2025-26 Club Assembly To Discuss Upcoming Budget This Tuesday

Greetings Rotarians & Friends!

The Wernicke Family recently returned from a wonderful trip to Europe, where they had the chance to reconnect with last year’s exchange student, Joan Gurrera, and his family in Mallorca. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, Mallorca is one of Europe’s most naturally stunning destinations as well as rich in culture and history. Since we were already making the journey across the Atlantic, we also explored Iceland, southern Spain, and Paris. Experiencing new cultures and places was inspiring, but as always, it’s good to be back home.

This Week’s Speaker

At this week’s meeting, Club President-Elect James Wernicke will present the proposed 2025-26 Club Budget followed by discussion. Please attend and contribute your feedback. If you can’t attend in person, please join us virtually.

Upcoming Events

You can find the most up-to-date information on our calendar.

Pancakes On The Plaza Jul 4

You’re invited to Santa Fe’s favorite local event, Pancakes on the Plaza, presented by the Rotary Club of Santa Fe. Each year, thousands of locals and visitors from around the globe gather for a day of music, art, classic cars, companionship, and, of course, pancakes. Individual and family tickets are now on sale at pancakesontheplaza.com and will also be available on July 4 at the Santa Fe Plaza.

Club End of Year Party At SALA Jul 15

Our End-of-Year Party is tentatively planned for July 15 6:30-8:30 PM at SALA Event Center. We hope to have this confirmed this week. Please join us to celebrate the end of Club President Greg Viola’s term and the beginning of President-Elect James Wernicke’s year. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let Greg know so we can accomodate you.

District Assembly Jul 26

Join us for an enriching District Assembly on Saturday, July 26, from 9-11 AM (Mountain Time) on Zoom!

This engaging session will provide valuable insights into the function of a club board of directors and key roles, including Membership, Secretary, Treasurer, and Public Image. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership position or looking to deepen your understanding, this session is designed to empower and support you.

More details to come—mark your calendar and spread the word!

Blues, Brews, and BBQ in August

We are planning to revive BBBBQ tentatively in August. Stay tuned for more details.

Other News

How To Create A My Rotary Account

A My Rotary account not only helps us communicate with members, but gives members access to the vast library of Rotary knowledge including learning modules. Here’s a guide on how to set up an account. If you’ve already set up an account, please log in and make sure you information is up to date.

After your account is set up, here’s this month’s recommended learning modules:

Rotary Magazine Annual Photo Awards

This year’s Rotary magazine photo awards each feature a decisive moment. The winning photos and honorable mentions include a waterspout swirling above a red-roofed Adriatic town, a shower of sparks exploding over an antique tractor, and a white-tusked warthog leaping across a water-filled trench in Botswana. See all the winners and the honorable mentions in the June issue of the magazine.

June is Rotary Fellowships Month

Rotary Fellowships are independently organized international groups that connect people who share hobbies, professions, or identities. They advance Rotary’s vision of building a global community and creating meaningful connections across cultures.

New on the Learning Center: Service Project Essentials Learning Plan

Ready to increase your club’s impact? Enroll in the Service Project Essentials learning plan to explore tools and strategies that are available through your Rotary membership. You’ll learn how to:
• Involve your local community in meaningful ways
• Plan for greater impact and sustainability
• Use project data to evaluate your progress and share your project outcomes

Los Alamos Arts Council Matching Donation Opportunity

Here’s a unique opportunity to strengthen partnership with another local nonprofit while supporting creativity right here in Los Alamos. The Los Alamos Arts Council has already raised $1,478 toward its June fundraising goal—and thanks to a generous matching donor, every dollar you give this month will be doubled, up to $5,000! Your donation helps fund scholarships for local kids, keeps beloved programs like Missoula Children’s Theatre accessible, supports world-class performances like SAFOS Dance Theatre, and provides supplies for summer camps. Even $10 makes a difference! Another way to help is to become a member.

25.06 School’s Out!

Greetings Rotarians and Friends,

As the first week of summer vacation kicks off, there’s a renewed sense of energy in our community. School may be out, but Rotary is very much in session—and summer is a perfect time to reengage, recharge, and reconnect.

We’re currently looking for members to step up as committee chairs for the coming year. If that feels like too big a commitment, don’t worry—we also welcome anyone who’d like to take the lead on just one event, whether it’s a service project, a social gathering, or inviting a guest speaker to an upcoming meeting. Small contributions still make a big impact.

We’re also seeking volunteers for our table at the Friday night summer concerts. These events are a great way to meet neighbors, represent Rotary, and simply enjoy the spirit of Los Alamos in the summertime.

And of course, we’re always open to fresh ideas for what our club can do this summer—activities, partnerships, or new ways to serve. If you’ve got an idea, we’d love to hear it.

Let’s make the most of these long days and warm nights by staying active, connected, and committed to service above self.

Yours in Rotary,

James Wernicke, President-Elect

This Week’s Speaker

We’re excited to announce that Alyssa Sun, President of our Los Alamos High School Interact Club, will be joining us at our next meeting to present the Interact Club’s End-of-Year Report.

Alyssa will share highlights from this year’s service projects, leadership development, and the impact Interact has made both locally and beyond. Please join us in supporting our youth leaders and celebrating their accomplishments!

If you missed any previous speakers, check out past recordings on our YouTube channel.

Jun 21: Rotary International Conference

The 2025 Rotary International Convention will take place June 21–25, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

This is Rotary’s biggest event of the year—a global celebration of fellowship, service, and impact. Join thousands of Rotarians from around the world for inspiring keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, cultural events, and unforgettable connections.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned convention-goer, this is your chance to experience the international spirit of Rotary, explore new service ideas, and bring that energy back to our club and community.

Registration is still open at rotary.org/convention. Let us know if you’re planning to attend or are interested in coordinating travel with fellow members.

Jul 4: Pancakes On The Plaza

Oct 3: Santa Fe Peace Conference

The Los Alamos Rotary Club is partnering with the Rotary Santa Fe Centro Passport Club to host the “Pathway to Peace: A Journey Through History, Healing, and Hope” Peace Conference on Friday, October 3, 2025, at La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, followed by the unveiling of a Rotary Peace Pole at Thomas Macaione Park.

This event will explore peacebuilding from historical, international, and local perspectives—featuring speakers from Los Alamos, Japan, and our own communities, along with a student art auction during lunch.

We’re seeking sponsorships to support this event, including funding the Peace Pole (estimated at $1,200). The El Centro Club has generously pledged $500, but we still have a gap to fill. A contribution from our club would demonstrate our commitment to collaboration and peace.

If you’d like to help sponsor or have ideas for additional support, please reach out to rotarylosalamos.org/contact.

Oct 23: Rotary Zone Institute

Join fellow Rotarians and Rotaractors from across the western United States and Canada for the 2025 Rotary Zones 26 & 27 Institute, taking place October 23–25, 2025, at The Clyde Hotel in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico.

This annual event offers a unique opportunity to engage in interactive discussions, attend inspirational presentations, and participate in service activities. It’s an excellent occasion to network with Rotary International and Rotary Foundation leaders, as well as peers from diverse districts. The Institute also celebrates the graduation of District Governors-Elect from their training program.

Don’t miss this chance to deepen your Rotary knowledge and connections. For more information and to register, visit zone2627.org.

25.05 Herbold on NM School for the Deaf, May is Youth Service Month

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by J (@nmdirtbag)

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

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.

May is Youth Service Month

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.

Summer Concerts Start This Friday May 23

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!

Volunteers Needed To Help Pack Pinon & Chamisa Classrooms May 27-29

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:

Tuesday, May 27 – 9 am – noon
Wednesday, May 28 9 am – noon
Thursday, May 29 9 am – noon

Please respond to abqlaura@gmail.com if you are able to help, which day, and which school.

Governor Installation June 14

Apr 15: Laura Gonzales on Rotary Projects

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!

Today’s Speaker

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.

Don’t Forget About Our April Contest!

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!

What is ESRAG?

worms eyeview of green trees — Photo by Felix Mittermeier on Pexels.com

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.

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.