Counting Homeless in Signal Hill
Kiran and Les joined a team of volunteers to canvas all the neighborhoods in Signal Hill. Lead by city leaders and police officers who are familiar with the streets, Les’ team did not encounter anyone experiencing homelessness this evening.
But that didn’t stop Les from talking about Rotary and recruiting potential members to our club.
Cerritos-Artesia Rotary
Frank and Les visited Cerritos-Artesia Rotary to hear Fernando Dutra, the chair of the Metro board, talk about the past and the future of the light rail system. Our public transit system is geared up to handle three major upcoming events—the World Cup, the All-Star game, and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Les has been a public transit client for more than twenty years, having taken the light rail from Long Beach to Pasadena once a month for his EHR clinical content council meeting.
Lifewell Kickoff
Signal Hill Rotary joined other community groups to celebrate the kickoff event for Lifewell, a new community organization that celebrates wellbeing by promoting social connection and fitness across generations.
Kathy, Kiran, and Les joined members from LBCC, the Toastmasters, the Gray Panthers, and other church affiliations to walk around the park and got to know each other. Les tried to recruit his parents, but they were still sleeping when he called.
Hepatitis B Vaccine at Lakewood Rotary
As a pediatrician and a published author of a book on vaccines, Les was invited to Lakewood Rotary as a guest speaker, addressing fellow Rotarians about the evolution of the strategy for hepatitis B vaccination in children.
This is especially timely because the CDC has drastically changed recommendation for childhood immunization earlier in the week, lead by a team of anti-vaxxers.
St. Luke’s Shower
Les volunteered at the St. Luke’s shower for the homeless while forging connections with the clients and fellow volunteers, including the four-legged ones.
Merry Christmas, Charles and May
Frank, Ken, and Les visited Charles and May on Christmas day, both of whom are recovering from surgery.
Merry Christmas and happy new year to everyone!
Installing Smoke Detectors
Signal Hill Rotary collaborates with the Red Cross to install smoke detectors in the Rose Park Neighborhood in Long Beach, a charming historic community. Ken Takata worked with Jose, a board member of the Rose Park Neighborhood Association, to make this meaningful and life-saving project a reality.
Charles and May Parks Interact Scholarship
Les and Kiran visited Charles at Alamitos West Nursing Care and presented him and May with the official framed certificate of the annual Interact scholarship established in their names. The certificate was signed by president Kiran Gidwani and treasurer Ken Takata.
Charles, May, and Turkey Trot
It was a wonderful day of community service, deep connections, and genuine gratitude. Kiran and Les volunteered at the annual Turkey Trot, then visited Charles and May at the rehabilitation facility in Los Alamitos. Along the way, they met numerous kindred spirits who shared their passion for service above self.
We’re looking forward to forging new friendships and amplifying our doing good in the world.
Get Well, Charles
President Kiran and Les visited Charles Parks in the hospital just before Thanksgiving. We also surprised him by presenting him a certificate announcing the establishment of an annual scholarship for Interactors in his and his wife’s honor.
