At the Oct 3 Noon meeting, Rotary Club President, Gudiel Crosthwaite called the meeting to order. After the Pledge of Allegiance, there was a time of silence for personal prayers. Then Rotary guest, Griselda Sanchez, Community Engagement Coordinator, for Tobacco Control Program, was introduced. Grisela briefly described the purpose of this nonprofit organization, which included, eliminating smoking will benefit not only smokers but also people who are harmed by breathing second hand smoke. Griselda will be a Lynwood Rotary speaker at an upcoming meeting.
It was approved by a vote of the club officers that the Oct 31 weekly meeting at 6pm will be cancelled so that club members can attend and participate in the Halloween Festival that evening from 5pm to 8pm in Lynwood City Park.
President Crosthwaite described the LUSD State of the School District Breakfast, on Fri, Oct 25. Elected officials will be invited to attend. Lynwood Rotary members are encouraged to attend. Also, it was noted that a flyer describing Lynwood Rotary club’s objectives and ongoing activities can be distributed throughout the community, including Lynwood businesses. Gudiel talked about membership and fundraising projects. Concerning membership, Martina Rodriguez is involved in documenting all current members for District 5280 membership files. There are possible funds available for student scholarships through Rotary Foundation resources.
Concerning fundraising projects, besides the coming Nov 15 Food Festival being planned, there was talk of a possible spring festival that could be held in Bateman Hall. The issue of serving alcohol at these events was brought up. At a home event, serving alcohol must be funded through donations, it cannot be sold. At Bateman Hall, with the licensing in effect it can be legal to sell alcohol.
President Crosthwaite, announced Martina Rodriguez as the Rotarian of the Month for September. Congratulations Martina!!!
Again the Food Festival at Martina's home was reviewed. Martina again was congratulated for her hard work in making the event financially successful, but equally important it had a nice family affair feeling, several members emphasized. For the Nov 15 event, at the home of Ramon Rodriguez, Roman pointed out that a group of women will take the initiative in organizing and planning for the food, which group includes Tila Millan, Martina Rodriguez and Maria Viera. The food pozole is planned to be served.
Victor Gomez, the Lynwood Rotary President-Elect, mentioned that he is planning on assuming the necessary responsibilities, including the required District training for president-elect Rotarians. At this meeting, Martina Rodriguez, was awarded Rotarian of the Month. As a reminder from previous meetings, the Rotary Foundation event that member Raj is coordinating is Sun, Oct 27, at The Taglyan Complex, Hollywood (1201 Vine St. Los Angeles, 90038).
After the meeting, Cheryl Hunt, Manager for the Teen Challenge facility in Lynwood, spoke briefly. A current Teen Challenge resident, Merina Zazuela, talked about her recovery from domestic violence and addiction. In the 30 bed facility, currently Merina is one of the 26 women residents. Cheryl periodically attends Lynwood Rotary meetings and distributed a flyer that lists supplies needed for the Lynwood facility. The following is a quote from the flyer: “At the LA County Teen Challenge residential women’s home, survivors of domestic violence, abuse and/or addiction are in a safe place, recovering from the devastating effects of trauma, are becoming empowered and given vital tools for their success.”
Daniel Miller Public Relations/ Community Outreach Lynwood Rotary Club