Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Group has time of its life

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Sept. 6, 2001 | 8:27 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Reach her at deskin@ lasvegassun.com.

It all started six years ago when some old codgers were noshing their nosh at a local deli.

The weekly luncheon had become the scene for telling tall tales and reminiscing about the good old days.

One day a member of the gang opined as to how it was a shame so much of Las Vegas history was taken for granted.

"Wouldn't it be great to have a get-together of longtime residents just to keep in touch?" one asked.

That was the beginning of what has become the annual Old Timer's Re-Union, for those who have lived in Las Vegas 30 years or more.

When it was decided they had stumbled onto a good idea, the planning started. For a feminine touch the guys invited Thalia Dondero, Claudine Williams and myself to help with the project. We met at Arizona Charlie's, with former mayor Ron Lurie as our host. Arizona Charlie's' management had faith in the idea and offered facilities for the first-ever Old Timer's Dinner.

If something can be said to have been too successful, that affair was. When the word got out, the response was immediate and tickets were as hard to get as those for last weekend's Madonna concert.

The result was that almost 400 people packed a room that should have held far less. Longtime Las Vegas residents stood in line waiting to get their seats.

It was a resounding success and the social event of the year. But organizers realized that a larger facility would be needed in the future.

Enter Jim Seagrave and the Stardust. The rest is history. Every year the place has been packed with hundreds of residents happily greeting old friends and swapping stories.

So, when Ken Johann called and asked if I would include the particulars of this year's dinner in a column, I was only too happy to oblige.

The sixth annual Old Timer's Re-Union Dinner will be held at the Stardust on Oct. 7. The cost per person is $35, and I challenge anyone to find a better bargain.

Of course there will be entertainment, featuring some stars of yesterday, but the main attraction is the chance to meet and greet old friends of 30 years or longer.

I can't help remembering the words of one of the original organizers, Jack Kogan, when he said, "We have to do this soon as we don't know how long we will be here." Kogan is gone and so is original committee member Paul Endy, but their memories linger.

We owe thanks to that original group, which included Ralph and Lou Pears, Abe Fox, Johann, and others I can't remember. For that I apologize.

The Sun's Joe Delaney has been a willing helper, as have the ladies who rule over the ticket table.

My advice: Call Ken Johann Realty at 382-6336. Ask for Ken or Caroline and order your tickets early. They won't last long.

Another quick reminder of good things to come. The 29th annual Greek Food Festival, Sept. 21-23 at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, 5300 S. Camino Road. I guarantee this is a must on your calendar, especially if you enjoy Greek music, food and dancing. Watch the newspaper for more information about this experience in Greek culture.