Photos provided by the Ajo Copper News

the Governor's visit

From the Ajo Copper News (cunews.info), 2006

Curley celebration was a hot party

The Curley School Project construction celebration was a hot party in more ways than one.  The temperature was high and, with dignitaries, music, and food, it was the place to be last Thursday morning.  Space under the awnings was popular as bottles of cold water.

Lorraine Marquez Eiler of the Alliance welcomed those attending in English, Spanish, and O'odham before introducing Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson, the master of ceremonies.  Following a pledge of allegiance led by local young people, Vivian Juan-Saunders, chairwoman of the Tohono O'odham Nation spoke.  She was followed at the podium by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano.

Jim Welker, president of the Ajo District Chamber of Commerce, presented a gift basket to the governor.  Other gifts were presented to the rest of the dignitaries, which included and a western hard hat was given to the governor by Sharon Bronson.

Before the guided tours and photo opportunities with Napolitano, Juan-Saunders and Bronson began, thanks were offered to the major sponsors of the project.  Food was provided by Olsen's Marketplace.

 Curley School, the main building of which was constructed in 1919, is being renovated and restored.  When complete, it will offer artisans' lofts as well as community meeting rooms, classrooms, auditorium, gymnasium, art gallery, computer lab, and enterprise center.

The effort is spearheaded by the International Sonoran Desert Alliance, a tri-national non-profit organization based in Ajo and also working in Sonora, Mexico, and on the Tohono O'odham Nation.  Funding for the Curley School Project comes from a wide range of public and private sources.  A sign in front of the school gives the public information about funding and construction.

Construction now underway is being handled by TBR Construction &

Engineering and its subcontractors.  Almost all employees at the site are Ajo residents.  Construction began in April 2006 and it is hoped will be complete by February 2007.

 The party on Thursday was sponsored by Supervisor Sharon Bronson and the International Sonoran Desert Alliance.  They may be reached for more information by calling Bronson's office at 520-740-8051 or the ISDA office at 520-387-6823.