Joe Montana witnesses The Proposal in Las Vegas
"Taking a knee" had a whole new meaning for Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana last Friday during an autograph-signing appearance in Las Vegas.
Montana was signing a football for Dominic Ayala of San Diego at Field of Dreams, the sports memorabilia store at the Forum Shops at Caesars, when Ayala dropped to a knee.
He pulled a diamond ring out of his pocket and proposed to Kerrie Shanahan, his girlfriend of 10 years. She said yes.
Montana, who has four Super Bowl rings, stood there flashing his famous smile. He appeared to be "enjoying the surprise as much as Kerrie," said Jim Nagourney, a consultant for the store.
"It really cracked him up," Nagourney said. "He was extremely nice to them, taking pictures and talking with them."
EMOTIONAL FAREWELL
Michaelina Bellamy's celebration of life last Wednesday at Mr. B's got off to an emotional start before a packed house.
Ron Garrett, a former entertainment director at the Sahara, had prominent real estate broker and well-known singer David Atwell open the tribute with a "God Bless America" singalong.
So many joined in, "It felt like a church thing," Atwell said.
Many in the crowd were aware of his inspiring story.
About five years ago I ran into Atwell as we prepared to board a flight to Los Angeles. He was so gaunt I didn't recognize him or his voice.
He was fighting stage IV throat cancer.
"It was the first time I've sung in three years," Atwell said, "and it felt so good. She was such a wonderful lady."
He's back in full voice and good health, he said, thanks to his daughter, Heather, who got him off chemo and involved in a holistic type of treatment.
"She literally brought me back to health," he said. "It was a miracle."
Bellamy, a well-known local singer who toured with Engelbert Humperdinck and was a featured vocalist with "Folies Bergere," died last month of bone cancer. She was 59.
SUNCOAST JOINS POOL SCENE
It was only a matter of time.
For almost a decade, the Las Vegas pool party scene has become all the rage, even spawning a new term: day clubs.
Now the Suncoast is getting in the act with a country version.
Located a stone's throw from the country hot spot Stoney's Rockin' Country, the Suncoast is dipping its toe into the pool competition with five weeks of scheduled entertainment.
The fun starts May 26 with South of Graceland, followed by the Seth Turner Band on June 2. Wolfcreek plays June 9 and returns June 23. South of Graceland returns June 16.
SIGHTINGS
Comedian Dana Carvey, spotted at "Love" (Mirage) on Monday night. ... Joey Fatone and Tia Carrere of "Dancing With the Stars: Las Vegas" (Tropicana), taking in celebrity karaoke at Marquee on Monday. Fatone joined in, singing "Summer of '69." ... ... Football Hall of Fame member Mike Ditka, letting a profanity fly at the size of his osso bucco as it arrived Sunday at Casa Di Amore. ... Pop star Pink and husband Carey Hart, celebrating at XS (Encore) on Saturday after receiving the Legends & Heroes Industry Leader Award at the supercross finale event at Sam Boyd Stadium. Also at XS: San Diego Chargers defensive star Shaun Phillips, celebrating his 31st birthday with a large group that included ex-teammate Shawne Merriman, now with the Buffalo Bills. At another table: retired baseball slugger Sammy Sosa, with friends. ... At Tao nightclub: legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer, delivering his "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" line to start the party with DJ Vice.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Lindsay Lohan was seen having lunch with Woody Allen. That's a parole violation, right? After lunch, Woody reported that his glasses were missing." - David Letterman
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
