In the early 80s. I was a reporter at KTVN-TV, the CBS affiliate in Reno. Ed Pearce was the news director. During the time I worked there, I shared office space with lots of media-future-stars including Ginger Casey, Elizabeth Vargas, Pat Naegle, Tony Kovaleski, Patricia McRae. Interestingly, I stopped by the KTVN crew's area on New Year's Eve and introduced myself as a former co-worker. The reporter and photographer gave me little more than a passing glance. They had no interest in me or my stories. But that's another blog...
I like to say I was much younger, cuter and thinner (not than those previously listed, just as compared to me now). Those things are true.
Art was the guy we in the media called when we wanted to do a story at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks. Back then, the Nugget was the only major casino that had an elephant as it's spokes-animal and it was the only big casino NOT in downtown Reno (located in Sparks, next door). Art handed us media-types drink tickets sparingly but we knew that if we needed an interview about a gambling story, he could get it.
At some point in my professional career, I grew weary of reporting. Frankly, it happened pretty quickly after Ed allowed me on the air. Maybe because I wasn't very good! I loved the news but hated being on camera.
John's office was next to mine. I have a loud voice so he knew my secret failings and failures as soon as I spoke them out loud. Which, at age 27, I did often. To anyone who would listen. And yet, we fell in love. (awwwww).
Recently, John and I visited Art when we were in Reno. Mainly, we wanted to thank him. For hiring me. For being the conduit to our more than two decades of married life. Art is now 85-years-old and still has the best stories about Reno, ever. He's a book, waiting to be told.
We are grateful. Thank you, Art Long.
