The Final Word: Melissa Clary
Winter 2024-2025
For this issue, we spoke to community activist Melissa Clary. A resident of both urban Las Vegas and rural Pioche, Clary has overseen and promoted a variety of southern Nevada conservancy projects.
NM&VG: You’ve worked on saving the Huntridge Theater in Las Vegas and restoring the Gem Theater in Pioche—which you own. What draws you to theaters?
MC: I love old theater architecture. There is something magical about the different styles of old stand-alone movie houses—from gaudy, more ornate designs, to simple Art Deco.
NM&VG: What other restoration or public works projects have you been involved with?
MC: For the City of Las Vegas, I worked in Parks and Recreation and helped oversee restoration of several historic structures, including the Floyd Lamb ranch house and other public facilities. One of my proudest accomplishments during my tenure with Veterans Affairs was the construction of several Colorado clinics and the Denver Medical Center replacement project.
NM&VG: What do you like about this type of work?
MC: There is nothing like the completion of a building or park: They benefit the community and make you feel that you’ve really done something bigger than yourself. I think I picked that up from my father. He worked in construction and was always so proud to drive by a building he worked on.
NM&VG: Did your father help foster your passion for community involvement?
MC: Yes, my dad was very engaged in the community and had strong political opinions. It’s not difficult for me to speak up for what’s right or to advocate for the betterment of the community. Losing my dad at a young age instilled in me a fearless spirit and willingness to take risks.
NM&VG: What have you learned in your decade-plus of public service?
MC: It takes a village to be engaged and help organize in the community. Without interested and engaged volunteers, no single cause can progress. It can be challenging because contrarians can be the most vocal and appear loudest.
But if you have faith in your mission and the work at hand, you can keep going and ignore the critics.
NM&VG: Are there any notable similarities or differences between urban and rural communities?
MC: There are common threads, such as the challenge of working within slow government procedural frameworks or finding gaps in communication and building consensus in communities. What is so utterly apparent is how much rural communities accomplish with less. Residents in rural areas step up and help others time and time again, which is so heartwarming to witness. While I have experienced it in our urban counties, it does not compare to the extent of camaraderie I see in rural areas.
NM&VG: What’s the easiest way for people to get involved in their community?
MC: Choose an issue you are passionate about. If you love animals, assist at a local rescue organization. If you are concerned about your child’s school, attend a PTA meeting. By simply showing up to a meeting or requesting a tour of an organization’s operation, you can find where you may fit in or offer a needed skill set.
NM&VG: If I am going to Pioche, when should I go and what should I do?
MC: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day: It is less likely to snow, and we enjoy cooler temperatures than Las Vegas by about 20 degrees. I recommend people see the Gem Theater’s refurbished neon marquee lit up at night, check out the five area state parks, and attend the annual Lincoln County Fair and Rodeo or Pioche Labor Days.