Lynwood Rotary Meeting Update 11.17.2016

Because of her detailed bio information provided, the description provided in the meeting updates is repeated here:  “Christopher Reyes, from the UCLA Rotaract (and Lynwood Rotary Club speaker on Nov 13)   “ … asked me today at the Youth Conference if I would like to speak at one of your meetings, and I would love to.  …  I can speak about my experience with Rotary and how I’ve become involved with Rotary and Interact throughout my high school years, as I’ve done almost everything there is for an Interactor to do.  If there are any other topics you’d like for me to talk about, please let me know and I can do it!”

Here are more quotes from Abigael Carde: “ Here is my bio information:  I am Abigael Carde.  I am 17 years old and am a senior at Da Vinci Science in Hawthorne, Ca.  I have been a part of Interact since my freshman year.  Last year I was my club's treasurer and I am currently a Co-President, as well as one of the District's Assistant Interact Representatives.  I attended RYLA my freshman year, and became a counselor in my junior year of high school.  Two of my favorite things are volunteering and reading.  Serving my community gives me a great sense of accomplishment knowing that I have helped my community in a positive way and impacted people's lives by completing tasks.  My biggest accomplishment was hosting a haircut-a-thon in March.  I got 9 other girls and myself to cut and donate hair, and we donated 11.5 feet of hair to women who have lost hair due to diseases.  …   I plan to to speak about my experience with Interact and Rotary.  Rotarians know that it's important to be involved with their interact clubs, but I believe that it's more important than many Rotarians think because us Interactors have so many ideas that we want to pursue with our club, but we don't have the resources or knowledge to do so.  I have achieved a lot through Rotary, and I say through Rotary and not Interact because I always seek advice and assistance whenever I want to start a project or event for my Interactors, and without Rotarians, I would have never been able to achieve the things I've done through Interact.”

As a part of Daniel’s introduction, he thanked Abigael’s mother and father for attending the meeting, Leandro and Maricel Carde.  Leonardo talked about his extensive experience with Rotary clubs, to include the Hawthorne Rotary Club.  Daniel noted that Abigael’s father is responsible for getting his daughter involved in Rotary youth activities at an early age. 

Among the many accomplishments, related by Abigael, is her “haircut-a-thon” described above.  Abigael talked about Rotary youth exchange programs she participated in, that included a summer visit to Italy.  She described her visit to Rome and to other Italian cities.  As a result of her experience in international youth exchange programs, and the Rotary emphasis on helping people, Abigueal organized a project to send 900 books to the Philippians, and another project that sent 350 pairs of shoes to another country.

During the time for questions, Daniel asked for more information about the Rotary youth exchange programs, and the potential for the Lynwood Rotary to apply to Rotary International to organize a competition for a Lynwood youth to be selected for a visit to another country, similar to what Abigael' experienced.

Before the presentation, President Ramon Rodriguez  provided an update on his effort to repair the trailer that will be needed for the Rotary float in the Candy Cane Parade on Dec 2. Lucy's brother-in-law and Ivan will help with the float decoration and Ramon will call members to help with the decoration.  President Ramon talked about providing needed office supplies for residents of the Teen Challenge facility in Lynwood.  Ramon mentioned again the planned Turkey give away next Tue, Nov 21, at the Lynwood Senior Center.  Rotary members should arrive at 830 am, for the event which starts at 9:00 am.  Lynwood Rotary will provide the club banner for the canopy to be provided by the city..  With the support of a Lynwood business, Rotary will give out 120 turkeys through the Lynwood Senior Center.  Daniel mentioned that he would attend the Mayor's State of the City Address on Thur evening, Nov 17.  At the evening event, Rotary members who attended included Iris Pygatt and her husband, Dr. Pygatt, who received a special recognition for his military service in World War II.  Also attending were Barbara Baxter, Larry Esparza and a guest, and Lulu and several members of her family. Also in attendance was Rotary member Raj's daugher, Tamana.  President Ramon mentioned again the Rotary District 5280 District Conference scheduled for Dec 4 thru 6 in Lake Arrowhead,  He encouraged members to sign up (RSVP needed soon) describing how informative and interesting are these District conferences.  Also Lulu is coordinating Christmas baskets for needy families, to include coordination with the Food 4 Less Market.