Join us this week as we welcome Gloria Tafoya for an inside look at Hakes Brothers’ development projects in our area. Gloria will share updates on new residential and community growth, the company’s vision for the future, and what these projects mean for local families and businesses.
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the exciting changes shaping our community and to ask questions about the developments happening right here at home.
Last Week at the
Rotary Club of Los Lunas
Last week, our club had the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Sam Dosumu, Chancellor of the University of New Mexico–Valencia Campus (UNMVC). With 44 years of history, UNMVC is one of four UNM satellite campuses, alongside Gallup, Los Alamos, and Taos.
UNMVC offers associate degrees and serves as a stepping stone for students from small towns, providing a college experience that is both affordable and close to home. It is the second-largest UNM satellite campus, enrolling approximately 2,500 students. Of these, 1,000 take courses online (mostly from Albuquerque), 800 are high school students, and 500 are local residents.
Chancellor Dosumu emphasized that his top priority is maintaining enrollment. To achieve this, UNMVC has a team of recruiters who visit high schools and conducts monthly meetings with school district superintendents. Among the most popular programs at UNMVC are business and nursing. In addition, Chancellor Dosumu oversees the Workforce Solutions campus, which supports local businesses through employee training programs.
During the discussion, Donna Pedace noted that many students in lower-tier high schools are unaware of the opportunities available at UNMVC, including programs with free tuition.
UNMVC continues to play a vital role in providing accessible higher education while supporting our local community.
Call for President-Elect:
Our club is seeking a President-Elect (PE) for the current year— To help prepare for a successful term, next year’s District Governor, Jeff Weinrach, is holding monthly Zoom meetings with PEs. If you’re interested in leading our club and making a difference, now is the perfect time to throw your name in the hat!
Join the President’s Council Zoom Meeting:
The monthly President’s Council Zoom meeting is a great opportunity for members to get a behind-the-scenes look at district updates and initiatives. Our club president usually attends, but the meeting is not just for presidents—any member is welcome to join and participate. Meetings are held the first Friday of each month at 7:00 a.m.
Interested in joining? Contact George Greenlee or Leyda Hahn for more information.
The dictionaries for this year’s Dictionary Project have arrived! At this week’s meeting, members will be asked to sign up to deliver them to local schools. Plans are also underway to schedule a time for sorting the dictionaries and inserting name plates.
Our Interact Club, Lending a Paw, will be participating in World Polio Day on Friday, October 24, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Albuquerque Civic Plaza. Hundreds of Rotarians will be in attendance. More details will be shared soon—get ready to roll up your sleeves and make an impact!
The Valencia County Chamber of Commerce will host an Oktoberfest celebration in Los Lunas on Saturday, October 18, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Badlands Drive-In. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, while adults can sample beer and wine tastings. Food trucks, artisan vendors, and live music—including the Daniel Solis Band—will keep the fun going. The event will conclude with a spectacular balloon glow in the evening. Don’t miss it!
The International Project Fair was an amazing event, full of fun, culture, and excitement! This year, three districts participated, and our club joined in by pledging support for several projects showcased at the fair. Donna Pedace, ourClub’s International Chair, will provide an update at a future meeting. Check out the photos from the celebration and see all the action for yourself—click below to view them.
I’m excited to share another great week of activities and opportunities to serve our community. From supporting local projects to engaging in international initiatives, our club continues to make a positive impact. I encourage everyone to stay involved, attend meetings, and take part in the events coming up this month. Together, we can make a difference!
