At the Dec 19, Noon meeting, Rotary Club President, Gudiel Crosthwaite, called the meeting to order.
Before the speaker, Joe Wang, Maria Viera, long time community activist and supporter of community events, was accepted as a Honorary Club Member. It was stated that in the future, Maria will agree to become a regular member. President Crosthwaite noted that we are all active members in the community and want to make Lynwood even better.
There was mention of the coming Christmas event on Sat, Dec 21, 3 – 8 pm, at Lynwood City Park, called Snow Days with Snow Play, Jumpers, Santa and Live Entertainment and Food & Craft Vendors.
Daniel introduced four guests as follows: three sisters of Lulu --- Laura Solorano, Rose Rodriguez, and Martha Sanchez. Laura and Rose are residents of Lynwood an Martha is a visitor from Mexico. Also, Ana Barraza, a frequent visitor, who is Block Watch Captain and also member of the Lynwood Commission on Parking and Safety.
Joe Wang’s presentation, consisted of many interesting photos and explanations of his recent travels with his wife, to several places in Mexico, followed by a flight to Cuba, where he showed photos of various places visited in Cuba.
From his laptop, there were many interesting photos to view. Among the places were several visits to the Capital, (D.F.), other cities and locales Cholula, Puebla and Cancun. Impressive views of pyramids were shown, including two where Joe climbed the steps. Also, photos of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which attracts an amazing number of visitors every day. Other images of note are underground caverns, where visitors can swim, Mayan pyramids (different in style from the pyramids to be seen in D.F.), and interesting views of wetlands seen in Cancun. In Cuba, photos of their visits to Havana and to Cienfuegos, on the other side of the island of Cuba. Near Havana, the Moro Castle, built to defend Havana against attacks. Now there are regular events and ceremonies at this historic location. Also of memorable locations, the residence of Ernest Hemingway, where he wrote the famous novel, the “Old Man of the Sea”. Also shown was a bar where Hemingway was seen regularly. Among the questions at the meeting, is crime in the community either in Mexico or Cuba, a concern? Concerning traveling to Cuba, Martina noted that flying from Mexico instead of the US, avoids the problems of US citizens accessing Cuba from the US.
After the speaker, Joe Wang, There were the annual club elections, with Barbara Battle handing out the ballot. Elected were as follows:
Club President for Year 2020- 2021 Victor Gomez Club President; Club President-Elect for Year 2021- 2022 Hilario Esparza; Club Treasurer Martina Rodriguez; Club Secretary Yolandra Rodriguez; Club Board Members: Joe Wang, Ramon Rodriguez, Daniel Miller, Iris Pygatt, Fernando Millan, and Rajen.
Then the Christmas exchange was held, with members and participating guests coming away with gifts of interest to them.
Daniel reminded everyone that there will be no meetings for Dec 26 and Jan 2, with the next meeting being Thur, Noon, Jan 9, 2020.
Daniel Miller Public Relations/ Community Outreach Lynwood Rotary Club