At  the  June  18th  Meeting,  members  and  guests  heard  and  participated  in a  presentation  by Alfred Castellanos, Teacher and Coach at Hosler Middle School, within the Lynwood Unified School District (LUSD).  Mr. Castellanos brought a three-panel poster board display of photographs of this landscape design project at Hosler Middle School.  In addition, he provided on his IPad a series of photos showing the appearance of related areas of Hosler MS before and after planting.  As outlined in last week’s  Rotary meeting update, Alfred is asking the club “to adopt our school as a special project to help us in creating a greener environment for our students and staff at Hosler Middle School.” 

In his presentation, Alfred stated that he had a desire to improve the appearance of the Hosler campus so that students would be inspired by the environment at the school.  Referring to the Indian role model Ghandhi , Alfred, noted he accepted the idea that one should lead change that you want for the world.  Alfred declared:  “I have the interest, this is my home until I retire, I am going to use my
God-given talents to help transform the appearance of the Hosler campus.”  He noted that his children went to Stanford, and one of the iconic images there, is of the Palm Walkway.  He stated that “I want to replicate this at Hosler.  Now I am about 75% completed with a palm walkway at Hosler.  Also I have California Pepper trees and some roses in the landscape design.”

At the end of his presentation, in response to a question from member Oliver Conner, Alfred said he would very much appreciate receiving a donation of $500.00 from the Lynwood Rotary in August to enable him to continue with the landscape installation projects on the campus.  Oliver also asked about what commitment is there that the newly landscaped areas would be adequately maintained, including watering the newly planted areas.  Alfred replied that there is a commitment for landscape maintenance and also that the emphasis is on draught tolerant plants, to reduce water usage.

Before the presentation, Fernando and Tila Millan introduced the Roosevelt ES Youthact officers for the coming year  (several parents also attended the meeting).  The Club Secretary, Maria (Lulu) Quinonez described the Club’s decision to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life on Sat and Sun, June 27-28.  She again explained the plan that club members would participate on Sat, starting at 9am for several hours, and again in the evening at 7 pm.  Also some of the participants will return on Sunday morning when the 24 race/ walk ends.

Daniel encouraged both members and guests to sign up for the annual installation dinner meeting which starts at 6 pm on Friday, June 26.  He reminded everyone that next Thursday, there will be no meeting.  He noted that in addition to signing up today, reservations can be made with Secretary Maria (Lulu) Quinonez at her cell phone.

Incoming President, Martina Rodriguez, presided at the meeting, in the absence of President Raj.  She encouraged volunteers to work the fireworks stand July 1-4.  Also, she distributed a promotional flyer to hand out to Lynwood residents which promotes buying fireworks at the Rotary fireworks stand.  Daniel mentioned that Phantom Fireworks will deliver their product in the morning of June 30, so we will also need volunteers to unpack the product and organize the product inside the fireworks stand.

(Stay tuned, Frank and Pearline Calderon are supporting a project to benefit veterans, so more information will follow from them.)  Also remember for  the  summer,  the  first  Movies  in  the  Park  takes  place  on  Thur,  June  18,  at  7:45 pm  at  Ham  Park.  And  the  Farmers  Market  and  Street  Fair  starts  again  for  the  summer  on  Thur,  July  2, 4 – 9 pm,  also  at  Ham  Park.

Everyone is encouraged to suggest speakers and programs for our weekly meetings.

Daniel Miller and Omar Franco

Public Relations and Community Outreach for Lynwood Rotary Club