Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Local Adopt-A-Bear Program serves 400 children

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002 | 8:13 a.m.

Gaily packaged and brought to the Junior League's annual holiday coffee, the gifts fill a large transport truck. This year's coffee, again hosted by the Sustaining members, was held at the Tournament Hills home of member Jane Krob and her husband Tommy. As always, the congenial gathering drew members in large numbers, including past presidents LuAnn Kutch, Hope Anstett, Melinda McGeorge Johnson, Nancy Gasho, Brenda Dizon, Jan Haupt Allen and Kris Amerine, many of whom were seen serving at the bountiful tea table.

Catching up on holiday news were Vivienne Morris and Suzanne Van Aiken, both past Junior League Sustainer presidents, seen with Jean Curran, Beverly Daly, Mary Cashman, Laura Spina with her mother Jane Fielden, Sandy Windom and daughter Lisa as well as Betsy Rhodes, Shenandoah Merrick, Rhonda Evans and Wende Bell.

Others exchanging warm greetings included Eva Thomas, Becky Boman, Shari Compton with her daughter Candace, Mary Hausch, April Anstett, Debbie Herman and Donna Levy with her mother Marion Sutherland and colleague from Palo Verde High School Helen Sax.

Ranch hands

The town is still buzzing over the recent opening of Green Valley Ranch Station, both the event and the beauty of the resort. Opening festivities were so efficiently planned that each attendee felt indeed a pampered guest, free to leisurely explore the delectable eateries, dance in the nightclub, sip martinis at the posh Whiskey Sky and enjoy the resort.

Dining at Bull Shrimp, Il Fornaio, Trophy's, Border Grill and The Feast were happy guests including former Gov. Bob and Sandy Miller, Michael Severino, Dave Kirvin, David Parks with Gene Segerblom, Irma Lee and Ian Ross, Mel and Marilyn Larson, Robert Shay, Assemblyman Harry and Helen Mortenson, Steve Schorr, Karen Dorsey, Ron Futrell, Roger Thomas and Dr. David Steinberg.

Exploring the spa, adjacent pool and concert venue at the fireworks show were J.A. Tiberti, Theresa and Michael Minden with Carol Clayton, Frank Schreck with Julietta Bauman, Dr. Rob and Lynn Hunter, R.J. Peltyn with Melissa Mastro as well as Mel Wolzinger, Kevin Higgins, Jodi Ghanem and former baseball great Rollie Fingers.

Seen with Chef Gustav Mahler and his partner-wife Denise as they opened Bull Shrimp (the new jewel in their crown of restaurants) was John Carlton, director of food and beverage for Fiesta Henderson, one of dozens of Station Casinos executives and key personnel assisting with the ultra-smooth opening of the casino.

Neighborly fete

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, carolers singing in the starry night --- truly the holiday party hosted by Susan and Andy Tompkins was a special evening of relaxing comfort for all. Held at the Tompkins' exquisite home in Rancho Circle, the Sunday evening gathering had an Old World charm that drew neighbors including Joseph and Lia Roberts, Phyllis McGuire and Bill and Mary Laub.

Guests arrived through the entry courtyard where chestnuts were roasted and later given in festive bags to each attendee. Mary Bergin of Bergin Baking Co. & Cafe, formerly a leading chef for Wolfgang Puck's Spago, catered and staffed the sumptuous dinner served. Performing was the Green Valley High School choir, directed by Kim Barclay Drusedum, which was recently recognized by the Grammy Foundation for excellence in music education.

Enjoying the party were Joel and Josie Snow, Dr. Jim and Caty (Crockett) Jones, Ken and Helene Walker, Paul and Char Hejmanowski and Dr. Tony and Renee Marlon, joined by Richard and Joan McGee, Wende and Richard Plaster, Hal and Betsy Webber, Merilee and Patrick Everett and Dr. Monte and Jeanne Greenawalt.