"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members"

Our celebration at Lunasia was wonderful and we had 12 course meal.  Governor Makiko Nakasone presented to the club of excellence banner to President Connie.  The president presented the year end gift to the board members & Jose and thanking them for their hard work and service for the year.  Jon Matson and Doug Easer both awarded the Rotarians of the Year.  President Connie also awarded Howard Davis with a certificate for the most Loyal Rotarian. The president 

Congratulations to Michael Drayer, probation officer of Los Angeles County probation Department, on winning the Distinguished Service Award.  Congratulations to Mason Duffy, Saul Ruiz and Austin Weisenburger from the Deputy of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on winning the Valor Award.   Congratulations to Brock Harmon (Captain of the Los Angeles County Fire Department) and Nathaniel Solorio (Firefighter Specialist of the Los Angeles County Fire Department), Jason Jones (Firefighter of the Los Angeles County Fire Department) and John Machin (Firefighter of the Los Angeles County Fire Department) on winning the Outstanding Service Award.  Congratulations to Ron Vande Vegte, Detective of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, on wining the Distinguished Service Award.   Congratulations to Lawrence Cervantes, Deputy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, on winning the Outstanding Service Award.  Congratulations to Mina Roufael and Jada Williams from Mayfair High School on winning the Student Essay Winners Award.

Congratulation to all contestant.  They s are very talented and they all are considered 1st place winner just by attending the pageant of art.  I am so proud of Erin Tardibuono for taking 3rd place.   

Due to Covid, we had a drive-through distribution.

Socorro and Tia from Kingdom Causes worked very hard to organize and set

up all the `Skechers' Shoes.

Each student also received a pair of cool socks provided by Kingdom Causes

& Momma Osa.

Doug Easer from our club was very instrumental in arranging the major changes

needed this year to a new supplier.

We ALL made it work!

With Rotarians, Caring Connections Members, and Friends, we were able to adapt  and morph our Back To School Shopping into another great event for our local kids in the Bellflower Unified School District.

100 kids got $50 gift cards to shop at Target for School Clothes and Supplies.

Such a wonderful way to fill our hearts.  

OH, I almost to mention two important side stories!

This young man came down from Pico Rivera just to volunteer for this event. 

He just loves to volunteer and knows another member of Caring Connections who, by-the-way, are off for the summer and are not being paid.  As I was talking with him, he related that he lives in a small house with eleven others.  Their were two gift cards left over so we shared one with him as well as groceries to take back home.  A small tear conveyed how unexpectedly happy that made him.

For the other card, I called Maria (The Mother we helped with our Christmas Project) to get a ride down to receive the other card and groceries. 

This was just the greatest icing melting on our very warm hearts.

It was a GREAT Event with everyone coming away a little warm and fuzzy (or in some cases a little smooth).

Well, the good ole' Long Beach Yacht Club with Didi's Entertainment and

Decor really set the mood.

Then Steve and Doug started splitting our gut with their own special skit.

Dignitaries sent Jean packing with awards after her unprecedented fifth

stint as Club President over the years.

New members were inducted while a duck dropped in to supervise.

And then...and then...the new Board Members were inducted.

A GREAT bunch, set to get it done with FUN!

So the night rolled on with the great entertainment  (check out the photo album).

Didi said, "Dave, how can you stand up here when there is a mermaid in the pool?

So...

Down the pool they swam while Didi said, "I guess that's all folks!"

Forty nine kids were chosen by Caring Connections and bused to the store by Encounter Church.  Nine Rotarians, Rog Rabanera, Bob Frohn, Connie Hui, Jean Seruntine, Tracy McSparren, Doug Easer, Jon Matson, Didi & Dave Davis, helped each child find a pair of shoes and a package of socks. After picking out their shoes, the kids were treated with fancy doughnuts, milk/orange juice, and fun songs by Caring Connections folks before boarding the bus. As always this was a busy and fun event. The kids were so appreciative.

Also, remember..."We Are This Close!"

VTL returns every two years to schools that we have already tested to screen new students.  They had an optometrist there to make adjustments to the frames as we help fit the 24 children with their brand new 'FREE' glasses. Last fall several Rotarians:- Mike Lundgren, Linda Nesst, Connie Hui, Doug Easer, Rog & Cindy Rabanera were at this school to screen for eyesight problems of these new students. We were there in connection with Vision To Learn & Caring Connections. The students were so nice, polite, and well behaved. They appreciated the glasses.  We know they will have a better chance to succeed now.

More than 375 participants and volunteers helped our District raise over $5,000 for PolioPlus.  There were more than 75 Interactors and Rotaractors including five from our new club. 

We had tons of fun, food, and great entertainment.

See you next year!

District 4195 partnered with us to make this wonderful International Humanitarian Trip to Merida, Mexico possible.There were over 100 Rotarians from District 5280 making a difference once again. Among the many service projects, our Rotarians planted over 600 trees, rehabilitated a rural elementary school, volunteered at a diabetes clinic, provided medical and dental supplies, provided musical instruments to an after school program, provided kitchen appliances and supplies to a special needs school, and so much more. Watch the video to see how Rotary is making a difference.