The club was pleased to welcome Jesse Segura as our guest speaker. Jesse is an NCAA Division II baseball umpire working primarily in the Lone Star Conference and serves as President of the Central New Mexico Baseball Umpire Association. He shared insights from his journey through high school, collegiate, and professional baseball, including Spring Training assignments, postseason tournament play, and his leadership work developing and mentoring officials here in New Mexico.
JJ and our Feb. 25 Speaker
Russell Perea
Our speaker for the February 25th meeting was Russell Perea.
A lifelong New Mexican, Russell grew up in Bosque Farms with an early desire to serve his community. At age 20, he entered the police academy and began his career with the Belen Police Department, later serving as a Detective and Detective Sergeant. In 2007, he joined the Albuquerque Police Department, where he served until his retirement in 2020.
A dedicated student of U.S., Native American, and Spanish colonial history, Russell now volunteers as a Docent at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. There, he leads tours and lectures on Puebloan culture, Spanish expeditions in the Southwest, and the region’s deep historical roots—reflecting his own family’s presence in the Tome area dating back to the 17th century.
Russell shared reflections on his career in law enforcement, his transition into retirement, and how he continues to stay engaged in meaningful service
Satellite Happenings
The Satellite group met on February 4 in conjunction with the Community Service Committee. During the meeting, the committee conducted strategic planning and reviewed the CY2026 calendar of activities. They identified months with confirmed projects as well as open months available for new service opportunities. The outlook for the coming year is full of meaningful ways for members to serve our community. Community Service meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Padillas’ home.
At the February 19 Satellite meeting, members welcomed guest speaker Penni Rivera. Penni shared her personal story of growing up in foster care, often without adequate clothing. Today, as a successful local realtor, she has created a community clothing swap to support individuals in need. The events are held in conference rooms at her Keller Williams office and serve a wide range of community members, offering everything from professional business attire to casual wear.
Penni is seeking Rotary support for her next event on Saturday, April 11, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Volunteers are needed to help sort clothing before the event and to repack remaining items into totes afterward for delivery to Locker 505. Two volunteer shifts are available: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and 2:00 PM–3:00 PM.
Members who would like to donate clothing or sign up for a volunteer shift are encouraged to contact Stephy Griego or register here:
Help Pack Backpacks at Manzano Elementary
Together, we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in our community.
Around the Club
The Club welcomed a new member. Isabel Quepons is new to our club, but not new to Rotary.
Terry Boulanger announced the formation of the New Mexico Ramp Project for veterans and low-income individuals. Those interested are asked to contact Terry directly for more information.
Virtual Golf!
Monica Meyers and her golf helpers arranged the 2nd Annual Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Virtual Golf event. It was held February 27th at Pars and Rec where golfers played the Old St. Andrews golf course of Scotland. This event benefits both the Rotary International Polio Plus Foundation and the Year of Cheer. The final numbers are not in for this event, but it is anticipated that for the second year the Del Norte Club will be able to donate approximately $4,000 to the Polio Plus Foundation and approximately $3,000 to Year of Cheer.
Setting Hearts Aglow
February is the month for Valentines and setting hearts aglow. The Del Norte Rotarians did just that at their February 11th Rotary luncheon and the 2nd Annual Virtual Golf Tournament. Attendees of the February 11th Rotary luncheon took the time to fill out Valentine cards for patients at the UNM Children’s Hospital. At the end of the luncheon, the Valentines Day cards were collected by Maureen Anderson and her Cupid helpers and then delivered to UNM Children’s Hospital. Each card contained a message of hope and encouragement for the patients and was accompanied by a sweet treat to ensure that the patient’s hearts and taste buds were set aglow.
On February 23, several Del Norte members took a tour of UNM Children’s Hospital and saw the impact that Year of Cheer has on its patients. If anyone would like to take a tour of UNM Children’s Hospital please contact Maureen Anderson or Marilyn Strube. You will be glad you did. The Year of Cheer donation box will be at all Del Norte Rotary March meetings. UNM Children’s Hospital is currently requesting items for its older patients which include headphones, earbuds, Diamond Art Set, Lego sets for age 12+, Playing cards, strategy card games, UNO, brand new books and magazines and Kinetic Sand and Orbees. Your donations are always welcome, and they touch the hearts of so many people.
Small package, big impact -
Click us to be part of the Year of Cheer!
🌟 Stripes of Strength
Zebras face challenges with courage. Hospitalized children show the same resilience, adapting bravely to treatments and new routines.
Backpack Program Update 💛
The Del Norte Rotary Backpack Program is entering the final 90 days of the school year, and the need continues. Each week, we are providing food-filled backpacks to seventy students at Manzano Mesa Elementary, helping ensure they have meals and snacks for the weekend.
But we can’t do it alone.
🌟 Join us on this journey. Whether you volunteer your time or help spread the word, your support helps ensure no child is left wondering where their next meal will come from.
