Desert Messenger

February 20, 2019 www.DesertMessenger.com 13 PUBLISHER'S NOTICE: All real estate advertised herein is sub- ject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise "any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national ori- gin, or intention to make any such pref- erence, limitation, or discrimination." Reliable Work - Reasonable Rates References Available 720-218-4239 DERRICK SHIPLEY, owner (Not a Licensed Contractor) highmountainhandymann@gmail.com High Mountain Handymann Professional Handyman Service in Quartzsite! Mention Ad for SNOWBIRD SPECIAL! By Jackie Deal Welcome to the QIA! The what?? What is the QIA? If you haven't asked that, then you've been asked that. And after all, does it really mat- ter? Suppose we look at a little bit of history of the Quartzsite Improve- ment Association before you decide. The below is from Mary Allen's book "Quartzsite: How Come?" In the 1930s and the Big Depres- sion, "Scores of families found their way to the hills near Quartzsite. There they could camp and their only expense was food. One camp- site we were told had more than three hundred." In the 1940s and 50s, people be- gan congregating around the Quartzsite area. "Quartzsite had trailer houses galore, a few hous- es—but no hall—no place to hold a meeting. Small groups met in homes for pot-luck dinners, to play cards and to visit. The idea of a Community Hall took fi re." S.B. Sigurdson (Sig) built 48x36 ft. house that became a "gather- ing place." "Bring your chair and a cup" was the gathering cry. Glen and Ruth Fulton spearheaded a community meeting on March 23, 1965 in the two room school house on Moon Mountain Road. Forty four people attended. It became the QIA incorporated April 27, 1965." Please note: It took only one month for them to organize and then incor- porate. The mission of the QIA, then and now, is "to strengthen the com- munity through its focus on commu- nity development, maintenance of a Community Hall and work for the betterment, advancement and beau- tifi cation of the town of Quartzsite." The QIA: that's the people who push, shove, haul, cook, compute, perform, play, exercise, enjoy, etc. etc. The many volunteers who keep it running breathe life into the cold building structure. The crowds, big and small, who partake of its offer- ings are the vital life blood, the rea- son for its existence. Sandy Andreasen, outgoing Presi- dent, says, "The QIA gives you some- thing to do. The whole town is made up of volunteers and this is a good way to meet people." "Some people," she adds, "think it's a private club, it's not, they need to come in and fi nd out that it's for everyone." The QIA calendar is full every day, all day. You don't have a copy of the calendar? Most every restaurant, the chamber, some stores and the front of the QIA building boast racks of QIA literature. They're frequently updat- ed so pick one up just as frequently. The QIA is a non-profi t, volunteer- driven organization. Why volun- teer? After all, if you're retired why not just sit around and wait for the hearse? Sandy King, outgoing Pow Wow Chairman reminisces, "My Dad retired at 62 and he just sat around. He died at 66." Even if volunteering won't make you live longer at least you'll be living while you're alive! It costs about $300 per day to keep the building running. Many events charge just $1 per person, defi nitely not enough to pay the cost of opera- tion. Other events split the ticket price between performers and the QIA. (People say they pay $50-$100 for events that the QIA charges $10-$30) March 5th will see new offi cers and three new board members take over. Out-going President Sandy An- dreasen said, "As I come to the end of my term as president of the QIA I have to say it is bitter sweet. My husband, Howard, and I have met the most amazing and wonderful people. It has been an honor to have been in this position. Thank you everyone for your support." Richard Trusty will be the new president. Richard said, "My vision for the QIA is to be more community based. We are not the senior center. If you want something different, volunteer and help to make it bet- ter. I am a year round resident of Quartzsite and enjoy the change of pace that the winter season brings. Dare to join us." Linda Curtis, will become Vice- President, Kathy Ball, Secretary and there's a big need for a treasurer. Volunteer. Take part. Live! The QIA, then and now...

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