Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Festival once again illuminates holiday season

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2002 | 8:19 a.m.

Opening festivities for the 14th annual Festival of Trees and Lights, a benefit for the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada, gave attendees a special glimpse into the wonders of the season ahead.

Spread out through the ballrooms of Bally's, this five-day event features a preview reception with brisk bidding on lushly decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces and gingerbread creations embracing both Christian and Jewish traditions.

Trees, and the abundance of gifts beneath them, are each handcrafted by individuals, businesses, church and civic groups wishing to help this local support agency for Down syndrome families.

Among this year's contributors was Nancy Vinnik of Elder Care Referral Services who worked with Janet Gray, the VOICE Volunteers of MGM MIRAGE, members of the Southern Nevada Firefighters Burn Foundation, staff and students from Helen J. Stewart School, owners of the Darling/Ritzo 7-Elevens, Kimberly and Christine Sergent with Michelle Hall, Family Health Care Services and dozens more.

Selected for live auction by master of ceremonies John Daly were the largest and most elaborate trees, titled Home for the Holidays (Karen Scherer with Flamingo Glass and Engraving), White Christmas (Fern Adair Conservatory of the Arts with Ray Criddle, Missy Simmons and Julianna Kalcevic) and Let It Snow (Cynthia Nelson and the Truman family).

Trees, later delivered by the skilled hands at Truline Trucking, remained on display with the other items through Saturday evening to allow families to tour the fairyland, enjoy visits with Santa and kid-friendly craft sessions as well as the entertainment provided by local youth performance groups.

Supporters on opening night included Dr. and Mrs. Paul Bandt, Brenda Haynes, Steve Rhodes, Coleen May, Terry Daly, Dr. Robert McBeath, Fred Darling, Bonnie Hillegas with her parents Martin and Marilyn Essex, Caroline and Edward Swindell, Fern Adair, Paul Truman and Betsy Rhodes as well as Mike and Laurie Myers, Brian and Jennifer Schmidt.

Serving as gala co-chairs were longtime volunteers Sandy Windom and her daughter, Lisa Windom.

What ales us

Spirits flowed in generous fashion with a special emphasis on imported Irish ales and beers while a rich bounty of Irish pub foods were served during the recent opening party for McMullan's Irish Pub.

Owner-creators Brian and Lynne-Anne McMullan conceived the idea of the free-standing pub some years ago, but like many dreams, it took a while to see it come to fruition.

Brian, who orginally came to Las Vegas as part of the executive team at the Resort at Summerlin (now the JW Marriott), enjoys a family heritage as a fourth generation "publican" and locally developed J.C. Wooloughan's and Fado. This new pub, open 24 hours a day, is thoroughly Irish in style and offerings, and is located just west of The Orleans on Tropicana.

In the throng of well-wishers at the pub party were Roger and Lynn Saunders, Norman and Sharon Winter, Don Berkley, Blake Bradley, Judy Bryer, Doug Bramble and Brad Meinhardt, joined by Clark Judson, Marine Walker, George Adams and Michelle Stockton.

Epicurean update

Invitations are out for the Epicurean Club Dinner, an exclusive event at MGM Conference Center this Friday. Planned to perfection by super hostess Sandy Peltyn with Rino Armeni and Michael Severino of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, the gourmet affair will honor J. Terrence Lanni, CEO/COB of MGM MIRAGE; and Larry Ruvo, senior managing director of Southern Wine & Spirits.

Committee members include Ryan Kingston, Becky Buckley, Janet Blumen, Brad Friedmutter, Linda Smith and Karen Fell as well as Sloan Arnold, Sharon Bader, Barbara Helgren, Tony Bonnici, Ellie Hirschfeld, Carole Carter and Clyde Caldwell.

Proceeds from ticket sales will be fully directed to the Epicurean Club Scholarship Fund in support of culinary arts students. Sabrina Martinez (248-3312) is handling reservations.

Stirling showing

Bride-to-be Gina Polovina was honored with a very stylish tea in the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place. Judith Vieths and Juliette Abell hosted the event attended by family and close friends.

Judy is Gina's aunt and Juliette is her cousin. Attending ladies enjoyed a formal English tea with a menu including tea sandwiches of smoked salmon, egg salad, cucumber and feta cheese, smoked turkey on walnut carrot bread as well as potted shrimp and delicate chicken salad. Scones were offered with Devonshire cream, lemon curd, clotted cream and preserves.

Champagne was served through the afternoon gathering and much enjoyed as an accompaniment to the tiered bride's cake and assorted petit fours.

Teacup-shaped cookies were used as place cards, lending the afternoon a bit of an Alice-in-Wonderland feel. Guests were served at linen dressed tables adorned with flower arrangements of hydrangeas, roses and lilies.

Family members included Gina's mother Marilyn Polovina as well as Iris Smolens, Trudi Abell, Jessica Bulavsky and the groom's daughter Sarah Sternberg. Others joining the elegant tea party were Jennifer Togliatti, Nicole Togliatti, Kara Kelly, Sydney Hendrickson, Hillary Crowley and Elaine Cavagnaro.

Gina, an executive with Boyd Gaming Group, will marry writer-publicist Ira David Sternberg in private ceremonies in January.