Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003 | 8:13 a.m.
Paul Sorvino, a true Renaissance man, made a rare visit to Las Vegas on Dec. 18 to open his exhibition at Art de Vignettes in the Fashion Show mall.
Sorvino, known across America for his work in such TV shows as "Law & Order" and such movies as "GoodFellas," is also a gifted sculptor who trained with Jose de Creeft, creator of Central Park's famed "Alice in Wonderland" statues. Sorvino also appears regularly on Broadway, and has a long career in production and directing, in addition to writing.
Seen introducing Sorvino at the private and public receptions was gallery owner Barbara Lee Woollen with Jaki Baskow of Baskow and Associates, who was responsible for bringing Sorvino and his bronzes to Las Vegas.
Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, John Daly of "Real TV," attorney Ed Bernstein and Jennifer Tuttle were among guests admiring the extensive collection of art in the gallery. In the merry crowd were also the Scintas, who received much in the way of compliments on the release of their new holiday CD.
Roni Josef and wife Cynthia, taking a break from their duties at their three day spas around town, were seen talking to Baskow concerning an exhibition of Cynthia's art. In the crowd were Pat and Mike Kelly, Norm Johnson, Bill Acosta, Tovi Stern, Lanae Freeborn, David Robinson with Gwen Den Dooven, Vince Durocher and Binion trial attorney John Momot.
Adding a particularly "cool" note to the affair were the jazz stylings of Joe Torres and his quartet. Catering the posh affair was "Soirees."
Open house, open arms
Mari Landers, with husband Thom and her sister and brother-in-law Deni and Steve Conrad, jointly hosted a holiday open house on Dec. 14.
The Sunday evening gathering, much expanded from its beginnings five years ago, is a party for all near and dear to the couples. Thom, ever the masterful cook, presides over the menu, producing his delectable pizza, stuffed mushrooms and spicy shrimp dishes.
Richard and Patricia Wright, Tom and Marla Letizia, Art and Sara Besser and former neighbor Dr. Pattie Craddock were just a few of the guests welcomed by the Landers' children, Libbyann and Christopher, who gave a tour of the decorations added to the family's extensive collection that blanket the home in the Yuletide season.
Seen on the patio near the outdoor kitchen, and later relaxing in the casita at the rear of the property, were Valerie and Scott Freshwater, Lou Gammage and husband Fred Schwager, Richard and Kathy Bonar, Ann Evans, Dr. Jeffrey and Vicki Cichon, Daphne Campbell and Jacque and David Matthews.
Introduced to many were newlyweds Shane and Heather Stein, son and daughter-in-law of Deni and Steve Conrad, and grandson and granddaughter-in-law of Jack and Evelyn Libby. The young couple, who married earlier this year in Florida, now reside in Las Vegas.
Magical time
More than a fund-raiser, the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village has become a holiday institution enjoyed by the community.
Getting the word out, sharing the details of each year's improvements and new displays and encouraging an army of volunteers to lend a hand, is the large task undertaken by Opportunity Village's media volunteers committee.
On Dec. 16, seemingly the coldest night of the year, Karen Fell and Linda Smith of Opportunity Village invited the committee and their families for a light supper and stroll through the Magical Forest.
Reflecting a wide group of media outlets and public relations agencies were guests Kathy Speck, George McCabe with his sweetheart Jayne Clayton, Jim McKusick, Pam Vennochi, Darren Withers, Russell Cannon, Chris and Jennifer Ferrari, Sharon Plumlee, Dana Pretner and Jennifer and Vern Floro.
Border Grill and Southern Wine and Spirits provided all the refreshments. Seen in the Magical Forest later as they visited with Santa, rode the train and shopped the artful craft store were Guy Campbell, Barbara Dempsey, Nick Floratos, Melissa Cipriano and Lee Salett. The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village opens at 6 p.m. nightly through Dec. 28.
Gaughan honor
Michael Gaughan, chairman of Coast Resorts and benefactor to many community endeavors, has been selected as 2004 Man of the Year by Temple Beth Sholom.
Response for the Jan. 11 event has forced the gala to relocate to the spacious ballroom at the Suncoast. Mona and Charles Silverman, Shirley and Sidney Chaplin, Diane and Kenny Epstein and Margot and Robert Schumacher will serve as dinner chairmen for the Sunday evening gala and promise a special evening indeed.
Reservations for the black-tie event are a must, so please call Temple Beth Sholom at 804-1333.
Bringing it home
And equally important in 2004 is the Canon U.S.A. "Bring the Kids Home" reception and fund-raiser slated Jan. 9 at the Four Seasons.
Usually held in conjunction with COMDEX, the reception, as well as the golf event the following day, will coincide with CES 2004.
All funds raised from the event go to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The reception will include a silent auction and various messages and presentations from representatives of Canon U.S.A., NCMEC and supporters of the program.
Additionally, the fund-raiser will provide digital photography equipment to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to assist in helping families obtain quality photos of their children to keep on file in the event of an emergency. For further details on the fund-raiser, contact Karin Tomik at 739-9933.
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