Alex and Zach Stewart receive the Future Rotarian Award for their attendance and commitment

Here’s what our board meetings look like

What a way to get you in the mood for Rotary! Come see us in New Mexico!

The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason, our district governor explains.

Mission of Mercy signup

We are taking part in this great event. Please sign up at http://Nmdentalfoundation.org.

Saying goodbye to Earl Norris

Yesterday was a sad day for our club. Following the memorial service for charter member Earl Norris, we returned to Jimmy’s Restaurant to remember the life of this smart, funny and compassionate Rotarian.

Fundraising adds up over time!

We learned last week that our club has raised more than $317,000 for children’s charities in roughly 10 years through efforts such as the New Mexico Governors Ball. Way to go, Rotarians!

Heartrending Haiti account from NM medical professional

Bill Taylor of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine today spoke at our club. His account of the challenges of caring for the victim’s of the country’s massive earthquake was humbling. The suffering of the people and the scope of the task at hand are staggering.

Bill talked of seeing Rotary International-supported Shelterboxes in many of the refugee areas. He was kind enough to allow us to reproduce his presentation here:

This week’s speaker: #Abq Mayor Richard Berry

Our club will be honored this Thursday by a presentation from Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry, who was sworn into office Dec. 1, 2009.

His official website notes:

Berry is an accomplished businessman and entrepreneur. With over twenty years of business experience in New Mexico and the greater Southwest region, Mayor Berry brings a pragmatic approach to government. As a former two term state representative from Albuquerque he understands the needs of New Mexico’s largest city. As a state legislator, he championed for fiscal responsibility and transparency, greater public safety, and improved opportunities for all New Mexicans.

Mayor Berry moved to Albuquerque in 1982 from Nebraska to attend the University of New Mexico, where he received his degree in finance and administration. While at UNM he was a letterman on the track and field team, specializing in the decathlon. It was at UNM where he met his college sweetheart and Albuquerque native Maria Medina. Richard and Maria have been married for nineteen years and have one son. They also call their dog, a Jack Russell Terrier, part of the family.

The Mayor and First Lady are active members of the community. You may spot the Berrys around Albuquerque, participating in events such as the Run for the Zoo, at community festivals, volunteering at local charities or out for a night at the theater or dancing to live music. They are active with their son’s scouting troop, and enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, camping, fishing and hunting.

Mayor Berry is listening and wants to hear from you.

One man’s tale of Iran

Mr. Rizza Salami spoke to our club this morning. He gave us a fascinating account of life growing up in Iran and the revolution there and his subsequent move to Istanbul and then the United States. His insight into the history and modern situation of Iran was eloquent, educational and poignant, perhaps most so when he discussed his wonder at the freedom he saw in the United States. We were reminded that what we take for granted every day is what so many others desperately try to achieve. Programming like this is one of the reasons that starting our day at 7 a.m. on Thursdays is often the highlight of our week.

Links to photos from the Governors Ball

It was a fantastic evening, and the photos are beginning to trickle in. Here are a few so far:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=152465&id=588089094

http://crosscutcommunications.com/nmgb/?p=110