Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: First-class dining, entertainment highlighted Inaugural Ball

It was beautiful; it was entertaining; it was elegant; and most of all, it was planned to embrace the tastes and needs of Nevada's people as they gathered to celebrate this most happy occasion for Gov. Kenny C. Guinn and Nevada's First Lady, Dema Guinn.

The 1999 Inaugural Ball, held Saturday at the MGM Grand hotel-casino, was perfection in motion, the result of countless hours of efforts by a talented team led by honorary chairman Sig Rogich, with Inaugural Ball co-chairs Sandy Peltyn and Dorothy Huffey.

For many, it was also the first occasion to enjoy the splendors of the well-appointed MGM Grand Conference Center, where a virtual army of valets whisked away arriving cars and welcomed guests including: Monterey and Dr. Jeffrey Brookman, Gary and Linda Vause, Shenandoah Merrick with hubby Ed Janov, Wende and Paul Bell, Dr. Jeffrey and Vicki Cichon, as well as Helen Foley, Wing and Lilly Fong, Ashley Hall, Jerry and Mary Allred with their children, Mary Gafford and Joanne and Aubrey Goldberg.

Going with the flow as the elegantly attired crowd moved toward the pre-ball reception were Cam Usher, Thom and Mari Landers, Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald, Si Redd, Eleanore Doumani, Mahlon Brown, Jr., and Inaugural Ball team members including Howard Jochsberger, Jon Tullis, Jan Nitz, Jeri Packe, Deni and Steve Conrad, R.J. Peltyn, Neil Huffey and Papote Varet, who coordinated much of the evening's sparkling entertainment. Inside, they found a level of comfort that continued throughout the evening, including the kind attention of gloved servers offering champagne, wines and other refreshments. Multiple serving stations provided a dinner-like repast of freshly prepared Beef Wellington, lamb chops, chilled king crab, shrimp and oysters, fine pastas and a wide selection of cheeses, fruits and other delightful morsels.

Seen with friends were: Mary Ann Hantout with daughter Lydia Zeller, former Congressman Jim and Mikey Bilbray, Michael and Michele Berk, Elizabeth Ackerman and her daughter, Rachel Cantor, Dr. Brian Cram with Laura Fritz, Kenny and Yvonne Gragson, Kay and Bruce Spottleson, Howard Stutz with his wife, Judge Valorie Vega, and Las Vegas City Councilman Larry Brown.

Music drew many to the dance floor which rarely cleared through the lengthy, well-celebrated evening. More than a few dances were enjoyed by Helen and Jim Sax, newlyweds Caty Crockett and Dr. Jim Jones, newly engaged Nevada Supreme Court Justice William Maupin with fiancee Mary, Kaye Cashman and Judge Bill and Nora Jansen, to name just a few.

Many of Nevada's elected officials -- including Sen. Richard and Bonnie Bryan, Nevada State Controller Kathy Augustine, state Senator Valerie Wiener and Nevada School Board Trustee Frank Matthews -- had attended the earlier ball at the Reno Hilton Friday evening. Each participated in the evening's grand march of Nevada officals, announced by John Daly and shown on huge video monitors for easy viewing from around the spacious ballroom.

Entertainment offered a sweet bit of nostalgia and fine songs by the McGuire Sisters, who honored the Guinns with their opening medley and commentary. The McGuires, who sang for the couple on their wedding night in Reno 42 years ago, were heartily applauded by audience members who listened in comfort from the ample seating and tables spread throughout the room. Also making an appearance on this magical evening were the wildly popular "Divine Divas," who inspired the desire to dance among the younger set. Also appearing was the Jean White Orchestra, featuring Rick Michel and Lori White, as well as Stan Mark and his Hot Horns.

Smokers and others who followed friends to the lobby found temptation awaiting in the form of serving islands offering fine coffees and desserts. Seen with colleagues in deep conversation were Pat Clary, Bob Stupak with Art Petrie, Bill Walters and Chuck Ruthe with Daniel Wade and fellow guests Daryl and Linn Thome, Bucky Buchanan, University Regent Mark Alden, Rossi Ralenkotter and Bertha Raglund. Parting commemoratives for guests of the 1999 Inaugural Ball were handsome silver boxes bearing the seal of Nevada.

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