Lynwood Rotary Meeting Update 08-20-2015

At the August 20th Meeting, the members and guests heard a presentation by Jaime Roberto Flores Junior. Daniel, in introducing the speaker noted that in addition to his long name, is also known as Rob. Rob talked about his role in the Park Advisory Committee for the soon to open Linear Park. He mentioned that ceramic tile artwork is part of the park design and that in one location there will be tiles showing images of some resident’s pets. One issue that remains to be decided is how irrigation will be done for the community garden. The city will have strict limits on watering, but it remains to be determined if this can be supplemented by watering by volunteers from the community who will be involved in maintaining the community gardens.

Rob also talked about his role as a new block watch captain. On area of interest for Rob is the use of social media to assist in block watch communications. He is continuing to pursue this interest with block watch participants. The updates from Sheriff officers is helpful to Block Watch participants. One current issue of interest is the placement of camera locations for security monitoring.

He also talked about the use of the new app for requesting services from the city, such as stray pets, and the need for special trash pick ups for bulky items left on the streets or allies. He mentioned several situations involving his block watch area that involved a request for city actions. One involved stray cats. Another situation involved illegal parking when residents hold social events that result in parking shortages. For example if there is parking where the vehicles extend into median areas, this on occasion results in damages to the sprinkler systems. The new app provides for a response by the city in several days after the service request has been communicated. The new app makes possible providing a photo of the problem to the city.

Rob made reference to his college training in communication skills, to include doing a college radio show regularly. He may return to a future meeting to show using video illustrations and hands-on demonstration of how the City of Lynwood app can be used to request city services.

Before the scheduled speaker, Jaime Roberto Flores Junior, Club President Martina introduced the Assistant Governor for Rotary District 5280, Rica Viola, who this year is responsible to oversee the Lynwood Club and to help ensure that the Lynwood Club will be ready for the District Governor’s annual visit, which will be at the September 24 meeting. Ms Viola stated that she was pleased to visit our club and meet with members and guests on her unannounced visit, and that she is available to assist in what needs to be presented to the District Governor.

Martina talked about the annual Rotary District Picnic on Sunday, Sept 20 at the usual location, the Redondo Beach Lagoon. This year, participants are encouraged to bring baby items, especially diapers for young families that serve our country in the military (stationed at Camp Pendleton). Also, at the picnic there is the annual boat race using homemade cardboard boats,. This Sun, Aug 23, at the home of Fernando and Tila Millan, members of the Roosevelt ES Youthact club will help construct one or two cardboard boats for the annual boat races in the Lagoon. Also all Club members present received ticket books to sell for the annual Rotary Foundat ion Event which this year will be Sat, Nov 14, at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.

In response to Club member Oliver Conner, Paul Gothold, Superintendent for the Lynwood Unified School District, and Club member talked briefly about the first day of school, which for LUSD schools was this morfning. He replied everything went well otherwise he would not be attending today's Rotary meeting. He made reference to the fact that the district's student academic scores are favorable and that the district has 15,000 students this year which is an increase and a good sign for the district.

Also, there was a most welcome visitor at the meeting, the niece of our long time Rotary member Jim Morton, for whom the club had a celebration of life memorial event after he passed, immediately, at the next Rotary meeting, as well as attend and participate in a celebration of life event at Lulu’s Lynwood church, at which Jim Morton sometimes attended. Describing herself as Jim’s Texas niece, Cherry Medina, was in town to help coordinate the work at the motel which Jim had inherited, from family and operated and in which he lived. Cherry was helping get the motel ready for sale, and is returning to Texas, tomorrow, after spending some time here in Lynwood. As she did at the Celebration of Life event at the church, Cherry shared her fond memories of Jim Morton, and also she shared Jim’s thoughts and experiences of serving as a very active member of the Lynwood Club for many years. A memorable quote from Cherry, she said in regard to Rotary business and procedures, “Wait a minute, let’s talk about it ...” Cherry also recalled Jim’s great interest in improving the City of Lynwood, to include the City’s accomplishment in being selected as “An All America City” , several years ago. So, all of us at the meeting, can say, thank you, Cherry for coming to the meeting and talking about Jim and his life, in which the Rotary Club was a very important part of his life, as well as working to improve our community in which our club is located!

Daniel Miller / Omar Franco Public Relations and Community Outreach for Lynwood Rotary