Desert Messenger

6 www.DesertMessenger.com December 16, 2020 DESERT MESSENGER Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper Proud to be a Quartzsite Licensed Business 928-916-4235 O� T��� - E���� T���! Founded by Walt Akin October 1, 2004 P�������� �� P���� R��� P��������� C�. P.O. Box 3185 Quartzsite, AZ 85359 P�������� ����� � ����� 1st & 3rd Wednesday Sept. thru May with Special Summer Editions June, July & August OWNER/EDITOR/PUBLISHER GRAPHIC DESIGN/ AP AR MARKETING EXECUTIVE/CLASSIFIEDS Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear CONTRIBUTING JOURNALIST Jackie Deal CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Starr BearCat NAME PLATE DESIGN Paul Winer www.DesertMessenger.com www.MyQuartzsite.com E-mail: Editor@DesertMessenger.com 2020 © Copyright All Rights Reserved Copyright 2013 Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Desert Messenger. LIKE US on Facebook.com/ DesertMessengerNews FOLLOW US on Twitter @QuartzsiteRain By Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear DEADLINE : WED. DEC. 30 TH for Jan. 6 th edition Desert Messenger News Email: editor@DesertMessenger.com 928-916-4235 www.DesertMessenger.com QPD Chief Will Ponce pens letter to community Way to go Nature! We sure have been blessed with breathtaking sunris- es and sunsets recently. The one thing I've learned is the colors of the early morning do not wait for me to get out- side to enjoy the display. Nature hap- pens with or without my noticing. I can choose to take time to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets, marveling at the beauty in the moment, or not. Ei- ther way, it's still my choice. I've also learned that I can eliminate "regret" by taking action; "adjusting my sails to always reach my destination." The world has learned a lot about "adjusting our sails" this year as the coronavirus changed so much of our daily lives. Some folks think their viewpoint is right; that this is all a fake disease. Thinking that is... just thinking that. And the good thing is that we can choose to "think" differ- ent. With the vaccines on their way to our front line workers and elders, we must keep vigilant in our efforts to wear our masks and social distance. Keep in mind that a person with either asymptomatic or presymp- tomatic SARS-COV-2 infection can still transmit the virus," study au- thors Diana Buitrago-Garcia, a PhD student, and Nicola Low, a professor of epidemiology and public health at the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Bern in Switzerland, told Healthline in a joint emailed statement. With the infl ux of visitors to our lovely little town, as our "brothers' keepers," it's up to all of us to get throught this together. The general public won't be receiving vaccines un- til this winter season is over, so we all must be very mindful of taking care of our residents and visitors by wearing our face covering while in public, yes, even outdoors. Just do it and know that while you may be uncomfortable for a short time, it's better than your friend or family member suffering from wearing a ventalator... or worse. Yes, this is reality, folks. Remember we can't always change the direction of the wind or this virus, but we can adjust our "sails" to have a different attitude about situations which arise. It's all a choice...OURS! All of us! As folks gear up for the busy Janu- ary rush, be sure to take some time to enjoy the beauty surrounding us, too. I hope you all enjoy this edition. There is more news than there is time for me to report on, so be sure to check for updates on Facebook. com/DesertMessengerNews. My wish for you this holiday season is that you would receive Peace, Love and Joy for the New Year and that there be no more needless deaths from this virus! Wear Your Mask! I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. ~Jimmy Dean Dear Quartzsite, It has been an exciting four years during which time l have been hon- ored and privileged to serve as your Chief of Police. As a department, we have created positive change and growth both internally and through the development of relationships with our community, our local or- ganizations, and other law enforce- ment agencies. The people in this community and the dedication of our offi cers has always been the catalyst for me to serve in this capacity. Along this journey as a leader, I have al- ways said that I will never forget my roots, always remembering that I once was a young offi cer trying to learn his way, and seeking guidance from my leadership. More impor- tantly to always treat people as you wish to be treated. I have committed myself to lead the men and women of this organi- zation in the same manner. It is a bit- ter sweet moment in time for me as I prepare to depart an organization that I have essentially grown up in. Quartzsite has been a part of my life for the last 20 years. I have watched her bloom in the winter months and dry out in the summer, which is fi t- ting for our town, as we do not do things exactly like everyone else. As I turn the page on this chap- ter, I would like to thank the staff of the Quartzsite Police Department, Town Council, fellow Town em- ployees and most importantly the citizens of this community for the opportunity to serve you. From the bottom of my heart it has truly been a pleasure to serve everyone in this community. Sincerely, William Ponce, Chief of Police Town of Quartzsite Licensed & Insured BLM Approved! 27 Years Experience 27 Years Experience Miller RV Repair is BACK IN QUARTZSITE! 406-212-0155 Watch for these FREE buttons coming to Chamber the first of the year!

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