Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: UNLV ‘cheerleader’ Robinson plays hostess at game

Linda Robinson, wife of University of Nevada, Las Vegas Athletic Director and football coach John Robinson, showed her flair as hostess while entertaining guests in a pair of hospitality suites during the UNLV-UNR game.

Cheering on the team and providing insightful commentary on players and strategy, all the while serving a bountiful dinner, Linda wore "Rebel Red" while greeting Nancy Kahn and young son Brandon, Linda Beatty, Van and Joan Hefner, Dr. Joe Johnson and her parents, Josie and Louis Espinoza. Present for the exciting game as well was Linda Robinson's daughter, Karilyn Howard, a former Los Angeles Rams cheerleader.

The fourth floor suites that share splendid views with the press boxes are part of the well-designed Wells Fargo Tower at Sam Boyd Stadium and have a decidedly sporty theme, as they are decorated with sports memorabilia from Coach Robinson's illustrious coaching career with the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles Rams.

Stopping by during half time was Michael Harter, husband of UNLV President Carol Harter, who spoke with Susie Smith, Mel Wolzinger and Vivienne Morris, as well as Gene Dal- quist, formerly of UNLV Athletics and now affliated with the Scotland Claymoors of NFL Europe.

Others seen in the sea of nearly 30,000 red-garbed supporters at the game were Cliff Findlay with Gary Ackerman, Ken and Dee Ladd, Dee and Don Snyder, regent Thalia Dondero with her daughter, Marilyn Loop, state Sen. Dina Titus and husband, Dr. Tom Wright, and Charlene and Mick Walker.

'Don't Tell Me!'

KNPR 89.5-FM Nevada Public Radio had the recent pleasure of hosting the cast and crew of "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!" The irreverent and oddly informative radio quiz show airs each Saturday morning at 11 a.m. in our community.

In addition to the taping of the live show at Sam's Town Live!, the directors of KNPR also held a splendid dinner at the Stirling Club.

The dinner event, a fund-raiser to further the programming needs of KNPR, was sponsored by listener-supporter and attorney, Frances Ann Fine.

The cocktail reception provided an ideal way for supporters Tom and Sue Groebe, Mary and William Laub, Lane Halen, David Cabral, Kathy Grimes, Bette Leal and Patty and Kaci Thompson to meet the "Wait" cast and crew.

Lamar Marchese, general manager and chief executive of KNPR, joined by Patrick Chapin, president of the KNPR Board of Directors, was among those seen exchanging pleasantries with Carl Kasell, "Wait" judge and scorekeeper, who is equally recognizable for his newscasts on "Morning Edition."

Enjoying the dinner in the Stirling Club's Verandoah Room as well as the light-hearted program were Anita and Christopher Murray, Louis and Donna Castle, Patricia Erfort, Rob McCoy, Janet Murray, Bill Laub Jr., Frances Saxton, Pat Marchese, William Inglehart III, Edward Lubbers and Mary Marshall.

Having a ball

With the mission of helping Nevada students prepare for a better future, the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association, Nevada Restaurant Association and Nevada Hospitality Foundation will present the Nevada Hospitality Ball, an event to fund statewide scholarship and school-to-career programs.

Ceremonies on Oct. 22 at The Orleans will honor Claudine Williams, chairman of the board, Harrah's Las Vegas, who has been named Educator of the Year.

Present as well will be 30 young Nevadans receiving scholarships for their studies in the hospitality industry.

The Hospitality Ball, titled "Jazzed on Education," will use a Mardi Gras theme for the menu and entertainment, providing a truly Southern experience for guests. For tickets and details, call 878-2313.

I'll drink to that

Las Vegas and the Wine Experience Weekend will most certainly prove a winning combination, when Wine Spectator magazine brings its California Wine Experience to our city Oct. 17 through Oct. 20.

Included are splendid events including grand tastings with several hundred wineries participating, daytime seminars and luncheons, a lavish black-tie grand awards dinner and a Sunday morning jazz breakfast.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation, which underwrites grants and scholarships to students pursuing careers in the wine and food fields. All the luscious details are in the October issue of Wine Spectator or online at www.winespectator.com.

Blame it on The Rio

Few entertainers enjoy the royal welcome extended to Penn and Teller on the occasion of their celebrated new contract for a 30-month run at The Rio.

Invited guests and fellow entertainers enjoyed a special evening with the ultra-clever pair, opening the show with a rare onstage inspection of their magic props.

Eagerly entering the Samba Theatre were Mary Hausch with husband, state Sen. Bob Coffin, Darren Romeo of The Mirage, Lance Burton, Mac King, Robin Leach with a goodly number of Playboy lovelies, and fellow Rio performers Ronn Lucas and the Scintas, as well as the Amazing Jonathan, Deborah Clayton with husband Paul Buntrock, Jack and Marilyn Bulvasky, Ginger Bruner, Sunny Thompson, Michael Geiser and Suzanne Chabre.

Following the well-received show, guests were ushered into the oh-so-private Rio Palazzo Suites, a hidden, quite lush part of the hotel which boasts private, gated drives and strong security.

The Palazzo Suites serve as a hideaway for The Rio's most pampered guests. The post-performance party, hosted by Madeleine Weekly and Heidi Levy of The Rio, was held in a mansion-like suite with surrounding private patio and pool enclosure.

At the exclusive gathering was Kami Griffith Oisboid, president of HMI-Holiday Convention Service Group, with her husband, Paul Oisboid, principal of Palo Verde High School.

Enjoying the lavish dinner buffet and the chance to see the magnificent suite was banker Maria Fernandez of BankWest and her husband, Emilio, as well as Mark Wolper, Mark Liu, Tara Greco and Maggie Bock of Rosemary's Restaurant, now open at The Rio.

Assisting with the party were Glen Ali, Ken "Krasher" Lewis and Joel Fischman, members of the "Penn & Teller" team, who greeted guests on arrival.

Lunch date

A note from Barbara Figler, president of Hadassah of Southern Nevada, Rishona Group, the world's largest women's Zionist organization, has alerted us to their annual membership luncheon.

Slated for Sunday at the Las Vegas Country Club, the event begins at 11:30 a.m. under the coordination of Marcia Yoches, membership vice president, who extends an invitation to all interested men and women.

Guest speaker will be Laura Schiff, Hadassah president of the Desert Mountain Region, while entertainment will be led by Bob Anderson, popular Las Vegas entertainer now appearing at the Stardust. Also performing are the Tapping Teachers and Ann Vizzaccero.

For further details and the necessary reservations, contact Barbara (735-8725) or Marcia (434-9030).

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