Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Lavish, patriotic gala marks America's birthday

A RED, WHITE AND BLUE tradition, dear to the hearts of Jan and Owen Nitz, has created a much-favored July 3rd party and seems to set the mood for America's best holiday weekend.

This year's gala, the 11th annual, found an even larger crowd of Southern Nevada's "movers and shakers" gathering at the Nitz's desert retreat in the picturesque Blue Diamond Road area. Under balmy skies, the couple and their co-hosts, daughters Ashley Nitz, Stacey Albregts and Gina Guevara, and sons-in-law Dan Albregts and Rob Guevara, welcomed their guests and legal clients. Nearby in the spacious playground area developed by "Grandpa Owen," the Nitz grandchildren Leah Holleran and Zack and Maddi Albregts enjoyed their own evening with fellow members of the younger set.

Friends near and dear in attendance included Vivienne and Bill "Wildcat" Morris, Ralph and Sara Denton, Ed and Maureen Kane, Toni and Bill Fain, Arlene and Michael Mack, Pete and Judge Sally Loehrer, Dan Byron, Eva Mendoza and Judge Bill Jansen. Following tradition, the menu included an All-American selection of favorites, among them hot dogs with all the trimmings and side dishes, cherry pie, apple cobbler and other temptations suitable for an evening picnic. A large margarita machine struggled valiantly to meet the demand created by the swelling crowd, with empty glasses offered to the serving crew by University Regent Mark Alden, and Catharine Costa with Don Sommer.

Caty Crockett, with fiance Dr. Jim Jones, was seen with friends Ken and Carolyn Sparks, who greatly admired her engagement ring. Jones cleverly presented his bride-to-be with the ring by slipping it into her martini glass during an intimate dinner at the Las Vegas Country Club.

Adding their best wishes were Marcel and Christianne LeBon, Dick and Norma Land, Judy Brusa, Art and Sara Besser, and Catharina Costa with Don Sommer.

The Nitz's sprawling grounds, considerable in size by any standards, was filled with guests enjoying the terraced porch, gazebo area and green lawns. Others slipped upstairs to enjoy the incredible media viewing room designed by Owen for large gatherings, or took a tour through his enviable workshop. Seen were former Congressman Jim Bilbray and wife Mikey, who split their time between Nevada and Washington, D.C. Nearby were Brian Krolicki, Judge Don Mosley with Dana Perry, Jeanne and Dr. Monte Greenawalt, Lou Gammage, John and Susan Mowbray, Joanne and Aubrey Goldberg, Edward and Eleanore Doumani and Mark and Alice Denton, as well as Duff Kaster, Dr. Leonard and Betty Carpi and Dr. Bob and Betty Robinson.

Keeping the mood patriotic in the extreme, the Nitzs chose to deck their home in red, white and blue bunting and used decorative "Uncle Sam" touches throughout. Guests were provided with tiny flags and other July 4th trinkets.

Lots of Poise

Tony Iny and Dorit Schwartz recently hosted a splashy party to introduce the community to Poise Boutique and Accessories. Using a lavish hand, the party was done in a Moroccan theme suitable to the unique merchandise the store so handsomely features. In an effort to assist Shade Tree Shelter with its building campaign, the party also kicked off a fund-raiser with half the proceeds from the sale of handmade silk and velvet scarves through the month of July devoted to this worthy cause.

Having selected a stable of contemporary designers to showcase, Poise is an appropriate setting for the clothes and accessories created by Morgan, Lucky Brand, Billabong, Andrea Rosati and X.O.X.O. Fashions. Personal consultations are available for both women as well as young men. Among the treasures offered at Poise are the stunning jewelry designs created by master artisans A. Plotkin and Orit Schatzman. Both have ventured into new waters with their blend of ancient, almost mystical materials and contemporary blendings. These pieces, carefully selected by owners Iny and Schwartz, reflect the distinctive nature of the boutique's merchandise and the influence of the Middle Eastern culture.

Guests enjoying this preview evening included realtor Eva Kallick, joined by Lauren Eisenberg, Shellie Katz, Cheryl Fish, Beth Miller, Ronnie Epstein, Melanie Bash and Tony Shea. Publicist Sharon Christal, making the rounds in an eye-catching beaded evening dress from Poise, introduced owner-developers Yoel F. Iny, his son Haskell Iny and partners Ronnie and Noam Schwartz, who recently opened the Summerhill Plaza in Summerlin.

Lingering late to enjoy the festive Moroccan meal and fortunes told by way of Turkish coffee grounds were Judy Robinson, NLV Councilman John Rhodes, Helen Sax, Kay and Bruce Spottleson and Julie Lee. Brining her own best wishes was Joy Nakanishi, owner of The Osaka Japanese Restaurant, a fellow leasee in Summerhill Plaza.

'Crazy for You'

Fans of Gershwin music take note! Tickets to the upcoming Gershwin musical extravaganza "Crazy for You" will be in hot demand. Slated for viewing at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, this is the second musical of the season for Super Summer '98. Known for its haunting melodies, among them "Embraceable You" and "They Can't Take That Away," the production under the stars promises to be a special evening for local audiences. The Tony Award-winner will be performed Wednesday through Saturday from July 15 to Aug. 1. Tickets start at $5, with student and senior tickets priced at just $3. While gates open each evening at 6 p.m., guests are advised to plan ahead and enjoy a picnic supper in the cool mountain meadow before the 8 p.m. performance. For further details and locations of the ticket outlets, call 485-PLAY.

Whitehead House

Recent festivities hosted by Dr. Monte and Jeanne Greenawalt and the Board of Trustees of the Junior League Endowment celebrated the saving of a piece of Las Vegas history -- The Whitehead House. One of the most significant homes still remaining from early Las Vegas, the residence was built in 1929 for businessman and civic leader Stephen R. Whitehead, who commissioned architect A.L. Worsick. The graceful lines of the two-story Spanish-style building will easily lend itself to future use as an office center for the Junior League of Las Vegas.

In addition, meeting rooms, a small museum and cultural facility will be housed. The Junior League Endowment, with leadership by Louise Helton, has led the way to save the building. With funding assistance from the City of Las Vegas, the home has been moved to an interim location on land donated by Jackie Gaughan and prepared for its eventual site in the historic Las Vegas High School neighborhood, not far from the city's Fremont Street gaming center. Recently, the Junior League was awarded $168,000 by the State of Nevada Commission on Cultural Affairs to assist with the purchase of the land and necessary renovations to the building. Additional funding will be needed to complete this task.

The fund-raiser at the Greenawalt's home was done in a fiesta motif to match the congenial atmosphere of their "Casa Alegre -- House of Tomorrow" estate at Spanish Trail. Chaired by Liz Suckow, the event was well supported by Junior League Endowment Committee members, including Charlene Scott, Jeannette Clark, Marlene Kirch, Carolyn Sparks and Junior League of Las Vegas' immediate past president Luann Kutch. Jan and Fred Allen, Joyce and Tome Thompson, Frank Scott, Ken Parks, Vic and Liz Ruybalid, Jean Haden, Allison McCrary, Denise and Stan Olsen, Gil Suckow, Granville and Annie Harper and mortgage banker Mike Kirch were also among those donors present for the party. Enjoying the evening was newly installed Junior League President Kristine Amerine, joined by Mary Hausch and Greenawalt's neighbor and friend, Tom Mahon.

Guests enjoyed the music from an authentic mariachi trio while sipping on a selection of delectable margaritas, Mexican beers and other beverages. A catered dinner of Southwestern favorites was served. Colorful renderings of the Whitehead House were presented by Honoree Wilson, part of Gary Congdon's staff, who, along with Roger Peltyn, have been instrumental in this project. Speaking briefly was Endowment Chair Louise Helton, who praised member support and community response. Others serving on this historic preservation effort are Deni Conrad, Helene Follmer, Melinda Margoulis, Cheryl Purdue, Diana Wilson and Hope Anstett.

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