Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Houssels celebrates No. 80 in style at Four Seasons

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2003 | 8:15 a.m.

The air itself seemed filled with champagne and glad tidings as John Kell (J.K.) Houssels celebrated his 80th birthday with a massive reception and dinner party at Four Seasons.

Planned in secret by his wife, Nancy, with the help of their children and spouses, the party was a rich blend of "Old Vegas," with a plentiful addition of many who share the Houssels' love of Nevada Ballet Theatre and other cultural endeavors in our city.

J.K., a legendary figure in gaming ciricles, is the son of J.K. Houssels Sr., who obtained one of the first gaming licenses in Nevada.

As a young man he served as both assistant district attorney and an assemblyman for Southern Nevada before rising to leadership and owner positions in such gaming enterprises as El Cortez, Showboat, Tropicana and Union Plaza.

Houssels' civic endeavors are many, among them the Nevada and American Bar Association, several terms as president of the Nevada Resort Association, service with United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, the Las Vegas Founders Club and continuing efforts as a member of the Board of Visitors of Stanford Law School.

Present to toast Houssels and his lovely wife on this special day were Cheryl and Bert Purdue, Marjorie Barrick, Colette Saltz, Vicki and Frank Fertitta, Emmett and Saundra Munley, John and Ann Miller with Ken and Carolyn Sparks, producer Maynard Sloate, Dr. Glenn and Sandy Tueller and Robert and Yvette Maheu.

Sharing the evening as well were Joel and Josie Snow, Wendy and Richard Plaster, Dr. Robert and Barbara Buckley, Harry and Janet Ferris and Jim and Jackie Muth.

Arriving guests at the cocktail reception enjoyed the photographic displays chronicling Houssels' career in tandem with the growth of our city as the world's entertainment capital.

Enjoying the dinner with the special video program and fond remarks by family and friends were Irwin and Susan Molasky, Mayor Oscar and Carolyn Goodman, Maryanna and Jerry Herbst, Andy and Susan Tompkins, Sharon Bader, Don and Dee Snyder, Kenny Epstein and state Sen. Harry and Helen Mortensen.

Lending further to the elegant nostalgia of the evening was the music of Ray Anthony's Orchestra and party favors of the group's "In the Miller Mood" CDs.

Tables were adorned with racetrack-red roses in deference to the honoree's lifelong love of throughbred racing.

Coordinating the evening was Ari Levin, president of JOLON Productions.

Coffee talk

It was a walk on the wild side for Junior League members and guests when Joanie Shoofey Richardson opened her shoreline home at the Lakes for the Sustainers of the Junior League of Las Vegas' annual coffee.

Themed a holiday safari, the midday affair drew many to view the home filled with trophies and treasures garnered by Joanie and her husband, Ron Richardson, both big-game hunters and crack marksmen.

Co-chairs Judy Beal and Bonnie Bryan, with their hostess and Junior League President Debbie Herman and Sustainer President Debbie Levy, stood to receive guests in the foyer of the magnificent home.

Arrivals including Kris Amerine, Teri Shoofey, Shirley Shupe, Sandra Litton with daughter Liz Gibson, Dr. Pattie Craddock, Mary Curran and Helen Sax were welcomed as they arrived with their gaily wrapped packages for Junior League's holiday efforts on behalf of needy children in our community.

Presiding in turn at the tea table were Jeannette Clark, Jan Allen, Priscilla Scalley, Hope Anstett, Shari Compton, Melinda McGeorge Johnson, Thalia Dondero and Diana Wilson. Nearby, punch and equally congenial conversation was dispensed by Donna Andress, Sherry Layne, Madeline Andress, LuAnn Kutch, Brenda Dizon and Saundra Richardson.

Guests spread through the twin tiers of the home and out to sunny gardens and boat dock. Seen in support of the charitable gathering were Lois Zellers, Syndee Smith, Margie Purdue, Carol Maxey, Linda Givens, Wende Bell, Mary Blake, Julie Doyle, Nancy Gasho, Arlene Southard, Jan Nitz and Jan Figura.

Can-do spirit

Like an athlete destined for instant glory, the Cannery burst onto the scene as our first new gaming property for 2003. Well organized from start to finish, opening festivities were a joy to attend with ample time to tour the property and congratulate principal owners Robert Mendenhall, Bill Paulos and Bill Wortman.

Cannery execs Guy Hillyer, Luc Akellino, Joey Whitacre and Tom Willer were beaming as they greeted guests, directing them to the tasty selections from Waverly's Steakhouse, Casa Cocina Mexican Restaurant, the Victory Cafe and liquid libations at the very cleverly decorated Pin-Ups Lounge with its decor borrowed from the calendar girls of World War II.

Casually chatting with fellow guests as they explored the new property were Clair and Colleen Haycock, Paula Mendenhall, Ted and Maria Quirk, Blanche and Hank Bozarth, Mick Kindler of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, Alice Ronconi of Coca-Cola USA and Allan Duffy of Siren Gaming.

Adding their own special grace to the occasion were North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon, Rep. Shelley Berkley, Bank of Nevada CEO John Gaynor, Judge Natalie Tyrell and attorney Frank Schreck.

Fellow gamers on hand for the Cannery party included Don Marrandino (Le Reve), George Maloof (the Palms), Karen Dorsey (Ellis Island) and Yale Rowe (Hard Rock Hotel).

Have a C.O.W.

Events next week will usher in the new year's charitable season beginning Friday with a dinner to benefit C.O.W. (Clinic On Wheels). Hosted and underwritten fully by Health Plan of Nevada to commemorate its 20th anniversary, the evening at Bellagio will assist C.O.W.'s mobile health-care facility as it serves at-risk children in Southern Nevada. For details and reservations concerning the Jan. 17 event, call 242-7784.

Jan. 18 will find an elite crowd gathering for the "Black and White Ball 2003." Presented by Nevada Ballet Theatre with sponsorship by Cartier, the dinner gala will recognize entertainer Carol Channing as Woman of the Year.

Reservations are a must, so please call Nevada Ballet Theatre at 243-2623.