banner
Upcoming Events
Public Image Committee Meeting
Various
Feb. 04, 2025 5:30 p.m.
 
Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Satellite Meeting
Marty and Monica Padilla's home
Feb. 05, 2025
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
 
Youth Service Committee
Starr Brothers Brewing Company
Feb. 06, 2025 4:00 p.m.
 
First Friday Happy Hour
Alice Mehlberg's home
Feb. 07, 2025
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
 
RI Foundation Committee Meeting
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (Bar Area)
Feb. 10, 2025 4:00 p.m.
 
Golf Committee Meeting
Steamatic Office Conference Room
Feb. 11, 2025 2:00 p.m.
 
Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Meeting
Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown
Feb. 12, 2025 11:30 a.m.
 
Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Board Meeting
Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown
Feb. 18, 2025 5:30 p.m.
 
Vocational Service Committee Meeting
Contact Noel for Details
Feb. 19, 2025 11:30 a.m.
 
Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Satellite Meeting
Marty and Monica Padilla's home
Feb. 19, 2025
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
 
View entire list
 
 
District Governor
Yasser Murga
We were happy to have our District Governor visit our club on his annual tour throughout District 5520.  Yasser stated that of a handful of notable, life changing moments in his life, one of the first was when, in 1996, his school counselor recommended he attend RYLA camp.  He has such fond memories of that experience and is glad that this program is being rebuilt and continues to gain momentum and support following the closures during the pandemic.
 
Yasser also shared stories of successes in his passion project of collecting wheelchairs for delivery and donations to those in need in Mexico and is always grateful to those who are supporting this effort. 
 
Our meeting ended with a very spirited and enthusiastic bidding war for the Governor’s Fundraiser Basket Auction.  The hammer fell at the $2,000 bid by Dave Anderson, as he set a new District Record for highest amount raised.  Thank you to Jill for her continued service as our professional and good-natured auctioneer.
Annual Del Norte Vocational Program
 
The annual Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Vocational program was held January 22. What an amazing event with fourteen tables of local businesses associated with our very own club members. At each table were representatives of the business who greeted and discussed the services provided as attendees went from table to table during this special Del Norte event.
Noel Valencia hosted the event and gave each business the opportunity to present their business to all the attendees and describe what makes their business special and a service to the community. Each attendee
was given a ticket when the event started. At the end of each business presentation, they drew a ticket and presented the lucky ticket holder with a gift. What an impressive array of gifts and smiles were shared by all in attendance.
The businesses represented were:
 
        Tea’se Amore: Monica Myers                                                                                                                       UNM Children’s Hospital: Alice Mehlberg
 
        The Blind Lady: Karen Wike
 
        R & R Services: Matt Hudson
 
        Sutin, Thayer & Browne: Maria Montoya-Chavez
 
        Elemental Risk Management: Dax Kastrin
 
        Chez Axel: Nadine Scala
 
        Steamatic: Jerry Becker
 
        High Desert Doppler: JJ Jain
 
        Quality Lawn Care: Claudia
 
        Northwestern Mutual: Hussam Amer
 
        Sunward Federal Credit Union: Noel Valencia
 
        Sports & Wellness: Alex Lavidge
 
        NM Print: Fred Bryant
 
This event highlights just how diversified our club members are, and the magnitude of expertise they bring to the community. This sets Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte apart from other organizations.
 
Thanks to Marilyn Strube for this report.
 
Del Norte Satellite Meeting
 
January 8 was the first Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Satellite meeting in 2025. And what a great way to start the new year with approximately 15 members and guests in attendance. As always, the Satellite members started the meeting with social time interacting with each other and the guests and sharing great food and drink.
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. She then provided an update on the status of the Rotary Del Norte Backpack program which currently feeds approximately 75 students each weekend during the school year.
Berdel Boulanger spoke to Satellite members about the exciting UNM Children’s Hospital Project that the Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte is undertaking. Club members will be providing much needed supplies for the children requiring UNM Children’s Hospital services. More information regarding this project will be coming soon.
The Satellite group had a special guest at the January 8 meeting: Yasser Murga, District 5520 Governor, El Paso Rotary Club. This is the second District 5520 Governor to visit the Satellite group, which is a special honor. Governor Yasser Murga recognized Caleb Guerrero, Satellite member, for his service as District 5520 Public Image Chair. Caleb has stepped in and stepped up the District’s Public Image by implementing new programs and updating existing programs. Congratulations Caleb and thank you Governor Yasser!
 
Marilyn Strube reporting.
 
 
 

Around the Club

 
 
Rotary Year of Cheer!
 "Year of Cheer" is coming soon - get ready to make a difference in the lives of children! Stay tuned for details from our Community Service Committee.
 
First Friday Fun
White Elephants Were on the Loose!
 
Announcements
 
Welcome New Member Nadine Scala, who was inducted at the January 8th club meeting.
 
Congratulations to Kathie Williams and JJ Jain for becoming members of the Rotary Bequest Society.  For more information on the Rotary Bequest Society, visit: https://www.rotary.org/en/donate/recognition
 
The Community Service Committee Chairperson, Jacqui Bernstein expressed gratitude to Rotarians who contributed to the Angel Tree Project for Hawthorne over the holiday season. 

Save the Dates

  • Friday, February 7 – First Friday Happy Hour hosted by Alice Mehlberg;   5:30 PM; bring a savory or sweet treat to share; BYOB Join us for First Friday Cocktails as we celebrate the soft opening of our Rotary’s “Year of Cheer” benefiting the hospitalized children at UNMH Children’s Hospital. Bring an appetizer and your choice of beverage. Celebrate Valentine’s Day by sharing the love! Bring a toy, onesie, or baby rattle for a hospitalized child (birth to age 3). Your thoughtful gift is optional. Enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and great company while helping kick off this year-long initiative to spread joy to the children of UNMH Children’s Hospital.
  • Saturday, February 15 – Blood Drive, Vitalant, 1515 University Blvd NE, 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM; contact Fred Bryant at 505-280-4118.
  • Wednesday, April 23 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 pending.
  • Wednesday, May 14 meeting– Annual Club Picnic changed to a Field Trip to the Veterans Integration Centers (VIC), 2701 Mulberry St. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106; 11:30 am – 1:00
The President's
Corner
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
 
We started the year with a fantastic White Elephant Party hosted by Kathie Williams at her home. The event was filled with laughter, unique treasures, and friendly "steals." Thank you to Kathie for opening her home and all who joined the fun!
We are also thrilled to welcome our newest member, Nadine Scala, to the Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte! Nadine, we’re so excited to have you join our Rotary family. With more new members set to be inducted into our club this month, our club is truly growing and thriving.
We also celebrated the success of our Virtual Golf Tournament, organized by Monica Meyers, which raised significant funds for PolioPlus and the “Year of Cheer” UNMH Children’s Hospital service project. Alice Mehlberg and Berdel Boulanger created the “Year of Cheer” service project to bring joy and comfort to hospitalized children. Your efforts made a real difference, and we are grateful for your leadership on this meaningful project. Thank you, Monica, Alice, and Berdel, for your hard work and dedication to these impactful initiatives.

February is a special month for our club as we celebrate 37 years of service, fellowship, and community impact. Our club’s anniversary is February 23, marking the day in 1988 when we received our charter. To honor this milestone, we’d like to recognize and extend our gratitude to our Special Founding Charter Members:
  • Sam Carnes – 37 years
  • Charles Ewing – 37 years
  • Norm Liss – 37 years
  • Chet Stewart – 37 years
  • Mary Strohacker – 37 years
Thank you for your vision and dedication in laying the foundation for a vibrant and impactful Rotary Club. Happy Birthday to the Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte!
Exciting February Highlights
  • We will be inducting several new members this month, further enriching our Rotary community with fresh perspectives and enthusiasm.
  • Our weekly meetings continue to feature dynamic speakers who inspire and inform us. Be sure to attend and bring a guest to share in these engaging presentations.
Stay Connected
Let’s keep the momentum going as we celebrate our rich history and work together to make a difference in our community and beyond. Thank you for your commitment to Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.”
Here’s to another fantastic month ahead! See you at our next meeting!
 
Yours in Rotary Service,

Sandy Rausch
 
President, Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte
Sponsors

Louise Romero Agency

Interested in being a sponsor?
Download the website sponsorship guide
Del Norte Club
Club Links
Del Norte Rotary
Advertisement for Russell Hampton
Advertisement for ClubRunner
Advertisement for ClubRunner Mobile