Del Norte Rotarians—we’re off and running! Our club is proudly leading the charge for District 5520’s Year of Cheer, a joyful, year-long project collecting toys, games, and gifts for children at UNM Children’s Hospital and El Paso Children’s Hospital.
This effort brings smiles and comfort to hospitalized children—not just during the holidays, but all year long. Whether it’s a birthday, a rough day, or a milestone moment, we want them to know Rotarians care.
💛 How You Can Help:
🧸 Host or support our local toy drive
📣 Help spread the word—on social media, in your networks, and around town
📦 Save the dates for our toy pick-ups: Sept. 1 (Fall) · Nov. 30 (Holiday) · March 1 (Spring) · June 30 (Summer)
🎁 Donate new items that spark joy—think puzzles, plushies, art kits, books, and more
🔗 Coming soon: Easy-to-use QR codes linking to the hospitals’ wish lists will launch in July—perfect for sharing!
🌟 Meet Our Cheer Captains!
Del Norte’s very own Maureen Anderson (maureencdn@comcast.net and Marilyn Strube (mstrube1953@gmail.com) are leading our dazzle (yes, a group of zebras is called a dazzle!). If you’d like to be part of the sparkle—or have an idea to spread the cheer—reach out to them and join the fun!
Let’s make this a year of service, smiles, and standout Rotary spirit. Together, we’ll show the power of kindness—Del Norte style.
🦓 Here’s to a dazzling Year of Cheer!
District Toy Drive co-chairs: Alice Mehlberg and Berdel Bouanger.
Brock Wolff and the facilities manager of the Veterans Integration Center
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of President Sandy Rausch, Sherri Wells, and Jerry Becker, our club met for a joyful and uplifting meeting at the new Veterans Integration Center complex on Mulberry Street. While enjoying a delicious lunch, we were introduced to various members of the staff and leadership team, and learned more about the history of the VIC, and how they quickly and effectively used “pandemic funds” for growth and development. This new center offers layers of services for the resident veterans: food supports, continuing education opportunities, counselling, and connections with spiritual leaders – all in a community of care and dignity. Many club members already support the VIC, so this outing was a way to learn even more about this important community facility. And be sure to reach out to Jerry to lend your support to their upcoming Golf Tournament Fund Raiser!
Missi Currier
For our May 28th meeting Missi Currier delivered an informative and enlightening presentation about the New Mexico Gas and Oil Association. This entity serves this state in three different capacities: Legislative, Regulatory, and Education. NMGOA is extremely active in issues that are relevant now, while keeping an eye on what experts are predicting for the future of this industry. The NMGOA is extremely protective of the environment and uses the best care to protect our land from damage. This group also heartily supports state education and investments and provides over 100,000 residents with meaningful and rewarding jobs. It was also good to hear that Missi is a supporter of ROTARY, as her parents were members of their local club, which allowed her to be a RYLA participant in her youth.
Satellite Happenings
Monica Padilla, Contributing
Honoring Heroes, One Mile at a Time
This past Saturday, our Rotary Satellite Club proudly supported the New Mexico Law Enforcement Bike Ride by hosting and managing a much-needed recharge station for the riders.
From stocking supplies and cheering on the cyclists to setting up and tearing down with care, our volunteers showed up in full force—because “Service Above Self” isn’t just a motto, it’s who we are.
Thank you to our dedicated team and to all the riders honoring fallen officers. It was a privilege to support your journey.
On Sunday, May 4, five of our Satellite Rotarians volunteered at Run for the Zoo, handing out water and Gatorade and cheering on runners—demonstrating Rotary’s commitment to “Service Above Self” and giving back to our local community.
Around the Club
Sandy presents Monica with her award
ROTARIAN OF THE THIRD QUARTER – Monica Meyers
Monica's unwavering dedication and innovation have left an indelible mark on our club. Her leadership in planning and executing our first-ever Virtual Golf Tournament helped us meet our ambitious goal of raising $5,000 for PolioPlus. It generated additional funds earmarked for our Year of Cheer project. This groundbreaking event exemplifies the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self," showcasing how creativity and commitment can drive meaningful change.
With over nine years of service, Monica has held several committee chair positions, consistently demonstrating her passion for Rotary's mission. Her enthusiasm extends beyond traditional roles; she even volunteered her pontoon party boat, transforming it into a dazzling Rotary float for the city's Twinkle Light Parade. This act highlighted her dedication and brought joy and visibility to our club within the community.
Monica's contributions embody the essence of Rotary—combining professional excellence with heartfelt service. Her efforts have strengthened our club's impact and inspired fellow members to pursue innovative avenues for community engagement.
Please congratulate Monica Meyers, a shining example of Rotary's enduring commitment to making a difference.
Jerry Becker and the Business of the Year Award.
We’re also celebrating an exciting honor: Congratulations to Jerry Becker (and his daughter, Summer) of Steamatic of Albuquerque, winner of the 2024–2025 Rotary District 5520 Sonny Brown Business of the Year Award (At-Large Business Category). This prestigious award recognizes businesses that demonstrate exceptional commitment to service and community, which Jerry and Steamatic have exemplified through their involvement with the Veterans Integration Centers of New Mexico (VIC). This recognition is well deserved and a testament to Jerry's unwavering commitment to service, which embodies the Rotary spirit. Thank you to PDG Dick Jones for visiting our club to present this prestigious award.
Christopher Martinez was recognized as the Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Officer of the Month.
End-of-Year Celebration Party on May 21, 2025.
On Wednesday, May 21, at the new Element Hotel rooftop patio bar Volare, we celebrated the end of another fabulous Del Norte Rotary year with fun, food, and fellowship. Champagne was passed, and the laughter and good cheer followed. Thanks to Sherri Wells for coordinating this fantastic event to round out a fabulous Rotary year!
Vivian Hairston gave her vocational talk
The Friday night socials roll on! At the LaGree's.
Save the Dates
The last meetings are scheduled weekly due to the Rotary International Convention, which will take place from June 21 to 26.
Tuesday, June 10 – Combined Board Meeting for 24-25 and 25-26 (5:30 PM; Sheraton Uptown ABQ Grill Restaurant)
Wednesday, June 11 – Club Meeting with Satellite Club (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM) – End of Year Celebration and New Board Installation
Friday, June 20 – 5:30 PM - Happy Hour – Sandy and Bruce Seligman’s home
The President's Corner
“What a Year!”
As I write my final message as Club President, my heart is overflowing with gratitude and pride. What a truly remarkable year we had together!
From the very beginning, I knew I was stepping into a role with a group of extraordinary people—but this year has surpassed even my highest expectations. The Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte has once again proven to be a shining example of what it means to serve with purpose, lead with compassion, and uplift our community.
A Year of Excellence
We met our club goals and are proud to be earning the Club Excellence Award, formerly known as the Rotary Citation. This prestigious honor recognizes clubs that excel in membership growth, impactful service, contributions to The Rotary Foundation, strategic planning, and public image. Earning this award reflects your dedication to Rotary’s mission and a promise that our club’s legacy will thrive for generations.
Highlights from an Unforgettable Year
The Del Norte Foundation, under the leadership of Carol Rickert Asbury and an outstanding board, awarded grants to deserving nonprofit organizations, making a lasting difference in our community.
Our Backpack Program, led by Satellite Chair Monica Padilla, became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, unlocking new funding opportunities and expanding its reach to serve more children in need.
Jacqui Bernstein and the Community Service Committee completed numerous projects that supported schools, families, and charitable groups across the city.
The Year of Cheer Toy Drive, led by Alice Mehlberg and Berdel Boulanger, brings warmth and joy to hospitalized children, reminding them they are not forgotten.
We proudly supported the Folds of Honor Patriot Dinner, raising significant scholarship funds for the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. Kudos to Kathie Williams and the Fundraising Committee for guiding this incredibly successful event.
Under Kim Helm’s leadership, the Rotary International Foundation Committee contributed to Global Grants and PolioPlus, reaffirming our club’s global commitment to peace, health, and hope.
Our Youth Programs flourished thanks to Sondra Carpenter and her dedicated team. We increased RYLA attendance, led by Maureen Anderson, and plan to launch an Interact Club at Sandia High School for the upcoming school year. We also celebrated with a district-winning essayist in the Four-Way Test Essay Contest, led by Jill Cook.
Vocational Services Committee, led by Noel Valencia, hosted eight vocational talks, allowing members to share their personal and professional journeys—and their reasons for joining Rotary. They also organized our highly successful Annual Trade Show, offering members a platform to:
Spotlight their businesses
Build contacts and swap information
Make new friends
Promote Rotary and highlight our club’s incredible diversity and professional expertise
The Public Image Committee, led by Rachelle Ford, enhanced our online presence through a LinkedIn account, highlighting the professional value of Rotary and consistently promoting events, club achievements, and Satellite meetings with polish, utilizing RI’s Brand Center tools. Many thanks to Harris McClain, our NORTHWIND Club Newsletter editor, who kept us on track with our deadlines and produced excellent and informative newsletters for our members. Ruth Ronan documented our year in photos and also provided our lovely piano accompaniment for our club songs. Thank you, Ruth!
The Membership Committee, under the leadership of Kathie Williams, welcomed six new members—five into the Host Club and one into the Satellite—bringing our total to eighty-eight members, the same number we had at our 1988 charter. Few clubs can claim such remarkable retention over 35+ years! Additional membership achievements:
Twenty-six members enrolled in the Satellite Club
Sixteen members participated in the Business Membership Program, which now includes an Associate Member category
Seventy percent of members were actively engaged in ten vibrant committees
Launched a Past Presidents Council—with 80% of our nineteen past presidents still active and committed to mentoring new members
Founded a Rotaract Club for Young Professionals, who will be mentored and supported by our club moving forward
The Programs Committee, led by Louise Romero and Dax Kastrin, presented a diverse range of educational and inspirational programs, offering our members new ideas to reflect on and grow from.
Thanks to Sherri Wells and the Club Service/Fellowship Committee for fostering the laughter, camaraderie, and genuine friendships that we share, which make Rotary more than a service club; they make it a family. Every meeting, project, and gathering served as a reminder of how fortunate we are to belong to this remarkable group.
Our Sergeant-at-Arms extraordinaire, Norm Liss, kept us laughing with his clever jokes, offering just the correct dose of comic relief to start each meeting with a smile.
Keeping our finances in excellent shape, Our Treasurer, Fritz, carefully managed club funds—and signed checks with expert penmanship!
Nancy Pressley-Naimark, our accomplished Board Secretary, ensured we stayed informed and up to date on all board actions, documenting everything with clarity and precision.
A special thank you to Donette Wagner, our Executive Secretary extraordinaire, whose day-to-day management ensured everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Her organization, grace, and leadership are deeply appreciated.
Immediate Past President Marty Padilla provided us with sage advice and creative inspiration throughout the year. Whether transforming into one of his many memorable characters or offering heartfelt words of encouragement, Marty reminded us that leadership can be both fun and deeply impactful.
We now look forward to the leadership of our Incoming President, J.J. Jain, whose energy, vision, and enthusiasm promise another remarkable year ahead for our club.
We are thrilled to welcome Sandy Seligman as our President-Elect. With her deep experience in managing community service organizations and her compassionate leadership style, Sandy will be an incredible asset in guiding our future.
In Remembrance and Farewell
This year, we also took time to honor and remember those who are no longer with us. We lost three cherished Rotarians:
Ina Mae Miller
Stephanie Sanchez
Mike Creedon
Their legacy of service, kindness, and commitment will forever remain a part of our club's spirit and history. We miss them dearly.
We also said farewell to longtime member Mike Skolnick, who relocated to North Carolina with his wife, Joyce Haydon. While we will miss seeing Mike at our meetings, we wish them both the very best in their new chapter.
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