Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: University bids Cavagnaros farewell with reception

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002 | 8:23 a.m.

The Cavagnaros, who came to UNLV following a 13-year stint at the University of Memphis, have made many enduring friendships in our community, as evidenced by the presence of friends including William "Bill" Boyd, Richard Morgan, Jay and Sharon Brown, Joe and Hope Anstett, Don Snyder, Kitty Rodman, Bobby Siller, Donna Cline, Claudine Williams, Jim Rogers, John Gallagher, Mel Wolzinger, Scott Mattox and Dan Albregts. Present as well were Susie Smith, executive secretary of the athletic department, and Jerry Koloskie, also a leader in the department, who spoke in glowing and humorous tones about his mentor.

Harter, also at the podium, was equally generous in her comments, particularly as she noted that under Charlie Cavagnaro's watch UNLV's athlete graduation rate rose from 23 percent to 46 percent; the athletic department grew with the addition of three women's sports; and Cavagnaro's position was elevated to a member of the university president's cabinet.

Charlie Cavagnaro will continue through the end of the semester at UNLV, coordinating several special projects for Harter. Pat Cavagnaro, who serves as a vice president for Assistance League of Las Vegas and is known as the group's best membership recruiter, will finish her term of office prior to the couple's departure for their home on the Tennessee River near Memphis.

Bridal brunch

Sharon Carelli was hostess on Sunday to a bridal brunch in honor of her goddaughter, Shannon Bilbray, daughter of former Congressman Jim Bilbray and wife Mikey. The elegant occasion in a private dining room at Spanish Trail Country Club was coordinated by wedding and special events planner Jon Tullis with Gary Longfellow. The bride, a dynamo and former Cherry Blossom princess for the annual festival held in the nation's capital, grew up in Las Vegas and Washington.

Brunch tables were adorned with a pair of satin high-heeled shoes, each embellished with beads, lace and pearls and tucked near hat boxes filled to overflowing with roses in bloom. It was a picture-perfect look in true Martha Stewart style.

Waiters served mimosa cocktails and champagne to guests including Carolyn Sparks, Peggy Brown, Kim Gerringer, Mary Allred and the bride's maternal grandmother, Esther Mercer. Present as well were Shannon's eldest sister and niece, Bridget and Mikey Phillips, both members of the wedding party during the ceremony to be held at the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles, as well as mother-in-law-to-be Christine Axelrod. Hostess Carelli toasted the bride and delivered flowers, gifts and best wishes from Landra Reid, Bonnie Bryan and others. The brunch menu, a delectable array from the Spanish Trail chefs, was complemented by raspberry truffle served in tiny white chocolate hat boxes.

Literary luncheon

New on the Las Vegas scene, yet already making strides to enrich our cultural life, the Literary Society-Las Vegas hosted its January luncheon last week at Four Seasons.

Featured was Adeline Yen Mah, a writer and physician who penned her first book, "Falling Leaves," in 1998. The book, a personal memoir of growing up as an unwanted daughter in China, was recently followed by a second best-seller, "Watching the Tree," and also by "Chinese Cinderella."

Prior to the reception and luncheon Mah, whose works have been translated into 14 languages, met informally with budding authors from Bonanza, Basic and Western high schools. The Literary Society, a nonprofit organization, will bring students and authors together at its six luncheons in the months ahead and will soon announce details for its college scholarship offerings.

Mingling with friends and fellow members were Sherry Colquitt, Sandee Tiberti, Becky Boman, Joyce Straus, Arlene Blut, Dr. Robert McCord and Sandra Lee Avants with Eileen Freeman. Meeting the author were Janice Wentz, Mary Dean Martin, Adele Koot, Sheila Stetts, Ashley George, LaMar Marchese and Pamela Newell. Patrick Everett of the Northern Trust, sponsor of the society, encourages those seeking membership information to contact Lori McDonald at 562-4028.

Opera soiree

One of the prettiest and certainly most musical gatherings of late was the Sapphire Soiree cocktail party to benefit the Southern Nevada Opera Association.

Hosted by Bud and Sue Crystal at their Seven Hills home, the evening included entertainment by opera singers Alphonse Anderson, Paul Kreider, Juline Gilmore and Rebecca Abraham Kreider. Champagne was poured with a lavish hand by Steve Lane, but many were drawn to the Sapphire Gin table, where the purchase of each martini included the chance to find a genuine sapphire in the glass, as was the case with lucky winners Carol Kay and Bob Dick.

Serving as a welcoming committee were SNOA executive board members Naomi Thomasen, Alvida Lane, Maureen Hulin and Judy Moore with volunteer Dawn Lane. Nearby executive director Gloria Allen spoke easily about SNOA's goals to develop and train a core of local singers and technicians, bring opera into our community's schools and provide an annual season of concerts.

Taking part in explaining its mission were board of directors members Jaki Baskow, Paul Kreider and Peter Aaronson and hostess Sue Crystal. Supporters present included Sheila McKay, Hans and Marilyn Neumann, Cindy Doumani, Grant Griffin, George Cohan, Dean Allen, Beverly and Mike Mykisen, Sigrid Sommer and Joyce LaGrange with Robert Toto, as well as Sondra Lynch, Barry Hulin, Dr. Jim and Nancy Heltzul, Dorothy Kemp and Bill Marion and Hal Weller, of the Las Vegas Philharmonic.