The event activities were held at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas on the Springs Preserve.  This structure was a handsome venue for our meetings.  The Nevada Museum content covered many interesting facets of the local culture dating back to prehistoric skeletons, Native American culture, settlement culture, and fast forwarding to casinos and chorus girls.  For attendees, who had never been in Las Vegas, the museum presented an overall cultural understanding of where our meeting was held in relationship to the vast desert that surrounded Las Vegas.  The museum told of the growth of the surrounding area from the small settlement at the original water springs to this sprawling city of glitz and glamour.  For those of us who spend most of our time in small town America where it is “green”, there was an “ooh” and “aah” everywhere we looked—including the casino no matter the time of day. 

 Event coordinator, Naomi Shaw, led us through the event with the skill of a professional organizer.  We all benefited from her energy, sense of detail, and hospitality.  Organizing the event in Las Vegas while living in Missouri was quite a feat to be appreciated.  Our lesson is:  never underestimate the daughter of a CCC Boy. 

The event activities started on Thursday evening with a warm welcome that continued for the rest of the event.  Everyone dubbed it a great success.

The 2016 Annual Gathering in Las Vegas stated with a contrast of culture and sounds. Thursday afternoon we gathered to meet our shuttle that would give us a ride to the Nevada Museum of Las Vegas.    From the hotel registration area and mail entrance, we could see and hear the activity in the casino which covered the first floor of the hotel.   There were many curious newcomers walking about and even more folks firmly planted in front of a gambling machine with drink in hand.   

To start our first evening of activities our destination was Las Vegas Springs Preserve and the Nevada Museum of Las Vegas.  The Springs Preserve was a stark and welcome contrast to the hubbub of the casino.  Quiet paths displaying native plants led us to the museum building where we would spend the greater portion of our time.    For those who were not familiar with desert vegetation, it was a chance to get a close look and the interesting plants which had evolved for desert survival.

Event coordinator, Naomi Shaw, welcomed our merry group of travelers.  It was nice to see old friends and become acquainted with newcomers who were getting introduced to the annual gathering events.   Museum Director, Dennis McBride, and administrative counterpart, Maureen McDonough welcomed us and helped us to get organized for success  After introductions and our meal, we had time to enjoy casual conversation about the CCC.  CCC alumni and family members shared their stories about the CCC experience. The sincere tone of the conversations were a reflection of the dedication that all of us have as CCC advocates to make sure that the heritage of the CCC is not forgotten. 

 These conversations are the core of who we are as members of CCC Legacy and brought a meaningful closure to our first day of activities.