Apr 29: Chamber of Commerce Director Sandy Jones, Earth Week Recap, Pancake Breakfast May 5

Dear Rotarians and Friends,

It’s easy to forget we owe our very lives to this planet. Let’s make sure we’re giving back. Whether it’s through planting a tree, cleaning up a trail, or supporting a clean water project, we can shape a healthier, greener future for everyone. By simply making everyday choices to consume less and more efficiently, we can easily make a difference. By joining and supporting groups like the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG)³, we can take a more active role in ensuring future generations have access to a beautiful and thriving planet.

This Week’s Speaker

This week’s speaker is Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce Director Sandy Jones. Since assuming this role in August 2024, Sandy has been a dynamic force in our community, leveraging her extensive experience to support local businesses. Before joining the Chamber, Sandy served as the Center Director for the Small Business Development Center at UNM-Los Alamos, where she provided invaluable guidance to entrepreneurs in Los Alamos, Cuba, Jemez Springs, and Española . Her diverse professional background spans R&D, utility emergency operations, accounting, e-commerce, and software engineering, reflecting her adaptability and commitment to excellence.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Sandy is deeply involved in community initiatives. She is a founder and current president of the Los Alamos Film and Culture Festival and serves as Secretary of the Board for United Way of Northern New Mexico. Additionally, she contributes her expertise to the Los Alamos County Art in Public Places Board and plays a pivotal role in “Project Oppenheimer,” focusing on business and hospitality development.

Rotarians Review Scholarship Applications

At last Tuesday’s meeting, Rotarians met to review applications for this year’s scholarships. We had at least a dozen applications, all extremely accomplished students. A recurring theme in many of their essays is a need for belonging and communities among teenagers. To that end, Los Alamos JJAB is hosting Teen Nights at SALA through May to provide teens with a community space.

Rotarians Clean Up PEEC Treehouse

Los Alamos Rotarians and LAHS Interact members cleaned up the Rotary Treehouse at PEEC last Wednesday in preparation for their Earth Day Festival.

The treehouse was our club’s 2018 service project under the guidance of Club President Laura Loy and Service Director Oliver Morris. At $30,000 it was our club’s most ambitious project, seeing over 40,000 visitors annually.

Pancake Breakfast May 4

Rotary Club of Los Alamos will be serving pancakes this Sunday May 4 for 7AM to 11AM at the Los Alamos Sheriff’s Posse Lodge. Come enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes in four flavors, eggs, bacon, and sausage for only $10! May the Fourth be with you!

Youth Volunteer Appreciation Ice Cream Social May 6

Know a youth volunteer? Invite them for ice cream at next Tuesday’s appreciation event!