Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Sarah Winnemucca at center of fund-raising effort

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003 | 8:17 a.m.

The Nevada Women's History Project-Southern Region meeting at the Golden Steer restaurant celebrated the organization's efforts toward the placement of a statue of Sarah Winnemucca in the Hall of Statues in Washington, D.C.

Winnemucca, an American Indian from Nevada, is the focus of the group's fund-raising efforts that have included an American Indian feast held at the home of member Joan LeMere. NWHP President Joyce Marshall spoke of the multiyear project, the feast and also the ongoing sale of Winnemucca pins and earrings.

She also spoke of the forthcoming publication the NWHP Biographical Dictionary of Women in Southern Nevada.

Among those who have lent their talents to this endeavor are Dr. Marlene Adrian, Mary Gafford, Renee Diamond, Sandy Dinsmore, Jean Baker, Jean Spiller, Bernice Fischer, Jeanne Greenawalt, Mitzi Johnson and Marion Kohler.

Other members contributing include LeMere, Kaye Graye, Bernie Lenz, Pat McNutt, Wally Wahten, Frankie Williams, Maureen Schnitzer, Joan McSweeney, Phyllis Noblett, Jane Olive and Mollie Murphy.

The keynote speaker for the luncheon was former Nevada legislator Lori Lipman Brown, who gave insight to recent history in her speech "Personal Reflections: Four Community Contributors: Ruby Duncan, Jean Ford, Florence McClure and Myrna Williams."

Shown was a pictorial history of these women as taped by Adrian.

Gael force

Lucia and Dr. Gerald Higgins will be honored for their many endeavors on March 12 as Bishop Gorman High School hosts its 21st annual "Knight of the Gael." A favorite event for alumni, parents and a host of community supporters of our region's only Catholic high school, the dinner event will for the first time move to larger quarters in the spacious ballrooms of Texas Station.

Proceeds will benefit the school's extensive scholarship program. Call Bishop Gorman High School (732-1945, ext. 363) for details and reservations.

Royal treatment

Festive, fun and filled with merriment, the "Mardi Gras" celebration presented by HELP of Southern Nevada and honoring former Sen. Richard and Bonnie Bryan was a delightful occasion.

Held at The Orleans, the dinner-dance began with a reception and auction, with arrivals including Tina and Richard Morgan, Dr. Ikram Khan, Jerry and Beverly Saperstein, Tom Bruny, Renee and Leo Diamond, Mary Lou Foley, state Sen. Bob Coffin and Mary Hausch, Kella Brown, Alicia Davisson and Dr. Javid Anwar, quickly falling under the spell of the live music.

Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold and green abounded, with shimmering beads for all, later complimented by feathery masks and table favors at dinner.

On the dance floor with the lively music of Harbor Lights were Mary Ellen and John Heise, Thurban and Mercedes Warrick, Mari and Thom Landers, Richard Minnear and wife Margaret McMillan, Jacque and David Matthews, Jack and Evelyn Libby and Deni Conrad, executive director of HELP with husband Steve Conrad.

Arriving on a festive float for their special ceremonies were the Bryans, who were crowned in light-hearted spirit by Jerry and Lou Emmert, last year's Mardi Gras king and queen. Dazzling the crowd with their classical opera performance were surprise guest entertainers Troika, who appeared on behalf of HELP at the bequest of their manager Jean Nedel, president of Orion Productions, as arranged by Sara Besser, HELP's special events coordinator.

Explaining the mission of HELP during the program were board members Stacy Bloom and Mike Sexton, who co-chaired the dinner, as well as President Dawn Merritt.

HELP served 55,000 individuals and families during the most recent fiscal year. HELP, with all funding staying in Southern Nevada, operates Travelers' Aid, Family Resource Centers, Displaced Homemaker, Emergency Resource Services, Weatherization and Community Alternative Sentencing.

Call to the Hall

Cox Pavilion at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas was in the spotlight recently for induction ceremonies of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame. Inductees for 2002 were brothers Greg and Mike Maddux, joined by Lori Harrigan, Mike Morgan, Rodger Fairless and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Committed to the support and enhancement of Southern Nevada youth through participation in programs to promote leadership, values and character through sports, the evening was well attended by sports figures, business leaders and happy fans.

Funds raised from the dinner and sports-themed silent auction have been donated to the UNLV Athletic Scholarship Fund, Greg and Kathy Maddux Foundation, Southern Nevada Girls' Fast-Pitch Softball and the high school division of the National Football and College Hall of Fame.

Supporters in the crowd included Rick and Joanne Watson, Bruce Layne, Joe Brown, Shawn Sanchez, Roz Santangelo, Judge Bill Jansen, Rene and John O'Reilly, Rod Buckle and Shawn King as well as Cliff Findlay with Phillip "Bubba" Grimes, Brad Reiplinger, Pat Casale, John Field, Paul Workman, Tim Lanier and Michael Politz.

Steve Stallworth, chairman of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame, was emcee for the lengthy awards program.