Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Church ceremony honors Panoses’ contributions

Pioneer business leader Wilma Panos and her late husband, Tom, were honored by St. John's Greek Orthodox Church for their spiritual and monetary donations to the church over the past five decades.

Ceremonies held Saturday afternoon included the naming of the church hall, at 5300 El Camino, as Panos Hall. Previously the first Greek Church hall in downtown Las Vegas was also named for the couple.

A true entrepreneur, Tom Panos came to the United States from Greece in 1910 at the age of 14. He carved out several fortunes as he moved across the country, served in World War II and then brought his bride, Wilma, to Las Vegas. They operated the Oasis Cafe in North Las Vegas, built motel properties, and with Harry Levy leased the Market Spot Restaurant.

Working with Pop Simon of Jean, the couple established the Melodie Lane Restaurant at Third and Fremont streets, a popular gathering place favored by both local power brokers and entertainers for 20 years. Further investments in our growing community included Panos Manor Apartments, University Shopping Center and other commercial developments.

Feeding a need

Known for their efforts, both professional and private, on behalf of others, the food and beverage directors rarely pause to celebrate their profession.

On Friday members of the Food and Beverage Directors Association of Nevada took a rare evening away from their responsibilities to host their annual black-tie fund-raiser in the grand pavilion of the Riviera. Chaired by Lloyd Wentzell, vice president of food and beverage for the hotel, the evening funds ongoing scholarship programs at UNLV and CCSN as well as Vo-Tech and Area Technical high schools, amounting to $300,000 in the past dozen years.

Members and their supportive employers also feed the less fortunate on Thanksgiving, provide joy to children living in public shelters and volunteer in great numbers for the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village each December.

Setting a patriotic theme in recognition of our men and women in the armed forces, the evening included flag ceremonies by the Nellis Air Force Base color guard and a keynote speech by Maj. Gen. Steven Wood, commander of the Air Warfare Center at Nellis.

Honored with the organization's Autrui Award for outstanding community service was Linda Smith, development director of Opportunity Village, while chef-owner Michael Jordan of Rosemary's was recognized for culinary achievement.

Ken Johnson, organizational chairman, assisted by Kurt Weinrich, Bill Hiers and Claudine Williams, presented the awards and charitable contributions made in the name of both honorees. In the throng of supporters were Sandy Hinkelbine, Bob Fowler and Michael Severino of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, attorney Jeff Silver, Riviera Chief Executive William Westerman, Doug Hardy with Jasmine Shaw, County Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, Nancy and Robert Vannucci, Buzz Thurber, David Grant, Sandra Reid and Norm Adams. Others supporting the fund-raiser with their generous auction bids for wines and gourmet goods included Chip Fonzoi, Duane Krohn, Denise Severino, Roger and Sandy Peltyn, Stuart Mann, Linda Joyce and Kitty Rodman.

A little night music

Nevada Opera Theatre Guild recently hosted its annual International Friendship Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas. Guild chairwoman Karen Scherer followed tradition in electing to spotlight outstanding individuals who have served our state in their patronage of Nevada Opera Theatre.

Recognized were state Controller Kathy Augustine and Dr. Morton and Nicole Hyson. Augustine is an honorary board member and longtime patron, while Hyson, a past president of the board of directors, has performed in opera productions with the company since 1990.

Nicole Hyson is an active member of the guild. Present to meet arriving guests were Mary Ann Hantout and Elisa del Prado, who were seen with Dr. John Watkins and Anna Nateece, Janice Green, Gina Germany, Aimee Jarvis, Sharry Quillin, Joan Michelson and Tamara Reigel.

Enjoying the pre-luncheon champagne reception were Sandy Swindel, Barbara Wood, Kaddell and Leezie Kremer, Isabel Colon, Mabel Murray and past Nevada Opera Theatre president Dr. Charles Vinnik and daughter Suzanne.

Luncheon tables were adorned with national themes selected by sponsors, among them Mike and Beverly Mykisen (China), Dr. and Mrs. Hyson (Canada), Diane Carlson (Sweden), Elisa del Prado (Spain), Gail Martin (Egypt), Leslie Trayer (Thailand), Karen Scherer (Australia), Mary Ann Hantout (USA), Eileen Hayes (Austria) and Robert Clark (Denmark).

The Young Entertainers, who recently performed at the White House, were directed by Helen Joy for a medley of patriotic songs. Ingvar Estrada sang "O Sole Mio" and spoke of future performances with Nevada Opera during the "Opera Festival" at MonteLago Village on Oct. 3 to Oct. 5.

Longtime patron Sheila McKay introduced Michelle Gott, recipient of the 2003 Tove Allen Opera Memorial Scholarship. Gott will use her $1,500 check to defray expenses for her studies at Julliard School of Music, where she will seek a degree in both vocal performance and harp. Doug Carpenter, a senior at Las Vegas Academy for the Performing Arts, was also awarded a Tove Allen Scholarship.

Present at the luncheon ceremonies were Jim and Judy Kropid, Kimberly Hyson, Dr. Marilyn Hamlin, Sondra Dinsmore with her fiance Jim Franks, Julie Irvin, Bea White, Darlene Sacca and Kathy Bax.

Club drive

Reaching out to help the less fortunate, the Las Vegas PT Cruiser Club will conduct a special drive for diapers and baby food needed by Safe Nest and Child Haven.

Slated for Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at Jim Marsh Chrysler, Centennial Parkway and U.S. 95, the collection point will offer a close-up look at these popular retro automobiles and a chance to meet the membership. PT Cruiser Club President Barry Naft urges everyone to contribute, reminding us that mid-year is a time of need for many charities who may struggle between seasons of holiday giving. For details on the organization and this special-needs collection drive, please call 525-0388.

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