Welcome Nate!
We welcomed Nate into our club as our newest member. Even though he recently moved to Signal Hill from Scottsdale, he is not new to Rotary. He has served as club president in many Rotary clubs across the country, after retiring from commercial aviation.
We also hosted many guests to our club while Les shared his life-changing experience as a Rotarian participating in the Rotary exchange program with Kenya, demonstrating the transformative power of Rotary to those who are still new to our service organization.
Les Visits Kenya
For ten unforgettable days, Les from Signal Hill Rotary joined fellow Rotarians from District 5320 on a Friendship Exchange to Kenya—an experience that went far beyond sightseeing.
We hiked the highlands, visited dairy and tea farms, explored the educational needs of local schools, and learned how Rotary helped bring peace to communities affected by tribal conflict.
At Shammah Splendid High School in the Nairobi slums, District 5320 committed $23,000 to build classrooms and a computer laboratory, turning friendship into meaningful service.
Our safari brought a once-in-a-lifetime experience: witnessing the rare and spectacular sight of a successful leopard hunt in the wild.
We also met the next generation of service leaders at the Rotaract Club of the University of Nairobi, sharing ideas and building connections across generations and cultures.
But the greatest gift of the exchange was friendship. Through shared meals, hikes, conversations, laughter, service, and adventure, Rotarians from Kenya and District 5320 became friends across two continents.
Memorial Foundation Todd Cancer Institute Fundraiser
Les and Sherry volunteered with other Rotarians at the Sundance Soiree, which benefits two outstanding local cancer-care institutions:
MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center
Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital
The funds provide life-changing care, resources, and services to cancer patients of all ages and their families.
Inaugural 9/11 World Trade Center Stair Climb
The Long Beach Fire Department brought together a coalition of community organizations and volunteers for the inaugural 9/11 World Trade Center Stair Climb in downtown Long Beach, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Hundreds of participants and volunteers came together to honor the courageous firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, 2001, while rushing into the World Trade Center to save others.
Representing Signal Hill Rotary, Club President Kiran, along with Les and Ken, joined fellow community volunteers in supporting this meaningful event. They contributed both their time and material donations to help make the event a success and to ensure that the sacrifices of the fallen firefighters would never be forgotten.
For Signal Hill Rotary, participating in the stair climb was a powerful expression of Service Above Self. Twenty-five years later, the courage, compassion, and selflessness demonstrated on September 11 continue to inspire communities across the country.
Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce Summit
Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce hosted its first leadership summit at The Grand Event Center in Long Beach on September 10th. Neighboring chambers participated, including Long Beach, Cypress, Los Alamitos, and Seal Beach, making it a sell-out event.
Kiran set up a table for Signal Hill Rotary, and Les invited Eulshik (Ethan) to the event as a potential new Rotarian. We shared stories of inspiration and serendipity while enjoying good food and better company.
The Menagerie of St. Luke
St. Luke’s Shower for the Homeless played host to an unusual large gathering of fantastic beasts this morning, and the cats and dogs very much enjoyed the company.
St. Luke’s Shower Pancake Fundraiser
Les volunteered at the fundraiser for St. Luke’s Shower Program at Applebee’s on Saturday. He earned some street cred from a busy morning of taking orders and bussing tables while enjoying a pancake breakfast himself.
Lifewell LA Community Open Mic
The Rotary Club Lifewell LA subcommittee supported the Health & Wellbeing open mic event at Sports Basement, organized by the non-profit organization Lifewell LA. Entertainment featured the live band "Slushbox", with Mark and Sharon.
Interact 5280 and 5320 Unite
Regional Interactors gathered at the Sports Basement in Long Beach for a symposium to exchange ideas and connect with advisors and Rotarians.
The seed has been planted for future collaboration and friendships.
