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! 🌟

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.

Nov 9: Please Help Us Provide Meals of Hope!

Please join us tomorrow morning November 9 at 8:30 AM at Crossroads Bible Church to help us pack 25,000 meals for families around New Mexico. Please also consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us offset costs.

A special guest—District Governor Yasser Murga—will be joining us. As a token of our appreciation, we are giving him a gift basket containing things that symbolize Los Alamos. If you would like to include something, please bring it tomorrow morning to add to the basket.

Nov 5: Jessica Taylor on Junior Achievement, Meals of Hope Nov 9, Bi-District Conference Nov 14-15

At today’s meeting, Jessica Taylor will discuss junior achievement. If you can’t join in person, please join us on Zoom.

Meals of Hope Nov 9

Please join us this Saturday at Crossroads Bible Church at 8:30 to help pack 12,000 meals for local food banks! Please sign up here as it helps us track performance for future funding.

Bi-District Conference Nov 15-16

The Bi-District Conference is just a week away! See you in Ciudad Juarez! Questions? Contact Raul Cota.