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Feeling connected in Quincy
Tammara Green/Post-Register
Gayla Petersen has lived in Quincy most of her life.
Gayla Petersen was born Gayla Whiting, to Roy Whiting and Donna Flynn. She grew up in Quincy, raised by her stepfather and mother, Eldon and Donna Flynn. She had two brothers and one sister. She was between them in order of age. “I was the proverbial middle child,” said Petersen. Her stepfather owned the Chevrolet Garage and licensing office on F Street in Quincy for years, until they moved to their current location at 908 Central Ave. S. Petersen spent most of her time working alongside her stepfather after the move, and eventually took over the business. This is her 20th year at Petersen Licensing.
“I like helping people solve their vehicle and licensing problems. I enjoy being friendly, honest and helpful,” said Petersen.
She met Brent Petersen at church and they married 32 years ago in 1979. She has five children, with four who live in Quincy.
She also has 14 grandchildren who keep her busy. Petersen admits to buying a lot of cookie dough from her grandkids, and she also supports them in sports by attending their games. At this time she has one grandchild playing volleyball and five grandchildren playing football.
“At any time during the year, I have between four and seven grandchildren in sports at the same time,” said Petersen. Her pastimes vary, but mostly she enjoys nights playing board games with her family. She has also served as an arts and crafts volunteer at Monument Elementary for five years, as well as a docent (tour guide) for the Reiman-Simmons House museum.
“I learned a lot about Quincy history through my volunteer work. The more I find out the more I want to learn,” said Petersen.
Discovering her own family history was part of the greatest journey Petersen ever took. She made a trip to Missouri and Nauvoo, Ill. and found out that her Mormon ancestors were unceremoniously banished out of the town.
“They went to Utah, because the order came down that they were to evacuate or be exterminated,” said Petersen.
Petersen loves the small town feel of Quincy, and the small town traffic. She also is very involved with her church. She senses in Quincy a connection that has been established through generations of families being here.
“I feel that here I am not lost in a sea of people,” Petersen said.
She is proud of her role as a wife, mother, grandmother and business owner.
2 Comments
#2
Quincy Recreation commented, on October 29, 2011 at 7:29 a.m.:
Perplexed...I would love to talk to you more about many of the items you said you were wanting to participate in. I am the Recreation Director for the City and we can always use new ideas and Volunteer help with programs. Stop by the Public Services Building (across from City hall) and come in and talk with me:)
Perplexed commented, on October 26, 2011 at 1:53 p.m.:
I am happy that some are pleased with the area. I personally have my doubts about long term placement in Quincy. I recently relocated here and have been trying to figure out how to make myself feel at home while at the same time trying to figure out how to give back to the community. Instead of being shocked by the recent gang violence, I have been exploring various ways to help the kids by having a communal place for them to spend time, participate in volunteer activities, social gatherings etc. My better half is in public service and I am a small business owner who up until recently was going to join the Chamber and look into having a couple of part time employees. Despite the crime and bad rap Quincy gets, I honestly feel that things can be remedied. However, after my run-in with the Quincy Police today, I have a rotten taste in my mouth. I can completely see now why there is a huge disconnect with the police and the community. Maybe if the officer knew that I am an educated businessman, that we initially moved here for a public service position, that I pay my fair share of taxes and plan to create jobs here, he would have been a little bit more business, and a little less imperious. My advice to you guys in the PD is to lighten up. Not everyone you encounter out there is a low life criminal. Instead of spending time writing futile tickets and acting like you are a superior human being, why don't you interact with your fellow citizens with decency and respect. If you need to write a ticket, write it, and keep it business. And as a side note, maybe work your asses off to obtain arrest warrants for known murderers. I personally know a leading Gang Task Force Investigator who deals with scum all day long and is the nicest guy I know, even to the gang members. If anyone is jaded enough to start giving up hope on humanity, it IS NOT you.
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