No One Asked Me But… (September 21, 2016)

By DR. LARRY MOSES

Gold Star… The Friday Night Lights were on as the Mojave High School Rattlers from Las Vegas were in town for a football game against our Moapa Valley High School Pirates. The Pirates won 34-19 but that was anti-climatic, as the evening opened with a dedication to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attack.

Prior to the start of the game, both teams lined up at the opposite goal lines, and met at the middle of the field. The Moapa Valley High School football team was led by United States Marine Corps Lance/Corporal Darrell Moffatt who carried our national flag. After a moment of silence, the Moapa Valley Pep Band played the national anthem. Both teams stood with their hands over their hearts. As the song ended, the players raised their helmets in a salute.

In this day of protests, it was great to see coaches who have taught their players respect for the flag and the nation that makes Friday Night Lights possible.
It has been a while since I have presented a Gold Star. However, one goes out to those who prepared the pre-game show last Friday.

No one asked me but… There are number of events in the next couple of months that are important to Moapa Valley. On Saturday September 24, the Logandale Trails is hosting National Public Lands Day. The event will begin at 8 a.m. and will stage at the main trailhead’s shade structure. Donuts, coffee, and juice will be available.

Those who choose to attend will be organized into groups and given various service projects to clean and improve the trails. At noon, all participants will return to the same location for a free lunch. There will be door prizes, activities, and fun.

Shade structures and trash cans will be painted. Some volunteers will have the task of planting native plants, and others restoring the parking area to ADA standards. There are safety signs to be installed. Speed limit signs will be put up at the trailhead and throughout the campsites. Fire rings will be rebuilt and campsites cleaned. This is a great project for our valley’s many service agencies.

Rotary will definitely be there. Rotary has established an ambassador program for the Trails. Rotary members like Dennis Anderson, Ken Robison, and Chuck Utgard travel the trails and greet those who have come from as far away as Denmark.

I had an opportunity to ride along with Dennis and Ken one afternoon. Once the trail users realized we were not BLM or park officials, they were appreciative of the maps and water we provided them. After a few minutes of friendly conversation, they gladly filled out a short form that asked for their opinion of the trails and what would help improve their experience.

The Logandale Trails is a great draw into our valley. The lore of the Trails brings people from all over the world to see our valley. They spend their money in our stores and gas stations. We need to do all we can to support the Logandale Trails project. I want to stress that THIS IS NOT A BLM EVENT.

On Oct. 15, 2016, starting at 8:30 a.m. the Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 17th Annual Car Show. The Moapa Valley Rotary will be cooking breakfast on that day. It is a great opportunity to see cars from the past, some restored, and some made into hotrods. There will be food booths, crafts booths, as well as auto part booths. This is always a great walk down memory lane where you can find a car you owned in the past.

A third great event is the Logandale Fall Festival. This three-day event runs October 21-23. The Logandale Fall Festival is a combination of events. There is a BBQ cook off, for which the Moapa Valley Rotary supplies the judges. It is a tough job but someone must make the sacrifice.

For those of us who remember the days when the Southern Nevada Bluegrass Society hosted a three-day event, this festival brings back the bluegrass singers. There will be a craft fair, Rock and Gem show, a kid zone, and a small animal fair. Pick up a three-day pass and enjoy the music, crafts, and food.

On October 21 at the Old Overton Gym, there is a Family Friendly Carnival. This is the annual fund and membership drive for the Old Overton Gym. The gym was restored a few years ago and has been serving as a gym for the middle school as well as a place for various community groups to meet. There is a dance room at one end of the gym and a weight room at the other end. The event will run from 5-7 p.m. The will be food, bake sale, games and prizes. People are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.

The next day, October 22, has been set aside at the fairgrounds for an event titled Tough Enough To Wear Pink. This roping event raises funds for breast cancer research.

October 24, a Monday night, the Moapa Valley Performing Arts Council will present Gentri: The Gentlemen Trio. This trio sings three part harmony. The program begins at 7 pm, and is performed at the Ron Dalley Theatre at Moapa Valley High School.

November 4-5 are set aside for the 2016 Moapa Valley Art Guild’s 20th Annual Pomegranate Arts and Crafts Festival. The festival will be held at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Logandale.
This festival has become an important part of Moapa Valley traditions enjoyed by both locals and visitors. It is similar to an old fashion country fair with various activities for all to enjoy. This festival features: fine arts and crafts booth, free entertainment, the ability to purchase pomegranate jams, jelly, local honey, and candies. There will be numerous food booths so bring an appetite. There will be art projects for the kids and raffles of many valuable items.

The final event I have enjoyed in the past is the Lost City Museum – Native American Day, on November 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event highlights Native American culture and features dancers, traditional artists, and crafts-people. Native American food and Native American jewelry will be on sale.

Keeping in mind this does not take into account the many school activities. For a sleepy little community we have a lot to offer.

Thought of the week…Art is anything people do with distinction.
– Louis Dudek