RYLA 2024
We wrapped up another fantastic Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) in Idylllwild last week. Over 200 high school students participated and returned as better version of themselves from the camp. They learned about their own personality and how to work with people who have a different work style, how to communicate non-verbally, and how to embrace failure as part of their personal journey.
Kiran, Frank, Rey, and Les all volunteered at the camp, and some of our children also helped train the campers as junior counselors.
Club Social with Nakul
It’s not hard to see why Nakul Rao was a finalist for the international district scholarship to study abroad. Graduating soon from West Point, Nakul already demonstrates charisma and leadership qualities far surpassing individuals who are far more advanced in their life experience and profession.
It’s obvious that he will chart an extraordinary path in his life and create a brighter future for all of us.
Food Bank of Southern California
Under the coordination of Food Bank of Southern California, Frank, Jose, and Les jointed volunteers from the community to pack produce and other food items for distribution to those who are at risk for food insecurity in our community at the Los Angeles Goodwill. It was a precious opportunity to connect with those whose fate has provided them with less blessing. It was a deeply meaningful experience for those who volunteered.
Donation to Long Beach Animal Care Services
As promised, we donated 70% of our Mutt Run proceeds to the Long Beach Animal Care Services, totaling $3,784.87. In addition, we brought a gift basket contributed by Pawlistic for the sheltered dogs too.
Les and Frank joined the staff at LBACS for a photo op. We are looking for more volunteer opportunities at the animal shelter.
Governor Roy Visits
Governor Roy paid a second visit to our club this morning to personally invite us to the district training and conference. Edwin, the president-elect from Santa Ana/Tustin Rotary, also joined us for the meeting.
We heard Matt Walsh from Forever Kids as our guest speaker.
President Les Visiting the Lake Forest Rotary Social
Les visited the Lake Forest Rotary Club monthly social at Yogis Grill, with invitation from president Cedric Campbell.
We talked about the upcoming talent show and learned how the restaurant owner weathered the economic downturns brought on by the sub-prime mortgage crisis in 2007 and the pandemic.
2024 Bob Long Memorial Mutt Run
The second annual Mutt Run on February 17th was a resounding success. Both humans and canines enjoyed themselves and had a blast with fellow animal lovers in our community.
We are looking forward to next year’s event on February 15th, 2025!
President’s Dinner
President-elect Jose, President Les, Ihor and Oksana joined other Rotarians from District 5320 for an evening of fellowship and fun at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach.
This is also going to be the same venue for the district conference in May.
Bob Long Memorial Mutt Run
The 2nd annual Bob Long Memorial Mutt Run takes place this Saturday at the beautiful Long Beach shoreline. Join our community and like-minded animal lovers to raise money and awareness for the Long Beach Animal Care Services.
Run or walk at your own pace with your best furry friend and have fun with fellow dog lovers.
2024 Long Beach Homeless Count
Frank and Les joined a team of homeless advocates to participate in the annual Long Beach homeless count. We gathered early in the morning at 4:30 am in misting rain along with 300 volunteers and Mayor Rex Richardson before embarking to specific neighborhoods to survey the status of homelessness in our city.
Each year’s count is unique, and this year’s experience stood out because the city had already sent out specialists to cover difficult to reach areas and parks. The area under the freeway underpass had been fenced off by the city to discourage overnight encampment. Consequently, there were relatively few makeshift dwellings. The majority of people experiencing homelessness were already sheltered or living in their vehicles.
We also learned from our fellow volunteers and the path each took to become involved in helping the homeless.
