Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Football, friends part of New Year's galas

First game to last, the annual New Year's Day football party at the home of Ken and Carolyn Sparks was a splendid affair for friends and loved ones. Jointly hosted by their son Robert, daughter Katherine with her husband, Chuck Lang, and daughter, Tricia, with her fiance, Dan Howlett, the open house was a multigenerational affair that recalled parties of the past given by Carolyn's late parents, Fred and Mal Morledge.

Welcomed to the Sparks' home were: Dr. Monte and Jeanne Greenawalt, Bill and Marilyn Flangas, Patsy and Robert Brinton and Dr. Bill and Mary Scheer, as well as Sue and Leo Borns, Carol and Bob Maxey and Tom and Sharon Beatty with daughter Jennifer. Mingling on the patio to enjoy the glorious panoramic view of the Las Vegas Valley from the handsome Summerlin home were: Frank and Charlene Scott, Laurabelle Kelch, former Rep. Jim Bilbray and his wife, Mikey, Eileen Hayes, Lance Petersen and Tom and Donna Pearson.

Nearby, Marilyn Gubler spoke of a new venture at her Sandy Valley ranch, where guests from around the world will soon enjoy "City Slicker"-style trail rides and camping under the stars. Her vast property abounds with native wildlife, while a herd of cattle and multiple strings of riding horses are being readied for the Western experience. Sharing news of recent successes and expanding services to the community was Charlotte Hill, founder/executive director of the new Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada, based at the United Way. Boxing judge Dalby Shirley, also attending, revealed he's among those who will officiate at the Tyson-Botha fight Saturday.

Discussing spring wedding plans with Tricia Sparks and her future in-laws, Scott and Carol Howelett, were Edward and Eleanore Doumani with their daughter, Dominique, joined by Neil Huffey, Nancy and Gene Heberlee and Ken and Yvonne Gragson. Offering their best wishes were Beverly Daly and her husband, Richard Dix, who are living in Nebraska, where Beverly has taken a position as a middle school principal, and most recently directed the implementation of an alternative school on her campus.

Rio's festivitiesWelcoming in the New Year with a lavish hand, the Rio hotel-casino once again chose to include selected guests, hotel patrons and invited locals in their private Masquerade Village party.

The celebration began at dusk as elegantly attired guests were given a royal welcome by Rio Rita and her fellow resort employees. Attendants were provided entry to Masquerade Village's restaurants, among them Mama Marie's Cucina, Bamboleo, Mask and the Village Seafood Buffet, with an open invitation to try their entree specialties, accompaniments and desserts. Guests enjoyed an unhurried opportunity to confer with servers before ordering, sip from a variety of delectable beverages and simply relax as the entertainment flowed from the stage on the casino level and the shining sky floats above.

In great spirits, others chose to venture down to the Rio's famed cellar, where great wines and a cigar selection awaited, both offered with knowledgeable commentary from master sommelier Barry Larvin.

Wedding partyNew Year's Day found Nancy Allf and husband-to-be Dave Thomas hosting a pre-nuptial gathering at their northwest Las Vegas home.

Both attorneys, the couple, who wed on Jan. 2, met in late 1997 while working on a litigation together. Dave was practicing law in Albuquerque, N.M., and has since relocated to Las Vegas. The newlyweds are adding new challenges to their lives in 1999, as Nancy takes office as president of the 2,000-member Clark County Bar Association, and Dave expands his political consulting business while also preparing for the Nevada Bar exam.

Enjoying the afternoon gathering at the couple's new home were friends including: Laura Cyr and husband Jeff Villardi, Cam Farenbach and former Clark County Commissioner Don Schlessinger, as well as Nancy's parents, Greg and Juanita Mendoza, and her brother and sister-in-law, Rob and Linda Allf.

Sisters' supportersTaken to heart by the American public when they burst onto the national scene during "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" in the 1950s, The McGuire Sisters are still enchanting audiences with their beauty, harmonizing music, clever wit and gracious manner.

Their recent, all-too-short stint at the Orleans was a delight, with an enormous response from locals and visitors alike. Opening night became a who's who of local society, as friends and fans gathered to welcome the trio home to Las Vegas after a seven-year absence from local stages.

Phyllis, a beloved Las Vegas resident, joined by sister Christine, who resides in Summerlin, and Dorothy, who jets in from nearby Scottsdale, Ariz., sparkled with the presentation of their past and present hits, each delightfully performed with a 20-piece orchestra. In the audience were: Toni Clark and Larry Finuf, Sonny King, Marty Allen, Andy and Susan Tompkins with Sharon Bader, Dr. Stephanie Youngblood and poker expert/author David Skalanski, joined by Eydie Gorme and Steve Lawrence, with Susan and Irwin Molasky.

Among those who stayed on to compliment the sister trio as the show concluded were: Drs. Parvin and Ted Modaber Jacobs, Sue and Barry Becker, former Sahara hotel executive John Boni, Kitty Rodman, Charles Walker and Bob Stupak. Lovee and Bob Arum, who orchestrated the presence of so many of the friends in attendance, were seen with John and Rene O'Reilly, Dr. Carol Harter with Claudine Williams, Pat and Charlie Cavagnaro and University Regent Thalia Dondero.

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