We had 7 students from West Prep describe their experiences at TLC (Teen Leadership Camp) today.  Nice turn out for the Fun Club.  They were accompanied by principal Mike Pinccininni and counselor Jaime Pochowski.  The students were: Andrea Hammond, Jenny Purdue (who could not attend, but Mom filled in), Keara Hughes, Stephnie Valle, Vicki Pang, Aldair Callejas Lasaro, Andrew Quintanilla and Jose Banuelos.  Lynn Price asked each to describe what they liked at TLC, what they learned, what they wished they could have done more and what did they bring back with them.

There were some common threads.  All mentioned the motivational speaker, Scott Greenberg, and everyone liked the zip line and meeting new friends.  Most mentioned the problem of bullying, which was brought to the forefront by our own Miss Nevada who gave a talk. The students were honest and refreshing in their comments.  After each had spoken Principal Mike told how different it is being a kid today, and how the facelessness of social media makes bullying easier and more prevalent.  I am always gratified we have members like Lynn to lead and happy our club can contribute to such a worthy project each year.

Ted Gurr announced the recipients of the Mini Grants.  Twin Lakes received $ 500 for Artistic Visual Reference Library for K-5; also $ 500 for Leveled Reading Materials for Kindergartners.  Jydstrup got $ 500 for Library Books for Natural Science ( half their request), and West Prep $ 666 for Dictionaries and Thesauruses for 3rd and 4th graders (also half their original request).  Assisting Ted on the Mini Grant committee were Francie Summers and Sharon Jakle.

Another terrific program we sponsor is Santa Clothes, which is Thursday Dec. 6 at 7:30 am at JC Penny at the Meadows Mall.  Very gratifying and fun - each member helps a student shop for $ 150 of clothes (the cost is already covered).  It is over by 9:00 am unless you wish to accompany the kids to UNLV where they play sports with Rebel athletes and cheerleaders.  If you've never participated, it's a must do and Rotary Moment for many.

Brett told about an annual toy drive that Emily, Zachary and Domique put on for heart patient children.  You can bring a toy or money to the Christmas party next Tuesday.

I couldn't help but think, sitting with Lynn Purdue and Brett, how much they affect others, as we all do in some way.  We had a recent speaker from Dress for Success, a non-profit started by an employee of Lynn's.   Her company encourages each employee to get involved with a non-profit in the community and Paige Candee decided she wanted to start her own, which she did.  Brett's children have seen his efforts as a Rotarian and follow his example with the Toy Drive and other endeavors.  We may be tempted to think that we are such a small club, what can we do.  But we do a lot with our programs and by letting our light shine before our families and associates. 

The Christmas party is next week - be sure to RSVP to Ken Cox.

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Las Vegas West Rotary Club

October 23, 2012

We had a terrific speaker today, Paula Lawrence, who is the Southern Nevada Executive Director for Dress For Success.  Dress for Success was founded in New York City by a young woman in 1997 who, upon graduation from law school, received a $ 5,000 inheritance from her grand mother.  Desiring to do something great with the money, she went to her Catholic church to ask advice.  The out shoot was an organization to help dis-advantaged women obtain suitable clothes for a job interview.  The scope has grown to  include resume writing, interviewing and and training which results in self confidence. 

In southern Nevada Paula networks with places such as Job Connect who send her clients, and receives donations of clothing and money. They have set up a boutique, which Lynn Purdue says rivals any top retail clothing store.  Lynn has volunteered to teach resume writing and has had "Rotary Moments" in the process.  When a client arrives at the boutique (photo attached) they are assigned an Image Consultant to help with the selection process.  It is a thorough process, and includes job training for various industries, so that the client become employees of the highest order.  Walmart offered their training manuals for the classes.  Believing that their mission is to start careers, not just help clients find a job, they started PWG, Professional Women's Group, which meets monthly with speakers and support.  They will dress 200 women this year and plan to double that next year.  Houston, in their 8th year, dressed 5,000 women, and the organization has helped over 600,000 world wide.   

Paula is such a wonderful, enthusiastic speaker it is impossible not to be impressed with the program.  Dress for Success in southern Nevada was started by Paige Candee, an associate of Lynn's who has worked with our club on our golf tournament and visited many times.  Their firm encourages all their employees to be active in the community, and Paige decided to start her own non-profit rather than become involved in an existing one.  I think she really hit a home run.

Also attached is a photo of Miss Nevada at West Prep, courtesy of Tom Novotny, and a shot of Ken Fong's "seconds" at lunch, a plate filled with shrimp cocktails, which obviously resulted in a cross fine.  His reputation is intact. The food at recent meetings rivals what we had years ago - kudos to the new chef.  There is a board meeting Thursday at noon at the Porchlight Grill at Durango and Deseret Inn in a Vons shopping center.  All members are invited to attend.

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October 16, 2012

We had 12 members and no guests or visiting Rotarians.

After Steve and Ted beat me up about Texas losing a football game, the meeting proceded.  Caitlin announced her Crohn's Foundation fund raiser, a muscle car show, on Thursday Dec. 6, and Ken announced that our Christmas party is Tuesday, Dec. 4.  Francie did not announce it, but I think there is a board meeting next Tuesday after the regular meeting, somewhere off property.

Our small crowd was livened by the speaker, Chloe Powell, current Miss Helldorado Rodeo.  She tried out for Miss Nevada Rodeo, but was not selected.  However, there were some Elks Club members present and they asked her to be their Queen.  The competition involved judgement in horsemanship on two horses picked at random as well as beauty. She plans to try again for the state title in April with more experience under her belt buckle, which she wore along with big hat and smile.

Chloe graduated from Faith Lutheran in 2008 where she was Key Club president.  She got her first horse at age 7 and has never looked back, competing in barrel racing and pole bending as a teenager.  Currently she rides cutting horses and participates in Western Pleasure, which is a competition that encompasses how naturally the horse moves and the posture and aesthetics of the rider, among other things. The Elks ask her to speak to elementary students and other groups, which she happily does, since she talks real good.  Did I mention that smile? Photo attached.

Chloe told us a lot about her experiences with horses and cattle, and was a delightful breath of fresh air to our club meeting.

October 9, 2012

Dr. Robert Lang, UNLV Director, Brookings Mountain West
Robert E. Lang joined the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in January 2010 as a professor of sociology and UNLV Director of Brookings Mountain West.

Our speaker gave a rapid fire dissertation of the issues affecting Clark County as they relate to funding and relevance   He thinks it is crazy that Clark County produces most of the wealth and then sends it to Carson City for parceling out.  At least that's what I got out of it.  Unfortunately he did not offer any solid solutions, just that Nevada needs to re-organize its political structure.  It was also unfortunate that he bolted before any Q & A.  We could have had a long discussion of the issues he raised.  Still, he has examined communities all over the country and comes to his ideas from a wealth of knowledge.

Bill reminded us of the Awards program started during his term.  Ken announced we would not have a tail gate party this year due to a conflict.  And I was looking forward to some power house football...from the visiting team. He will be planning a Red Rock clean-up.  Ted's happy fine was his grandmother's 101st birthday.  Also a 30" brown trout he caught on the Truckee river.  Some were pushing for a total of $ 131 as a fine, but he didn't fall for it and just coughed up a couple of bucks.  We had 3 birthdays, Francie, Lynn Price and Lynn Purdue, pretty sweet 16's all!  Ken Fong was not there to sing Happy Birthday, and efforts to recruit Caitlin failed.  Brett was not available for Brett's corner, because he was teeing off at 1:30.  That should have left plenty of time for Rotary, I think.  Big fine next week.  Ken's Rant was supposed to have filled in, but amazingly he could not think of one.  Doesn't seem possible.

We had 14 members and 1 guest.

Segal vs Halvorson

The video of Canadian Steve taking down Nevada Steve in hockey at their de-bunk party. Brief glimpse of "Lefty" Brett Grant showing off his skills with a hockey stick.

Meeting of 05/17/2011 - Visit from the Interact Club of West Tech

It was a delightful meeting. We received the enthusiastic and energetic members of the Interact Club of West Tech. They gave a very well organized and designed presentation on their activities, and then told us about their personal and professional projects as well as their motivation to join this service organization. It is gratifying to meet these caring young people who want to help build better communities. Each Interactor received a pin from a member of our club. We all thank them for their work, the authorities of West Tech for their support and Ted Baker and Jerry Kops for their guidance and dedication to this project.
Slideshow and link to pictures below.

Corazón Superbuild in Tecate, Mexico

 A dedicated group of Rotarians from our Club and their spouses went to Tecate, Mexico over the weekend to work in a Corazón Superbuild project in Tecate, Mexico. The Pierces, the Novotnys, the Coxs and the Lotts (I hope I'm not leaving anybody out) were there. Some commented that it was only the ladies who worked, though this couldn't be confirmed. In the following picture, Robyn's shirt looks much dirtier than Tom's, which may taken as an evidence of the previous statement.

More pictures following the link below:

Meeting of 05/10/2011- Speaker: Randy Walker

Our speaker this week was Randy Walker, Director of Aviation of McCarran Airport. A great informative presentation on the past, present and future of the second largest-volume airport in the world and its intricate importance to our city and its economy.
President Bill Pierce honored our men and women in uniform and reminded us of the sacrifice of those who serve this country risking their lives in distant lands to keep the freedom we enjoy at home.

Follow the link below for meeting pictures

2011-05-10-Meeting

 A far better text yet to come from Tom Lott

Red Rock Cleanup – May 7, 2011

A beautiful day of service and friendship: members of the Rotary Club of Las Vegas West along with volunteer students and teachers from the West Prep Interact Club cleaned-up the Willow-Creek Area of the Red Rock State Park. Great grilling was again by Ken Cox. See some pictures following the link

2011-05-07-Red Rock Cleanup

Meeting of 04/26/2011 - John L. Smith, Las Vegas Review Journal columnist

The speaker was John L. Smith, columnist for the Review-Journal. John is highly respected and well known and read. He described the difference between a reporter and a communist, which si primarily one who reports events based on facts and one who writes topical opinions. He has plenty of those.

Recognizing a graying Rotarian audience he talked until Pres. Bill stood up, thus avoiding any questions. Brett, where were ya? He loves writing in Las Vegas because it is a circus that never leaves town. Several of his opinions follow.

2011-05-03-Meeting

Mining is making too much money with the rise in gold prices and is grandfathered into a low tax position, thus not helping to pay for education. Internet poker will be legalized because Senator Reid will push it because the casino bosses, who presumably fund Reid's elections, want it now. They too are making too much money without paying enough taxes. Internet poker, that is. John does not seem to like any enterprise that is successful without paying more taxes. He did not mention increasing taxes on gaming or taxes on small businesses. No reason to lose even more friends than he already has.

He made an excellent point about cutting funds for education by cutting the school day or year. It's an absurd solution. Also unmentioned was Nevada tax strategy which ignores property taxes that are so low they have no effect toward funding schools as in almost every state in the union. 

John was raised in Las Vegas and writes an excellent column whether one agrees with his opinions or not. He is also an avid supporter of childhood cancer, and promotes many worthwhile community projects.

I was late but arrived in time to hear Ted and Duncan complaining about the food. Ashley is home but not improving. Duncan's daughter was in the crowd at the White House chanting USA! Pretty hard to top Duncan's happy fines. There was a visitor from Germany who described his district and club. Next week is Randy Walker, Director of Aviation for Clark County, which promises to be interesting.

Tom Lott

Meeting of 04/26/2011 - Visit of Mayor Oscar Goodman

Today Mayor Oscar Goodman spoke to the best crowd we've had lately - 23 members and 8 guests, including our friends Bernie and Jennifer Hunt. In past surveys Mayor Goodman is our all-time favorite speaker, and he did not disappoint. I've sat with him before, and recently heard him speak at another luncheon, so I'll add tidbits from those occasions. The Mayor does not eat lunch. In his career as a litigator he was always preparing to go to court which resulted in a nervous stomach. So he learned to do without the mid-day meal. He was previously asked his position on legalized prostitution, to which he declared his opposition based on his constituents belief it is immoral and because of the slave trade which has resulted. But he considers it an American right to have the debate, which he supports.

He described his movie career and the permit process. Previously he mentioned that he cannot memorize lines, so the directors hated working with him. Maybe that's the reason for so many cutting room floors. This must be a learning defect of some sort because he is as sharp and quick witted as ever. The stories of his successes downtown are legendary. When I moved here 17 years ago previous mayors were trying to so the same things; Oscar Goodman is elected and presto, most of it got accomplished. Well, maybe 12 years isn't presto, but Brett Grant, slightly right-of-center Republican, complimented a liberal democrat as the best we've had, and he got a standing ovation. Are these Rotarians? Such passion!

He expressed an opinion on Neonopolis, its owner and the problems. Arson and getting whacked were solutions mentioned.

Jerry Kops and Mike Link asked two great questions. Jerry asked about his mob past and we got a terrific story about his client, Jimmy Chagra, and the murder trail in San Antonio where the sitting judge was murdered. When the cabbie picked him up to leave, he asked the future mayor if he was here for the Chagra trial, and then described how Chagra should be strung up and, well, tortured for what he had done to the the good judge. Then the cabbie asked Oscar which side he was on...Oscar replied "the FBI."

Mike then asked Oscar to join our club on July 7, when he leaves office. The Mayor did not say no! Who is going to follow up? We should have to buy tickets to sit with him each week; can you imagine? His Honor is interviewing with the Convention Authority among others for his post political career. Canyon Gate is home to the top LVCVA people, maybe we got a shot.

Apr 26, 2011 -- Oscar Goodman visits

Next week we have John L. Smith, popular Review Journal columnist. What a line up lately, don't miss it!

Tom Lott

Meeting of 04/19/2011 - Presentation by A.W. Lawrence, author of "The First 100"

2011-04-19-Meeting

Cleo reported on the Dan Stover music finals. The performances were well done but there were not many participants, unfortunately. Duncan had yet another happy fine, bragging on his son, Richard. Pres. Bill had a sad fine as Ashley is doing worse. Tom cross-fined Duncan and Chris cross-fined Tom. Chris won't be forgotten again! Futu cross fine for Brett, who is lollygagging at La Costa with his family all week.

Duncan reported on the lively Interact club at West Prep, which wants to sponsor a Kideract club. There will be a presentation for the Interact Club at West Prep Friday, June 3rd. Time and details to follow. They plan to attend our Red Rock clean-up on May 7th. Pres. Bill reported on a good District Assembly and upcoming dates for District Conference, June 11, and Corazon Super Build, May 14.

Our speaker, A.D. Hopkins, is a long time journalist and historian - the former editor of "The Nevadan." He has edited a new book about 100 interesting Nevadans who made a difference in their community. All are deceased, but he managed interviews with several before their passing. His talk started slowly as he described the methodology of selecting the people, but came alive as he described a few colorful characters. A teacher, the only teacher to be included, confronted a powerful politician who would not support education and whacked him across the chest with her crutch. Does Harry Reid come to mind? Not about education, just needing a firm whacking by a woman of character. Or anyone, actually. Then there was the first Mayor of Las Vegas who was a promoter to the point of bending the truth to achieve his goals for the city. Remind you of anyone in recent history? Proving that history repeats itself.

Speaking of...our calendar show next weeks speaker as none other than Mayor Oscar Goodman, our all-time favorite speaker and undoubtedly the best mayor we've ever had, despite what I said up there.

There were 18 members and one guest present today. This letter is also posted to our club blog, although I am uncertain how to get there. Hoping to be able to send it to everyone as a blog in the future, or as a spiffier newsletter format.

Don't miss next week!

Tom Lott

District Assembly in Victorville, CA - 04/16/2011

 District Assembly in Victorville, CA

Several members of the Club went this year to the District Assembly in Victorville, CA. President Bill Pierce, and Ken Cox took the lead in contributing towards the purchase of wheelchairs in Mexico, Francie dragged Jorge into the president-elects training session and Jan Carlton made sure everybody behaved (sounds like an outline of a mini-series on HBO). It was a great meeting, very well organized, very educational and fun at the same time. The grand finale was a presentation and performance by Dwight Rogers (son of Western all-time stars Roy Rogers and Dale Earhart) and a fantastic barbecue. If you didn't attend, you sure missed something!
See pictures in link below.

2011-04-16-District Assembly

Meeting of 04/12/2011 - Darrel Austin with Jennifer Hansen of NV Energy

Las Vegas West Rotary Club

April 12, 2011

Winning checks of the Final Four fund raiser were distributed. Mike Link, the winner who can’t figure out how he won, received $ 400 and donated 1/2 to the charity account and 1/2 to Polio Plus. Kudos Mike! Ted Baker, traveling to Pittsburgh, won $ 200 and Brett and I got $ 100. I quickly stuck the money in my pocket, happy to break even. Oh, yes, the charity account has an extra $ 800. Yahoo!

There were numerous happy and sad fines; the only one that mattered was that Ashley went back to the hospital. If you are inclined to get on your knees, please pray for her recovery. Not going well right now.

Pres. Bill gave a pin for doing something I enjoy, the newsletter. Far more deserving, in my judgment, are Brett for his fund raising, Francie for her leadership, and Ken, Lynn , Lynn, Steve, Steve, Ted, Duncan, Jan, Ted, Jerry, Mike, Chris, Cleo, Luke. Who did I forget? A bunch of great Rotarians, please forgive me if I left you off my impromptu list. We don't have an 80 – 20 club, where 20 % do 80 % of the work. We are better, and we all know it. And we have fun! Oh, yeah, I forgot Tom and Robin, the best ever. Vegas Baby is coming and I know everyone will pull together for our only major fund raiser.

Our speaker was Darrel Austin with Jennifer Hansen of NV Energy, on the new smart meter program. The meters are already installed on 173,000 homes, including several of our members. The meters allow the consumer to monitor power usage as a car uses a dashboard to determine speed and ongoing gasoline usage. You can manage your usage on-line now, and in the future we will be able to control power usage and even manage certain appliances with a smart phone. Buck Rogers is smiling. The new meters are more accurate and safe, according to NV Energy. This is the wave of the future, clearly. There are operational savings for the company, of course. For issues call 702-402-4273.

And now, for news of the weekly golf game. Don Logan, multi-year speaker to our club and Rotarian Larry Brown, County Commissioner, joined Brett, Scott and me. Brett played 18 holes, a record for the past year or so, counting many pars on this fine day. Next week we have A.D. Hopkins on the history of Las Vegas. Every week we have great programs. Don’t miss it!

Tom Lott

Meeting of 04/05/2011 - LV Fire Chief Mike Myers

April 5, 2011 Meeting

The speaker was the Fire Chief of the Las Vegas Fire Dept. Mike Myers. He did a good job of describing the department; it’s mission and goals.  They do more that most fire depts.. Around the country with fewer people and resources.

He specifically addressed pay, sick leave and overtime.  He also answered questions about consolidation, as there are fire depts. in Henderson, North Las Vegas and Clark County. Starting fire fighters make less than $ 20 / hour and average $ 50,000 per year.  A previous decision by the city determined it is less expensive to pay overtime than hire enough personnel to do the job required. That new fire fighter earns on average $ 25,000 in overtime.  Benefits add about 50 % to the value of funded liability.  Sick leave averages 6 days per year, and OT cannot follow sick leave.  A real sticking point is accrued sick leave, which can add up to $ 100,000 at retirement.  They are working to amend that rule.  Upon questioning it seems the fraud we see reported in the media is with other fir depts. in the area, not the Las Vegas dept.

If you explore the catalog, you will find many publications that match the style of your newsletter.

Announcements

There were 13 m3mbers and 7 guests and visiting Rotarians.

Brett announced his trip to Chicago proved to him he is getting good treatment here and will stay with his present oncologist.  It was 28 degrees. No mention of a visit to Wrigley Field.

Pres. Bill said Ashley is home, still struggling but glad to be home.  Mike Link won $ 400, Ted $ 200, and Tom and Brett $ 100 each in the Final 4 board.  The charity account is now $ 800 richer, thanks to Brett and all participants.

The annual Board Retreat is April 20 at Canyon Gate from 8 am – 2 pm with lunch provided.  All members are welcome.

One visiting Rotarian was from Scotland and described his club of 40 members. Their annual fundraiser last year made $ 40,000 USD.  Time to get Vegas Baby started, as we now hang our hat on it.