Ah, the Smell of Fireworks 

          The worst part of the Fourth of July might be the inability to cool the house by opening the windows, because there is so much smoke outside. 

          We in Montebello are in a minority by permitting the sale and use of fireworks.  A strong argument in favor of fireworks is that community organizations fundraise a considerable amount in a short time.  A strong argument against fireworks--well, there are two strong arguments--is the danger from injury and property loss and the not insignificant emission of smoke into the atmosphere. 

          What if, tomorrow, we found an alternative way for organizations to fundraise a considerable amount in a short time?  An example caught my attention recently:           

    Students in grades 5-8 at Howe Schools participated in a global project this March called the Global Run.  The Global Run is a community of students and teachers engaged in international service and learning.  Currently, participants from 25 schools in fourteen countries are using advanced technology to exchange information and ideas concerning relevant world issues.  In 2007, the Global Run participants raised funds to help two villages in Kenya with clean water projects.  In Kisii Village, the money will provide a continuous flow of clean water to Kisii Hospital.  In Itiati Village, the money will be used to develop a gravity-feed water distribution system. 

    Students in the partnership schools use pedometers to keep track of the miles they walk.  Corporate sponsors, such as Tandberg and International Rotary Club, match each mile with a dollar contribution toward the projects.  Howe students raised  $1003.07 by walking that many miles in Shawna Oglesby's P.E. classes.  The middle school teachers also raised $970.75.  ...

http://podcast.howeschools.org/~carolannford/Site/Global%20Run.html  

          Now, if we combined exercise with neighborhood cleanup, scavenger hunting, and fundraising, we might have a unique, attractive event.  Why should Montebello not take the lead in introducing "Four-in-One Fourth" to America?  And if that would not raise enough money, could we not put a local currency, Montebello E-News, December 13, 2007, into the mix? 

          However, "Four-in-One Fourth" would not eliminate the desire for the dazzle and din of fireworks.  What might be a solution?   Next week. 

If you answer the multiple-choice questions below and e-mail to lessonanswers@mymontebello.com with “Lesson answers” in the subject field, you will be credited toward a “certificate of recognition in community affairs” to be awarded in 2007 by a local nonprofit organization. 

1.  Why do we still have fireworks in Montebello?

(a)  The manufacture of fireworks employs many people in Montebello.

(b)  It is hard to break habits, even bad habits.

(c)  It is an excellent fundraiser. 

2.  Why would "Four-in-One Fourth" be special?

(a) Four goals accomplished through one activity.

(b) Montebelloans taking part together.

(c) Environmentally amicable instead of environmentally inimical.

(d) Less risk of injury or property loss. 

July 12, 2007