Desert Messenger

September 6, 2017 www.DesertMessenger.com 19 CONFERENCE FROM PAGE 1 Among those in attendance were Mayor Norm Simpson, Vice Mayor Loretta Warner, Council Members Starr BearCat, Steve Schue and Bruce Swart. Town Manager Jim Ferguson also attended. The confer- ence is held annually in late summer and provides a unique opportunity for local officials to gather together to attend training sessions designed to aid in more effective and effi- cient management of Arizona's mu- nicipalities, to hear from state and legislative officials, as well as share common concerns and ideas for problem solving. Conference highlights included: • General Luncheon on Thursday, August 24 recognized local officials who have served on municipal coun- cils from 8 to 32 years. In addition, the League presented our Legislative Friends and Champions Award, hon- oring local government supporters from the state legislature. • Twelfth Annual Youth Program welcomed more than 100 youth delegates from cities and towns throughout the state. Delegates participated in sessions and activi- ties planned specifically for youth interested in local government and interacted with local elected offi- cials, networked with other youth delegates and learned about issues and challenges facing Arizona. • More than 20 educational sessions on topics ranging from budgets and Public Records Law, to sessions on autonomous vehicles, water re- sources, smart cities, cybersecurity, community health, council-manag- er relations and economic develop- ment. • The Showcase of Cities & Towns traditionally the most popular event at the Annual Conference. Quartzsite Chamber & Tourism President Sha- nana Rain Golden-Bear and Board member Monica Timberlake at- tended the conference, organized and manned the booth at the Show- case. Mayor Simpson and attending Council members dropped by the booth to shine a light on Quartzsite. As Quartzsite is the "Gateway to the Arizona Peace Trail" there were lots of inquiries about the new 750 mile off-road loop trail. Videos with beautiful scenes of Quartzsite, in- cluding off-roading fun, were con- tinually played at the booth. The Town of Quartzsite provided collect- able Q lapel pins, notepads, pens, and 500 custom stress camels, "Humpy, the Quartzsite Camel" to attendees. Those receiving a Humpy were en- couraged to take him home and post photos on Humpy's own Facebook page (listed on cards provided.) The 2017-18 Quartzsite Visitor Guide & Business Directory was debuted that night, plus boxes of the Guides were distributed to many attending cham- bers. A raffle to win QuartzsiteOpoly Games was also held and the recipi- ents were very excited to win! In addition to the many educational sessions and networking events at the conference, mayors and council- members from across the state met during the event to develop resolu- tions for the League's Municipal Policy Statement. The policy state- ment represents the collective in- terests of cities and towns statewide and will guide the League of Arizona Cities and Town's lobbying efforts during the upcoming legislative ses- sion that begins in January 2018. Next year's League conference will be held in Phoenix, August 21-24, 2018. About the League: The League of Arizona Cities and Towns is a voluntary association of all the 91 incorporated cities and towns in the state of Arizona. It pro- vides policy and legislative advo- cacy, information and inquiry ser- vices, along with publications and educational programs to strengthen the quality and efficiency of munici- pal government. It was founded in 1937 to serve the interests of cities and towns and to preserve the prin- ciples of home rule and local deter- mination. For more information, visit www.azleague.org. How can you help? Horizon Community Bank (HCB) is working with FQFB for Hunger Ac- tion Month to help raise funds and collect food items. Please stop in to the bank Mon-Fri 9-4 to make a donation; located at 25 N Central Blvd, Quartzsite. The World's First Food Bank cele- brates its 50th anniversary in 2017- 18 and St. Mary's Food Bank will kick off its golden anniversary fes- tivities by joining other food banks across America by raising awareness and encouraging the public to make a special effort to help those in need during Hunger Action Month. Governor Doug Ducey declared Sep- tember "Arizona Hunger Action Month" to raise awareness for Arizo- na's most vulnerable populations and the community members who donate to help citizens who need it most. "I commend all Arizonans who give their time, money and resources to help the most vulnerable popula- tions in our state," said Governor Ducey. "Arizona's food banks were able to provide more than 124 mil- lion pounds of food to those in-need across Arizona last year because of volunteers who are dedicated to making this a place where every- one can succeed and thrive. I thank them for their generosity and com- mitment to making Arizona a place of opportunity for all." Poverty is a very real problem for Arizonans, but together we can find a way to ease the burden on our hungry neighbors. Help end hunger in our community. Be sure to drop by the HCB Mon-Fri 9-4 to make a donation; located at 25 N Central Blvd, Quartzsite. For more information call HCB at 928-927-7660 or go to https://fqfoodbank.com There will be a Remembrance for Von Myers on October 14, 2017. More details will be shared soon. HCB FROM PAGE 1 Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ DesertMessengerNews Follow on Twitter @DesertMessenger @QuartzsiteRain

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