We hope you found the new website for the Las Vegas Media Group. After consideration (mainly cost and user-friendliness), we decided to utilize Google Blogs for updates about our group. Sorry for any inconvenience this change may have caused you while searching for us on the lasvegasmediagroup.org website.
Keep checking with us for all the news about LVMG.
And remember to mark your calendars: every third Monday of the month is our meeting. Reminders are sent to those on the email list. To be included on this list, contact Lisa at lasvegasmediagroup@gmail.com
Have a great day!
Lisa Gioia-Acres
Showing posts with label Member Interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Member Interviews. Show all posts
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
January Meeting
What a great meeting we had to start the New Year!
For those of you that couldn't make it today, you missed a great lunch.
Featured guest speaker was local author, Stu Michaels, who shared stories from his recently published
book: You Can't Make this Up: Cops, Crooks and Celebrities from Brooklyn to Las Vegas. We are lucky to be graced with so many amazing speakers, who take the time out of their busy lives to visit with us! Stu's stories
were very Las Vegas-related: he talked about his encounters (protective services and eventual friendships, really) with the likes of President George Bush, Steve Wynn, Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Minelli. More of his great stories are in his book.
We would also like to wish a happy January Birthday to
Thalia Dondero
Pat Weaver
Ester Lynn
Joan Massagli
Helen Mortenson
Rich Newman
Ralph Pressler
We would also like to wish Mark and Joan Massagli a happy 49th Wedding Anniversary.
Lisa's Nevada history class is a go this semester and her students will be interviewing Las Vegas Media Group members on their life and career histories. If you haven't signed up to be a part of this project (and you all should, you all have stories that need to be told!), please contact her at 702-245-9206. We have about 15 signed up so far.
Next meeting on Monday, Feb. 20, we will welcome news correspondent Ms. Myram Borders. Mark your calendars.
See you again soon.
For those of you that couldn't make it today, you missed a great lunch.
Featured guest speaker was local author, Stu Michaels, who shared stories from his recently published
book: You Can't Make this Up: Cops, Crooks and Celebrities from Brooklyn to Las Vegas. We are lucky to be graced with so many amazing speakers, who take the time out of their busy lives to visit with us! Stu's stories
were very Las Vegas-related: he talked about his encounters (protective services and eventual friendships, really) with the likes of President George Bush, Steve Wynn, Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Minelli. More of his great stories are in his book.
We would also like to wish a happy January Birthday to
Thalia Dondero
Pat Weaver
Ester Lynn
Joan Massagli
Helen Mortenson
Rich Newman
Ralph Pressler
We would also like to wish Mark and Joan Massagli a happy 49th Wedding Anniversary.
Lisa's Nevada history class is a go this semester and her students will be interviewing Las Vegas Media Group members on their life and career histories. If you haven't signed up to be a part of this project (and you all should, you all have stories that need to be told!), please contact her at 702-245-9206. We have about 15 signed up so far.
Next meeting on Monday, Feb. 20, we will welcome news correspondent Ms. Myram Borders. Mark your calendars.
See you again soon.
Monday, January 23, 2012
A SERENDIPITOUS MEETING I WILL NEVER REGRET
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.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
January Meeting Reminder
Our January meeting will take place at The Wedding Room at 3601 West Sahara on the southeast corner of Valley View on Monday, January 16 2012.
Our guest speaker will be Stu Michaels.
RSVPs for the meeting are required. It's simple - just call Lisa at 702 245-9206 or email to lasvegasmediagroup@gmail.com
Our guest speaker will be Stu Michaels.
RSVPs for the meeting are required. It's simple - just call Lisa at 702 245-9206 or email to lasvegasmediagroup@gmail.com
December Meeting Recap
At the last Las Vegas Media Group luncheon of 2011 we had another large attendance with 44 people! Once again, I need to remind everyone that RSVPs are important, as I called in for only 35. Luckily, our server, Patty, had the foresight to ensure there was enough food so no one went without. As we continue to grow, however, we can’t always count on that so PLEASE email or call in your RSVP. Remember, we meet EVERY THIRD MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH. Put the date on your calendar so you have a reminder to let us know if you are coming to the lunch.
Our group was surprised with the arrival of LVMG founder, Frank Mitrani. It was so good to have Frank present; we miss him as he now lives in Kanab, Utah and is not able to be with us often. Frank, you look great and we hope to see you more often!
Our speaker was Mr. Rick Rico, manager of Palm Mortuary. He shared some interesting stories. See an excerpt of his talk about his life and career on You Tube: http://youtu.be/WLpjTiGw4Po .
Our giveaway was once again fun-John Getter provided two of his books, Moonwalkers: to the moon, untold stories of the space race.
Last month it was new author Betty Bunch, who gave a few of her recently published books, High Heels and Headresses: memoirs of a vintage Vegas showgirl to be raffled off. Betty brought her books to this meeting for purchase. For the group she sold her books for $20.00. Let me know if any of you are interested in purchasing member books. Soon I hope to have all members’ books (and even their historic photos) for sale on our website (lasvegasmediagroup.org).
Another promotion goes to our MC Rich Friedland. His Fame Game Show is performing at Choices Pub and Showroom on Thursday, January 25 at 9:00 PM.
Happy Birthday to:
Carey Burke
Jewel Mayhew
Jim Marsh
Lee Mcdonald
Bob Shawhan
Here is hoping you all have safe and wonderful holiday celebrations with your family and friends.
Our next meeting is, Monday January 16. The speaker scheduled is Stu Michaels.
Our group was surprised with the arrival of LVMG founder, Frank Mitrani. It was so good to have Frank present; we miss him as he now lives in Kanab, Utah and is not able to be with us often. Frank, you look great and we hope to see you more often!
Our speaker was Mr. Rick Rico, manager of Palm Mortuary. He shared some interesting stories. See an excerpt of his talk about his life and career on You Tube: http://youtu.be/WLpjTiGw4Po .
Our giveaway was once again fun-John Getter provided two of his books, Moonwalkers: to the moon, untold stories of the space race.
Last month it was new author Betty Bunch, who gave a few of her recently published books, High Heels and Headresses: memoirs of a vintage Vegas showgirl to be raffled off. Betty brought her books to this meeting for purchase. For the group she sold her books for $20.00. Let me know if any of you are interested in purchasing member books. Soon I hope to have all members’ books (and even their historic photos) for sale on our website (lasvegasmediagroup.org).
Another promotion goes to our MC Rich Friedland. His Fame Game Show is performing at Choices Pub and Showroom on Thursday, January 25 at 9:00 PM.
Happy Birthday to:
Carey Burke
Jewel Mayhew
Jim Marsh
Lee Mcdonald
Bob Shawhan
Here is hoping you all have safe and wonderful holiday celebrations with your family and friends.
Our next meeting is, Monday January 16. The speaker scheduled is Stu Michaels.
See you then!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
December Meeting Reminder
HELLO EVERYONE! Santa and I would like to remind you about our next Las Vegas Media Group lunch meeting. Next Monday, December 19th, we will once again meet at The Wedding Room at 3601 West Sahara on the southeast corner of Valley View.
This month we have the floor to ourselves. No speaker is scheduled so we have a chance to catch up with one another, something we haven't had much chance to do in a while. Maybe we'll even have a surprise visitor!
So, make your RSVPs to me as soon as possible and I'll phone in the head count. Lunch begins at 11:30 am and cost is only $15.00.
See you on Monday.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Las Vegas Comedian Sammy Shore
Our guest speaker was comedian Sammy Shore giving us a taste
of his genius with stories of his work in Las Vegas, as an opening act for
Elvis Presley, and gave us his take on reality television. He had everyone in
the group laughing, especially our own Carey Burke who took the brunt of his
jokes!
of his genius with stories of his work in Las Vegas, as an opening act for
Elvis Presley, and gave us his take on reality television. He had everyone in
the group laughing, especially our own Carey Burke who took the brunt of his
jokes!
Monday, December 5, 2011
December Meeting
Our next meeting will be Monday, December 19, the last meeting of the year. There will be no guest speaker in attendance, giving the group a chance to catch up with one another before the holidays. As usual lunch will be delicious and filling.
Reservations are required by calling Lisa at (702) 245-9206, or emaling gioiaacres1988@gmail.com.
Lunch is $15.00. The location is the Wedding Room at 3601 West Sahara on the southeast corner of Valley View. If you know where the Gallery of History (was?) located and/or The Cellar; then you know where it is. Mariana'a Grocery Store on one side Kaplan College on the other.
There is a handicap entrance through the alley between the college and the Wedding Room. The phone number for any questions or directions is 362-6712.
Reservations are required by calling Lisa at (702) 245-9206, or emaling gioiaacres1988@gmail.com.
Lunch is $15.00. The location is the Wedding Room at 3601 West Sahara on the southeast corner of Valley View. If you know where the Gallery of History (was?) located and/or The Cellar; then you know where it is. Mariana'a Grocery Store on one side Kaplan College on the other.
There is a handicap entrance through the alley between the college and the Wedding Room. The phone number for any questions or directions is 362-6712.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Las Vegas Media Group is now on Facebook!
The Las Vegas Media Group is joining the social network trend! We are now on Facebook, as are several of our members. Now we can get even more exposure for this great organization. In addition to announcing upcoming meetings and providing meeting recaps, our Facebook page will share the photographs and videos of our presenters.
So, if you are on Facebook or have been considering joining, please click on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Las-Vegas-Media-Group/283369248369856 and "LIKE" us.
So, if you are on Facebook or have been considering joining, please click on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Las-Vegas-Media-Group/283369248369856 and "LIKE" us.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
October Meeting Recap
Meeting Recap for October 17, 2011
Monday was another great meeting of the Las Vegas Media Group. There was lots of information to share such as upcoming events.
Old Time Reunion Dinner
Thalia Dondero and Jim Marsh provided information on the Old Time Reunion taking place at the Orleans on Sunday, October 23rd. The event starts at 5:00 pm. Tickets are $45.00. RESERVATIONS will be taken up until Thursday, October 20th so make sure you get your name on the list. Here’s a website for more information: http://oldtimereunion.com/sign-up/ I am told they will take last-minute walk-ins, but to ensure there’s enough food for everyone, please put your name on the list.
Goldstroms’s Classic Car Show
Rollie provided a flier on the 10th annual car show taking place on Saturday, November 5th. It starts at 8:00 am. For more information check out the website at http://nostalgiastreetrods.com/
Dear friend Murray Westgate could sure use some cheering up as he’s experiencing some health issues right now. I bet he’d LOVE to hear from you, so send him an email at mwestworld@embarqmail.com and say hello!
October Birthdays
Happy Birthday to Florence Mayhew, Joe Thomson, and Bruce Langson!
If your birthday is not on my list, please send it to me! We want to send you best wishes during your birthday month
We had some new people attending the meeting; it’s always great to see new faces in the crowd. One attendee, Stu Michaels, shared that he has a book coming out. It’s called You Can’t Make This Up. Find out more at his website: http://youcantmakethisupbook.com/tag/stu-michaels/
Speaker of the Month
Our very own Don Payne provided the entertainment by sharing his career history for the Las Vegas News Bureau. It was a wonderful talk and it is always great to hear from our very own members who have amazing stories to share. I received an email
remarking on Don’s talk, “I was surprised to hear how big a job Don Paine had with the News Bureau, and how modest he was
in his presentation.” Great job, Don – and thank you for taking the time to share with us!
Next Meeting
Speaking of member stories – next meeting, November 21st we will hear from Jim Marsh. Jim has some great tales to tell so be sure and RSVP so we can have a seat waiting for you at the next meeting.
Nevada History Project
As many of you know, I have requested that my Nevada history students interview you individually for a project. Unfortunately, I did not have enough students for a class this semester so the project is postponed until spring. I still have the names of those that have agreed to be interviewed, but need more so if you are interested, or would like more information, just contact me at gioiaacres1988@gmail.com or 702 245-9206.
See you all in November! Boy, the days are going by quickly!
Monday was another great meeting of the Las Vegas Media Group. There was lots of information to share such as upcoming events.
Old Time Reunion Dinner
Thalia Dondero and Jim Marsh provided information on the Old Time Reunion taking place at the Orleans on Sunday, October 23rd. The event starts at 5:00 pm. Tickets are $45.00. RESERVATIONS will be taken up until Thursday, October 20th so make sure you get your name on the list. Here’s a website for more information: http://oldtimereunion.com/sign-up/ I am told they will take last-minute walk-ins, but to ensure there’s enough food for everyone, please put your name on the list.
Goldstroms’s Classic Car Show
Rollie provided a flier on the 10th annual car show taking place on Saturday, November 5th. It starts at 8:00 am. For more information check out the website at http://nostalgiastreetrods.com/
Dear friend Murray Westgate could sure use some cheering up as he’s experiencing some health issues right now. I bet he’d LOVE to hear from you, so send him an email at mwestworld@embarqmail.com and say hello!
October Birthdays
Happy Birthday to Florence Mayhew, Joe Thomson, and Bruce Langson!
If your birthday is not on my list, please send it to me! We want to send you best wishes during your birthday month
We had some new people attending the meeting; it’s always great to see new faces in the crowd. One attendee, Stu Michaels, shared that he has a book coming out. It’s called You Can’t Make This Up. Find out more at his website: http://youcantmakethisupbook.com/tag/stu-michaels/
Speaker of the Month
Our very own Don Payne provided the entertainment by sharing his career history for the Las Vegas News Bureau. It was a wonderful talk and it is always great to hear from our very own members who have amazing stories to share. I received an email
remarking on Don’s talk, “I was surprised to hear how big a job Don Paine had with the News Bureau, and how modest he was
in his presentation.” Great job, Don – and thank you for taking the time to share with us!
Next Meeting
Speaking of member stories – next meeting, November 21st we will hear from Jim Marsh. Jim has some great tales to tell so be sure and RSVP so we can have a seat waiting for you at the next meeting.
Nevada History Project
As many of you know, I have requested that my Nevada history students interview you individually for a project. Unfortunately, I did not have enough students for a class this semester so the project is postponed until spring. I still have the names of those that have agreed to be interviewed, but need more so if you are interested, or would like more information, just contact me at gioiaacres1988@gmail.com or 702 245-9206.
See you all in November! Boy, the days are going by quickly!
November Meeting
Our next meeting will take place on Monday, November 21 (always the 3rd Monday of the month). Member Jim Marsh, long-time Las Vegas businessman is our speaker. Jim is going to have some wonderful stories to share.
RSVPs for the meeting are required. It's simple - just call Lisa at 702 245-9206 or email to lasvegasmediagroup@gmail.com
See you there!
RSVPs for the meeting are required. It's simple - just call Lisa at 702 245-9206 or email to lasvegasmediagroup@gmail.com
See you there!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
September Meeting
Our September meeting will take place at The Wedding Room at 3601 West Sahara on the southeast corner of Valley View on Monday, September 19, 2011.
The speaker this month will be Sammy Shore, who is a stand-up comedienne, who performs in nightclubs and casino's across the U.S.
Shore was also handpicked by Colonel Parker to be Elvis's opening act during his 1969-1972 comeback tour in Las Vegas. He would then become known as "the man who made Elvis laugh."
Meeting begins at 11:30 am. RSVP's are required.
For more details and to RSVP, send an email to lasvegasmediagroup@gmail.com
The speaker this month will be Sammy Shore, who is a stand-up comedienne, who performs in nightclubs and casino's across the U.S.
Shore was also handpicked by Colonel Parker to be Elvis's opening act during his 1969-1972 comeback tour in Las Vegas. He would then become known as "the man who made Elvis laugh."
Meeting begins at 11:30 am. RSVP's are required.
For more details and to RSVP, send an email to lasvegasmediagroup@gmail.com
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
August Meeting
Our August meeting will take place at The Wedding Room at 3601 West Sahara on the southeast corner of Valley View on Monday, August 15, 2011.
The speaker for this month is Mr. Bob Deiro, long-time Las Vegas businessman and former pilot for none other than Howard Hughes. Mr. Deiro has some great stories he's going to share with the group. This is sure to be another one of those meetings where we hear some great Las Vegas history right from "the horse's mouth" as they say.
Meeting begins at 11:30 am. RSVP's are required.
For more details and to RSVP, send an email to lasvegasmediagroup@gmail.com
The speaker for this month is Mr. Bob Deiro, long-time Las Vegas businessman and former pilot for none other than Howard Hughes. Mr. Deiro has some great stories he's going to share with the group. This is sure to be another one of those meetings where we hear some great Las Vegas history right from "the horse's mouth" as they say.
Meeting begins at 11:30 am. RSVP's are required.
For more details and to RSVP, send an email to lasvegasmediagroup@gmail.com
July Meeting Recap
Wow. What a turnout for the meeting today at the Railroad Pass Casino. We had 48 in attendance! Thanks to all of you that made the trek all the way out to the edge of Boulder City for this lunch meeting. I’m sure each one of you will say that it was well worth the long drive. Thanks go to Curt Thompson, Pat Malloy, and the entire staff of the Conductor’s Room who provided us with an amazing lunch of salad, steak sandwich and strawberry shortcake. Curt was our speaker, giving us a brief history of the casino (opened in 1931 and celebrating its 80th birthday on August 1st), a few great stories about his early Las Vegas life, and gave us a tour of both the Heritage Museum and the vault containing a safe put in place in 1931 and not opened for at least two decades. No one can recall if the safe is empty or not, and for the time being, Curt and his team want to keep the mystery alive. There were so many new faces today, as well as many folks who don’t get a chance to visit us too often. I bounced around to take as many pictures as I could.
I had six copies of the DVD containing the late Rex Bell’s talk back in March. They are $1.00 each so if you wish to have one, just let me know and I’ll get one to you at the next meeting. And for all of you who might be interested in attending, Mr. Bell’s service takes place this Saturday (July 23rd) at the South Point from noon-3 pm. Thanks so much to Cork Proctor for the fantastic job he is doing on booking speakers for us. It is through his great contacts that we have so many great ones. Make sure you let Cork know how much you appreciate his efforts. We have some surprises for you in the near future, so stay tuned!
New Name
As you know, we’ve been talking about giving our group a new, updated name. We aren’t just a group of “Old Timers” who worked as journalists and photographers any more. We are growing so much and include in our ranks entertainers, hobby and professional historians, life-long Nevada residents, and members both young and not-so-young – we are quite an eclectic group whose main goal is to keep our state history alive and remembered. Curt Thompson offered a great name for our group for your consideration – I think it needs a little more attached to it, but maybe I’m wrong. He thought of The Founders, because, as he explained, this group of people really did “found” Las Vegas through their media and entertainment efforts, and now with our monthly meetings we continue the legacy of recalling the history. Why not weigh in on the name and tell us what you think?
Jane Ann Morrison Column
Look for a mention of our group in Jane Ann Morrison’s column this Thursday! Thanks, Jane Ann, for coming to our meeting.
Rex Bell
I had six copies of the DVD containing the late Rex Bell’s talk back in March. They are $1.00 each so if you wish to have one, just let me know and I’ll get one to you at the next meeting. And for all of you who might be interested in attending, Mr. Bell’s service takes place this Saturday (July 23rd) at the South Point from noon-3 pm. Thanks so much to Cork Proctor for the fantastic job he is doing on booking speakers for us. It is through his great contacts that we have so many great ones. Make sure you let Cork know how much you appreciate his efforts. We have some surprises for you in the near future, so stay tuned!
New Name
As you know, we’ve been talking about giving our group a new, updated name. We aren’t just a group of “Old Timers” who worked as journalists and photographers any more. We are growing so much and include in our ranks entertainers, hobby and professional historians, life-long Nevada residents, and members both young and not-so-young – we are quite an eclectic group whose main goal is to keep our state history alive and remembered. Curt Thompson offered a great name for our group for your consideration – I think it needs a little more attached to it, but maybe I’m wrong. He thought of The Founders, because, as he explained, this group of people really did “found” Las Vegas through their media and entertainment efforts, and now with our monthly meetings we continue the legacy of recalling the history. Why not weigh in on the name and tell us what you think?
Jane Ann Morrison Column
Look for a mention of our group in Jane Ann Morrison’s column this Thursday! Thanks, Jane Ann, for coming to our meeting.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
July Meeting
Next month we’re going on a field trip! The July meeting will be held at the historic Railroad Pass Casino, which is the oldest existing hotel in the country. There will be a 20-30 min. presentation on the history of the Railroad Pass Casino, followed by a tour of the Heritage Room Museum. The 80th anniversary of the Railroad Pass Casino will be Aug. 1. Everybody in attendance to the luncheon will receive a special commemorative gift to mark the occasion. Should be a fun and fascinating meeting; hope to see you all there. RSVP’s are required, email Lisa at gioiaacres1988@gmail.com.
The address to the Casino is 2800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson NV, 89002. Lunch will take place in the Conductor’s Room
The address to the Casino is 2800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson NV, 89002. Lunch will take place in the Conductor’s Room
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
June Meeting
Next meeting is on June 20th at 11:30 AM.
The location is The Wedding Room at 3601 West Sahara on the southeast corner of Valley View. If you know where the Gallery of History is (was?) located and/or The Cellar, then you know where it is; Mariana’s Grocery Store on one side and Kaplan College on the other.
There is a handicap entrance through the alley between the college and The Wedding Room. The phone number for any questions or directions is 362-6712.
There is a speaker that is sure to please everyone. Lunch is $15.00 and the food is said to be great! R.S.V.P.s required. Contact Lisa at 702 245-9206 or email gioiaacres1988@gmail.com
The location is The Wedding Room at 3601 West Sahara on the southeast corner of Valley View. If you know where the Gallery of History is (was?) located and/or The Cellar, then you know where it is; Mariana’s Grocery Store on one side and Kaplan College on the other.
There is a handicap entrance through the alley between the college and The Wedding Room. The phone number for any questions or directions is 362-6712.
There is a speaker that is sure to please everyone. Lunch is $15.00 and the food is said to be great! R.S.V.P.s required. Contact Lisa at 702 245-9206 or email gioiaacres1988@gmail.com
Ghost Hunters Share Their Experiences
Do you believe in ghosts? Maybe after today’s Media Group luncheon you do now. We had a great presentation today. Jim Marsh knows of three guys that look for paranormal activity – you know, the presence of those that have passed from this earth – and they came to share some of their experiences with our group. John Cushman, John Pilosi, and Justin Cimock showed video of the abandoned Belmont courthouse, the Goldfield Hotel, and the living quarters of Howard Hughes. It was fascinating and intriguing and we really had a great time contemplating their evidence. Here are some pictures of their equipment and video footage.
It was another record breaker as we had 43 people in attendance. That will teach me to call in the head count low at 30-35! Remember, when you RSVP you are guaranteed a meal!
We had some great give-a-ways; thanks to Carey Burke and Milt Bozanic. Remember, too, if you have anything you can donate, it is always appreciated.
Okay, that’s it for now. Next month Cork says our speaker is Norm Johnson who will share his stories about the Mint 400 Road Race and other great stuff. Mark your calendars for our next meeting: June 20.
Now, enjoy two more pictures I took today. I couldn’t resist – Thalia and Helen look so great and try and guess who’s shoes these are!
It was another record breaker as we had 43 people in attendance. That will teach me to call in the head count low at 30-35! Remember, when you RSVP you are guaranteed a meal!
We had some great give-a-ways; thanks to Carey Burke and Milt Bozanic. Remember, too, if you have anything you can donate, it is always appreciated.
Okay, that’s it for now. Next month Cork says our speaker is Norm Johnson who will share his stories about the Mint 400 Road Race and other great stuff. Mark your calendars for our next meeting: June 20.
Now, enjoy two more pictures I took today. I couldn’t resist – Thalia and Helen look so great and try and guess who’s shoes these are!
Monday, March 21, 2011
April Meeting Information
Monday, April 18, 2011, 11:30 AM
Guest speaker is Las Vegas Review Journal columnist, Jane Ann Morrison.
R.S.V.P.s required. Contact Lisa at 702 245-9206 or email gioiaacres@earthlink.net
Guest speaker is Las Vegas Review Journal columnist, Jane Ann Morrison.
R.S.V.P.s required. Contact Lisa at 702 245-9206 or email gioiaacres@earthlink.net
Meeting Recap for March 21, 2011
Another excellent lunch meeting! We had a full crowd; 43 people came to hear Mr. Rex “Tony” Bell, Jr. Rex shared
memories of his mom and dad, Hollywood movie actors Rex Bell and Clara Bow, as well as his experiences as the Clark County District Attorney. Members of our group had lots of great questions to ask and some of the answers by Rex were really enlightening. Soon you will be able to hear parts of the presentation on the website.
Rex was able to reconnect with several grammar school chums: John Ullom, Gretchen Payne, and Rollie Gibbs. It was really great to see such long-standing friends get together and reminisce. Who says Las Vegas is a transitory town?
We paid special tribute to the memory of Dick Taylor, the most recent member of our group to leave us. Rich asked for a moment of silence to remember Dick.
A few members, Bo Boisvert and Frank Valeri, brought in photos from their working days. What an AMAZING collection they both have. Neither one would let me take the pictures home to scan, but they promised me they’d make some copies. Thalia Dondero also shared with me some photo copies of the Helldorado Rodeo from around the 1950s.
I’m hoping the rest of our group will bring in their old photos. I will scan and return them, I promise. I just think it’s important to save them.
Speaking of Hellorado Days, three of our members are very involved in the organization and the event, which will take place during the months of April and May. Rollie Gibbs is once again serving on the Board and Jim Marsh and Thalia Dondero are serving as judges.
Our next meeting is Monday, April 18th. Our speaker is Jane Ann Morrison, columnist
for the Review Journal. Hope to see all of you then. In the meantime, Happy Spring!
memories of his mom and dad, Hollywood movie actors Rex Bell and Clara Bow, as well as his experiences as the Clark County District Attorney. Members of our group had lots of great questions to ask and some of the answers by Rex were really enlightening. Soon you will be able to hear parts of the presentation on the website.
Rex was able to reconnect with several grammar school chums: John Ullom, Gretchen Payne, and Rollie Gibbs. It was really great to see such long-standing friends get together and reminisce. Who says Las Vegas is a transitory town?
We paid special tribute to the memory of Dick Taylor, the most recent member of our group to leave us. Rich asked for a moment of silence to remember Dick.
A few members, Bo Boisvert and Frank Valeri, brought in photos from their working days. What an AMAZING collection they both have. Neither one would let me take the pictures home to scan, but they promised me they’d make some copies. Thalia Dondero also shared with me some photo copies of the Helldorado Rodeo from around the 1950s.
I’m hoping the rest of our group will bring in their old photos. I will scan and return them, I promise. I just think it’s important to save them.
Speaking of Hellorado Days, three of our members are very involved in the organization and the event, which will take place during the months of April and May. Rollie Gibbs is once again serving on the Board and Jim Marsh and Thalia Dondero are serving as judges.
Our next meeting is Monday, April 18th. Our speaker is Jane Ann Morrison, columnist
for the Review Journal. Hope to see all of you then. In the meantime, Happy Spring!
Friday, February 25, 2011
A Serendipitous Meeting I Will Never Regret
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.
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.
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