At the July 23 Meeting, the members and guests heard the presentation from the scheduled speaker, Oliver Conner, owner and operator of Pyramid Properties Realty Company in Lynwood. Oliver Conner, also a long time member of the Lynwood Rotary Club, talked about his professional requirements as a licensed real estate broker, as well as changes in the Lynwood community that he has observed and experienced during the last 35 years.

Mr. Conner described some of the requirements to become a licensed real estate broker, as well as the requirements to receive training periodically to remain current on all the changing requirements of real estate law and procedures. He also mentioned his responsibilities in representing his clients so that they are best served in terms of each client’s financial interests in buying and selling real estate.

As to audience comments, there were several statements from business owners in attendance, as to what the community should do to stimulate Lynwood businesses. Oliver addressed these comments, although mentioning that promotion of Lynwood businesses pertains to city and community actions working cooperatively, and that his business has the same need to work together with everyone else.

Of historical note, Oliver mentioned that 30 years ago there were about 20 real estate businesses in Lynwood, compared to now, in which there are only about five. Also Oliver noted the major impact in the seventies of the state’s purchase of all the properties required for the 105 Freeway construction, and a decision of a judge requiring that the state was obligated to pay the property owners being forcibly displaced an amount to enable purchase of property similar to what they had before the forced displacement.

Club President Martina Rodriguez mentioned again that the Rotary Club will have a booth/ table for the City of Lynwood’s National Night Out Event on August 6. Daniel brought photo collages of the Lynwood Club’s recent participation at the American Cancer Society’s, 24 Hour Relay Run in Lynwood Park, as well as two collages of the club’s 2015 Lynwood Fireworks Stand sales. These three photo collages, along with photo boards of previous club fireworks stand sales for previous years, and photo boards of other events showing Rotary and Youthact participation, will be used for the Rotary Club National Night Out booth/ table. Martina encouraged all Rotary members and Youthact members and parents to attend the National Night Out event and to help with the club’s booth. This is a great opportunity for the club to publicize its activities and accomplishments.

At the previous meeting of July 16, here is some additional information about the presentation by the 2014-15 Rotary Club President, Rajinder Dhaliwal. The subject was the history and current state of affairs of India, which immediate past President Raj, is well- informed, since he was born, grew up and currently has some family there as well as business interests there.

As documented by Raj, India has the oldest civilization of any existing country in the world. Going back more than 2000 years, from India there was a historic trade route through Asia to the Mediterranean Region. For example, merchants travelling to India from the Mediterranean Region sought silk and spices. And speaking of “the discovery of the New World,” at the time of Christopher Columbus, the use of the word “Indians” comes from the belief by some explorers at the time that the “New World” was part of India, hence, the use of the term, “Indians.” In particular, he talked about how India is a part of a group of countries with good economic potential in the coming decades, using the initials: B R I C S, which stands for the countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. These countries, according to Raj, have a comparatively young population, providing a good supply of able workers, and equally important a good supply of consumers to purchase goods and services, compared to older populations. Raj stated the India has a population of 1.25 billion and that 65% of the population is 35 years or younger. This compares with the countries of Europe which has an aging population. Raj stated that due to low birth rates, the populations are declining. He notes that in the US the population is not declining due to population increases from groups immigrating into the US.

Daniel Miller /Omar Franco Public Relations/Community Outreach Lynwood Rotary Club