The Wheel for June 7, 2018
Listen to Richard Jost, Fennemore Craig – UAVs in Nevada
The Wheel
Richard Jost, Fennemore Craig – UAVs in Nevada
Richard is an attorney with Fennemore Craig and Jones. He works with clients seeking legal assistance in the areas of aviation, municipal finance, project development, energy law, planning and zoning, and related tax and securities law issues. For much of his career, Richard’s work has focused on tax-exempt projects and real estate based financings, particularly in the areas of affordable housing and redevelopment.
Richard leads the firm’s Aviation, Aerospace and Autonomous Systems practice group. As a member of the firm’s renewable energy industry team, Richard works closely with Nevada officials to assist renewable energy organizations creating business entities in Nevada. He also participated in the development and implementation of Nevada’s master-planned community special assessment district law. Additionally, Richard was an initial member of the board of directors that formed the State of Nevada chartered medical professional liability insurance company.
Richard is a frequent lecturer and also teaches law classes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He also devotes much of his spare time to the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow, which provides vocational assistance.
His awards and honors include Best Lawyers in America, Government Contracts, 2018; Top Lawyers in Vegas Inc., 2013, and AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated (the highest rating available), by Martindale-Hubbell. Richard received his Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University College of Law, and a B.A. from Dickinson College.
Message From The President
Dear Rotarians,
Since 1985, Rotary has been at the forefront of eradicating polio around the world contributing more than $1.7 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries.
Just last week, my son Samuel, received his polio vaccination and I’m proud to know that Rotary helped make it possible for him, and others like him, to never have to suffer from this paralyzing and potentially fatal disease.
Today, there are only three endemic countries: Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Just 37 cases were confirmed worldwide in 2016, which dropped to 22 last year, and so far in 2018, there has only been 9 reported cases! We certainly are “this close” to eradicate only the second diseases ever – smallpox being the first.
For only $0.60 you can help provide the necessary vaccines, transportation, and materials needed in the fight against polio. Donate now, so that one day you can tell your children and grandchildren that you were part of the team that eradicated this horrible disease.
Michael Gordon
95th President
Rotary Club of Las Vegas
Member Highlights
Kirk Alexander announced that we have 6 member volunteers for the Project Mercy home build in Mexico.
Our meeting was opened with an invocation from Jerry Engel.
Jaime Goldsmith won the Lawry Bucks.
Nellis Night at the Lights FC game!
Arleen Sirois shocked us all by pulling the joker and winning the POT. Go Arleen!
PP Tom Krob introduced his guest the director of the local Boy Scouts Mike Marchese.
At President Michael’s table was Dr. Walt Rulffes, the President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Nevada Andy Bischel and his Development Director Clay Buck.
PP David Thorson reminded us of the debunking party of President Michael on 6/28 with a Safari Theme.
More from Nellis NIght at the Lights game!
PP Brock Fraser presented our speaker Andy Bischel of the Boy and Girls Clubs of Nevada with our Share What You Can award.
Jaime Goldsmith led the club in singing “Home Means Nevada”.
Sergeant At Arms Jimmelle gave the microphone to Annee Nounna who introduced her guest.
PEE Jackie Thornhill reminded us of the Paul Harris matching opportunity.
PP Karen Whisenhunt presented our Youth Exchange Student Pili Bianco with a Paul Harris Fellow and a check for $600 for her upcoming travels. Congratulations Pili!
President Michael presented Anil Melnick, PP Karen Whisenhunt and PP Jim Tucker with 4-way test coins in recognition of their Service above Self.
Ted McAdam gave us a recap and the highlights of last week’s visit to Creech Air Force Base.
Kirk running the Mexico superbuild.
PP Jim Hunt and Erik Astramecki were recognized with $95 fines.
Jimmelle and Luci Parodi reminded us of the Alpine Picnic at Bob Werner’s cabin.
Luci, Erik, and Kirk at the Mexico Superbuild.
Jaime Goldsmith led the club in singing “Home Means Nevada”.
PP Jim Hunt and Erik Astramecki were recognized with $95 fines.
Scribe – May 31, 2018
Las Vegas Rotary Club Meeting: May 31, 2018
- President Michael Gordon called the meeting to order. Jerry Engel gave the invocation. Jaime Goldsmith led the club in singing ‘Home Means Nevada’, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Sergeant at Arms was Jimmelle Siarot
- There were (0) International Rotarians, (1) visiting Rotarians and (2) Guests of Rotarians introduced.
- Four Way Test Coins were awarded to PP Jim Tucker, PP Karen Whisenhunt, and Anil Melnick by President Michael for their generous Service Above Self.
- PEE Jackie Thornhill reminded club members the PHF matching funds will be available through the end of June.
- PP Karen Whisenhunt made a special Paul Harris Fellow presentation to our Youth Exchange Student, Pili Bianco, who thereafter provided photos of the many events and activities she has participated in during her stay in Las Vegas, before leaving to travel the US on a train ride and then returning to her home in Argentina. Pili was also presented with a check for $600 by PP Karen for the US train ride.
- The Club was treated to a video of Cake Boss with new TV Stars Janice Lencke and PP Kathy Dalvey
- Announcements/Reminders: PEE Jackie Thornhill reminded members the 2nd Quarter Wetzel Ceremony will take place on 6/7 at a new time of 3:30 p.m., meeting at the Visitors Center at 3:00 p.m.; David Squier reminded members of the highway clean up on 6/9 at 8 a.m. across the entrance to Bonnie Springs with post clean up brunch at Jerry Sennes’ home; Luci Parodi reminded members the Alpine Picnic is scheduled for 7/21 at Bob Werner’s mountain cabin retreat and members are asked to volunteer for a picnic preparation ‘clean up’ on 7/14; ; PP Dave Thorson reminded members the debunking party for President Michael is set for 6/28, ‘Safari casual’, and will take place at Cili Restaurant at the Bali Hai Golf Club, with cocktails at 5 p.m. and 74 airmen will be guests at the Lights FC game on 6/2.
- Kirk Alexander announced 6 members from our club will be participating in Project Mercy on 6/2, to build a house in Mexico and that for the fiscal year, our club’s contribution to the housebuilding project, totaled $6,500, including $3,100 raised ‘on the floor’ during a weekly lunch.
- The weekly drawing began at $2,435 plus this week’s donations. The Ticket Winner was Arlene Sirois who picked the Joker and the Lawry’s Bucks Winner was Jaime Goldsmith.
- PP Brock Fraser introduced our speaker program, Andy Bischel, the President/CEO of the (combined) Boys & Girls Clubs of So. Nevada, who started the program with poignant words of Socrates related children, so applicable today. We were provided with the Mission Statement and impact of what BGCSNV does, focusing on academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles, while providing a safe and positive environment, supportive relationships, outcomes and expectations, recognition and fun for the more than 20,000 youth, ages 5-18 at 14 clubhouses. Caring responsible citizens is a goal for the BGCSNV shared by the Youth Development Professionals working at the clubs who recognize the importance of letting the kids have a voice and listening to them.
- PP Brock Fraser presented our speaker with a “Share What You Can” award to benefit a veteran in need and then adjourned the meeting.