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PRESIDENT'S CORNER - Sandy Abalos

Zone 26/27 Institute Camp Big West 

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a Rotary club feel alive. It isn’t just numbers on a membership report — it’s the energy in the room (or on Zoom), the way people lean in when an idea sparks, and the feeling that we’re building something meaningful together. And I’ll be honest: our club isn’t growing right now. That’s something we need to face with clear eyes and open hearts.

But here’s the part that inspires me — growth doesn’t start with recruitment. It starts with engagement. When members feel connected, valued, and excited about what we’re doing, everything else follows. People show up. They invite friends. They take on projects. They feel proud to be Rotarians.

So this year, I want us to focus on strengthening the core of who we are. Let’s make our club feel welcoming and worthwhile. Let’s choose service projects that light us up. Let’s check in on each other, celebrate small wins, and make space for new ideas. When we invest in our own engagement, we create the kind of club people want to be part of.

Thank you for sticking with Rotary, for showing up even when life is busy, and for believing in the good we can do. I truly believe our club has heart — and with that, we can build momentum, reconnect with purpose, and grow.

We’re in this together, and I’m grateful for each of you.

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RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) scholarships are important because they fully fund life-changing leadership camps that teach high school and junior high school students vital communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills at no cost to the participant.   With matching funds from The Rotary Foundation (District Grant), our club is providing $2000 in scholarship funds for both RYLA and Jr. RYLA for next year’s camps.  That pays the entire attending cost for 4 students. Here are some key benefits of this:

  • Leadership Growth: Students learn how to turn motivation into action and become dynamic leaders in their schools and local communities.
  • No-Cost Access: A scholarship pays for all camp tuition and activity fees, meaning financial hardship does not stop talented youth from attending.
  • Networking and Friendship: Attendees meet inspirational speakers, connect with community and business leaders, and make lifelong friendships with peers from outside their usual circles.
  • Future Opportunities: RYLA alumni often gain access to other prestigious programs like international youth exchanges, Rotaract, or future college scholarship
Let's Engage - Member Attendance

We are able to monitor meeting attendance by tracking who opens the bi-weekly bulletin.  Our attendance statistics to date are:

  • July 27th bulletin - 21 out of 26  - 81%
  • August 10th bulletin - 21 out of 26 - 81%
  • August 24th bulletin - 19 out of 26 - 73%
  • September 7th bulletin - 20 out of 26 - 77% 

There are two members that have not opened any bulletin emails, we are reaching out to insure emails are correct and spam filters are not blocking.  This level of engagement is much higher than our previous meeting postings on the website.  Thank you for attending!!!! 

Let's Connect - Where We Are

We are all able to view Club member profiles via the Club Directory Member Directory | Opted In Members | Rotary E-Club of the Southwest, USA.  Below is a recap of our members by State, City (Province) and Country (if other than the USA).  If your address or email is incorrect, please update in My Rotary or under your E-Club Member Profile. 

Let's connect!  Send me an email with something of interest and include a photo.  It can be about you, your family, where you live, what you do, what you would like to do, and most important…how can our Club serve you and your community.  I will compile responses and publish in upcoming bulletins.  I also challenge us to reach out to one another, especially those residing in the same cities or nearby states.  

I look forward to hearing from you!   email me - abalos.sandy@gmail.com

Arizona, Chandler – Brian Shaw

Arizona, Prescott – Steve Canter; Eric Denniston

Arizona, Scottsdale – Sandy Abalos; Jim Bissonett; Jonathan Mazinter; Lee Dueringer

Arkansas, El Dorado – Kenneth Bridges

California, San Marcos – Mel and Judy Taunt

Colorado, Lone Tree – Wendy Nelson

Connecticut, Woodbury – Irene Hanley

Florida, Palm Beach – John Strasswimmer

Illinois, Western Springs – Peter DeBerge

Mississippi, Ocean Springs – John and Virginia Dugaw

Nevada, Las Vegas – Maureen McKinley

New Mexico, Albuquerque – Carol Anderson; Kim Covill

Nuevo Leon, Monterrey Mexico – Oscar Carreon Garcia

Oita, Nakatsu Japan – Hirotake Yamato

Texas, Houston – Howard Henderson

Utrecht, Netherlands – Simone Siemons

Not disclosed – Vimal Hemani; Ryofu Pussel; Yvonne Lammertink

 

Club Business and Resources

Thank you for your questions and inquiries, the following is information and resources to help you navigate Clubrunner and our website

  • Our club meetings have migrated from meeting content published on our website to a bi-weekly email bulletin newsletter that goes directly to your email inbox.
  • Clubrunner notifies us when you open the meeting bulletin email, thus we can monitor club member participation.   
  • You no longer need a login to access our website, it's now open to the public with the ability to launch a club public image and social media campaign to increase interest.
  • Our club website URL remains the same - www.recswusa.org
  • Once in the website, there is a member login in the top right corner.  Click here and the Clubrunner login will appear to access club and member information.  If you do not recall your user name or password, you may reset or have Clubrunner send you a “magic link”.  If you are still unable to login to Clubrunner - go to www.clubrunnersupport.com for direction
  • Other support - How do I log in to ClubRunner? - Knowledgebase / ClubRunner FAQ / Support - ClubRunner Support & Knowledgebase
  • Clubrunner Mobile App - we recommend downloading the mobile app.  Go to www.clubrunner.ca to learn more.  Stay connected with our RECSWUSA club news, District 5495 news, and Rotary International news all in one place.  I love the “find a member” search in our Club or District.  It's my “go to” on the run!  
  • Rotary Club Locater Mobile App - another great resource for the travelers out there. Instantly locate a “Rotary Club Near Me”, including where they meet, time, day and contact information.  We are an E-club, what a great way to connect with others!  

 

  Please use this link to make club dues payments and club contributions.  Email Brian Shaw - treasurer@recswusa.org with any questions or concerns.  

 

 

 

"SERVICE WITHOUT BORDERS"