Good day to all you beautiful people of the Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte.

I can hardly believe how quickly this year has gone by.

This has been a year of both challenge and growth for me. The purchase of a medical clinic, Vessel Health, has been a demanding and ongoing endeavor, but one that I truly love. Even with those challenges, I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as your president. It has been a rewarding experience, and I have learned a great deal along the way.

Most importantly, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know many of you better, and that alone has made this year incredibly meaningful.

                                                                              I’ll admit, I may not have been as involved as I would have liked due to the demands of the clinic, but I was surrounded by an exceptional team who supported me every step of the way. And believe me when I say—I need managing! If you don’t believe me, just ask Kristi Jain, Rachelle Ford, Monica Padilla, Donette Wagoner, or Kathie Williams. They have been managing me for quite some time, and I truly could not have done this without them. They made this experience not only manageable, but genuinely fun.

Their support is also my way of encouraging each of you to get involved—whether on a committee or on the Board of Directors.

I strongly encourage every member of Del Norte Rotary to consider stepping into a leadership role. There are many opportunities within our committees and board positions to contribute. Serving in this capacity has helped me grow tremendously—not just as a leader, but as a person—and I’ve had a great deal of fun doing it.

I understand that joining the Board of Directors can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. But let me assure you, our experienced members are there to support and guide you in every step of the way. You will not be doing it alone.

Our club thrives when its members step up, and I know there are many future leaders among you.

Thank you all for making this year so memorable for me.

Warm regards,

 John Jain

President, Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte

Our first Wednesday meeting in May was a combined Satellite and Community Service meeting. We took time to celebrate the successful completion of several recent service projects, including Run for the Zoo and the NMLE Memorial Bike Ride.

On Friday, May 22, we also wrapped up the Backpack Program for the 2025–2026 school year. The program will resume in September, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the volunteers who made this effort such a success. We truly could not do it without your dedication and service.

At our second meeting of the month, our scheduled guest speaker had to reschedule, which gave us the opportunity for a meaningful roundtable discussion. Members shared their individual Rotary “why” and reflected on the many ways our club serves the community. We were also pleased to welcome two visitors and share more about the impact of Rotary.

Miles explained to us a new approach to end-of-life care. After more than a year of organizing and planning, he launched Inhora, New Mexico’s only social model hospice home through the Omega Home Network. Since opening its doors in April 2025, Inhora has already cared for more than 70 New Mexicans, providing dignity, compassion, and community-centered support during life’s final chapter. 

Upcoming 

• Satellite Meeting - June 3rd - the Padillas
• Club meeting - June 10th - Del Norte Foundation Awards
• Club meeting - June 24th - End-of-Year Celebration

2025-26 Year of Cheer

Marilyn Strube, Contributing

The end of June signals the end of the 2025-26 Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte under the leadership of JJ Jain, but it does not signal the end of Year of Cheer!!! The Del Norte Year of Cheer project just got its momentum started during the 2025-26 Del Norte Rotary year and is revving up for the 2026-27 year. But, before the 2026-27 Del Norte Rotary year begins under the leadership of Monica Padilla, rumor has it that the Year of Cheer Zebras might have a little something special planned for the luncheon meeting on June 24. Be sure to bring an item for the patients to the UNM Children’s Hospital and please do not miss this special meeting and be prepared to be dazzled.  

While the Dazzle of Year of Cheer Zebras might not have been visible at every Rotary Club of Albuquerque luncheon or Satellite meeting lately, have no fear! The Year of Cheer Zebras have been working around the clock to make sure there are smiles on every face of the patients at the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital. The Zebras are taking Year of Cheer to the next level and have been actively reaching out to the Del Norte community to bring awareness of the needs of the patients at UNM Children's Hospital and how our community can partner with Del Norte to meet those needs. If any of you know of a local business that would benefit from this partnership, please reach out to that business and connect them with the Year of Cheer Zebras. Your participation makes a difference!

The following business have been involved, or have agreed to be involved, in the Year of Cheer in the next few weeks. 

They are appreciated.

• Gee Loretta
• Q Shoes
• Diversions Med Spa
• The Face Boss- Bobbie Flores , Esthetician
• Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios
• NM Chiropractic Center
• Pizza 9
• Sports and Wellness @ HighPoint
• JK Kouture Salon
• La Casa Bella Consignment
• Joseph's Salon