Quartzsite to get much needed Dog Park

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona 

Promotes Wellness and Sense of Community by Funding

 Improvements to Quartzsite Town Park

(PHOENIX –Nov. 10, 2014) – With a continued focus on promoting health, wellness, and community, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is proud to provide improvement funding to Quartzsite Town Park. In honor of its 75th anniversary statewide outreach campaign, “Arizonans First. Always.,” the generous donation from BCBSAZ will be used for various park enhancements, including development of the town’s first dog park. The much-needed park improvements will encourage physical activity, community spirit and greater enjoyment of the public space by Quartzsite residents and visitors.

Quartzsite Town Park is located on the northwest corner of N. Plymouth Ave and Chandler. As the centerpiece of Quartzsite, it hosts various community gatherings and events including an annual Easter Egg Hunt, 4^th of July and Labor Day celebrations, car shows and a summer program for children. It is enjoyed by thousands of people every year, especially when the population of Quartzsite swells in the winter months with RV visitors in town for the gem show and swap meets.

"The Town of Quartzsite is very thankful for the donation from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona,” said Skylor Miller, Quartzite Town Manager. “With this funding, the Town will be able to move forward with a much needed amenity in our park."

“Quartzsite Town Park is a hallmark of the community that serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors of Quartzsite alike,” said Rich Boals, president and CEO of BCBSAZ. “We are happy to fund park enhancements that will encourage increased physical activity, resulting in better overall health and wellness in one of the communities we serve.”

The “Arizonans First. Always.” campaign has already visited Pima, Maricopa, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Greenlee, Graham, Apache, Navajo and Mohave counties. Following La Paz County, BCBSAZ will visit Coconino County. To learn more about BCBSAZ and its 75 years in Arizona, visit azblue.com/birthday.

Remembering 9/11

The effect of September 11th, 2001 is forever etched into our memories. We all have our own story of how 9/11 changed our lives. I held the moment of silence this morning along with millions of others to honor those who lost their lives on that fateful day. Quartzsite is holding a Night of Hope Candlelight Ceremony this evening at Town Park at 7pm to allow locals the opportunity to come together in honor of this day. Emotions are raw and for many, run deep, as memories of that day flood our consciousness. This is a time to treat one another with respect and dignity. A National Day of Service.

Ten years ago today, the world was in chaos and confusion.  I was working in a small town where the owners/managers of motels became afraid for their family's safety, just because of their nationality. I realized just how prejudice we all can be. Humans tend to place blame on someone outside of themselves. It's just easier that way.

From the Dalai Lama's essay for On Faith;

"We need to learn from our painful memories of

September 11th and become more aware of the

destructive consequences that arise when we give in to

 feelings of hatred."

Today, emails are still being forwarded that are full of hatred for Muslims, as if ALL Muslims were responsible for the terror of that day. If I were to take this one step further, I could blame former mayor Ed Foster for ALL the comments made on his "Supporters" Facebook page. That could be the easiest thing to do, but not the healthiest. I have seen comments attacking people rather than addressing the principles of issues involved. Once again, it's just easier to attack someone we may not even know than to look inside and seek a way of understanding.



Today is a day to set aside our anger. A day for people to realize our similarities. A day to get out from behind our computer and go help someone. I hope to see those who disagree with each other come out to the park this evening and join TOGETHER with the community of Quartzsite as we move forward in our own healing process. I hope that we, as a community, will determine our future, not those who sit in judgement of who is at fault. I hope that our hearts remain open to each other, speaking words of support, encouraging one another, and sharing words of strength and hope.

We have all experienced the loss of a loved one.

Let us support the healing process for those who are suffering today

as the memories of 9/11 are shared around the world.

The following is from "How to Build a Community" poster seen at Quartzsite Town Hall.


Turn off your TV. Leave your house. Know your neighbors, Look up when you are walking; Greet people; Sit on your stoop; Plant flowers; Use your library; Play together; Buy from local merchants; Share what you have; Help a lost dog; Take children to the park; Garden together; Support neighborhood schools; Fix it even if you didn't break it; Have pot lucks; Honor elders; Pick up litter; Read stories aloud; Dance in the street; Talk to the mail carrier; Listen to the birds; Put up a swing; Help carry something heavy; Barter for your goods; Start a tradition; Ask a question; Hire young people for odd jobs; Organize a block party; Bake extra and share; Ask for help when you need it; Open your shades; Sing together; Share your skills; Take back the night; Turn up the music; Turn down the music; Listen before you react to anger; Mediate a conflict; Seek to understand; Learn from new and uncomfortable angles; Know that no one is silent athough many are not heard. Work to change this.

May we all learn from these words and grow together in a healthy community!