Our club kicked off the 2024-2025 year with a packed house for the installation ceremony of newly elected President Sandy Rausch and her Board of Directors. The event, marked by festive "mocktails" and an air of enthusiasm, set a celebratory tone for the year ahead.
The ceremony was presided over by Master of Ceremonies Leyda Hahn, President of the Rotary Club of Los Lunas. Hahn introduced distinguished guests, including Assistant Governors George Greenlee and Jenn Dresser, and Immediate Past District Governor Richard Hass.
Rausch highlighted the Rotary International President’s theme for the year, “The Magic of Rotary,” with whimsical centerpieces and magic wands distributed to attendees. In her speech, Rausch recounted her journey into Rotary, inspired by her husband, Past District Governor Bob Rausch, who inducted her into her new role. She humorously thanked Bob for "being her boyfriend" throughout the years. Family members, including her son and grandson, were present to share in the occasion.
Each Director and Board Member was introduced and took their oath of office, accompanied by a presentation showcasing their backgrounds and goals for the coming year. The presentation featured character pictures that humorously depicted members looking younger, with incoming Treasurer Fritz Eberle's image being particularly memorable.
Honoring Outgoing Leadership
Outgoing President Marty Padilla and his wife Monica were honored with a set of crystal bookends, recognizing their exceptional contributions over the past year. Marty’s leadership and Monica’s behind-the-scenes work, including her role as Chairman of the Satellite Club, were pivotal to the club's success.
Del Norte Rotary Launches New Year with Enthusiasm and Initiatives
The Del Norte Rotary Club has kicked off the 2024-25 year with a vibrant assembly under the leadership of the newly inducted President, Sandy Rausch. Sandy, promising a "year to remember," highlighted the club's active participation in the district, emphasizing its role as a cornerstone of community involvement.
In her address, Sandy outlined a comprehensive agenda for the year. Members can anticipate a mix of social events, including a newly introduced First Friday Happy Hour, alongside numerous community service opportunities. Notably, the club's Backpack Program is set to expand, doubling its reach from 50 to 100 students.
Youth engagement remains a priority, with plans to establish a new Interact High School Club and increase the number of campers attending the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) next year. The club also aims to grow its membership from 88 to 100, with a focus on enhancing business membership opportunities.
On the broader stage, Sandy highlighted Rotary's global impact, noting significant contributions to earthquake relief in Turkey and support for the Ruidoso Fire Relief Fund through the Ruidoso Rotary Club Foundation. She encouraged members to participate actively in the club's diverse offerings, which include both lunch and evening meetings.
Board Member Reports
Treasurer Fritz Eberle reported a successful fiscal year ending with a $3,000 profit, and announced an ambitious budget supported by the upcoming Folds of Honor Patriot Dinner/Gala.
Program Chair Dax Kastrin promised a year of compelling speakers, featuring experts from Los Alamos Labs, the CIA, and the FBI.
International Foundation Chair Kim Helm emphasized ongoing support for Rotary International Foundation programs, including Paul Harris Fellows, Major Donors, the Bequest Society, and Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) contributions.
Vocational Committee Member Sherri Wells proudly announced the introduction of the Compass Award, a unique recognition within the Rotary community that has gained viral attention.
Around the Club
Mark Ormerod shared greetings from a New Zealand Rotary Club and expressed thanks for a custom cutting board crafted by Monica Padilla.
New Sergeant at Arms Norm Liss promises a mix of good and bad jokes to entertain members throughout the year.
Executive Secretary Donette Wagner provided a quick guide on using the ClubRunner Application. For assistance, members can reach out to Donette.
Individual donations to the Del Norte Foundation are set to increase, with contributions rising from $25 to $100 annually.
The club bids farewell to Rotarian Ron Epps, who is relocating to be closer to his first grandchild.
Congratulations to all celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and get well soon wishes to Sandy Seligman, who recently suffered a hip injury.
The club extends gratitude to outgoing Foundation Board Members and welcomes new member Caroll Follingstad. Interested members are encouraged to contact Chair Carol Rickert Asbury about joining the board.
First Friday Festivities
at the Andersons
Another successful blood drive.
Thanks Rotarians!
Jacqui Bernstein and Crew with school supplies for Hawthorn Elementary, Inez Elementary and Manzano
A picture is worth a thousand words...
RYLA!
Farewell to all of you readers…from me (Kathie Williams). Looks like someone else finally volunteered to write the Northwind so this will be my last installment. For more information you can contact Public Image Chair, Rachelle Ford, who will be working with Satellite member Caleb Guerrero to write and produce the publication in the future.
Save the Dates
Rotary Central Area Club Events
Sep 6 – Folds of Honor 9th Annual Patriot Dinner/Isleta 6 PM/Fred Bryant-ABQ Del Norte
Nov 30 – Get Yer Kily Out for St. Andrew’s Whiskey Tasting/Jon Morrison – Socorro
Jan 25 – Robbie Burns Dinner/Jon Morrison – Socorro
Upcoming Club Events/Club Service/Fellowship Committee
August 10 – Isotopes Baseball
September 6 – FOH Patriot Dinner/Isleta, 6 PM
September 29 – Placitas sculpture event; 1-3 PM; RSVP to Sherri Wells
October 4 - First Friday Happy Hour – J.J and Kristi Jain– 5:00 PM, bring an appetizer, BYOB
November 8 - Chili Cook-off - Donette Wagner - 5:00 PM - Details coming
December 6 - First Friday Happy Hour – Sandy and Bob Rausch – 5:00 PM, bring an appetizer, BYOB
December 8 – Rotary Holiday Party, Rancher’s Club – details coming
December 18 – Holiday Club Meeting
Message from the President
Dear Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Members,
With immense pride and gratitude, I embark on another term as your Club President for 2024-2025. Your commitment to Rotary underscores the strength and unity of our club. I am deeply humbled to follow in the footsteps of Immediate Past President Marty Padilla and our esteemed Past Presidents, each of whom has played a pivotal role in keeping the Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte at the forefront of District 5520. Their dedication and your invaluable support have set a high standard that I am committed to upholding with all my heart and soul.
This year, our theme captures the essence of who we are and what we strive to achieve: "The Magic of Rotary."
The magic of Rotary is not in sleight of hand or illusion but in the tangible, transformative power of service above self. Our new Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick, from the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, chose this year’s theme when she saw the magic of Rotary while helping install water filters in the Dominican Republic. Two boys watched dirty water enter the filter, then ran out clean at the other end. Stephanie shared, “One of the boys grabbed my sleeve and said, ‘Lady, show me the magic again.’ The water filter wasn’t magic. We worked hard to transport those filters, install them, and work with community leaders to maintain them. But those boys knew easy access to clean water would change their lives. Knowing I played a small part in that certainly changed my life.”
At the heart of Rotary's magic is our unity and fellowship. We are a global family bound by our commitment to community service, ethical leadership, and goodwill. Each member brings unique perspectives, skills, and passions, enriching our collective ability to serve.
Service is the cornerstone of Rotary, where our magic truly shines. Whether building a new dance floor, stuffing backpacks with food for young students’ weekend meals, or supporting local businesses, our projects bring hope and change. This year, we will continue to identify the needs of our communities and respond with dedication and creativity. We will measure our success not by the number of projects we complete but by the lives we touch and the lasting improvements we make.
Rotary empowers us to lead with integrity and compassion. It gives us the tools to make a difference and the platform to inspire others. I encourage you to take on new challenges and leadership roles this year. Mentor a young Rotarian, spearhead a new initiative, or advocate for a cause close to your heart. Through your leadership, you will ignite the magic of Rotary in others and expand our circle of influence and impact.
As we embark on this new year, I am optimistic and excited about what we can achieve together. Rotary's magic is in each of us, and it is magnified when we come together in service, fellowship, and shared purpose. Let's harness this magic to create a year of unprecedented impact and lasting change.
Thank you for entrusting me with the honor of leading our remarkable club. We are Rotarians because we believe in doing good in our community and the world. So… “Please go out today and create that Rotary magic in someone’s life!”
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