President                Len Truesdell

President Elect       Chuck Zimmerly

Secretary                Lynn Branvold

Treasurer                Cuatro Bursum

Club Service            George Austin

Community              Jerry Oldenettel

International           Gerry Klinglesmith

New Generations     Penny Lommen & Gerry

Past President         Jim Rushing

Rotary Foundation   Jon Morrison

 SHS ROTARY INTERACT CLUB OFFICERS FOR 2013-14

The 2013-14 Officer Installation Ceremony was held on Thursday May 16, 2013 at  6:00PM.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW OFFICERS!!

Sarah Frail, President

Ariel Dillon, Vice-President

Eli Ware, Secretary

Joseph Cutchall, Treasurer

MANY THANKS TO THE 2012-13 OFFICERS FOR A JOB WELL DONE !!

President, Ricardo Flores

VP, Sarah Frail (The new Prez)

Secretary, Ariel Dillon (The new VP)

Joseph Cutchall, (Returning as Treasurer for a 2nd term)

A SPECIAL THANKS TO MARIAN VIGIL, OUR TERRIFIC SPONSOR !!!

The Socorro Rotary Club honors outstanding Socorro High School students during the school year. 

The 2012-13  students were selected to be honored by teachers for many reasons. They range from being the best in their subject matter to being average but because of their positive approach and efforts, they  were successful in the subject.

Those students honored for the 2012-13 year are:

    Business - Hanson Oxford
    Art - Diamond Molina
    Spanish - Sarah Laine
    Vocational - Jose Vasquez
    Social Studies - Sam Boykin
    Physical Education - Theresa Chavez
    English - Amanda Saenz
    Science - Tessa Guengerich
    Math - Ivy Stover

Socorro Rotary Club celebrates 75 years

Socorro Rotary Club president and webmaster Jim Rushing became a member three years ago, soon after he and his wife moved to Socorro. Invited to a club meeting, he saw a chance to give back to his adopted community. "Rotary is an incredible group of people," he said. "It's for all kinds of people — teachers, business people, students, newspaper people, retirees. Anybody who wants to volunteer to be helpful in the community is welcome.

"Penny Lommen is a good example. She ran the book sale at the library and the wine tasting events. We are all just average people who want to help out in the community. Our motto is 'Service Above Self.'"

Rotary isn't all work and no play, Rushing said. "I enjoy the camaraderie at the meetings," he said. "The meetings are fun. We go out of our way to make sure they are fun." Members meet weekly at K-Bob's for lunch. Each meeting features a guest speaker. The club hosts four social events for its members.

On the serious side, Socorro Rotary Club contributed approximately $30,000 to various charities supporting projects here and abroad this past year. About 75% of that amount is spent on projects here in Socorro County.

Monetary contributions is only a part of Rotary's service mission: "We honor high school students of the month," he said. "We bring them to a meeting, let them tell us about themselves, and give them a certificate." Rotary also sponsors a foreign student exchange student at the high school. Rotary members present the drug prevention program "Don't Meth with Us" to all fifth graders in the school district, partner with the city on a paper recycling project, and pick up trash on I-25 at the Escondida Exit every spring and fall.

Club dues, proceeds from the Bill Weiss Wine tasting event, and the sale of Rotary club community calendars provide funding for the group's charitable events, according to Rushing. The community calendars are the biggest fund raiser, netting the club about $4,000.

"The calendars are ten dollars each," Rushing said. Local businesses purchase advertising space in the calendars, which list community events and milestones, such as birthdays and anniversaries.

From: Sally McGovern <smcgovern@socorro.k12.nm.us>
Date: May 2, 2013, 3:56:02 PM MDT 
To: "George S. Austin" <gaustin@sdc.org>
Cc: anissa vega <avega@socorro.k12.nm.us>

 
Subject: RE: The Anti-Meth Program

Thank you, Mr. Austin!  We are very pleased that you brought your program here to Midway, and I hope all the students get the message about avoiding meth.  You are performing a great community service, and thank you for your time and efforts. 
I'm forwarding this to Ms. Vega so she can supervise the shirt size 
situation.  Thank you again.
Sally

April 24, 2013

Mayor Ravi Bhaskar addresses The Socorro Rotary Club

Mayor Bhasker started off by telling us about the Soccer Field/Rodeo Arena area that is just off U.S. Highway 60 southwest of Socorro. It is about a year away from completion and is being paid for by the Lodger’s Tax ($1.4 million) and about $295 thousand from last year’s legislature and $400 thousand from this year’s legislature. The city is trying to get the National Guard Armory, which isn’t used very much, so that it can be used for indoor events. There is to be a 1-mile walking path around the new sports complex as well as a road to the Socorro County fairgrounds. The city is using the Grefco water well to service the complex. They also want to widen U.S. 60 and have turnoffs, maybe double lane turn offs to accommodate large events and more facilities. The basic idea is to turn this all into the Central New Mexico Sports Complex.

The recent upgrade of city water to meet federal standards cost about $4.5 million, of which about 75% came from the federal government. A current project to upgrade the city sewer system is going to cost about $5 million. The mayor mentioned the problem of septic systems having to meet new federal standards.  This has meant that many old septic systems will have to be abandoned, and residents, like those on Evergreen, will have to be on the city sewer system.

There is a plume of the solvent TCE from a spill in the 1970s at the Eagle Pitcher plant on the north side of town that is moving south.  The Daniel B. Stephens environmental company is drilling wells to find out more about the plume. The possible cleanup is estimated in the $30 million area.

Mayor Bhasker finished his presentation by talking about the transportation system operated by the city at minimal cost to users. This includes movement around town, bringing people to town from outlying areas like Magdalena, and going to the Roadrunner in Belen. The newest effort is to provide low-cost transport for dialysis patients to and from the treatment center in Los Lunas.

WE ARE CELEBRATING

Socorro Rotary Club’s

75^th Anniversary

 * May 4,1938 *

Today Ted Kase celebrated 50 years as a member of the Socorro Rotary Club!!

We are all so lucky to have him with us!

El Defensor Chieftain   February 6, 2013  

This year's Community Awards Banquet will be on Saturday, March 9, with a social hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Join the Socorro community at the Garcia Opera House for a night of fun, delicious food, and good company, as we celebrate those who contribute to making Socorro such a great place to live.  

This year's honorees have been chosen by the Chamber membership, except for the Ann Hale, Eaton, Director's and Lifetime Achievement Awards, which are chosen by the Chamber's Board of Directors. Hearty congratulations to the following!

 Ann Hale Award: Gerry Klinglesmith... This award is given each year in honor of Ann Hale, a community leader known for assisting and advocating for our city's youth. This year's recipient is Gerry Klinglesmith, who has worked devotedly with the Girl Scouts of our area for many years.

Gerry is the immediate past president of the Socorro Rotary Club.

El Defensor Chieftain February 6, 2013

Local receives Woman of Influence Award

Each year, New Mexico Business Weekly convenes a panel to recognize women in our state who are leaders in their field. Mary Ann Chavez-Lopez, Executive Director of El Camino Real Housing Authority, was one of 32 women chosen this year, out of over 400 nominations.

Ms. Chavez-Lopez has been with El Camino Real Housing Authority since 1988, when she started as secretary. In 1997, she became Executive Director. When asked what she thought made her successful in her position, she said she loves getting up and going to work each day. She also explained that it’s been important to surround herself with people who are supportive. “I have a good board as well as HUD and other officials helping me along the way,” she explained, “and this makes a huge difference.”  

Mary Ann is a member of the Socorro Rotary Club.

Congratulations on being a Woman of Influence, Ms. Chavez-Lopez!

Enter Solaro Energy

Socorro is now the new home site for Solaro Energy. Solaro, which makes point-of-use solar electric lighting, ventilation and solar electric generating systems, brings jobs and economic development to the area.

Lindsey Padilla/El Defensor Chieftain: Mayor Ravi Bhasker, Solaro vice president of operations Emilia Dikunova, Gov. Susana Martinez, Solaro CEO Dennis Grubb and Cabinet Secretary Jon Barela stand under a Solaro light that is installed in a room at City Hall during a presentation Dec. 21.

The company, located at 1404 Enterprise Road, is from Lake Elsinore, Calif.

Solaro Energy will provide new job opportunities, as well as produce environmentally friendly products so homes can consume less power, said CEO Dennis Grubb.

“I have a passion for the solar business,” Grubb said. “I am an inventor, a classic American inventor. I am a pretty good business person. I invent products people want to buy, energy efficient products that have a positive impact on humanity.”

Grubb is one of the original inventors of the tubular skylight system that bends sunlight down a reflective light transfer tube. He also invented a slow close retractable screen system called the Clear View Retractable Screen Door.

Dear members of Rotary,

Puerto Seguro-Safe Harbor is so very grateful for your generous donation to further our efforts to serve the less fortunate people of the Socorro area.

A hot meal, hot shower, a place to wash and dry clothes. good clothes and shoes, sleeping bags, blankets and much more are things we offer to the homeless and those in temporary need.

The clients of Puerto Seguro very much appreciate your caring. Thank you so much.

Sincerely, Deborah Gifford. Volunteer

Gov. Susana Martinez announced late Thursday that Solaro Energy will be relocating from California to Socorro.

Solaro manufactures residential and commercial solar products, including solar generators and solar fans, lighting and ventilation systems.

The move is expected to create 100 jobs in Socorro, which will be the company’s new headquarters. Solaro has leased space in the Socorro Industrial Park and has begun construction on a 12,000-square-foot building. Solaro plans to construct two additional buildings in the park, and will apply for Job Training Incentive Program funding.

Martinez will be at the facility on Friday morning for a press conference with company owner Dennis Grubb and Jon Barela, state secretary of economic development.

January 16 Rotary Socorro Program

Presented by Nathan LaFont,

GM, Elephant Butte Inn

“Spaceport Update”

Nathan, who is the general manager of the Elephant Butte Inn in Elephant Butte, introduced us to Spaceport America, which has been built in the Joranada del Muerto about a 30-minute drive southeast of T R C. The facility consists of a large hanger/viewing facility, a very long runway, and related structures. This all was built with about $209 million from the 2006 legislature. Just the runway cost $27 million to finish.  The facility received a certificate of occupancy in 2012. Nathan believes that the spaceport could be the “economic driver” for southern New Mexico, including Socorro.

At present, there are three committed tenants; Virgin Galactic, UP Aerospace, and Armadillo Aerospace. Many others are interested. Nathan says that the problem in development is that the only tenant granted liability-exempt status by our legislature is Virgin Galactic, and not even their suppliers. Without that status, other businesses and suppliers are reluctant to sign on. There are other states that are thinking about changing their liability laws to get into the market.

To get a ride into space with the Virgin Galactic equipment costs about $200,000 and it is 10-20 minute ride into outer space. There are two pilots and six “astronauts.” The company is thinking about carrying cargo into space but has not done so as yet. Armadillo Aerospace has had about 10 launches and has sent up some projects designed by high school kids from Las Cruces.

We were encouraged to check out two websites: spaceportamerica.com, where one can view the facilities and even sign up to visit the Spaceport America, and saveourspaceport.com, a group made up of those who want to inform legislators of our feelings. Spaceport America can be reached by Exit 79 off I-25.

New Jersey, New York Disaster Relief Efforts:

Thank you for your contribution of $1000.00 to the Rotary District 7490 Walter D Head Foundation. The funds you have donated will be utilized for the clean-up and recovery efforts associated with Hurricane Sandy.

The impacts from the hurricane are enormous, and will require a coordinated effort to make a meaningful impact. Therefore the Rotary Clubs and Districts in New Jersey and New York have joined forces in a cooperative effort to address the needs of the hurricane victims. The funds you provided will be distributed among these districts.

Please visit www.NYNJROTARY.org for information and updates on Rotary's hurricane relief efforts.

On behalf of the Foundation and the Rotary District Governors, I thank you for your generosity and your thoughtful wishes. Yours in rotary Service, Calisto J. Bertin, Chairman.

CC:Rotary Districts 7230, 7250, 7490, 7500 an 7640.

Socorro Rotary wishes a special

        "Welcome Aboard

           Happy New Year" 

       To Our New Members !!!:

            Ryan Mertz

            Rueben Thomas

            Elva Osterreich

            Penny Lommen

            New Mexico Tech

            Randall Earwood

            Bill del Giudice

Nov 16, 2012...Dear Rotary Club Members,

Thank you for the Thanksgiving food basket you donated to one of our less fortunate families during the Thanksgiving Holiday. They were very happy to receive the food and will have a Happy Thanksgiving because of your kindness and generosity

We appreciate the support you give to our agency and our clients each year. We especially appreciate your help during these hard economic times We hope that all of you will have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving Holiday.

Sincerely, Patricia Zamora, CYFD/Socorro County Protective Services

To all members of the Socorro Rotary Club,

New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series is very grateful for your contribution for the 2012-2013 Season. Please know that it really means a lot to PAS!

Your contribution helps subsidize youth concerts and outreach programs in three school districts, the Community Arts Party and July 4th Celebration, dance and theater residencies, complimentary tickets for seniors, youth and special populations, and affordable ticket prices to our shows.

Our performances are well attended by a broad base of campus and town communities, and in-state tourists. Your donation will be acknowledged, recognized and appreciated by many people.

Thank you so much for enriching our college and community with your support of the arts.

Sincerely,

Ronna Kalish, PAS Director

Indian philanthropist commits another $1 million for Rotary’s polio eradication efforts.

See RI NEWS for details.

Rotary's early emblem was a simple wagon wheel (in motion with dust). It was designed in 1905 by Montague M. Bear, a member of the Rotary Club of Chicago who was an engraver. He designed the emblem to represent both civilization and movement. Most of the early Rotary clubs adopted the wheel in one form or another.

The present emblem, 24 cogs and six spokes, was adopted in 1924. A keyway was added to signify usefulness. An official description of the emblem was adopted at the 1929 International Convention.