Quartzsite, Arizona- There was a great turnout
from community for the
Quartzsite Community Center Groundbreaking
this morning at Town Park.
Participating in the traditional ground breaking were (Left to Right)
Council Member Patricia Anderson, Parks Board Member Shirley Phillips,
Town Manager Alex Taft, Pastor Mike Hobby of Isaiah 58 Project,
Angie Howell in honor of her father Gary Howell,
and Recreation Director Tracey Hess.
Speakers included, Alex Taft, Patricia Anderson, La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin
and Parks Board Member Kevin Cushman.
Pastor Mike Hobby was the Master of Ceremonies and led with a heartwarming prayer.
All the speakers focused on the positive addition the Community Center brings to the community. Groundbreaking ceremonies are an expression of optimism, hope for the future, and celebration. They are an opportunity to bring people together in celebration of a new beginning; a historic time in the life of a community.
A surprising discovery was made recently during the process of clearing the building site.
According to Town Manager, Alex Taft, this Ironwood tree is over 1200 years old.
The tree is located just east of the building site for the Community Center. Ironwoods are a protected species, so the town has taken measures to protect it by cordoning it off. Taft told Desert Messenger that she is planning on having a special plaque made to honor this old tree.
This tree is two hundred years older than the Arizona Witness Tree located behind the County Court. Taft said, "We are so excited to make this discovery!"
Many La Paz County candidates were in attendance at today's ceremony. All three La Paz County Supervisors were in attendance. All Quartzsite Town Council Members were present except Carol Kelley, who was at work as Director of Food Bank (open only on Tues. and Thurs.) and newly elected Pat Workman. Conspicuously missing were Ed Foster and local government reform political activists, which created a lot of discussion among attendees. The event was co-sponsored by the Quartzsite Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (QSAPC) who felt this is the perfect time for the community to come together and work towards a positive future for Quartzsite.
