Our Rotary Year of Cheer zebra needs a name, and we need YOUR help!
For a $25 entry fee (supporting the Children’s Hospital Toy Drive), you can submit up to 5 name suggestions! The top five finalists entries will be sent to UNM Children’s Hospital, where the young patients will vote for the winner!
Contest Deadline: June 1st, 2025
Winner Receives: A special “Rotary Year of Cheer” prize and the bragging rights for naming our official mascot!
Be part of the dazzle—submit your name ideas to Alice today and support a great cause!
Guest speaker Greg Viola came to our meeting all the way from Los Alamos. While he currently works for the NNSA Los Alamos Field Office as a Federal Financial Manager, Greg focused his presentation on his time in the Coast Guard. While Greg described these service people as “a niche group of folks who grew up near water,” the Coast Guard has a tremendous representation across all demographics. Alexander Hamilton founded the Coast Guard in 1790 as a means to monitor incoming goods, ensure the collection of taxes, and enforce maritime laws. Initially a part of the Department of the Treasury, the Coast Guard now serves under the Department of Homeland Security. In three parts, the Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission organization and serves not just the US, but also upholds essential international relations. Lifesaving stations are located up and down the coasts, and Ice Operations keep business transport flowing in the northernmost areas of the country. This branch even supports a K-9 team. We offer our thanks to the members of our Coast Guard for keeping the people and products on our waterways safe and free from harm, and thanks to Greg for sharing his time, knowledge, and sense of humor with us.
March 26th Speaker
Bryce Kennedy
Speaks to His Vision of New Mexico
Bryce began his presentation by stating that he loves coming to “legacy organizations” such as Rotary, and feels they are “coming back in vogue again.” Over the years, Bryce had visited the southwest many times and was especially pleased to share that one of the reasons he now calls New Mexico home is because his child was born here. Primarily, Bryce is working to bring different organizations together in the advancements in Space. With so much culture, history, and science in New Mexico, he works to integrate the ideas of people with different perspectives. He can visualize a new reality where there is no longer a “this or that” outlook on developments in outer space. Bryce hopes that as California became home to Silicon Valley, New Mexico can become known as Space Valley. He spends time networking all over the world and right here at home, aiming to connect people and companies to combine efforts and share in this new growth. He invited the club to an upcoming event, Atomic 66, described as a convergence of space, art, tech, and culture.
Satellite Happenings
Marilyn Stube, contributing
February 19 was a special Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Satellite meeting. Ten members were in attendance to witness Maria Montoya-Chavez induct Lorraine Ansolver into the Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte. Maria talked about the benefits of joining a Del Norte committee as soon as possible to learn more about Rotary and its members. Maria stressed the importance of the Four Way Test and emphasized that it is an integral part of making life decisions. Lorraine received an acknowledgment at the New Mexico Round House this week for her work in mediation with Veterans. Her son is John Matthews, a musician who has played at a Del Norte evening meeting. Lorraine will be an active member of the Satellite group.
Following the induction of Lorraine Ansolver, Monica Padilla, chair of the Satellite group, called the attendees together to identify and discuss Rotary of Albuquerque Del Norte events and news for the upcoming year. Services for Stephanie Sanchez, a former Satellite member, will be held February 21.
• March 5: We were honored to welcome Jim and Pat Quick from Folds of Honor as guest speakers. They shared an insightful presentation on the organization’s history and its impact both nationally and in our local community.
• March 19: We talked about all the happenings around the club and made sure dates were noted! We sure are social!!!
• April 2 Meeting Cancelled: The Padillas will be traveling, so we will not meet on this date.
See you April 16, Tracy Rodden with Feed NM Kids will be joining us!!
Around the Club
New Member Renee Fietag
Tells US About Tea
New Member Renee Feirtag shared her Vocational Talk at the March 12th meeting. She is the owner of Tea’ze A More, which blossomed as an idea and a business during the pandemic. As you might imagine, it is a custom-crafted tea business and Renee has spent countless hours learning about the art of Tea. Tea is the second-most popular drink worldwide, and Renee shared information about how tea is grown, picked, and dried as well as the health benefits of drinking tea. She also enjoys creating, crafting and of course, getting to know her new Rotarian friends.
Ruth Ronan with her beautifully crafted women's fashions at the opening evening of the annual Spider's Market presented by the Las Arañas Spinners and Weavers Guild.
Friday Happy Hour at JJ Jain's
Ken & Cris Abbott
Michael Creedon
Detective Amanda
During this season of Spring Cleaning, please consider donating your no-longer-used instruments to the “Music Matters” drive hosted by the New Mexico Philharmonic. Instruments can be donated through April 12. Please reach out to Nancy Pressley-Naimark for more information.
We honored Ken Abbott for his 58 years of Rotary Membership AND his perfect attendance status. Accompanied by his wife Cris, Ken received a hearty round of applause and standing ovation for his years of dedication, generosity, and service.
We honored Police Detective Amanda, who has been with APD since 2015. While beginning her career in forensics, she received training to become a detective because she felt she could do more for her community in that role. She has been described by her supervisor as someone who always goes above and beyond, showing tremendous leadership in her field. She supports the Benny Hargrove holiday event, as well as caring for the wellbeing of her colleagues. She also takes time for her own self-care to ensure that she is energetic and able to continue her good work in our community.
We had to say good-by to our friend and member Michael Creedon, who passed away on March 11, 2025. We will miss you, Mike.
Save the Dates
Friday, April 11 – Happy Hour Bring an appetizer; BYOB – 5:30 PM - Jim and Pat Quick’s home/Placitas
Wednesday, April 9 Club Meeting – Guest Speaker: John Williamson, Program Manager, Transportation Electrification
April 19 – City of ABQ Service Project – “Hands On” volunteer opportunity at the Springtime Extravaganza at our Gateway Family Center (outdoor event). On Saturday, 4/19/25, from 11:00 am-3:00 pm. – Contact Sherri Wells to sign up. - Join us in spreading joy and compassion this springtime by volunteering for this spring event and supporting unhoused families. Your time and dedication will make a meaningful impact, creating a warm and inclusive celebration for those in need. Let's come together to make this springtime event a memorable and uplifting experience for everyone involved. You will be assisting with set up, clean up, meal service, activity coordination, and set up for the egg hunt for the event.
Wednesday, April 23 Club Meeting – Four Way Test Essay Contest Program; special performance by the Sandia High School Advanced Acoustic Guitar Group
Thursday, April 24 – Saturday, April 26 - Rotary District 5520 Conference,” District Celebration: Unveiling the Magic of Rotary at the El Paso Frontier”. Registration on the District 5520 website
Friday, May 2 – 5:30 PM – Happy Hour (bring an appetizer to share; BYOB) – Barbara and Brooks LaGree’s home
Saturday, May 3 – 3 PM - Kentucky Derby Day at Mandy’s Farm – Contact Sherri Wells
Saturday, May 3 – 6 PM - Jazz in the Desert/Isleta Resort and Casino/RC of Los Lunas to benefit Youth Programs – contact Sandy Rausch for setting up a Del Norte Table (8)
Wednesday, May 14– Club Meeting - Del Norte Rotary at the VIC; replaces Club Picnic
Wednesday Evening, May 21 – Evening Celebration at Element Hotel’s rooftop garden
Wednesday, May 28 – Club Meeting - Guest Speaker - Missi Currier, CEO of NMOGA (NM Oil and Gas Association)
Wednesday, June 4 – Club Meetings – Grant Awards/Del Norte Foundation
Wednesday, June 11 – Club Meeting – End of Year Celebration and New Board Induction
The President's Corner
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
April brings a vibrant burst of spring, with flowering trees and bulbs and familiar New Mexico winds sweeping through our landscape—sometimes leaving a little grit in our teeth! As we embrace this season of renewal, I am continually inspired by our dedicated Rotarian family, whose unwavering service and spirit make an incredible impact across Albuquerque and our district.
A warm welcome back to Norm Liss! We are thrilled to have you return as Sergeant-At-Arms, bringing your signature humor and energy to our meetings. Thank you to Zac Anaya for stepping up in Norm’s absence—your willingness to serve embodies the true essence of Rotary teamwork!
A milestone worth celebrating: Ken Abbott was recently honored for an astonishing 58 years of Rotary service and perfect attendance! Since joining Rotary on April 1, 1967, and becoming a club member on March 1, 1995, Ken has been a pillar of leadership and dedication. As our Club President from 2001-2002 and a distinguished Paul Harris Fellow, Ken has profoundly shaped our club and community. We also thank his wife, Cris Abbott, whose steadfast support has been invaluable. Ken, your legacy of “Service Above Self” is truly remarkable, congratulations on this extraordinary achievement!
Exciting news—our Rotaract Club is launching soon for young professionals and individuals over eighteen! Huge thanks to J.J. Jain, Mikayla and Zac Anaya, Alex Lavidge, Sally Aslami, and Kathie Williams for their dedication in making this a reality. Help us spread the word—there is a new Rotary club in town!
With joy also comes sorrow, as we bid farewell to a beloved member of our Rotary family. Michael Creedon passed away on March 11, 2025. A proud Rotarian since March 1, 1993, Mike was a 26-year Air Force veteran, Vietnam veteran, and retired Colonel who later built a successful second career with Pinkerton/Securitas. He was an avid tennis player, skier, and reader, known for his quick wit and infectious storytelling. Mike is survived by his wife of 49 years, Margaret (Sam); sons Michael (Lt Col USAF, Ret) and Brad (Lt Col USMC); daughter-in-law Kristi; and four grandchildren, Finn, Thad, Claire, and Connor. Please keep Mike’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.
We are actively recruiting for our District 5520 Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Program, a life-changing leadership camp for high school juniors. Held in the breathtaking Manzano Mountains, the Boys’ Camp runs from July 13-19, 2025, followed by the Girls’ Camp from July 19-26, 2025. RYLA transforms young leaders, and we need your help identifying future changemakers. Send student nominations to Maureen Anderson, our RYLA Chair.
Every day, I am inspired by the selflessness and dedication of our Rotarians. Your time, talent, and generosity create magic, and I am deeply grateful to serve alongside you. As spring unfolds, take a moment to enjoy New Mexico's beauty and embrace this changing season.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Sandy Rausch
President, Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte
Contest Deadline: June 1st, 2025
Winner Receives: A special “Rotary Year of Cheer” prize and the bragging rights for naming our official mascot!
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