Carol Spiegel, Jan Jones, Anne Yendrek, Amy Ayoub, Steven Molasky, Alesia Prentiss, Neil Carmena, Arlene Blut and Brad Friedmutter.

Barbara Molasky, president of the Neon Museum, and Roger Thomas, board trustee, spoke of the organization's mission to save, restore and display pieces of neon signage that have characterized Las Vegas for decades.

"If there is any art form that has made its mark for our city, it is neon," Thomas said when speaking of the pieces previously restored and on display on Fremont Street, as well as those assembled at the museum's "boneyard."

The boneyard and the museum to be erected will host a fabulous party on Dec. l, and will also be offered to private groups for special events, convention gatherings and other occasions.

Speaking at the party also was John Schadler of Schadler Kramer Group, who will lead the marketing and strategic planning for the museum and the capital campaign. Jim and Beverly Rogers have agreed to serve as honorary capital campaign chairs, and will work closely with Linda Richardson and Arlene Blut, capital campaign co-chairs, to secure the funding for the building, which is being designed by architect Brad Friedmutter, owner of Friedmutter Group.

Open house

Close friends and associates enjoyed the open house hosted by Chrisse and Gary Waddell at their Green Valley home.

Intentionally planned as a casual gathering at the couple's new home, the house-warming party was a rare evening of sheer relaxation and congenial chatter for media figures and fellow guests. In the mix were Marty Gass, Lynne Garlock, Dan and Marietta Bowman, Calanit Atia, Susan Houston and Laura Herlovich.

At poolside, sharing the news about her new position with the local American Red Cross, was Trish Williamson, who spoke of the Final Round Golf Tournament, the last major event to be held at the Desert Inn Golf Course in early March.

Listening to her news about the Red Cross benefit were Mel Carter with Jackie Brett, Suzanne Chabre, Fred and Janice Kaiserman and Judy Robinson.

A catered supper buffet was prepared by Chef Yves Menes of the Mt. Charleston Lodge, and much enjoyed by Mel and Marilyn Larson, Barbara Orcutt, John Bastian, Paula Francis, Donna Chrisman, Norm Johnson, Brian Banke, Annie Sliman with husband Gary Plumlee and James White.

Upcoming events

Events for the coming weeks include Business Watch Network's awards and officer installation dinner on Nov. 3 at the Rio. Mayor Oscar Goodman will provide the keynote speech.

BWN is a local coalition of business and government members dedicated to reducing crime and improving the economic climate of our community. Carolyn Grant, at 889-1673, is handling reservations.

St. Jude's Ranch for Children in Boulder City will host its 34th anniversary and open house festival on Saturday. Tickets benefit the residential center for abused, abandoned and neglected children. The daylong event begins with mass at 9 a.m. in the St. Jude's chapel, followed at noon with a cowboy lunch, and at 2 p.m. a country-western concert by Wylie and the Wild West Band. Call 294-7196 for all the details.