Get it done: Quail Creek resident is a spark plug

Instead of wishing there were a Performing Arts Guild at Quail Creek, Joy O’Farrell created it.

Instead of wishing there were a professional stage in the Crystal Ballroom at the Madera Clubhouse, O’Farrell made it happen.

More than forming the PAG, which puts on comedies, dramas, musicals and variety shows, O’Farrell enjoys performing in them.

“In high school, I was a cut-up. I was never in a legit play and felt I missed out. I’ve always thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to take this up.’”

O’Farrell moved to Quail Creek in 2002 from Washington state, where she was the human voice at the Microsoft switchboard before it became a huge corporation. She spoke with other residents, got the PAG under way in spring 2003, and had 18 show up at the first meeting.

“Our first performance was ‘Radio Days’ in 2004. It was a comedy that included Fibber McGee and Molly.” That radio show ran from 1935-59.

“We didn’t have a clubhouse then. We performed at The Grill and brought in platforms for the stage. Jim McCarr, who lives in Green Valley and performs with the Valley Players, helped us a lot.”

When the Madera Clubhouse was being built the original plans for the Crystal Ballroom included a low platform stage similar to those in other Robson communities.

“I went to the head guys. It took months, at least eight or nine. Getting dressing rooms and a bathroom backstage took a lot of work. I pushed for curtains and a higher stage so more people in the audience would be able to see.”

In the end, O’Farrell’s vision was realized.

Another venture

Wanting to keep pleasantly busy and not able to play golf because of health, O’Farrell formed “Women of Quail Creek,” a group that brings in speakers on women’s issues.

“I belonged to a women’s group in Washington and started wondering, how do I do this? What’s the best way?”

She started with 25 people, and it now has 150 and keeps growing.

After five years as president, O’Farrell will pass the baton on Monday to Peggy McGee, who spoke of O’Farrell’s cheerfulness and kindness.

“She is a very kind person. While standing in line waiting to get a prescription filled, an elderly woman didn’t have enough money to pay for her two prescriptions. Joy reached into her pocket and gave the clerk the money to pay for the other prescription,” McGee said.

“Since Joy’s move to Quail Creek in 2002, her primary focus has been enhancing the quality of life by establishing organizations to entertain, motivate and challenge residents,” she added.

A doer vs. a wisher, while living in Washington she was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and gave talks to business groups on breast self exams.

“This was at a time in the 1970s and ’80s when there was very little awareness or public talk about breast cancer.”

She also served on the Board of Directors of a school for mentally challenged children in Washington and helped to raise funds.

What continues to inspire O’Farrell to do her best? “I’ve always been that way. I’m very positive and feel if you’re going to do something give it all you can. It comes easy to me.”

For all she’s done, the activities committee has chosen O’Farrell to be the first grand marshal at their Fourth of July event.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.