78°F
weather icon Clear

Boulder City Residents shine in Veterans Olympics

On a rainy Oct. 17, the 13th annual Veterans Olympics was forced to move indoors at the Nevada State Veterans Home. But the Olympic spirit that permeates American military veterans came through as the residents happily took part in many events. The events and winners were: bowling, Sandra Mikologic; bean bag chucking, George Markle; horseshoes, Don Ogg; ring toss, Michael Callanan; bean bag throw, Randy Baker; ladder toss, Michael Callanan; football throw, Walter Hansen; basketball, Jose Frausto; and poker, David Nathan. Unfortunately, the fishing competition had to be canceled because of rain.

Carmen Marquez finished in third place in horseshoes. When asked why she did so well, she said she didn't know, even though it was the first time in her life she had ever lobbed a horseshoe. Marquez is the widow of a Vietnam Army veteran and said she has "lived in the home a long time, and I never tell how old I am."

Submarine veteran Donald Ogg won the horseshoes competition and has the distinction of being the only veteran in the home who also has a son and fellow veteran living there — Karl Ogg.

Air Force veteran William O'Brien took second place in the ring toss competition and said he just moved into the home four months ago. He is a first-time ring tosser but noted it's a lot easier than his past service duties. He was a pilot in WWII under the Air Defense Command, and among other assignments he provided air support for ground personnel at Normandy.

Home Administrator Mark McBride commented that "the residents were completely delighted with the Olympics. The weather didn't cooperate, but we still very much enjoyed the activities. Some new games were donated, and we had a tremendous amount of support from volunteers and staff."

Volunteer Coordinator Julie Boyster said that even though the event had to move indoors, "It was amazing." She said the residents thoroughly enjoyed it, and the old-timers who experienced the Veterans Olympics in the past now "really look forward to it each year." Speakers who gave brief remarks included Home Administrator Mark McBride, Director of the Nevada Department of Veterans Affairs Kat Miller, and Boulder City Mayor Pro Tem Cam Walker.

Volunteer Coordinator Sue Vargochik gave credit to the many volunteers who supervised the event. "Volunteer Bob Garlow was able to get members of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Van Voorhis Squadron to post the colors under the direction of Executive Officer MCPO (Ret.) Craig J. Norton, and also recruited members of the Civil Air Patrol to volunteer." Cadet Commander Jadyn Carlston, a 14-year-old student at Northwest Career and Technical Academy, said although it's the first time he has been at the home, "The Civil Air Patrol does a lot of volunteer work" at numerous events. A member of the Scottish-American Military Society Post 711 provided marching drum accompaniment when the colors were posted. Vargochik added that in addition to the volunteers, "much of the success of the event was due to the various departments in the home including Housekeeping, Maintenance, Dietary Activity and Clinical. It was teamwork, and we are the village where everybody pulls together."

— Chuck N. Baker is an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a Purple Heart recipient. Every other Sunday he discusses veterans issues over several Lotus Broadcasting AM radio stations in Southern Nevada.

MOST READ
THE LATEST
Free fishing fun

Logan Davis, along with his kids Winter and Maverick, tried their best to catch a fish Saturday, along with all the many others who enjoyed the city’s free fishing day at the pond at Veterans Memorial Park.

Ordinance promotes cleanliness, accessibility of public places

Individuals camping in public spaces has increased dramatically in the past few years across the nation. On May 27 the city of Boulder City joined the cities of Reno, Las Vegas, Henderson, and Sparks, along with Clark, Washoe, and Nye counties in passing a measure to expand the prohibition on camping in public places within city limits. The new ordinance goes into effect on June 19, 2025.

And all that jazz (in the park)

A relatively small but appreciative crowd turned out Saturday evening for Jazz in the Park, sponsored by the Boulder City Parks and Recreation Department and the Las Vegas Jazz Society. The evening featured the Marlane Coker Quintet and guest at Bicentennial Park.

Flushing faux pas may lead to clogs, costly repairs

When it comes to plumbing clogs, we can definitely apply the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”…or in this case, a quart of Liquid Plumr.

Art exhibition to showcase work of Connie Ferraro

Connie Ferraro has worn many hats in her life. They have included Broadway dancer, actress, wife of longtime Boulder City Mayor Bob Ferraro and these days, artist.

Year ending on high note at Mitchell Elementary

From the first day to the last, it takes a great deal of energy to get through a school year. The students, staff, and families are ceaseless in their efforts to ensure that we have a great year from beginning to end. We are successful because we are supported by our community.

Mental health in an aging population

The American Psychiatric Association defines mental illness as health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, and behaviors.

Sunflower Breakfast celebrates King’s parent volunteers

Boulder City’s commitment to community was on full display at this year’s annual Sunflower Breakfast, a heartwarming event dedicated to honoring the incredible volunteers who help our school thrive.

Reframing language in mental health

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.

A busy day at Mitchell Elementary

Thursday, April 17, 2025 was an especially magical day at Mitchell Elementary.