Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Pigskin party rings in new year

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002 | 8:21 a.m.

New Year's Day was a bright and festive occasion for guests welcomed by Ken and Carolyn Sparks. Their annual football and food party is a 30-year tradition, celebrating the best of American sport and friendship.

Guests enjoyed easy vantage of their favorite teams at play from multiple television screens throughout the home, with Neil and Paul Huffey, Charlotte Hill, Bill and Marilyn Flangas, Sharon and Tom Beatty, Dr. Tommy and Joyce Thompson and the Rev. Melvin and Lillian Pekrul among the football enthusiasts.

Enjoying the bounty of the buffet table were Jim and Judy Kropid, Dr. Tony and Charlene Carter, Dr. Monty and Jeanne Greenawalt and Robert and Patsy Brinton. Ensuring the best of luck in 2002 for fellow guests was Nancy Heberlee, who brought a spicy crockpot of black-eyed peas, a traditional New Year's treat, as her culinary contribution.

Attending with retired Judge Gil Yarchever and wife Edythe Katz-Yarchever was their houseguest, Zandra Leah, joined by Denny Weddle and his young daughter, Catie, Jane and Tommy Krob and Mary Hausch with husband Sen. Bob Coffin. Mingling as well were Bruce Steivel and Harry Ferris, both of Nevada Ballet Theatre, a favorite organization of the Sparks family, who spoke of Steivel's new "Joplin" ballet, in rehearsals for performances Feb. 21-24 at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Nearby were former Rep. Jim Bilbray and wife Mikey, who exchanged pleasantries with Linda Gibbons, Paula and Mark Mielke, Robert Sparks and Lou Gammage.

Denton book

Lawyer, advisor, political leader, community activist, family man and master storyteller Ralph Denton and the story of his colorful life shine through in "A Liberal Conscience: Ralph Denton, Nevadan." The newest release from the University of Nevada's oral history program, the book was gleaned from 57 hours of recorded interviews by family friend Mike Green, who edited the 2,000-page transcript into a very readable, interesting biography.

Recently the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV sponsored an evening reception and book-signing party at the law school library. Welcoming Denton's many friends, colleagues and extended family were Richard Morgan, dean of the law school, and his wife, Tina, with Ralph's wife, Sara. In the throng were Jimmy Garrett and his daughter, Dorothy, District Attorney Stewart Bell, Julie and Mike Foley, University Regent Thalia Dondero, Vivienne Morris, Robyn and John Boyer and Bruce Alverson.

Others in the crowd included Ralph Denton's daughter-in-law, Alice Denton, who is in her second year of law school at UNLV, with her husband, District Judge Mark Denton, joined by Mark's brother, Dr. Scott Denton of the University of Nevada School of Medicine. Well-wishers, each waiting to have their books signed, included Phyllis and John Foley, Jeffrey Stempel, George Ogilvie, former Sen. Richard Bryan and Ryan Creel with his parents, Dr. John and Marie Ellerton. Also seen were Denton grandchildren Leslie Denton with siblings Maryanne, Jacqueline and Patrick and cousin Sara Kate Denton.

Black and White Ball

Nevada Ballet Theatre, in its 30th anniversary season, is most definitely an organization blessed by a cadre of dedicated volunteers.

Furiously at work on all the fine details necessary for the fast-approaching Black and White Ball is the Cartier dinner committee, the team responsible for the Jan. 19 event at Caesars Palace. Led by Mariam Afshai representing Cartier (the gala's sponsor), members include Wendy Plaster, Phyllis McGuire, Sharon Bader, Donna Baldwin, Nancy Houssels, Gianna Buchanan and Rino Armeni.

The Black and White Ball, NBT's most important fund-raiser, annually honors a prominent Woman of the Year, who has made a significant contribution to the arts, civic affairs or politics. This year's honoree is Broadway star Chita Rivera. Past honorees have included Toni Clark Finuf, Elaine Wynn, Jeanne Hood, Claudine Williams, Nancy Houssels, Phyllis McGuire and most recently Debbie Reynolds.

For this year's event, a special Chita's Celebrity Friends committee has been created with Dick Van Dyke, Clint Holmes, Jerry Lewis, Shirley MacLaine, Ann Reinking, McGuire and Reynolds scheduled to participate in speeches and musical-performance segments. The gala evening will include a five-course gourmet meal and dancing to a full orchestra, as well as a performance by NBT's principal dancers.

Proceeds from the special evening will fund NBT's stage performances, as well as educational and outreach programs in Southern Nevada. Contact Sherry Lombardi (243-2623, ext. 230) for details and reservations.

Toys for a cause

Thinking of others less fortunate, learning to help others in difficult times -- these are lessons best learned at home.

Recently Patricia Martinelli-Price and daughter Dominque hosted a holiday party for close friends. Each guest was asked to bring unwrapped toys to be given to children attending a special breakfast with Santa. Each of the children at the breakfast was terminally ill or has parents who are terminally ill.

Jonathan and Gloria Amozig brought dolls, while John Pacheco brought toy trucks as his contribution. Other guests who provided toys and stayed on to enjoy Martinelli-Price's hospitality included Rosita Kane, Barry Green, Leonard Doumani and his son Leonard Jr., Loretta Beasley and Bianca Dominguez. A delectable dinner of paella ole, tapas and flan were served. The breakfast with Santa was held at the Arturo Camberio Senior Center, with 38 children in attendance.