The next Vocational Open House will be at the Silk Road Connection boutique owned by Rotarian, Berdel Boulanger.
Health Plan Place Comes to Town
A new service and support center is opening soon for Presbyterian Health Care Medicare Advantage Members. Jess Sanchez, Director of Health Plan Place, shared the focus of this new venture, which will provide comfort, wellness, and community not only to their senior members but to the public in general. Located in the Winrock Town Center, it will be open from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with monthly special events on Saturday mornings.
The Center (Health Plan Place) will host Field Trip Fridays for various cultural experiences, Monday Matinees for their social club participants, and various Game Club activities, from bingo to mahjong. A Technology Service Bar will offer training and information for accessing health records and finding the status of claims.
In addition, they have planned a Partnership Spotlight with the nonprofit, NDI New Mexico, that will allow members to volunteer to help NDI with constructing and sewing costumes for their May production. You will also have an opportunity to attend field trips to see their students practice during the year.
This unique and innovative community program will offer medical screening clinics and a pharmacy next door. It will also have scheduled classes in yoga and strength training. This program will be staffed with cross-trained specialists who can assist existing members with benefit, health plan questions, and provide interested new members with a face-to-face enrollment experience.
Zac Anaya, Real Estate Recruiter, and Jill Cook, Realtor, were inducted as our newest members during our first October meeting. Zac, who is Club President Marty’s son-in-law will become a Satellite member. Jill, sponsored by Sherry Wells, will be a member of the Host Club. As our speaker pointed out, “Being a Del Norte Rotarian just gives you an injection of joy that you don’t get anywhere else!” We hope that Zac and Jill both feel the joy and jump right in to experience all that the club has to offer
Announcements/Upcoming Events
Monica Padilla is seeking volunteers for the Satellite BackPack Program, which now serves over 50 children at Manzano Mesa Elementary. If you want to help fill backpacks, please sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/PJ7L8. You no longer need clearance if you are volunteering for random days. The Satellite Club is always accepting donations of supplies and contributions so they can purchase more food.
The Public Image Committee requests that club members follow the club on social media:
Facebook: Del Norte Rotary Club
Instagram: delnorterotaryclub
LinkedIn Groups: Del Norte Rotary Club (Albuquerque, NM)
Around the Club
Someone managed to out-dress Sergeant at Arms, Mike Skolnick and receive a Lucky BucksTicket: Rotarian Ron Epps showed up in his Santa jacket and hat.
There were so many October Birthdays: Monica Padilla, Christy Cattaneo, Greg Chalmers, Marilyn Strube, Kurt Kinifick, Chet Stewart, and JJ Jain. But Mike had everyone sing to Kathie Williams because she was the only one who forgot to sign in for lunch!
Mike gave an update on construction of the new Albertsons being built across from Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho. Apparently, there has been a delay because of costs, but it should resume soon. (You know Mike…always in touch with that market!)
October 25th Evening Meeting
The Perfect Pair:
Polio and Performance
Del Norte celebrated Rotary World Polio Day with a special event full of song and inspirational stories. International Chair, Kim Helm, highlighted the advancements made in the fight against Polio saying that overall it has been reduced by 99.9% and polio now only exists in two countries. “How’s that for doing good in the world?”, she asked.
It was a way for us to recognize the millions of dollars in grants presented to organizations across the world and to honor EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) contributions that fund these projects. Kim discussed not only these donations, but also our District grants that fund projects like the Satellite Back Pack Program and the upcoming dance floor we will be building for Keshet Dance Company.
Several Rotarians received Paul Harris Awards for their continued contributions, including Monica Padilla, who received her 9th PH pin and Maria Montoya Chavez who got her 3rd PH pin. Paul Harris Award member JJ Jain received his third Paul Harris and Tom Macek presented his wife, Karen, with her 3rd PH pin. In addition, Past President, Mary Tieman, presented PH pins to all her past Board Members for their service during Presidency.
Club Rotarians, Ina Miller and Sandy Seligman, shared special stories about their history with Polio. Ina spent many years, along with her husband. helping with the Rotary Polio program in India and helped administer the polio drops to many children there. Sandy actually had Polio when she was a child and shared some of her experiences with the disease,
Live performances by singer Amy Faithe set the tone for the evening. As a veteran performer in both Las Vegas and New York, Amy brought us to our feet with cheers for her outstanding renditions of a few Frank Sinatra favorites. A few people even got up and danced!
...And just look what you missed by not coming to find out that it’s not really over “Till the Fat Lady Sings”!. Who would have guessed this DIVA would show up to end the evening.
Congratulations to.....
Satellite members Eladio Muniz and Stephy Griego Louise Romero’s husband, David, and our President Marty Padilla, were honored by the Rape Crisis Center Director for their outstanding work in building a pergola for the center.
More Around the Club
We express our gratitude to Helen Johnson, the Girls RYLA 2023 photographer, for sharing her experiences at RYLA and the positive impact she observed on the young women who participated in the camp.
Great to see new members, Jill Cook and Joan Holbrook at our evening meeting.
Satellite member and Club Secretary, Cathy Mazaranich, won the Lucky Bucks drawing of over $1700 by picking the joker.
Matt Hudson’s companies, RotoRooter and R & R Heating and Cooling, were honored as the sponsors of the night's event as part of our ongoing Business Membership program.
Congrats to Mikala Anaya who won the extra Lucky Bucks ticket for out dressing our Sergeant at Arms, Mike Skolnick.
International Committee member Monica Meyers organized a raffle for Polio Plus donations and presented wine and gift certificates to the winners.
President's Corner
Dear Esteemed Rotarians,
I trust this letter finds you all well and brimming with the spirit of service and camaraderie that defines our wonderful Del Norte Rotary Club of Albuquerque. As we step into the month of November, it's a perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible achievements of October and look forward to the impactful work that lies ahead.
October was indeed a month filled with accomplishments, and I'm immensely proud of the dedication and enthusiasm each of you brings to our club. Let's take a moment to celebrate these milestones:
**Membership Growth: ** We continue to grow our Rotary family, and in October, we had the honor of inducting two new members into our club. These individuals bring fresh perspectives, passion for service, and a shared commitment to our core values. Their presence enriches our club, and I encourage you to extend a warm welcome to our new members.
**Manzano Mesa Backpack Program: ** Our commitment to helping those in need remains steadfast. We are making a substantial impact through our Manzano Mesa Backpack Program, which provides food for the entire weekend to 50 students. We're not only supporting them but also nurturing the spirit of giving within our community. If you have a little extra time to spare, please consider volunteering to help pack these backpacks. You can call Monica to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of these young ones.
**Community and Fellowship: ** October was a month where we enjoyed the pleasures of camaraderie and strengthened our bonds as Rotarians. On the 19th, we had a delightful pop-up happy hour at Fogo de Chao, where 20 of us gathered to unwind and share good times. Moments like these remind us of the sense of togetherness that defines our club.
**Honoring Our Commitments: ** On the 21st, we were humbled by the recognition from the Rape Crisis Center for the beautiful pergola we erected. This is a testament to our club's unwavering dedication to supporting important causes in our community. Your efforts in making a difference are highly commendable.
**Polio Awareness: ** On October 25th, we celebrated "The Perfect Pair – Polio Diva Night," a special evening where we discussed the global fight against polio. We were also treated to a captivating performance by the talented local artist, Amy Faith. Your participation in these events helps raise awareness about the importance of eradicating polio and the impact we can make as Rotarians.
As we move into November, our month of Giving, I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that await us. Thank you to all who have already donated to the SARANAM food basket drive and Holiday party cohosted with Albuquerque Police Department for families affected by domestic violence.
Let's continue to work together, create meaningful change, and make a positive impact in our community. Thank you for your service and for being an integral part of our Del Norte Rotary Club.
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