At the October 19 meeting, Lynwood Rotary members and guests heard Mark Flores, City of Lynwood Director of the Department of Recreation and Community events, talk about recent events as well as planned events through December.
Supported with a power point presentation, Mark talked about two very successful recent events, as well as talk about coming events, a portion of which are mentioned herein.
On October 7 the 1st Tamale Festival was held in the front lawn of the City Hall. Mark said that this first time event attracted a total of 500 people. The music included a mariachi group from Plaza Mexico and a Lynwood MS Hosler Band, Los Tigres de Lynwood. There were awards for two types of tamales. From seven restaurants, the winners were from two small restaurants in Plaza Mexico. Mayor Santillan was a major promoter of this event. Next year, Mark said an additional category may be added which is a restaurant outside of Lynwood category.
The second event described in detail by Mark was the Walk to School event on Wednesday, October 4. This event coincided with a national program. The event started at the basketball courts on Bullis Rd. beginning at 7:00- 7:30 am. Mark said an estimated 500 students and parents participated, that included Cesar Chavez and Hosler middle schools and five elementary schools, including Wilson, Roosevelt and Marshall Schools. After leaving the starting point, the school groups split into different routes for arriving at each school. Rotary member Raj asked what the purpose of this event was. Mark explained that it teaches a safe way to walk to school and to encourage walking to school for healthy exercise. Raj exclaimed: “I think students should be encouraged to walk to school.” LUSD Supt and Rotary member Gudiel Crosthwaite complemented city staff in organizing this event. Mark said that this first year was a success and next year more schools will be planned to participate.
Mark’s description of coming events included the following: Tuesday, October 31, Halloween Festival, 5pm to 8pm Lynwood City Park, next to skate park, to include a costume contest for kids ages 1 year to 12 years Thursday, November 9 Veterans Day, 9:30 am breakfast, followed by unveiling of plaque at 11:00 am; Saturday, November 18 9am- 12 Noon, a Job Fair at Lynwood Community Center; Mon, Nov 20, a Turkey give-away at the Senior Center, and apparently, LUSD has a similar event on the same day; (it was noted that Rotary members can help volunteer at the Senior Center for turkey give-away; Tuesday, November 28, 10 am, Ribbon Cutting Event for opening of City Hall Annex; Thursday, November 30, 5:30pm Mayor’s State of the City Address by Mayor Santillan- Beas in Bateman Hall (RSVP required); and Friday, December 8, Christmas Parade, with reception in Bateman Hall at 5pm and start of the parade at 7pm. (Daniel noted that Lynwood Rotary and Youth act as usual will participate, starting with meeting at Martina’s home, with food provided, which is the location where the parade starts on MLK Blvd, east of Atlantic Ave.)
Although not related to Mark’s presentation of City organized events, Daniel asked about the status of connecting the LA River, on the city’s eastern boundary, to the Long Beach Blvd. Green Line Station. Mark briefly explained that the Connectivity Program involves provision for non-auto transportation, and that the City Council will be considering County and State funding for a bike path parallel to the Linear Park, that would be constructed in a portion of the freeway ROW, adjacent to the linear park.
Before the presentation by the speaker Mark Flores, District Governor, the meeting was run by long time Rotary member, Raj, who substituted for Rotary President Joe Wang, who with his wife is traveling and visiting several other countries. Raj mentioned raffle tickets distributed to members on behalf of the District 5280 Foundation fund raiser. Daniel mentioned that he was interested in attending the Annual Foundation Celebration, “Million Dollar Dinner” on Sat, October, 28, if any other club member was planning to attend. President Elect Barbara Battle, said she would like to attend.
Club member and treasurer, Martina Rodriguez, talked about the planned Halloween themed event for the next meeting at 6pm, October 26. She distributed a flyer with an image of a dancing skeleton and a title: “Join Lynwood Rotary if you dare! For a Halloween Social! The food will be provided through a pot luck. Youth act and their parents will come. Suggested food to bring, includes pizzas.
Daniel Miller / Omar Franco / Rowland Becerra
Public Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club