Ward 5 Citizen Of The Month

In September 2011, Councilman Barlow recognized Beatrice Rubio, better known as “Miss Betty,” as the Citizen of the Month. Her volunteer efforts and commitment to our local school district made her worthy of the honor. Rubio, whose son attends Bertha Ronzone Elementary School , volunteered to be a classroom helper. She is at the school every day helping with reading groups and assisting the kindergarten teacher. Miss Betty began signing up new members in January 2011 and for the first time in years, the school is going to have an active PTA during the 2011-2012 school year.

In February 2011, Councilman Barlow recognized employees of Catholic Charities as the Citzens of the Month. Catholic Charities has been assisting Las Vegans in need for 70 years and offers 24 diverse programs for children, seniors and families regardless of race, religion or creed.

Mario Berlanga, owner / operator of Mario’s West Side Market, was recognized by Councilman Barlow as the July 2010 Citizen of the Month. A longtime fixture of the historic West Las Vegas neighborhood, Mario was recognized for his support of Little League and seniors in the community.

In December 2009, Councilman Barlow recognized Dell Ray Rhodes as the Ward 5 Citizen of the Month. Ms. Rhodes has been an upstanding presence in the community and has strong roots in the community having been a resident for more than four decades. She has been an advocate for education in the community volunteering at numerous events, including the Ward 5 Back-to-School Fair. She is also involved with a number of local organizations including the UNLV Chancellor's Round Table and the NAACP Executive Board.

In May 2009, Councilman Barlow recognized Coach Gene Tate as the Citizen of the Month. Coach Tate has spent countless hours teaching the game of baseball to the youth of the city of Las Vegas and Ward 5.  He was also recognized for his contributions to the community.

In October 2008, Councilman Barlow recognized Ward 5 Citizen of the Month Olga Holman. Olga has been a volunteer at the Derfelt Senior Center for more than 20 years. Holman has volunteered as a front desk volunteer every Wednesday and has helped with many of the center’s special events. She is also actively involved in her church, helping with special events and fundraisers.

In March 2008, Councilman Barlow recognized the Ward 5 Citizen of the Month, Louis Conner. Born in Louisiana, Mr. Conner moved to Las Vegas 49 years ago with the hopes of becoming a successful entrepreneur. After working in the gaming industry and eventually serving as the executive director of food and beverage at both the Stardust and Hacienda hotels, his dream became a reality when he opened the Seven Seas Restaurant and Lounge. Mr. Conner is dedicated to the community and business development in the area. He has served with such organizations as the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas, the Black Chamber of Commerce and the Las Vegas Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers, to name just a few.