Rotary Club of Los Alamos will have an outreach table set up tonight starting at 5:30 PM at the Los Alamos Summer Concert Series at Ashley Pond. Tonight’s artist is a New Mexico country musician Dzaki Sukarno. Please come share why you’re a Rotarian to other members of the community!
We’ll be in the Non Profit Row east of the stage.
Greeting Rotarians and Friends,
This past Saturday was the Epic Day of Service. I’d love for us to participate next year as a club. Check it out some of the events shared on Facebook for some ideas for next year! Although we didn’t have an organized club service event, I hope you still found ways to contribute to the community this weekend.
My son & I drove to Kansas this weekend to chase storms. It’s a field of study in which he’s become very interested and driving around for hours on end with some exciting moments makes for some quality family time. We use radar and real-time communication from fellow chasers to find interesting weather events. We weren’t having much luck on Sunday and were about to call it a day, but decided to check out one last developing system. It turned out to be massive.
Thankfully, the tornado we chased didn’t hit any towns directly, but it did flip some train cars and took out power in several communities. As you may have heard, Kentucky and Missouri experienced much more devastating tornadoes over the weekend. One organization that is providing disaster relief to the affected communities is District 6510 Charities. You can also follow them on Facebook.
This week’s speaker is Dr. Jennifer Herbold, Superintendent for the New Mexico School for the Deaf. Dr. Herbold holds a notable distinction of being the 10th and first Deaf woman to lead the school in its 140-year history. Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, Dr. Herbold was immersed in the Deaf community from an early age, growing up near Gallaudet University. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in English and Secondary Education, as well as a master’s in Deaf Education, from Gallaudet, and later completed her Ph.D. in Language, Reading, and Culture at the University of Arizona. She began her career at NMSD in 1999 as a middle school English teacher. Over the years, she has served in various roles, including literacy specialist, assistant principal, principal, and Director of Instruction, before being appointed Superintendent. Under her leadership, NMSD continues to provide comprehensive educational services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students across New Mexico, from infancy through high school. The school emphasizes a bilingual approach, fostering proficiency in both American Sign Language and English.
More than 350,000 young people every year develop leadership skills and a desire for community service through Rotary youth programs. During Rotary Youth Service Month in May, Rotary members celebrate these future leaders’ impact on the world. Find ways to highlight youth programs and read this blog post from Ivan Vianna, who has more than 50 years’ experience in the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Ivan took part in his exchange from Brazil to the United States in 1968.
The Los Alamos Summer Concert Series starts this Friday with Dzaki Sukarno. Join us at the Rotary table in the non-profit aisle from 5-7 PM and enjoy some New Mexican homegrown country!
Pinon and Chamisa are ready to move to their new buildings. The teachers need to pack up their classrooms and they need help with packing (not moving – that will be done by the school). Kiwanis, Rotary, and the School Foundation Board would like to help the teachers. The available times are:
Please respond to abqlaura@gmail.com if you are able to help, which day, and which school.
Dear Rotarians and Friends,
As the weather warms up and the days get longer, it’s the perfect time to re-energize our commitment to Rotary. There’s many opportunities coming up to get involved in community service, reach out to potential new members, or help lead the club in the 25–26 Rotary year. Here’s just a few coming up in the next few weeks.
Wednesday April 23, we’ll be cleaning up the PEEC Treehouse at 5:30 in preparation for their Earth Day Festival. Bring your work gloves, a rake, and let’s get it done! April 24-26 is the District 5520 Conference. You can still sign up if you want to see what’s going on around the district and help me start getting buy-in for the Navajo Water Project. Sunday May 4, we have our Pancake Breakfast at Sheriff’s Posse Lodge. We could use volunteers from 7 AM – 10 AM and 9 AM – 12 PM, but if you don’t have time for that, at least spread the word!
District 5520 North Asst. Governor Laura Gonzales will speak about collaborative projects between District 5520 and District 4110. These initiatives, including recent wheelchair distributions in Juárez and Chihuahua, Mexico, exemplify Rotary’s commitment to service across borders.
We’re collecting plastic bottle caps to build benches. Bring your bottle caps on Tuesday April 29 to enter a drawing to win a prize!
In accordance with Rotary International’s guidance for Action Groups, the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group, ESRAG, gathers individuals, experts and partners whose goal is to provide awareness, dialogue, resources, and best practices for the environment. ESRAG, assists the Rotary family to plan, run, and evaluate projects, programs, and practices that support actions in the Environment Area of Focus and address the triple planetary crisis.
Greetings Rotarians and Friends,
Though world leaders may falter, it is often the strength of community service organizations that upholds the values of compassion, generosity, and action. Rotary has always stood as a beacon of service above self, stepping in where others step back, ensuring that those in need are not forgotten. The greatest impact often comes not from those in positions of authority, but from individuals and groups willing to answer the call when others do not. Our work is a testament to the belief that even in the face of global challenges, hope and progress are possible.
March is Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month, reminding us that clean water is one of the most fundamental needs that millions around the world still lack. Far too many communities suffer from waterborne illnesses, inadequate sanitation. Rotary has long been committed to changing this reality through sustainable water projects, sanitation efforts, and hygiene education. By ensuring access to clean water, we are not only improving health outcomes but also fostering stronger, more resilient communities.
I’d love to hear your ideas on how we can be better champions of Rotary’s causes, whether through supporting Santa Fe Centro’s Peace Pole Project, developing a Navajo Water Project, or however it is you are called to help. Please let me know either at a meeting or email me.
Yours in Rotary,
James Wernicke, President-Elect
WLos Alamos Fire Chief Troy Hughes has been a dedicated leader in ensuring the safety and preparedness of our community. This is an especially challenging responsibility in Los Alamos, where wildfire mitigation, hazardous material response, and emergency management play critical roles. Under his leadership, the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) has continued to uphold its reputation as one of the most highly trained and well-equipped fire departments in the region, protecting both residents and the surrounding national laboratory.
Community involvement is also an important part of disaster preparedness and organizations like Rotary can collaborate with first responders to build a safer and more resilient community.
Missed a previous meeting or event? Now you can watch them on our YouTube channel. Please subscribe to our channel so we can unlock more features such as live streaming.
It’s time to dust off your bell-bottoms, break out the disco ball, and hit the lanes for Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2025 – Disco Edition! This year, we’re celebrating 55 years of changing lives for New Mexico youth with our biggest fundraising event of the year. Bowl for Kids’ Sake isn’t just about strikes and spares—it’s about creating brighter futures for kids in our community. As our largest annual fundraiser, this event directly supports Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission to ignite the potential in young people by providing them with caring, one-to-one mentorship.
Register your team at https://www.bbbs-cnm.org/events/bowl-kids-sake/
We still have around 30 pounds of frozen crab for sale. Talk to Club President Greg Viola for more info.
The Los Alamos Rotary 1312, Inc., Board of Directors cordially invite you to attend our 17th Annual Crabfest Fundraiser & Live Auction event on Saturday, Feb. 22. This year, our event will take place at the Cottonwood on the Greens venue. Please extend this invitation to your family, friends, neighbors and business associates. This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we need your support to help us provide the same level of local, regional, and international service programs, such as Meals of Hope, Local Scholarships, Youth Exchange, LAHS Memorial Garden, and more.
In response to several requests, take-out orders will be available this year! This year, in-shell crab will be served.
Please pay by check ($80/person) to:
Los Alamos Rotary 1312, Inc., PO Box 986, Los Alamos NM 87544
Rotary’s history reminds us that peace is not passive—it is built, nurtured, and sustained through intentional action. Rotary International with the Rotary Action Group for Peace continues this mission by:
Our legacy is not just in what we have done—it is in what we continue to do. Every conversation, project, and partnership brings us closer to a world where peace is not just an ideal, but a reality.
So how is our Club recognizing February PeaceBuilding month?What steps are we taking now to promote peace worldwide?
We are joining with the Santa Fe Centro Rotary Club in a project to hold a Peace Conference and raise a Peace Pole in Santa Fe. The conference will be held at La Fonda on October 3rd, and the Peace Pole will be placed Mescaione Park on the corner of Paseo De Peralta & Hillside Ave just below the Cross of the Martyrs.
We will be inviting other NNM clubs & the public to attend and plan to invite speakers from LANL, our sister city in Japan, and Hiroshima as well as local speakers from UNM & Southwestern College who will guide us in ways to embrace peace in our lives & actively participate in peace building.
This week, I’ll be sharing about my recent trip to Bolivia. I’m not sure I can condense two weeks of adventure and exploration into 30 minutes, but I’ll try! If you can’t make it in person, you can also join on Zoom.
Crab Fest tickets are now available. Join us at Cottonwood on the Greens on February 22. Doors open at 5:30. Crab legs are served at 7:00. There is also an auction if you’d like to donate something. There are only 150 seats so get yours before they’re gone!
Our club will be hosting a pancake breakfast at the Los Alamos Sheriff’s Posse Lodge on May 4 from 7a-11p. We’re still looking for about six volunteers so if you can help, please talk to Linda Bullock!
You can find all of our upcoming events on the calendar.
Greetings Rotarians and Friends,
This week, we honor the life and legacy of civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King. King believed life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?” As Rotarians, we have the opportunity and duty to carry forward his vision by addressing the pressing needs in our communities and promoting peace, equality, and justice. Whether it’s through local service projects, global humanitarian efforts, or mentoring future leaders, our actions should reflect that shared belief in the dignity and worth of every individual. Let’s take inspiration from Dr. King’s dream of a more unified world and continue his legacy by recommitting ourselves to building bridges of understanding, empowering those in need, and leading with purpose.
Yours in Rotary,
James Wernicke
Join us this week as District Governor Yasser Murga visits us in Los Alamos. Yasser was first introduced to Rotary through RYLA in 1996. He is currently working with District 4110 to provide wheelchairs to individuals in Juarez, Mexico, promoting RYLA 2025, and focusing on membership growth.
He also mentioned our next District Conference wiil be in April, in El Paso TX.
Email yasserrotary@gmail.com to get in touch!
Did you know District 5520 now has a podcast? Check out the most recent episode with Yasser to learn more about his priorities before his visit!
RYLA scholarships are now available for $950 per camper. The RYLA kickoff was on January 7, but there will be additional meetings throughout the year. The boys’ and girls’ camps are July 13-19 and 19-25 respectively.
RYLA aims to empower youth leaders entering their senior high school year through exposure to experts in a variety of fields at camp held at the Manzano Mountain Retreat. These include astronauts, judges, lawyers, physicians, and business owners who offer tools and support to help campers develop leadership skills they can rely upon for the rest of their lives. 7-10 campers will share a cabin with 2 Counselors for the entire week who will support and guide campers through the 4-Way Test in a fun way through games and physical activities.
Join us for the “District Celebration: Unveiling the Magic of Rotary at the El Paso Frontier,” April 24–26, 2025, in El Paso, Texas!
Experience the “Magic of Rotary” with exciting events: a welcome at the new ”Children’s Museum at La Nube”, networking with fellow Rotarians, a night of baseball with the Chihuahuas, and hands-on service projects.
Don’t miss this magical celebration! 🌟
Greetings Rotarians and Friends,
I hope the new year is off to a good start and everybody is still sticking to their new year resolutions! As a club, I hope we can commit to recruiting new members, collaborating on new projects, and making more of an impact in our local communities and abroad. I’m currently recharging my soul in Bolivia, mountain biking the world’s deadliest road, watching the pink flamingos of the altiplano, hiking to new heights, exploring ancient Incan temples, and embracing the colorful traditions. Meanwhile, I’m also keeping an eye out for opportunities to collaborate with the local Rotary clubs. See below for a Rotary sighting from Uyuni, home of the world’s largest salt flat.
Yours in Rotary,
James Wernicke
We are honored to welcome Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone as this week’s guest speaker. With a distinguished career in law enforcement and a commitment to community safety, Chief Sgambellone has been a vital leader in ensuring Los Alamos remains a safe and thriving place to live and work.
As Chief of Police, he has implemented innovative programs and fostered strong community partnerships to address local challenges. Today, he will share insights on the current state of public safety, the department’s ongoing initiatives, and how we can all play a role in fostering a safe and connected community.
The Santa Fe El Centro Rotary club is hoping to hold a peace conference in October of this year as well as erecting a peace pole in one of the Santa Fe parks. La Fonda has generously offered to host the luncheon and the club is busy recruiting speakers. They also hope to have an art show of work done by local school students that to auction off to raise funds. The club has already committed $500 towards this expense. It would be much appreciated if our club could add a donation to our budget.
Dear Rotarians and Friends,
As we enjoy delicious meals and cherished company this holiday, let’s take some time to reflect on all we have to be thankful for, and extend our gratitude to the community that supports us, the partners who join us in our efforts, and each one of you who dedicates your time and talents to making an positive impact in our community and beyond. Thank you for being an integral part of this Rotary family. May your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, joy, and food comas.
Yours in Rotary,
James Wernicke
Dear Rotarians,
Bob and I attended the Interact fundraiser last night in support of Vos Tambien, a non-profit in Argentina that works to prevent human trafficking. A representative from the organization gave a very informative presentation about Vos Tambien’s work and the heart-breaking circumstances they try to alleviate, especially among women and children. A sobering comment: “Drugs can only be sold once; a child can be sold over and over and over.”
With donations, a bake sale, and silent auction, Interactors raised $1342. They are to be congratulated for their hard work, attentive planning, and enthusiasm. We are so fortunate to have them representing Rotary!
See you on December 3rd. In the meantime, best wishes for a healthy and abundant Thanksgiving!
– Linda H.
Dear Rotarians,
On behalf of our Club, I ordered this arrangement from Flowers by Gillian
for Linda Bullock as she recovers from her recent fall. She assured me the
flowers are beautiful and lifting her spirits!
– Linda H.
Last week, Annabelle Rosette presented on her experience with Rotary Youth Exchange last year in Spain. During her time abroad, she fully embraced the culture, immersing herself in the language, traditions, and daily life of her host community and international friends. In addition to Spanish, she took Latin and Greek classes, walked the Camino de Santiago, and hiked the Pyrenees.
After an absence of 15 years, the Zone 26/27 Institute will be held in Albuquerque next October 23-25, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Rotary beyond our communities and our District. Every Rotarian is welcome to attend the Institute but, based on my experience as a Club President and Governor, Club and District leaders will especially benefit from the Zone Institute experience!
You’ll meet Zone leadership as well as Rotary International and Rotary Foundation leaders. You’ll meet Rotarians from our Zones with lots of programs and ideas. Rotarians from West Texas to Hawaii, from New Mexico to the northern border (and even Vancouver, BC) will be there!
Experience peer-to-peer sessions, presentations on topics as diverse as AI, experiences of our Peace Fellow, a Polio Day project, dedicating a Peace Pole and, of course, presentation of District 5520 Governor-Elect Jeff Weinrach and Clare.
Early registration at considerable savings is available now through the end of November. Register now HERE or using the link on the attached flyer! See you there!
Tom Walker
District 5520 Zone Institute Support Co-Chair
At tonight’s meeting, the County Council will recognize community organizations and Los Alamos Gives. Show your support by wearing your community organization shirt and nominating them for a chance at a $1000 grant. Visit https://losalamosgives.org for more info on how you can support location community organizations.
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