Les Visits Old Town Montreal Rotary
While vacationing in Montreal with his wife, Les visited the lunch meeting of Old Town Montreal Rotary. It was instant fellowship, not only from the Rotary connection, but the majority of the club members have Chinese ancestry. The club was founded in Chinatown but has since welcome many non-Chinese members.
One of the new members immediately invited Les and his wife to a traditional Cantonese banquet on the following night.
Check Delivered to LBACS
We raised $8,021.51 from this year’s Mutt Run for Long Beach Animal Care Services, exceeding our previous record. We also got two dogs adopted at the event.
We are a small but mighty club, and we make a difference in our community, for people and animals alike.
Touring the Difference Engine
Ehsan led a private tour of the LA branch of the Difference Engine headquarter, which is the renovated office of the historic Herald Examiner. Les and Kathy have been officially enrolled in the Distinguished Innovation Fellowship program at ASU, and both of them are eager to launch their project and realize their entrepreneur vision.
2026 Multi-District Convention
Les invited Maddie and her mother to the first Zone 26-27 multi-district convention in Chula Vista this weekend. Maddie and her family witnessed first-hand the power of Rotary and the unwavering dedication of Rotarians all around the world.
We heard inspirational stories from past RI President Gordon McInally and current RI director Vicki Puliz. We also learned about the Interact projects from neighboring districts.
We are driven by service and purpose, and the endless reward of our action serves as fuel for future endeavor.
Post-RYLA Social
We invited all of the students we sponsored for the 2026 RYLA to an informal reunion at Jimmy E’s, but only Reed made it to the gathering. Nevertheless, he did provide some valuable feedback and reflection for us.
RYLA 2026
Les wrapped up another exciting, chaotic, and always unforgettable RYLA with District 5320 in Idyllwild.
There were the usual logistical hiccups, but they were completely overshadowed by the moments of brilliance that seared themselves into our collective memory. The campers walked away transformed, carrying new confidence, new friendships, and new purpose. And the Rotarians didn’t just facilitate the experience; they evolved through it. They left as better leaders, better listeners, and better versions of themselves.
Farewell Kenyan Friends!
For many Rotarians from Kenya, this is their last full day in the US. Orange County Rotarians arranged a proper send-off party with live music and amazing Mexican food. Most of all, we forged life-long friendships over the course of this week. Our lives will be forever intertwined.
Most of us will meet again in Taipei in June for the Rotary International Convention. Many Rotarians from District 5320 will visit Kenya in September, when our Kenyan friends will reciprocate the hospitality.
Running for Survivors of Crimes
Les joined Frank and Patty to support survivors of crimes at a 5K race. River joined the fun, including devouring a pancake and taking a dump near the start of the race.
Patrick Muchemi Visits Signal Hill Rotary
Patrick was the guest speaker at our morning club meeting today. He shared his personal Rotary journey and how he became inspired to lead multiple community projects, including the one that trained hundreds of nurses to become midwives. In rural Kenya where access to healthcare is scarce, many mothers and babies are alive today because of these skilled nurses who have completed an intense four-day curriculum.
Les will be visiting Kenya in September and learn first-hand the impact of these projects.
Third Day is a Charm
Our guests from Kenya enjoyed a fabulous day in Long Beach and Signal Hill, full of sun, sea breeze, and fish (both fanciful and flavorful).
The day started out for Patrick, Henry, and Les with a running/walking tour of Naples and Alamitos Bay. Les’ neighbor treated Patrick with a gourmet breakfast. The group gathered at the lighthouse at Pier Point Landing and marveled at the coastal scenery and the Long Beach downtown skyline. Olive, the best deli in Long Beach, provided tasty paninis for a picnic lunch. The group became immersed in a world under the sea at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
To soak in the best of Signal Hill, the entourage braved the steep hill all the way to Hilltop Park, where they were rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Long Beach coast. The day wrapped up at the King’s Fish House, where they were joined by members from the Long Beach and Lakewood Rotary.
