Join us this week to help us review Junior scholarship applications. Having many members participate helps ensure a fair process that reflects Rotary values.
We’ll also have Kathy Landschulz’s second reading for induction. She will be giving a classification talk as well.
Know anyone that would make a good Rotary candidate? Invite them to a meeting!
End of Year Party June 9
The new Rotary year starts July 1. We will have an end-of-year pot luck at the Bullocks on June 9.
Help Wanted
If anyone would like to serve as a board or committee member role next year, we’d sure appreciate it.
The Los Alamos High School Interact Club is holding a bake sale every day this week from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m and Saturday from 11-2 p.m. in front of the Los Alamos YMCA Teen Center, located at 475 20th St, Los Alamos, NM 87544.
Community members are encouraged to stop by, purchase baked goods, and support the efforts of these local students committed to making a positive impact. Proceeds from the bake sale will support the club’s local and international community service initiatives.
Interact, Rotary International’s service club for youth ages 12–18, empowers students to take action through hands-on projects that address community needs and promote global understanding.
For more information about the Interact Club and its service projects, please contact Los Alamos High School or Rotary Club of Los Alamos.
What a week it’s been for our club! Our club spent Saturday morning cleaning out brush and performing necessary repairs on the PEEC treehouse. This effort helps prepare the nature center for the upcoming Earth Day Festival this Saturday, April 18.
Our club also attended the District 5520 Conference this weekend in Santa Fe. The weekend provided a wonderful platform for fellowship and inspiration, featuring keynote addresses from Alan Mallory and Raj Sisodia. Beyond the networking opportunities with Rotarians from across the district, the conference included leadership workshops and a showcase of youth programs, reinforcing our shared mission and providing fresh ideas for our own club’s growth. Here’s a fun video of our exchange students performing and sharing their experiences.
While the conference offered plenty of formal inspiration, my personal highlight was much less traditional. I had the unique opportunity to head out onto the Santa Fe trails for a few hours of mountain biking with our keynote speaker, Alan Mallory.
There is something about the shared effort of a climb and the focus of a descent that opens up a different kind of conversation. As we rode, we talked extensively about life and resilience—topics Alan knows intimately from his family’s journey up Everest. It was a powerful reminder that whether we are navigating a steep switchback or a complex community project, the “summit” is often less about the destination and more about the grit and fellowship it takes to get there. I’m returning to our club feeling recharged and ready to apply that same resilience to our local initiatives.
This Week’s Speaker
Cory Styron serves as the Community Services Director for Los Alamos County, where he oversees critical quality-of-life divisions including Library, Recreation, Parks & Open Spaces, and Social Services. Under his leadership, the department achieved prestigious CAPRA accreditation in October 2024—making Los Alamos the first community in New Mexico to earn this distinction—and was recently named a finalist for the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for excellence in park management. With over 20 years of experience, Styron also contributes to the field nationally as the Secretary for the Academy of Parks and Recreation Administrators and a board member for the non-profit GP RED.
Thanks to Chris Sierk and Kathy Landshulz for providing lunch for us today! Linda Bullock will also be presenting results from the scholarship review.
If you can’t make it in person, you can join us online. And if you missed our past meetings, check out the recordings on our YouTube channel.
We need your help cleaning up the PEEC Treehouse this Saturday 9am – 12pm. Please bring rakes and gloves if you have them. We also might need a pickup truck.
District Conference Starts Now
See you this weekend at the Santa Fe Plaza Hilton! You can check out the agenda here.
District Governor Elect Laura Gonzales, Past District Governor Dick Jones, and District Governor Nominee Mark Goodman will be leading our strategic planning this week. We will also be reviewing scholarship applications. Members should have received applications from Linda Bullock. This is also your last chance to submit nominees for this year’s Sonny Brown Awards.
District Governor Elect Laura Gonzales presents to the club.
A New Type Of Youth Exchange Is Coming!
We are participating in a new short term youth exchange that we hope will be able to allow more youth to participate. It’s only 6 weeks so perfect for a summer. It’s open to 17-19 year olds so if you know a student or would like to host one, please let us know!
Rob Metcalf exchanges flags with Annabelle Rosette. Annabelle spent a year in Spain as part of Rotary Youth Exchange.
Rotary District Conference April 9
The Rotary District 5520 Conference 2026 will take place April 9–11, 2026, at the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza in historic Santa Fe. Rotarians from across the district are invited to gather for a weekend of fellowship, inspiration, and celebration, featuring keynote speakers Raj Sisodia and Alan Mallory. Highlights include opening sessions, leadership workshops, the All-Club Luncheon, youth program showcases, and the District Awards Gala, along with opportunities to connect with fellow Rotarians and enjoy Santa Fe’s vibrant culture. A special conference hotel rate is available through March 18, and attendees are encouraged to reserve early and plan time to explore the city during the conference weekend.
2026 District Conference
PEEC Treehouse Cleanup April 11
Please join us to clean up the PEEC Treehouse on Saturday April 11 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM in preparation for the Earth Day Festival. We will be cleaning out brush as well as doing some treehouse repairs. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. If you can bring a rake, it would be appreciated.
2024 Clean Up Los Alamos Day at the PEEC Treehouse
Pajarito Trails Information Fair April 25
The Pajarito Plateau Trails (PTS) initiative is hosting a Trails Information Fair on Saturday, April 25, at Co-op Park, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for our local organizations to shine. This event is designed as a community “drop-by” to help residents plan their upcoming trail season while showcasing the diverse outdoor experiences in our area. The PTS is offering free booth space for any stakeholder groups to promote upcoming events, recruit volunteers, or demonstrate the “cool stuff” that makes their trail work unique. Since the success of our trails depends on this coalition model, we want to ensure Rotary’s various interests are well-represented. If you are passionate about local trails and would like to participate, please let me know! The deadline to sign up is Tuesday, April 7.
Flowers and Caps
Just a reminder I still have flowers bulbs to give out from our Rotary friends in Enkhuizen, Netherlands.
We’re also progressing on collecting bottle caps. Hopefully gas prices stabilize before we’re ready to make the trip!
After returning from a recent trip to Greece, I was reminded how powerful the idea of civic participation is across cultures and centuries. Walking through Ancient Agora of Athens—where some of the earliest ideas of democracy were debated—made me reflect on how communities organize themselves to solve shared problems. While the scale may be different, the spirit is familiar: people coming together to serve their neighbors and improve the places they live. That same spirit is what animates Rotary, whether it’s supporting local organizations, celebrating ethical leadership in business, or simply gathering each week to exchange ideas and strengthen our community.
This Week’s Speaker
Ramon Garcia is the Executive Director of the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO), where he oversees programs that support independence, wellness, and social connection for older adults in Los Alamos County. He leads the organization’s senior centers, transportation and meals services, and a variety of educational and recreational programs that help seniors remain active and engaged in the community. Through partnerships with local agencies, volunteers, and community organizations, Ramon works to expand services and ensure that older residents have access to the resources and opportunities that support a high quality of life. The Rotary Club of Los Alamos is pleased to welcome him as this week’s speaker to share insights on LARSO’s programs and the evolving needs of the local senior community.
Upcoming Events
Strategic Planning & Senior Scholarship Review March 24
We will be meeting at United Church on March 24 at 12:00 PM for strategic planning with District Governor Elect Laura Gonzales and to review senior scholarship applications. It’s not that demanding, but your participation is essential to the integrity of the process.
Sonny Brown Award nominations due March 25
The Sonny Brown Business of the Year Award recognizes businesses across Rotary District 5520 that exemplify Rotary’s commitment to service, integrity, and ethical leadership. Established in 2005 in honor of Past District Governor and Rotary International Vice President Sonny Brown, the award celebrates companies that demonstrate outstanding employee relations, high-quality products or services, and meaningful community involvement by both management and staff. Rotary clubs throughout the district are invited to nominate local businesses in several categories—including small, medium, and large non-Rotarian-owned businesses, as well as an at-large category for Rotarian-owned businesses—highlighting organizations that embody Rotary’s values in both business practices and community engagement. Winners will be recognized at the District Conference and receive tickets to a special presentation by keynote speaker Raj Sisodia. Nominations are due to Dick Jones by March 25, 2026.
Sonny Brown
Rotary District Conference April 9
The Rotary District 5520 Conference 2026 will take place April 9–11, 2026, at the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza in historic Santa Fe. Rotarians from across the district are invited to gather for a weekend of fellowship, inspiration, and celebration, featuring keynote speakers Raj Sisodia and Alan Mallory. Highlights include opening sessions, leadership workshops, the All-Club Luncheon, youth program showcases, and the District Awards Gala, along with opportunities to connect with fellow Rotarians and enjoy Santa Fe’s vibrant culture. A special conference hotel rate is available through March 18, and attendees are encouraged to reserve early and plan time to explore the city during the conference weekend.
2026 District Conference
PEEC Treehouse Cleanup April 11
Please join us to clean up the PEEC Treehouse on Saturday April 11 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM in preparation for the Earth Day Festival. We will be cleaning out brush as well as doing some treehouse repairs. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. If you can bring a rake, it would be appreciated.
2024 Clean Up Los Alamos Day at the PEEC Treehouse
Noche Mexicana Charity Dinner May 2
Things are starting to come together for our Noche Mexicana charity dinner May 2 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM at Fuller Lodge. We are planning a Mexican-style buffet dinner, tequila tasting, local mariachi and dance performances, and a charity auction. We could use assistance with planning as well as hosting on the night of the event. If you would like to help, please email James.
Sorry for the jet-lagged update, but we will be gathering today at the United Church of Los Alamos at noon to host nine talented Los Alamos High School students. They will be performing selected orchestra pieces for us—it’s a wonderful opportunity to support our local youth and enjoy some incredible music.
Los Alamos Middle School Orchestra performs at Duane Smith Auditorium, conducted by Michelle Rosette
Celebrate Chuck’s Birthday This Sunday
Chuck Tallman will be celebrating his 95th birthday this Sunday, March 1, 202612:00 PM – 2:30 PM at The Patio Room, Oppenheimer Place (1001 Oppenheimer Drive). Your presence is considered enough, but if you wish to honor him with a gift, please consider a donation to his favorite causes: Rotary, LA Choral, LALOE, Youth Mexico Mission, International Society Barbershop, or the United Church Chorus.
Chuck has been a member of the Rotary Club of Los Alamos since 1971 and has been active in recent community events, such as volunteering for the Purple Pinky project at Barranca Elementary in October 2025.
A Bench for Caps Update
Our club has officially been accepted into the A Bench for Caps (ABC Promise) initiative. This project focuses on collecting plastic bottle caps that would otherwise end up in a landfill and recycling them into high-quality community benches. We are currently working with the LAHS Interact Club to help expand the collection efforts. Keep saving those bottle caps and asking your friends and communities to do the same. We will provide more details on specific collection points as we get participants. and acceptable plastic types soon.
Upcoming Speakers
In the last update, I mentioned the new changes to the meeting format. Well, there’s been some additional speaker meetings. Sorry about the constant changes, but keep watching for updates in these newsletters. These speaker meetings will all occur at noon at United Church.
March 10: Ramon Garcia on Los Alamos Senior Centers
March 24: District Governor Nominee Laura Gonzales on Club Strategic Planning
April 14: Cory Styron on Los Alamos Community Services Department
May 12: Cindy Padilla on United Way of Northern New Mexico
Noche Mexicana Fundraiser Dinner May 2
Expect a night of great food and community spirit as we raise funds for our local and international projects. More details to follow as coordination happens. We could definitely use volunteers to help with that.
On their way to Juárez this weekend, the Wernickes stopped at Que Suave Coffee in Socorro. On the shop’s “Local Legends” board was a photo of our 2024 inbound youth exchange student, Joan Gurrera, alongside the New Mexico Tech rugby team. They had an outstanding season, finishing ranked #4 in the nation.
It’s remarkable that a student from Mallorca, Spain, would land in Los Alamos and continue pursuing his passion for rugby at a New Mexico college—an example of the lasting impact of the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
Speaking of Youth Exchange, we have a special joint meeting scheduled with the Rotary Club of Enkhuizen, who are currently hosting our outbound student, Silas Iverson. This is a great opportunity to meet and connect with fellow Rotarians from abroad.
If you can’t attend in person, you can join us via Google Meet.
They’ve also sent each member of our club a box of flower bulbs. Please plan to pick yours up at the meeting—any unclaimed boxes will be donated to the Los Alamos Garden Club.
New Meeting Format Reminder
As a reminder for 2026, we have transitioned to our new club meeting format to make participation more accessible. We now gather twice a month: second Tuesday at noon at United Church and fourth Thursday at 6pm rotating local venues. Please check the club calendar for the most up-to-date schedule.
A Bench For Caps (ABC) Promise Program Underway
Our application has been submitted for the ABC Promise Program, which transforms recycled plastic caps into benches and other community furniture while raising awareness about plastic use. We have already collected nearly 200 pounds of caps—almost enough for our first bench—but we would like to gather more to make the delivery trip worthwhile.
Please consider placing a collection container at your business or community gathering space and inviting others to participate. We are also seeking volunteers to help sort, clean, and store the caps as we continue building our total.
Here are some examples of acceptable and unacceptable caps.
A Bench For Caps
Register Now For District Conference
The 2026 District 5520 Conference and Celebration will be Thursday, April 9 to Sunday, April 12th at the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza. This year’s event features world-class speakers, including best-selling authors Alan Mallory and Raj Sisodia, alongside engaging activities like Santa Fe tours, club luncheons, and an Awards Gala. With the venue limited to 200 Rotarians, members are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their spot for this fun, interesting, and impactful experience. Take advantage of the special hotel rate extension for longer stays.
2026 District Conference Venue
Submit Your Sonny Brown Award Candidates
Do you know any deserving recipients for the 2026 Sonny Brown Business of the Year Award? District 5520 invites you to nominate businesses (Non-Rotarian Small, Medium, Large, or At-Large Rotarian Owned) that demonstrate outstanding service, high ethical standards, and excellence in community involvement, employee relations, and product quality. Please submit any worthy local businesses for consideration to our club board immediately, as we must finalize our endorsed nominations and submit the required applications to the District Selection Committee no later than March 25, 2026.
RYLA 2026 Needs Mentors
We are currently seeking a dedicated member to chair our club’s committee for the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA). RYLA is a premier development program organized by our district, offering young leaders the chance to enhance their skills and forge lasting friendships. Participation is a vital way for our club to support the next generation of leaders. If you are interested in leading this important initiative or learning more, please contact James Wernicke at our next meeting.
Help Support Local Families With Family Strengths Network
We recently heard from Jen Demas, Executive Director of the Family Strengths Network (FSN), regarding a critical funding gap. Due to recent changes, FSN is facing a $10,000 reduction in its United Way allocation, which directly impacts their ability to provide vital programming to families in Los Alamos. As an organization that has supported FSN in the past, including Jen’s presentation to our club in August, we have a chance to step up and help them continue their important work.
Lab employees can donate through the LANL Giving Tool to secure a 50% match, maximizing your contribution. Donations can also be made via FSN’s Givebutter account on their website or by mailing a check to their office (3540 Orange St).
We had a last-minute speaker cancellation so instead of meeting at the church today, let’s meet at Viola’s restaurant at noon.
The featured image is Trey Wernicke at the top of 12,000′ Hagerman Pass near Leadville, CO. We spent MLK weekend in 10th Mountain Division Skinner Hut skiing the backcountry with some friends. It’s been a low precipitation year, but we managed to find a few lines to ski down.
Trey will be spending next year abroad as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. He hopes to ski the Alps.
Club Needs 26-27 President-Elect
We’re still looking for somebody to step up to be president next year. For anyone that’s interested in the position, I’ll lend my full support to you. There are some upcoming leadership seminars to help as well: Pre-PELS Feb 21 & PELS Mar 13-14.
Looking for help organizing Crab Fest
As you may be aware, both the Columbian Hall and Cottonwood on the Greens are closed. That leaves us without a venue or a caterer. I’ve called a few places, but so far come up empty-handed, and I don’t have the time to organize it. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year so if anyone wants to step up to plan this event, it would be much appreciated.
A Bench For Caps
Bottle Caps
We have about 200 pounds of caps collected. That’s almost enough for some benches, but I’d like to get 1000 pounds to make the trip to Indiana more cost effective. I’m working to get some community environmental groups to help us spread the word and set up collection sites, but keep collecting those caps!
District Conference Needs Your Support
The District 5520 Conference is fast approaching April 9-12 in Santa Fe. It is looking to be a fun and interesting experience with fellowship from across the district and internationally recognized speakers. There are only 200 seats available so don’t wait too long to get your tickets.
To cover additional costs of this conference, each club is being asked to contribute funds in addition to their ticket price. Our club’s suggested contribution is $170. If you would like to help, please contact me ASAP.
Friendship Exchange from the Netherlands
In my last post, I mentioned receiving several boxes of flower bulbs. Well, I called the shipping company to find out the sender was a Rotarian from Holland who’s family runs an international flower business. It turns out Rotary Enkhuizen sent us the flowers as a gift in recognition of our exchange student Silas Iverson who is staying with them.
I’m trying to arrange a Zoom meeting with their club so stay tuned for that!
RYLA 2026 Seeks Participation
The Rotary Youth Leadership Academy is seeking students and mentors. It is July 12-18 for boys and July 18-24 for girls in the Manzano Mountains. If you are able to participate, please contact me ASAP.
New Zealand Friendship Exchange April 14
Some Rotarians from New Zealand will be visiting Los Alamos on April 14. This coincides with our club meeting that month so don’t miss this opportunity for fellowship. We may relocate to a place that serves lunch so stay tuned for details.
Have a great week and see you at Viola’s for lunch today.
2026 has hardly started and we’re already off to a roll! Last week, we hosted the Sheriff’s Posse Pancake Breakfast. We had a great turnout with hundreds of community members served.
Following that, we received an award from The Rotary Foundation for our contributions to the End Polio Campaign. Thanks to everyone who has helped with Purple Pinky and all of our polio awareness efforts over the years.
This Week’s Speakers
It’s time for our first lunch meeting of 2026. Our speakers are Jennifer Armstrong and Melanie Pena. They will be speaking about Discover Los Alamos and the Los Alamos Ambassador program which aims to create a knowledgeable welcoming group of ambassadors to effectively promote Los Alamos businesses and activities to tourists, visitors, and local residents.
If you can’t make it in person, you can join us on Google Meet or watch it later on YouTube.
We’re renewing our efforts on the ABC (A Bench For Caps) Promise with some help from local community members. Please continue collecting caps from water bottles and other plastic containers and invite your neighbors, coworkers, and community organizations to do the same. We have about 100 pounds collected already and the Rotary Passport Club of Santa Fe and Tierra Nueva Counseling Center have a few loads for us to add to our collection. We need at least 500 pounds before we can deliver them to Indiana and turn them into benches.
Crab Fest TBD
We’re still working out the logistics of Crab Fest this year. With the shutdown of Cottonwood on the Greens and demolition of the Columbian Hall, we’re trying to find a new venue and caterer. We’ll keep you posted as things unfold.
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