Las Vegan Magazine of Las Vegas

By: Marjorie Drew

HEROES RACING FOR EDUCATION
Statistics show Bart Simpson as the most popular answer among children asked to name a hero. Why? Andy Lewis, a 15-year veteran Firefighter for the City of Las Vegas is working to change that notion. What better way to grab the public's attention for education on fire prevention, especially children's, than with a cool racing motorcycle?

He built the motorcycle, then convinced the Chief and the City Council by explaining just what the idea would accomplish. Soon, the Las Vegas Fire Department became the first to have an N.H.R.A. approved Pro Stock Drag Bike, capable of 180 mph in 7.6 seconds! This unique attention grabber has taken Andy and Crew Chief, Neil Carter, to races in California, Arizona, Utah and Colorado, as well as locally.

"We come in the auditorium on the bike and instantly get the kids' attention," Andy said. "Depending on what has gone on prior to our arrival, we tailor our talks toward that. We stress awareness of fire safety, life saving measures, and drug education," Andy said. "We just have a different angle than Metro. Metro says, 'Do drugs, drink and drive, and you'll go to jail.' We say, 'You'll see us, because we'll be there to pick up the pieces.'"

At the Martin Luther King Day parade, over 300 pictures were distributed. If you wish to support this program, or become a sponsor to increase community awareness, please contact Andy or Neil, the "real" heroes. Andy said, "Your donation or sponsorship will also help establish the F.I.R.E. (Firefighters Involved in Racing for Education) Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will allow a local student the ability to attend UNLV." Donations are tax deductible. Please call Andy Lewis, Driver at 897-9893 or Neil Carter, Crew Chief at 203-3906.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE
Jacqueline Frisvold is from Minnesota. Las Vegas was never in her scheme of things. She dreamed of the arts, going to college. After high school, she worked at Pako Corporation to save money for college. Her first job as file clerk took a twist when an opening occurred in the technical illustration department. It wasn't the 'art' she'd envisioned, but she was interested. Soon she married and had a son. Fate stepped in when her husband's job moved them to Las Vegas.

Once here, a job-search went awash. "Computers," she said, "were taking over, so I had to look for something else. Soon after, her husband's job and their marriage ended, and work became imperative. She applied for a position as a change person at the Gold Spike Hotel/Casino but... another twist. She was hired as front desk night auditor. "That was strange in itself," Jackie said, "because I think I had one course in bookkeeping in high school."

Jackie's creativity now produces front desk and audit manuals for the computer, brochures, and for working with the public. "This is a small hotel/casino and many of our guests are repeat customers," said Jackie. "They like the intimacy of our hotel; the courtesy of our employees, being called by their name... we treat people with respect and consideration." Women, young girls... and men, too, could certainly learn from her work ethic, integrity, and heart, that nothing is impossible.

THEATER: ALIVE AND WELL IN LAS VEGAS
If you experienced Paul Harris' performance in "HOME FRONT",

you've only witnessed the tip of his talent. Many people know Paul as charming and funny, but most of all as having a deep love of theater. After the war, Paul attended college. Paul said, "I was interested in theater, but there wasn't an official degree offered at that time, so I took journalism."

Married and running low on money, he asked himself if he should continue to study or go out in the field for practical experience. A job seemed the most equitable, so he took a teaching position at a private all-girls college in Pennsylvania, but his Ph.D. nagged at him, so they returned to Palo Alto and Stanford. In the fall of 1959, four months before he was formally offered his degree, he came to UNLV.

"There were but two buildings on campus: Frazer Hall and Grant Hall. We were officially the Southern Regional Division of the Reno campus," Paul said. "I got my Ph.D. in 1960, and was directing plays and teaching directing, acting, and theater history. Finally, I was able to hire Jerry Crawford and we gradually developed the program. In 1967 we got the okay to start an official drama department." Over the years, Paul became Dean of the Fine Arts College, later incorporated into the College of Arts and Letters. After 30 years, Paul retired, and was honored by the naming of the Paul C. Harris Theater.

"The faculty and staff are all first rate people and they are really making the department quite visible throughout the country." "And," he added, "one of the delights of the program is Dr. Ann McDonough, who initiated the Senior Adult Program." If you ever see a production with his name anywhere near it, you'll know it has some of those wonderful things that keep theater alive and well in Las Vegas.

IMAGINE THAT
Cheryl Andert has been at the top of the Honor Rolls and Dean's List since elementary school and not because her last name begins with "A". A Las Vegas native, this lovely 16-year old is smart and goal-driven. Her mother knew Cheryl was extraordinary when she began to read herself to sleep before starting Laura Dearing Elementary. The next stop was K.O. Knudson Middle School, and now Chaparral High. "It hasn't been easy," Cheryl said. "I was apprehensive about each coming grade, but I worked hard. I've had good teachers. They showed concern about their students and cared if work was completed."

Cheryl's subjects include English 11 Honors, "English 11 Honors," she explained, "is an accelerated English class... above average English requirement. It helps prepare for college because those who look to access you, like to see Honors classes. It shows that you have the ability to work in school."

What's her goal? "Pediatrics, because I love little kids and I figure anything I could do to help them would work to my advantage; to have a job I actually wanted to do. I know it'll take me eight years of college, but I'm willing to work hard to fulfill my dream."