Desert Messenger

30 www.DesertMessenger.com January 19, 2022 "We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated." ~ Maya Angelou Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ DesertMessengerNews Follow on Twitter @DesertMessenger @QuartzsiteRain QuartzFest 2022 Readership of free community papers is now higher than paid daily papers and continues to grow. And more than 70 percent of readers make their buying decisions from free paper advertising and editorial. Your free community paper, promoting connections at a local level – right under your nose. 928-916-4235 www.DesertMessenger.com Email: Editor@DesertMessenger.com QuartzFest is a week-long ham radio, camping, learning and living event. QuartzFest is an ARRL Specialty Convention held in January near Quartzsite, Arizona in the United States. No other hamfest in the world brings together in one gath- ering so much innovation in mo- bile antenna systems, mobile ham shacks, recreational vehicles, por- table and mobile EMCOMM sys- tems, off-the-grid living, alterna- tive energy and radio education. A Very Unique Ham Radio Gathering QuartzFest is special in part be- cause it comes to life each year, ris- ing from nothing in a remote area of the Sonoran desert in the south- western USA. Hundreds of Hams and their families and friends choose to unplug from their daily lives, travel to and setup this desert community, and immerse them- selves in this week-long one-of-a- kind ham radio, camping, learning and living event. The educational classes at Quartz- Fest offer something for everyone including those new to ham radio or even the most seasoned veteran. They give participants the chance to put hands-on the latest technol- ogy, learn ham radio for the fi rst time, study advanced radio theory and to even take a glimpse into the future of radio science. The learn- ing also continues well-beyond the technical lectures all the way from morning coffee... through social events, music, arts and crafts class- es during the day... and into the evening while sitting around the campfi re or while star-gazing. We hope you will decide to join us in 2022 which promises to be one of the most exciting editions of this very unique and special ham radio gathering. WHAT? Quartzfest© is an annual HAM Radio RV'ers Boondocking event which is held in late January every year with dates coinciding with the Quartzsite Arizona "RV Show." WHEN? January 23rd thru 29th of 2022. WHERE? 7 miles south of Quartzsite Arizona - on US 95 at La Paz Valley Road WHO CAN ATTEND? Anyone! If you don't have your Amateur Radio Operators License yet, you'll be able to take your Amateur Radio Opera- tors License Exams at Quartzfest© Cost? FREE!!!! Our Annual Ama- teur Radio "get together" is called "Quartzfest©" and is open to ALL to attend. Quartzfest© is not a club, no offi - cers, no budget and no dues..and is absolutely FREE!! During the week of Quartzfest©, RV's are everywhere across the desert, as far as you can see… every make and model you can imagine! There are hundreds of groups that meet in Quartzsite every year in different parts of the desert who share like interests. Our group, Quartzfest©, started out in 1997 as just a few HAM RV'ers getting together, camping in their RV's in the middle of the desert… no power, no running water. Solar Panels and Generators are in use everywhere (Porta-Potties are available for our tent campers and day visitors). Quartzfest© is similar to a Ham- fest but lasts an entire week and is packed full of scheduled Seminars and Activities. Talks range in topics from Genealogy and Crafts for Non- HAM's to Solar Power and Battery Information, Technical information for the seasoned HAM, and intro- ductory information for the new HAM. Also included in the week's activities are VE Amateur Radio Li- cense Testing, Antenna Shoot Out, Antenna Walkabout (touring other HAM's RV Antenna installations), Solar Walkabout, 4x4 Off Road Trip in the Desert, Prospecting, Camp- fi res (some with musical entertain- ment), night time movies, Pot Luck dinner, Hootenanny and lot's more! We Camp on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land which is FREE, but you can only camp there for 14 days at a time. Learn more at https://quartzfest.org/ WACOG seeks public input The Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) is actively seeking public participation for the Regional Transit Implementation Plan. Residents and visitors within the region are encouraged to com- plete a brief survey to help WACOG better understand your transporta- tion challenges and identify oppor- tunities and demand for regional public transportation in La Paz and Mohave counties. Results of this survey will help defi ne future public transportation options in Western Arizona. Residents and visitors interested in participating can complete the online survey at: www.Connect- ingWesternAZ.com The survey will close February 4th. Completed surveys will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.

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