Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Cocktail reception, dinner welcome Holmeses to valley

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2002 | 8:17 a.m.

Dr. E. Carmack Holmes and his wife, Carol, recently enjoyed a rich slice of Las Vegas life as guests of Sandy and Roger Peltyn at their home in the Fountains in Green Valley.

Holmes, professor and chairman of the Department of Surgery for UCLA School of Medicine, had not visited our city for more than 20 years, and found the changes simply astonishing. With Roger, he played golf at Shadow Creek Golf Course and pursued a lively discussion of our community's business climate.

The Holmeses were honored with a cocktail reception at the newly completed residence of doctors Ted and Parvin Modaber-Jacobs at Park Towers, followed by a private dinner hosted by the Peltyns at Spago.

Research breakfast

How have recent events changed the way Las Vegas is marketed? What's new and different about our visitor profile? These issues and more were presented during the Highway Stations' 2002 Research Breakfast at the Stardust.

Hosted by station owner/president Howard Anderson with his son, co-owner/executive vice president Kirk Anderson, the session drew business executives and government officials from across Southern Nevada including Suzanne Chabre, Tony Cordasco with Jennifer Smith, District Judge Mark Denton, Jim Seagrave, Esther Quisenberry, Terry Nosek, Robin Jay, Paul Workman and Mary Gilday.

Keynote speakers providing an intriguing look at America's changing lifestyles and habits were Mary Beth Garber, president of the Southern California Broadcasters Association, and Terry Jicinski, manager of marketing research for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Present for the program were Margaret Kurtz, Jim Schaeffer, newlyweds Tina Chura-Taylor and Greg Taylor (recently back from their Hawaiian honeymoon), Stacey Foley, Kimiko Haight, Michelle Foight and Frank Rinella.

The Highway Stations, broadcasting across the desert to embrace Las Vegas' drive-in visitors from California, were represented at the breakfast by general sales manager Judy Robinson, with fellow staffers Blake Bradley, Heidi Gable, Bart Torres, John Gregg, Tim Anderson, Jan Murphy and consultant Brian Prezgay.

Gael event

On March 6 Bishop Gorman High School and the Diocese of Las Vegas will host the 20th Knight of the Gael event, celebrating the life of the late Kenneth J. Sullivan Jr.

The evening will open with a hosted cocktail reception, followed by dinner and a program at Palace Station. Committee members, among them Barbara and Dr. Charles Ruggeroli, Sandee and Tito Tiberti, Maryanna and Jerry Herbst, Rene and John O'Reilly, Sue and Paul Lowden and Mikey and Jim Bilbray, are taking part in this worthy fund-raiser for the school's extensive scholarship efforts. Contact BGHS' development office at 732-1945, Ext. 328, for reservations.

Philharmonic soiree

The gracious atmosphere of the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place provided an ideal setting for the recent Cartier Connoisseur Soiree, presented by the Las Vegas Philharmonic.

Hosted by Michael Gilbert, president of the Stirling Club, with Sharon Bader, special events director, the musical evening began with a champagne reception in the most congenial setting of the nightclub. Arrivals, among them Pat and Diane Clary, M.J. and Jack Harvey, Dr. Paul and April Stewart, Sondra Lynch, Sandra Dinsmore and Wendy and Richard Plaster, spoke of the philharmonic's season with executive director Bill Marion and founder-president Susan Tompkins.

Representing Cartier was Mariam Afshai, seen with fellow supporters Thom and Mari Landers, Patrick Everett, Dr. Robert and Debbie Strimling, Sandee and Tito Tiberti and Rod and Marilyn LaRocque.

Guests were later escorted to the handsome comfort of the Verandah Room, where pianist Steven Beck, soprano Courtenay Budd and clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein provided an exquisite musical program enjoyed by all. Introducing the trio of rising stars was philharmonic conductor Harold "Hal" Weller.

For further details on the Cartier-sponsored soirees, presented four times each season, contact the Las Vegas Philharmonic at 258-5438.

Positively Kids

As Las Vegas grows as a community, so do the needs of our youngest citizens. The Foundation for Positively Kids has identified the need for a pediatric skilled nursing facility (PSNF) in Clark County.

No such facility exists in Nevada and medically dependent children are often placed in adult nursing homes or sent out of state, away from their families.

Once built, Positively Kids' PSNF will include 24-hour care services and prescribed therapies for children, from birth through age 18, requiring sub-acute care, long-term care and hospice. Also planned is short-term respite care and a day-care program for medically fragile children whose parents must return to work.

Recently Stephanie Markham chaired a splendid English tea at Rosemary's restaurant to assist with Positively Kids' many needs. Working with Faith Taylor, president of Ladies Societea, as well as Maggie Bock and Randy Charles of Rosemary's, Markham created a magical afternoon.

Linda Tannenbaum served as volunteer auctioneer for the collection of delicate hats and finery bid upon by Jodie Cohen, Betsy Gonzalez, Paige Fleming, Kathy Shippen, Becky Buckley, Vicky Turner and Janelle Turnier. Tasting the delectable scones, tarts, finger sandwiches and other temptations, while listening to lore of the tea ceremony, were Terri Janison, Michelle Farber, June Seid, Barbara Davis and Jan McConnell, joined by Natalia Hinojas, Marilene Nevins and Lori Unrah.

Judy Moran of Premier Events of Las Vegas, seen with Positively Kids' director Saundra Smith, donated the Easter-themed door prize and discussed volunteer opportunities for the organization, which can be reached at 493-3880.