Seven days that changed the history of the State of Nevada. One week to the day, Monday, October 17, 2016 — when Governor Brian Sandoval signed into law AB-1, which will put more cops out on the streets. And signed SB-1, which the Governor proudly called, “legislation putting thousands of Nevadans back to work”. Seven days earlier, the Nevada State Legislature had been called back into special session. Would there be enough votes to create a landmark public and private partnership? It would be a struggle, as there was plenty of opposition. Several speakers have been invited today to share their perspective on how the final votes were achieved. Governor Sandoval, and the remarkable coalition of leaders assembled now believe that by moving forward with public safety; the expansion of the Convention Center; as well as the building of a new stadium to house both the Las Vegas Raiders and the UNLV Rebels, the end result will bring Billions of dollars in new revenue; more convention visitors and tourists; and a significant growth in total plane seats sold and hotel room nights filled. An enthusiastic Governor Sandoval proudly declared, “We will continue to grow and be the number one tourist and hospitality destination on the planet.” The Governor specifically thanked Jim Murren, Steve Wynn and Jan Jones whose testimony up in Carson City made history. He also thanked the bi-partisan leadership of the State Legislature for their support.

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

Well, the Las Vegas Rotary Club just had another great week of service and fellowship. We started off with Marie Walsh leading another great Breakfast with Books at Beckley Elementary School. That was followed by Kirk Alexander leading a team to Tecate, Mexico to build a house as part of the Corazon project. That same night back here in Las Vegas, Erik Astramecki performed a first for our club by combining his MMA fighting debut with a fund raiser for our canned food drive. That gave “Sock it to Hunger” a completely new meaning!

What other organization can possibly provide this depth and breadth of activities?

Having so much fun while simultaneously providing so much service almost makes one feel guilty until I stumbled across the following quote from a very famous person which I think rings very true. Can you identify the originator?

“Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant
nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into
nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.”

As we continue with our very busy calendar, Las Vegas itself is having quite a week with the new stadium project being approved and a presidential debate happening all within a span of a few days. This is indeed a remarkable time to be a Las Vegan and a member of our club!

David Thorson
President 2016 -2017

• President David Thorson called the meeting to order.
• Francesca Gilbert gave the invocation. Larry Tomsic led the club in singing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game.” The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the Sergeant-at-Arms was Past President Russ Swain.
• There was (1) International Rotarian, (3) Visiting Rotarians and (7) Guests of Rotarians were introduced.
• The drawing began at $1,433.00 plus this week’s donations. The winner gets half the pot and half goes to the Las Vegas Rotary Foundation. Ticket Winner: Past President Karen Whisenhunt who drew an Ace and won $50! Lawry Bucks Winner: Judy Phebus.
• President David Thorson reminded the club the Red Rock Rotary is hosting their annual “Strike a Pose” head shot event on October 22 and 25, 2016.
•  President David Thorson updated us on the progress of Joan Murdoch and her appreciation of our good wishes.
• President David Thorson let us know that the program for our October 20th meeting would be topical and related to either the stadium project or the presidential debate.
• Janice Lencke updated us on great progress with the Cars for a Cause Show with total money raised already greater than last year’s event. We are targeting this to be a big fund raiser for our activities.
• Arleen Sirois announced that the most recent “Wine to Water” event raised $900.
•  Marie Walsh informed the club that “Breakfast with Books” served 181 people on Monday.
• Anil Melnick announced that the UNLV Tailgate Party is on October 22, 2016 at 11:30am.
•  Erik Astramecki announced that he has raised $1,300 with his upcoming King of the Cage fight on October 15, 2016 at The Cannery for the Rotary Annual Canned Food Drive making the current total over $8,000!
• Kirk Alexander announced that they are all ready for the Corazon Super Build on October 15, 2016.
• Jaime Goldsmith announced that a Rotary Halloween Party will be at The Avengers Station located inside Treasure Island on October 28, 2016 at 8pm. The first 150 people in costume are free.
• Tom Krob announced that Santa Clothes will be held on December 8, 2016. We still need volunteers and donations.
• Francesca Gilbert was “fined” $500 for her appearance on local TV as a real estate expert.
• Janice Lencke introduced the speaker, Jasmine Sligh, Program Director for the Cleveland Clinic, Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and Keep Memory Alive. They provided Alzheimer’s Support to patients and caregivers through programs and services. The programs are designed to illicit memories and to give the patient power in their environment. To learn more about brain health visit www.healthybrain.org
• President David Thorson presented the speaker with the Sole Power Award and adjourned the meeting.