Wednesday, May 26, 1999 | 9:34 a.m.
In a city of such growth, dynamic change and renewal, it would only be logical to pay highest tributes to those who spend their creative lives as architects. Most certainly it was a royal welcome provided for visiting Robert Timme, dean of the University of Southern California's School of Architecture, who was jointly hosted by the Rio hotel-casino and the USC Club of Southern Nevada.
A reception and light dinner was held in the Rio's new convention complex, with Bryan Land, USC chapter president, welcoming guests Dr. Neil Rosse, Tammy Montoya, Saundra Dinsomore, Richard Vargas, Dottie O'Connor and Daniel Kristofferson. Stephanie Ong and Moonlight Tran, both of Caesars Palace, were also present and enjoyed the company of fellow members including Pastoria Roldan, Candace Timme, April Anstett and William Loadvine. USC School of Architect graduates present included Carl McClaren, George Rogers, John Jerde and host Tony Marnell, president/chief executive officer of the Rio.
Timme's speech was an insightful look into a prestigious program, which attracts 1,000 applicants annually for 98 slots in the program. Celebrating its 80th anniversary year, the school's diverse offerings have expanded to include landscape architecture, building science and certificate of historic preservation. Important as well is the nurturing of very young talent as evidenced by its annual "Exploration of Architecture" program held for the past 16 years, where high school students live on campus, attend special classes and delve deeply into the field with USC professors.
Assisting with the informative evening at the Rio were USC chapter board members Cindy Ellis, Bob Dickerson, Charlie Mack, Misty Borders Webb, Heidi Dexheimer and Bryan Kyle.
Club honored
Recent ceremonies conducted by the Clark County Commissioners and administrative staff of University Medical Center honored the Junior Mesquite Club with an engraved plaque and proclamation in recognition of its continued support to UMC and its patients. Representing the Junior Mesquite Club was President Irene Armijo, who was given a generous introduction by Suzanne Fain, UMC director of volunteer services.
The Junior Mesquite Club, a strong force in the community for more than 30 years, devotes much of its efforts to projects which assist children and families. Its donations to UMC have been given to pediatric and newborn services at the public hospital, and include child care information, clothing, rocking chairs, baby blankets and more.
Friendly visit
Taking a brief break away from duties as University Regent and from her consulting firm, Thalia Dondero jetted into Raleigh, N.C., for a most pleasant family gathering. Thalia's son, Nick, and his family were present as his daughter, Elizabeth, graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina State University. A red-haired beauty like her grandmother, Elizabeth took top honors in the English department while also serving as literary editor of the University's fine arts journal. The new graduate hopes to be a publisher and seek out new authors.
Program slated
A note from Katherine Speck reminded us of the District I clubs of Soroptimist International's informal program to introduce local businesswomen to membership, slated for Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Library, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Dr. Mary Herte will speak on breast cancer awareness, while Lois Sagel will address the audience about Soroptimist projects around the world.
Soroptimist is an international organization of executive and professional women dedicated to service and the advancement of women. For more information or to RSVP, call 433-6122.
Season kicks off
The excitement mounts as Super Summer Theatre '99 prepares to open its season of musicals at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park inside Red Rock Canyon.
Recently Alice and Homer Rissman hosted the SST board, advisory members and guests at a cocktail reception at Regency Towers. The Rissmans, longtime supporters of the theater arts, were instrumental in the construction of a permanent theater building at the ranch some years ago. They remain active members of the board and regularly volunteer at the performances under the stars in the mountain meadow.
Greeting guests, including Maury Soss, Judy Sylvain and Ed Dodrill, was SST chairman Adrienne O'Donoughue, joined by production coordinator Christy Miller and media coordinator Mary Gafford. Also present were Dee and Myron Thorn, Ed Dahl, Ray Eicher, SueLinda Hill, Finley Bolton, Richard and Anne Tedrow and Nell Baker. Advisory board members in attendance included Jim and Judy Kropid and Joanne Blystone. An overview of previous summer productions was given prior to brief comments by Rick Ginn, director of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," which will run Wednesdays through Saturdays, June 9-26.
Also to be presented this summer is "West Side Story," July 7-24; "MacBeth," July 29-Aug. l; and "Big River," Aug. 11-28. Tickets and other details, including season passes, are available by calling 594-PLAY. Advance tickets, group reservations, volunteer opportunities and handicapped parking are all offered.
International meeting
The Southern Nevada Chapter of the US-China Peoples Friendship Association is an active group, frequently meeting for dinner and sharing experiences gleaned from their globe-trotting membership. The recent Sunday gathering at Chin's restaurant at the Fashion Show mall was a lively event with many attendees.
Lilly and Wing Fong, attending with their son, Ken Fong, hosted their guests Zheguo Huang, a researcher-scientist with MGC Communications, and his wife, Jennifer G. Duan, a newly-appointed hydrologist at Desert Research Institute. Presenting a detailed speech and slide show on his recent travels to mainland China was Tony Kirtz, who served with the U.S. Diplomatic Corps in China during his long and distinguished career. He was assisted by his wife, Rosalee, and daughter, Rosette. Kirtz's fascinating talk included geographical, historical and cultural perspectives much enjoyed by Olga Scheel, Carol Chabre, Suzie Sweeney, Dr. John Cox, Luda LaFranc, Dee Kent, Jo Durham and others in the audience.
Opening benefit
Sal Casola Sr., Chipper Pastron and Sal Casola Jr., joint owners of new Market City Caffee, are generously providing an opportunity for locals to preview the Summerlin restaurant on June 8 while helping the Nevada Opera Theatre Guild.
Guests will be treated to freshly-baked bread sticks and generous dinner portions -- all made from the quite delectable Casola family recipes -- while enjoying the music provided by NOT performers. The restaurant is at the corner of Lake Mead and Tenaya, and is the newest venture for the owners who have successful restaurants at the Monte Carlo hotel-casino and across Southern Nevada. Donations have been set at $25 per person, with three separate seating times offered. Advance reservations are a must, so please call Tove Allen at 734-6338.
archive
