With the title “Fusion: Energy for a New Millennium,” we knew we were anticipating a stimulating and interesting presentation. Fusion is already “in use” in our universe, as this is how stars, including the sun, create their energy. Fusion is a limitless energy source, and British Physicist James Tuck, who was instrumental in the Manhattan Project, was an early proponent of this branch of study. Because energy resources are the basis for development and an increased standard of living around the world, the demand for fusion power is steadily increasing. We were treated to a video virtual tour of what two distinct types of fusion complexes look like, including the amount of space required (THREE football fields in some cases!) and what the target chambers look like. The facility where Dr. Schoenberg works has been decades and billions of dollars in the making, and development continues around the world to make the process and this system more streamlined and advanced.
John Boersma
Talks AI
Our guest speaker was Dr. John Boersma, who has been helping technology companies, retailers, financial institutions, and government agencies define and execute successful AI and machine learning projects for a decade. He began his presentations by stating that there are opportunities and risks for leaders in the implementation of AI in the workplace. When speaking of Talking Documents, Dr. Boersma explained that this is a great tool for studying trends within their client base, understanding company culture and climate, and ask questions of their own intellectual property. He also talked us through some concerns that often appear in bold headlines in the news. For example, AI will never be truly infallible, and needs the human touch to get the best results. To that end, AI is also an incredible employment opportunity. So many jobs are created because of this technology, and Dr. Boersma stated that leaders in this field want this to continue, so that AI can “benefit all people and not just a handful of Billionaires.” He concluded the presentation with a lively and collaborative discussion, answering members’ questions and affirming their comments and experiences.
Around the Club
Nancy Pressley-Naimark
In her vocational talk, Nancy shared more about her work, her family, and her hobbies. Beginning by honoring the memories of September 11th, Nancy then shared about her life and career journey: positions working as a CPA in the field of Health Care, retiring, volunteering, becoming a Master Gardner, re-joining the work force and even job-sharing a position with her daughter. She is currently serving as the Director of Community Relations and Development Officer for the New Mexico Philharmonic. Nancy’s family includes husband Edward, four grown children and ten grandchildren. Nancy has been a member of the Del Norte Club for just over a year, currently serves as our Board Secretary, and frequently brings guests and colleagues to our luncheon meetings to introduce them to our club and us to them. Thank you, Nancy, for your kindness and dedication!
Carol Follingstad
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Save the Dates
Sunday, October 13 – Balloon Fiesta Brunch at Jill Cook’s home; 8:30 AM. Join us for breakfast burritos, coffee, and OJ. $10 pp. RSVP to Sherri Wells at sherri.wells@heart.org
Friday, November 8 – Second Friday Happy Hour/Chili Cook-Off at Donette Wagner’s home; 5:30 PM; Join us for a fun evening with your Rotary friends! Let Donette Wagner know if you want to participate in the chili cook-off. If not, bring a side dish and your preferred drink. Please RSVP to Donette Wagner with the number of people attending.
Wednesday, Nov 6 – RI Foundation Evening Dinner and Program; 5:30 PM cocktails, 6:00 PM dinner followed by program; Business attire; $45/person; RSVP to Donette Wagner
Friday, December 6 – First Friday Happy Hour at Bob and Sandy Rausch’s home; 5 PM; Holiday Festive attire
Sunday, December 8 – ABQ Del Norte Holiday Party; 5:00 PM; The Rancher’s Club; Holiday Festive attire; details coming soon
World Polio Day – Oct 24 (from RI International website)
The Disease
Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under 5.
Most know it as poliovirus. The virus is spread from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system and, in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine that Rotary and our partners use to immunize over 2.5 billion children worldwide.
The Facts
1 - Polio mainly affects children under age 5.
2 - There is no cure, but polio is preventable with a vaccine.
3 - Only two countries remain endemic. Afghanistan and Pakistan.
4 - We’ve reduced cases by 99.9% since 1988.
5 - Every child is at risk until we end polio forever.
Who is Affected?
Who is Affected?
Unless we eradicate polio, within ten years, as many as 200,000 new cases could occur around the world each year. In the past few years, only two countries have reported cases of polio caused by the wild virus, but no child anywhere is safe until we’ve vaccinated every child.
Why More Funds?
To end polio, we must stop the transmission of wild poliovirus in the two countries that continue to report cases: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
What Your Money Buys?
In January 2023, Rotary gave USD$50 million in grants to our partners, WHO and UNICEF, for polio eradication activities. The money will pay for technical expertise, social mobilization, and more.
What is the Rotary PolioPlus Initiative?
When Rotary launched PolioPlus in 1985, the “plus” signaled the belief that the polio eradication effort would increase immunizations against five other diseases prevalent in children: measles, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus.
As time went on, the list of benefits grew. Polio immunization campaigns created an avenue for other lifesaving health interventions, such as distributing vitamin A supplements.
New equipment for transporting and storing vaccines made combatting infectious diseases in developing areas easier. The enormous network of laboratories and health clinics that identified new polio cases also began to monitor the spread of other viruses.
Rotary helped create the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which rose to international prominence as a model for public-private partnerships to address world health issues.
What Does the "Plus" in PolioPlus Mean?
The “plus” in PolioPlus means that Rotarians are doing more than stopping the spread of polio in the last few countries. It is endemic; they are also building a legacy of infrastructure and partnerships to support the fight against infectious disease long after polio.
What Can You Do?
You can help by joining the PolioPlus Society, a District program to promote individual giving to PolioPlus. Members agree to provide $100 per year toward polio eradication until the disease is eradicated worldwide. It’s as simple as that!
Contact Sandy Rausch if you would like to join!
In Memorium
Ina Miller
1932 - 2024
Student - Educator - Traveler
Del Norte member since 2016
The President's Corner
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
As we enter this new season, we have much to reflect on and celebrate as a club. However, we begin this message solemnly, mourning the loss of our dear Rotarian, Ina Mae Miller, who passed away on September 12, 2024, at 92. Ina was a cherished member of our Rotary family, and her dedication to service and fellowship will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
On a brighter note, we have plenty to celebrate as a club! Our First Friday Happy Hours have been a tremendous success, a testament to our club's vibrant spirit and the strong bonds we share. These gatherings, which offer members a fantastic opportunity to unwind, connect, and enjoy each other's company, are a shining example of the fellowship we cherish in Rotary. We can all take pride in this achievement and look forward to continuing the fun.
Our community service and fellowship efforts have also been thriving. Special thanks to Jacqui Bernstein, our Community Service Director, and Sherri Wells, our Club Service Director, for their unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for all of us to get involved. Whether participating in community projects or joining in for fun and fellowship, there’s always something meaningful happening within our Rotary family.
We’re also excited to announce that, under the leadership of our Youth Programs Director, Sondra Carpenter, and Sergeant-At-Arms Charter Member Norm Liss, our club is hosting inbound Rotary Youth Exchange students during the first weekend of the Balloon Fiesta! This is a unique opportunity to introduce these students to the rich culture and vibrant traditions of New Mexico. The Balloon Fiesta is one of our state’s signature events, and we’re proud to share it with these bright young visitors.
We have some exciting events on the horizon that will spark your interest! Don’t miss the chance to gather at Jill Cook's home on Sunday, October 13, at 8:30 AM to watch the balloons soar across the beautiful skies during the Balloon Fiesta. Be sure to also mark your calendars for the Chili Cook-Off on Friday, November 8, starting at 5:30 PM at Donette Wagner’s home. This promises to be a flavorful and fun-filled evening! If you’d like to participate in the cook-off, RSVP to Donette. Otherwise, feel free to bring a side dish and your favorite drink. We can't wait to see you there!
A huge thank you to all the committees working tirelessly behind the scenes to make these events and activities possible. Your dedication strengthens our club and enhances our impact on the community.
Finally, we’re thrilled to share some great news: thanks to the hard work of Satellite Chair Monica Padilla, the School Backpack Program is now officially classified as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization! This means that all donations are now tax-deductible, further supporting our efforts to help local students in need.
Let’s keep the momentum going as we continue to serve and enjoy fellowship together!