Desert Messenger

October 18, 2023 www.DesertMessenger.com 33 SPECIAL SECTION Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper Serving The Communities Of Quartzsite, Ehrenberg, Brenda & Bouse Wed. Dec. 16, 2009 Vol. 6 Issue #100 Town' s favorite Saguaro saved 100th Issue! QUARTZSITE- A very important event occured on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, when Acting Mayor, Wes Huntley, proclaimed Quartzsite, Arizona, as the "Rock Captital of the World" during the regular meeting of the Town Council. Stating "the residents of Quartzsite, Arizona, are proud of our rich history of gold mining, prospecting, and love of rock...each year buyers and sellers from around the world are attracted to our region for the fi nest rocks, gems and minerals... and is the home of the nation's largest rock and gem club", Huntley went on to say that the "Town of Quartzsite, Arizona, will continue to promote the community, and support those ideals and projects that will grow the distinction of our community as the "Rock Capital of the World"! A copy of the whole proclamation is posted at Town Hall for all to view. Council Member, Joe Winslow said, "We need to be proud of this, it's a big deal!" Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ) invites "all residents, businesses, organizations and visitors to start claiming it in emails, letters, cards, advertising, etc. to tell the whole world what an amazing town this is!" said Starr BearCat, PNQ President. Quartzsite joins with other towns around the country celebrating their unique qualities with the mayor's proclamation. Mayor proclaims Quartzsite The Rock Capital of the World Vendors vs. winds QUARTZSITE- Saturday, December 12, 2009, a crew from 3J Crane Service of Ehrenberg worked to raise the 300+ year old Saguaro in front of Silly Al's Pizza. Monday night's strong winds caused the huge Saguaro to be pushed over, landing on the fence. Owner, Robbie Robertson, researched for days, seeking the best solution. "It's the oldest Saguaro in town," Rob- ertson said. "I owe it to the town to try and save it." Friday the crew set the tall pipes in concrete and on Saturday, the crane arrived, drawing a large crowd all day. After welding pipes to create the frame, the gigan- tic cactus was raised upright using a strap. The whole project was being documented for the future. During the raising, the saguaro received very minor damage, but overall the prognosis is good. Robertson will follow the care prescribed by specialists. A large arm broke off during the storm and will be planted at the Rob- ertson's home. If you would like to say thank you and help with the enor- mous cost of this project, stop in and order a pizza from Silly Al's Pizza on 175 W. Main St., Quartzsite. QUARTZSITE-Monday's storm produced winds, rain, hail, and a magnificant lightning show across the desert skies. Over 50 vendor "temporary stuctures" were damaged overnight. When the sun came out the next morning, vendors all around town were out cleaning up the damage. Many vendors spoke about how they were glad to be alive. Comments shared with the Desert Messenger ranged from how frightening the storm was, to that of utter disbelief. "Of all the vendors, we thought their tent was the strongest" one neighbor said regard- ing Smith's Collectibles near Main Event. Metal roofi ng fl ew off La Mesa RV's small car- port. Flying J Truck Stop received major damage to the roof. Once again the parking lot at Rice Ranch fi lled with water, creating a lake. Only a few vendors were calling it quits after the damage, while most were out seeking deals on new canopies.

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