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Recology Ventura presented a check to members of the Fireworks Committee at the April 20 Santa Paula Rotary meeting; donations are still being sought for the pyrotechnic display. Shown are (l to r) Rotarian Al Guilin, Recology’s Ruben Zaragoza and Josie Kalbakian and Rotarian Ginger Gherardi.
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Recology gives to July 4th Fireworks
Spectacular, more donations sought
April 24, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Recology Ventura put a sparkle in the eyes of members of the Firework Committee and showed the refuse company really can turn trash into treasure with a generous donation to the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular.
Josie Kalbakian, Recology’s Zero Waste Manager and Ruben Zaragoza, the Recology Los Angeles government and community relations manager, presented the check to Fireworks Committee members Ginger Gherardi and Al Guilin at the April 20 Rotary Club meeting. The Santa Paula Rotary Club handles the finances for the annual Fireworks Spectacular co-sponsored by the city.
“We have a lot of companies in town that have given large donations,” said Gherardi, but she noted that Recology’s was especially generous and “Great for the community,” that will enjoy the patriotic celebration.
Zaragoza said he had another reason to celebrate: “Believe it or not, it’s my first day on the job,” with Recology a trendsetter in recycling that envisions a world without waste.
Not only is the Fireworks Spectacular for the community — which can observe the pyrotechnics from throughout the city — but is also created by the community that donates to the fund.
For large checks such as Recology’s to spare change deposited in special July 4th Fireworks cans on merchants’ counters it is a group effort to stage the celebration of the nation’s birth.
Fundraising starts in February to collect the monies needed for the March deposit required for the fireworks.
The annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is held at Harding Park where admission is free.
Corporations, businesses, service clubs and individuals are counted on each year to help provide the approximately $8,000 deposit, about half of the annual cost of the professional pyrotechnic display that runs more than $15,000.
Donors can mail a check or money order (write Fireworks on the memo line) made out to the Rotary Club of Santa Paula and mailed to same at PO Box 809, Santa Paula, CA 93061.
