Lynwood Rotary Meeting Up-date 08-27-2015

At the August 27th Meeting, the members and guests heard a presentation and participated in Ms. Maria Quinonez (Lulu)’s program about the importance of voting in all elections. She provided an array of informative handouts in English and Spanish on the subjects of: voter registration and requirements and procedures, about ways to vote that included, Vote by Mail (VBM), Vote Early, and the procedure for voting at a Polling Place. Lulu also provided a handout on the number of voters registered and the number of ballots cast in the City of Lynwood for Consolidate and General elections from 2007 thru 2014. The data for Lynwood shows that the election years for US President result in a voter turnout of almost 2/3 of the registered voters compared to other elections which had a turnout of 13-20 % of the registered voters. (Source: LAVote.net Election Results, Votes Cast by Community).

Also in a handout is the following values of community involvement: Greater Lynwood Chamber of Commerce – Promotes New Businesses; Block Watch Meetings – Promotes Safety, and Explorer programs for youth; Board of Education Meetings – Promotes Education, Parent/Teacher meetings, Adult School; City Council Meetings -- Promotes Community and Communication; Community Events – Promotes Awareness; Faith Based Events -- Promotes Values and Character; Hospital / Medical Clinics – Promote Healthy Living; Volunteering – Promotes Service.

At the end of the presentation, there was a very spirited discussion, starting with former Club President, Raj, proclaiming that "some people don’t vote because they don’t like any of the candidates." Others replied that this is not a valid justification for not voting. Lulu’s participation activities included everyone writing down on a poster provided to each attendee, which poster had the following statement: "I vote because ..." Then each participant read aloud what they had written down.

Before Lulu’s program, Daniel introduced Al Castellanos, Teacher and Coach at Hosler Middle School. As a previous speaker on the same topic, he talked briefly about the landscaping and planting tasks recently completed and his plans for additional work to be completed by himself and by students. He requested a donation of $500.00. President Martina Rodriguez explained that the Rotary Board would have to meet on this request for financial support. Daniel mentioned that next Thursday, Sep 3, he will meet with Al Castellanos from 10:30 am to 11:30 am to see the landscaping work completed and the plans for more planting, in order to help improve the appearance of the campus. Daniel encouraged other members to join him on Thursday before the weekly meeting. .

Daniel mentioned that Jose Avila, father of Oscar Avila, had just provided 4 invitations for the Eagle Scout Court of Honor, whereby four Eagle Scouts will be honored for obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Parents and friends of these boys are encouraged to come to this event, from 5pm to 9pm, on Sat, Aug 29, at the South Gate Auditorium in the South Gate Park. Daniel encouraged other Rotary members to join him at the important event for Oscar. Oscar was a speaker in the last month at Lynwood Rotary and was a speaker in late Spring and at the end of the summer in 2014, to talk about his summer experiences both summers. Rotary members generously contributed to the cost of Oscar’s trip last summer to the Florida Everglades as a part of his Marine Biology studies and interests.

Fernando talked about the annual Rotary District Picnic on Sunday, Sept 20 at the usual location, the Redondo Beach Lagoon. At the picnic there is the annual boat race using homemade cardboard boats,. Fernando briefly reported that last weekend at his and Tila’s home, the cardboard boat was constructed, with the help of member Joe Wang. Lynwood Rotary members are encouraged to attend this fun annual picnic event organized by Rotary District 5280. There also was mention that the Youthact members who will row the boat need to practice how to row, so as to have the best chance of winning the race.

Also as a reminder, Club members have received ticket books to sell for the annual Rotary Foundation Event which this year will be Sat, Nov 14, at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.

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