At the March 29, meeting, Rotary members in attendance and guests heard the presentations and talks from two speakers: Student Oscar Avila and Esparanza Galvane Trejo.
Before the presentation and discussion with the speakers, several Rotary activities and issues were briefly discussed.
President Joe Wang and Past President Ramon Rodriguez talked about the Lynwood City Council agenda item concerning the regulation of the annual fireworks sales by nonprofit community organizations, including the Lynwood Rotary Club. Daniel urged Ramon Rodriguez to again attend the City Council meeting on Tue, Apr 3, when the issue may be considered. The importance of continuing to operate the fireworks stand on Jul 1 to Jul 4 was discussed, as this is the only source of funding the club has for its community projects and activities. Daniel encouraged Rotary members to attend the Easter Program at Lynwood Park, Sat, Mar 31, 11am to 2pm. Joe Wang mentioned that on Mon, Apr 9, there is another Vision to Learn service requiring Rotary volunteers. The location is Will Rogers ES from 9am to approximately 12 Noon. Besides Joe, possibly Larry Esparza, and Martina Rodriguez can participate.
Daniel expressed his appreciation for the attendance of Rowland Becerra, President of the Lynwood Union Gallery, and hopefully a new “official” Rotary member soon. Daniel noted the many art and local history events being held at the Lynwood Gallery, and stated that he hoped Rowland will present another arts related program soon for the Lynwood Rotary meeting.
The first speaker was Oscar Avila, whose father is a long term employee of the Lynwood Public Works Department. Oscar has talked about his experiences and plans several times at Rotary meetings. Oscar also became an Eagle Boy Scout, and Lynwood Rotary members assisted in a park project that his father helped organize, as one of the Eagle Scout project requirements. Oscar thanked the Rotary Club for its scholarship contributions. Oscar will graduate this spring from the California Academy of Math and Science in Carson. He showed a certificate he has just received from Georgetown University in Washington DC, approving his application for the Walsh School of Foreign Service, noting that he is one of about 1,600 students accepted out of many thousand applicants. Oscar and his mother will visit G.U. soon, as part of deciding whether to attend G.U. Daniel explained that he hopes Oscar attends G.U., noting that he obtained a Master’s Degree in Government from Georgetown University, graduating in 1966.
The second speaker was Esperanza Galvan Trejo, recently with St. Louise Resource Services, sponsored by Ministry Services of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, with a local office across from St. Francis Hospital on MLK Jr. Blvd. In response to a question from Daniel, Verite is the current management group for St. Francis Hospital, explained Esperanza. She noted that several months ago, a doctor who bought LA Times, is now acquiring St. Francis Hospital. Recently the Daughters of Charity created the organization St. Louise Resource Services, where Esperanza had been working. She noted that she is now working for her husband’s business in Cerritos. Esperanza is a member of the South Gate Rotary Club and a former president of the South Gate Club. Esperanza is a leader of the local American Cancer Society and encourages Lynwood Rotary members to again participate in the Relay for Life Event in South Gate Park on Jul 21 and Jul 22. It was stated that the Lynwood Club Secretary, Maria Quinionez, Lulu, may again organize a Lynwood Rotary team for this fund raising event. Esperanza talked about her personal experiences with breast cancer, noting that thanks to early detection and treatment she is now cured. She stated that “early detection was the best thing that has happened to me.” Also she explained that advances in cancer research are making recovery possible for many more people. Esperanza also talked about a coming Clean Air event which relates to cancer causes. She handed out a flier: Symposium – A healthy Future for Southeast Los Angeles Communities. “Sat., Apr 7, 8:30am 12:30pm, South Gate Park Auditorium. Senator Lara and local officials to discuss issues. Food provided. It was noted that the next Rotary weekly meeting will be at 12 Noon to 1:30 pm at the Recreation Department Building, across from City Hall. (During the month of April, it will be determined each week, whether the meeting will be held in the City Recreation Building or in Bateman Hall)
Daniel Miller / Omar Franco / Rowland Becerra
Public Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club