Wednesday, April 30, 2003 | 8:30 a.m.
Earth Day 2003, extended to embrace seven days and renamed Earth Week, was given a special boost in Southern Nevada with an appearance by Corbin Bernsen, host of Outdoor Life Network's adventure series, "Wild Survival With Corbin Bernsen."
Bernsen, appearing at an afternoon reception at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, is an ardent conservationist and environmental advocate. His speech to museum members and associates of Ducks Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, Girl Scouts and others was well received and reflected his personal lifestyle.
Sponsored by Cox Communications, Bernsen's visit last week included a humorous introduction by Steve Schorr and ample time for informal conversation with Las Vegas Natural History Museum board trustees Carolyn Sparks, Michael Davidson and Marcia Washington with her husband, David Washington, fire chief for the city of Las Vegas.
Present as well was Roz Santangelo of Southwest Airlines, who serves as chairman of the trustees, with Chuck Creigh and Stephanie Stallworth.
During the program Marilyn Gillespie, executive director of the museum, led ceremonies recognizing William R. "Willie" Boyd for his large and very generous donation of nature-inspired art. The collection has been well integrated throughout the museum's permanent collection, adding a further dimension to the diverse and often rare animal exhibits.
Also recognized was artist Roy Purcell, a celebrated creator of many Nevada paintings who has lent his expertise and talents to the museum in recent years. Many of his works were included among the gift provided by Boyd.
Talking with Bernsen about his much-watched role as Arnie Becker on "L.A. Law" were Helen and Jim Sax, Bobbi Gillespie, Doreen Eldorado and Suzanne LeBlanc (both of Lied Discovery Children's Museum), Margaret Orsburn, Amy Henneberry, Kathleen Dye and Pat Dingle of the Southern Nevada Zoological Park.
Adding a youthful touch were the girls of Girl Scout Brownie Troop No. 157, led by Kim Garcia, who presented the museum with a series of colorful drawings for display at last Saturday's Earth Week program. Hosting the reception on behalf of the museum was Bob Saladino, owner-chef for the Raw Truth, a veggie cafe and juice bar, who served a delectable spread of all-natural vegan foods.
Color them happy
Color Us Friends, the annual spring gala to support the Sunrise Children's Foundation, was presented Saturday at the MGM Grand Conference Center. Celebrating its 10th year, the dinner and art-packed auction chose the theme of "Pearls of Wisdom ... through our 10 years."
Present were celebrated artists, each of whom have graced previous events, including Bob Byerley, Ramon Paramenter, Louise Crosby, Jim Stallings, Pat Antonelle and Lothian Skelton, artist and widow of Red Skelton, renowned comedian and painter.
Opening with a lengthy cocktail hour, guests examined and bid upon sizable auction packages reflecting the theme of past galas. China, furniture, art, fine wines, golf packages, restaurant and hotel offerings were liberally spread through the ballroom, where bidders included Dr. Brian and Susan Cram, Dr. Irwin and Michele Glassman, Allan and Carol Stipe, Dr. Larry Gardner with Lynn Fulstone, Guy and Kim Amato and Anna and Bob Bailey.
Angel Bears, many of them matched to splendid prizes, were rapidly sold to the crowd with auctioneer Christian Kolberg and wife Lara among the purchasers. Joining them were Brad and Eileen Horn, Theresa Minden and daughters, Ann Lynch, Darlene Hannah, Jerry and Lou Emmert, Dix Jarmin, Diana Orrock, Pattie Whipple and Tony Nation.
Over dinner, conversation was lively as guests prepared for the live auction of art ranging from sculpture and glass to oils and etchings. Seated with fellow U.S. Bank trustees were Bruce Spotleson with wife Kay and Frank Martin and wife Bonnie, who shared their table with Ken Ladd, husband of Dee Ladd, president-chief executive of the Sunrise Children's Foundation.
Ken Orrock, foundation chairman, led the dinner program with special thanks and acknowledgements to Dr. Bernard Feldman for his early efforts. In the spotlight as well was Dee Ladd and her team of original board members, including Ann Lynch, Dr. J. Parker "Curly" Kurlinski, Kathleen Bruttomesso and others.
Sunrise Children's Foundation, operating exclusively in Southern Nevada, has 11 distinctive programs to help children be safe, healthy and educated, including: "Be Bright, Don't Light," with a focus on preventing teen smoking; "Signing for Kids," an after-school elementary and middle-school program that teaches American Sign Language to both deaf and hearing students; "Baby Think It Over," with a mission to reduce teen pregnancy and educate about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; and "SCAN" (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect), which specializes in evaluating suspected child abuse and neglect.
Those programs and others are funded by the foundation and are made possible by the annual gala.
A grape time
Care to stop and savor an international experience? On Saturday Bishop Gorman High School and its alumni organization will present its ninth wine-tasting event from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Las Vegas Hilton.
More than a tasting of select vineyards and wineries, the affair includes a wide array of excellent food. The affair is jointly sponsored by DeLuca Liquors, the Las Vegas Hilton and Encore Productions. Advance tickets are $55 or $75 at the door. For details and advance sales, please call Bishop Gorman High School at 732-1945, ext. 328 or 363. Proceeds will benefit the school's extensive scholarship programs.
World lunches
Karen Scherer will serve as chairwoman of Nevada Opera Theatre Guild's annual International Friendship Luncheon May 10 at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas.
A festive affair, the luncheon will feature a variety of entertainment including performances by student recipients of the Tove Allen Opera Scholarships. Featured will be Nevada Opera Theatre artists Emily Herrer, Ingvar Estrada and Ben Litvinoff, accompanied by Maria Russell. Honored will be longtime NOT supporters Dr. Morton and Nichole Hyson and Nevada state Controller Kathy Augustine.
Notable for its beautifully decorated tables, each themed after a country of choice by sponsors, the luncheon will include Spain (Elisadel Prado), Belize (Dr. Lonnie Hammargren), Sweden (William Freyd and Diane Carlson), Ireland (Sondra Lynch), Egypt (Gail Martin) and a host of other delights. Reservations are a must, so please call 731-3370 or 699-9775.
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