Welcome to Cal-Nev-Ha Division 42!

Hello Kiwanians-

The month of May has welcomed us with great weather and the beginning of celebrations, beginning with the Mexican observance of Cinco de Mayo, not to be confused with their Independence Day (which is celebrated in September.) Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, between Mexico and France, which was led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.

Mother’s Day followed less than a week later, a day of reflection and celebration, where we honored all the mothers in our lives, as they played a key role in who we are today. As I celebrated with my mom, I reflected on the impact she had in my life. From assuring that I felt loved every day, to teaching me how to be a parent, to caring for others without expectation to gain anything in return. THANK YOU to all you mothers and the mothers in your life.

In May, we also celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage and Jewish American Heritage. A reminder to acknowledge and celebrate the different ethnicities and cultures that contribute to our Nation. I ask that we continue to focus on celebrating one another, but most importantly, continue to provide opportunities, resources, and safe spaces to those in need, including ourselves.

We, too, need to take care of ourselves in order to care for our loved ones and those in our CommUnities. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, a month that reminds us to check in, not only with ourselves, but with those around us. Most importantly, those who we see functioning “normally” day in and day out. It is usually those individuals who need a check-in, as they at times tend to ignore their own well-being due to providing for others. Ask yourself, when was the last time I did something for myself? If you have done so, please continue to do it; if you haven’t, please prioritize yourself and do something you enjoy now (you could always come back to finish reading!)

May also serves as Skin Cancer, Lupus, and Stroke Awareness month. As already mentioned, please take the time to schedule screenings and routine checkups. Now I am sounding like my mother! Preventative care is the best care; keeping on top of your health and diet can be the best dose of medicine you can take. I cannot stress this enough, as I spent the beginning of the month in a hospital bed (hence the sounding like my mother.) Being hospitalized allowed me to reflect on my own health, which forced me to prioritize my physical and mental health and well-being.

We wrap the month off with Memorial Day, a day where we honor those who have served for our liberties and freedom. First off, THANK YOU for those who have served that are no longer physically with us, but will forever be in our hearts, thoughts, and meaningful memories. It is because of those brave Women and Men, that we are able to live in our Great Nation.

Kiwanians, let’s strive to take care of ourselves in order to continue to serve our CommUnities, while being the best versions of ourselves. Our work is the result of our Mothers’ upbringing and our Veterans’ sacrifice that assured that we live in a Nation that allows us to celebrate diversity and provide opportunities and resources to our CommUnities. Thank you for all that you do! 

Temo Solorio