I (John Nettle) got a little bored after a couple of months in Mesquite Nevada and wanted to do something and meet people.

A new friend, Sherry Robie of the Exchange Club, told me that her husband worked part time at the Oasis Casino Fitness Center and they were looking for another part time worker. (18 to 22 hours a week) I applied for the job and was hired. While there at the fitness center, I thought it would be a good idea to have some of the guys meet once in a while for Breakfast.

The first Breakfast was held at the Hamilton Ranch Golf Course Restaurant in Beaver Dam, Arizona and there were six attendees. John Nettle, Roger Wanner, Ron Robie, Ron Burke, Henry Galvan & Dale Spreen. Four of the people have moved. Ron Burke and Henry Galvan to State of Utah and Ron Robie and Dale Spreen to State of Texas. John Nettle and Roger Wanner are two of the original Old Farts Goup. Little by little the group added more people. Mostly by word of mouth. Today, there are approximately one hundred men that attend the Breakfasts; not all at the same time. Summertime the numbers fall off for obvious reasons. A lot of Snow Birds head home in the hot-hot summer.

The Old Farts Group has a No Politics, No Religion or City Special Interests forum. There is no criterion other than it's a mens Group. Some people have referred to it as a Veterans Group but that isn't true. Only because of the age group of the men, most or about 99% are veterans. In fact, quite a few are United States Marine Corps,United States Navy,United States Army,United States Air Force,United States Coast Guard Retired. It is strictly a social gathering. No speakers other than announcements are made by the attendees.

The Old Farts Group has had Theme Parties, with dancing and entertainment, on numerous occasions. They have always been successful. Quite a few times we had trips to Nellis Air Force Base and toured the War Museum, The Thunderbird Hanger & Tarmac and did some shopping at the Base Exchange. Recently, Bill Wells made bus arrangements and set up a tour of Creech Air Force Base. On occasion, we have a group of guys, do some target shooting in Bunkerville. We also get a foursome or two, on occasion, and get out and play a round of golf.

Name Tags are made for everyone that attends the Breakfast. This done for a few reasons. This allows us to count them at the end of the Breakfast and to pay the bill. Another reason is: obviously so everyone gets to know everyones name. And lastly, the cost of the Breakfast is $10.00a person. $9.00 is for food, tax & tip and the $1.00 is spent in verious events Powerball is once a year sign-up at the fee of $25.00. This is collected before Jan. 1st. of each year. At present we have 60 participants. We haven't hit for any significant amount of money yet, but YET is a big word.

At the end of each Breakfast we draw, from a beautiful handmade bag, made by Nancy Wedge, name tags for raffle prizes that are given out. These are white elephant prizes that are brought in by the previous months winners or those attendees that wish to recycle unwanted gifts. There is usually nothing of any significant value that is donated. I've seen wrapped up bananas, tools, figurines, bottles of wine and items such as that given away. It all started when I purchased a military utility web belt and buckle at Nellis Air Force Base for $1.85 and that was the first prize. Ron Robie won it. He only spent 30 years in the United States Air Force! The raffle makes it a little interesting and fun. On many occasions, I put a ten dollar bill in an envelope, which is taken from the kitty, and some lucky guy gets a free breakfast.

In closing, I have said that there are No Politics allowed but yet we have in the past and now have Politicians attend. Also I have said, there is No Religion involved but there are now and have been Ministers of different demoninations attend. Women have attended by mistaken information and were never turned away but they did not return. It's a Men's Group. Most women are happy to get the Old Man out of the house for a spell!!

If this sounds like your kind of group, we hope to see you soon.