Desert Messenger

September 5, 2018 www.DesertMessenger.com 13 Hi Jolly RV Park 1160 W. Main St. Quartzsite, AZ 928-927-3200 www.HiJollyRvPark.com Pull Through Sites 50 AMP Available Clean Restrooms Dog Run WiFi Security Cameras You're on the "RIGHT SIDE" with Hi Jolly RV Park! (next to the cemetery) Daily, Monthly, Yearly RATES OPEN YEAR-ROUND! LARGE LOTS! ~ FREE WiFi ~ Laundromat ~ RO Water ~ Thrift Shop ~ Delights Gifts & Antiques 455 E. Main St. Quartzsite - PROPANE SALES - Open 365 Days/Year for Your Convenience! Pets Welcome! - PROPANE SALES - - PROPANE SALES - Pattie's RV Park 928-927-4223 Close to Everything! 928-916-9812 RV ROOF COATING FREE Estimate Very Reasonable! 1YR FREE Service w/Roof Call Bob (Not a licensed contractor) Quartzsite, AZ - Election workers surprised Marilyn McFate with a beauti- ful cake honoring her 70 years of service as an election worker. The honor came on Friday, August 17th following election workers training at the Quartzsite Senior Center. McFate fi rst worked at a primary election in Laurel, Montana, with her grandmother. She was only 17 at the time and helped count the paper bal- lots until morning. Her grandmother was a Republican, as well as most of the county. Marilyn said her grandmother wanted her to be a Democrat for that day... "and I've been a Democrat ever since." "People who don't care enough to vote shouldn't criticize the establish- ment or government, because it's the only thing that we can have our say in our county," said McFate. " People don't realize how important our voice is...our one vote." She shared that even some local candidates had won their seat by just one vote! Marilyn and her husband, John, came to Quartzsite in 1969. They were attracted to rockhounding, the wonderful people, clean air and all the activities. McFate began working Quartzsite elections in 1970. Marilyn also took care of the census back then, at the request of the U.S. government. McFate also helped write grants for the Town of Quartzsite during its incorporation process. She was also involved with getting the fi rst 911 call system set up for Quartzsite. More recently, as an active member of Quartzsite Women's Club (GFWC), McFate was instrumental in getting the Senior housing and family apartments built in town. McFate was a COPS (Citizens On Patrol) Volunteer for 14 years, visit- ing shut-ins and the elderly. Sometimes she checked on 120 people each week. She said, "I had to do the Police Academy for 16 weeks" before volunteering. McFate also drove the Quartzsite transit bus for 26 years. McFate has also was credited with saving many people's lives during her years of volunteering with COPS and other organizations. She brought food from the packing houses to give out to residents - long before the founding of the Quartzsite Food Bank. She has volunteered with the Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and was involved with C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) programs in the area. Marilyn McFate still sells gems and minerals at the QIA Pow Wow; so be sure to stop in and say hi to her in mid January. Marilyn McFate honored for 70 years of service as an delection worker ����� | S������ RAIN G�����-B���

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