Wednesday, March 12, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
WHO SAYS you can't go home again? Certainly Ann Lynch's recent experiences in Evansville, Ind., give the lie to that old phrase. Ann, who was invited to speak at the PTA Founders Day Banquet to celebrate PTA's 100th anniversary, was surprised with the key to the city, presented by Evansville Mayor Frank MacDonald II. Lynch, the national PTA president for two terms during the Bush administration, was the much-celebrated hometown girl during the festivities.
Having attended high school in Evansville, she began her career as public relations and marketing director at the University of Evansville before moving to Las Vegas for an executive position with the Frontier Girl Scout Council.
Marriage to Tom Lynch and, later, the birth of their son Ed ultimately led to a focus on community concerns and, in particular, child-oriented causes. She has served on President Bush's Education Advisory Commission, co-chaired Nevada 2000 and continues as vice-president for the Clark County Public Education Foundation. Ann Lynch Elementary, named in her honor, opened in Las Vegas in 1989.
Professionally, Ann's career has been filled with challenges. In 1978, she joined Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, working as a marketing and community relations director as well as director of volunteer services. As vice president of community services for the Southwest Division of Columbia Healthcare Corp., she handles government affairs, marketing and community services for six hospitals and 18 surgery centers in Arizona and Nevada.
Art auction
Rolling on to its 19th year is Junior Mesquite Club's annual Art Auction. Begun by past member Lynn Wirth and friends, the event was designed to spotlight the talents of local artists while helping charities for children in our community.
This year, Gail Qualey and Cindi Locklier, former Junior Mesquite presidents, have planned the event for this Saturday at the Richard Tam Alumni Center on the UNLV campus. The evening will open with a champagne reception at 6, with participating artists available for questions about their displayed works.
The live auction at 7 will feature paintings, handcrafted baskets and weavings, pottery and other art objects. Kim Kennedy, Mark Vranesh, Annette Chandler and Roy Purcell are just a few of the artists taking part. Entry donations are $10, which includes complimentary hors d'oeuvre and champagne, with a no-host bar available. Proceeds will benefit the youngsters at Child Haven.
Man of many talents
Robert Ballard, scientist-author-oceanographer and all-round man of many talents, first rocketed to international fame in 1984 with his exploration of the Titanic wreck site.
Ballard was in town recently, speaking at schools and advocating the joys of science education through the Jason Project. Begun in response to the thousands of children's letters received after his Titanic investigation, the Jason Project is now an annual learning adventure with more than 20,000 local kids participating through classwork and live broadcasts from field investigations with Ballard and teams of scientists.
Prior to a lecture at Community College of Southern Nevada's Horn Theater, Ballard hosted a reception on campus at Russell's Restaurant. Charlotte Hill, chairman of the fund-raiser, welcomed Red Mattson with School Board Trustees Susan Brager and Larry Mason as well as Judy Robinson with Allen Brown, Bob Miebaum, Mark and Alice Denton, Kay Carl and Pat Nelson, with Doug and Bonnie Crosby. Retired Gen. Billy McCoy, who served on the committee, was seen with Pete Zavattaro, who plans to attend a cooking school in Venice later this year.
Fanning out to support by bidding generously on the silent auction treasures were Pam and Joe Brown, Helen Sax, Dr. Craig and Tina Hamilton, Robert Agonia, Hank Osterhoudt and Sharon Pearson. Steve Schorr, who lent his talents as emcee, led a lively auction of Delta and Southwest airlines tickets, with Gregg Schiffbauer ultimately taking them home.
Puckish dinner
Wolfgang Puck, long a supporter of the American Red Cross, recently blended his ideas with Spago's Executive Chef David Robins to create an exquisite menu for the charity's dinner. Held on the lofty upper level in the private dining room, the Red Cross' gourmet dinner was co-chaired by Claudette Enus and Monterey Brookman.
Welcoming arrivals on the mezzanine were Deborah Young, Red Cross director of development, and Rick Diebold, executive director. Peggy Hollingsworth, board member, was joined by fellow trustees Dr. Al Gourrier, Ysidro Barron with his wife, Ann, and Rich and Vivienne Wersel. Moving along to the dining room, Pat Gray, Paul Larsen, Clay and Stephanie Markham and Dorothy Humphrey were confronted by the delectable dilemma of choosing between Spago's trademark appetizer pizzas, including the grilled portabella mushroom, spicy chicken and other temptations. Stepping in to check with his staff was Spago general manager Neil Hiedin, who mingled easily with the Red Cross guests.
The four-course dinner, enhanced by perfectly matched wines provided by Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada, began with a chopped vegetable salad with tomato coulis. The pasta course was wild mushroom risotto with shaved Parmesan cheese and truffle essence, served with a Rothschild St. Emilion.
Potato-wrapped salmon, accompanied by caramelized vegetables and lobster Nage was a luscious entree, well complemented by the Simi Cabernet Sauvignon. Dessert, a delight to both see and taste, was a chocolate hazelnut cake set down with a french apple tart and accented with tiny Red Cross cookies made by Chef Robins and served with Rothschild Sauterens.
During dinner, Gourrier stood to lead a special toast to Monterey Brookman for her many efforts to create memorable Red Cross events. Looking on proudly was Monterey's physician husband, Dr. Jeffrey Brookman, who was recently promoted to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Marines. Ken and Louise Mumby led a post-dinner program on cigars and fine tobaccos. The Mumbys, who will open their Le Cigar Boutique this Sunday on West Charleston Boulevard, had an attentive audience, including Thomas Krob, Hank Gordon with Margaret Maule, Manny and Barbara Gomes and Dr. Marcus and Susan Erling.
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