Monday, November 19, 2012

November 2012 Meeting Recap


What a big day we had today at our meeting.  Our speaker, Ms. Linda Smith from Opportunity Village had the power to bring some members we haven’t seen before or for a long while. 
Linda Smith on right poses with Opportunity Village (and
Las Vegas community activist) Thalia Dondero
Her talk was so poignant; she shared her experience about being the mother of a challenged son, her friendship with many members of the Las Vegas community, and how Opportunity Village is such a benefit to our community for over five decades.  Her talk was inspiring and touching.  Linda also invited our group to have their lunch at Opportunity Village sometime in the near future.  In addition, she passed out two tickets to each member in attendance for the Magical Forest.  Thank you, Linda – you are truly an inspiration.

You can the video of Linda’s talk at our LVMG YouTube channel

We also heard from Rollie Gibbs on his efforts on behalf of the Helldorado Parade; from Helen Mortenson about her work as a site steward for the Ice Age Foundation at Tule Springs (see article link below), and from Don Payne.  Don and Gretchen Payne, our hard-working money-takers at every Las Vegas Media Group lunch meeting shared that we have a little extra money in the coffers.  Don asked the permission of the group as a whole to donate some of our money to two worthy local organizations: Opportunity Village and the Salvation Army.  A collective agreement was shown with the entire room raising their hands in a “YES!” Don will share with us next month the amount donated.

If you did not see the recent articles about members of our group, please click on the following links:



Thanks to the generosity of the group, who chipped in money today, we now are the owners of an AMAZING sound system that will do justice to the AMAZING individuals that come and share their Las Vegas stories with us each month.  Thank you, ALL!

We wish to give a HAPPY BIRTHDAY message to the following whose birthdays fall in November:

·         Kid Carey

·         Sara Denton

·         Marty Harrell

·         Mike Pinjuv

·         Claytee White

·         and new member Chris Klineburger

Our next meeting will be held on 17th.  To ensure a seat and a plate of delicious food made by our hosts, the Wedding Room, you must RSVP no later than Friday, Dec. 14.  Send an email to lasvegasmediagroup@gmail.com.  Lunch costs $17.00 and is well-worth every penny!

Remember to “Like” us on Facebook and to visit our Las Vegas Media Group blog often. 

Friday, October 12, 2012

What is the Las Vegas Media Group???


No, we are not a Public Relations firm. The name is sort-of a misnomer. As our "About Us" section indicates, this organization began over a decade ago when retired members of the Las Vegas media: journalists, photographers, television news people met monthly to reconnect and recall their days on the front lines documenting Las Vegas history as it happened. There are two people that are responsible for the makeup of the eclectic group that attends our monthly meetings today. Frank Mitrani, former Las Vegas Sun photographer and co-founder of the Las Vegas Media Group, also known as the Old Timer's Club, never excluded anyone from attending a meeting or joining the group. Don Payne, retired Las Vegas News Bureau chief and original member said to Frank, "If the organization becomes an official one, with by-laws and rules, then don't count me in."

Frank took Don's ultimatum to heart and the group has never become a formal one, and that, I think, is the key to its long-term success and the fact that today we have over 140 members. Since the first meeting in January of 1999 the group has never missed meeting on the third Monday of every month - that is over 12 years of monthly meetings!

I came on board because I met Frank and the group back around 2002. I expressed an interest in attending a meeting where I might learn the history of my adopted town. Frank put my name on his email invitation and I've been on it ever since. In fact, once you attend a meeting or ask to be on the email list, you are automatically a member!

A few of us have attempted to change the name. For one, the group, while made up of lots of "old timers" is not exclusive to those who are retired and "up there in years." Nor is it made up now of only members of the media. In fact our membership includes hobby and professional historians, entertainers from the old days and those that are still working, a Federal court judge, Las Vegas High School alumni’s, local businessmen and women, university and college staff and faculty, authors, and many, many more.

A few of us more progressive-thinking members (you know, the Upstarts) tried to convince the group to change their name; we offered suggestions we felt more appropriately identified our group, but those "old timers" said, "If it ain't broke..............", well, you know the rest. So, it's the Las Vegas Media (or Old Timers) Group for us.

We invite ANYONE who cares about preserving Nevada, particularly Las Vegas history, as well as those willing to share their own stories with us, to join. Remember, you are not asked to pay a fee (your only obligation is to buy your own lunch!) nor asked to abide by any rules (except those that are common courtesy like no talking during a speaker's presentation and ALWAYS RSVP to the luncheons).

If you join us, I promise you will be in the presence of Las Vegas movers and shakers past and present; you would be amazed by who you might sit next to. You will leave with stories about our town from those that witnessed history unfolding and you will be amazed.

Want to contact us? You can email lasvegasmediagroup@gmail.com or call Lisa Gioia-Acres at 702 245-9206. Frank Mitrani has moved out of town and doesn't make it to our meetings too often. But, Frank will always be our fearless leader and he is always interested in hearing from friends old and new. You can contact Frank at 435 644-3467 or at frammit@xpressweb.com.

Hope to see you soon!

Lisa Gioia-Acres

Unofficial historian of the group and the one who sends out meeting reminders and recaps!

Monday, August 20, 2012

August 20 Meeting Recap


Boxers and Burlesque!
I bet that got your attention! Another great Las Vegas Media Group meeting today. Read on and see why!

I think the heat kept a few people away, that and a few of our regulars had committments that prevented them from attending. Hope those that aren't feeling well get better soon, those that are having new grandbabies born - CONGRATULATIONS!, and those that are on vacation - have fun and come home safely.

Today's speaker was famed boxer Earnie Shavers. What a wonderful, funny, and humble man.


To watch Earnie box against Muhammad Ali, click this link (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5617624403304039892)

(See more photos of Earnie with group members at the end of this post)

Ernie took questions from the group and all were impressed with his career and life story. We have a Facebook page. If you are on Facebook, please click this link and LIKE us!

Harriet Trudell is turning 80-years-old and to honor her dedicated service to the community, the Women's Democratic Club is recognizing Harriet this Wednesday for Women's Equality Day 2012. If you wish to attend, here's the information:

Wednesday, August 22, 2012
5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
Program: 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Springs Preserve Cafe at the Springs Preserve (click link to go to their website)
Contact Phone: 702-615-4522
I believe the cost to attend is $50.00

We were introduced to former Burlesque dancer Bambi Jones. She was such a hoot and will be a speaker for the group in the months to come. Bambi has just had a book of her memoirs published and I am sure it is filled with great stories. Bambi still has what it takes to get attention. Just look at this photo from our lunch meeting!


The Wedding Room has been so good to our group. Why not show your appreciation to the great service we receive by helping them boost their marketing. Go to YELP on your computer or your mobile phone, provide a review for them, they’d sure appreciate it. Here’s the direct link to the Wedding Room on YELP (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-wedding-room-las-vegas).

Birthdays
Happy Day to:
  • Len Yelinek
  • Harriet Trudell
  • Terry Williams
  • Tina Straus
See you in September!
Lisa Gioia-Acres

More great photos from today's meeting:
Claytee White and Earnie Shavers
Rich Friedland and Earnie Shavers
Peggy King and Earnie Shavers
Las Vegas Media Group, August 20, 2012




Monday, July 23, 2012

These Boots Were Made For........ Ed!

Not too long ago I went to the home of member Ed Dodrill.  His home told so much more about Ed than I am able to glean from our monthly meetings, where we are all so busy saying "Hi!" to everyone present, we rarely get the chance to learn more about one another.  Ed has lived a fascinating life and he has always been generous with his stories of his time as a reporter, a cowboy poet, and long-time Las Vegas resident, but what I recently learned about Ed is he is very, very talented as a designer and he LOVES cowboy boots.  



Enter Ed's home and you find a western theme throughout.  What drew me most is collection of cowboy boots.  The boots are on display and each one is unique.  Why?  Because Ed designs them himself.  He told me he sketches the images he likes, sends them off to a guy who puts the one-of-a-kind boot together and then sends them back to Ed.  Here's what Ed has to say about his boot, ummmm, fetish...............................

Here's one of Ed's Cowboy Outfits!

Yes, I wear cowboy boots. Of course I still wear socks!

I wore my first pair of cowboy boots when I was about 5 or 6 years old. My mother made the mistake of asking me what I wanted for my birthday. They were black with white diamonds on the top. The high heel was about ¼ of an inch higher than normal shoes.
After they wore out, I still kept wearing them until the socks were black when I took the boots off. A pair of boots, but not cowboy boots, finally replaced them. Everyone noticed. I was able to talk mother into cowboy boots every once in a while. I was content knowing the boots would last longer if I also wore shoes. When my oldest brother got married, I was the best man and that required a present. Acme boots. Just as they were getting very tight, the other brother got married. New boots! I was the only student at John Adams High School, in Queens, New York City, who wore cowboy boots.
I never had to drop everything to tie a shoelace. Another advantage, and I’m not telling, is that a person in cowboy boots doesn’t have to wear socks. If so, they don’t have to match.  Next time you are at an airport, watch the flow of traffic to or from the airplanes. Those who wear boots keep them shined!

Shortly after getting my first job with a newspaper, I purchased a few pair. making sure they did not clash with the rest of my wardrobe. Weekends were spent at a dude ranch, learning to ride. Boots were a must. The boot comments stopped. The idiot who owned a horse in New York City was the new topic of ridicule.

I wore shoes in the Army but was lucky enough to be stationed in Oklahoma, near the Texas border. I found my way to the Nocona boot factory in Texas and opted for a pair of custom-made black boots that were affordable on a private’s pay. Several pair followed
After moving to Las Vegas I landed a job at the Las Vegas Sun. One day Rex Bell, the District Attorney, dropped by my office and told me to meet him at the coffee shop at the Sahara Hotel at 8 a.m. Saturday. After breakfast we walked over to the convention center where I purchased three pair of Justin boots at wholesale cost. I am still wearing them.

Years later my wife and I took a trip that included El Paso, Texas. We visited a boot maker who advertised in a publication I received. After the visit we took a walk and saw a little run-down shop with a sign that read: RJ Boots. We walked inside. There was a large hole in the roof where there had been a fire and RJ, the boot maker, hadn’t gotten around to getting it repaired. After looking around I figured he was more interested in making boots and the quality of the boots was impressive. We ordered a pair for my wife. We were sold. RJ made all the boots in the photo. I would spend a year working on a design and them a computer wiz friend of mine would make a clear pattern.

After RJ was robbed and beat up, he ended his career and I stopped ordering custom made boots.  I am not extravagant. I have only a dozen pair of those fancy boots. The other 50 pairs are off-the-shelf. 

Ed gets LOTS of attention for his boot creations!


Monday, July 16, 2012

July 16th Meeting Recap


I am telling you, a seat at the Las Vegas Media Group luncheon is becoming the hottest ticket in town.  Over the last year or so we have had some amazing speakers come and share their storied lives with us.  What’s even more impressive is the caliber of members that we have that attend each month.  I am so proud and humbled to be able to spend time with all of you.  With the help of member suggestions, we have a great lineup of future speakers.  But, let’s talk about today.

We had 48 people come to hear Frank Fiedler, former host of the radio show, “Let’s Talk Las Vegas” share some of his stories and the people he was privileged to interview during his 12 years on the air.  We also had several new faces in the crowd and we hope to see them back again. 

Fred Fiedler, host of "Let's Talk Las Vegas" speaks
at the Las Vegas Media Group luncheon
Our sound system was wonderful today, thanks to Ed Dodrill for sharing his equipment with us.

We spent some time talking about our dear friends that have recently passed, as well as sent some thoughts out to those that are presently ailing.  Several members shared stories about Ralph Denton, Ron Bell, and Fred Davis, members who we have just lost.  Our thoughts went out to Nelson Sardelli who lost his wife, Micki, after a long illness.  To the family members who have lost loved ones, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

We have lots of July Birthdays!  Happy Birthday to:

• Roger Buehrer
• Chuck Evans
• John Foley
• Cork Proctor
• John "Buzzy" Ullom
• Sam Upton
  • and A.D. Hopkins!
We haven’t set anyone up to speak at the August meeting as of yet, and if we don’t have anyone it will be a great time for all of us to chat and catch up.  As usual, I will send an email reminder out to let you know what to expect.

If you know of anyone who is not getting my emails and would like to (or if they’ve changed their email addresses and forgot to tell me), please feel free to have them send me an email so I can add them to the list.  Send an email to lasvegasmediagroup@gmail.com

See you all next month.

Monday, June 18, 2012

June Meeting Recap

In this message:

  • Marie Rowley on early Las Vegas brothel history
  • Cork Proctor's Roast
  • Harriet Trudell's Birthday Celebration in her honor
  • Birthdays
  • Next Meeting information

Another great turnout for our luncheon today with 47 members in attendance. Could it have something to do with the topic? Marie Rowley did a great job sharing her research on early Las Vegas brothels. She was talking to a group of people who could add to her research as many of them were here in Vegas when brothels operated under the radar in Clark County. Several members shared some of their knowledge with Marie. It was a great talk!

Here Rich Friedland introduces Marie Rowley to the group

Marie is headed to the University of Illinois, Chicago to continue her studies. Best of luck to you, Marie.
We had many new faces in the crowd today, some were guests of members and some we just have not had the privilege of seeing for a while. Frank Mitrani also made an appearance all the way from Kanab, Utah. As we wrapped up our meeting it was just so great to see so many old friends catching up, shaking hands, and clapping one another on the back.
For those of our membership that are ailing and cannot be with us, please know that many of us ask after you, we think of you, wish you the best and hope to see you again soon.
Two of our members will be recognized in the community soon. Cork Proctor will be honored (maybe that’s not the right word) in a roast to celebrate his 8oth birthday and the release of his book, “My Mind is an Open Mouth” (Stephen’s Press). Tickets are $40.00 and the proceeds benefit Opportunity Village.


Harriet Trudell’s 80th birthday will be celebrated on August 22, hosted by the Women’s Democratic Club (http://www.womensdemo.com/). The event takes place at the Springs Preserve at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $50.00 each or $80.00 for two. Call the WDC at 702 737-8683 for more information or to RSVP.
We said Happy Birthday to three June Babies! Best wishes to:

Rich Friedland
David Kramer
Pat Clary


Next month we meet on July 16 and our speaker is long-time Las Vegas resident Frank Fiedler, who hosted a radio show called, "Let's Talk Las Vegas."
See you all soon!
 

Thursday, June 14, 2012

A Seredipitous Meeting I will Never Regret or Forget

I never regret anything I’ve done in life, although there are a few things I shake my head at and say, “What was I thinking?” The reason I have no regrets is that no matter what I’ve done, there seems to have been a purpose and a lesson behind it. I’m the ultimate optimist and have gone through life seeing things just that way. How I met the members of the Las Vegas “Old Timers” Media Group is just such an example of a silver lining from a dark cloud, or period, in my life.


In 2001 my husband and I had just returned to Las Vegas after trying to make a go of it in a small, rural western New York village. I had wanted badly to return to small town life, to live where neighbors actually made eye contact with you and fresh produce could be purchased from the local farm down the road. It was a great experience – for the first couple of years. By the third winter that lasted six months, I was ready, as was my husband, to head back to the desert.

Luckily, we had the wisdom to rent out our home so we had a place to move back to. My husband had maintained contact with his former employer so, another spot of luck, he was rehired. For me, however, I went months without employment. Through a friend-of-a-friend, the way Las Vegas used to hire good employees, I received an invitation to interview at Jackie Gaughan’s downtown casino, The Plaza. First I was offered a position as Food and Beverage manager. I turned it down as one, I had no experience in that field and, two, I didn’t want to work in a smoky, old casino. While I thought I’d have to keep looking I received another offer from the Plaza, “How would you like to be Convention Manager?”

That position didn’t sound so bad; after all I knew how to plan and throw a good party. As I had no other offers pending and the pay wasn’t too bad, I reluctantly took the job. I lasted all of nine months, but while there I met some amazing people, both employees and clients. Frank Mitrani and his group were one of my favorites.

The “Old Timers” as they like to call themselves have been meeting for over a decade. When they came to me at the Plaza, they were looking for a place to hold their monthly meeting where they could eat and socialize for a price they could afford. It took a little convincing to my bosses, but I was able to book the group for the price of meals alone. It was during their monthly meetings that I came to know Frank and become familiar with the group.
 
I was drawn to find out more because I was (and still am) a “wanna-be-writer” and the group name, Las Vegas Media Group, seemed like a good place to start my future career. I was a little mistaken, however, as the members were retired from the world of journalism and weren’t in much of a position to further my career aspirations. But, they were really nice people who liked to get together and reminisce about Las Vegas history so I always stuck around to listen.
 
Frank never intended his quasi-club to be exclusive and anyone expressing an interest in history was welcome to join them at their meetings. He promptly placed me on his email list. From then on I received a monthly reminder about the day, time and place of the meetings.

Sometime in 2002 I left the Plaza, found a few other great opportunities that led me in the direction of the career I enjoy today – that of historian, college professor, and writer. While on that path I had little time to visit my old friends at the Las Vegas Media Group luncheons, but would make an appearance every now and then.
 
When, in 2008 I was hired to conduct a research history of the Spring Mountains, I knew just the place I needed to go. I went to a lunch meeting, was welcomed like an old lost friend, and received great leads on little-known stories about the history of Mt. Charleston to make my final report a rich one. After that re-acquaintance, I have been to almost every meeting since.

I see in this group of men and women, professional and hobby historians and long-time Las Vegans, a rich, diverse treasure trove of knowledge. I realize that so many of their members have passed on. Many of them are in the winter of their lives and when it is their time to say “So long,” with them goes their stories, recollections, and memories. It is my goal to gather and preserve those that remain. Each and every meeting is full of friends sharing their stories over a good meal and among good company. What more could a girl ask for?

No, I have no regrets because I am wise enough to know that every life experience is an opportunity. I know that taking that job that I didn’t really fit into was just my luck. I was in the right place at the right time and came away with a lifetime of great friends.

Now that I’m a member, I never really agreed with the group referring to themselves as “Old Timers” because I didn’t see myself as one. I suspect that down the road I will feel like I fit right in with that description – with no regrets whatsoever.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Pat Clary Shares His Las Vegas Life

The Las Vegas Media Group met on May 21, 2012 for their monthly lunch.  As usual, lunch was yummy.  Just before dessert our speaker, Mr. Pat Clary got up and shared some of his Las Vegas life and memories. 



Pat was born in Las Vegas and credits the BMI industry in bringing his family to this region.  From what I could see, it was a great reunion for Pat and his wife, Diane with several members of our group as many seemed to be long-time friends.  Find out more about this interesting gentleman at his website.

Speaking of long-time friends, it was great to see Murray Westgate visiting us from Thailand (here he is sitting with Jim Marsh and Milt Bozanic).



The one complaint was the sound system. Thanks go to Dave Williams for donating a sound system, however, it really doesn’t work well and I know that several members sitting in the back of the room missed much of Pat’s talk due to it. Anyone have ideas on how we can fix this issue?


Some speakers don’t project as well as other (Mark Hall-Patton is not one of them!) and their talks are so important that I hate to have anyone miss what they have to say.  I did create an audio recording of the talk so I can make sure anyone interested has a copy and I will see about getting it uploaded to our website.

Speaking of Mark Hall-Patton, there's a new exhibit: Lost Vegas: Bulldozed & Imploded Casinos of the Las Vegas Valley (May 25 - August 26, 2012) at the Clark County Heritage Museum and he urged members to plan on a visit soon. 

The raffle was fun and lots of items were won, to the delight of all. 

An announcement was made that the price of the lunch will go up from $15.00 to $17.00, starting in June.  We are charged $14.00 a plate, plus an additional $20.00 for the dessert, as that is not included in the cost of the lunch provided by the Wedding Room.  In addition, when I call in the head count and less than that number shows up, we have to pay for the uneaten meals.  When we made the announcement no one seemed to mind. 
Here are birthday wishes for the following members:
  • Betty Bunch   
  • Don Payne    
  • Bo Boivert    
  • Phil Jensen    
  • Mark Massagli

Thanks to Pat Gaffey for the recommendation of next’s month’s speaker, Ms. Marie Rowley, a graduate student who will share with the group her research on the infamous Block 16 and prostitution in early Las Vegas history.

You must RSVP to attend the meetings. 

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Member in the News: Pat Getter's E-Book Released

‘Deposition vs. Root Canal’
Paperback, E-Book Give ‘Preparation Techniques to Make Dental Work the Only Painful Experience’


            LAS VEGAS – Deposition vs. root canal? Tough choice if you conjure up an image of being given the third degree by Perry Mason. But, giving a deposition need not be a dreaded – and dreadful – experience.
           
            In her new book, “Deposition vs. Root Canal,” local author Pat Getter explains how depositions unfold, what to expect and ways for deponents to focus and strengthen their responses to be more comfortable and confident as effective, credible witnesses.  
            “It’s not unusual to be intimidated or nervous by the thought of testifying under oath,” Getter said. “You just don’t want it to affect your ability to communicate. The best way to overcome this is to be prepared.”

            “Deposition vs. Root Canal” is sound advice for anyone named in a lawsuit, being sued or in a custody battle. It is also a handy primer for attorneys to give to their clients, especially when attorneys don’t have the time, do not enjoy the task or simply do not know how to prepare deponents. 

            “Most attorneys appreciate the importance of preparing to take depositions, but fewer appreciate the importance of preparing deponents to give depositions,” she said.

            Getter researched these techniques after her personal preparation for depositions given as part of a series of lawsuits demanding more than a billion dollars from her former Fortune 100 employer.
                       
            “Deposition vs. Root Canal” paperback is available at www.HelpMeBeDeposed.com, at CreateSpace at http://bit.ly/HS15xb and at Amazon at http://amzn.to/HQMGWn

            “Deposition vs. Root Canal” e-book is available at www.HelpMeBeDeposed.com, for Kindles at Amazon at http://amzn.to/HXqsRR and for Nooks at Barnes and Noble at http://bit.ly/HbsLTd.

All other readers are available at www.smashwords.com.

################################################################################

Pat Getter also is the author of “Find Your Inner ‘Popeye’ – Work Advice for Square Pegs in the Round Holes of Life.”

Monday, April 16, 2012

April Meeting Recap

April 16, 2012
Meeting recap


In this Message:

· New faces and Members Rarely Seen

· Margo Pesek as speaker

· Happy Birthdays

· Walking Box Ranch tour scheduled

· Las Vegas Showgirl photos wanted

· Next Meeting date


What a perfect spring day it was today and even with the pleasant day outside, 39 members of the Las Vegas Media Group met for lunch and enjoyed one another’s company. There was lots of catching up to do with friends, especially those we haven’t seen for awhile: Hank Thornley, Sandy Stesch, and A.D. Hopkins, and to meet some new: Harry Mortenson (husband of Helen), Rusty Feuer (along with her brother, Wayne) and Corinne Sidney (former Las Vegas showgirls).


Our speaker was the Las Vegas Review Journal travel columnist Margo Pesek and gave some great insights into Nevada off-the-beaten-path. As usual, we had give-aways with our raffle, which is always a lot of fun.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout-outs to

  • Jane Pinjuv
  • Dave Pinjuv
  • Milt Bozanic
  • Jackie Brett
  • Kathleen McClean
  • Gretchen Payne
Joe Thomson made an announcement about a tour of the Walking Box Ranch.
He is going to forward the details to me and I will be sure to let all of you know when and where to meet. Sounds like a great tour! 

In addition to the Walking Box Ranch tour, several other events are taking place:
· Victorian Casino Antiques Auction (May 4-6). Go to www.vcaauction.com
· Hacks and Tracks XV (A Jim Marsh sponsored event). Contact Jim if you are interested and would like more information.


Lisa is looking for your collection of Las Vegas showgirl memorabilia: photographs, news articles and postcards.

She is compiling all for a book on the subject and would like to have as much variety as she can. If you have any that you would like to see published in a pictorial history of Las Vegas showgirls, please contact her at 702 245-9206 or email at gioiaacres1988@gmail.com


Mark your calendars that our next meeting is on May 21, ALWAYS the 3rd Monday of the month. We might even see Frank Mitrani at the next one! RSVP by the Thursday before, please!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Member to Appear on American Restoration

Las Vegas Media Group member, Andy Martello, has informed us that on April 18th he will appear on the History Channel's show, American Restoration

We met Andy a while back because he has the same last name (but no relation to) as Willie Martello, the owner of long-defunct El Rey Club in Searchlight, Nevada.  I knew someone who was researching Willie and I came across Andy's blog and contacted him.  Although Andy is not related to Willie, nor is he an "hier to the throne" of the El Rey, he became so interested in the history of both that he has decided to write a book.  In his quest for research material he has also collected numerous El Rey Club memorabilia.  That's how he came into possession of a billboard of the club and to be featured on the History Channel program.

To find out more about Andy and his passion, check out his blog at Andy Martello's El Rey Club Project. 

The show airs locally (Las Vegas time). For more on American Restoration visit http://www.history.com/shows/american-restoration

Congratulations, Andy.  We'll all be tuning in on April 18. 

Monday, March 26, 2012

Review Journal Columnist to Visit Group

Margo Bartlett Pesek, the columnist for the Las Vegas Review Journal who writes the "Trip of the Week" will be our guest speaker for the April 16th meeting. 

Catch up on Margo's columns by going to http://www.lvrj.com/columnists/Margo_Pesek.html

This should be a very exciting talk.

Since Cork Proctor is taking a hiatus from booking our speakers, I have a few ideas for presenters.  Here's a list of those I've either contacted or plan to:
  • One or more members of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association
  • Organized crime reporter, Jim Barrows, who covered Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas
  • Ms. Maria Rowley who wrote her Master's thesis on the history of brothel prostitution in Las Vegas from 1905-1955
  • Mr. Patrick C. Clary, a life-long Nevadan, an attorney, and a founding member of the Las Vegas Philharmonic
  • John and Pat Getter, members who are authors of recently published books
  • Member Betty Bunch, author and former Las Vegas showgirl
I am open to any suggestions so please let me know who you might want to come to our group and speak. 

See you soon!

Monday, March 19, 2012

March Meeting Recap

Another great meeting with the members of the Las Vegas Media Group took place today at The Wedding Room.  I was a bit nervous about the numbers at first



because I called in a head count of 40 but got a few last minute cancellations of regularly-attending members and thought we’d have to pay for meals not eaten.  When I arrived close to 11:30 am the parking lot was not as full as it usually is, so that made me even more nervous!  But, by 11:45 the place started to fill and I am happy to say we had 41 people in attendance.  Whew!  That’s why RSVPs are so important – we run the risk of either paying for meals for members that don’t show, or not having enough food for members who show up without an RSVP.  I know I harp on it, but letting us know if you are coming or not is important, so please mark your calendars for the THIRD MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH and be sure to contact Lisa to let her know if you are coming to the meeting or not.  Thanks to Dave Williams for giving me the idea to place a calendar on the blog so now all meeting will show up there! 

Okay, about the March meeting.  Thalia Dondero was a wonderful speaker.
She shared what it was like to be the first female Clark County Commissioner.  We all laughed when she told us about her first day on the “job.”  All the men around the table asked her to make the coffee.  Thalia told them all what they could do with that request – but she said it like the lady that she is!  I made a short video of the talk and will put it up on our Las Vegas Media Group You Tube channel as soon as I’ve edited it.  There are other videos up there so go check it out if you haven’t already.  Click the link to get there. 


Birthdays to celebrate this March include:
  • Spike Measer (kind-of new member)
  • Mike Schafer (brand-new member)
  • Johnny Pinjuv (who celebrated 89 years on March 18!)
Happy Birthday!  Remember, if I don’t have your birth day and month, please send it to me.  I’d cry if I knew I’d forgotten someone! 


At the moment we don’t have a speaker scheduled for April.  We will soon know who will be our guest, so stay tuned!   

Enjoy the spring weather. 

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Members meet students to share their history

It was an idea inspired by the fact that I wanted to gather as many life and career histories of the members of the Las Vegas Media Group that I could, but knew that it was an effort I might not achieve as there just wasn't enough time.  When dear friend, Dick Taylor, passed away in 2011, I realized just how crucial it was to gather the memories and stories of this group of individuals that made and documented Las Vegas and Nevada history.  Thankfully, I had the opportunity to conduct two interviews with Mr. Taylor.  But I was worried that I wouldn't be able to gather all the stories of this eclectic group of individuals in time.

That's when I decided to utilize the students that are my "captive audience" two times a week in my Nevada History class at the College of Southern Nevada.  This semester (spring 2012) their research paper project involved doing oral histories.  I urged the class, and most complied, to consider interviewing members of the Las Vegas Media Group.  Of the 16 students in my class, all but 2 chose the group as their research "subjects!"  I was thrilled.

As the day approached I felt a great deal of stress: one student dropped out just before the interview date, a couple of students (as students tend to do) didn't show up for several classes in a row, and at the last minute one of the interviewees could not attend; this is just to name a few of the worries I had.  I did not want interviewees to come on the appointed date only to have the student not show up for class - I'm proud to say all of the students came through. 

The result was amazing.  My one and a half-hour class was abuzz with noise.  Students were listening to the older generation tell their life and career stories.  I sat aside and observed like a proud parent witnessing a real life-changing experience for my kids.  To see the younger and older generation come together like this is hard to describe, so let my pictures tell the story. 


From left to right: Carey Burke, Rich Newman, Jackie Brett, Norm Johnson, Thalia Dondero, (Lisa Gioia-Acres, prof of the class), Judge Lloyd George, Betty Bunch, Helen Mortensen, Rich Friedland, and Len Yelinek. Not pictured but present: Gretchen and Don Payne.
















Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Members in the News

Members of the Las Vegas Media Group who used to document Las Vegas history are themselves being written about by contemporary journalists.  Whenever they are in the local news, we will place the link to their stories here. 

Recently, author Betty Bunch and publicist Norm Johnson were highlighted.  Check out the stories here:

Mint 400 gearing up to be a valley spectacle

Showgirl to share stories at Brandeis luncheon

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

February 20, 2012 Meeting Recap

The Las Vegas Media group met again for a great lunch and to hear Las Vegas High School alumni and long-time news correspondent Myram Borders tell some great stories of her “beat” years.  Myram reminded us all of the “good old” days when reporters had to “try and find a phone” in order to be the first to call in a great news story.  It was great to hear about her experiences.  The group had numerous questions for her and she generously answered all of them.  An interesting fact is that Myram was instrumental in getting the Open Meeting Law passed in Nevada.  It was also great to see Myram recognize several members of our group.
Myram Borders
LVMG co-founder Frank Mitrani made a surprise appearance, as did a few other members we have not seen in a long time. Please don’t be strangers!  Come back and visit more often.  We had 47 people for lunch and our numbers just keep growing and growing.

Frank Mitrani and Jewel Mayhew
Betty Bunch and Jackie Brett

Nevada History Project

Lisa made an announcement regarding the Nevada History Student LVMG Interview Project.  Several members will be interviewed by students in the coming weeks.  Lisa will contact each member individually to make arrangements and provide details. 

Birthdays for February:
(and a belated January shout-out to Frank Mitrani!)
·         John Getter

·         Norm Johnson

·         Frank Valeri
 Hope you all had a great day!

Photos Wanted:
Member Phil Hodson is hoping one or more of you have old pictures of the following Las Vegas buildings:
·         Shell Station on Fremont & 3rd Street
·         Bob’s Big Boy, Evergreen & Decatur
·         Bright Spot CafĂ©, 3rd & Stewart

If you have any of these items and are interested in sharing copies, please send to:

Hap Co.
PA Hodson
P.O. Box 7400
Las Vegas, NV 89125

Our next meeting takes place on March 19th with none other than the Las Vegas icon, Thalia Dondero.  I sat next to Thalia at lunch this time and she shared just a few stories that had our table laughing, so her talk is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Have a great rest of your month and see you all soon!