On January 19 , 2021 the RDS Board Held its January Meeting via ZOOM.Treasurer John Gordon gave an update on some of the funds used for Service projects including Navajo Hope, Healthcare Heroes and the Ramps Project.

 

Brad Ekhoff, President-Elect presented his slate of officers  and committee chairs for 2021-2022. They are:

 

Brad Ekhoff-President

President-Elect-Not filled as yet

Ed Robertson- Past-President

Herman Haase-Vice-President

Davis Riordan-Club Secretary

John Gordon-Treasurer

Kent Cravens-Club Admin

Kit Turpen-Membership

Meredith Eisenberg-Public Relations

Chris VanDyck-Service Projects

Ron Hensley-Rotary Foundation

Jeff Falwell-New Generations

Jeff Weinrach-Satellie Group

Tony Pino-Governors Ball

 

The Board approved the slate for next year.

 

Among other actions by the Board:

 

1.  Approved committing $6900 of undesignated RDS Foundation Funds for the next Nepal International project under the auspices of Women 2 Be.

 

2.  Voted to spend  $5000 of Club Funds on the Ramps project

 

On January 21 at 7:00am the Morning Meeting via ZOOM featured Ben Lewinger, of the New Mexico Cannibis Chamber of Commerce discussing the current bill in the New Mexico legislature to legalize Recreational Marijuana.  He told us about the difference between the current Medical Marijuana program and the proposed legislation.  New Mexico was the first state with a medical marijuana program which now has over 100000 members.  Ben stressed that marijuana does not cure anything but helps with symptoms people are having including from cancer and seizure disorders.  

 

Ben also said that recreational marijuana use has only ben illegal in the USA for about 50 years. Ben discussed the pros and cons of the present proposed bill.  He said the market for Recreational Marijuana could be as much as $500Millinon annually.  NM would tax it but must be careful not to overtax it otherwise the market will go more to illicit providers.

 

The members voted to approve the slate of Officers and Committee Chairs for next Rotary year.

 

Ron Hensley said we still have 30 Rotary Del Sol Face  masks which sell for $10 for one and $25 for three.  Please contact Ron to order yours.  You can pay the club via Venmo.  All funds go to the Club.

 

Ron also reminded Club Members that  the club has a lot of points to use as a match for members wanting to become Paul Harris Fellows.  If you contribute $500 the Club will match with $500 worth of points to satisfy th $1000 Paul Harris Requirement.  

 

Also at the meeting Dave Simon was presented his Paul Harris plus one pin and Dan Wilkinson was presented his Paul Harris plus five pin. Lance Ellis will receive his Paul Harris plus one at the next Satellite Meeting.

 

The Satellite Meeting for all Del Sol Rotarians will be tomorrow at 5:30PM via ZOOM.  Satellite Chair Off Weinrach announced that David Castillo, our newest member, will be inducted and be the speaker. David will speak on how the Albuquerque Fire Department collaborates with  the city on social service issues including low income families and homeless people.

 

Health Care Heroes continue and still needs drivers for the Wednesday trips.  Mitch Selking hs agreed to handle all Tuesday deliveries.

 

The Governors Charity Virtual event is still on for April 24.  Chair Tony Pino emphasized that we need sponsors and Auctions items.