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Asarco Volunteers
By Mayor Sam Hosler, Town of Kearny
It took about forty volunteers about six hours to take on and complete a very ambitious project right here in Kearny. And similar projects were undertaken by volunteers in various locations in other countries, too, all on the same day.
Prepping the Ramada for paint.
Mike Kotraba, General Manager of Ray Operations for ASARCO, led the volunteers, all employees of the mine. They met at 8 a.m. on Saturday to assemble for a photograph, then were divided into task groups to work on the old Teen Center, the Town Hall, and the ramadas beside the swimming pool at Hubbard Park. The cleaning and scraping had been done earlier in the week, so the volunteers got right to work taping off and painting the structures.
Mike Kotraba, General Manager of Ray Operations for ASARCO, trimming trees.
Some volunteers prepped the ramadas while others trimmed out weeds. One group worked on trimming the trees which were close to the buildings. This last group included Mike Kotraba himself, who thoroughly enjoyed attacking the invading branches. Children of the employees wanted to pitch in too, so they enjoyed hauling and stacking the branches.
Paul Sullivan and friend painting.
Paul Sullivan’s expertise made him the natural choice to lead the painting group. Paul was one of the people who voluntarily worked on the painting of our beautiful library building earlier this year.
That’s not all. ASARCO is also donating the paint needed to cover the exterior of Constitution Hall… there just wasn’t enough time on Saturday to take that job on. Further, ASARCO is donating new tables for the ramadas. The old ones are rusty and dangerous.
Joe Wilhelm, General Manager of Smelter Operations, headed the crew in Hayden.
Not to be outdone by the pit crew, the General Manager of Smelter Operations, Joe Wilhelm, convened ASARCO employees in Hayden to paint the playground structures in the park, as well as the whole wall which boundaries the park and the smelter. Earlier, ASARCO employees spent time planning and fabricating a large outdoor grill which was installed in the park at Winkelman Flats.
The playground and wall in Hayden.
Go take a look at the results. I think you’ll be pleased.
On another note, I have been told that the number of non-running vehicles in our yards and on our streets has been growing. This is both a safety and blight issue. If you have a non-runner, the Town of Kearny might be able to help. Town Manager Anna Flores keeps a list of individuals and organizations who take these cars away. Some groups serve a non-profit purpose, so getting rid of your vehicle can be tax-deductible. Please give her a call (363-5547) at the Town Hall, Mondays through Thursdays.
COMING UP: Eagle One, the Pinal County veterans’ service van, will be in front of the County Building on Alden Road from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12. Please spread the word.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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