Wednesday, July 5, 2000 | 9:31 a.m.
Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays in the Sun. Reach her at [email protected].
Shark Reef, the new adventure into the deep at Mandalay Bay, celebrated its opening with a well-orchestrated party enjoyed by guests of all ages. Resort executives were plentiful with Glen Schaeffer, president, and Bill Richardson, executive vice president, both of Mandalay Bay Group, seen greeting invited guests Dee and Don Snyder, University Regent Mark Alden, Breck Wall, Peggy and Wayne Bernath, Debbie Gold and Rob Powers. Arriving at Shark Reef by way of the hotel's spacious windowed walkways, attendees were first treated to tantilizing vistas of the wave pool, shimmering lagoons and tropical gardens that form the inner core of this lush resort. As one neared the entrance the well-recognized theme from "Jaws" was heard, adding to the enchantment of this extraordinary facility.
The crystal clarity of the exhibits truly gives a sense of being one with the creatures that swim over and under and around visitors in well-created habitats. Through the ocean-like depths we looked upon the majestic sea turtles, schools of salmon and wickedly dangerous eels and crocodiles, and remained fascinated by the diversity of the sharks in all their majesty. Drawing the lingering interest of many was the unearthly beauty of the moon jellyfish, which are housed in a darker pool to better illuminate their movements.
Lothar Gernhuber, banquet manager at Mandalay Bay, while supervising his busy staff that plied the crowd with delectables, explained that they hope to use the massive exhibit area for select special events with careful guidelines to protect the sea and fresh water creatures. Answering questions about this incredible learning center was Francis Breland, director of Shark Reef. Breland, formerly of the Vancouver Marine Science Aquarium, was seen with Sandy Miller, former first lady of Nevada and longtime science education advocate.
Mrs. Miller, with daughters Megan and Corrine and her parents, Jim and Renee Searles, were given a glimpse behind the scenes and a tour of the classroom soon to be used for local children on educational tours. Present as well were the educator biologists including Tricia Pettit, who answered questions and supervised guests as they paused at the tropical reef pool.
Enjoying the most pleasurable evening were Kitty Rodman and Claudine Williams, as well as Sara and Ira Sternberg, Beverly and Terry Nosek, Jackie Bett with Mel Carter, Polly Gonzalez and Pat and Charlie Cavagnaro. In departing, guests were encouraged to use the Shark Reef "post office" to mail commemorative postcards marking the occasion, and were given custom-created Shark Reef paperweights as a remembrance.
Mark-man your calendar
Artists of Southern Nevada will be featured at a new event hosted by Markman Gallery at the Regent Las Vegas in Summerlin. The Las Vegas Artist Showcase opened this week and will continue through July, with a special "meet the artists" reception on Thursday from 7-10 p.m. As part of the exhibit, each artist has donated a piece of work to add to the Markman Gallery's Charity Art Collection, which has been pledged as furnishings for the Shade Tree Shelter's new facility when it opens later this year. Shade Tree Shelter serves homeless women and their children.
Artists selected to participate in this first event at Markman Gallery include noted watercolorist Dottie Burton, as well as landscape artist Irene Tweety, sculptor Art Wells, surrealist-cubist painter Vital Jacobs and Dolores Nast, who specializes in still-life works. Featured as well will be Mark Remling (etched metals), Sally Osborn (floral/landscapes) and Dray (musician-turned-artist). Bruce Johnstone, gallery director, selected the artists with an eye toward diversity in style and media. For further information on the Las Vegas Artist Showcase, please call 240-8513.
Leadership celebration
Reading like a "who's who" in Southern Nevada while reflecting a rich cross-section of business and governmental endeavors, the Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2000 celebrated its graduation with great fun and fanfare. Sponsored by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Las Vegas is an intensive 10-month prgoram devoted to strengthening and educating community leaders. Upon completion, graduates will have been given new insights into a variety of issues impacting Southern Nevada, and will have increased their motivation to assume responsible community roles. Training includes real-life experiences with the human, legal and business fabric of Las Vegas, with attention to the political and social aspects as well.
Dinner ceremonies for the 44 graduates were held at the Rio with class spokesman Ira Sternberg, president of IDS Creative Communications, serving as keynote speaker. Spotlighted during the program was Punham Mathur, director of government and community relations for the Mirage, recognized with the Distinguished Leader award. In brief remarks, Pat Shalmy, chamber president-general manager, praised the graduates who join nearly 500 previous Leadership Las Vegas participants.
Among those recognized in graduation ceremonies were: Jim Christensen, M.D., Kathleen Frosini ( Clark County School District's School-to-Work Project), William Young (LV Metro Police), Pepe Charles (Casino Data), Debbie Lehman (U.S. Bank), Michael Nigro (Nigro Construction), Philip Kohn (Clark County Public Defender) and Robert Kemple (AT&T Wireless), as well as Denyce Tuller (Kruse and Parker Advertising), Melinda d'Ouville (Science Applications), attorney Tony Sanchez and Elizabeth Fretwell (City of Las Vegas), to name just a few.
Beantown visit
Just back from a busy week in Boston are national delegates, members and officers of Nevada's General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC). A vast network of 6,000 organizations in the United Stations and abroad, GFWC has been responsible for many far-reaching efforts including the building of parks, founding of libraries and the passing of legislation.
Its annual convention provides an excellent forum for exchange of ideas, national issues and program development. Attending with her husband, Ken Miller, was Nevada State GFWC President Betty Miller, who passed on her duties to incoming president Mary Bucholtz, who received warm congratulations from past presidents including Rose Irwin, Kathi Poer Smith, Alice Eubank, Joan Doubrava and Velma Haselton, all of Las Vegas.
Honored with a champagne reception as she was installed as Western Regional Chairman was Colleen Haycock, longtime Las Vegas resident and past Mesquite Club president. Guests celebrating with Colleen included Delores Copp, Joan Fragakis, Linda Wilcock, Laura Asgarian and Cyndie Graves. In the throng of well-wishers were also Billie Kenney, Mesquite Club president, Lisa Haskell, Junior Mesquite Club president, and Carol White, presidnet of Desert Community Women's Club, each representing their GFWC member organizations.
Making history for our state was Nanette White, the first Nevadan to ever be elected to GFWC's International Board of Directors. Nanette, a past Nevada State junior director, was elected the new director of Junior Clubs and will serve through 2004. Present for this special event was Nanette's mother, Judy Ervin, also a GFWC leader and delegate from Ohio. Nanette, a longtime Junior Mesquite Club member, followed her mother's example of founding efforts when she led the new Desert Community Women's Club through the chartering process last year.
Mixed with the conference sessions were opportunities for the Las Vegas women to explore the historical districts of Boston, including services at Trinity Church, America's oldest church. Many took the tour to Salem, enjoyed a harbor cruise and also walked the Freedom Trail.
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