Desert Messenger

20 www.DesertMessenger.com November 17, 2021 too much junk? CLEAN OUT THAT GARAGE List your items in Desert Messenger CLASSIFIEDS Email Editor@DesertMessenger.com or CALL RAIN @ 928-916-4235 Quartzsite by Woody Quartzsite by Woody Quartzsite I sit autumn days In sun My eyes reach rocky slopes Mountains Immortal— as forever now Plomosa Mountains east Dome mountains west Baked by furnace heat Chipped away by cold Too slow for human eyes Shadow nymphs work all day Chocolate hues shape my view I look I look away In time I look anew Mountain face seems to move Shadows live on slopes Like leaves of trees Ripple in a breeze Sometimes Shadows race up slopes Yet clouds not often seen for such a sight to see At night A cradle under stars Sky's a showtime of its own Quartzsite —La Posa Plain A piece of earth upon the world A desert place A winter home Increase in COVID-19 cases By Dr. Richard Carmona, AZDHS After nearly two years, I don't blame anyone for feeling done with the COVID-19 pandemic. The un- fortunate truth, however, is the pandemic isn't done with us. Recent case numbers bear this out. After coming down steadily after a peak in mid-August, cases statewide have increased from 14,511 in the week of Oct. 10 to 17,299 so far re- ported for the week of Oct. 31. That isn't the case in every county, but it is in Maricopa and Pima counties, the state's largest, along with sever- al rural counties. It isn't clear why this is happening, though the tim- ing coincides with the start of cooler temperatures, fall break for schools, and the continued dominance of the highly contagious Delta variant. What is clear is the things everyone What is clear is the things everyone can do about it. If you aren't vaccinated against COVID-19, get vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated and are eligible for a booster, get a booster to make sure you have the fullest protec- tion possible. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, free, and widely available around Arizona. Where there is substantial or high COVID-19 transmission, as is cur- rently the case in every county in rently the case in every county in Arizona, Arizona, ADHS recommends that everyone, whether or not they are vaccinated: • mask up in public indoor settings; • continue following other proven mitigation strategies, including physical distancing of at least 6 feet and frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer; • stay home if sick; and • get tested for COVID-19 if they have symptoms or 3-5 days after ex- posure to someone who is positive. Breakthrough COVID-19 cases are rare among those who are fully vac- cinated. They are normally much milder, and vaccinated individuals are far less likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19. But your goal should be avoiding any potential breakthrough case – and the poten- tial that you will spread COVID-19 – by following mitigation strategies like masking up and maintaining physical distance. There's more opportunity than ever to move Arizona toward herd immunity with ages 5 to 11 now ap- proved for the Pfi zer COVID-19 vac- cine. Until we get there, practicing mitigation will help keep you, your family, and your community safer. To learn more visit azdhs.gov Quartzsite Senior Center is located at 40 Moon Mountain Ave. LUNCH is served Monday-Friday at Noon Sharp. $4.00 Call 928-927-6496 before 10:30 am to ensure your space. TUESDAY Quilters meet 8am - 3pm TUESDAY Quilters meet 8am - 3pm TUESDAY TUESDAY nights Country Connec- TUESDAY nights Country Connec- TUESDAY tion band at 7pm WEDNESDAYS Watercolor with Mary Huntley at 1pm $10.00 FRIDAY nights, Sky Hawk dance FRIDAY nights, Sky Hawk dance FRIDAY 7pm SATURDAY November 20th SATURDAY November 20th SATURDAY Yard Sale 7am – 1pm SATURDAY November 27th SATURDAY November 27th SATURDAY Craft Faire 10am – 2pm BINGO - yes, there will be Bingo! Starting date to be announced. For more information contact the Se- nior Center at 928-927-6496. Senior Center happenings

• Cover