In this episode of CommunityCast, Howard Fox is joined by Paul Grube, the President of the River Mountains Loop Trail Partnership. Paul shares the fascinating history of this 34-mile paved trail and how it evolved from a "trail to nowhere" into a premier outdoor destination connecting Henderson, Boulder City, and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

From the lighthearted "adult beverage" origins of the trail’s concept in the late 90s to the technical challenges of maintaining a multi-jurisdictional loop, Paul provides an inside look at what makes this trail a local treasure. He also discusses the incredible wildlife encounters—from bighorn sheep to desert tortoises—and how the Partnership acts as the vital link between the trail’s users and the agencies that manage the land.

DISCUSSION

1. The Happy Hour Vision: Paul recounts how a hiking group from Southwest Gas dreamed up the idea for a continuous loop around the mountains in the mid-to-late 90s while enjoying a few drinks after a hike.
2. A Decade of Construction: Learn how the trail began as a single 12-foot wide segment in 2000 and grew piece-by-piece until the full 34-mile loop was completed in 2012.
3. Diverse Trail Users: Beyond cyclists and hikers, the trail accommodates skateboarders, rollerbladers, and even equestrians in specific safe zones where visibility allows for horses.
4. Wildlife Sightings: Paul shares his experiences spotting coyotes, rabbits, and bighorn sheep, including a humorous story about mistaking a juvenile desert tortoise for a rock.
5. Managing the Loop: As President, Paul explains the Partnership’s role as the "eyes and ears" on the trail, reporting washouts or safety issues to partners like Lake Mead, Henderson, and Boulder City.
6. Year-Round Recreation: Tips for enjoying the trail 12 months a year, including riding during full moons to avoid summer heat and the importance of desert hydration.
7. Community & Connection: Paul reflects on how the trail fosters camaraderie, from organized bicycle clubs to helping strangers fix flat tires during a ride.
8. Getting Started: For those without a bike, Paul suggests visiting local shops for rentals—including e-bikes and scooters—or simply starting with a short walk from one of the many trailheads.

LEARN MORE

To view trail maps, learn about the history, or find information on trailheads, visit https://rivermountainstrail.org or follow the River Mountains Loop Trail on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RiverMountainsLoopTrail for real-time updates on construction and events.

Get Outdoors Nevada: https://getoutdoorsnevada.org/

NEXT STEPS

Visit the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce's website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/

KEYWORDS

Paul Grube, River Mountains Loop Trail, Boulder City, Henderson, Lake Mead, Cycling, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Bighorn Sheep, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber

#PaulGrube #RiverMountainsLoopTrail #BoulderCity #Henderson #LakeMead #OutdoorNevada #TheBestDamPodcast #SupportLocal #CyclingLife

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Lynette Porter, a certified Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) instructor based in Boulder City. With drowning being the leading cause of accidental death for children under four, Lynette’s mission is more than just teaching kids to swim—it’s about providing them with the vital skills to self-rescue.

Lynette breaks down the science of the "Swim-Float-Swim" method and explains why even a six-month-old can be trained to save their own life. From the "Five Layers of Protection" to the unique "clothed" graduation lessons, this episode is a must-listen for any parent, grandparent, or pool owner looking to ensure a safe and fun summer season.

DISCUSSION

1. The ISR Method: Lynette explains the "Swim-Float-Swim" sequence and how she teaches infants as young as six months to roll back and float to find air.
2. A Commitment to Safety: Why lessons are 10 minutes long, five days a week, and how that consistency builds life-saving muscle memory.
3. The Five Layers of Protection: A deep dive into pool safety, including high locks, alarms, fences, self-rescue skills, and the importance of a designated "Water Watcher."
4. Inclusivity in the Water: How Lynette adapts her behavioral teaching techniques for children with special needs, including Autism and Down Syndrome.
5. Real-World Simulation: The "clothed" lesson—why Lynette has students practice falling into the pool in summer and winter gear to prepare them for real-life accidents.
6. From High Skies to Life-Saving: Lynette shares her fascinating background, from being an MGM Grand Air flight attendant for movie stars to serving as a paramedic in the Las Vegas Valley.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Lynette's ISR sessions in Boulder City, Henderson, or her private lessons in Summerlin, you can reach out to Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) Official Site at https://www.infantswim.com/

Boulder City Chamber of Commerce: https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/

KEYWORDS

Lynette Porter, ISR, Infant Swimming Resource, Water Safety, Drowning Prevention, Boulder City, Swim Lessons, Self-Rescue, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce

#LynettePorter #ISR #InfantSwimmingResource #WaterSafety #DrowningPrevention #BoulderCity #SwimLessons #Self-Rescue #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce

Welcome to the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce's CommunityCast. Host Howard Fox sits down with Kristin Herr, co-owner of Evolution Expeditions, to discover how this unique business is helping locals and visitors alike explore the incredible natural wonders around Boulder City and the Las Vegas Valley.

You'll hear about Evolution Expeditions' origins, their range of kayaking and Hoover Dam tours, the family story behind how Kristin and her husband made the leap to buy the business, and what it takes to ensure every outing is safe, memorable, and fun. From quick sunset paddles and s’mores on Lake Mead, to full-day adventures down the Colorado River – Kristin shares both the behind-the-scenes magic and the customer experiences that make Evolution Expeditions a must-try for anyone wanting to discover, unwind, and get outside.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about community, adventure, and how small businesses are shaping Boulder City as a premier destination for experiences!

CONTENT

1. Introduction to CommunityCast and Evolution Expeditions
2. What is Evolution Expeditions?
3. Evolution Expeditions’ History & Ownership Journey
4. Running the Business: Operations and Safety
5. The Role of Guides and Customer Experience
6. Range of Excursion Experiences
7. Customer Expectations and Feedback
8. Marketing and Customer Acquisition
9. Social Media Strategy
10. Community Engagement and Chamber Involvement
11. Memorable Stories and Group Types
12. Plans for Growth and Future Vision
13. How to Learn More and Book

LEARN MORE

Visit Evolution Expeditions' website at https://www.evolutionexpeditions.com/ or on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LasVegasKayakTours
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolutionexpeditions
Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d1809514-Reviews-Evolution_Expeditions-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html

NEXT STEPS

Visit the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce's website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/

KEWORDS

Evolution Expeditions, Kayacking, Evolution Expeditions, Emerald Cove, Las Vegas #amily Adventure, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce

#EvolutionExpeditions #Kayacking #EmeraldCove #LasVegas #FamilyAdventure #LakeMead #HooverDam #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill is joined by Angie Rafferty, the creative entrepreneur behind The Bourbon Babe and the current office administrator for the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce. Angie shares her journey of turning 25 years of bartending experience into a thriving mobile business that prioritizes creativity, inclusivity, and the "experience" of a private event.

From designing custom "crystal kiss" cocktails with edible glitter to teaching interactive mixology classes where guests take home their own bar tools, Angie provides a look into the artistry of mobile bartending. She also discusses her background in the military, her transition from a 10-year career as a paralegal, and how the Chamber of Commerce has been a vital catalyst for her business growth.

DISCUSSION

1. The Experience of Mixology: Angie explains that her business is about more than just drinks; it's about catering to themes through colors, titles, and custom ingredients to create a specific "vibe" for private parties.
2. Mobile Bartending & Mixology Classes: Angie hosts 90-minute mixology classes where she teaches small groups how to craft three distinct drinks, providing them with laminated recipe cards and their own bar kits to keep.
3. Inclusivity through Mocktails: Angie specializes in creative non-alcoholic options like "dirty sodas" and raspberry purees to ensure children and sober guests feel fully included in the celebration.
4. Event Concierge Services: Angie offers more than just drinks; she acts as a resource to help clients find bands, photographers, and rental equipment for their events.
5. The Power of the Chamber: Angie discusses the tangible benefits of Chamber membership, noting that her website traffic increased significantly and she secured three ribbon-cutting events within her first four months of joining.
6. A Family Affair: Angie shares the pride of working alongside her oldest daughter, whom she has trained to bartend and who occasionally fills in for her or joins her for mother-daughter events.
7. Life Lessons & Integrity: Drawing on her experience as a veteran and a single mother, Angie emphasizes the importance of honesty in business, providing upfront estimates and "tips and tricks" to help clients stay within their budgets.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Angie's services or to book a mixology class, you can reach out to her through the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce or contact her directly via her business, The Bourbon Babe.

Boulder City Chamber of Commerce: https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/

The Bourbon Babe: https://thebourbonbabeevents.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebourbonbabeevents

KEYWORDS

Angie Rafferty, The Bourbon Babe, Mobile Bartending, Mixology Classes, Mocktails, Custom Cocktails, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, Event Planning, Entrepreneurship, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City.

#AngieRafferty #TheBourbonBabe #MobileBartending #Mixology #SupportLocal #BoulderCityChamber #TheBestDamPodcast

Behind the Design: How Valiant Supply Serves the First Responder Community

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill is joined by Justin Lomprey, the creative force behind Valiant Supply. Justin shares his journey from serving in law enforcement to launching a grassroots branding and design powerhouse that caters specifically to the unique needs of first responders and public safety agencies.

From the technical artistry required to design patches that actually work on fabric to stories of brainstorming iconic designs like the "Vegas Vicki" house arrest patch in under 15 minutes, Justin provides a masterclass in niche branding. He also discusses the family legacy that led him to public service, his "no excuses" work ethic, and how Valiant Supply has grown into a national entity solely through the power of word-of-mouth.

DISCUSSION

1. From Law Enforcement to Design: Justin discusses how his background in law enforcement and a childhood passion for art merged to create Valiant Supply, a company built on trust and a deep understanding of first responder culture.
2. The Art of the Patch: Justin explains the importance of "designing for a physical element," ensuring that graphic designs translate perfectly into embroidery or patches rather than just looking good on a screen.
3. The"Vegas Vicki" Success: Hear the story behind one of Valiant’s most popular designs—a custom patch for Metro’s house arrest unit featuring the iconic Vegas Vicki with a neon-style ankle brace.
4. A Family Business: Justin shares what it’s like working with his mother, who serves as the office manager, and how his father and grandfather’s careers in law enforcement inspired the "cop shop" atmosphere of his studio.
5. On-Site Production & Privacy: Because Valiant Supply handles screen printing, embroidery, and laser work all on-site, first responder clients trust that their sensitive gear stays "under lock and key".
6. No Excuses, Just Solutions: Justin highlights a core philosophy passed down from his parents: never come to the table with a problem without having a solution in mind.
7. Community & Philanthropy: Learn about Valiant’s long-term involvement with the UNLV hockey team, including designing their uniforms and supporting local holiday toy drives.
8. From Logging to Landscaping: Justin reflects on his early "hard work" roots, from digging ditches for his uncle’s landscaping business to a high-stakes stint in the logging industry.

LEARN MORE

To see Justin’s work or inquire about custom branding, visit www.valiantsupply.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @ValiantSupply.

KEYWORDS

Justin Lomprey, Valiant Supply, First Responders, Graphic Design, Custom Patches, Branding, Law Enforcement, UNLV Hockey, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber, Boulder City

#JustinLomprey #ValiantSupply #FirstResponders #GraphicDesign #PublicSafety #TheBestDamPodcast #SupportLocal #BoulderCityChamber

Empowering the Next Generation of Young Women

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, host Jill Lagan is joined by Michaela Taylor, the current Mrs. Las Vegas America and a contestant for the upcoming Mrs. Nevada America title. Michaela pulls back the curtain on the modern pageant world, dispelling myths of "cattiness" and explaining how the competition serves as a powerful vehicle for personal growth and community leadership.

Michaela shares her journey of building resilience and her own marketing business. She discusses her platform, "Confidently You," which focuses on empowering young girls and women to step out of their comfort zones. Whether she is speaking to high school dance teams or preparing for the state stage, Michaela’s story is a testament to the power of daily, small acts of courage.

DISCUSSION

1. Pageantry Unmasked: Michaela clarifies the structure of the Mrs. America system, noting that the competition is judged on interview (50%), swimsuit (25%), and evening gown (25%), with no talent portion required for the Mrs. division.

2. Confidently You: Michaela explains the heart of her platform, which encourages women to rewire negative mindsets and perform daily "courage acts" to build authentic self-esteem and reach their full potential.

3. The Power of First Runner-Up: Reflecting on her first-ever pageant, Michaela discusses the mental shift required to turn a second-place finish into a motivating lesson in pride and persistence.

4. Business and Grit: As the owner of Michaela Starr Marketing, Michaela draws parallels between the discipline of pageantry and the challenges of entrepreneurship, emphasizing that both require the courage to be "seen" and the grit to never quit.

5. Lessons from Kansas: Michaela credits her upbringing in a family of five for her strong work ethic, specifically her parents' rule of finishing every "season" or commitment before being allowed to move on to the next thing.

6. A Moment in the Spotlight: Michaela shares a touching story of her 11-year-old son being moved to tears while watching her on stage, highlighting her goal of being a living example of bravery for her children.

7. Jailhouse Reality Check: In a humorous exchange, Michaela and Jill bond over their shared history of working in detention centers—Michaela's stint lasted less than a full shift before she realized her path lay elsewhere.

8. The Path to State: With the Mrs. Nevada America pageant approaching in May at the Aliante Casino, Michaela outlines her goals for the upcoming year, specifically focusing on mastering public speaking to better serve her community.

LEARN MORE

To follow Michaela’s journey to the crown and learn more about her "Confidently You" platform, follow her on social media at @michaela_s_taylor. For information on the pageant system or how to compete, visit the Mrs. Nevada America website at https://www.mrsnevadaamericapageant.com/.

KEYWORDS

Michaela Taylor, Mrs. Las Vegas America, Mrs. Nevada America, Confidently You, Pageant Life, Women's Empowerment, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce

#MichaelaTaylor #MrsLasVegasAmerica #MrsNevadaAmerica #ConfidentlyYou #Pageantry #WomenInBusiness #Empowerment #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCity

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, your Host, Jill Lagan, is joined by ultra-endurance athlete Will Turner and filmmaker Ryan Dugger. Will and Ryan break down the making of Sierra 914, an award-winning documentary capturing Will's grueling 914-mile triathlon through the Sierra Nevada mountains.

From the extreme mental fortitude required to push through sleep deprivation to the chaotic reality of filming a non-stop moving target, they provide an inspiring look at what it means to "Live Your Bold". They also discuss the profound impact of support teams, the unexpected beauty of the journey, and why age should never be an excuse for stopping.

DISCUSSION

1. 914 Miles of Grit: Will and Ryan discuss the logistics of an 8-day, non-stop ultra-triathlon that wasn't a looped course but a continuous point-to-point journey, requiring the film crew to live on the road right alongside the athlete.
2. Hacking the Mind: Will shares his mental strategies for enduring extreme pain, including a specific technique of counting to eight while climbing Benton to distract himself and focus on what he could control in the moment.
3. Filming on the Move: Ryan reveals the production challenges of a small crew constantly moving with no base camp, dealing with dust, exhaustion, and weather changes, resulting in a film that authentically mirrors the raw, gritty nature of the race.
4. The Storm and the Rainbow: Will recounts a pivotal moment where a freezing downpour nearly broke his spirit, only to be followed immediately by a double rainbow that reset the team's morale for the final push.
5. Live Your Bold: The origin story of Will's mantra is revealed, which began with a goal to do 60 Ironmans at age 60, evolving into a mission to encourage students and adults alike to reach their full potential.
6. The Power of Connection: The team shares the heartwarming story of Jose Gomez, a stranger on a grocery run who ended up cycling 100 miles out of his way just to share the road and energy with Will.
7. Roots of Resilience: Both guests reflect on how their parents—Will's hard-working father and supportive mother, and Ryan's integrity-driven father—shaped the character traits necessary to complete such a monumental project.
8. Award-Winning Storytelling: The duo discusses the reception of the film, including winning the Audience Choice and Maverick Awards at the Richmond International Film Festival, and the surreal experience of receiving a massive standing ovation.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about the film and Will's journey, visit the Sierra 914 website at https://www.sierra914.com/ or learn about "Live Your Bold" initiatives on their website at https://www.liveyourbold.com/.

KEYWORDS

Will Turner, Ryan Dugger, Sierra 914, Ultra Triathlon, Documentary Filmmaking, Live Your Bold, Endurance Sports, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce

#WillTurner #RyanDugger #Sierra914 #UltraAthlete #Documentary #LiveYourBold #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill is joined by author Magon Peuker, who shares her incredible journey of escaping an abusive marriage, navigating life as a special needs parent, and finding her voice to write the bestselling children's book, Raelynn’s Flower Garden. Her story is a powerful testament to the strength of a mother, the healing power of positive change, and the necessity of kindness.

Magon's book’s core message is about kindness and the acceptance of kids who look and are different. It’s a way of creating a lasting legacy for her daughter, Raelynn, and sends a powerful message that there is a person inside who wants to be heard and loved.

DISCUSSION

1. The Journey to a Brighter Life: Magon is a mom of three girls, including 15-year-old McKayla and 13-year-old Raelynn. Raelynn has a rare genetic mutation called MYLK, which has caused seven strokes, making her nonverbal and wheelchair-bound. Magon fled an abusive marriage in California after a traumatic night, moving to Nevada three years ago for safety and a better life with her children. She found her "rock" in her current husband in Nevada, and the family is now complete with their one-and-a-half-year-old baby girl.
2. A Legacy of Kindness: Magon initially began writing an autobiography about her traumatic life experiences, but the heavy topics led her to put it aside. After an incident where Raelynn came home from school with bruises, Magon felt compelled to "turn this bad situation into something good". She wrote the children's book, Raelynn's Flower Garden, in just two days. What Magon thought would be a small project for friends and family has become a bestselling book that led to speaking engagements and podcast appearances.
3. The Voice of a Warrior Daughter: Magon discussed the unique role her older daughter, McKayla, was forced into due to Raelynn's complex medical needs and the family's trauma. McKayla grew up learning independence and maturity early. Now, three years later, McKayla told her mother that moving was "the best decision you ever made," which brought Magon immense comfort.
4. Finding the Aha Moment: Magon shared that her biggest aha moment was realizing her potential and being where she is now—in Boulder City with a supportive husband, healthy kids, and a completed family. She feels like she has "made it in life" and knows things are "only gonna go up from here".
5. From Writing from the Heart to More Books: Magon describes her writing as coming from a vulnerable, "real and raw" state, presenting her work as if she is speaking to the reader. She hopes to eventually finish her autobiography to share her full story. She also revealed that there are more books to come in the "Raelynn series".
6. A Missed Opportunity and a Family Talent: Magon revealed that she was chosen to be on The Voice in 2011, but tragedy struck two days before her audition when her 19-year-old brother passed away in a car accident. She loves to sing and is encouraging McKayla, who is a great singer, to pursue her talent. Magon's first job was working in the food industry at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Magon Peuker and Raelynn's Flower Garden, visit www.magonpeuker.com.

KEYWORDS

Raelynn's Flower Garden, Special Needs Parent, Resilience, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce

#RaelynnsFlowerGarden #SpecialNeedsParent #Resilience #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce