Desert Messenger

Read Desert MESSENGER E-edition online @ www.MyQuartzsite.com November 4, 2015 www.DesertMessenger.com 7 OPINION Opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily represent those of the Desert Messenger. letters to the editor THANK YOU AND WELCOME Isn't it ironic? Last time I wrote to the Desert Messenger, the sub- ject matter was a Council propasl to require crafters to get business licenses and pay taxes on what they sold. I thought it was a poor idea and it appears the Town came to the same conclusion; as it was defeated. Today, as I drive around town, I note how sensible it was to shoot it down as there are already so many laws and codes on the books that are never enforced. Take, for example, those regu- larly held "yard sales." They take place in residentially zoned areas, some are set up and remain up forever; some are resupplied by trucks which bring in box after box of items; street parking blocks the streets and access to neighbor's homes; there is a constant flow of traffic bringing in noise, garbage and even property damage; signs litter numerous corners; and some even have big commercially made flags and banners flapping next to the street to mark their business. To my way of thinking, if a person sells items they have purchased for resale, they are a business. If a person holds more than two yard sales/garage sales a year, they are in business, not just downsizing. If a person has flags/ banners posted to announce their sale, they are a business. If a per- son sets up tables and leaves items on their tables for more than two nights, they should be considered permanent and a business. And, if any of this is done in a residen- tially zoned area, the Town should immediately shut them down and make them stop or move, with heavy fines levied against those who don't comply. Town Councilors: Just think! Aren't these the folks who should be required to purchase business licenses and pay taxes on sales? You're losing a revenue source and could "kill two birds with one stone." Enforce your existing codes and laws and eliminate the deg- radation of neighborhoods while boosting revenues. Art Piper Quartzsite SELFLESS GENEROSITY Thank you to Mr. Harry Orr (Quartzsite WIFI); he came over and helped me out with the com- puter and printer flake out. Also, to Ms Jenny Mills for the clothes that she so lovingly gave me, every- one likes them thank you for taking care of me Ms Jenny (and Paul)! Welcome back to TOPS AZ 0078 members a lot are back safe travel to the rest. Glenda Kae Hines year round resident 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 by Joanne Winer The 19th Annual Celia's Rainbow Gardens Spaghetti Dinner is coming up on Tuesday, November 17 at the Q.I.A. from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The dinner will include spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, drink and dessert for a $5.00 donation at the door. Doors will open at 4:30 and the dinner will start being served at 5 p.m. You can get in early and listen to some great music while waiting for your dinner, and af- ter eating there will still be some great music played in the main hall. Last year, we served about 300 people, and have had as many as 450 in past years, and it is hoped that this year will be a big success again. All the money raised will further the work in Celia's Rainbow Gardens in the Town Park. Paul Winer will be there to play some great boogie woogie piano and there may even be a country band there as well for your dancing pleasure!! This is the major fundraiser for the Gardens, and Celia's Rainbow Gardens Cookbook will also be available during the event for that special gift for your- self or a loved one. Last week marked the 20th anniver- sary of the beginning of the Gardens, and the 21st. anniversary of Celia's passing. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support of this project, and a very special thanks to all the volunteers who have helped make this dream of a beautiful botanical gardens for the town a reality. There is still a lot of work to be done. I am always looking for some volunteers who are willing to help continue what we have started and make it a special place for everyone to visit for many years to come. If you need information, or want to volunteer or donate plants or cactus, materials, etc. please call me at 928-927-6551. Celia's Gardens Spaghetti Dinner Nov. 17

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