A large crowd of Rotary members came together last Wednesday afternoon for their weekly meetings at the Grand in Long Beach to discuss future events.
The Rotary is an international club with clubs throughout the community and worldwide. Their mission is to make a difference and a positive change in their local community and the world.
Madrid Zimmerman, executive director of the Rotary Club of Long Beach, welcomed members and handed out lunch tickets as guests arrived, stating, “we have 240 members and about 60%, around 180 to 200 members rotate showing up every week.”
At the start of every meeting, everyone stands up for the Pledge of Allegiance, and the pledge for the Rotary, by the Rotary four-way test that fosters truth, fairness, and goodwill and is beneficial to all.
Andy Mcfarland, Sergeant of Arms of Rotary, went around the room to let a few members speak about recent events and future events, like how their charity golf tournament has plans in the works.
Gail Schwandner, from LBCC Economic Development and head of LB Rotary Scholarship Foundation, said they are one of the most significant contributors to scholarships for LBCC and CSULB through the various scholarship programs they offer.
“In the interview, we let the student tell their story because everyone has dreams and can use help in their process. We are here to help create a better community,” explained Schwandner.
She also explained how they work closely with LBCC’s homeless students’ coalition and “Feeding the Future” by having food drives and refilling Vikings’ pantry.
Another speaker Robyn Gordon Peterson went up to the podium to talk about the annual Mark Bixby Memorial egg hunt and Paul Kenner book fair that will be happening on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Rotary Centennial Park.
“All are welcome, and there are going to be free bunny photo opportunities, egg hunt, face painting, and a whole lot more,’ said Peterson.
Half of the members left at the end of the lunch meeting, while others stuck around for networking.
The Rotary Club is one of the longest-standing service clubs that have flourished throughout the last century.