Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Council looks forward to season of entertainment

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, July 9, 2003 | 8:14 a.m.

Toasting the season ahead while announcing their production of "Taming of the Shrew," the Arts Council of Henderson gathered at OPM atop Chinois in the Forum Shops at Caesars. The cocktail party in the new nightclub drew members, community supporters and volunteers who jointly create the annual "Shakespeare in the Park" program for school children and public enjoyment in Southern Nevada.

Slated for Oct. 10 to Oct. 12, "Taming of the Shrew" will, for the first time, feature a blended cast of seasoned professional Shakespearean actors and gifted students at the Las Vegas Academy of the Performing Arts under the direction of Academy instructor Jerry Born.

Welcoming attendees to the party at OPM was Judi Steele, president of the Arts Council, with arts supporter and Harrah's headliner Clint Holmes, his wife, Brenda, and newly appointed Executive Director Mary Silbert. Board officers of the organization, including Lloyd Cutler, Venicia Considine and Annette Mullins were present, as was Tom Kaplan of the Wolfgang Puck Dining Group, who attended with his mother, Barbara Smith.

Others glimpsed in the crowd included Rino and Marie Claire Armeni, Shiral and Ed Guthrie, Bill Sibley, Cynthia Kientz, Janice Keiserman and Dr. Keith Boman. Deb Higna and Terri Maruca, assisting with the silent auction items, were joined by Jeff Silbert, general manager of the Forum Shops.

Encouraged to bid generously were Janet and Harry Ferris, board trustee Tim McCubbin with wife Laura, John Gallagher and his bride, Carmen Gonzalez, Vic Miera, Brad Brennan, Juliana Basone and contributor Heide Hanley of Ferragamo at the Forum Shops. Also supporting the event were board members Mark DeStefano, Marie Saldo, Elyse Tyrell, County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury and Henderson Councilman Steven Kirk.

Tickets and volunteer information for the October performances of "Taming of the Shrew" can be obtained by calling 221-7491.

S.A.F.E. guard

The changing of the guard at S.A.F.E. House -- Stop Abuse in the Family Environment -- has meant a fond farewell for Executive Director Karen Marconi, who was recently feted with a going-away luncheon hosted by staff and volunteers with the board of directors. Marconi has taken a position as executive director with the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth.

At the helm of S.A.F.E. House these days is Julie Proctor, a founding member and longtime board trustee.

At an undisclosed location, S.A.F.E. House operates a 52-bed shelter, offering around-the-clock care to victims of domestic violence and their children. A refuge from abuse, the facility provides case management, counseling/education and other wrap-around services.

As do many community agencies, S.A.F.E. House depends on ongoing contributions of household supplies from individuals, civic groups, churches and compassionate businesses. High on the current "wish list" are baby foods and diapers, canned goods, over-the-counter medications, laundry supplies and paper products. Donations can be brought to the S.A.F.E. House office, 921 American Pacific Drive, suite 300, Henderson, NV with further details available by calling 451-4203.

Revealing exhibit

Edythe Katz Yarchever, longtime supporter of the Las Vegas Art Museum, has alerted us to an event of note. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on July 19, the museum will host a celebration of Nevada women pioneers in honor of the 155th anniversary of the Seneca Falls Convention, the birth of the Women's Suffrage movement in the United States.

Providing a rich backdrop to the gathering will be the paintings of Susanne Forestieri and the sculpture of Robert Baskin Sefrin in an exhibition entitled "Revealing Women." Tickets for the afternoon are $20. For reservations, call Elaine Lewis at 360-8000.

Helping to host the event will be Joe Palermo, former Las Vegas Art Museum executive director who has recently rejoined the administrative staff at the West Sahara facility.

Event a success

Good news for a good cause came recently as Golden Rainbow reported on the success of its 17th annual "Ribbon of Life" production show. A true labor of love for dancers, show kids, headliners, choreographers and dozens of sponsors, the event at Le Theatre des Arts at Paris Las Vegas is the major fund-raiser for the HIV/AIDS service group. With 275 entertainers performing on stage, the two-day show was hugely attended by an audience of locals and visitors, earning Golden Rainbow a record-breaking $250,000.

Golden Rainbow, with an ever-increasing client group, provides housing and direct financial assistance to men, women, children and families in Southern Nevada who are affected by HIV/AIDS. The organization provides assistance when needs are not met by other agencies or insurance.

Additionally, Golden Rainbow funds prevention education programs of the Southern Nevada Area Health Education Center.