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In this interview, Jon Sparer discusses his involvement as the architect of Congregation Ner Tamid's synagogue in Green Valley. He explains details of the building including the concrete tilt-up form, glass windows and the incorporation of quotes throughout the building. Sparer also discusses his involvement with the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center) as a board member.
According to architect Jon Sparer, when he moved to Las Vegas in the early 1980s, the art of the deal was still based on a "handshake." It was just after the infamous MGM fire and Jon went to work for Rissman and Rissman. He later worked for Marnell Corrao Associates until 2001, and then as a principal in his own firm. He is now retired. While honing his design skills with the exciting transformation of the Strip into a world-class destination, Jon also became an active contributor to the Las Vegas community. Among his most notable experiences was being on the search committee for a new location for the fast growing Congregation Ner Tamid and then the architectural design for the synagogue's location in Henderson. It was a unique experience and Jon tells how he approached each aspect of the religious facility and how it would provide a memorable setting for life experiences. Jon has been involved with Jewish Family Services and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). In addition, Jon along with his husband John Klai have been instrumental in the LGBTQ community and the opening of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada [The Center]. In this interview, he also talks about the significance of The Center/ and its success in working with the Clark County Health District, as well as providing a user-friendly experience for all who visit The Center and the Bronze Cafe located there.
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The Donn Arden Photographs (approximately 1920-1989) contain photographs, negatives, and photographic slides of dancer and choreographer Donn Arden. The photographs primarily document Arden's life as a dancer and choreographer in Las Vegas, Nevada and in Paris, France, including performances at the Stardust Hotel, Desert Inn, and MGM Grand in Las Vegas and the Lido in Paris. The photographs also depict rehearsals, dancers, showgirls, Arden's friends and family, and performance locations.
Archival Collection
The Mesquite Club Records (1911-2016) contain the organizational files of the Mesquite Club, the oldest women's service club in Las Vegas, Nevada. Materials include meeting agendas and minutes, correspondence, committee reports, newsletters, scrapbooks, and photographic prints and negatives. The records document the club's administrative structure, community service projects, social events, and relationship with the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC).
Archival Collection
Ronzone Family Papers (1900-1991) include newspaper clippings, business documents, correspondence, certificates, yearbooks, publications, artifacts, and photographs. The papers document their lives in Nevada, their department store, and Dick Ronzone's involvement in local politics.
Archival Collection
The Fallman Family Papers (approximately 1950-2005) consist of correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographic prints and slides, scrapbooks, and pamphlets from James and Ima Fallman and their daughter, Janice. The correspondence primarily relates to James and Ima Fallman and chronicles Ima's involvement with the Francisco Garces chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), James's work as a bartender in Las Vegas, Nevada, and awards he received during World War II. The newspaper clippings mention either James Fallman or his daughter, Janice, and her involvement with the Las Vegas High School Rhythmettes dance team. The majority of materials from Janice describe her school days at Las Vegas High School and events participated in as a child and young adult.
Archival Collection
The Tamara Pickett Papers (1977-1998) are comprised of materials related to the experiences of transgendered individuals in America. The collection includes transgender publications, scientific articles about sex reassignment surgery, and informational material provided to Pickett from various doctors as she planned her own sexual reassignment surgery.
Archival Collection
The Fercos Family Publicity Collection (approximately 1978-1989) contains newspaper articles, advertisements, and a poster promoting the Flying Fercos, a family of juggling and acrobatic performers who performed in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Dunes Hotel during the 1970s and 1980s. The materials document the Fercos family's act as part of producer Frederic Apcar's shows such as
Archival Collection
Materials in this collection (1969-1989) document various endeavors of the Operation Life organization. They include original correspondence, meeting minutes, news clippings, medical programs, grant applications, legal and financial documents, brochures and pamphlets, and other materials that provide context on the kinds of services provided by Operation Life. These files were kept by Jack Anderson in the course of his work as attorney for Operation Life.
Archival Collection