Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Nevada dignitaries attend Avants' retirement bash

Beecher E. Avants was recently honored with a proclamation from former Gov. Bob Miller, declaring his retirement date from the Coast Resorts as "Beecher Avants Day in Nevada."

Presented during a lavish hosted dinner reception at the Orleans hotel-casino, the party also included a richness of similar awards and presentations from Sen. Harry Reid and Sen. Richard Bryan, Rep. Jim Gibbons and Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones. Beecher, a fixture in Nevada politics and governmental circles for many years, retired from a second career with Coast Resorts, most recently serving as director of security for the Barbary Coast hotel-casino.

Helping host the delightful party was Beecher's bride, Sandi Avants, as well as son-in-law Wally Hammons and Beecher's children, Kim and Lynn Avants. Attending were friends from across the years, including: Michael Gaughan, Jr., Commissioner Paul Christensen, Jim Bell, Charlie and Helen Waterman, Lia and Joseph Roberts, Assemblyman Harry and Helen Mortensen and Mary and Ed Lattin, as well as Sue and David Goalen and J.A. and Corrine Tiberti.

Greeting mutual friends as well were Beecher's brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Charlene Avants, joined by David and Eileen Freeman, Art McGill, Paula and Michael Gaughan, Bob Coffin, Mary Hausch and Leo Lewis, to name just a few. Beecher's immediate plans include taking a few relaxing trips, enjoying his home at Desert Shores and indulging in a bit of pampering by his wife Sandi, who serves as Nevada's deputy commissioner for the Transportation Services Agency.

Epicurean games

Showing the true, generous spirit of our hospitality industry by creating an event of artful competition, educational opportunities and fund-raising for Cystic Fibrosis research, Rino Armeni and his stellar committee broke new ground for charity recently.

A new event, the Nevada Gourmet Olympics, was a brilliant idea, executed to perfection in January with the supportive efforts of major sponsors including the Sun, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Rino Armeni, of Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada. The day-long competition among the city's finest area chefs featured categories ranging from desserts, booths/displays and entrees. For a nominal contribution, the public was privy to the process as the chefs sought to win the gold, silver and bronze medals, each crafted by Bulgari Jewelers.

As night fell, thoughts turned to the gala dinner co-chaired by Barbara Molasky, Sandy Peltyn and Robin Greenspun. It was an evening to honor the achievements of Sun food editor, restaurant critic and columnist Muriel Stevens. Often called "the first lady of food" and well-recognized for her expertise in culinary matters, Muriel is truly a renaissance woman who has turned her hand to a wide range of creative endeavors over the span of her career.

A resident since the 1950s, Muriel and her late husband, Maury, brought their family to Las Vegas from Philadelphia. She broke new ground as editor of the former Las Vegas Life magazine (not to be confused with the current edition) and was familiar to many as a weather and news reporter. For nearly three decades, she was host of a daily one-hour radio program that helped callers with nutrition, food and consumer issues. Today, Muriel hosts "Showbiz Magazine of the Air" and continues to inform with her columns for the Sun and numerous other publications. Included in the tribute to this busy lady was a delightful video program reflecting upon her early years in our fascinating city.

Guests turned out in droves for the splendid evening and in tribute to the honoree, among them: Toni Clark with Larry Finuf, Nate Tannenbaum, Chris Kolberg, Lovee and Bob Arum, Larry Spitler, George LaForge and John Curtis. Betty and R.H. Duke, Maria Campbell, Martha Jacobs and John Bonds also enjoyed both the program and the truly gourmet quality four-course dinner served in Caesars Palace's tower ballroom. Centerpieces of glowingly fresh vegetables were artfully arranged to both tempt the palate and make cross-table conversation effortless.

Commenting on the well-planned event were Andrea Thomas, Colette and Sidney Saltz, Dan and Denise Reichartz and Irwin and Susan Molasky. Receiving best wishes on his recent 80th birthday was the ever-youthful Judge Gil Yarchever, accompanied by his bride, Edythe Katz Yarchever, who recently surprised Gil with a huge party at the Las Vegas Art Museum. Furthering the worthy of cause of research funds for Cystic Fibrosis was the well-received auction of a dinner for 10, to be prepared by Muriel with Rino Armeni serving as the event's sommelier. While bidding was beyond brisk and moving steadily up the mark, success went to Danny Greenspun, son-in-law to Muriel, with the top bid of $15,100.

On schedule

Events ahead that are worthy of attention include the American Diabetes Association's Reach for the Stars gala honoring John O'Reilly, president and CEO of Keefer, O'Reilly, Ferrario and Lubbers.

O'Reilly is being recognized for his numerous contributions to the community, which frequently center on the needs of children. Honorary chairman for the dinner event is Chuck Lenzie. Slated for March 5, the dinner will be held at Treasure Island hotel-casino, with a live auction, gourmet dinner and dancing included. Call the American Diabetes office at 369-9995 for all the details.

Fast approaching as well is the annual UNLV Foundation Dinner, with keynote speaker retired Gen. Colin Powell. A special evening indeed, this occasion will honor those who have made significant contributions to the university, among them the major donors and members of the President's Inner Circle, Academic Corporate Council, and President's Associates. Norwest- Wells Fargo bank is serving as sponsor for Gen. Powell's appearance on this occasion. Schyler Richards and Ellen Fleck (895-3641) are handling details for the dinner, as well as for other UNLV Foundation special events.

archive