102°F
weather icon Cloudy

Community invited to honor first responders Saturday

Valarie Vanario’s husband is an officer for the Metropolitan Police Department in Las Vegas and for the past two years she has been part of hosting a day of appreciation for law enforcement officers across the valley. After seeing the success the event has had just a few miles away, Vanario decided to bring the concept home to Boulder City, where she and her family live.

The inaugural Boulder City Hero and First Responder Appreciation Day will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at South Escalante Park in downtown Boulder City, adjacent to the police station on Arizona Street, and people are encouraged to come out for an afternoon of fun and to thank local heroes for the sacrifices they make.

“Our first responders do what is often a thankless job,” Vanario said. “This is just a chance for the community to show their appreciation for what these brave people do, as well as a chance for the officers and firefighters to interact with the community and see smiles on faces — something they don’t always see, because of their jobs.”

The event will feature music, refreshments, a performance by a multiagency honor guard, vendors and representatives from the Fraternal Order of Police, Injured Police Officers Fund, officerdown.us and more.

In addition to the opportunity to show their appreciation to, and learn more about, the local first responders and programs serving them, there will be guest speakers, including representatives from the police and fire departments as well as the City Council.

There will be a free prize drawing for the men and women in uniform, who will each receive a ticket merely for showing up. Prizes have been donated by businesses throughout the city, according to Vanario, including pies from Southwest Diner, watches from Oro &Jewelers and a party rental at Boulder Bowl. Professional Pet Room &Groom even donated free day spa passes to the K-9 units.

“This entire event is only possible because of the support of the community,” Vanario said. “Without the donations from local businesses and help of local churches and volunteers willing to help put this on, we couldn’t have done it.”

“With all of the trouble in the news, sometimes I worry morale can get low,” Vanario said. “I hope that things like this are a morale boost for them. For them to have people come up and thank them, hug them or when little kids tell them they look up to them, I’ve seen the smiles it puts on the officers faces.”

Contact reporter Hunter Terry at hterry@bouldercityreview.com or call 702-586-6711. Follow him on Twitter @HunterBCReview

MOST READ
THE LATEST
Summer is a time to be safe

It’s a safe bet that the one thing we all have in common every summer is managing the extreme heat and our body’s reaction to the excessive temperature prevalent in our geographic location.

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.