GINA B. GOOD / PVT Rich Regnell, director of operations and restoration at the Amargosa Opera House and Hotel, stands in front of the opera house stage. Behind him are some of the mural panels painted by artist Marta Becket. Advertisement

The population of Death Valley Junction soared at the January potluck mixer held at the Amargosa Hotel and Opera House. Director of Operations and Restoration Rich Regnell, who is one-quarter of the town's actual population of four, casually addressed about 100 attendees from Pahrump, Amargosa Valley and the Death Valley area.

The focus of the evening was to promote tourism for the entire region from Tecopa to Beatty.

Historians, including Phil Huff from the Pahrump Museum, mixed with the group, dispensing factoids to help answer tough test questions during a serve-it-yourself dinner of home cooked favorites crowded onto long banquet tables.

Regnell along with Sue Hackett, who helped organize the event, led a tour down the long hall of the hotel, stopping at open rooms to show murals painted by the beloved Renaissance woman, Marta Becket, who was unable to attend the event due to illness.

The tour led to the Opera House, where a film showcasing Becket's long and interesting career as a ballerina and comedic player.

For more information about events at Death Valley Junction, check their Web site, www.amargosa-opera-house.com.