72°F
weather icon Clear
Boulder City, NV
Opinion

Season brings out best in people

More Stories
bcr default image
Alumni events, marriage and a real Nazi
bcr default image
Las Vegas Veterans’ Memorial to Boulder City?
bcr default image
City manager bids fond farewell
bcr default image
Is the grass always greener?
By Hali Bernstein Saylor Hali’s Comment
December 28, 2022 - 3:45 pm
 

There’s just something about December that tends to bring out the good in people. They seem to smile more and think about others more.

During the past few weeks, I have been fortunate enough to see that good, to see people sharing the best parts of themselves.

It started with the annual Luminaria, community Christmas tree lighting, Doodlebug Craft Bazaar and Santa’s Electric Night Parade when hundreds of people donated their time and talents to brighten the season and make things merry. And it hasn’t stopped.

Those first few days of the month were a whirlwind of wonderful moments as people came together as a community to welcome the holiday season. And in doing so, several groups also were able to raise funds to support worthwhile causes during the coming year.

Then came more events, including the Best Dam Wine Walk’s popular ugly sweater contest, Night of Lights at St. Jude’s Ranch for Children and Jingle Jam, a new celebration that featured a variety of activities along with some holiday shopping.

Of course, that jolly old elf — also known as Santa Claus — was popping up everywhere to help spread that good cheer. It’s hard to be grumpy when a man in a bright red suit is “ho, ho, ho-ing” and passing out candy.

Aside from all the fun, there were some seriously good moments, too.

The annual Angel Tree project presented by Emergency Aid of Boulder City gave gifts to more than 100 children and 260 senior citizens, thanks to the generosity of community residents. (They actually got a jump start on the spirit of giving in November when the local Elks lodge hosted Pancakes and Pajamas.)

When the winter solstice arrived, I was invited to a celebration where good food and even better conversations were the highlights of the evening.

But, for me, the best part was when everyone gathered outdoors underneath a clear sky with a sliver of a crescent moon to share their hopes and goals for the coming year. It was heartwarming to hear that not one person’s thoughts were turned inward. Instead, everyone wished good things for those around them, the community, the world and the Earth itself.

Then, just a few days ago, on Christmas, about 100 folks gathered to make sure that no one had to be alone that day. People volunteered to cook and serve dinner to fellow residents of the community. The room was decorated to help set a festive atmosphere and bad moods were checked at the door.

Everyone was greeted with a smile and made to feel welcome. The event seemed to embody what the season should be about.

All these warm fuzzies helped melt away the woes from earlier this year and made me long for a year of December. It is my hope for 2023 that we can keep that spirit of camaraderie and giving throughout the year.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.

THE LATEST
bcr default image
Alumni events, marriage and a real Nazi
By Bill Evans Boulder City Review

Ron’s column from a few weeks ago inspired me to tell a story about a weird event from my past. Mine is not as exciting as his in that there is no wrestler named Silo Sam. But there is at least one Nazi. And, no, not the current “I disagree with your politics so you are a Nazi” version. An actual card-carrying member of the party.

bcr default image
Las Vegas Veterans’ Memorial to Boulder City?

Veterans’ memorials can be found all over the Silver State. They are well deserved. They honor individuals who served the nation, and also commemorate battles and events regarding the many military anniversaries in Nevada.

bcr default image
City manager bids fond farewell
By Ron Eland Boulder City Review

I may be leaving Boulder City, but it was not an easy decision. From the first time I came in and met the staff and community leaders, I saw a city filled with people who truly care about where they live and work. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with some incredible people.

bcr default image
Is the grass always greener?
Eric Lundgaard

Many people in the past played a golf game to cement a business deal, didn’t they? They also played golf to socialize. Has Boulder City recognized lessening play on golf courses? Or, from another perspective, what happens when million-dollar homes are placed around our open space golf course with views of the McCullough Mountains? Do fewer people play golf on the Boulder Creek golf course?

bcr default image
Parting is such sweet sorrow
By Joe Hardy Boulder City Mayor

Shakespeare was the man when it came to comedy and tragedy. His ability to make people feel the intense emotions of the characters is still imitated today. The past few months have been filled with a bit of excited anticipation at City Hall as several longtime and high-level employees have found new roles in other acts. I’m here to borrow some Shakespearean lines, the first being from Ophelia, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” (Hamlet)

bcr default image
Me, my brother and Silo Sam
By Ron Eland Boulder City Review

Recently, I’ve been enjoying watching shows on A&E related to professional wrestling back in the earlier days, with profiles on wrestlers I grew up watching as well as classic rivalries.

bcr default image
Let’s talk about the ‘D Word’
By Bill Evans Boulder City Review

OK, as a starting point, I must note that it’s weird to think that I might be writing something that would put me in agreement with the Language Police.

bcr default image
Make a new plan, Stan
Bu Rod Woodbury

A plan is a method for achieving a desirable objective. It’s a program of action, usually memorialized in writing. Plans start with goals and ideas. But ideas alone (even good ones) don’t constitute a plan.

bcr default image
Time to recognize unsung heroes
By Tim Shea Boulder City Chief of Police

We have so many functions within the Boulder City Police Department, from school resource officers to road patrol to the detective bureau. The work that they do keeps Boulder City among the “Safest Cities in Nevada” (newhomesource.com, alarm.com) year after year. One unit is the backbone of our public safety response: Public Safety Dispatchers.

bcr default image
Honoring National Public Health Week

In my eight decades of this amazing life, I have worn a great many hats: son, brother, father, major (USAF), grandfather, council member, state representative, state senator.