A Historic Night For The Annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner - The Most Outstanding Jefferson-Jackson Dinner Ever

This was an amazing night for the 2300 Jefferson Jackson dinner guests who were thrilled to be in the presence of all the Democratic Candidates.  Las Vegas was

proudly put on the map for the entire nation to see in a different perspective rather than the image of Sin City.  This occurred when seven Democratic Presidential Candidates debated their positions at the University of Las Vegas (UNLV). This debate was the most viewed debate so far in the primary campaign.  After this stimulating debate, all of the candidates attended the Jefferson Jackson dinner at the PARIS HOTEL. This was a major fundraiser for the Democratic Party, which resulted in a $300,000 windfall.

Each candidate was given seven minutes to speak to the audience who excitedly supported their individual choices. Prior to the candidates arrival a program of awards was presented.  Former Mayor of Las Vegas, Jan Jones, came to the podium to speak followed by Clark County Chairman, John Hunt who introduced the awards program. This year's honorees were: Assemblyman Ruben Kihuen, Adriana Martinez, John Ponticello and A'shanti Gholar.      

It was thrilling to experience such enthusiasm from the guests who enjoyed a delicious dinner in addition to all the excitement.  

Hillary Clinton

Bill Richardson

Joe Biden

Howard Dean

John Edwards

Chris Dodd

The 4th Annual Hospy Awards Gala At Wynn Las Vegas

The Fourth Annual Hospy Awards Gala was presented by the Las Vegas chapter of NEWH, the Hospitality Industry's Network, at a beautiful event in WYNN's Latour Ballroom with more than 500 guests attending.  KTNV-TV 13 News Anchor Tricia Kean and Meteorologist Bryan Scofield were Masters of Ceremony for the event. The HOSPY Award recipients were Elizabeth Blau, Blau & Associates, Janell Radoff, former vice-president of Wynn Design and Development; Marla Davis, President of NEWH, Inc; Durette Candito, president NEWH, Ed Vance, president Ed Vance & Associates Architecture, Brad Friedmutter, president of Fredmutter Group; Todd Lenahan, ABA; Melinda Sheckells, editor Las Vegas Home & Design magazine; Andre Thoma, Thomas Design Resource and Rocky Las Fleur, Kneedler Fauchere, Live Autioneer for the event.

The evening's festivities began with a VIP reception, followed by a Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction. Dinner was then served with a delicious menu that consisted of Roasted Butternut Squash Soup and ragout of Wild Mushroom and Duck Confit. The entrée was Petit Filet mignon with mushroom Lasagnette and Winter vegetables. Then came dessert on a plate that included Moulen Chocolate cake, quenelle of Coconut Sorbet and miniature lemon tart with meringue. Presented along with dinner was the Awards Ceremony and live auction.

Prior to the event, MEWH has awarded over $1.6 million dollars in scholarships; the Las Vegas Chapter alone has raised $135,000. This event added to those numbers, allowing more deserving students to work towards a future within the industry.  Special accolades to Trish Williamson-Bastion who worked so hard to make this event a success.

Dr. Lonnie Hammargren Celebrates His Annual Winter

Solstice Party And His 70th Birthday

Dr Lonnie Hammargren held his annual Winter Solstice party and celebrated his 70th birthday at his amazing home that has been designated as Hammargren's Home of Nevada History.

At about half past four on the top floor at his solar observatory, the WINTER SOLSTICE began with a prayer, presentation of the Flag and salutations. As in centuries past the Winter Solstice is the final season of the year, the longest night or shortest day, a time to celebrate life and to remember those who passed away in 2007. Sonny King, Robert Goulet, Evel Knievil and "Sweet Louis" Smith were remembered. "Sweet Louis" had sung "It's a Wonderful World" for Lonnie at his Wake-Awake in April.  Dr. Hammergren said Evel Kneivel was the inspiration for his writing the book "Neurosurgeon to the Gladiators" and Evel wrote the forward in the book. Family members Peggy King and Vera Goulet along with motorcycle daredevil jumpers attended. Colonel Bo Gritz participated in the ceremony honoring our troops. Nevada suffered twelve casualties in Iraq.  Each soldier was honored with the ring of a large bell from a rural schoolhouse in Harris Minnesota, Lonnie's birthplace, followed by a military 21-gun salute by the Greater Nevada Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

The party theme was "It's A Wonderful Life" from the 1946 movie classic starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. All guests were asked to bring a wind chime, old or

new, to be part of the ceremony and "Wind Chime Memorial" on the roof. 

Lonnie turned 70 on Christmas Day.  As the story goes; he was born in a manger inside a stable behind an inn on December 25th, ironic but true! His father purchased a small building that once housed horses that was behind a roadhouse in Harris Minnesota. The 'Inn' was a stagecoach stop between Duluth and St. Paul. His Dad converted the 'stable' into a house where Lonnie was born.  Lonnie has gotten a lot of mileage out of that tale over the years.  In 1993, it generated a story on the front page of USA Today.  Lonnie & Sandy had a live nativity scene in his front yard.  One of the neighbors complained to the County Commission believing the donkeys, sheep and goats were getting too cold.  The front-page short story in USA Today was; "They're trying to kick my ass out of Paradise"; the Hammargren home is in the Township of Paradise.  Happy 70th Birthday Lonnie!

The Nevada Opera Theatre Guild Celebration

The Nevada Opera Theatre Guild held a beautiful Holiday Celebration luncheon at Maggiano's on the Strip. This commemorated the Nevada Opera Theatre's 22nd

year as a successful professional opera company, incorporating a fine balance of classic opera, operetta and musical theatre productions.

Starting with a hosted reception and silent auction Mr. And Mrs. Santa Claus welcomed guests.  Holiday carols were performed by the Nevada Opera Theatre's Chorus with Dr. Richard Weiss accompanist as guests socialized.

A festive delicious luncheon menu went on and on as each entrée was served family style.  During lunch, Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Morton Hyson introduced Nevada Opera Theatre soloists who performed.  Joanna Bonin, Ben Litvinoff, Shelley Martinsen, Steve Plummer, Lance Taubold and Stazi Summers delighted the attendees with their magnificent voices.

A live auction proceeded with outstanding gifts while excitement increased with each bid. Eileen Hayes, was praised for the lovely event and for the work she does for this organization. 

The Nevada Opera Theatre's Guild is a group of hard-working individuals dedicated to promoting and contributing to the Nevada Opera Theatre.  In addition to the Holiday Celebration Luncheon, the Guild hosts several events that have become a tradition. They are: The Opera Gala; The International Friendship Luncheon; Meet the Artists Luncheon; Patron Receptions, and Holiday High Teas.

A week after this event, the Nevada Opera Theatre presented a Soiree at the beautiful home of Dr. Rupert Perrin. 

So many social events occurred during the Holiday Season, much too much to write about.  However the most spectacular view of fireworks as the NEW YEAR came

in was at Frances and Richard MacDonald's new penthouse at Turnberry. WOW!