County leaders capture moment in time

By Erin Dostal

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

In 2109, Clark County’s future commissioners will open a capsule containing a peek into history.

Clark County’s commissioners buried a time capsule Tuesday morning at the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Parkway. The burial of the capsule is part of a year of events commemorating the county’s centennial.

Each commissioner placed an item in the capsule.

Clark County Commission Chairman Rory Reid contributed a letter that discussed difficult economic times but expressed hope for a better future.

“My hope is that, as good as gaming has been to our generations, yours may benefit from a more diversified economy — and that, as a result, your citizens prosper,” the letter said.

Clark County Manager Virginia Vanetine, Reid, Commission Vice Chairwoman Susan Brager, and commissioners Larry Brown, Tom Collins, Steve Sisolak and Lawrence Weekly spoke at the event.

The year’s centennial events were meant not only to preserve the past but to bring together the community today, officials said.

“I think Clark County is a transient place,” Reid said. “We need a greater sense of community...We want to make people understand that there’s a rich history here.”

Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani, a former educator, contributed a half of a wooden apple for education. Written on it was: “An apple for the teacher, support public education, 11/30/2009” and the commissioner’s signature.

Former Las Vegas Stars baseball player Larry Brown contributed a baseball with the names of his three children and his wife written on it.

“Baseball brought me to Las Vegas,” he said, adding that his life here has been about “baseball and bureaucracy.”

A children’s book titled “Springs in the Desert: A Kid’s History of Las Vegas,” and clippings from the Las Vegas Sun, the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the New York Times were also included.

“Learning about our history is important,” said Brager, who contributed a scrapbook of photos. “We’re still a baby, baby state.”

Many items focused on the environment.

A history of Lake Mead, which has an uncertain future, was included, as well as poker chips that read: “Protect and conserve our water — a safe bet.”

Collins contributed a belt buckle and a letter.

“There are a lot of neat things here,” Collins said. “We are the greatest destination in the world.”

Sisolak contributed a bottle of red wine.

“They’ll be able to dig it up and hopefully be able to toast to the last 100 years,” he said.