The RDS Board held its February meeting via ZOOM at 7:00AM on February 16.  Chris Van Dyck reported that Healthcare Heroes needs drivers for Wednesday Deliveries through March.  Sign up on the website or contact Chris. Mitch Selfing is covering all the Tuesday deliveries. 

 

Ron Hensley reported that there are still match points available for members who desire to be Paul Harris fellows. Any member who contributes $500 can have it matched from Club or member points to make the required $1000 contribution.

 

New Generations Chair Jeff Faulwell reported that RYLA has been officially canceled for this year. The 4-Way Test essay contest for Middle School students is ongoing.  The East Mountain Interact Club has been featured on a recent ZOOM meeting.

 

Tony Pino reported that the RYLA Foundation has ben formed as a 501-C-3 Charitable Foundation so that contributions are Tax Deductible.  

 

Tony also told the Board the Details of the April 24 Governors Telethon  which will be 90 minutes long and feature live entertainment.  The Telethon is the brainchild of Joe Corazzi  and is in lieu of the Governors Ball this year due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

 

Dave Seely, President of the RDS Foundation reported on the February 3 Foundation meeting.  He said Brad Sackett, RDS Foundation Treasurer had provided year end financials.  Dave also said the RDS Board was working on a plan for distribution of Foundation income now that the 2020 goal of $1million has been reached.

 

The RDS Board named Steve Reynolds as Rotarian of the Month for February for his contributions and work on the Health Care Heroes project.

 

Among items discussed by the Board and President Ed Robertson was how and when to resume in-person meetings.  No decision was made but Board members would like to hear from members as to what their thoughts are on "live" meetings.  At present Jimmy's Cafe is open at 25% capacity which would accommodate 25  members at a live meeting.  Other members could attend via ZOOM in a hybrid type meeting. President Ed asked for ideas as to what type of audio/computer equipment we would need for a meaningful hybrid meeting.  Also any thoughts members have about whether or not to return to weekly morning meetings.

 

On Thursday, February 18, at 7:00AM the Morning Meeting for All Del Sol Rotarians featured Lia Armstrong of King Capital as the speaker.  Her topic was"What has Pandemic Done to Connercial Real Estate Market in Albuquerque".  She said that while the Residential Real Estate market is doing very well the Commercial market has been "up and down" due to Covid.  Lia said that Pandemic had changed everything.  There was an increase in Commercial Bankruptcies including some "Name" Retailers.  

 

"BOPIS"-Buy Online-Pick Up in Store became very popular.  Lia said owners need to  change in order to  survive in this market.  Repurposing of buildings such as Medical offices in shopping malls has become popular. 

 

The District 5520 District Conference will be held via ZOOM on April 8-9. All members are welcome to attend.  

 

Among upcoming meeting speakers Tony Pino announced that Eddie Nunez, Athletic Director, UNM will be the speaker on March 18 at the morning meeting.  Mark your calendars for an interesting presentation about UNM Athletics in the challenging time of a Pandemic.

 

President Ed reminded members of the 24th anniversary of RDS on February 14 and recognized Charter members who are still members of the Club.  They are:

Robert Brown

Kent Cravens

Dean Constantine

Julie Frendle-Honorary Member

Judie Givens-Emeritus Member

Ron Hensley

Don Kaufman

Mike Kull-Honorary Member

Scott Lardner

Scott Mc Clellen

Bob Nachman-Emeritus Member

Steve Reynolds

Bruce Shaffer

 

Robert Brown, Kent Cravens,  Dean Constantine, Julie Frendle, Ron Hensley, Scott Lardner, Steve Reynolds and Bruce Shaffer were in attendance at the February 18 Meeting. Also remembered were two deceased Charter Members,  Don Chalmers and Barry Mills who were both instrumental in the 2020 Vision.  

 

Tomorrow, at 5:30  via ZOOM rh will be a Satellite Meeting for all Del Sol Rotarians.  Jeff Weinrach has sent out a link to sign on.  Speaker will be Michael Burd, from the Board of the New Mexico Veteran's Memorial.