Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: NBT’s Dion tribute attracts Las Vegas elite

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004 | 8:49 a.m.

All the essential elements -- elegance, grace, beauty -- merged at Las Vegas' most formal event on Saturday as Nevada Ballet Theatre presented the 2004 Black & White Ball.

Held at Caesars Palace, the evening to honor Celine Dion as Woman of the Year began with a private "Meet Celine" reception in the Forum Tower penthouse.

Caesars Palace President Mark Juliano and his wife, Jacqueline, honorary chairwoman of the gala, greeted Dr. Glenn and Sandy Tueller, Steve and Donna Bell, Richard and Wendy Plaster, Phyllis McGuire with Stefanie Powers, Sandee and Tito Tiberti, Dr. Irvan Karabachez, Colette Saltz and Pam and Joe Brown.

Seen with Dion and husband Rene Angelil were Stanislas de Quercize and Mariam Afshai, both of Cartier, Kurt Clausen and James Coon, both of Wells Fargo, and Larry and Camille Ruvo of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada.

Sipping "Celine" martinis, a beverage created for the occasion by master mixologist Francesco LaFranconi, were Sharon Bader and Norm Jenkins, Stephen and Karen Reses, Suzy Perrine, David Griego with Brenda Haynes, Guy Manin and Michael and Sandy Mecca.

Moving on to the Tower Ballroom for the dinner and program was former Councilman Michael McDonald, Zoe Brown, Gladys Marino with daughter Vanaey Pondeis, Selma and Troy Bartlett, Judge Bill and Nora Jansen, Ken and Dee Ladd, Billy Terry, Joanne Blystone and Dr. Ted and Parvin Jacobs, as well as Tom and Susan Shoeman, Dr. Bob and Betty Robinson, James and Persia Golden, state Sen. Randolph and Robin Townsend, Roger Thomas with Frederick Apcar and Alan Feldman with fiancee Tina Roth.

As patrons enjoyed the dance band and lively entertainment, well-wishers visited with Eric and Sonja Houssels, whose newborn son, Dane Wallace Houssels, is the first grandchild of Nancy and J.K. "Kell" Houssels.

Adding their best wishes as they mingled in the hugely attended affair were Dee and Don Snyder, Sandy and Roger Peltyn, Lynn Marie Squillance, Sean and Fhretscya Youmans, Denise and Michael Severino and Kay Gray as well as Jeanne Greenawalt with Edward and Eleanore Doumani.

Dion, in her acceptance speech, was gracious in her comments about Las Vegas, saying that she and her family truly enjoy the beauty of their desert home.

New restaurant

An elite assemblage of local citizenry graced the Jan. 22 opening festivities for Bouchon, Thomas Keller's magnificent restaurant in The Venetian's exclusive Venezia Tower.

Guests included Frank Schreck with Linda Lee, Von Heinz, Andreas Barbero and family, Lloyd Wentzell, state Sen. Harry Mortensen, Camille and Larry Ruvo and Judge Gil and Edythe Yarchever. They were whisked to the top of the new tower by an express elevator, and were dazzled by the beauty of the painted corridors, the exquisite finishing touches of the tower entry and reception areas and most definitely the French ambiance of the eatery with adjacent terraces and inner garden.

In the power mix welcomed by Nicolas Kurban, general manager for Bouchon, were Dr. Neville and Esther Pokroy with Dr. Zev and Rivka Lagstein, state Sen. Mike and Candy Schneider, Bill Weidner, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, with wife Lynn and friends Andrea and Richard Goeglein, Sandee and Tito Tiberti, Joseph Keller with Bob Sendall, Roger Thomas, Elizabeth Blau, Karen Gordon, Dr. Jeffrey and Monterey Brookman, Lisa Sheehan of Cili and state Sen. Dina Titus with husband Dr. Tom Wright.

Many sampled Bouchon's celebrated "Mont Blanc" cocktail and toured the kitchens, where chefs offered delectables and cooking advice. Sheldon Adelson, dining with wife Dr. Miriam Adelson, was seen accepting compliments on bringing Bouchon to The Venetian.

'Earring' screened

With the assistance of Brenden Theatres and Lion Gate Films, Las Vegas Art Museum presented a special preview of "Girl with a Pearl Earring" on Jan. 20.

As a special thanks to LVAM patrons and volunteers, the invitational screening at the Brenden Theatres at the Palms was a gift of appreciation to those who make the museum a lively and growing institution in our community.

Champagne, cream puffs and other French pastries were offered with a lavish hand to arrivals Meg and David MacFarlane, Zoe Brown, Elaine Lewis, Barry Thalden, Gerald and Lottie Polis and incoming LVAM board president Gerald Facciani. Welcoming the crowd was LVAM Director Karen Barrett and newly appointed public relations officer Margaret Kurtz.

The film, based upon the best-selling novel by Tracy Chevalier, tells the story of 17th-century artist Vermeer and the young housemaid who served as inspiration for the painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring."

Discussing Vermeer, his place in art history and the times in which he lived with a great deal of depth was Dr. Ted Jacobs, a real student of the arts, who led a lively conversation with Jennifer and Linda Whitehair, Joe Palermo, Lamar and Pat Marchese and LVAM curator James Mann.

Others enthralled by the beauty and historic perspective of the film were Jack and Marilyn Bulatsky, Barbara Flanders, Elizabeth Francis, Sarah and Wilson Ning, Lynn Jones, Rosalie Blackman, Marleen Kovacs and Ellen Grossman. Bryan and Melanie Williamson of Gemesis Jeweler, created and contributed the pearl earrings used for the evening's prize drawing.

"Girl with a Pearl Earring" will be released in Las Vegas this spring. Next on the horizon for LVAM is the Fernando Botero Poster exhibition, as well as a Latin America Art NOW! showing, set to run concurrently, Feb. 7 to April 18, at LVAM, 9600 W. Charleston Blvd.