Home Care In Boulder City, NV

Las Vegas

For the second year in a row, the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City did not disappoint holiday enthusiasts as it reports a sold-out season for its Christmas train rides, a tradition embracing family fun and regional history that riders clearly can't get enough of. According to FOX5 Vegas, the museum saw its 1930s-era North Pole Express, which was once the mode of transportation for Hoover Dam workers, quickly fill to capacity, with tickets completely sold out within 48 hours for the Yuletide journey.

Museum Director Christopher McMahan highlighted the persistent significance of railroads to the economic vitality of Southern Nevada indicating that, "Whether it’s the construction materials, the cereal you eat for breakfast, or your Amazon package that you ordered, a lot of that material gets moved by rail because rail is the most efficient means to move goods and material," an indication of just how deeply integrated the rail system still is in the modern landscape, FOX5 Vegas reported. The museum's focus isn't merely on nostalgic train rides; it also aims to educate, with McMahan stating, "If it’s just one thing that you’ve learned while you’re here, we’ve accomplished our mission."

Meanwhile, upstate in Carson City, the Nevada State Railroad Museum experienced a similar wave of holiday cheer and sold-out events, with the last day of their Santa Train quickly running out of tickets. In an effort to spread the joy to as many as possible, the museum announced via Facebook that additional Santa Train runs were being scheduled, albeit with a different ticketing approach; those hoping for a chance to board had to be present at the depot for the purchase of standby tickets released between 3:00 and 3:30 pm.

The Christmas train rides aren't just a hit among tourists, the dedication is also deeply rooted in local culture. A staggering 85 percent of museum visitors are locals, McMahan pointed out, and the charm of the experience is one that is being passed down from generation to generation with one family boasting a fifth-generation train ride together, a testament to the long-standing relationship between the community and the rails that serve as its historic backbone, as reported by FOX5 Vegas.

BOULDER CITY (FOX5) — The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City has sold out its Christmas train rides for the second consecutive year, capping nearly a quarter-century of holiday excursions that blend family entertainment with Southern Nevada history.

The museum’s popular North Pole Express runs on tracks built in 1931, originally used to move workers helping build Hoover Dam.

“Building the dam in the 1930s, those were the passenger trains that came up this route,” said museum Director Christopher McMahan. “It was specifically for either Bureau of Reclamation employees or the contractors building Hoover Dam.”

Historic trains still relevant today

The trains, more than a century old, also played a major role in transporting supplies across the region when mining and growth depended heavily on rail.

McMahan said railroads remain essential to Southern Nevada’s economy and daily life.

“Whether it’s the construction materials, the cereal you eat for breakfast, or your Amazon package that you ordered, a lot of that material gets moved by rail because rail is the most efficient means to move goods and material,” he said.

McMahan said construction materials and other supplies continue to arrive by rail because Southern Nevada lacks local sources.

“Well, if you think about it today, what’s one thing we really associate with the greater Las Vegas metro region? That’s construction,” he said. “Where’s your wood coming from? Where are all the supplies coming from? That’s not here in Southern Nevada.”

Educational mission drives museum

About 85 percent of the museum’s visitors are locals, and December is the busiest month of the year. Despite the holiday entertainment, education remains the primary goal.

“If it’s just one thing that you’ve learned while you’re here, we’ve accomplished our mission,” McMahan said.

The museum director said Southern Nevada owes its existence to railroads for both the initial start of Las Vegas and its continued growth.

Multi-generational tradition

For many families, the Christmas train rides have become a tradition passed down through generations.

“We have parents who brought their children. Their children are bringing their children,” McMahan said. “And this last weekend, we actually had a fifth-generation family that all rode the train together. So it’s really a magical experience.”

Proceeds from the holiday excursions support preservation of historic equipment and year-round educational programs.

The museum offered two holiday excursions this season: a 45-minute Santa train ride costing $12 per person, and the North Pole Express, a two-hour evening event costing $35 for adults and $30 for children.

The North Pole Express tickets sold out completely in 48 hours this year. The museum recommends planning ahead for next year’s season.

Devon’s Garden is a specialized tutoring service described by Devon Tilman as “an awesome place for the child who needs a hands-on environment and a different way of succeeding in the classroom”. She has been a teacher for decades, both in more traditional settings and in her own business. Her students have included very bright to non-conforming students, for whom traditional classrooms are more challenging. At Devon’s Garden, she provides all students with educational stimulation, treats, and love so that solid learning can take place.

She began her road to operating Devon’s Garden by first tutoring students at Boulder City Library on an individual or small group basis. These were students in danger of “falling thru the cracks” of traditional schools. Then her professional career took her to Grace Christian Academy, where she served as the school’s principal.

When COVID-19 prohibited students from attending their traditional schools, she began Devon’s Garden with eight students with a child-centered and child-focused learning environment. Her students were presented with challenging environments but were able to persevere with hands on and devoted instruction.

Devon came up with the idea of Rainbow Readers, a group of young students who read to the animals at the Animal Control Shelter. Some of the students needed practice at reading aloud and practice in oral speaking, in general. The program has turned non-readers into readers. It has also benefitted the animals by providing them interaction with children. It helps the animals bound for adoption become more calm and relaxed. The program is definitely a win-win for all involved!

Devon is married to Boulder City’s Justice Court Judge, Christopher Tilman. The longtime residents have one son and two daughters: Wyatt, Jay, and Ella. They have a menagerie of animals at their home, including 3 dogs, 2 cats, and a flock of chickens. She spends her free time tending to their 44 fruit trees and a large garden.

Along the way, she also became a community based instructor through the University of Nevada, Reno extension project. The land-based grant university extension serves all Nevada residents. In this capacity, she travels to Searchlight and Laughlin frequently. She is also a Master Gardener thru the UNR Extension and grows many wonderful things. But perhaps the most important things she grows are successful young students into lifelong learners, eager to thrive in their own special ways.

You can see some of her progress on her Facebook page HERE. The learning center is located at 1400 Colorado Street, Suite B. Her telephone number is (702) 523-0960.

The Flamingo Motel may have seen its better days, but it hasn’t seen its best days, according to new owners Brynn deLorimier and Branden Smith. The motel, situated on prime real estate at 804 Nevada Way, may look a little weathered and forlorn, but the challenge to transform it into a vibrant area for residents and tourists alike is an exciting one for Brynn and Branden. They foresee it becoming a hub of many activities and events, something similar to the Fergusons Downtown property in downtown Las Vegas.

Whatever possessed these two to take on such a monumental undertaking? Well, the answer is simple, and complicated. First, both have an affinity for historic structures and the Flamingo Motel has long been a part of the Boulder City landscape. Previous owners of the property had considered tearing the building down, to replace it with some other type of venture. Many residents were alarmed by this suggestion. They had wanted to see the property returned to a functional space somehow. Second, Brynn and Branden have a love for the community and looking for ways to engage with other members was one of the key reasons they purchased the property together. A more complex reason unfolds when you consider this project will be a major labor of love, given their plans.

Plans? Oh, yes there are many! The exciting ideas these two have are numerous, but fascinating for a town like Boulder City. Prospective uses include a community gathering spot for enjoying things like coffee, cocktails, juices, dirty sodas, and more. They plan to have places on the property to play games like chess and cornhole. They’ve considered adding a casual restaurant. Classroom space was mentioned, for teaching and demonstrations of various types to the community. Karaoke nights, art lessons, craft sessions and more will be available to the public. Brynn also talked about the possibility of having picnics to go, particularly for tourists passing through on their way to other destinations in Southern Nevada with souvenir blankets and baskets.

The aesthetic for the property will be very mid-century, hearkening back to some of Boulder City’s best years, and bringing back a simpler time. In that vein, plan to see signage and decorations in keeping with this vibe. Mister fans in the spring and summer, with heaters and fire pits for cooler months, will keep visitors comfortable in the outdoor spaces. Brynn and Branden plan to make the space very engaging for the community and we can’t wait to see it come to life!

For the immediate future, they are undertaking some of the structural work on the property, including a recent session with a nail vacuum in the parking lot area, and sourcing and obtaining vintage materials for the rehab. Their parking variance was granted by the Planning Commission. If the plan is approved by the City Council, they’ll be able to begin landscaping the courtyard soon with drought-tolerant shade trees and other Mojave Desert plants and shrubs. The property does need a lot of work and Brynn and Branden are looking forward to the challenge. Years of neglect will not be erased overnight, but rest assured a better and brighter future for the Flamingo are on the way!

You can follow the progress on their website (HERE) or their Instagram account (HERE).

We’ve told you about the upcoming happening at the Cornerstone Hall here in Boulder City. (Get your tickets now before they sell out!) But we wanted to share some additional info about this dynamic duo and how lucky we are to have them play here with us!

More than a few of you are already familiar with the fantastic playing of who is a regular feature at Cleveland’s – The Lounge night club (downstairs at the Boulder Dam Hotel), plus he has been part of other Boulder City events such as the annual Chamber Officer Installation. Patrick, originally from Ireland is a well known and respected guitarist and vocalist who has been part of the Las Vegas entertainment landscape for decades. Always entertaining, his style fits in easily whether putting on a full Irish show or a small intimate party gathering, he is a consummate showman guaranteed to entertain the crowd.

But we were curious about his key partner for this event, , so we reached out to learn more. Also originally born in Ireland she came from a highly musical family of musicians and credits her parents as her first teachers. Fast forward to 1997 when she came to the States following two brothers and a sister who was part of the world-famous Riverdance troupe. At the time the tour was about to head to Australia and the current fiddle player needed to break from the group for a month and a sub was needed. Maire was hired and learned the entire musical performance studying by ear and then joined the tour for that month in Australia.

You’d think that was all, but when she returned to the US she landed in Las Vegas and because of the exposure gained in Riverdance she was then picked up and joined the traveling cast for the new tour, Lord of the Dance and spent eight years with that production traveling all of the Americas. When she landed again in Las Vegas she was also part of the residency at the New York, New York casino as part of the Nine Fine Irishmen Pub. (you can watch a sample HERE).

With all of that, for the NYE Barn Dance, they are also pulling in two other players for that night, drummer and singer extraordinaire, Michelle Mulhaire along with local bass player Jason Langley (resident bass player for Matt Goss for 11 years.)

The musical assortment will move between classic rock and country hits, to Irish folk songs and all sorts of danceable and lively music certain to coax you and a partner on to the dance floor and set the tone for a perfect evening, while enjoying the musicality of some seriously talented musicians. We’ll hope to see you there Boulder City!