Lynwood Rotary Meeting Update 05.05.2016
At the May 5th meeting, members and guests heard a changed presentation from Ms. Maria Quinonez (Lulu). Ms. Quinonez had planned to talk about the coming state and federal elections in the context of the involvement of the City Clerk's office. Instead she presented a series of Rotary club issues that will be addressed at a Rotary Board Meeting on Wed. May 11, 7 pm at the home of Lynwood Rotary President Martina Rodriguez.
The club had the good fortune of having long time Rotary youth participant and leader Victor Ortiz attend this meeting. Victor was accompanied by his wife, Zineb, orginally from Morocco. So Victor and Zenib talked about their recent experiences living in Chicago. More importantly, they talked about their lifestyle. Victor explained that he adopted the Muslim faith about three years ago, which was before he met Zineb in Lynwood. They both talked about the basics of the Muslim faith as well as the culture that they are now a part of.
There were a lot of questions from the members and guests in attendance. Raj compared his religion, that of the Sikhism, which has its origins in what is today, modern day Pakistan. The Sikhs are a major religion in India now.
Back to Victory and his wife, Zineb, there were explanations as to the dress worn by men and women Muslims. Also explanations as to what is the manner of greeting between men and women Muslims. For example, there is no physical touching permitted between men and women in greetings. It is OK for women to touch other women in greetings, but not between the sexes A slight bowing of the head is the most that is a substitute. It was noted that some restrictions on women, such as the prohibition of women driving in Saudi Arabia is a cultural thing. It is not based on the Koran. In sum, the unexpected presentation of Victor and Zineb was most interesting and appreciated.
As to announcements, Daniel mentioned the coming event on Sunday, May 15, which is CICLAVIA for Southeast Cities, to include the City of Lynwood. These events consist of closing several streets to cars on a Sunday in order to have bike riding and walking all day on the closed streets. On May 15, from 9am to 4pm the streets involved in the several participating cities that include South Gate and Huntington Park, will be open only to bikers and walkers. In Lynwood, Long Beach Blvd. will be closed to vehicles until State Street, and then State Street will be closed until just north of Imperial Hwy. where there is the big circular median area. At this location the City of Lynwood will have a series of booths, promoting city activities. Also other organizations are expected to have booths also.
Note: After the meeting, Daniel made arrangements with Mark Flores, Director of the Department of Recreation and Community Services, to have a table and chairs for the Rotary Club to staff. As Chair of Community Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club, Daniel will staff this booth/ table during the entire Ciclavia event. But he hopes that other Rotary members will join him at least in shifts of several hours. Also, the Rotary Youthact and their adult leaders, Fernando and Tila Millan, may help staff the table. The Youthact is already planning to serve as volunteers for the Ciclavia organization for the May 15 event. Daniel will have a take one flyer for distribution on the table, as well as have on display the photo collages that he has assembled during the last several years, and was last used at last year's National Night Out event in Lynwood.
Daniel Miller / Omar Franco
Public Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club