Who is Boulder City’s George Bailey?

George Bailey is a fictional character from the beloved Christmas movie It's a Wonderful Life (1946). In the film, George becomes depressed and wonders what his town would be like without him. In an encounter with his guardian angel, he learns how much he's valued in his community and reminds us that each and every one of us has the power, in ways small and large, to make a difference in others' lives.

Last year we got to thinking about how special Boulder City is - coming out of the pandemic, the by-pass, and other challenges - and still remaining so unique and loved by all of us. Which then made us think about all the specia people who now, and in the past, have made our town what it is. So….

Who is Boulder City's George Bailey?

Is it Virginia "Teddy" Fenton? She was a longtime resident who was a volunteer for many civic events, especially the arts. The local sculpture park is named in her honor, and her home on Avenue C is currently being renovated as a historic structure.

Is it Dennis McBride? Dennis is a renowned local historian who has devoted much of his life to documenting life in Boulder City. He is the author of several books and has worked with the Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum to help curate and classify parts of their collection.

Is it Ida Browder? She was Boulder City's first businesswoman and patron of many causes. She started the first library, and the building she constructed to house her restaurant is still standing. It's now called Dam Roast House and Browder Book Store, a nod to the previous owner.

Is it Barbara Agostini? She's often referred to as the "Queen of Boulder City". Barbara can be found volunteering at many events, from the Fourth of July celebration to Santa's Electric Night Parade. She started a community closet of children's clothes for all the local schools to serve children in need.

Is it Bill Harbour? He was the editor of the Boulder City News for several years. As a journalist and Boulder City resident, he devoted most of his time covering the big and the small stories of Boulder City and left us with a valuable trove of articles, books, and other ephemera to remember "the good ol' days".

Is it Marjorie "Marti" Corderman? She retired a few years ago as Boulder City's longest-term employee (her employee number was in the double digits!!). In her five-decade-long career with the city, she served in many capacities, and the wealth of her institutional knowledge about the city's history will never be matched. Marti literally knows where all the secrets are buried in town! In addition to her exemplary work for the city, Marti and her sisters, Raini and Sissy, were frequent participants in various adult sports leagues.

Is it Robert "Bob" Broadbent? As Boulder City's first mayor, he was very influential in getting our city recognized and respected throughout the valley and state. A native Nevadan, he was a real estate agent by trade, and several of his developments are still in existence today, including Broadbent Park that was also dedicated to him in recent years.

Is it the Boulder Dam Credit Union? Remember, George Bailey was a banker! Our local credit union has consistently over the decades not only functioned as our local financial institution but as a stable philanthropic mover in Boulder City. The credit union donates endlessly and nestles up against almost every single non-profit organization in town helping Emergency Aid, The Senior Center, Lend-A-Hand, our local schools and more organizations than we can name here.

Is it Victor Miller? A hometown boy, and current judge, has been a fixture in public life here for decades. When he's not working at the courthouse, he has been involved in youth sports and education programs like Boulder City Little League. But most importantly, in the past several years, he instituted the Boulder City Drug Court program that helps citizens overcome the patterns of addiction and criminal behavior and restores them to being productive and valuable members of the community.

Is it Wayne and Shirley Putz? Surely every one of a certain age (and there were a few generations) would recognize Boulder City's own Santa and Mrs. Claus. Wayne could be counted on gently encouraging good behavior in youngsters year-round, and Shirley was one of Boulder City's most productive volunteers. She helped organize Emergency Aid with two other local women, an organization that still provides help to people today.

Is it Jill Lagan? Raised down on Lake Mead, BCHS grad, and for the last twenty-one years CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, she has helped more non-profits, businesses, and families in town than we can count. If there is an event that needs help, she is there to lend a hand, a smile, her heart and keen mind to problem solve and make many things possible in our town than most people realize.

Is it Dale Ryan and Dyanah Musgrave? Known for the “House on 5^th”, winners of the ABC Great Light Fight in 2016, their mark on our community is already large. However, when Dale isn’t working on some aspect of his home decorations, he’s busy at a Rotary event. Dyanah, a human energizer bunny, is active in the Boulder Business Development group, the Women Supporting Women club, and is a relentlessly positive personality, even turning her cancer battle into a program to help other patients with her ‘Cancer Care Kits’.

Is it Amy Arnaz? Amy was a gift to the young performers of Boulder City, and she opened her studio and her heart to so many students over the years. Dedicated to elevating performing arts here in Boulder City, her studio, Dance, Etc. is still in operation.

Is it Mike Pacini? A BCHS grad of the Class of 1985, he is a fixture at events in and around town, and we'd estimate most of us have attended a function where Mike was on the mic. He's helped numerous families raise money for sick children, and he can always be counted on to drop the beat wherever he goes.

Or, maybe it's the lady who loaned me some soap pods and dryer sheets at the laundromat today when I’d forgotten mine.

Who else? We know we couldn’t possibly create a comprehensive list, but we hope you’ve enjoyed where our hearts and intentions are with this piece. Boulder City is unique and special because of its people, and we’re grateful for all of them and all of you. We know that many bells ring in Boulder City and that many angels have received their wings because of it. Merry Christmas!

~ Jean and Tina