Malibu : 5 Volunteers Recognized

Five “behind the scenes unsung heroes” have been honored by a program designed to recognize outstanding volunteers.

Vince Andaloro, Fred May, Marge Merrick, Steven Ravaglioli and Perina Wiley were singled out by Malibu’s “Volunteers Are Beautiful!” program, now in its second year.

The five were culled from 1,000 nomination ballots distributed throughout the city last June. Nominations were also solicited by mail from leaders of various community service organizations.

The program committee--composed of Mayor Walter Keller and former Mayor Larry Wan, among others--made the final selections.

Andaloro, whose activities include serving as director of the local American Heart Assn. branch, was recognized for “outstanding fund raising, recruiting and enthusiasm.”

May, known as “Mr. Malibu Lagoon Museum,” organized more than 100 volunteers to build the facility. He was cited as “the spark plug in inspiring others to contribute time and money.”

Merrick, wife of former Malibu Municipal Judge John Merrick and active in an array of organizations, was honored for being “always ready to help with a big smile and capable ways.”

Ravaglioli, a volunteer in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, was honored for his work in training music teachers and recruiting students for music programs.

Wiley, a volunteer receptionist who has put in more than 1,000 hours with the City of Malibu, was described by her nominators as an “invaluable asset” to the city.

The volunteer recognition program is sponsored by Geoffreys of Malibu.