Many years ago, there was a very active card room located in the Prospector’s Club. At that time, the Prospector’s was a men’s club of some 400 members.
At lunch time, a score of members opted to have their lunch served in the card room. Others would dine in the restaurant facility then hastily make their way to the card room for spirited games of Gin Rummy and Bridge.
One of the regulars at the Gin table was well-respected barrister, the late Bud Bradley. On the rare occasions that he would have a losing day, he would always accompany his payoff with the usual quote, “I’d better get back to the office and root through the files to see if I can find a ‘goody’.” By “goody” he probably meant some active file to which he could attach a new billing.
Following the Bradley mantra the other day, I rooted through the files in order to come up with some topics for this column. Among the items I found were: No. 1, a newsletter from the Reno Media Press Club of May 2000. The missive contained information about the fact that the popular club was having its inaugural awards banquet on June 16, 2000. Featured speaker for the evening was former Nevada Governor, Mike O’Callaghan and his presenter was State Senator William J. Raggio. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Monsignor Leo McFadden. Numerous awards were presented to outstanding members of all types of media. Proceeds from the occasion went to benefit the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University. I happened to be the Charter President of the RMPC and Bob Carroll was first Vice President with Roy Powers as Second Vice President. Chairman of the Board was Rollan Melton and Don Dondero was Sergeant-at-Arms. Resident Agent was John Sande III and Secretary was Zach Spencer. Among the long list of Directors were names like Judd Allen, Don Burke, Neal Cobb, Art Long, Connie McMullen, George Galante, Marilyn Newton, Bill Raggio, Betty Stoddard Muncie and her son, Dick Stoddard. At its peak, the RMPC had a membership of 120 and was designed as a collegial place for all types of media personnel to gather.
Item No. 2 was a June 2000 issue of the Pack Edge, which was a 28-page tabloid newspaper that featured University of Nevada Athletics. The publisher was Ken Moen, who was a peripatetic photographer along with his other duties. The paper was the best publicity item the University ever had and it was promulgated to former and current athletes as well as being circulated throughout the town. A monthly publication, it was free, which meant that all of its copies were quickly snatched up. It was supported by many of the most famous businesses in the county with ads from such companies as Champion Chevrolet, Western Nevada Supply, Reno Toyota, Pepsi Cola, Puliz Moving and Storage, Savage and Son, Sullivan’s and the old El Cortez Lounge.
Details of the Pack Edge demise can best be learned from publisher Moen.
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