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The historic Mission San Xavier del Bac is the oldest European inspired building in Arizona. Affectionately known as the White Dove of the Desert, the flags of four nations have flown over the iconic church. Preserving this magnificent building has been the mission of the not-for profit organization Patronato San Xavier. Across the last 30 years, $16 million has been raised and spent ensuring that the church survives to delight future generations. The Patronato is planning what is being called "the last decade of deferred maintenance” those final large-scale projects to address serious conditions issues with the church and two major ancillary buildings, all part of the historic footprint.
Clague Van Slyke, III is a native Tucsonan who now lives in Phoenix after winding down his law practice after 40 years. He received degrees in History and Law from the U of A. Clague has been involved with numerous civic, non-profit, and charitable organizations in Tucson. He just concluded 10 years of service on the board of the Patronato San Xavier. He is a second generation Patronato member following his father’s service in the formative years of the Patronato. Clague is proud to have played a part in completing the last phases of conservation work initiated during his father’s tenure.Clague has been a docent and served as the docent education coordinator at Mission San Xavier del Bac where he was responsible for the training of the docent cohort. He has toured people from all over the world through Mission San Xavier and has given presentations about the Mission throughout Arizona.
Believing as William Faulkner wrote “the past is never dead, it’s not even past. “Clague has been a lifelong student of American and Southwestern history, inspired in part by stories of his Dutch, French and Mohawk roots in New Amsterdam in the early 1600’s and German ancestors who fought under Emperor Maximilian in Mexico and served in the U.S. Army during the 1880’s in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and the Dakotas.
When Miles Green visited Mission San Xavier del Bac for the first time during travels around the world in his twenties, he watched a reenactment of De Anza’s historic ride. He has visited often over the years and each time “there’s been a special magic.” Now the Executive Director of Patronato, he describes the opportunity as a “dream job” because he works with a variety of interesting and knowledgeable people who also care about this iconic structure and want to preserve it for generations to come. Miles trained as a psychologist and has had a varied career spanning clinical services, education, and business. Throughout his life, community service has been an important value and he has been a volunteer and Board member with organizations focused on the arts, social service and advocating for social justice. Originally from New Zealand, Miles has lived in Tucson since 1988. He continues to enjoy traveling to exotic locations, road biking, hiking in the Santa Catalina mountains, photography, and creating great food in 30 minutes or less.
As the world transitions to cleaner energy technologies and emerging economies continue to develop, the demand for minerals too has increased at least 50%. Where do these minerals come from? What are the geopolitical implications? How is Arizona uniquely positioned to contribute to a secure and sustainable future in the United States?
Reminder: Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, Wednesday, 11/22/23 will be a DARK day and therefore, no lunch meeting at the TCC. The Rotary Office will be closed on Thursday 11/23/23 and Friday 11/24/23. 
General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Rotary International, John Hewko lives out Rotary’s mission as part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. He’s immunized children against polio in India, represented Rotary at the World Economic Forum, and bicycled 104 miles in El Tour de Tucson to help raise more than $60 million for polio eradication. He's riding in El Tour for the 11th time this year. 
Remember: Since Wednesday, 11/08/23 is the second week of the month, there will be no lunch meeting at the TCC.
