Wednesday, March 29, 2000 | 9:28 a.m.
Maryanne and Paul Steelman recently opened their Canyon Gate Country Club home for a musical soiree, an occasion sponsored by Cartier to benefit the Las Vegas Philharmonic. Second in the Connoisseur Series for Year 2000, the classical evening featured the remarkable talents of Stefan Milenkovich, violinist, and Rohan De Silva, pianist. The Steelmans' home, most elegantly designed in the mood of a fine Italian villa, was the perfect setting for the intimate gathering of supporters, including Patrick and Diane Clary, Richard and Lynne Kaufman, Moonlight Tran, Sharon Bader, Bill Marion, Keith Neel, Dr. Adele Koot and Ken and Helene Walker.
The performance was given in the living room, which boasts of coffered ceilings and proved ideal for the majesty of the musical selections.
Paul Steelman's partner, Gustav Mauler of Spiendini Ristorante at the Regent Las Vegas, provided a lavish spread of delectables much enjoyed by Wendy and Richard Plaster, Janie and Jesse Gale, Helga Zimmerman, Dr. Richard McGee and Betsy Weller, as well as Vicki McGinness, M.J. and Jack Harvey, Lloyd and Noel Heslip and Phillip and Rena Kantor. Welcoming formalities included brief comments by Las Vegas Philharmonic conductor Harold Weller, as well as President Susan Tompkins, with thanks to the Steelmans as well as Marian and Rokh Afshai of Cartier.
Art auction
A favorite event for the arts community, the Junior Mesquite Art Auction is now in its 22nd year. Slated for April 8, the charitable occasion will be held at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 900 Las Vegas Blvd. North. As is customary, this evening will provide guests with an opportunity to meet the artists whose works will be auctioned. This year's proceeds will benefit the Southern Nevada Deaf Resource Center and is in keeping with Junior Mesquite's efforts to help the charities impacting children.
A showcase for artists from Southern Nevada, the evening opens with an art preview and artists' reception with complimentary champagne from 6-7 p.m., with the auction to follow. Among the local favorites confirmed to participate are Mary Heinrichs, Mark Vranish, Tanti Hill, Roy Purcell, Joyce Holmgen, Polly Wisner, Maurenn Guastella, Sheila Spargo and Susan Fridley, joined by Lynnette Dodge, Letita Hess, Jenn Main, Kathy Morton-Stanion, Annette Chandler and Laura Mann.
Tickets are $10 per person at the door with further details by calling 243-5046.
Co-chairing the evening are Susan Stuckey and Elaine Anderson, while their committee includes Dixie Stephens, Patti Paluzzi, Lisa Haskell, Connie Macauley, Melissa Berry and Tracey DeVore. Lending their efforts to the project as well are Janelle Ruiz, Bonnie Buzick, Gretchen Grierson and Linda Tannebaum.
Rogers contributes
With the help of individuals, corporations and foundations, our state's universities continue to expand their resources and provide top-notch opportunities for students. James E. Rogers, CEO of Sunbelt Communications, recently provided $750,000 to fund a massive expansion of the University of Nevada-Reno's Engineering Laboratory Center.
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held earlier this month to celebrate the dedication of the new James E. Rogers and Louis Wiener Jr. Large Scale Structures Laboratory. The new laboratory gives UNR the second-largest university-based structures laboratory in the nation. With its twin 50-ton shake tables, which can simulate very large earthquakes, this expanded facility is indeed a unique resource for the state. The late Louis Wiener, Jr., the lab's other namesake, was a noted Las Vegas lawyer-businessman and benefactor. Weiner was a longtime friend and business partner of Rogers. Among those participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies was U.S. Sen. Harry Reid as well as Wiener's daughter, state Sen. Valerie Wiener of Las Vegas.
Clothes call
Vintage clothing reflecting the fashions of Nevada History circa 1850-1975 has started to arrive from the Nevada State Museum in preparation for "Clothes Of An Era" on April 8. The fashion luncheon at Mandalay Bay is the first event for the Museums, Library and Arts Foundation. Alice Denton, Lissa Daniggelis, Amanda McGovern, Cleda Burney, Greg Corbin and Ashely Naughton, joined by Judith Harriman, Linden Herrick, Jeannine Epstein and Alexandra Edleblute, are among the models who will provide the audience with a historical perspective on Nevada women.
Bruce Steivel, Nevada Ballet Theatre's artistic director, is lending his considerable talents to the choreography and music of the fashionable fund-raiser. Contact Beverly Carlino-Banta at 638-8581 for reservations and further details.
Teens volunteer
Running contrary to national trends, our local teens are ever increasing their volunteer efforts and impacting the community in a positive manner.
Certainly the young women who comprise Assisteens Auxiliary of Assistance League of Las Vegas are shining examples of what's good and what's right about our city. Members in grades 8-12 come together from many schools to fund and operate three philanthropic projects annually.
Project Cookie finds the girls decorating and delivering Valentine's Day cookies to children sheltered at Child Haven while Sunrise Children's Hospital is the setting for Project Get Well, where Assisteen members visit with young patients and gift them with stuffed animals, handmade get-well cards and balloons.
On the horizon is Project Easter Bunny, which involves hosting an Easter party for the little ones at EOB-Reach Out Day Care Center.
All operating funds were raised for the year by selling tickets to a UNLV football game, a joint effort with the Assistance League of Las Vegas.
Current membership is 62 teens and requires that each donate at least 36 hours of community service while also receiving instruction in planning and implementation of projects.
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