Desert Messenger

Page 2 Hello Neighbors; I have just attended the annual League of Arizona Cities and Towns conference, this time it was in Tucson. Approximately 500 attended included Mayors, Council people and a few Town Managers. Senator John McCain and Governor Jan Brewer spoke to us as well. In speaking with many of them I learned that they too have seen a de- cline in vendors and their "seasons" have shortened as well. We definitely face challenges, especially given the recent false rumors spread: "Quartzsite is under Martial Law, "there are 50 officers in riot gear patrolling the streets", "we are under a curfew", I am certain that others were heard as well. This has made some people afraid to come to our Community and others afraid to live here. Quartzsite is a great little town, what makes it that way is that we are a Com- munity of giving, outgoing people; we take care of each other. Tourism is very important to Arizona, we have much to offer: friendly hospi- table people, hundreds of miles of ATV trails, great places to eat, during the "season" if you can't find it in Quartz- site it hasn't been invented yet, in the winter we shovel sunshine not snow, beautiful scenery, and much more. We hold our heads high and look for- ward to what tomorrow brings. (See photo on Page 18) Council Member Patricia Anderson DEADLINE for Sept. 21st issue of the Desert Messenger Email: desertmessenger7@yahoo.com Phone: 541-218-2560 www.DesertMessenger.com www.DesertMessenger.com Editorial Scared and sacred are spelled with the same letters. Awful proceeds from the same root word as awesome. Terrify and terrific. Every negative experience holds the seed of transformation. - Alan Cohen As I write today, the rain is pouring down, cleansing the air. What a meta- phor for us in Quartzsite, today. Many would say Quartzsite has received a negative reputation in the media. The quote above says, "Every negative ex- perience holds the seed of transforma- tion". So, where can we find the seed of transformation? On Monday, Aug. 29th, before the elec- tion, I posted on www.QuartzsiteBlog. com, "How can Quartzsite become a Healthy Community?" I began by list- ing all the changes that have occured at NOTICE TO READERS: All errors/corrections is WED. Sept. 14 submitted before deadline, shall be published in the next available edition of the Desert Messenger. DEADLINE dates are found (in multiple locations) in EVERY issue of the Desert Messenger! For rates and deadlines visit www.DesertMessenger.com Latest news in between issues at http://www.QuartzsiteBlog.com by Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear Town Hall or during council meetings since Foster became mayor in May, 2010. According to some comments on the blog, readers assumed I was blam- ing Foster, rather the council, as if those are the only two choices of thought. Duality does not always serves us well. But if we were to think beyond dualistic terms, into the "gray" areas of life, how can this community look for the seed of trans- formation and begin the process of healing? So, how can Quartzsite become a healthy community? The people in a healthy community are safe and feel safe, are well informed, feel that they have the power to make choices, have lasting bonds with one another, have strong families, and a sense of meaning in their lives. So...What is a Healthy Community? According to the World Health Organi- zation (WHO Europe, 1986) the follow- ing are a set of eleven key components that together make up a healthy city: 1. A clean, safe, high-quality physi- cal environment (including housing quality) 2. An ecosystem that is currently stable and is sustainable in the long term 3 A strong, mutually supportive and nonexploitative community 4. A high degree of public participation in and control over the decisions affect- ing one's life, health, and well-being 5. The meeting of basic needs (food, water, shelter, income, safety, work) for all the city's people 6. Access to a wide variety of experi- ences and resources with the possibility September 7, 2011 of multiple contacts, interaction, and communication 7. A diverse, vital, and innovative city economy 8. Encouragement of connectedness with the past, with the cultural and bio- logical heritage, and with other groups and individuals 9. A city form that is compatible with and enhances the above parameters and behaviors 10. An optimum level of appropriate public health and sick care services ac- cessible to all 11. High health status (both high positive health status and low disease status) Building a healthy community is com- plicated, and depends on many factors plus a lot of participation from the peo- ple, not just from government. People are what make up a healthy community. People make up the government. People with feelings, thoughts and ideas. A few visitors recently suggested a meeting for all people's opinions to be heard. After attending the Meet the Candidates on Thurs., Aug. 25th, I feel a moderator would be necessary. Free speech is one thing, but when everyone is yelling, no one can be heard. To be in conversation, it takes listening to another's opinion. It also takes being able express our opinions in a healthy, respectful manner, being mindful of our words. Sometimes we get all caught up in what we think is right, forgetting that others have those same rights. Could we all communicate towards a healthy community in Quartzsite without blame? What if everyone was a little right? What if everyone was a little wrong? Would that make a dif- ference in how we "perceive" things? Could we possible breathe and enjoy the moment? What piece of the puzzle will you bring? D����� M�������� Founded by Walt Akin, October 1, 2004 Contributing Writer, Joanne Winer Quartzsite‛s FREE Community Paper Name Plate Lettering by Paul Winer PUBLISHED BY PILOT ROCK PUBLISHING CO. P.O. Box 3185, Quartzsite, AZ 85359 www.DesertMessenger.com • www.QuartzsiteBlog.com E-mail: desertmessenger7@yahoo.com Published twice a month on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday, Sept. - May, Special Summer Editions in June, July & August Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Desert Messenger. Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear, Publisher Copyright © 2011 541-218-2560 Contributing Photographer, Starr BearCat

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