Latest News Blog

President Vivien called our meeting to order via zoom at 12:00 Noon and welcomed all present. She then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance & the 4-way test.

Visiting Rotarians:    Tony Piño, Lt. Governor of District 5520. (ABQ Del Sol)

June has been “Rotary Fellowships Month”.

June birthdays were: Maggie and Jan

Following our weekly roll call,

Sgt-at-Arms Cheryl presented our weekly trivia questions:

The new R.I. President, Holger Knaack is a Rotarian from what country? He’s from Herzogtum Lauenburg-Mölln, Germany!

What’s the new Rotary theme for the 2020-2021 year? It’s “Rotary Opens Opportunities”!

Then, we had to identify two photos (we got ‘em both right) – One was Vivien’s induction from last June and the second was Allan, taken 1 ½ years ago at a Club project.

Club, District & R.I. News and Business:

Through July, all of our Rotary Club meetings will be taking place via Zoom.

Perhaps the North Domingo Baca Center (our meeting venue) may open up for us in August!

Check out our Club web site and Calendar. www.rotarysandia.org  Click on events (no password needed).

Club members provide program speakers for each month of the Rotary Year: Pam did it in June.

Tony’s wife Julie has just retired. Let’s get her to join our Club!

Tony says that the Del Sol Club is now meeting “in person”.

Vivien has a new e-mail address!

On July 10 (Friday) there’ll be another ABQ Club Presidents’ meeting.

Today’s Program: Installation of the 2020-2021 Club President & Board of Directors.

President Vivien addressed the assembled members and reviewed the Club’s accomplishments of the 2019-2020 Rotary Year. We all took part in many projects, added one member and contributed grants to our community and to an international project. Additionally, we have increased two of our member Paul Harris Fellowships.

The attending Club members added their thanks to Vivien and congratulated her for a job well done.

Lt. Governor Tony Piño noted to all, that Vivien did a great job of running the ABQ Club Presidents’ meetings during this past year! He then administered the oath of office to the incoming Club President, Allan Bash, and to the incoming Club Board of Directors.

Our newly elected Club President, Allan, then addressed the attending Club members. Allan pointed out that Rotary membership in the USA has diminished! So, we’ve got to grow our Club during the next year. For the 2020-2021 RY, we’ve got an enthusiastic membership who’ll do a great job. Since we all do such a good job, it’ll make his term as Club president effortless and painless.

12 members attended today’s meeting. Come and join us next week for our first meeting of the 2020-2021 Rotary Year. If you encounter any problems with signing into the Zoom meeting, call Gloria.

Following today’s program, we found out what each of us has been doing, where we have traveled, etc.

There being no further Rotary business, at 1:00 PM President Allan concluded our meeting.

Programs, Happenings and Stuff & Such:

1 July              The New Rotary Year Begins!

4 July              Independence Day

7 July              Zoom Meeting #1 – Club Assembly

14 July            Board Meeting

14 July            Zoom Meeting -

21 July            Zoom Meeting –

25 July            National Cowboy Day

28 July            Zoom Meeting -

8 Aug             Governors Ball at Sandia Resort & Casino

President Vivien called our last Club meeting of the 2019-2020 Rotary Year to order via zoom at 12:00 Noon and welcomed all present. She then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance & the 4-way test.

Visiting Rotarians:    Ranjan Lahiri & Dr. Antonio Grillo-Lopez

Guests:           Aurindro,  Misha & Kiran Magowan

June is still “Rotary Fellowships Month”.

June birthdays are: Maggie and Jan

Following our weekly roll call,

Sgt-at-Arms Cheryl presented our weekly trivia question:

What does this chart represent??? NOT Albuquerque, but showing Bernalillo county’s current Covid-19 cases.

Currently, we have 1828 cases with 82 deaths.

Club, District & R.I. News and Business:

We are sad to have learned that Jan has submitted her resignation from Rotary due to business pressure.

Through July (at least), all of our Rotary Club meetings will be taking place via Zoom.

It looks like the North Domingo Baca Center (our meeting venue) may open up for us in August!

Mark your calendars for 20-26 June to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first online R.I. convention.

Check out our Club web site and Calendar. www.rotarysandia.org  Click on events (no password needed).

Club members provide program speakers for each month of the Rotary Year: Pam’s doing it in June.

District 5520 PETS and Annual Conference will be held on April 8^th thru 11^th, 2021 at the Las Cruces Convention center.

Today’s Program: Coronavirus 2019 Update

President Vivien introduced Dr. Antonio Grillo-Lopez, RC of LaJolla Golden Triangle, CA and renowned medical researcher. Today, he helped us to become acquainted with various facts about the virus.

SARS Cov-2 Virus causes Covid-19 (Coronavirus 2019 disease) in humans.

How shall we ultimately defeat SARS Cov-2? Here are determining factors:

We want to survive the disease… To combat the disease, we are using convalescent plasma, which has antibodies, then Hyperimmune globulin and derived Anti-SARS Cov-2 antibodies (some are even manufactured!)

We don’t know the recovery rate as yet…

Then, there’ll be a SARS Covid-2 vaccine which will be available soon. Some will be available in October and more during January, 2021.

Remember that vaccines are NOT 100% effective.

There are currently around 160 vaccines being developed around the world by various companies and are in various stages of completion.

Then, there’s “Herd Immunity”. That’s when at least 60% to 70% of the population are immune.

Of those persons who are infected, the overall survival rate is 95%. The young, under 20 years of age, have a survival rate of 99%. The elderly, over 65 years of age, have a survival rate of 85%.

Re. Immunity: If you’ve had the virus and recovered, you do have some immunity (antibodies). For how long? We don’t know… Maybe for 40 days (figuring half-lives) or, maybe for 6 months.

Next, there’s the question of how and when we should “reopen”.

How? Very Carefully!

When? Only when a downward trend in cases and mortality really happens.

Now, in the USA, 20% to 40% of positive persons are asymptomatic… I.E.: 1 in 10 tested will have the virus! As of this time, only 9% have been tested.

There are now 2.4 million cases in the U.S. and one person in twelve tests positive.

In New Mexico, numbers of both cases and deaths are going down.

We do have some problems… Not everyone will wear masks (only 60% wear them). Also, not everyone will want to be vaccinated!

You can’t really find the N-95 masks… So, homemade masks are better than nothing. They must be made with at least three layers of cloth.

Don’t believe all of what you hear via newspapers and TV, etc. Reporters are NOT scientists and do NOT really understand those scientific reports!

Will there be mutations of this virus as there are with other viruses?? Maybe… We’ve got to be ready for that.

Dr. Grillo-Lopez suggests that we all get our Pneumonia vaccinations also.

REMEMBER - - - It ain’t over ‘til it’s over!!

13 members attended today’s meeting. Come and join us next week.

If you encounter any problems, call Gloria.

Following today’s program and an extensive Q&A session, we talked and found out what each of us has been doing to stay out of trouble.

There being no further Rotary business, at 1:00 PM President Vivien concluded our meeting.

Programs, Happenings and Stuff & Such:

20-26 June      The 2020 Rotary International Virtual Convention

30 June            12 Noon Installation of New Officers (via Zoom). With Lt.Gov. Tony Piño in attendance.

1 July              The New Rotary Year Begins!

4 July              Independence Day

7 July              Zoom Meeting –

14 July            Board Meeting

14 July            Zoom Meeting -

21 July            Zoom Meeting –

25 July            National Cowboy Day

28 July            Zoom Meeting -

8 Aug             Governors Ball at Sandia Resort & Casino

Once again President Vivien called our Club meeting to order via zoom at 12:00 Noon and welcomed all present. She then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance & the 4-way test.

June is still “Rotary Fellowships Month”.

June birthdays are: Maggie and Jan

Following our weekly roll call,

Sgt-at-Arms Cheryl presented our weekly trivia questions:

Trivia Question 1:

The following wacky events are taking place where?

“Track your progress on a leaderboard, enjoy some friendly competition, and have the chance to win great prizes.

Explore the Virtual House of Friendship to discover potential partners, projects, and other valuable resources.”

Answer: It’s the 2020 Rotary International Conference. This year it’s virtual, and free to attend. Just click on the link below to find out more or sign up. Go to https://www.riconvention.org/en/sign-2020-rotary-virtual-convention to see all that is offered and to sign up.

Here are 6 things you didn't know about the 26th best sandwich of all-time!

1. The first written reference was in 1901
From the Boston Cooking School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics: "For variety, some day try making little sandwiches, or bread fingers (!), or three very thin layers of bread and two of filling, one of peanut paste, whatever brand you prefer (JIF!), and currant or crab-apple jelly (YES!) for the other."

2. They fed the troops
According to the Peanut Board peanut butter and jelly were staples in military rations during WWII, and the returning G.I.s helped popularize the sandwich.

3. They used to be for rich people
Before the commercialization of the peanut industry in the early 1900s, the cost of peanuts was high. According to Peanuts: The Illustrious History of the Goober Pea, it was eaten in sandwiches with pimento cheese or meat at fancy New York City tearooms.

4. The average American will eat 1500 PB&Js before they turn 18

5.. Bread slicing technology made it popular
The Illustrious History also notes that with the invention of packaged, sliced bread (!) in the '20s, kids were now able to safely make their own sandwiches, thus skyrocketing PB&J's popularity.

6. It was President George W. Bush's favorite sandwich
In 2000, he admitted to Oprah that he loved them and then jumped up and down on her couch.

Club, District & R.I. News and Business:

Through July (at least), all of our Rotary Club meetings will be taking place via Zoom.

It looks like the North Domingo Baca Center (our meeting venue) may open up for us in August!

Mark your calendars for 20-26 June to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first online R.I. convention. HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
General sessions, 20 and 21 June. To take part in the general sessions, go to the home page of riconvention.org. Click on the button under the General Sessions block, which will say JOIN beginning 19 June. You’ll automatically be directed to a preview page where you can check your connection. Starting 20 June, at 08:00 Chicago time (UTC-5), when you select JOIN you’ll be taken to the current session, and it will play in your browser’s default language. These sessions will also be available to view later.

There’ll be a Rotary District 5520 Happy Hour on Friday, June 19. Join your fellow Rotarians, as outgoing District Governor Gary King bids us a farewell and incoming Governor-Elect Sunny Kellerman has opening comments for her year.

Check out our Club web site and Calendar. www.rotarysandia.org  Click on events (no password needed).

Club members provide program speakers for each month of the Rotary Year: Pam’s doing it in June.

District 5520 PETS and Annual Conference will be held on April 8^th thru 11^th, 2021 at the Las Cruces Convention center.

Update on that Cloud Dancers District Community Grant project: Emily’s been talking to them & has come up with many questions and some answers. What’s really to be painted? Well, they need barrels repainted with several different colors and that @##$% 6’x40’ outdoor ramp, too! The ramp has to be sanded also. There’s no really big hurry & maybe we’ll wait ‘til it cools off in the fall. Then a schedule will be worked out.

Today’s Program: PB&J Family Services, Inc.

Pamela introduced Tashi Swiekosz, development & communications director and Felicia Tapia-Alvidrez, associate director.

PB & J's Mission is to help at-risk children to grow and develop to their full potential in nurturing families within a supportive community.

PB&J was founded in 1972 and began as a volunteer effort reaching out to children who had mothers with mental illness and grew into a nationally recognized non-profit serving more than 2,000 children and parents annually. Through PB&J’s advocacy, talent, and relationship building, NM developed policies that have resulted in cutting-edge practices for those who frequently have no voice at policy tables. PB&J remains the only program to provide intensive wrap-around services for children and their parents, including parenting education in the homes. Creating supportive communities and families has meant incorporating the spaces of prisons and jails, elementary, middle and high schools, the pueblos and far reaches of Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties – an effort with countless barriers. The growth of PB&J has been a response to the needs of children and families that have emerged in a changing society and the courage, inspiration and vision of their founder, PB&J staff members, board members, community partners, and PB&J parents. PB&J’s philosophy focuses efforts on the family as a unit, as well as on individual family members. This approach takes into account the powerful and unique reciprocal relationship between parent and child and the impact they have on one another. PB&J believes that by enhancing the family members’ sense of self-worth and competency, this strengthens each individual’s ability to develop as a capable and responsible citizen of our community.

PB&J provides Therapeutic Parenting Program & Child Development Center/Early Intervention Services, a New Mexico PRE-K Extended Day Program, a Family Infant Toddler Program (FIT), New Mexico Home Visiting and Community Based Prevention and Intervention and Reunification.

PB&J also provides a therapeutic environment for children and families to engage in developmentally appropriate, interactive activities while they are waiting to have a visit at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). The children are provided with snacks and the families are screened for any case management needs with referrals given for appropriate services. The staff is trained to coach and model age appropriate play and adult/child interactions with attention to issues resulting from parental incarceration.

There’s also a Juvenile Community Corrections Program (JCC) funded by the Children Youth and Families Department. This program is a unique approach to working with incarcerated teen parents and their families. The program provides services that are gender responsive, culturally competent and based on the client’s needs. The program emphasizes intensive individual parenting skills, parenting groups, therapeutic supervised family visits and intensive home visiting upon release.

Additionally, they have an Adopt-A-Family Holiday Wish Program. During the holiday season, this program gives them a holiday experience by providing toys for the children and basic necessities for the family. Volunteers help with gift wrapping, card making and coordination. For more info, email adoptafamily@pbjfamilyservices.org.

With a staff of 80 at three locations, PB&J serviced 961 kids (so far) this year.

Individuals, companies & families are welcome to volunteer in the office, gardens, playground clean up, mentoring, or serving meals.  They’ll design a project for volunteers. School supplies will be needed this year. Since school reopens and our Club may begin regular meetings during the middle of August, we’ll have to receive and fulfill their “wish-list” pretty soon.

We can make Tax-Deductible donations by mail or in person at: PB&J Family Services, 1101 Lopez Road SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105      Phone: 505-877-7060

The PB&J website: www.PBJfamilyservices.org

13 members attended today’s meeting. Come and join us next week.

If you encounter any problems, call Gloria.

Following today’s program, we talked and found out what each of us has been doing to stay out of trouble.

There being no further Rotary business, at 1:04 PM President Vivien concluded our meeting.

Programs, Happenings and Stuff & Such:

20 June            Summer Begins!

20-26 June      The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention

21 June            Father’s Day

23 June            Zoom meeting – Program: Dr. Antonio Grillo-Lopez, RC of LaJolla Golden Triangle, CA

                                                                   Coronavirus 2019 Update

30 June            Installation of New Officers (via Zoom). With Lt.Gov. Tony Piño.

1 July              The New Rotary Year Begins!

4 July              Independence Day

7 July              Zoom Meeting –

14 July            Board Meeting

14 July            Zoom Meeting -

21 July            Zoom Meeting –

25 July            National Cowboy Day

28 July            Zoom Meeting -

8 Aug              Governors Ball at Sandia Resort & Casino

Following the last 2019-20 R.Y. Board Meeting via Zoom, President Vivien called our Club meeting to order via zoom at 12:00 Noon and welcomed all present. She then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance & the 4-way test.

June is “Rotary Fellowships Month”.

June birthdays are: Maggie and Jan

Following our weekly roll call,

Sgt-at-Arms Cheryl presented our weekly trivia questions:

As the nation struggles to recover from the pandemic, what 3 modes of transportation are in short supply?  Answer– bicycles, scooters (used for food delivery) and recreational vehicles.

What is the building pictured and why was it built?

It was the Southwestern Presbyterian Sanatorium, built in 1908 for treatment of TB. (Vivien and the Bashs guessed it). The facility was a five-room house on Oak Street, one of the few homes on the road to the university. It was the city’s second such sanatorium. The East Mesa drew such a concentration of “sans” and TB cottages that for a time the street was dubbed “TB Avenue” or “San Alley.”

When was the building torn down? Reportedly torn down in 1967 to make way for the new ER at Presbyterian Hospital on Central!

Club, District & R.I. News and Business:

At least thru July, all of our Rotary Club meetings will be taking place via Zoom.

It looks like the North Domingo Baca Center (our meeting venue) may very well open in August!

Good news! The proposed $5 increase in District dues has been deferred until July 2021.

Just in case you’d like to know, our Club was founded 10 years ago, during June, 2010. Of the original 20 charter members, only 6 remain on our active member list.

President Vivien attended the last Presidents’ meeting (1^st Friday of each month). Among the latest Rotary District projects, is the food drive for the Church Rock Navajo Nation.

Regular food service at The Rock at Noonday has been temporarily suspended. There’s some takeout.

Mark your calendars for 20-26 June to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first online R.I. convention.

Check out our Club web site and Calendar. www.rotarysandia.org  Click on events (no password needed).

Club members provide program speakers for each month of the Rotary Year:       June– Pam

District 5520 PETS and Annual Conference will be held on April 8^th thru 11^th, 2021 at the Las Cruces Convention center.

Today’s Program: ABQ Health Care for the Homeless (AHCH)

Pamela introduced Ms. Nadia Fazel, dental director of AHCH, who directed our attention to some of the case management problems which are being overcome at AHCH due to the existing pandemic.

For over three decades, AHCH has served our community as the only health care organization in Central New Mexico dedicated exclusively to providing services to homeless people. AHCH’s 98 staff members provide critical services to men, women and children every year. By addressing the health-related causes of homelessness, AHCH makes it possible for people to find solutions to end their homelessness.

AHCH’s mission is to provide caring and comprehensive health and integrated supportive services, linking people experiencing homelessness to individual and collective solutions, and to be a leader in implementing innovative service models and a catalyst for solutions to homelessness and uphold a commitment to diversity and equity.

Their Vision is to live in a world that is just and without homelessness.

Homelessness in the US is caused by oppression, structural factors (lack of affordable housing etc.) and personal vulnerabilities (trauma, Mental illness, addiction etc). Contemporary homelessness is the product of conscious social and economic policy decisions that have retreated from a commitment to ensuring basic life necessities for all people. Good public policy can reverse this trend.

Yearly, over 7,000 people experiencing homelessness receive services from AHCH. That includes nearly 23,000 health center encounters and 10,000 contacts made through outreach services and drop-in/Recourse Center visits.

20% stay at shelters, 12% in other locations (campers, cars, vans, jails, hospitals etc.) and 25% on the streets. The reminder are in unstable or transitional housing or unreported.

63% of the clients served were male, 37% were female, and children/youth made up 4% of those served.

48% identify as Hispanic, 47% identify as White, 9% as African American, 12% as Native American/American Indian, 1% Asian/Pacific Islanders and the remainder are unknown or unreported.

AHCH collaborates with public and private sector organizations to ensure the best care for their clients, and to address the systemic causes of homelessness. Including homeless people in their policy-making, listening to their needs, recognizing their disenfranchisement and isolation from society, promotes their empowerment towards self-sufficiency.

AHCH is a member of Community Health Charities, formally known as National Voluntary Health Agencies and Combined Health Appeal of America. Community Health Charities (CHC) provides AHCH with direct services to help enhance operations, programs, and community services through access to workplace giving, as well as opportunities to create community level relationship with corporations and their donors. The mission of CHC is to unite caring donors in the workplace with the nation's most trusted health charities.

Most of their funding is realized from HRSA (Federal) and private grants.

While some other organizations (i.e. The Rock at Noonday) use ABQ police to maintain order on their premises, AHCH employs a private security firm whose employees are trained in de-escalation.

AHCH is located at 1217 First Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Telephone: (505) 766-5197

Website:  www.abqhch.org

12  members attended today’s meeting. Come and join us next week. If you encounter any problems, call Gloria.

Following today’s program, we took some time to find out what each of us has been doing to stay out of trouble.

There being no further Rotary business, at 1:00 PM President Vivien concluded our meeting.

Programs, Happenings and Stuff & Such:

11 June            King Kamehameha Day (Just how do we celebrate?)

16 June            Zoom  meeting – PB&J Family Services – Tashi Swiekosz

20 June            Summer Begins!

20-26 June      The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention

21 June            Father’s Day

23 June            Zoom meeting – Program: President’s choice.

30 June            Installation of New Officers via Zoom !

1 July              The New Rotary Year Begins!

4 July              Independence Day

8 Aug              Governors Ball at Sandia Resort & Casino

President Vivien called our Club meeting to order via zoom at 12:00 Noon and welcomed all present. She then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance & the 4-way test.

June is “Rotary Fellowships Month”.

Visiting Rotarians:    Ranjan Lahiri

Guests:           Joyce Bidwell

June birthdays are: Maggie and Jan

Following our weekly roll call,

Sgt-at-Arms Cheryl presented our weekly trivia questions:

1.                        What city and nation will be hosting the 2021 Rotary International Convention?

            It’s Taipei, Taiwan!  June 12-16, 2021.

2.         In the June issue of The Rotarian, what avian picture got an “Honorable Mention” in the annual Rotarian Photo Contest?  It’s a puffin!

3.                        Name this pictured Albuquerque landmark building located at 120 Central Avenue SW. Emily got it before we finished reading it! The Sunshine Building, built in 1924 and added to the City and National Historic Register in 1985. Designed by architect Henry Trost and built by Italian immigrant Joseph Barnet. Built on the site of the infamous White Horse Saloon (closed 1920) Last remodeled in the 1990s for live music performances. Emily grew up near to the Sunshine Theater!

4.                        What TV series filmed in Albuquerque and used the Sunshine Building for their purported “Headquarters? It was “In Plain Sight” a fictional series about people in the Witness Protection Program with plenty of back-story about the characters running the shop!

Club, District & R.I. News and Business:

At least thru July, all of our Rotary Club meetings will be taking place via Zoom.

It looks like the North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center (our meeting venue) opens in August!

Kelly Dutro (our old Interact Club Adviser) called Allan. She has access to the H.S. and offered to glom onto some of their fabric for use  (by Allan, etc.) in the manufacturing of masks.

Karen will probably be back to Santa Fe on 18 June.

The Ghana Theodora Project has five paying clients!

Mark your calendars for 20-26 June to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first online convention. Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World: The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention will join you with participants around the world during this time of unprecedented challenges.

Check out our Club web site and Calendar. www.rotarysandia.org  Click on events (no password needed).

Club members provide program speakers for each month of the Rotary Year:       June– Pam

District 5520 PETS and Annual Conference will be held on April 8^th thru 11^th, 2021 at the Las Cruces Convention center.

Today’s Program: Christian Counseling Professionals (CCP)

Emily introduced Mr. Gary Webb, CCP’s Clinic Director.

Mr. Webb spoke to us about "A NEW WAY", including homelessness and drug addiction in Albuquerque. CCP is a medical group 501c3 organization that also works on marriage, family, mood disorder, trauma and living a purposeful life.

CCP’s mission is to come alongside their clients in difficult times in order to help them lead more peaceful, joyful lives. They accomplish this by providing one-on-one, family, couples, and group counseling.

For over 20 years, CCP has offered compassionate, multi-discipline professional counseling services. This is a non-profit organization founded to provide counseling services based in Christian principles. Their licensed, experienced therapists, psychiatrists, and medical staff believe in the power of faith-based treatment. They understand the challenges that are faced in today’s world, and have the experience and expertise to treat emotional and behavioral problems. CCP encourages active participation from clients and their families in the counseling process, utilizing a “Client-Centered-Care” therapy model. CCP is a full-service, multi-specialty behavioral health care service which is staffed with licensed, experienced therapists with expertise in treating emotional and behavioral problems. In addition, there is a nurse practitioner on staff to support the counselors and provide medical care for those patients that require it.

Services combine modern therapeutic practices. CCP is committed to help healing by strengthening client’s resources, offering strategies for repairing relationships, sharing skills for strengthening family dynamics – all for a fuller, more satisfying life.

CCP works in partnership with pastors, pastoral staff, teachers, employers, and other referral sources.

Services include:

·        Marriage Counseling

·        Teens and Adolescents

·        Children and Parent Couseling

·        Family Counseling

·        Grief Counseling

·        Sex Therapy

·        Life Changes

·        Women’s Counseling

·        Men’s Counseling

·        Pain, Chronic Illness, & Injury Counseling

·        Life Classes

·        Depression & Anxiety

Our Club may be able to assist CCP at some of their functions w/ food service.

For more information, go to https://www.christiancounselingprofessionalsnm.com/

Or call (505) 856-0300

13 members attended today’s meeting. Come and join us next week. If you encounter any problems, call Gloria.

Following today’s program, we took some time to find out what each of us has been up to.

There being no further Rotary business, at 1:03 PM President Vivien concluded our meeting.

Programs, Happenings and Stuff & Such:

9 June              The last 2019-20 R.Y. Board Meeting via Zoom, at 11:00 AM

9 June              Zoom meeting – ABQ Health Care for the Homeless (AHCH)- Nadia Fazel

11 June            King Kamehameha Day (Just how do we celebrate?)

16 June            Zoom  meeting – PB&J Family Services – Tashi Swiekosz

20 June            Summer Begins!

20-26 June      The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention

21 June            Father’s Day

23 June            Zoom meeting – Silver Horizons – Ron Hildago

30 June            Installation of New Officers via Zoom !

1 July              The New Rotary Year Begins!

4 July              Independence Day

8 Aug              Governors Ball at Sandia Resort & Casino

President Vivien called our Club meeting to order via zoom at 12:00 Noon and welcomed all present. She then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance & the 4-way test.

May has been “Youth Service Month”.

May birthdays were: Fofo and Julia

Following our weekly roll call,

Sgt-at-Arms Cheryl presented our weekly trivia questions:

What was the amount raised at the Rotary Foundation Telethon for COVID-19?

$529,000 was generated on     2      May, 2020.

A photo of what local lake was shown to us at today’s meeting? Following several incorrect guesses, it was revealed that it was Tingley Beach.

What was its original name? It was Conservancy Beach. The beach was closed to swimmers in the 1950’s due to the poliomyelitis epidemic.

Club, District & R.I. News and Business:

Until further notice, all of our Rotary Club meetings will take place via Zoom.

Today, we have unfortunately learned of the passing of Pamela’s brother and we offer our heartfelt condolences to her.

Don't miss this week's episode of #RotaryResponds Live when @JohnHewko chats with @ShelterBox CEO @SanjSrikanthan on how they are providing emergency aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. 27 May at 9:30 AM local time.

Mark your calendars for 20-26 June to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first online convention. Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World: The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention will join you with participants around the world during this time of unprecedented challenges.

Check out our Club web site and Calendar. www.rotarysandia.org  Click on events (no password needed).

Club members provide program speakers for each month of the Rotary Year:  May– Emily    June– Pam

District 5520 PETS and Annual Conference will be held on April 8^th thru 11^th, 2021 at the Las Cruces Convention center.

The next Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) will be held on 30 May, part 3 only, via ZOOM. 7:30 AM to 1:10 PM. Register on the District 5520 website.

Today’s Program: Breast Health & Cancer Education

Emily introduced - Dr. Elba Saavedra Ferrer, Director & Co-Founder of the Comadre a Comadre Program, UNM Community Health Education Faculty.

The Comadre a Comadre program was co-founded with Hispanic/Latina breast cancer survivors, who shared their experiences about both the lack of culturally sensitive psychosocial support available to them and their own lack of knowledge of services when they were diagnosed. The Program received funding from the National Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for $250,000 which allowed for a more formal evaluation, including focus groups and full implementation of the intervention in 2003.

The Comadre Program is a holistic program that embodies strong cultural coping practices, such as prayer and family support to address the many challenges faced by Hispanic/Latinas with breast cancer. The word “Comadre” is a term used to describe the close female kinship that exists in the Hispanic/Latino extended family unit. Peer Patient Navigators (breast cancer survivors) are trained in navigation and in providing emotional support from someone who "has been there." Survivors bring a lifelong passion and ability to motivate and inspire others to adapt and survive from a traumatic illness. A positive role modeling is critical and not only are the Comadres breast cancer survivors but also representative of the women being reached. The Program staff and volunteers are bilingual and all services provided at no cost and in both Spanish and English. They help you no matter what your citizenship status!

They navigate clients through the maze of health care by linking them with timely clinic appointments to needed cancer services, through needed community resources and social services programs, at the first medical appointment and other key medical appointments, to clinics that offer free or low-cost mammograms or clinical breast exams, to obtain financial assistance, if there are worries about a symptom or a breast problem, or if clients do not have medical insurance.

·        We provide breast cancer education.

·        We offer group education on breast cancer for clients and loved ones.

·        We offer community outreach classes on the early detection of breast cancer.

At medical appointments and emotional support:

·        We offer breast cancer support groups.

·        We call you to see how you are doing and support you throughout your journey.

·        We visit with you when you need us.

·        We advocate for you.

The program conducts classes on the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship of breast health and breast cancer and its management. These educational sessions are offered through the use of an informal conversational dialog.

The Comadre Program conducts a one-on-one “Breast Cancer Educational” session with newly diagnosed women and their loved ones upon their initial appointment.

They are not a clinic. However, they provide access to care. Some clients are referenced by clinics and most call directly for assistance.

We may be able to assist Comadre by volunteering our time with their outreach program, i.e. they need assistance with preparation of information packets.

We were also made aware of their painting raffle. Raffle Tickets for Original Artwork at $25 each.

Original artwork by Simon Silva titled "Amor".

For more information, go to https://comadre.unm.edu or call 505.277.2398.

12 members attended today’s meeting. Come and join us next week. If you encounter any problems, call Gloria.

Following today’s program, we took some time to find out how and what each of us has been doing.

There being no further Rotary business, at 1:05 PM President Vivien concluded our meeting.

Programs, Happenings and Stuff & Such:

30 May            ABQ Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Part 3 only, via ZOOM 7:30A-1:10P

2 June              Zoom meeting – Christian Counseling Professionals- Gary Webb

9 June              Board Meeting via Zoom, at 10:30 AM

9 June              Zoom meeting

11 June            King Kamehameha Day (Just how do we celebrate?)

16 June            Zoom  meeting – PB&J Family Services – Tashi Swiekosz

20 June            Summer Begins!

20-26 June      The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention

21 June            Father’s Day (Maybe I’ll get a card)

23 June            Zoom meeting – Silver Horizons – Ron Hildago

30 June            Installation of New Officers… We’ll soon find out how & where we’re going to do that!

1 July              The New Rotary Year Begins!

4 July              Independence Day

8 Aug              Governors Ball at Sandia Resort & Casino

President Vivien called our Club meeting to order via zoom at 12:05 PM and welcomed all present at this gathering. She then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance & the 4-way test.

May is “Youth Service Month”.

Visiting Rotarians:    Kimberly Schafer (President) & Ranjan Lahiri, RC of La Jolla Golden Triangle

May birthdays are: Fofo and Julia

Following our weekly roll call,

Sgt-at-Arms Cheryl presented our weekly trivia questions:

1. A 2020 report by the U.S. HUD found that from 2018 to 2019 (before Covid-19)

New Mexico had the largest percent increase in homelessness in the nation. What was the homelessness percentage increase found?   18 %, 27%, 35%

Answer:  (Many got this correct!) 27% increase in homelessness in New Mexico from 2018-2019. In New Mexico, according to the report, there were 2,464 homeless people in January, 2019. Of that total, 1,283 persons, or about 52%, were chronically homeless.

2. Where is the Hope Cafe located and why is it special?

Answer (given perfectly by Karen Bash) New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

All proceeds from the Hope Cafe go to Hope Works, one of our Rotary service sites.

Hope Cafe also serves as an employment training site for individuals attempting to leave the streets and escape poverty. The HopeWorks Hope Cafe was awarded the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness’ Non-profit Innovation Award for 2013

Club, District & R.I. News and Business:

Until further notice, all of our Rotary Club meetings will take place via Zoom.

Sign up with Emily to work at the Roadrunner Food Bank- Friday, 22 May, 10A-12N

Road Runner Food Bank is located at 5840 Office Blvd NE. That’s near Jefferson and Singer.

Go to the Roadrunner Food Bank’s website to find out about their rules.  www.RRFB.org

Ya gotta bring your own mask- they’ve run out!

Mark your calendars for 20-26 June for an opportunity to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first online convention. Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World: The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention will join you with Rotary participants around the world during this time of unprecedented challenges.

Check out our Club web site and Calendar. www.rotarysandia.org  Click on events (no password needed).

Get your yearly Every Rotarian Every Year donation out to the Rotary International Foundation. Checks should be written to “The Rotary Foundation”. Note on the check that it’s for “Annual Fund Share”. Your donation will be credited to your Paul Harris Fellow Recognition. Send checks to Gloria, ASAP. Or, you can also donate at the R.I. website (www.Rotary.org/give) with a credit card or send a check to RI! Remember to include your Rotary membership number on your checks.

As of 30 April, RI reports that our Club has 12 member Paul Harris fellows. For the 2019-2020 R.I. year, 16 club members have donated to the Rotary Foundation.

Club members provide program speakers for each month of the Rotary Year:  May– Emily    June– Pam

District 5510 PETS and Annual Conference will be held on April 8^th thru 11^th, 2021 at the Las Cruces Convention center.

The next Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) will be held on 30 May, part 3 only, via ZOOM. 7:30 AM to 1:10 PM. Register on the District 5520 website.

As per District 5520 Foundation Committee Chair Tom Walker, the Rotary Foundation Telethon for COVID generated nearly $500,000 on  2      May, 2020.

Here’s a link to a (free) Contact Tracing Course authored by Johns Hopkins School of Health and run by Coursera (online college level courses) https://www.coursera.org/learn/covid-19-contact-tracing.

You can read an article about the course from Forbes Magazine by going to

https://www.forbes.com/sites/danabrownlee/2020/05/13/johns-hopkins-offers-free-contact-tracing-training/#bfd86367a485

Note from Cheryl: when signing up on the Coursera site, once you are at the Contact Tracing course, SELECT  the “Course Certificate” showing a cost of $49. You immediately get a credit so you do not have to pay or give a credit card.

Today’s Program: Albuquerque’s 311 community contact center.

Emily introduced Ms. Carrie Prothero, Division Manager, 311 Community Contact Center.

The 311 Community Contact Center is a centralized call center for the City of Albuquerque. The 311 service is a single telephone number for all non-emergency City of Albuquerque inquiries and services.

They answer questions and respond to requests for service and have been in operation for six years.

Their hours are: Monday through Saturday - 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There are several ways the City of Albuquerque and 311 can answer questions or requests for service.

Alexa Device, City website, Computer, One ABQ App, Online 311 Services, Telephone & Twitter.

The 311 Community Contact Center is a division of the City of Albuquerque's Technology and Innovation Department.

You can report an issue or request a service to the City of Albuquerque through the tools above: Abandoned vehicles, Broken street lights, Graffiti, Lost animals, Missed trash pick-up, Pothole, Weed or litter complaints, Request Information about City events, programs, and services, Large-item garbage pick-up, Residential trash or recycle bins, Traffic pavement markings, Traffic signs.

Information on the most requested from 311 customers.

ABQ BioPark - The ABQ BioPark includes the Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden and Tingley Beach.

Animal Noise Complaint

Use this form to file a complaint about a barking dog or other noisy animal.

Bicycling - Information about biking in Albuquerque.

Fares & Bus Passes - Information about bus fares and transit pass prices.

Parks - Albuquerque's Park Management Division maintains & manages more than 286 park sites, 127 median and streetscape sites, and a total of 113 miles of developed urban and soft trails.

Routes & Schedules - Information about ABQ RIDE bus routes and schedules.

Search For a Lost or Adoptable Pet - Information about searching for a lost or adoptable pet.

Street Repair Request - Use this form to notify the City of a pothole or other street failure.

Swimming - Information about pools and other aquatic facilities in the City of Albuquerque.

Zoo - Welcome to the ABQ BioPark Zoo.

The following are all resident services that can be completed online

Animal Noise Complaint

Use this form to file a complaint about a barking dog or other noisy animal.

Cable Complaint Form

Report concerns about cable television service.

Crime Mapping

The Albuquerque Police Department is now making local up-to-date crime data.

Crime Statistics (Prior to February 2008)

These are generated from crime data provided by the Albuquerque Police Department.

Gang Member Registration

The City of Albuquerque has developed and passed an ordinance that puts in place a comprehensive anti-gang strategy for Albuquerque.

GOV TV - Government Television. View government meetings online.

Group Tour Request Form - Submit your reservation request for a group visit.

Interactive Public Art Map - Locate public art in Albuquerque

Leads Online ~ Pawned/Stolen Property - The Albuquerque Police Department uses LeadsOnline as a method of tracking and recovering stolen property sold to businesses (pawn shops, metal recyclers, second hand stores, etc) throughout the city.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Comments - Your comments on the MS4 permit are welcome. The authority will review your submission and take action accordingly.

New Mexico Roads - See the current traffic, weather and road advisories in New Mexico.

Online Police Report - File a police report in Albuquerque. Using this online citizen police report system allows you to submit a report immediately and print a free copy of the police report.You can use online citizen reporting for the following crimes: Lost Property, Vandalism, Vandalism of a Vehicle, Theft / Larceny, Auto Burglary, Telephone Harassment.

Report Illegal Dumping to Storm Drains - Storm drains and arroyos are for transporting rain water from the city streets to the river. Dumping any pollutants to storm drains and arroyos is illegal and a violation of the Clean Water Act.

Report Restaurant Concern - The City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department wants to ensure that your dining experience is enjoyable. However, if that experience is less than acceptable, the Environmental Health Department would like to know about it.

Report Smoking Vehicle - Use this form to report a smoking motor vehicle.

Sex Offender Lookup - The City of Albuquerque's decision to post sex offenders on this website is based on the fact that the sex offender was convicted of a sex offense in the past.

Special Interest Vehicle Recognition Program - Cultivating responsible special interest vehicle club activities and events that promote the City’s cultural heritage and cultural tourism industry.

Street Repair Request - Use this form to notify the City of a pothole or other street failure.

Submit a Discrimination Inquiry - Submit a discrimination inquiry to the City of Albuquerque.

Swimming Group Use - Groups of up to 30 people can request to use Albuquerque's swimming pools.

Tickets - KiMo Theatre ticket sales

Volunteer with Open Space - If you enjoy the outdoors and love nature volunteer with open space.

Information about tickets for events and attractions.

Freedom 4th - Free | Family | Fun | Concert

Plan a Visit - Balloon Museum hours, holiday schedule, and admission prices.

Print-At-Home Tickets - Purchase ABQ BioPark tickets online for general admission and special events.

Tickets - KiMo Theatre ticket sales

Dial 311 (or 505-768-2000 when outside of Albuquerque). For more information, go to www.cabq.gov

They’re located at 600 Second Street NW, Albuquerque NM 87102

Only 12 members attended today’s meeting. Come and join us next week. It isn’t difficult at all! If you encounter any problems, call Gloria.

Following today’s program, we took some time to find out how each of us has been doing.

There being no further Rotary business, at 12:55 PM President Vivien concluded our meeting.

Programs, Happenings and Stuff & Such:

22 May            (Sign up with Emily) We work TODAY at the Roadrunner Food Bank- 10A-12N

25 May            Memorial Day

26 May            Zoom Meeting- Breast Health & Cancer Education - Dr. Elba Saavedra Ferrer

30 May            ABQ Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Part 3 only, via ZOOM 7:30A-1:10P

2 June              Zoom meeting – Christian Counseling Professionals- Gary Webb

9 June              Board Meeting via Zoom, at 10:30 AM

9 June              Zoom meeting

11 June            King Kamehameha Day (Just how do we celebrate?)

16 June            Zoom meeting – Silver Horizons – Ron Hildago

20 June            Summer Begins! (I know how to celebrate!)

21 June            Father’s Day (Maybe I’ll get a card)

23 June            Zoom  meeting – PB&J Family Services – Tashi Swiekosz

30 June            Installation of New Officers… We’ll soon find out how we’re going to do that!

1 July              The New Rotary Year Begins!

4 July              Independence Day

8 Aug              Governors Ball at Sandia Resort & Casino (You’ll need a new gown)

Following today’s May board meeting, President Vivien called our Club meeting to order via zoom at 12:05 PM and welcomed all present at this gathering. She then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance & the 4-way test.

Visiting Rotarians:    Jonas Ayi (Accra Spintex- Ghana) 

Birthday anniversaries for May are: Fofo and Julia

Following our weekly roll call,

Sgt-at-Arms Cheryl presented our weekly trivia questions:

What three other organizations did Rotary join with in April, 2020 to issue a statement of intent regarding Covid-19?

The service clubs of Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist and Rotary International are working to maintain connections with each other and our neighbors so that we can cope with and overcome the effects of COVID-19. We are leveraging the strength of our combined networks of 3.2 million members to provide comfort and hope to those feeling the effects of isolation and fear. We are focusing our collective skills, resources and ideas to support frontline health workers and first responders as they battle this disease and save lives. In these times of uncertainty, local service clubs remain committed to meeting the challenge of finding innovative ways to take action together to help communities around the globe heal and thrive – and become more united than ever. 

What happened at the building located at 209 N. High Street in Albuquerque?

On June 3, 1945 in the Freeman Boarding House, KGB operative Harry Gold met with US spies David & Ruth Greenglass. According to A Spy’s Guide to Santa Fe and Albuquerque, this meeting turned into “one of the greatest disasters in KGB history, leading to the identification of David’s sister and brother-in-law Ethel and Julius Rosenberg”……. The Rosenbergs were executed for treason in 1953. The couple were accused of providing top-secrets about radar, sonar, jet engines, and nuclear weapon designs; at that time the United States was the only country in the world with nuclear weapons.

Penny guessed correctly and supplied info about another great book for these “stuck-at-home-times” –Walking Albuquerque: 30 Tours of the Duke City's Historic Neighborhoods.

Club, District & R.I. News and Business: 

Until further notice, all Rotary Club meetings will take place via Zoom. It ain’t that hard to do!

Mark your calendars for 20-26 June for an opportunity to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first online convention. Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World: The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention will join you with Rotary participants around the world during this time of unprecedented challenges.

Check out our Club web site and Calendar. www.rotarysandia.org  Click on events (no password needed). You’ll find information which gives full details of upcoming meeting and project events and messages.

It’s time to get your yearly Every Rotarian Every Year donation out to the Rotary International Foundation. Checks should be written to “The Rotary Foundation”. Note on the check that it’s for “Annual Fund Share”. Your donation will be credited to your Paul Harris Fellow Recognition. Send checks to Gloria, ASAP. Or, you can also donate at the R.I. website (www.Rotary.org/give) with a credit card or send a check to RI! Remember to include your Rotary membership number on your checks.

Gloria has 11 checks & 3 “in the mail”, which will total $ 1,360.00. As of 30 April, RI reports that our Club has 12 member Paul Harris fellows (With more to follow).

Club members provide program speakers for each month of the Rotary Year:  May– Emily    June– Pam

Today’s Program: Rio Grande Food Project

Emily introduced Ms. Ari Herring, executive director of RGFP.

In the summer of 1989, Rio Grande Presbyterian Church members were challenged to feed hungry New Mexicans. Their original vision was to be a satellite of another food pantry and to provide emergency food to the neighborhood around the church. That vision quickly expanded to establish an independent food pantry for the west side of the city.

By 1989, the RGFP distributed its first food boxes. Seed money from a Fund of the Presbyterian Church USA served as the catalyst and helped provide funding for the first year. Donations from church members, other congregations, and community grants were also used to purchase food. Members of the congregation distributed 2,000 pounds of food to the first clients.

RGFP has now been in continuous operation for 30 years. During this time, the number of people served and the amount of food distributed has continued to grow.

Yearly, RGFP has provided a week’s worth of groceries to an average of 4,230 children, adults, and seniors every month; Provided over 1 million pounds of groceries to low-income individuals and families, including 33,725 pounds through their Food for Health initiative; Received 59,239 pounds of food for immediate distribution via generous community donations; Rescued and redistributed 190,588 pounds of grocery store food that would otherwise go to waste and provided $484,879 in PNM Good Neighbor Fund utility bill assistance to 3,802 low-income households.

Here’s a synopsis of current operations at RGFP:

Due to the pandemic, RGFP has been forced to suspend normal food distribution operations at their location. For the safety of their clients, volunteers and staff, RGFP has replaced the 5-day/week food distributions that assist 400 households each week with a safer, off-site packing, drive-through and pick-up/delivery distribution model.

Every Monday through the end of May, RGFP, in partnership with Roadrunner Food Bank, will be taking the lead on a drive-through food distribution model to provide pre-packed food boxes to up to 400 families, equaling the maximum currently served. We are also forming and strengthening partnerships with local non-profits that service some of our most vulnerable community members. We are delivering and offering pick-up of pre-packed food boxes and pallets of food to the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center, New Mexico Child Advocacy Network, Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless, HopeWorks, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office so that families impacted by interpersonal violence, young people aging out of the foster system, recently housed but previously homeless individuals, and at-risk or homebound individuals can receive emergency food at this time.

The RGFP staff is continuing to operate at full capacity without the normal volunteer staff of 15-30 per day. We are conducting “food rescue” work from local grocery stores and experiencing a decrease in donated foods from stores due to panic buying. Normally at this time several large local corporations would be conducting food drives to stock our pantry and these resources are now lacking. The bill assistance staff (PNM Good Neighbor Fund & Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority) are still operating at full capacity, 100% remotely. We are continuing hunger relief work, albeit in a different model, and are preparing and planning for the reality of longer lines and the reality that visiting a food pantry may be the new norm for many New Mexicans.

Our Club’s unrestricted donation to RGFP of $ 1,040.41 will assist them in their needed work.

For additional information, go to www.RGFP.org

12 members attended today’s meeting.

Come and join us next week, ‘cause we have program speakers scheduled for 19 May.

Following today’s program, we took some time to find out how each of us have been doing.

There being no further Rotary business, at 1:05 PM President Vivien concluded our meeting.

Programs, Happenings and Stuff & Such:

19 May            Zoom Meeting – Christian Counseling Professionals- Gary Webb

22 May            Sign up with Emily to work at the Roadrunner Food Bank- 10A-12N

25 May            Memorial Day

26 May            Zoom Meeting

30 May            ABQ Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)

2 June              Regular (?) meeting

9 June              Board Meeting at 10:30 AM

9 June              Regular (?) meeting

11 June            King Kamehameha Day (Just how do we celebrate?)

16 June            Regular meeting

20 June            Summer Begins! (I know how to celebrate!)

21 June            Father’s Day (Maybe I’ll get a card)

23 June            Regular meeting

23 or 30 June Installation of New Officers… How are we going to go about doing that?

30 June            Regular meeting

1 July              The New Rotary Year Begins!

4 July              Independence Day

8 Aug              Governors Ball at Sandia Resort & Casino (You’ll need a new dress)

President Vivien called our Club meeting to order via zoom at 12.05 PM and welcomed all present at this gathering. She then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance & the 4-way test.

Visiting Rotarians:    Ranjan Lahiri

Sgt-at-Arms Cheryl presented our weekly trivia questions:

What event does Cinco de Mayo commemorate? 

1.     Mexican Independence Day

2.     Battle of Puebla

3.     Installation of Emperor Maximilian I as ruler of Mexico

Answer: Battle of Puebla

Date:  May 5, 1862

Aftermath of the 1846-48 Mexican American War and 1858- 61 Reform War – a civil war that pitted

Liberals (separation of church and state) against Conservatives (tight bond between Catholic Church and Mexican Government).

After these wars nearly bankrupted the Mexican Treasury, the government suspended foreign debt repayment. France attacked, hoping to establish an empire in Mexico. A large French force attacked, driving the government leaders into retreat. At Puebla, 8,000 French soldiers attacked 4,000 Mexican soldiers. Against all odds, the Mexicans defeated the French. Cinco de Mayo celebrates that victory!

p.s. Corona Beer had nothing to do with it!  

Why was this battle significant to the US ?

1.     No country in the Americas has since been invaded by any other European Force

2.     If Mexico had not been defeated, historians say that France would have gone to the aid of the Confederate States in the US Civil War 

Answer: Both are correct!

Club, District & R.I. News and Business:

Until further notice, all meetings will take place via Zoom.

President Vivien attended the monthly presidents’ meeting last week.

Mark your calendars for 20-26 June for an opportunity to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first online convention. Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World: The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention will join you with Rotary participants around the world during this time of unprecedented challenges. Just think… This’ll save you thousands!

Check out our Club web site and Calendar. www.rotarysandia.org  Click on events (no password needed). You’ll find information which gives full details of upcoming meeting and project events and messages.

Here’s a possible project for the month of May: Pat mentioned that The Roadrunner Food Bank is in need of many volunteers! Groups and individuals are volunteering for this cause. Group volunteer shifts are a minimum of two hours. For more info, go to www.RRFB.org. They’re located at 5840 Office Blvd, NE.

We really should get our yearly Every Rotarian Every Year donations out to the Rotary International Foundation. Checks should be written to “The Rotary Foundation”. Note on the check that it’s for “Annual Fund Share”. Your donation will be credited to your Paul Harris Fellow Recognition. Send checks to Gloria, ASAP. Or, you can also donate at the R.I. website (www.Rotary.org/give) with a credit card or send a check to RI! Remember to include your Rotary membership number on your checks.

Birthday anniversaries for May are: Fofo and Julia

Club members provide program speakers for each month of the Rotary Year:  May– Emily      June– Pam

Today’s Program: Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce

Emily introduced Mr. Ernie C’de Baca, president and CEO of the Hispano Chamber of Commerce.

Established in 1975 by 14 members of the Hispanic business community, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC) is an organization focused on improving education and economic development opportunities in Albuquerque and throughout the state of New Mexico. Currently the AHCC is a community of approximately 1,200 business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals committed to scaling small businesses and empowering individuals through economic growth and wealth creation. The AHCC is the largest Hispanic chamber in the country, and the largest chamber of commerce in New Mexico. The membership is comprised of approximately 60% Hispanic-Owned Businesses and 40% Non-Hispanic-Owned Businesses. While being an historically Hispanic-focused association, it is inclusive and consider themselves the Small Business Chamber of not only Albuquerque, but of the state of New Mexico.

​The AHCC believes in contributing to a greater cause - we believe in adding value to membership. The way we do that at the AHCC is by providing a place where successful people can meet and collaborate. What we've found is that most people are one connection away from realizing their dream. The Chamber is organized to promote economic development, to enhance economic opportunities and to provide business and workforce education with an emphasis on the Hispanic and small business community in Albuquerque and New Mexico.

The AHCC Foundation is a 501(c) (3) entity and has no employees. The Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes which support, benefit or carry out the purposes of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. The Foundation has developed two specific areas of interest to the business community: Education Excellence Scholarships and the AHCC Endowment Fund.

For more information go to www.ahcnm.org or call (505) 842-9003

13 members attended today’s meeting, complete with a few appropriate beverages and items of clothing.

Come and join us next week, ‘cause we have program speakers scheduled for 12 & 19 May.

Following today’s program speaker, we did take some time to find out how each of us have been doing.

There being no further Rotary business, at 1:00 PM President Vivien shut the whole thing down.

Programs, Happenings and Stuff & Such:

10 May            Mother’s Day (Maybe you’ll get a card)

12 May            Zoom Board Meeting at 10:30 AM

12 May            Zoom Meeting – Rio Grande Food Project – Ari Herring

19 May            Regular (?) Meeting – Christian Counseling Professionals- Gary Webb

25 May            Memorial Day

26 May            Regular (?) Meeting

30 May            ABQ Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)

2 June              Regular meeting

9 June              Board Meeting at 10:30 AM

9 June              Regular meeting

11 June            King Kamehameha Day (Just how do we celebrate?)

16 June            Regular meeting

20 June            Summer Begins! (I know how to celebrate!)

21 June            Father’s Day (Maybe I’ll get a card)

23 June            Regular meeting

23 or 30 June  Installation of New Officers… How are we going to go about doing that?

30 June            Regular meeting

1 July              The New Rotary Year Begins!

4 July              Independence Day

8 Aug             Governors Ball at Sandia Resort & Casino (You’ll need a new dress)

President Vivien called our Club meeting to order at 12Noon via “ZOOM” and welcomed all present at this gathering. She then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance & the 4-way test. Today’s meeting was hosted by Gloria & Michael.

Visiting Rotarians:    Ranjan Lahiri (San Diego) & Juaquin Moya (today’s program speaker)

April has been – “Magazine Month”

Sgt-at-Arms Cheryl presented our weekly trivia questions:

1.     Of the states that adjoin New Mexico, who has the least Covid-19 reported total cases?

(New Mexico is lowest at 2,823, Oklahoma next with 3,280. Utah has 4233, Arizona has 6,716, Colorado a whopping 13,879 and Texas (as usual the largest) at 26,171. Vivien correctly guessed Oklahoma!

2.     In this month’s Rotarian Magazine, there is a story about two young women who live in Costa Rica. They left their rural family farm to go to college in the big city. Unlike many of their peers, they returned to the family farm to launch a business, supported in part by a global grant from Rotary Int. What is the business?  (no takers!) It’s a BUTTERFLY FARM!

Club, District & R.I. News and Business:

Please note that, until further notice, all meetings will take place via Zoom. Try it! It’s very easy!

Pat now has two Yorkshire terrier doggies!

Be sure to bring to next week’s meeting: Margaritas or Coronas or Dos Equis’ or Tecate.

A margarita consists of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice often served with salt on the rim of the glass. The drink is served shaken with ice, blended with ice, or without ice.

Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila, 1 oz Lime juice, 1 oz Cointreau

Preparation: Rub the rim of the glass with the lime slice to make the salt stick to it. Shake the other ingredients with ice, then carefully pour into the glass (taking care not to dislodge any salt). Garnish and serve over ice.

Mike was kind enough to record this week’s meeting (audio only).

DG Gary King has an exceptional and extraordinary invitation for all members in our District, to join the fight against COVID-19. What if there was a way to help, from the safety of our homes, and make a real difference? Our District is being asked to participate in this extraordinary new effort, and your participation is critical to its success. This program has been announced via press release with national coverage, and the hope is that it will be adopted by Rotary Clubs across the nation in the next few weeks.

Background: Only a few weeks ago, Rotary Members in a Bay Area, California club engaged Rotary International to recruit 1 million volunteers in two weeks to sign up with Volunteer Surge, a new program that allows us to train online (for free), to become a Telehealth Worker, or a Community Health Worker. Volunteers will provide basic assistance and will reduce suffering and save lives, locally and across the nation by helping health care providers to focus more of their attention where it’s most needed.

Click HERE to watch a video of the presentation of this inspirational effort to a large group of district governors which will answer a lot of your questions.

TIME IS CRITICAL.Please click HERE to learn more and decide how we can participate. Share this link with as many as you can, on Facebook, email, and other social media.

The world is watching, and we, as Rotary Members, People of Action, are now truly defined by our actions in this crisis.

Check out our Club web site and Calendar. www.rotarysandia.org  Click on events (no password needed). You’ll find information there which gives full details of upcoming meeting and project events and important messages.

We really should get our yearly EREY donations out to the Rotary International Foundation. Checks should be written to “The Rotary Foundation”. Note on the check that it’s for “Annual Fund Share”. Your donation will be credited to your Paul Harris Fellow Recognition. Send checks to Gloria, ASAP. Or, you can also donate at the R.I. website (www.Rotary.org/give) with a credit card or send a check to RI! Remember to include your Rotary membership number on your checks.

Member birthdates for April have been: Allan, Pat, Vivien, Penny, Gloria & Pamela,

Club members provide program speakers for each month of the Rotary Year:  May– Emily      June– Pam

Today’s Program: Horizons Albuquerque

Emily introduced Mr. Juaquin Moya, executive director of Horizons Albuquerque.

Horizons Albuquerque is a non­profit organization offering enrichment programming for public school students in Albuquerque. Horizons is committed to the development of the whole child through experiences that develop academic skills, enhance self­-esteem, foster responsibility, build problem-solving skills, and encourage a life­long interest in learning. The program emphasizes academic enrichment, social growth with structured group dynamics, swimming lessons, and the arts.

The Horizons Albuquerque program began in 2014, with 46 students entering second, third, and fourth grade. By 2020, Horizons will have 156 students entering as freshman in High School. The program will add a grade level each subsequent year until the program serves kindergarten to twelfth grade students. Once a student is enrolled in Horizons, they may return each year without reapplying, provided they are meeting program requirements.

Horizons Albuquerque exists at The Bosque School, Manzano Day School and Sandia Prep.

​Need more info? They’re at  P.O. Box 6066, Albuquerque, NM  87197-6066

​Juaquin Moya: Executive Director Info@HorizonsAlbuquerque.org           505-998-3331

A great meeting today, with 13 members attending. Join us next time. We have program speakers scheduled for 5, 12 & 19 May.

There being no further Rotary business, at 1:00 PM President Vivien ended our meeting.

Programs, Happenings and Stuff & Such:

5 May              Zoom Meeting - Cinco de Mayo- Hispano Chamber of Commerce- Ernie C’ de Baca

10 May            Mother’s Day (Maybe you’ll get a card)

12 May            Zoom Board Meeting at 10:30 AM

12 May            Zoom Meeting – Rio Grande Food Project – Ari Herring

19 May            Regular (?) Meeting – Christian Counseling Professionals- Gary Webb

25 May            Memorial Day

26 May            Regular Meeting

30 May            ABQ Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)

2 June              Regular meeting

9 June              Board Meeting at 10:30 AM

9 June              Regular meeting

11 June            King Kamehameha Day (How do we celebrate?)

16 June            Regular meeting

20 June            Summer Begins! (I know how to celebrate!)

21 June            Father’s Day (Maybe I’ll get a card)

23 June            Regular meeting

23 or 30 June   Installation of New Officers… How will we be doing that?

30 June            Regular meeting

1 July              The New Rotary Year Begins!

4 July              Independence Day

8 Aug             Governors Ball at Sandia Resort & Casino (You’ll need a new dress)