On October 31 at the Regular Thursday Meeting, Schelle Sanchez, Director of Cultural Services, City of Albuquerque, was the speaker.  She said that Albuquerque has one of the largest Cultural Affairs Departments in the Country.  It includes the Biopark, Special Events, four libraries and several museums.  It is responsible for the City Lights program and the River of Lights at Holiday Time.  There are 349 full time employees and a $40 million annual budget.  

 

This year Schelle's Department is rolling out a plan to Celebrate Route 66.  She also described how the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund uses the interest on the fund to support various cultural organizations.  

 

Public Art is also one of the projects supported by her department.  Schelle drew a good laugh when she said "Chevy on a Stick" is not the real name of one of the more prominent Public Art Pieces in the City.

 

Greg Hallstrom presents a check to Dave Simon for Rotary Del Sol participation in manning the Merchandise Tent at this years Balloon Fiesta at the October 31, 2019 Meeting.

 

"Grandma of The Morning" Shirley Anderson holding RDS Newest membership candidate Clara Jane Saylor, daughter of member Nicosha Schedlbauer, the proud and happy Mom on the right of the photo.

 

Davis Riordan, dressed in Halloween garb for the October 31, 2019 Meeting.

 

Tomorrow, November 4 is the Satellite Meeting at Nexus Brewery starting at 5:15 PM.  All members are welcome.  Speaker will be UNM Lobo Womens Head Basketball coach Mike Bradberry.

 

Christian Naea

 

Thursday November 7 at the Regular Meeting at Meals on Wheels Cafe, Christian Hau'oli Keiki O'Kea Kua Naea will be the speaker. He was born and raised on the beautiful island of Kaua'i in the state of Hawai'i.  He earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Hawai'i and is currently the Chief Program Officer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico.