Operations Department Keeps Poly Safe



L to R: Rudy Chavarria, Ruben Almonte, Dale Rasmussen, Guillermo Moreno, Gary Wert, Oscar Cervantes, Felix Reyes, Gary Almonte, Dave Yamaoka. (Photo taken before social distancing by Jennifer Godwin-Minto)

 

If you’ve come on campus for whatever reason these past few months, you might have seen the friendly faces of Polytechnic School’s hardworking Operations Department. Gary Almonte, Ruben Almonte, Oscar Cervantes, Rudy Chavarria, Guillermo Moreno, Felix Reyes, and Gary Wert have been working tirelessly during our distance learning period to keep the campus beautiful, clean, and ready for whatever the fall brings.

When asked how their work has changed since Pasadena’s “Safer at Home” orders, their answers vary. Oscar said, “Our routine has changed. Everything was more consistent before, we knew what events were coming up and we knew what the semester would bring. Now we’re much more tasked with taking care of the campus.” Ruben said, “It’s a lot more of getting the campus ready for the fall.” His brother, Gary A., said, “With us having to wear masks and keep our distance, we can’t all eat together like we used to. It definitely took a little getting used to.”

Oscar shared that with parks being closed some people came to Poly to hang out and get some fresh air. “For some, it was really difficult for me to tell them they had to leave. Some had children that they were trying to keep entertained, I felt for them.” Gary A. added: “I can’t speak for everyone, but for me it was a break from thinking about the pandemic, being able to come on campus and just work. I think for some of the other guys it felt like a good distraction as well.”

When asked something that the community might not know about them, they all laughed. “I have two cats,” Ruben said with a smile, “I don’t think people would know that about me.” His brother, Gary A., struggled to come up with something until Ruben said, “Gary has three!” Gary A. quickly said, “Not by choice.” Oscar also struggled to come up with an answer, but the others quickly chimed in to say that he is a massive gamer. “I love to play Call of Duty. Also, I think it would surprise people to know that I was heavily involved in the Chicano movement in my youth.” Gary W. laughed and said, “I actually have four cats, and I love motorsports. I’ve been at Poly for 41 years and I have been married for 40, my wife passed away two years ago.”

Felix is getting ready to retire and has greatly enjoyed his time at Poly. “This is a great place to work, I’ve always said it and I’ve always felt it.” When asked his favorite memory, he said it’s difficult to think of just one. He’s had many friends come and go at Poly, but he’s always loved talking and getting to know the little ones. “We used to be invited to talk to the first-graders and they would ask us all sorts of things, like ‘what’s your favorite color?’” When he retires he plans to travel all over the United States to visit family, as he warmly recalls a road trip he made last year to the Midwest.

“The Guys,” as they are fondly called, all come from different backgrounds and have been at Poly from eight to 41 years. They help everything at Poly run as smoothly as it always does. They are the ones keeping the campus together. Know them, see them, thank them.

Polytechnic School, 1030 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 396-6300 or visit www.polytechnic.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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