The cost of Cybercrime in the U.S. was $6 Trillion in 2021 and is expected to grow by over 10% in the following years. “There is an ongoing Cyber War “, said Brigadier General Raphael Warren in his address to Del Norte this past week.
General Warren shared the fundamental concepts of cyber security and the risk it imposes, particularly on our businesses. He discussed threat versus vulnerability and the risk we all can face at one time or another. He elaborated that because we are near a military installation we are probably more susceptible to being hacked.
He advised that “data backup” is the key to safety and that we should all be using anti-virus software to detect and remove malware. Phishing, spear-phishing and whaling are all ways we become vulnerable to hackers.
When he was asked about other countries continuing to use cyber war to attack our systems he assured us that the United States is still the most technically advanced cyber security force in the world and that we will continue to be vigilant against those threats.
DEL NORTE ROTARY FOUNDATION GRANT RECIPIENTS RECENTLY HONORED
Del Norte Rotary Foundation recently celebrated its Annual Day of Recognition with recipients from all the non-profits sharing a brief overview of their organizations and how their grant would be used. Foundation President, Steve Becker, presented 17 grants totaling almost $50,000.
Many of the grants were for organizations that help women, children and the homeless. Grants to specifically help with hunger needs were presented to Roadrunner Food Bank, Rio Grande Food Project and Storehouse NM. Crossroads for Women, Saranam, Hope Works and Casa Esperanza received funds to continue to provide lodging and services to families. Big Brothers-Big Sisters, The Grief Center, Cuidando Los Ninos, Mandy’s Farm, Locker 505 and New Day will all use their grants to expand more services to children and young people in our community.
Grants were also provided to organizations that help continue the learning process and provide other special services, including the Albuquerque Adult Learning Center, Assistance League of Albuquerque Hope Works, New Mexico Dental Association and Share Your Care.
This is the 33rd year of the Del Norte Foundation helping the non-profits in our community fulfill their goals.
NEW MEMBERS INDUCTED:
It was celebration time again at the club as we inducted 2 more new members this week. This will bring our membership ( including the 25 members in our Satellite) to almost 100 strong.
Zizi Fritz and Enrico Morelli were inducted by Membership Chair, Kathie Williams, who shared the honors with their Sponsor, Dave Anderson. Zizi and Enrico (husband and wife) are joining us as transfers from the Rotary Club of Albuquerque.
Zizi is currently the Executive Director for Shine Partnership, working with non-profit professional organizations as a turnaround specialist working on strategic planning and capital campaigns. She is also the owner of “Where the Zebras Roam LLC”. Zizi loves interior design, gardening, reading, skiing and chess.
Enrico is a former naval engineering officer from Italy and is currently retired. He loves sea navigation, cooking, model word working and chess.
They will both be serving on the International/Foundation Committee.
OFFICERS OF THE MONTH HONORED AT RECENT MEETING:
Rotarian Mark Rudolph introduced us to two new Officers of the Month: Officers Stephen Sines and Victor Alvarez. Both were honored for their outstanding service in the line of duty.
They were presented gift certificates from Pizza 9 and Revel Burgers, courtesy of Rotarian Hass Aslami.
NEW BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM SIGNS 18 MEMBERS:
Placemats on the table and names and logos on the screen greeted members this past week as the new Business Membership program kicked off its first week of advertising and sponsorships. Members who signed up their businesses for this coming year will be receiving a multitude of opportunities as the year goes on, including full-page ads in our new Directory, advertising in the Northwind and at club fundraisers and golf tournaments. We’ll also be adding advertising on our website and Facebook pages and a table at our Vocational Trade Fair. The membership also includes dues for the year. It’s a package that’s worth over $1250 for a yearly fee of $1000.
Rotarians and Businesses that signed up
Hass Aslami: Pizza 9, Chello & Revel Burger
Billie Adams: Peak Family Dentistry
Jerry Becker: Steamatic of Albuquerque
Mick Burke: Hunter Chase Realty
Matt Hudson: Roto-Rooter, R & R
Clarence Hughes: UBS
JJ Jain: High Desert Doppler
Maria Montoya Chavez: Sutin, Thayer, Brown
Monica Meyers: ReMax
Adam Moffett: Slice Pizza
Omar Pereyra: Honest Tooth Family Dentistry
Marty Padilla: Waterstone Mortgage
Louise Romero: Insurance
Janie Rowe: Coldwell Banker Legacy
Mike Skolnick: Excalibur
Jayne Figueroa: Beehive Homes
Dax Kastrin: Elemental Risk Management
Noel Valencia: WaFd Bank
AROUND THE CLUB:
Ruth Ronan was the winner of not one but two international weaving awards— Way to go, Ruth! You are truly a master weaver.
Fred Bryant celebrated his “Birthday Month” with as many celebrations as possible, including a surprise of specially made Apple Pie from the newly-remodeled Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas.
Hass Aslami celebrated his 10 year anniversary in the club and as always, showed his generosity by donating all the one day profits from his restaurant to the families of the recent first responder tragedy.
Maria Montoya Chavez was newly named Vice President at Sutin Thayer & Brown. Congrats to our President Elect for all your accomplishments.
Dave Anderson celebrated 27 years with the club. Thanks Dave for all you have done for our club and the Rotary Foundation through the years.
Matt Hudson wasn’t there to hear Steve Becker “Brag" on the outstanding service from his R & R company, who fixed Steve’s air conditioning within less than 24 hours.
MANY THANKS AGAIN:
The memory of our previous Northwind Editor and member, Ed Hughes, was honored at the meeting by Monica Meyers, who placed Burger King donation bags on the tables for people to donate to our Del Norte Rotary Foundation in honor of Ed. Foundation President, Steve Becker, reported that $500 was donated by club members. “It will be well spent on the Rotary Del Norte’s mission — that of helping the disadvantaged and underserved people of New Mexico”, commented Steve. “I’m sure Ed would be pleased.”
FOLDS OF HONOR ANNOUNCES OUTSTANDING AUCTION ITEMS:
The upcoming Folds of Honor New Mexico and Rotary Del Norte Patriot Gala is almost here:
Saturday, August 20 at 6 pm at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque. Around 300 guests are expected for an evening of food, fun and fabulous auction items.
The highlight of the evening will be the Auction of 10 wonderful Live Auction items donated by the organizations, that will feature Dinner for 10 at your home by M'Tuccis Restaurant, Dinner for 8 at caterers and cooking school experts, Jan's on 4th, Lobster Dinner for 8 from the Abbotts, the Andersons and Karon Roberts. Trips include a weekend in Napa for 4, a weekend in Taos for 6 and a New Mexico 4 Corners adventure. Also included will be hearing aids donated by Rotarian Kurt Kinifick and a $3,200 diamond necklace with matching earrings from Harris Jewelers. Culminating the evening we will auction a trip to the outstanding Patriot Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for 4 couples and golf at the Patriot Golf course.
Over 250 Silent Auction items will also be included.
There’s still time to reserve your place so contact Fred Bryant or Jim Quick if you want to join in the evening’s festivities.
President's Corner
Mary Tieman 2022-23
The month of July went by so fast this year. It was such a pleasure to see our Rotary
family growing, as we welcomed three new members this past month. Recently I
attended the “New Member Orientation” hosted by Ken Abbott and Kathie Williams. It
was a great turn out and they both always do an outstanding job of introducing the
history and focus for Rotary, but especially the Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte.
Our club has so much to be proud of and we will make an impact as we serve our
community. I’m not sure if you know, but Rotary International has a theme for each
month and August is membership month. I hope you will encourage a friend or
coworker to join our great club soon.