The Rockin' Rev publishes interviews with music legends

He's a radio personality, a full-time minister and now, Ken Haskins can add author to his résumé. Carson City's own "Rockin' Rev," a mainstay on KPTL and KBDN in Reno for years has compiled interviews with dozens of musical stars in his years on the radio. He's also got a full-time job as minister at First Christian Church.

"Reminiscing with Music Legends," Haskins said, "is volume one of what will probably be three volumes."

The book consists of radio interviews taken from past "Reminiscing With the Rockin' Rev" radio programs. The interviews were transcribed and vintage photos were added. Some of the artist interviews included in the book are with Fats Domino, Little Anthony, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Jerry "The Iceman" Butler, Ruth Brown, Jerry Reed and many more - some 36 artists and close to 50 interviews.

He will be speaking about the book at the Carson City Ministerial Fellowship at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at Grandma Hattie's and at noon on Thursday at the Kiwanis Club of Carson City at Casino Fandango.

His book is available now in the Carson City area Borders, The Manger Christian Bookstore and on eBay under the name songs4ever.

Haskins has several book signings ahead including 3-5 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Carson City Borders, 2-4 p.m. Nov. 25 at Barnes and Noble in Reno, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 1 and 16 at Borders in Reno.

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The Northern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross is looking for former volunteers, board members, staff, and people who were helped by the Red Cross, to develop a more complete picture of the history of the chapter in Reno. The information will be used as part of the 110th anniversary celebration of the Red Cross in Nevada, which will begin in 2008.

Red Cross is looking for people like Don and Norma Thompson. Norma moved to Reno in 1950 and worked for the Red Cross as the military family liaison.

Don was the Red Cross Water Safety Director and a lifeguard at Idlewild pool. The Thompsons met at the Reno Red Cross office in 1952 and will celebrate their 53rd anniversary next year.

"I know there are more people like Don and Norma who worked for the Red Cross 50 or 60 years ago and can tell us their stories of how they helped build this chapter," said Caroline Punches, executive director of the Northern Nevada Chapter. "We are asking people to contact us at so that we can capture their stories and include them in our celebration."

The Red Cross chapter started in 1898 in Carson City as the Red Cross Society. Founders where Mrs. H.A. Lemmon, of Carson; Mrs. T. Yergin, of Wadsworth; Mrs. H.B. Smith, of Virginia City; Mrs. Stella Webster, of Reno; Mrs. J.F. Stewart, of Reno; Mrs. F. Oldham, of Virginia City; and Miss Lilly Edsen, of Wadsworth.

Anyone who has worked for or volunteered with the Red Cross, or been a recipient of support, is encouraged to contact the office at 856-1000.