Welcome to "THE FIORE FORUM"
Here you will get to meet all our members.
Here we will also exchange ideas to continue making the F.I.O.R.E. the best and most unique non club-club in the whole world, Henderson, Panaca, and Pahrump.
If you would like to share your thoughts about “this thing of ours”, just send your ideas to: nonclubclubfiore@gmail.com and write: THE FIORE FORUM on the subject line.
Ciao.
Sandra Czeisler has posted all photos of 9th meeting
On the button on the side, you will be able to see all the photos taken during our June 9th meeting, and thousands of other photos from the previous meeting. It’s our story.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: SANTINO
Known as the velvet vocal. Singer, Songwriter, Entertainer, Santino takes audiences on a captivating magical journey. Santino is Sicilian descent from Edmonton, Canada, and has performed worldwide shows all over Asia, Europe, and North America. If you like Andrea Bocelli, Santino is the show to see. He will always leave you wanting more.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: ROSE KINGSLEY
OPERA GREAT TURNS JAZZ GREAT
From The Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Phantom on Broadway and Birdland NYC join Rose Kingsley for a Musical Journey.
Rose has crossed over from Opera to Pop Jazz and Blues. and now is a Capitol Records recording Artist. After her debut at Birdland Jazz Club, New York critics have labeled her the Female Sinatra because of the way she sings the Lyrics of the songs. Associated Press said. ” Rose Kingsley is a welcomed and much needed shining new star of Jazz and Cabaret Aficionados.”
During her Career Rose has shared the stage with such greats as Luciano Pavoratti, Placedo Domingo andFrank Sinatra. She has also performed for 3 U.S. presidents, and King Charles.
You can listen to Rose on all radio digital platforms: SERIOUSLY SINATRA, SPOTIFY, PANDORA, GOOGLE APPLE ETC.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: TOM HILLERY
Tom Hillery is from Cambridge, Massachusetts. He moved to Las Vegas to get involved in motion
pictures and radio broadcasting. Tom is executive producer on 16 film projects and writer of four. He is
executive producer of "The Las Vegas Rocks Radio Show" which promotes local live talent and live
venues.
Tom has been issued four United States Patents pertaining to cell phone technology, fashion design and
fire safety devices.
Tom is a member of the Producers' Guild of America and the Harvard Faculty Club, as well as the Italian
American Club, Las Vegas Country Club, Anthem Country Club, and Stirling Club.
Tom has been published in Fortune magazine in the Fortune 500 annual edition and in multiple editions
of Marquis Who's Who publications.
He manages Starlight Production, whose films include “Looks can kill” and “Project solitude”
Tom has a great time with the FIORE club, Nelson Sardelli's organization of Fun Italians Organizing
Ridiculous Events. The Italian people have excelled in arts and sciences for centuries, leading the world
in arts, architecture, sculpture, sailing/navigation/exploring, sciences (think Leonaro da Vinci) and music,
especially opera. Nelson's dynamic verbal delivery and ever present sense of humor make FIORE one of
the happiest places in Las Vegas!
MEET OUR MEMBERS: William "Chuck"
William “Chuck” Knowles was originally from Little Rock Arkansas. At seventeen years old he and a friend joined the US Army, both wanting to become US Army Paratroopers. After a grueling airborne course where 300 men attempted to complete the course, only one hundred and eighty-five finished. He finished his high school diploma while in the US Army.
While in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Chuck was a long range patrol leader and was in combat against the North Vietnamese for his entire tour. During the time in Vietnam, he was promoted to Sergeant, he received the Combat Infantryman’s badge, the Silver Star, and the Army Accommodation award.
Like so many others, he returned from the war and attended college on the GI Bill where he finished his Bachelor of Arts from Lyon’s College in Batesville Arkansas. After graduation he completed the management training program for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. But banking was not for him, so he enrolled in a master’s program in Psychology at the University of Central Arkansas.
After graduation, the public schools were required to provide services to children with disabilities, and there was a movement to deinstitutionalize the mentally ill and use the community based-mental health centers to support those previous state hospital patients. Chuck worked for many years in both the public schools and in local mental health centers providing the necessary services to those in need.
During this time he joined the US Army Reserve, a Special Forces unit where he was a member of a Special forces A-detachment. He continued as a member of the reserve forces until his retirement much later.
While working within the public schools in Kansas, Chuck attended Emporia State University in Emporia Kansas and completed a Specialist Degree in School Psychology (Ed.S), he continued with his graduate education and completed his Doctoral degree in Educational Psychology (Ed.D) from Kansas State University in 1997.
After receiving his Doctoral degree. Chuck devoted his time to owning a Bicycle shop, working in the public schools and as a member of the US Army reserve. He was activated as part of a heavy truck unit for the Iraq war. He deployed with 163 members to northern Iraq in 2004 where they ran heavy convoy missions across Iraq. During the year, they had thirteen wounded and lost three heavy trucks, but all members returned home. Chuck received the Bronze Star for Meritorious service and the Combat Action Badge.
Once he returned home he spent his last working years as a School Psychologist in the public schools before retiring. After retirement, Chuck and Lesa moved to Las Vegas where he has spent his time writing novels and enjoying the sights and sounds of Las Vegas.
His published novels are:
Murphy’s War Stories
The Bicycle Shop
Groom Lake
The Ice Planet
Alien Highway
Alien Destination
A Vietnam Story (Under the pen name of Elliot Murphy).
A screenplay for “Groom Lake” is currently being considered for a feature length movie.
Chuck expects his next novel for publication will be later this year.
Chuck still rides his mountain bike and his road bike. He enjoys scuba diving and playing his guitar and learning how to play the piano. He and Lesa enjoy Las Vegas and they enjoy attending the monthly luncheons at the Italian American club where there is a great group of talented and wonderful people who are like an extended family.
Favorite quote:
“You only live once, but once is enough if you do it right.” Mae West
MEET OUR MEMBERS: PETER PAVONE
Peter arrived in Las Vegas Memorial day of 2011 when he was cast as Frank Sinatra and Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack show at the Rivera and that was the beginning of a long successful career as an entertainer and Producer.
Peter Pavone‘s Frank Sinatra received rave reviews by the critics and he was quick to expand his repertoire to Dean Martin Johnny Cash George strait Abraham Lincoln John Wayne and Howard Hughes which garnered him the 2014 tribute artist of the year award. After appearing in the Riviera , in the Rat Pack Is Back at the Rio in the Tat Pack at the Las Vegas Hilton Peter spread his wings and became Producer of Rat Pack live from Las Vegas and Vegas gone country.
After a run for Lieutenant Governor Peter has returned to Las Vegas as Johnny Cash in the Highwaymen show which is touring the country and has rehung his shingle as business broker, a career which he excelled at before relocating from southern California.
He joined FIORE in 2014 and it’s been all downhill since then.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: RAY BROCCARDO
I am originally from Springfield Illinois, U.S Army Veteran M.P., formal member of the Professional Bowling Assn. Moved to Kansas City, Tacoma WA, there I entered a strained marriage but luckily resulted with two Beautiful Daughters. Then began 20+ year career in Cemetery industry, they moved me from Washington to Oregon California Nevada Texas and back to Illinois where I became the Sales Director of the Cemetery where President Abraham Lincoln buried. A very popular Cemetery, people are dying to get in there.
Five years ago we moved to Vegas and we are here to stay. I am currently working at Nevada Safes where all of my 2nd Amendment can keep their collection safe.
Have been a long time member of the FIORE and enjoy having it as part of my social life.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: VANDY RICHARDS
Vandy Richards, originally from Dallas Texas –Lived in Denver, CO, Norfolk, VA, Corpus Christi, TX, Oklahoma, OK, Honolulu and Haleiwa, Hawaii, Brentwood, TN and landed in Las Vegas at the end of 1999. I was a twirler throughout school and at a football game, I saw a girl wearing a jacket covered in medals. I started competing because I wanted medals too. I found out quickly that medals were for 2nd or 3rd place and you got a trophy for 1st place. (Bummer, I couldn’t put my trophies on my jacket). Having 3 jobs in my life – I was a ballroom dancer and national judge with the Astaire Studios. I worked with Page Boy Maternity Shops – both in the Retail and Manufacturing Division (I said I wanted to see if I could make a living using my brain instead of my body). I married a gentleman who had a Consumer Show Production Company and when he died, I ran that till I retired in 2016. NO, I have never produced a show in Nevada. Most of my work was long distance on the computer, fax machine and telephone although I did go to the different locations for appointments and meetings when necessary. While working, I volunteered at Lou Ruvo for 7 years and picked up watercolor painting for relaxation. After Retirement, I moved into a smaller house to make it easier for my later years but don’t recommend doing that to anyone, it is too difficult! And since moving, I absolutely have no time to do anything and wonder how I was able to do so much when I was working. I think I have figured out that I am either moving a lot slower, or since I can do things whenever I want and have no actual schedule that I must be wasting precious time. I have been coming to IAC for years now, but just recently joined FIORE and am happy to be with people that share my values and can have fun regardless. Thank you FIORE!
MEET OUR MEMBERS: MARTIN MANCUSO
Martin Mancuso, originally from Rochester, New York and moved to Las Vegas in 1962. (I was a little boy)..Living in Las Vegas the majority of my life, I have lived in California for 2 ½ years and, also, 6 months in Greece when I was with a professional locking dance team performing there . When we came back to the states, I moved back to Vegas. I entered talent shows with a couple of the team dancers and as we started winning. Most of you will remember me as the guy that won Star Search. Performing for many years now, I became an” Entertainer Extraordinaire’. Self-taught, I am proficient (very good) on Soprano , Alto and Tenor Saxophones). I also, dabble in variety show skits, comedy and motivational speaking. I have written several songs for the alto sax and have recorded two CD’s that have originals songs – Crystal Blue and Embrace. I have written 4 motivational raps (I prefer to call them Motivational Messages). My first “rap” “Realize your Dream” is also on CD (if you want one) In different stages of recording are Believe & Achieve, God is Love and Success. I like to enhance other people’s lives every day if possible. Whether buying them a cup of soup, opening a door or playing a song that brings a special memory to their heart, helping people is a feel good moment for them as well as me. Not that I have a lot of time, but in my spare time, I am a GYM Junkie and go to work-out every day. I believe that we have to stay healthy and exercise and good eating habits are the basis for good health. An added plus, the ladies like my muscles!
MEET OUR MEMBERS: CHAPLAIN/PASTOR JOHNNY ESKER CROSBY
Chaplain Johnny Esker Crosby was born in Collins, MS. Upon graduation from high school attended the local junior college, as the first black student along with classmates commuted who on an all-white bus to a predominately white junior college. After being the object of racial acts of hatred for several weeks I filed a report with the college dean and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was brought in who provided security for commute to and from the campus for several weeks. However, acts of discrimination continued as the only black member of the college band that was left, after the graduation of the other black member, whereby I was denied the opportunity to travel with the band to the beach on the Gulf Coast for recreational trips.
After graduation from junior college and attending a four-year college for one year, I decided to join the U.S. Air Force to further my education and see the world. My military assignments include: Nellis AFB, Del Rio, TX (1 mile from Mexico); Kadena AB, Okinawa, JA; and Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, Germany on the German, Belgium and The Netherlands borders.
After returning from a special duty tour with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Germany to Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, I united with Unity Baptist Church in 1991. I served faithfully as vice chairperson and (later) chairman of the Board of Deacons. As led by the Holy Spirit, I yielded to the call of God to be His servant to a dying world to proclaim the Doctrine of Jesus Christ. Subsequently, received one-on-one Biblical training for seven years under Dr. Reginald B. Kamara, World Vision Missionary, and former Ambassador of Liberia. Afterwards, served as associate minister—continuing with biblical study.
My military service in the United States Air Force included twenty-four years of honorable military service. In addition, served as associate pastor at First Baptist Church, Las Vegas; and currently serves as associate minister of Progressive Pilgrims Fellowship Church.
My educational accomplishments include: BA degree from Park University; double MA degree from Webster University in Management and Human Relations; and Master of Education in Instructional and Curricular Studies along with certification in Computer Applications from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. In addition, hold lifetime instructor credentials in Business and Industrial Management from the California Community Colleges.
As an educator: Staff positions as Adjunct Professor include Los Angeles Metropolitan College, Central Texas College Far East Division; the University of Maryland and City Colleges of Chicago, in Germany and The Netherlands; the College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, culminating eighteen years; and ending career as technology teacher for Clark County School District.
In service to our veteran community as Chaplain for 18 years include: L.D. Lockhart American Legion Post 14; Las Vegas Blinded Veterans; Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 13; and The American Legion District II (which comprises the southern half of the State of Nevada).
I am the proud father of two sons, and four grandchildren.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: EDWARD (EDDY) AND MARTA DeVRIES
I was born in the Netherlands 2 years before WWII officially ended. My parents had 9 children and I was the middle child. We were very poor and always hungry. I started to work when I was 12 years old to help to feed our family. Children living in the U.S, today have no idea what poverty is, but that hardship and discipline are what made me the person I am today.
I immigrated to America in 1965 and came directly to Las Vegas from New York. I married my beautiful wife Marta in 1973. Marta is from Budapest, Hungary. I came from socialism and my wife came from communism. We never want to see this system of government in America. Both systems mean big government with unlimited powers. They hold back people succeeding and create dependency and laziness and the will to create is taken away and you cannot become self-sufficient. We know that. We lived it.
We have two children and I have passed on my work ethics and smarts onto them and they are both very successful. We have 7 beautiful grandchildren. Las Vegas was the perfect place to be a waiter but I always loved numbers and I was good with math and had above average business sense and thinking. Six years of grammar school education did not stop me from succeeding in the business world. At this moment in my life I am coaching young people in business and how to reach the American dream. We must preserve our freedom!
My friends tell me that I make the greatest Caesar’s salad in the world with just the right amount of garlic with not too many croutons!!!
Marta and I are going to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in 2023.
After retiring as a Registered Nurse, Marta found the sport she always loved as a child: SWIMMING
She joined the “Masters’ Swim Team” and the world opened up to us.
She has participated in many swim competitions. These are just a few: XI FINA World Masters’ Championship, Stanford, California, XII FINA World Masters Championship, Perth, Australia 2nd Zurich International Masters Championship, Zurich, Switzerland
La Jolla Rough Water Swim, La Jolla, California (3 different years), Alcatraz Challenge (San Francisco Bay) from the island to the shore (3 different years)
And, many more championships in different cities, with the master swimmers.
Marta’s love of swimming rubbed off on some of our grandchildren. One granddaughter is a women’s water-polo player in California. Our LV grandson is a Sandpipers swim team swimmer and a part time Life Guard for the Summer.
Marta’s advice for people over 60 years old is: Do a sport you like, (with passion), and you will never get old. Don’t sit at home on the couch and watch TV. KEEP MOVING.
We love being members of the FIORE and enjoy taking our friends to the lunches. Many of them have become members.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: paul x Campanella
Born & raised in Buffalo, New York, Paul began performing in his early teens both as an Actor & Singer. He attended an all-boys Catholic High School where he was voted “Most Likely to make Bail.”
After graduating “Magna Cum Lousy” with a degree in Sarcasm, Paul hit the road with several bands and performed all across the Northeast and Canada (which is part of Northeast). He met his better half, Gloria, and together they raised 3 boys and now have 7 Grandchildren.
In 2005 they took the plunge and moved to Las Vegas so Paul could pursue his career in Show Business. He auditioned and won the role of Anthony Nunzio Sr. in Tony ‘N Tina’s Wedding at The Rio and his acting career took off. Paul’s first musical appearance as a Featured Performer was at The Bootlegger in February 2006 where he bribed the Maitre’ d to seat all the important people like Nelson Sardelli, close to the stage.
Over the next few years what followed was stage and movie appearances with Big Stars like Kevin Hart, Michael Madsen, C. Thomas Howell, Barry Williams, Kaeto Kaelin, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Pete Barbuti, Marty Allen, Shecky Greene, and many more. They all said, “It was an incredible honor to work with Paul.”
In October of 2017, Paul achieved his dream of landing a Las Vegas Residency at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues where he performed with great irregularity until “The Flu” hit.
Most recently as of this date (June 2022), Paul performed in the International Showroom at The Italian American Club of Las Vegas to rave reviews and several Standing Ovulations. He’s booked for another show there on October 30th, 2022 and back east in his hometown of Buffalo NY In September.
Paul is an Award Winning Filmmaker and he currently lives comfortably in Henderson NV with his wife Gloria and their German Shepherd/Malinois mix, Mishka. They like long walks on the Beach, an occasional glass of wine and they are Members in Good Standing of the Henderson Yacht Club.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: LINN and DARYL THOME
I have been a long term care administrator for over 23 years and recently retired as the General Manager for Merrill Gardens at Green Valley Ranch. Prior that that, I was a Program Manager for a post- acute day treatment and residential program for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and other neurological issues.
I am on the Institutional Review Board for Sunrise and Mountain View Hospitals and formerly served on the board of the Nevada Alliance for The Arts, as well as that for the Southern Nevada Division of the American Heart Association. I was also on the Review and Allocation Committee for the United Way.
Music and the arts are very important to me and over the years I have worked with various groups to encourage their growth in Southern Nevada. It is through this pursuit that I got to know Eileen Hayes and it was ultimately through her that my husband Daryl and I became members of the Fiore Club.
Daryl is a retired nuclear scientist. He formerly worked with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and later with EG&G’s Remote Sensing Lab. His work took him to various European nations and he represented this country in Paris with respect to nuclear emergency preparedness talks. After retiring several different times, Daryl became a consultant and continued to work in nuclear emergency preparedness. Interestingly enough, he worked his way through school as the pool manager at the Stardust Hotel. He met and got to know some notable people while there and has a lot of stories about those days.
We very much enjoy the Fiore Club and the great fellowship it offers. The leadership is clearly excellent. Not only that, the luncheons are always fun, entertaining, and informative. It’s a wonderful thing, so please don’t change a thing.
Sandra Czeisler has posted all photos of 12th meeting
On the next button, you will be able to see all the photos taken during our May 12th meeting and thousands of other photos from the previous meeting. It’s our story.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: NANCY WOOLF
For the past 10 years I’ve had the great pleasure to live the life of a happily retired person. Fortunately for me, I choose Las Vegas instead of someplace else to land. There is so much to do here. I enjoy many hobbies—hiking, swimming, and watching movies. But best of all, I enjoy all the live entertainment and festivities that only Las Vegas offers.
Joining the F.I.O.R.E. Club was a natural choice for me. Actually, I first applied to join Italian American Club because I thought that might be a smooth move to ensure dinner reservations. But I was politely told to join the F.I.O.R.E. instead, because it was more fun and more my style. (I was also reassured that access to dinner reservations would be no problem.)
My life of fun here in Las Vegas stands in marked contrast to my former life, which was far more serious. I spent over 30 years at University of California, Los Angeles, where my late husband and I researched the chemical pathway responsible for human memory, cognition, and consciousness. We also dabbled in Alzheimer’s disease research and developed a hypothesis of the disease. We concluded that Alzheimer’s disease is an unraveling of neuroplasticity, and that the number one risk factor is aging. What can be done about this? To this day, I continue to advocate for a gene therapy that would fundamentally address this loss of neuroplasticity. We know the molecular markers of neuroplasticity, so we can remedy the brain damage by replacing what old-age robs from our brains. The fountain of youth in the brain is an abundance of the molecules that mediate neuroplasticity.
And having great fun is good for the brain! Researchers have found dancing and listening to music helps our minds, as well as our bodies, stay young and flexible. So retiring to Las Vegas and joining F.I.O.R.E. are good and positive health choices.
Thank you to Nelson Sardelli and his beautiful wife Lorraine for keeping the community healthy and happy!
MEET OUR MEMBERS: STEPHEN BRAUDE (Emeritus Professor of Philosophy)
I was actually born in Las Vegas, a few months before the end of WW2. I was not assembled in a laboratory, contrary to what some of my detractors say. My father was stationed here during the war. We moved away before I reached the age of 1, and 66 years later I retired and returned here to the scene of the crime. I’m Emeritus Professor of Philosophy and former department Chair at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and I taught there for 42 years, writing 7 books (or 10, depending on what you think about revised and expanded editions) and more than 100 scholarly articles. And I held a 13-year gig as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Scientific Exploration, devoted to the study of scientific anomalies. Much of my research had to do with psychic or paranormal phenomena, and I think it’s fair to say I’m one of the world’s foremost authorities on the subject. I’m also a retired jazz pianist, award-winning stereo photographer, and I’m lucky to be married to the amazing Gina Ruk, psychologist and arguably the world’s greatest astrologer. And, by the way, I have webbed toes. If you’re interested in more grubby details, music selections and some of my many interviews, my website is jazzphilosopher.com.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: SUSAN HEIFETZ
I have been living in Las Vegas since 2014 and was introduced to the FIORE non-club by my niece, Sharon Graziano. I generally attend with my brother Barry. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York I had a variety of successful careers after completing my college degrees at Long Island University; but, what was the most rewarding was where I spent my final 25 years before retiring in 2013. I was a civilian supervisor with the New York City Police Department, responsible for training approximately 12,000 civilian members of the service. It’s still exciting to hear from former students who tell me that when I yelled at them they now realize that it was so necessary at the time. THEY have now become supervisors and understand!
I’m divorced and live in a beautiful Summerlin community with my 5-year-old Maltipoo. But the monthly FIORE luncheon is my favorite activity of all… Great people, great entertainment, great food, all hosted by a great guy!!
MEET OUR MEMBERS: LEN INDELICATO (Leonardo Augusto Indelicato)
I was born in St. Louis, Missouri to parents from Sicily, who couldn’t press one for Italian because we had rotary phones. Oh wait, we didn’t even have a phone at that time so they had to learn English and they did. I learned Italian, slang Sicilian and broken English.
We were four boys and one girl in the family my mom and dad raised five great children. I was a high school drop-out. I had ADD, which was not diagnosed in those days, so without much formal education I went on to build an international company with offices in Switzerland, Germany and corporate offices and manufacturing in California. We had total 168 people worldwide employed. We were in 60 countries in 15 languages. Do you want to know what I was selling don’t laugh, false fingernails. We had injection mold machines manufactured the nails packaging in California and sold every major retailer in the world the business lasted for 30 years. I also hired Florence Griffith-Joyner “Flo Jo“ as a spoke-person for a nail company as we also manufactured a full range of nail art supplies. Prior to that time, I was in the women’s wig business selling to department stores and licensed Oleg Cassini which gave us the only brand name in the industry. He took me to the Johnny Carson show with him on a couple of occasions as well at studio 54. I was young in my 30s having a great time. A couple years later I met Peter Lawford on a flight to New York and became partners with him in the same business for several years till he died. The first job I had after completing four years in the Air Force, on B36 bombers. I headed to California and promoted beauty shows for the Clairol hair color company in the 13 western states based in San Francisco and Los Angeles. I had fun but not much pay that’s why I left and went into the wig business and it was very popular at that time.
In my heart I always wanted to be a singer and performer but Nelson Sardelli beat me to it.
As for the Fiore club, it’s such a great gathering of talented funny people as well as great food and entertainment and I love Nelson Sardelli’s sense of humor.
I was married 3 times, 1st two for five years each and the second one was the love of my life for the last 30 some years. I have two children, Matteo and Nancy.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: John Getter
I took a crack at this. It may be too long for your needs, but defer to you on that.
Like many government projects, my relationship began with a leak…
The guy using the adjoining urinal at the stuffy golf course and I had left another lunch group meeting. In one hand he held a book he won as a prize. As we finished the business we came to accomplish he commented, “Just what I need, another Howard Hughes in Vegas book. Want it?”
He added that I should look into a group that was actually fun. It was called FIORE. A couple months later it happened. I came. I saw. I ate. It conquered and I signed up.
A broadcaster for 50 years and recovering journalist, I had the opportunity to regularly work with outstanding people. They were in the news, so some were outstandingly bad. But the outstandingly good included the people of our space program. To get to cover all of those who walked on the Moon, the people who first lived on a space station and others who flew spaceships for a living still amazes me. That I became friends with some is humbling.
At FIORE I’m also surrounded by the outstandingly good. That I get to speak with all of the variety of people amazes me. That I’ve become friends with some is once again, humbling. Both experiences bring me into close contact with risk-taking, fun-loving folks whose life radiates the spirit of the explorers.
Otherwise, born in Ohio, I’ve lived and worked there, Texas, DC and Delaware covering news across the country, in Europe, Russia, Central and South America. My passion is rescuing Doberman Pinschers. My dream is to figure out the recipe for the IAC fish sauce.
(Note from the FIORE Fact Checkers: In our club urine or you’re out.)
MEET OUR MEMBERS: NELSON SARDELLI (OUR FOUNDER)
Alleged entertainer (actor, singer, comedian, gun-twirler), American citizen, Brazilian born of Italian extraction, a veteran, father of 3 daughters to speak of, grandfather, dogs, and cats owner.
A resident of Las Vegas since 1965.
(I probably know where most of the bodies are buried or sunk and who may have done it).
Only my uncanny modesty prevents me for saying that I am a marvelous human being.
Mine is a true success story; I arrived in the USA in 1956 at the age of 21 with only $33 in my pockets, and now, I owe in access of $273.000,00.
Author of a best-seller book still to be written.
I have useless solar panels and no longer have extended warranties on my vehicles.
Married to a very patient, tolerant, and beautiful wife, who, surprisingly, has not yet put arsenic in my morning coffee.
I found the FIORE because I always wanted to be a president….actually a Dictator, to be more specific.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: Sandra Lucknphox Czeisler
Born in Brazil, in the financial capital of South America, São Paulo is full of charm and culture, a city that never sleeps.
I got married at 16, I have 4 beautiful and blessed children, thank God, Jenniffer, Claudio, Sharon and Carlos. Today I am divorced.
I was born into a modest and conservative family, where faith in God, morals and good principles were law for my parents. I started working when I was 12, I worked with franchises and merchandising, a commercial real estate broker, an executive at the construction company Marco Polo that builds shopping malls and airports.
My biggest challenge was gaining a position as Executive President of BellTechnologies, where I remained for 19 years, in addition to the challenge of having my own business, such as: Defining marketing, commercial and government strategies, artificial intelligence and digital communication. I also ran for political office.
And of course, as a mother of 4 children, I managed my career and my children 24 hours a day, to offer them, in addition to education and love, moral and ethical principles. Teachings from my parents, who with a firm hand, made me the person I am today.
My hobby is advanced professional diving. Accredited by PADI (Jacques Cousteau team)
I moved to Las Vegas in August 2014. Since then, I have spent my time adapting to my second language by enrolling at the University of Architecture. The difficulty in speaking another language made me abandon my professional field and reinvent myself.
On April 21, 2021, I realized my big dream, I became an American citizen. With great honor. I met Nelson Sardelli in 2018, it was love at first sight for FIORE, I thought it was incredible, it’s not just having lunch with friends, and more than that, it’s a historic event, where we had fun with incredible people, excellent orchestra, lunch is always wonderful, and Of course, Nelson, as a good Brazilian with Italian blood, loves a good joke. And this makes an event full of formalities extremely light and pleasant. I loved it, and when I saw the whole story of FIORE, I said: This needs to be recorded in history. Congratulations Nelson Sardelli, you are SENSATIONAL, I LOVE YOU
MEET OUR MEMBERS: KEN AN LENA WALTHERS
Ken was born in the Badlands of New Mexico (Mal Pies) at the end of WW-II and grew up in El Paso. That in itself explains a lot. Ken volunteered for the Army in 1964 in order to join the Army Security Agency (ASA) doing tactical SIGINT work for three years in South East Asia. After returning Stateside in 1968 he applied to a couple of the 3-Letter Agencies and, fortunately, he was not accepted into the FBI. However, the CIA said, hey! You have TS/Crypto Clearances, know Military stuff and Electronics, speak some Korean & Mandarin, so when can you be in DC? That began a 27 year career as a Technical Operations Officer on world-wide operational coverage.
After spending a few years in Africa, Central America and South America, it was time to go back to Thailand. In 1977, while on a new assignment to Bangkok, he met a beautiful princess named Lena, who was working for the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok. It was her first assignment for the Swedish Foreign Ministry. However, she met Ken and he ultimately saved her from a life of boredom and becoming a professional bureaucrat. Lena was born in Sweden and studied at the Sorbonne, in France, and in Switzerland and England before entering into the Diplomatic Service. She speaks roughly seven languages. She became an American citizen in 1984. What began as a blind date in Bangkok turned into a 40+ year happy marriage!
After their marriage in Washington DC, Ken managed to wangle another overseas assignment, this time to Madrid, Spain, and Lena loved it. With both speaking Spanish, or a reasonable facsimile thereof, it was a wonderful, action-packed tour. After three years en Espana, they moved to Vienna, Austria, for two more years, and had two sons there. Not to stay in one place too long, they moved on to Paris, France for another two years. Then, it finally happened; the Headquarters HR Gremlins called for Ken & Lena to come back to the States ending a seven year tour in Europe.
Upon retiring in 1996, Las Vegas was calling Ken & Lena to set up a high tech laser company, manufacturing images inside crystal and other transparent material. The company was the first to commercialize the art in the Northern Hemisphere. It was fun, but grueling, to be a pioneer in an industry. In 2006 Lena was appointed to be the Honorary Consul of Sweden to Nevada, and she is still the Consul today. In 2014 Ken & Lena co-founded a non-profit called Awareness is Prevention, (AIP) dedicated to fighting child trafficking in the USA. AIP continues to conduct training, education and events in Las Vegas.
Ken met Nelson Sardelli when the FIORE was a fledgling non-club club on 7th and Fremont. It was a men’s club, per se, at that time. It has since grown into one of the Seven Wonders of Las Vegas, (Pahrump included) and has made our Las Vegas life immensely entertaining! Our extreme thanks goes out to Nelson and Lorraine for their friendship and for making life a little more enjoyable!
Sandra Czeisler has posted all photos of 14th meeting
As you know – or should – Sandra Czeisler has created a fantastic website for FIORE, she has recently posted all the photos taken during our April 14th meeting and thousands of other photos from the previous meeting. It’s our story, just click the button to the photos.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: DAVID WILLIAMS
My name is David Williams, but I answer to Banana, Bananas Dave, and to my exes, “hey Assh*le”. Born in Boulder City, Nevada but never lived there, I was raised in Henderson and Las Vegas. I was in printing and marketing for over 45 years, working for one of the oldest print shops in Las Vegas for over 20 of that. For the rest of my tenure, I went to work, printing for the circuses of America and beyond. After that, I started an I.T. company-computer repair and maintenance. Also, a public relations company mainly offering crisis intervention as well. I’m married to a wonderful woman, Brenda, who has finally been able to join me at the FIORE luncheons after retiring from her job 2+ years ago. We share three grown up kids. I like to take pictures, do gardening and read and write. I found the FIORE through a friend, Bambi Jones, a retired burlesque performer. She brought me to a luncheon over eight years ago. I brought my camera, and so it began. I became the paparazzi for FIORE. The people are having a good time, and I enjoy taking photos. I love the luncheons and seeing and meeting new people. I have made many friends and clients for my tech side, which I still operate on a limited basis. If you see me at the luncheons, say hello, and smile for the camera.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: KC ENZER
Las Vegas resident since 2014, originally from Sherman Oaks, Ca.
Marketing…Marketing…Marketing.
Married from 1983 to 2014. My husband founded Register Tape Unlimited in the United States establishing a company that served the major Supermarkets in the United States and Canada. Then he became a drunk and drug addict and ended up in Betty Ford, Palm Springs. I left him after he tried to drown me. End of story.
I went on to serve and hired by major organizations, President Reagan’s Church, Bel Air Presbyterian, and the Mayor’s office in Los Angeles for the homeless and Veteran’s in need of rehabilitation ( copy attached).
I love Sushi and Karaoke. In that order.
I served as a background singer for the Partridge Family on their U.S. tour when I was in my 20’s. It was stupid and exhausting.
I have been a FIORE member since Len Indelicato became my boyfriend. We were engaged twice. He ended it twice. End of story.
I believe in capital punishment and the ousting of Joe Biden…if possible.
(Note from Nelson: KC is known for sugar coating her statements… We love that.)
MEET OUR MEMBERS: CELIA KROM
I was born during World War 2 in England. I worked as a Medical Lab Tech. Emigrated to the US in 1965 and lived in Honolulu for 23 years. I then lived in Los Angeles and was lucky enough to go on a wonderful blind date and met Willie (Dr, Wil Krom) in 1991. We married five years later. We decided to retire at Sun City Anthem sixteen years ago. I have a son and his family who live in Summerlin, and a daughter who lives in San Francisco. I enjoy travelling, Opera, Classical and Rock music, shopping and cooking.
We were introduced to Fiore by Linda and Artie.
I enjoy meeting interesting people at Fiore and especially Nelson’s wonderful sense of humor.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: DONALD WAYNE HOOD & MARY ELENA HOOD
I received a phone call from Nelson Sardelli reminding me that I carry the title as the “First Lady” in my husband’s life and I should add to the bio!
Let us start with Wayne: Born in Montgomery County, Maryland – a man who is proud to share he is a S.O.B. – Son of a Butcher!
At 7 years of age he began working with his father in the family meat shop. Ten years later he said, “Enough is enough”, and joined the U. S. Army. After his tour of duty, he returned back home and tried the meat shop again. This was not working for him; hence, he made the decision to relocate to Los Angeles, California.
He found a job in the vending industry. In 1971 he started his own vending company. Running routes out of his’65 Malibu convertible with a pistol strapped to his hip for protection! The company was named “Hood Services”, specializing in full-line vending.
Prior to his retirement in 2005, he built up Hood services to 20 employees and 10 delivery trucks bringing in 5 million dollars a year.
The political door opened up for Wayne at the Sacramento state capitol as a lobbyist representing the vending association working with senators and assemblymen to obtain the governor’s signature on a vending assembly bill. (This is the time Mary came into the picture.)
We got married at Las Vegas Caesars Palace hotel.
I had three amazing careers in my life: (1) a court stenographer – 19 years), (2) political staff member for speaker Willie Brown (2 years), (3) California and Nevada real estate broker/salesperson licenses (19 years).
While working in Willie Brown’s office, one day an extremely handsome charming man walked into my life!! His name was Wayne Hood. Again, my first 2 careers gave me a keen unique awareness this was the man for me!! I feel so blessed and proud to hold the title of Wayne’s “wife”. We have shared quite an adventurous life from the very beginning. Each 24-hour day is a treasured gift.
In 1999 we decided we would relocate to Las Vegas. We shared our news with Conrad Villella. He responded, “Great, now that you live here you can join the F.I.O.R.E. club”.
We have met so many great interesting, talented, intellectual members. We so admire Nelson’s style of connecting. We are proud to be F.I.O.R.E. members.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: WIL. KROM - M.D, MCh(Orth)., FRCS, FAAOS
Here goes….
Born and educated in part in S. Africa, then in the UK, arrived in the US in 1968,
Practiced as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon , first in NYC, then mostly in L.A for 32 years.
Married (Celia).
Hobbies: music, specifically I am a chromatic Harmonica musician (serious!).
Came to FIORE in 2009 by the Schroeck’s , Artie and Linda.
Still here! Love the camaraderie and, YOU!!
MEET OUR MEMBERS: REGINA MARIE SWIERC
I was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ. The fifth of seven siblings and very blessed to have all of them and my 91-year-old parents still living. My sister, the baby of the family, Mr. Mariette Therese Bernier, was recently installed as the prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth. Though each of us siblings have experienced success in our lives, we concede that she has earned the title of the “favorite child.”
I have one son, Christian, age 23, who is gainfully employed as a software engineer and living on his own in Jacksonville, FL.
I moved to Las Vegas almost six years ago. We are fortunate to live in beautiful Summerlin North with our three very lovable and entertaining cats, Mistletoe, Dyce, and Roulette. I retired after 32 years in NJ public education as a special education teacher, Director of Special Education and Superintendent of a Special Services School District. My biggest claim to fame as a special educator was teaching the late Phoebe Snow’s daughter, Valerie, how to walk at the age of 8. I also climbed a pyramid in Mexico; however, that pales in comparison.
I am currently working as a Background Screening Specialist for Five Diamond Screening.
I tutor reading and mathematics for students in grades pre-k through 8 at the Huntington Learning Center.
My hobbies and interests include attending live music events, playing guitar and trumpet, crocheting, learning foreign languages, Wordscapes, target shooting/self-defense, dancing, etc, etc etc.
I learned about this suspicious group, FIORE, about three years ago from our very talented friend, Vinny Adinolfi of the Bronx Wanderers, who rightfully so, highly recommended this non-organization. I enjoy to attend the FIORE meetings and always take pleasure in hearing about and seeing photos of the events from our fearless leader, Mr. Nelson Sardelli, who keeps us entertained with his brilliant sense of humour. I look forward to reading each of your stories as well as meeting many more of you at upcoming ridiculous events. God bless everyone!
MEET OUR MEMBERS: SANDRA MARNELL
I was born in Andrews, Texas and came to Las Vegas 60 years ago as a foster child.By that time I had lived in half of the United States.
I beat the odds of my younger years by becoming a success in the Design/build industry.
I received my degree from the Las Vegas Interior Design Institute.
Some of my clients were The Dunes, Caesar’s Palace, Hilton and many high-end design build properties in Las Vegas.
I was also the designer, owner- operator of the Rio Hotel.
I have a passion for travel, traveling the world – most of Europe,
The Caribbean, Latin and South America and Asia. I been to all but 3 of our United States.
My pride and joy are my 2 children.
My daughter is an Olympic Contender in the sport of Dressage.
My son built, owned and operated the M Resort.
I have 6 beautiful grandchildren and 2 great grandchildre
My martial status is divorced.
My hobbies are gardening, cars, traveling, antiquing, reading,
jigsaw puzzles, pets and home making.
My dislikes are rude, cheap and tardy people.
I became involved with FIORE with Samantha Kolari.
What I love most are the members, always warm and friendly.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: GEORGE BUGATTI
ENTERTAINMENT- PLAYWRIGHT – SINGER – PIANIST. I was born and . raised in New York City. As far as my “growing up”, it remains to be seen, if ever happens. Moved to Las Vegas in 1998. Marital status: DISASTROUS. My hobbies are: Tennis, swimming, Horse Racing and screwing up. I have been a member of this suspicious group for about 8 years. I got involved with it because Nelson Sardelli, founder of the FIORE e is the most magnanimous S.O.B. I have ever met… my kind of people… I joined because of him and when I started coming to the events, I realized what a unique and special family of people he had put together.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: DR. JEFF GEIHS
I was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1968. I have lived in Las Vegas since 1980 and am happy to be part of the F.I.O.R.E. “non-club” club! I miss the “old-Vegas” days. The fellowship with people in F.I.O.R.E. makes me think of it. I love good jokes, people that ARE NOT stuffy, and great music! It is fun! I have been happily married for 32 years. Mindy, my wife, and I, got married when we were 21 years old after a six-month long whirlwind romance (four months of which I was overseas). On most days, Mindy still likes me; however, I am told by her, on all days she loves me! :). I retired from the Clark County School District three years ago after 25 years of service as a teacher, high school principal, and associate superintendent, to name a few positions I held. I am currently the Executive Director of the Nevada Association of School Administrators (NASA), which is a professional organization that provides professional learning to all PreK-12 educators and advocates for educators at the state and national level too. NASA is not a union! I have two great kids – Madison (25) who lives in Brooklyn and works for United Artist as an event planner, and David (21) who is at the University of Oregon studying political science. I am tremendously proud of them both. They had a smart mom! In my spare time, Mindy and I love to have people over to our house for dinner, enjoy drinking martinis and wine (probably way too much), going to the Italian American Club shows, and cocktail parties anywhere! Thank you for allowing me to be part of F.I.O.R.E. I look forward to making new friends!
MEET OUR MEMBERS: KELLY VOHNN
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada. In an Italian neighborhood by the Danforth but I’m Irish and had to learn Italian in order to know what people were saying about me.
I have lived in Vegas for 20 years. It’s ok. It’s where I met my husband, Jimmy Kirner. We’ve been members of F.I.O.R.E. for a couple of years now and enjoy it very much. The food is great, the location is awesome and everyone is friendly and extremely interesting.
I love to sing and I am very fortunate to get paid for what I love to do.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: SHARON DeFRANK
I was born in New Haven, CT and grew up close to the beach on Long Island Sound in West Haven.
Graduated from the University of New Haven and moved to Los Angeles in 1972.
I worked as a medical secretary in academic medicine at Country/USC Medical Center in OB/GYN/Infertility
most of my career, I did script correction part time for Universal Studios as an independent contractor for 17 years
and worked as the green room hospitality hostess at the Greek Theatre for two seasons just for fun.
Studied ballet until age 53 when my knee said “no more.”
In 1990 I purchased a condo in Las Vegas. Now I split my time between California and Las Vegas (where I prefer to be)
and always try to be in town for the FIORE events because it’s so much fun.
I met the love of my life, Angelo Synodis in 1993 and we had 26 wonderful years together until his passing in 2018.
He loved music above everything else and I wish I had known about FIORE while he was alive because he would have
loved it as I do. I joined in 2019.
Thanks to Susan Heifetz for introducing and sponsoring me to FIORE!
MEET OUR MEMBERS: CHARLES SABA
Growing up in a globetrotting family whose father was a Madison Ave ad exec in its heydays, every day was exciting, fun, and a challenge, frequently moving to new countries, learning new languages, and making new friends. I managed to graduate college early, and became a county cop, then while in Brazil, I started a pizza place, called Mister Pizza and built it into Brazil’s largest fast-food pizza franchise. Then life became exciting when I met and married Eliana, my wife of 22 years. I founded US Police Instructor Teams, that trained police departments internationally and implemented Taser and other police tactics in Brazil’s law enforcement agencies. Today, I speak at UN sponsored events dealing with security and human development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: ELIANA CAMARGO SABA
I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but America has been home for more than 20 years, the last 5 happy years have been in Las Vegas, with my husband Charles. We met Nelson Sardelli and became Fiore members. I work as a realtor and as a journalist, where I run a newspaper called Two Flags Post. I have great friends, enjoy good food and even play in the Casinos to have fun. I graduated as an attorney in Brazil, and I still do some legal work over there, but my hometown is now Las Vegas where I enjoy my friends and life.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: SHARON FAYE GRAZIANO
I’ve resided in Las Vegas since 1998, originally from Brooklyn, New York.
I’ve been the Office Manager for the Las Vegas Constable’s Office under LVMPD since 2009.
Married to Bill Graziano for 34 years.
I have two wonderful children that live close by, thank goodness! My son Joseph and his beautiful wife Brianna who I’m so happy to call my “daughter” are both successful Real Estate Agents. My Daughter Elyssa is a new mommy which makes me a very happy Grandmother to my grandson Walker! She is engaged to be married to fabulous James who is a Police Officer for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
I have been a FIORE member since 2011 and love attending all the luncheons and dinners when I’m able to. My busy schedule consists of taking care of my large family, work and some well needed rest. I love being with my family, relaxing in my backyard, taking care of my garden and vacationing!
I introduced my father Barry Heifetz and his sister Susan Heifetz to the FIORE several years ago and they joined immediately after seeing how fabulous the members and festivities are.
Looking forward to the next exciting FIORE get-togethers to see all the wonderful members, great entertainment and delicious food provided.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: BARRY HEIFETZ
Las Vegas resident since June, 1994, originally from New York City, NY. Retired Sales Executive and All Sports Information Distributor.
Divorced from two extremely lovely and talented wives, two children, two grandchildren, all living here in LV.
No Military Experience, but many schoolyard battles with fists and feet but No Guns or Knives.
Tanguery martini, shrimp cocktail, T-bone and potatoes, NY cheesecake and coffee with Sweet and Low is my Ideal anytime meal.
Member of FIORE since I don’t know when, a long time!
I believe in Climate Change, and also Man’s, sorry, People’s ability to adapt. People live, and thrive, at the Equator as well as at the Arctic Circle. We will survive if the Government let us.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: GARY ANDERSON
Native Angelino. Born & raised in Compton, California. Swedish & Sioux. College years in Boston. Toured globally for 6 years with Woody Herman and the Young Thundering Herd. Professional life in New York, London, Los Angeles and Nashville creating and producing music for film, tv, and stage. Worked for and with Marvin Hamlisch, Marin Alsop, Charlie Strouse, Bob Fosse, Charles Gross, Stanley Silverman, Woody Herman, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, Della Reese, Frank Sinatra, Gerry Mulligan, Charles Mingus, ABC News & Sports, Guiding Light, All My Children, The Price Is Right, Sesame Street, Phil Woods, Family Feud, General Hospital, Jon Secada, Vegas The Show, Jerry Lewis, MDA Telethon, Oscars’ Red Carpet, One Life To Live, Loving, Stan Getz, Johnny Mathis, Take 6, Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra, Ralph Bakshi … Emmy Award for producing music forTed Turner’s “Goodwill Games”. Emmy nomination for “Avoiding Armageddon”. and am honored to be now known as the “Non Music Director of Non Club Club FIORE”…