On August 16 at the Satellite Meeting for all Del Sol Rotarians, we were joined by numerous District Leaders including several Past District Governors to hear a special presentation from Rotary International Director Suzi Howe.  Director Suzi provided updates on numerous international Rotary initiatives including our ongoing work to eradicate Polio and to address human trafficking.  

 

At the Morning Meeting on August 19, Greg Hallstrom brought he Club Members up to date on the Ramps Project.  Greg, in addition to being a Rotarian, is head of the New Mexico Ramps Project.  Del Sol, among other groups, supports this effort to provide ramps for handicapped people who cannot afford to pay for their own ramp.  It is based on the very successful Texas Ramps Project.  There is no charge to a family for the construction and installation of the ramp.

 

Referrals are received from the medical community and the insurance community. The Ramps Project does no screening of the candidates.  

 

Estimated cost per Ramp is $1800.  So far, Del Sol has built 11 Ramps.  The Project has a strong relationship with the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs.

Rotary Del Sol President Brad Ekhoff discussing the Ramps Project with Greg Hallstrom and Lance Ellis at the Thursday Morning Meeting.

 

Work in progress on some Rotary Del Sol Ramp Projects.

 

Lance Ellis and Chris Van Dyck do the planning for the

Ramps Del Sol builds.  Greg said that there are 8 teams building Ramps throughout New Mexico. Funding for the Del Sol Ramps comes from various sources, including Department of Senior Affairs.  To date the Project has received Rotary District Grants totaling $7329 and has committed $5000 of club funds for the Project.  Recently the Ramps Project has received a $20000 Grant from the Texa Ramps Project.  

 

The New Mexico Ramps  Project has an annual budget of $80000, all of which goes to pay for tools and lumber.  There are no employee costs as all the work is done by volunteers.

 

At Thursday's Meeting Ed Robertson announced that he would be in charge of Freeloaders this year and is looking for hosts to pick a month that they would like to host Freeloaders. Ed said he would also like to expand Freeloaders to include events such as Isotopes Games.   
 

Tony Pino, the new Fundraising Chair has announced that the New Mexico School for the Blind Night Golf Tournament set for September 18 is full with Del Sol committing to 3 teams.  Tony asks that we contact him directly if we want to add a team, play individually or volunteer at the event.  

 

This Thursday at 7:00AM at Jimmy's Cafe and on ZOOM, we will have another Morning Meeting. John Garcia will be inducted as our newest member on that date.  The program for Thursday is uncertain at this time but as soon as it is finalized your editor will send out a followup Bulletin.

 

Finally, Del Sol will be staffing the Balloon Fiesta Merchandise Tent on both Saturdays of the Fiesta.  Please sign  up on the Events Calendar or contact Chris Van Dyck directly if you can help out on one of those days.