Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003 | 8:08 a.m.
Retiring Clark County Coroner Ron Flud good-naturedly allowed his departure to benefit T.I.P. (Trauma Intervention Program), an organization utilizing carefully trained volunteers to provide emotional and practical support to victims of traumatic events.
T.I.P. volunteers offer comfort to victims of crimes including assault, rape, robbery and burglary and fire. They are called to crime scenes, hospitals and homes by police officers across the county, and respond as well to calls from firefighters, hospital personnel and paramedics.
In addition, T.I.P. volunteers are called to assist family members following a natural death or suicide and help those involved in automobile accidents. T.I.P. volunteers also work with disoriented or lonely elderly persons.
Flud's farewell roast drew friends and colleagues from his years with the T.I.P. community board and from his time spent in law enforcement. Members of the FBI and representatives from many county and city agencies were on hand.
Master of ceremonies was newly appointed Clark County Coroner P. Michael Murphy, who introduced a cadre of speakers, among them Glen Meek, Virginia Valentine, Las Vegas Councilman Gary Reese and Donald "Pat" Shalmy, who revealed his little-known skills on the harmonica as he donned dark glasses and performed a clever parody about Flud, Blues Brothers style.
Capt. Deborah Peterson of the Los Angeles coroner's office dazzled Flud by presenting him with a personalized silver toe tag, a gift selected from the many items sold at the L.A. coroner's Skeleton in the Closet gift shop.
Joining Flud's wife, Beverly, in the happy "roasting" crowd were Dr. Otto and Barbara Ravenholt, Jim and Tina Becvar, Jean Hites, Kyle West, Dr. Steven Smith and Dr. David Ord of the UNLV School of Dentistry and Sheri Renaud, Flud's executive assistant, who is also retiring at this time.
Dinner was provided by Michael Mehling, manager-partner of Buca di Beppo Las Vegas.
In concluding the program, Marion Thomas, executive director of Trauma Intervention Program, reminded all of the need for volunteers, with a special call for teens and those with bilingual skills. Contact her at 452-2049 for training times and details.
Afternoon of art
D.A.N.I. (Desert Arts of Nevada Inc.), an organization dedicated to the support of the fine arts, hosted an elegant luncheon last week at Red Rock Country Club.
Chaired by Susan Houston, the well-attended gathering featured an appearance by Christie Milo, a former Louvre Museum artist and internationally recognized painter.
Milo, in richly accented English, spoke of her childhood in France, her subsequent professional training and lengthy career as an in-house artist at the famed Louvre Museum.
D.A.N.I. member Gena Lombino, in giving Milo's introduction, also explained the artist's efforts as a teenager during the French Resistance during World War II, which led to honors and a pension from the French government.
Red Rock Country Club made the perfect frame for luncheon guests to enjoy the majesty of a midday thunderstorm as it swept across the valley below the clubhouse.
Present at the event were D.A.N.I. founding members Kay and Allen Brown, state Controller Kathy Augustine, artist Jerri Lashley Siletta, Marilyn Benoit, Veronica Fuller and Jeanne Greenawalt with Persia Golden.
Organization president Barbara Gray Krause was seen with supporters Bernice Fischer, Gwen Den Hooven and Sally Wathen, joined by Angie Wallin, Mike Henderson (representing Congressman Jim Gibson), Terri May, who spoke of Las Vegas Life magazine's new arts section, and sponsor Jim Wilkins of Wine Art Gallery.
Many commented on the table displays of hand-decorated flower pots accented by assorted paint tubes and brushes, the clever handiwork of Lee Ann Sarene, Juanita Thomson and Marcia Forkos. Door prizes and opportunity winnings were plentiful, with top winner Chrisse White Waddell taking home the sparkling basket from Judith Leiber at the Forum. Anyone interested in memberships and future events is invited to contact D.A.N.I. at 391-5275.
Rewarding excellence
Ever wonder about the end result of a charitable event? When the Epicurean Club of Las Vegas launched its organization last year and hosted its inaugural gala at the MGM Grand Conference Center in December, its founders never dreamed of such overwhelming success.
In raising $174,000 for its scholarship program, the club opened the doors of opportunity for area students to follow their dreams of careers as hospitality industry professionals.
Recently the Epicurean Club awarded scholarships to four 2003 graduates in the Clark County School District, with funds of $10,000 per year for four years of study. Scholarships were granted to Kandice Flanary (Vo-Tech High School), Sulie Heng (Valley High School), Angela Szewczyk and Kendel Woodard (both of Centennial High) on the basis of academic merit, financial need and professional recommendations. All have enrolled in UNLV's College of Hotel Administration.
The Epicurean Club of Las Vegas is a nonprofit association of Nevada hospitality executives, formed to share knowledge, provide educational opportunities and support the local community. Charter officers of the organization include President Rino Armeni, Vice President Tim Herman, Secretary Frank Rigley and Treasurer Brian Lerner.
Plans are under way for the association's second annual fund-raiser dinner on Dec. 5, at Paris Las Vegas. Already being called "the party of the year," the event will feature a four-course dinner by celebrity chefs, entertainment by Strip headliners and a most elaborate opening reception.
Proceeds will again fund scholarships, with special arrangements to be made for two exceptional students, who will be sent to Europe to work in a renowned restaurant. For further information on this gala evening or membership, please contact Frank Rigley at 733-3290.
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