Desert Messenger

26 www.DesertMessenger.com December 18, 2019 By Jackie Deal NEW to Quartzsite ... NEW to the QIA (Quartzsite Improvement As- sociation) and I'll bet new to you is ACUPUNCTURE. Who wants to try it? It's expensive, it might hurt. Will it do any good? Well, this is your chance to try it for a donation only. And no it doesn't hurt (more about that later.) Leesa Bolden is offering "Commu- nity Style Acupuncture" by dona- tion, at the Community Center and the QIA every week through April. I was curious and my curiosity over- came my fear, so come along and you can see how it works. Eight re- cliners, outdoor lounge chairs, rest in a circle; they were soon fi lled and more people were waiting. Leesa in- troduced herself and explained that she is a Licensed Acupuncturist and has a Masters in Oriental Medicine. Originally she was a Massage Therapist and had a very busy clinic. Her house and clinic in California, were wiped out in a 1,000 year fl ood, she got a divorce, her dog died, her cat died and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of hibernat- ing, she decided "Huh, I should travel." She travels in a loo-ong (42 foot) Toy Hauler that contains her "clinic." She is now based in Ehren- berg but is temporarily staying in Quartzsite. She's trim, gracious and very easy to talk to. When she starts her Community circle, she visits the chairside of each person and inquires what they would like help with. I complained that my hips are troublesome (ar- thritis?) my right wrist hurt and I have trouble sleeping. She looked thoughtful and then swabbed my hands, feet and forehead with al- cohol. The needles are teensy, in- dividual, and sterile in a plastic sheath. When she pressed the nee- dle out of the sheath I felt a tap and then as she advanced the needles all I felt was a pressure. She was care- ful to wash her hands between each patient. No pain. I'm not sure how many needles I had but only one hurt and that was just momentarily. I don't know how long the needles were in place because like most in the room, I went to sleep! What were the results? That night I had one of the best nights of sleep in a long time: but only one. I'm considering going back. My hips no longer hurt when I climb into my car. Honest! My wrist is better but it usually gets better if I treat it gently. I am fi rmly grounded in tradition- al medicine so it's hard for me to accept Oriental or non-mainstream medicine. However, as Leesa point- ed out the Chinese have used Orien- tal medicine for over 2,000 years. It's based in part on the concept of meridians or channels of energy in the body which can become blocked or sluggish and thus affect your health. You can try it for a donation only. Tuesdays 6:30-9:30pm at the Com- munity Center, Wednesdays 1:00 - 4:00pm at the QIA and Thursdays 10:00-30 am – 1:30 pm. at the Community Center. I suggest you get there early before all the chairs fi ll up. You'll probably never have an opportunity like this again! Community Acupuncture THRIFT STORE Benefitting the La Paz County Animal Shelter in Parker Supported by your generous donations! 455 E. Main St. Quartzsite Open Tues. thru Sat. 9-3 928-927-4223 The fi rst stop was right next door to the VFW at Sunset Grill to pick up the fi rst box. Second stop was the Grub Stake to pick up their donations and to eat breakfast. Third stop was in Bouse at the American Legion to pick up toy box. Fourth stop was at the VFW in Bouse to say hi and hang out for a little bit. Back on the road, the Riders stopped at the Brenda Country Store for bathroom breaks and to warm up after getting soaked by all the puddles. Then back to Quartzsite with collection stops at the Dollar General, Coyote Fresh Foods, then Family Dollar for boxes. The last stop was at Arizona Sun RV Park with the most toys collected along with two bicycles. Then we were escorted by our amazing Quartzsite Fire District to the Salvation Army with sirens and lights all the way. Leigh- Ann and her volunteers were given the toys for distribution to local fami- lies in need. Also the riders collected toys from our fi re department and another two bikes. As we met with the people and all the great volunteers at the Salva- tion Army. In addition to all of the toys collected around Quartzsite, Nex- tera Energy Genesis Solar plant in Blythe donated a box as well. The Riders wish to thank everyone who participated and gave so generously this year! TOY RUN FROM PAGE 23 The Town of Quartzsite Camel Express will provide transporta- tion to and from local celebra- tions on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31st from 7pm to 1am. Please call Quartzsite Town Hall to reserve your ride at 928-927-4333 X3. New Year's Eve Safe Ride Because of you donating to the food bank we have been able to help so many people who just need a hand up. Most people will not starve in our community but they do struggle to pay bills and live a healthy life. You have helped them from becoming homeless. You have put healthy food on their tables. The people you have helped are your neighbors, the family with children down the street, veterans and the disabled. So Thank You! We have been busier than ever and need more donations of canned or boxed items. Please bring them by the food bank Tues & Thurs 8-noon at the back door. You can buy items at the Roadrunner, Dollar General or Coyote Fresh and put them in the food bank bins at their stores. When you give to the food bank you are donating to a 501c3 Charity Organization. Which means you can write it off of your taxes. We are also an Arizona Charitable Tax Credit organization which is a wonderful opportunity for YOU and FQFB. Take a credit on your Arizona State tax return –Up to $400 for individuals and $800 for couples! For more information go to QuartzsiteFoodBank.com and click on the Donate page. Please support the Farmers Market on Main St next to Ken's Gro- ceries. All the vendor fees go to the food bank. Donate at QuartzsiteFood- Bank.com or mail a check and making it out to: Friends of the Quartzsite Food Bank, PO Box 4671, Quartzsite, AZ 85359. For more info call 480- 286-8373. Thank you from FQFB and all our hard-working volunteers. You make a difference DEADLINE : WED. DEC. 24 TH for the Jan. 1 st edition Desert Messenger News Email: editor@DesertMessenger.com 928-916-4235 www.DesertMessenger.com

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