NORTHWIND (Jan. 22, 2025)

Golf Committee Meeting
Steamatic Office Conference Room
Mar. 04, 2025 2:00 p.m.

Public Image Committee Meeting
Various
Mar. 04, 2025 5:30 p.m.

Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Satellite Meeting
Marty and Monica Padilla's home
Mar. 05, 2025 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Youth Service Committee
Starr Brothers Brewing Company
Mar. 06, 2025 4:00 p.m.

PETS 2025-26
Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown
Mar. 07, 2025 - Mar. 08, 2025

RI Foundation Committee Meeting
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (Bar Area)
Mar. 10, 2025 4:00 p.m.

Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Meeting
Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown
Mar. 12, 2025 11:30 a.m.

Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Board Meeting
Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown
Mar. 18, 2025 5:30 p.m.

Vocational Service Committee Meeting
Contact Noel for Details
Mar. 19, 2025 11:30 a.m.

Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Satellite Meeting
Marty and Monica Padilla's home
Mar. 19, 2025 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Celebrates the 37th Anniversary of Its Founding

President Sandy Rausch presents Alex Lavidge with a "Grammy" for his fantastic Rotary birthday song!

Our audience listened with rapt attention as Joe Swickard spoke of his varied and rewarding career with the Detroit Free Press.

Beginning with a major scandal & cover-up (lesson: what you think you’re looking for ISN’T what you’ll find!) and ending with moving tales of Military service, Joe delighted with his keen sense of humor and professional precision. He shared anecdotes, memories, and achievements from his years in this line of work.

It was especially moving to view the award-winning documentaries created by Joe and his colleagues. Depicting meaningful stories of Marines’ life, work, and too-soon deaths as servicemen in Fallujah, this was an impactful experience and stories Joe felt honored to tell.

As an extra experience for the audience, Joe brought his Emmy^© Award, and we discovered as he did that this is a solid and heavy statue!

Thank you, Joe, for your commitment to our club, and for using your career to seek out the truth and bring honor to others.

Gone to the Dogs!

Our Club was honored with a visit from members of the Albuquerque Police Department’s K-9 unit. They fielded many questions concerning the dogs’ procurement, training, usage, relationship with their handlers, and retirement. As a final treat, some dogs were brought in to show off their capabilities.

Del Norte supports our police force and appreciates their many and varied activities on our city’s behalf. Thank you all APD members!

Around the Club

First Friday Fun

Alice Mehlberg hosted the soft kickoff of the "Year of Cheer"

Welcome New Members

Welcome New Members Renee Feirtag and Vivian Hairston, both inducted at the February 12^th club meeting. Remember to introduce yourself to any new member. They will feel extra-welcomed, and you will make a new friend!

Officers of the Month

Two APD officers were honored at our February 12^th meeting. It was so encouraging to hear of the good work they do for our community and the great accomplishments they have achieved in their careers. Congratulations to Officer Shannon and Officer Angie, thank you for sharing your time with our club!

Foundation Report

The Del Norte Rotary Foundation Committee is happy to report that this year has been one of strong investments and steady growth. In March, this group will meet to determine how many gifts can be bestowed to well-deserving organizations in our city. Proposals are now being accepted, so please share this with a group who may benefit from this opportunity.

Sandy presents Harris McClain with his (nearly invisible) Rotarian of the Quarter award.

Wednesday, March 12 Club Meeting – Guest Speaker: Greg Viola - Greg is a retired Coast Guard Officer who served in multiple operational law enforcement and financial management roles, culminating in his role as Chief, Budget Formulation Services Division, Deputy Commandant for Mission Support at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC.

Friday, March 14 –Happy Hour - Home of JJ and Kristi Jain - 11604 Woodmar Lane NE; please bring an appetizer to share; BYOB

Wednesday, March 26 Club Meeting— Guest Speaker: Bryce Kennedy. As Executive Director of SpaceValley Foundation in New Mexico, he transforms the state into a global space innovation hub by connecting scientific infrastructure with cultural landscapes and integrating resources from Spaceport America, NASA, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Wednesday, April 9 Club Meeting – Guest Speaker: John Williamson-PNM Program Manager Transportation Electrification

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

Wednesday, May 14 Club 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 PM

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Sky Miller!

This month, we are celebrating Sky Miller, the dedicated Del Norte Backpack Program Blue Bag Leader at Manzano Mesa Elementary School! Each Friday, right after the bell rings, Sky jumps into action checking the recipient list, confirming student counts with teachers, and making sure every Blue Bag reaches the right hands. She also recruits one or two K-Kids (Kiwanis Kids) to help distribute bags efficiently, ensuring students don’t miss valuable class time.

Sky’s leadership helps keep the program running smoothly, ensuring no student is left out. With her coordination skills and dedication, she is proving to be a rising star both in her school and in our community. Keep up the great work, Sky!

Credit: Monica Padilla

Super Volunteer Sky Miller

(Verse 1 – Who We Are & History)

🎶 We are Del Norte Rotary,

Serving strong since ‘88!

Helping Albuquerque shine,

With big hearts and open minds! 🎶

(Chorus)

🎶 Happy birthday, let’s all cheer!

One more fun and giving year!

We stand together, hand in hand,

Making a difference across the land! 🎶 (Repeat!)

(Verse 2 – What We Do & Our Impact)

🎶 Building homes and feeding all,

Lifting up when people fall.

From scholarships to helping Vets,

Del Norte’s work is not done yet! 🎶

(Chorus)

🎶 Happy birthday, let’s all cheer!

One more fun and giving year!

We stand together, hand in hand,

Making a difference across the land! 🎶 (Repeat!)

(Bridge)

(Call) “Who’s the greatest?”

(Response - All shout!) “Del Norte, yeah!”

(Call) “Who gives back?”

(Response - All shout!) “Rotary cares!”

(Call) “Who’s got spirit?”

(Response - All shout!) “That’s YOU and ME!”

🎶 Happy birthday, let’s all cheer!

One more fun and giving year!

From ‘88 to now we stay,

🎶 Del Norte Rotary—HOORAY!

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

March is a change month, as spring-time winds sweep through our beautiful New Mexico landscape, bringing variable temperatures and a sense of renewal. As we embrace this vibrant season, our Rotary year is winding down, yet our club remains abuzz with activity. This month is packed with events, and I’m continually inspired by the incredible energy and dedication you all bring to our mission.

First, let’s celebrate a well-deserved recognition: congratulations to Harris McClain, our Rotarian of the Quarter for the Second Quarter (October – December 2024)! Harris has been a cornerstone of our club for nearly nine years, embodying the spirit of Service Above Self through his unwavering commitment. A Paul Harris Society member and benefactor, Harris generously shares his time, talent, and treasures to uplift our club and community. As our newsletter editor, he keeps us informed and engaged; through his work on the Public Image Committee, he ensures our impact shines brightly; and with RYLA, he shapes the next generation of leaders, leaving a lasting legacy. Harris, thank you for your dedication and passion—you make a profound difference, and this recognition is richly deserved!

We’re also thrilled to welcome two new Rotarians to our family: Lorriane Aslover, a retired nurse and new Satellite member, and Vivian Hairston, owner of Quality Lawn Care and a new business member. Please join me in extending a warm Rotary welcome to them as they begin their journeys with us.

Amid these joys, we also pause to mourn the loss of a beloved member of our Rotary family, Stephanie Sanchez, who passed away on February 7, 2025. Stephanie was a dedicated Satellite Member until 2023 and a fierce advocate for our community. Her kindness, generosity, and commitment to service touched countless lives, and her absence will be deeply felt. Please keep her family and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time.

On a brighter note, many thanks to Alice Mehlberg for hosting our February Happy Hour—what a fantastic evening! The event was another resounding success, especially with the generous collection of items for the Rotary/UNMH Children’s Hospital “Year of Cheer” project, co-chaired with Berdel Boulanger, set to launch officially on July 1, 2025. Your contributions are already making a difference, and I cannot wait to see this initiative flourish.

I’m also excited to share that we are actively recruiting for our District 5520 Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Program, designed for high school students between their junior and senior years. This year’s camps will take place in the stunning Manzano Mountains: Boys’ Camp from July 13-19, 2025, and Girls’ Camp from July 19-26, 2025. RYLA is a transformative experience for young leaders, and we need your help to spread the word! Please send your student information to Maureen Anderson, our RYLA Chair, to nominate the next generation of changemakers.

I am endlessly amazed by the good work our Rotarians do daily. Your selfless giving—of time, talent, and treasures—is magical, and I am forever grateful to serve alongside you. As spring unfolds, please take a moment to enjoy our stunning New Mexico weather and the beauty of this season of change.

Yours in Rotary Service,

Sandy Rausch
President, Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte

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