Rotary Club of Los Alamos

Mar 3: LAFD Chief Hughes

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

This Week’s Speaker

Los Alamos Fire Department Chief Troy Hughes

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.

Watch Us On YouTube

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.

Bowl For Kids’ Sake March 29

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.

Crab For Sale

We still have around 30 pounds of frozen crab for sale. Talk to Club President Greg Viola for more info.

Get Your Tickets For Crab Fest This Weekend!

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

Or purchase tickets online.

Santa Fe Peace Conference Update

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:

Empowering communities with sustainable peace projects
Equipping future leaders through Rotary Peace Fellowships
Strengthening Peacebuilder Clubs to amplify local and global impact.

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.

Feb 4: Wernicke on Bolivia, Crab Fest Feb 22, Pancake Breakfast May 4

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 Feb 22

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!

Pancake Breakfast May 4

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.

Jan 21: District Governor Yasser Visits, RYLA 2025 Kicks Off

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

This Week’s Speaker: District Governor Yasser Murga

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!

District 5520 Podcast

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 2025 Registration Now Open!

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.

District 5520 Conference April 24-26

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! 🌟

Jan 14: Los Alamos Police Chief Sgambellone

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

This Week’s Speaker: LAPD Chief Sgambellone

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.

Santa Fe Peace Conference in October

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.

Nov 26: Happy Thanksgiving!

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

LAHS Interact Club Raises $1334 To Combat Human Trafficking

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.

Flowers For Linda

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.

RYE Student Annabelle Rosette On Spain

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.

2025 Zone Institute Early Registration Ends Nov 30!

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

Tonight: County Proclamation For Los Alamos Gives, Support Your Favorite Non-Profits For A Surprise $1000 Grant

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.

Today is World Polio Day

What is polio?

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It mainly affects children under the age of 5. Polio can cause permanent paralysis and even death.

How is Rotary making a difference?

Collaborating with global partners to organize mass immunization drives, reaching millions of children, even in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Raising awareness about the importance of polio vaccines, helping dispel myths and encouraging participation in vaccination campaigns.
Advocating to governments to ensure sustained political and financial support for eradication efforts.
Building infrastructure such as healthcare systems, laboratories, and rapid-response teams to detect and contain outbreaks.
Innovating solutions like traveling by boat, camel, or foot to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.

Our work has already made a significant impact, reducing polio cases by 99.9% since 1988.

Why do we need your help?

Even with only a few cases left, we must continue our efforts until the world is polio-free. As long as one child remains infected, children everywhere are at risk. Your donations and volunteer efforts are crucial in delivering vaccines, supporting surveillance, and providing life-saving resources.

Protecting a child from polio for life only costs $3.

How can you get involved?

Donate to help fund vaccines, healthcare workers, and community education.
Volunteer to join a local Rotary chapter and participate in vaccination efforts.
Raise awareness about polio eradication efforts on social media.

Together, we can make history by ending polio for good. Be part of the solution – join Rotary today! For more information, visit EndPolio.org.

A class of students who received their purple pinkies.
Service Chair James Wernicke poses with a student who received their purple pinky.
Club President Tim Bullock and Service Chair James Wernicke pose for a photo in between student groups.
Club President Tim Bullock applies purple ink to indicate a vaccinated a child.

Homecoming Parade Today

The LAHS Interact Club out together an entertaining float for this year’s homecoming parade. Please come out and cheer them on at 2:30 along Central Ave. If you’d like to participate in the parade with us, please wear your Rotary shirt and meet us at Canyon Complex at 2:00. If you need a Rotary shirt, we have a couple XL and XXL available. If you’d like to chip in $20 to help with the entry fee, decorations, or candy, you can Venmo James.