Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004 | 8:10 a.m.
Roger Peltyn's surprise birthday party Saturday at Caesars Palace was a delightful evening.
Themed "Black Tie Bingo," the high-spirited party, hosted by Roger's sons Michael and R.J. and his wife, Sandy, opened with gloved waiters pouring jeroboams of champagne.
Roger, who thought he had been invited to a high-rollers reception at Caesars, was startled by the surprise. Well-wishers included Teri and John Daly, Jimmy and Sandee Comito, Meredith and Craig Johnson, Phyllis McGuire, Dr. Joseph and Paula Quagliana and Salada Morrison.
Back from a two-year stint in Utah was guest Bob Spinelli, formerly of Perini Construction, who helped in the building of Caesars tower complex and the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.
Seen with architects Joel Bergman and De Ruyter Butler and joined by Mona Orr, Isabel Colon and Carlos Collado with Nancy Alamo, Spinelli told some funny stories about his life as a gentleman rancher.
Janet and Andy Blumen, also relaxing with friends, spoke of Janet's work with Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow (FIT), citing the need for expanded training space for the organization's efforts to re-train the working poor, lifting them (and their children) out of the cycle of poverty.
Martinis were served in glassware embedded with tiny glow lights and drew the attention of the crowd. Seen sipping were Michael and Denise Severino, Dr. Anne Wierman with Nina Evans, Luci and Paul Pusateri, Lisa Cote, Debra Holgate, Marie Bergman, Laura Resnick, Dr. Steven Rhodes, Jim Gould, Chris Brown and Debbie Jackson.
Roger, an ardent fan of the New York Yankees, was toasted by fellow fan and longtime friend Dr. Ted Jacobs, and later had "Happy Birthday to You" sung by Derek David of "The Platters." A superb dinner at chefs' cooking stations and dancing completed the evening.
Saying hello
Martin Nievera's opening at the Golden Nugget on Jan. 14 was more than the presentation of a new headliner. It was also a gracious introduction to the property's new ownership.
Guests were treated to a "Taste of the Golden Nugget" dinner reception, where favorite dishes from Lillie Langtry's, ZAX, Stefano's and Carson Street Cafe were offered at chefs' cooking stations, all under the careful eye of Executive Chef Steve Young.
Welcoming guests were Maurice Wooden, Dan Shumny, Jay Bluhm and entertainment director Joe Leone, who introduced Nievera at the pre-concert party. Nievera, who frequently speaks of his Filipino heritage as well as his Hawaiian childhood, was further welcomed by Tom Breitling, who with partner Tim Poster now owns the Golden Nugget.
Breitling and the camera crew from the reality show "The Casino" were seen chatting briefly with attending entertainers Earl Turner, Marlene Ricci, Monti Rock III and Dennis Bono and later Alice Lewis of Gov. Kenny Guinn's office. "The Casino," a series of 12 one-hour programs, will be in production in Las Vegas through March and feature Breitling and Poster as they experience their first months as gaming entrepreneurs.
Enjoying Nievera's concert with the many ballads and warm humor were Norm Johnson, Donny Moore, Brenda Holmes, Tammy and Les Kincaid and Kelly Clinton.
Donations needed
Let winter be your season for clearing out the closets and disposing of gently used treasures. The Nathan Adelson Hospice's Unique Boutique and Resale Shop needs your donations of furniture, clothing and shoes, books, household items and giftware.
Located across from UNLV at 4700 S. Maryland Pkwy., the Unique Boutique is operated by the Nathan Adelson Hospice Foundation, raising funds for Southern Nevada's only nonprofit hospice program, helping its efforts to care for terminally ill patients regardless of their ability to pay. For donation drop-off or pick-up information or to volunteer, please call 967-2541.
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