Wednesday, May 7, 2003 | 8:17 a.m.
Just four years ago the Las Vegas Philharmonic embarked on an ambitious first season of musical concerts, elegant soirees and educational outreach efforts plus a notable Fourth of July patriotic program at Summerlin.
With music director Harold "Hal" Weller on board and a host of talented musicians, the Las Vegas Philharmonic quickly emerged as a vibrant cultural voice. Saturday evening was the closing performance of the 2002-03 season at UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall. Almost a sellout, the program featured the 80-member orchestra performing Gustav Mahler's "Symphony No. 4 in G" and Igor Stravinksy's "The Firebird Suite."
Soprano Courtenay Budd was featured soloist. Patrons Jim and Beverly Rogers were the generous benefactors who sponsored the evening's orchestral program, while Budd's appearance was underwritten by Desert Arts Society of Nevada with contributions by the Tropicana hotel.
Attending were Las Vegas Philharmonic trustees Kurt Mische, Lynn and Bill Weidner, Andy and Susan Tompkins, Lou and Jerry Emmert, Richard Kaufman, Patrick Everett and board president Richard Plaster with wife Wendy. Seen in the throng of patrons were the Rev. Mel and Lillian Pekrul, Rita and Warren Isom, Sandra Munley, Joann and Tom Shields, Maureen Kane, Dr. David and Laura Mulkey, Sondra Lynch and Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Feldman.
Others enjoying the fine music included Bernice Fischer, Paul and Sue Lowden, Jean Curran, former Judge Earl White, Josie Snow and Dr. John Watkins with Anna Pateece of the Liberace Museum and Foundation. In the orchestra was bridegroom-to-be Parry Shields, who played contrabass. Shields will marry Janae Pugsley in ceremonies at the LDS Temple this month.
Adding a special sparkle to the evening was the drawing for the 2003 Jaguar donated to the Philharmonic by Don and Gary Ackerman of Gaudin Jaguar Porshe. Benefit tickets were sold throughout the season with Caty Crockett-Jones and her husband, Dr. Jimmy Jones, the lucky winners of the luxury auto.
A family affair
More than a glorious opening to a new business enterprise, the private party at Prana was a celebration of friendship and a willingness to embrace the spirit of Las Vegas, with all its many generous events, charitable endeavors and big-hearted giving.
The An family, who have created a lush and lovely pairing of East-West cultures in their restaurant, have long had ties to Southern Nevada through their many friends and devoted clients. Evidence of these dearly held friendships was provided during the evening as Las Vegas friends welcomed the Ans with an unmatched program of artistic performances.
Mingling their talents at the VIP gathering Thursday night were Christy Molasky, Mark Chatfield, Stephen Cloobeck, Janie and Jeff Gale, Paul Lowden, Alan Molasky and Michael Seiff. Received by the An family at the party were (former) Ambassador Chic Hecht and his wife, Gail, Elaine Newton, Kim Duckworth, Sandy Coffin and Edward and Eleanor Doumani.
Taking a tour of the grand facilities with an eye to future charitable events and business dinners was Sandy Peltyn, accompanied by husband Roger and son R.J. Peltyn. Wendy Albert of Desert Passage attended with Terri Maruca, joined by Judy Robinson, Anthony Sanflippo of Harrah's, Tom and Misty Kaplan, Las Vegas Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald with husband Steven McDonald, Michael and Denise Severino of Southern Wine and Spirits and Mac and Frances MacDonald.
Others enjoying the exclusive gathering with friends were Lynn Wiesner with son Kurt Wiesner of Big Dogs Hospitality Group, Liz Plaster with her mother, Wendy, and friends Sharon Bader and Mariam Afshai as well as Dawn Russo, Ellen Curtis, Laura Honeymeyer and Judy and Dennis Hetherington.
Training day
For 30 years concerned business leaders and government officials have joined hands to create Career Day. An opportunity for local teens to sample various professions and look closely at the world of work, it is also a day spent matched with a mentor, a chance to "job shadow."
In recent years Bruce Layne, formerly of Layne and Associates, now a merged partner with Brown and Brown Insurance, has been benefactor for the day. Opening with a hosted breakfast at The Orleans, the gathering drew 300 students plus counselors, career teachers and business leaders.
Representing Southwest Airlines was Roz Santangelo, while officials from the Department of Corrections, Bureau of Reclamation (Hoover Dam), Sen. John Ensign's office and numerous casino-hotel properties, public utilities and banking concerns were among the volunteer mentors for this very active day.
Dennis Stein, longtime supporter of the Clark County School District's Community Partnership programs, served as emcee, introducing Ken Lay, vice president of Brown & Brown Insurance, followed by school superintendent Carlos Garcia. Garcia, in speaking of his own remarkable journey from the gritty streets of East Los Angeles, was complemented by Bruce Layne's keynote speech on the power of books, self-determination and goal-setting.
Listening carefully to the morning program before taking their student charges off to the workplace were Debbie Steward of the Community College of Southern Nevada, seated near Chuck Nicks, Mary Simmons, Thomas Wace, George Stevens, Alyce Martin and Mary Lou Browning.
Magical nights
Few ballets capture our imagination quite the way "Peter Pan" manages. To be presented by Nevada Ballet Theatre at Judy Bayley Theatre at UNLV on May 16 through May 18, the production will be a magical blend of adult and young dancers, complete with special flying effects and the music of Thomas Semanski.
This is a ballet for the young and the young at heart, truly a perfect family outing. Both afternoon and evening performances are offered with the opportunity to enjoy a delectable pre-ballet dinner event on opening night.
Chef Gustav Mauler of Sazio is creating the perfect menu with NBT arranging tickets. Call Patty Neese at 243-2623, ext. 230, for reservations.
Make a wish
Certain to be an elegant affair, Make-A-Wish Foundation's luncheon at Spago at the Forum Shops at Caesars May 15 will feature the Escada Spring and Summer 2003 collection.
The cuisine of Wolfgang Puck and his talented chef partners will shine at the event while fabulous "wish" prizes will be offered through an opportunity drawing.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada works with critically ill children to grant wishes, which may include trips, computers, pets, the chance to meet their hero and more to these life-fragile children. Space at Spago is limited, so please call 212-9474 for reservations.
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