Eric Westervelt, terrorism and national security correspondent for National Public Radio, was in Las Vegas recently speaking of his frontline experiences in Iraq.
Westervelt was the guest of honor at a dinner hosted by KNPR-89.5 FM and attended by Mary and Bill Laub, Jackie and Drake Delanoy, Leo and Kathy Falkensammer, Deborah Jones, attorney Edward Lubbers and wife Linda, Carolyn Sparks, Fran Fine, Jean Cline, Greg and Barbara Childs, and KNPR board president David Cabral and station general manager Lamar Marchese.
The midweek event, held at Roy's at 8701 W. Charleston Blvd. in Summerlin, provided an opportunity for Westervelt to share his impressions as one of the first American reporters to enter Baghdad with the Army's 3rd Infantry Division.
Westervelt gave an insightful review of the war, discussing the challenge of rebuilding Iraq, and punctuated his speech with excerpts from broadcasts heard across America on NPR.
As he spoke, he fleshed out the faces of this war, the obstacles we face and questions caused by faulty intelligence. Inquiries were plentiful, both during the pre-dinner reception and following Westervelt's talk. Taking part were Joanne Basile, Barbara and Clive Collins, Betsy Fretwell, Mark Ricciardi, Sandra Williams, Katherine Matheson, Christopher and Anita Murray, and Art Wolf and his wife, Holly Chaffee.
Rewarding heroes
With every seat sold and 650 guests attending, the Education Heroes Award Dinner on Sept. 20 at Four Seasons can be declared the most positive of responses to the request for community help to support our public schools.
The annual affair, presented by the Clark County Public Education Foundation, celebrated Tony Alamo as 2003 Education Hero and Ann Lynch's equally prestigious Lifetime Education Achievement Award.
Sig Rogich, chairman of the foundation board, opened the ceremonies, explaining how funds raised will be devoted to classroom grants and enrichment programs for students in grades kindergarten through 12 throughout the community.
Adding their own talents to the program were Billy Vassiliadis, Brenda Epperson, Sen. Harry Reid, Dr. Tony Alamo (the honoree's son) and the foundation's executive director, Judi K. Steele.
Supporters were plentiful as evidenced by the presence of Linda and Burton Cohen, Roni and Cynthia Josef, Ashley Hall, Leslie Parraguirre, Dr. Kay Carl, Dr. Augi and Louise Orci, Eric and Eileen Horn, Beth Sandoz, Lou and Jerry Emmert, Julie Gilday-Shaffer and former Nevada State School Board member Lilliam Hickey.
Sandy and Roger Peltyn made charity all the sweeter and bids ever larger as they served as auctioneers for treasures ranging from vacation packages to a pedigreed puppy. A surprise appearance on stage by The Platters dazzled attendees Rick and Joanne Watson, Stan Fuke, Jeanne Hood, Rossi Ralenkotter and Dr. Brian and Suzanne Cram.
Hosting a group of friends at the affair were Nancy and Kell Houssels, seen with Bruce Steivel, artistic director of the Nevada Ballet Theatre, joined by John and Carrie Brewer and Harry and Janet Ferris.
Forum kicks off
Signaling the start of preparations for the 2003 Sun Youth Forum, participating volunteers, teachers and administrators were invited to a luncheon at Las Vegas Country Club.
Former school superintendent Dr. Brian Cram, now director of the Greenspun Charitable Trust and Foundation, led off the program with reflections upon this rare chance for student voices to be heard.
Begun in 1956, this nationally recognized program (sponsored by the Las Vegas Sun) will host 1,000 students selected by area high schools this year, allowing each to participate in open discussion in the areas of crime and justice, political ethics, health, environment and more.
Attendees Dr. Bob McCord, Bill Hanlon, Bob Fischer and Bob Stoldal are among those to serve as moderators at the Sun Youth Forum. Registration will be coordinated by Jan Allen, a Junior League of Las Vegas sustainer, and fellow Junior League sustaining members, among them Debbie Levy, B.J. Stevenson and Regent Thalia Dondero.
Present at the luncheon were school district trustees Sheila Moulton, Susan Brager-Wellman and Shirley Barber, as well as principals Paul Oisboid, Emilio Fernandez and Lorraine Alderman and school personnel Debbie Garbisco, Sandy Ginger, Debbie Parker and Erinn Varela. Student opinions garnered from the Sun Youth Forum are later shared with the public through newspaper articles and television, and may also be broadcast on radio this year.
Fund-raiser planned
George Maloof, Camille and Larry Ruvo, Amen Wardy, Patricia and Richard Wright, Linda and Burton Cohen and Dr. Ted and Parvin Modaber Jacobs are among Las Vegas socialites serving on the dinner committee for the Oct. 9 event to benefit Las Vegas Art Museum and fund new exhibits and educational programs.
Joyce Mack is chairing the exclusive fund-raiser hosted by Phyllis McGuire at her Rancho Circle home. Honored guest will be comedienne and gifted artist Phyllis Diller. Included in plans for the sparkling reception and dinner party will be a showing of Miss McGuire's vintage couture gowns and precious jewels.
Reservations are a must. Call 821-1154 or 360-8000.
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