Lynwood Rotary Meeting Update 03-19-2015

For the meeting on March 19, 2015 12pm – 1:30pm , members and guests heard Victor Riehle talk about forest fires and the failure of government, according to him, both Federal and state levels, to adequately be prepared to fight these fires in order to safeguard the lives of fire fighters and to better avoid burning down homes, businesses and other structures. The speaker showed several types of firefighting equipment that he stated should be developed and used for more effective fire fighting.

Before the speaker's presentation, it was noted that it was unusual that Jim Morton, the long time Club Secretary was absent. At the beginning of Mr. Riehle's presentation, he explained that he personally knew Jim Morton, and had requested through Jim Morton that he be a speaker. He paid Jim Morton a compliment by remembering that Jim frequently had stated that he had run for city council more times than any other resident of Lynwood. And Victor Riehle exclaimed that Jim persisted until he finally was elected to the City Council of Lynwood. *

Before the presentation, Daniel mentioned that he attended the YouthAct Roosevelt ES and Helen Keller ES participation in helping with the Marathon pre-race registration on Sat, Mar 14, along with Fernando Millan and several parents Photos of the volunteers doing several different tasks were passed around. Daniel noted that this annual volunteering for the annual LA Marathon is much appreciated by the volunteer Marathon organization and also that it is excellent experience for the YouthAct members.

There was also mention of the YouthAct Club Night of Talent and Food on Friday evening, starting a 4:30 pm, March 20 at the school.

Daniel again encouraged Rotary members and guests to see the film McFarland USA, noting that one of the actors in the feature length film, Rafael Martinez, will be the speaker at the April 16 meeting

* [Note that it was not until Thursday evening that Rotary members and others in the Lynwood community received calls that Jim Morton had passed away Wednesday or Tuesday.]

Everyone is encouraged to suggest speakers and programs for our weekly Rotary meetings. In particular, we encourage everyone to talk to individuals about being a speaker, and to provide us with contact information, so we can follow up for specific meeting dates.

Daniel Miller and Omar Franco –

Public Relations and Community Outreach for Lynwood Rotary Club