Picture: Harrison Industries received an award for being a Bronze Level Sponsor of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. Pictured with Chamber President/CEO Zoe Taylor are Ralph, Myron and Jim Harrison at the State of the Chamber breakfast.

For many years to come, California State University Channel Islands students will be attending lectures, studying for tests and engaging in Internet research in the “Harrison Industrie Classroom.”

The state-of-the-art “smart” classroom/computer lab will house 55 laptop computers, DVD and VHS players and a digitalized overhead projector. It is located in the Camarillo campus’ new John Spoor Broome Library that is set to open on April 4.

CSUCI is honoring Harrison Industries in appreciation of the company’s $75,000 gift to the school. The 132-square-foot allwireless classroom/computer lab – the largest classroom in the library – will be open during regular library hours and also be available for cultural activities on campus such as one-act plays and poetry readings. In addition, the school’s Academic Senate will hold its meetings in it.

The $50 million glass-enclosed structure, designed by world-renowned architect Sir Norman Foster, will be the focal point of the California State University System’s newest campus.

Picture: (Top Left) Edward (left) and Darren Harrison, with Edward’s children Alexis (left) and Elijah James stand in front of the Harrison’s parade truck. (Top Right) Nan Drake points out a young woman pushing a Harrison trash bin in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. (Bottom Left) Edward Harrison holds a parade trophy. (Bottom Right) Ralph Harrison judges the parade entries.

“Go Green!” has long been the motto of E.J. Harrison & Sons, so it’s only natural that the company plays a major role each year in Ventura’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Last year, cofounder Myra Harrison was the parade’s Grand Marshal; at this year’s 20th annual event on March 15, her eldest son, Harrison President Ralph Harrison, served as a judge.

There were over 80 entries in this year’s parade, representing businesses, service organizations and social clubs from throughout Ventura County. Congressman Elton Gallegly, State Assembly members Pedro Nava and Audra Strickland and Ventura City Council members Carl Morehouse, Bill Fulton and Jim Monahan – this year’s Grand Marshal – also road in either floats or cars.

Darren and Edward Harrison drove the Harrison truck in this year’s parade, and were accompanied by Edward’s children Elijah James and Alexis. Harrison business partner California Wood Recycling also had a parade entry, a flat-bed truck displaying its wide variety of Agromin garden mulch products.  Harrisons’s won the best truck in the commercial vehicle category. And also received a trophy for their 20 year sponsorship of the parade.

The parade began in front of Mission San Buenaventura and made its way up Main Street, continuing past the reviewing stand on Chestnut Street and finishing up on Laurel Street. Over 1,000 people – most of them wearing green – lined the parade route.

Nan Drake, Harrison’s public relations director was a co-chairman along with Ventura City Council Members Jim Monahan and Brian Brennan.

Picture: (L to R) Agromin CEO Bill Camarillo,  Harrison Industries Vice President Jim Harrison and Harrison Industries President Ralph Harrison are pictured with Ventura Mayor Christy Weir at a special reception before she gave her State of the City address.

Nan Drake, community relations director for Harrison Industries, has been named one of the Top 50 Women in Business by Pacific Coast Business Times. Drake will be honored along with other successful women at a cocktail reception on April 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Fess Parker’s Red Lion Inn in Santa Barbara.

She was nominated by Stan Whisenhunt, who works with her on public relations matters and handles marketing materials for Harrison. Her tireless commitment to recycling has brought recognition to Ventura County.The California Integrated Waste Management Board frequently cites the county as an excellent example to follow in recycling.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley is holding its third annual “Taste of the Valley” fundraiser on Saturday, April 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. If you love food and fine wine, and want to support a worthwhile cause – Santa Clara Valley kids – this is the place to be.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the courtyard of Fillmore City Hall while sampling the delicious fare from dozens of area restaurants and wineries and listening to the sweet serenade of Xavier Montes’ harp. Along with tasting foods, sipping wine and visiting with friends there will also be a silent and live auction and a chance to win the 50/50 raffle.

Santa Clara Valley Disposal is an enthusiastic sponsor for the wonderful event that supports “The Positive Place for Kids!” Admission is $50 each and $90 per pair. For tickets, call the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce at 525-5561, or the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley at 524-0456.

Don’t throw away your old electronic equipment, or let it pile up in your garage. Commonly called e-waste, items include:

• Computers/Computer Monitors
• Printers
• VCRs and DVD players
• Televisions
• Small Kitchen Appliances
• Fax Machines

So, what do you do with your old electronic devices? It’s easy, really. If they are still functioning, donate or sell them to someone who can still use them.

Or bring your e-waste to the Gold Coast Recycling Center, 5275 Colt Street, Ventura, for free recycling. It’s convenient and easy. Call 642-9236. Remember to always reduce, reuse and recycle.