A lively crowd of Rotarians and virtual guests packed the Tucson Convention Center for our March 4th meeting, where music, mentoring, and Rotary spirit took center stage.
President DOT rang the bell and welcomed new member JOHN WILSON who led us in the Pledge and a spontaneous acapella rendition of “God Bless America”, well done! President DOT welcomed everyone and offered warm recognition to long‑time member GARY HIRSCH as he and KANDY prepare for their move to Portugal—a special reminder of how close our Rotary Family is. GARY and KANDY would love visitors so plan a trip so they don’t start to miss us too much.
She also called out BILL HARLOW who has been a member of our club the longest. 50+ years… dang!
JOE DANISZEWSKI shared some inspiring words to prep us for our incredible line up of speakers.
COOKIE Monster duties went to GARY OLSEN of Restoration 1, ensuring no Rotarian faced the program without proper sugar support.
PRESIDENT DOT then introduced DIANA MADARAS, who in turn welcomed our speaker, Assistant Chief Mickey Petersen of TPD, to share the powerful “TYM‑TPD‑SUSD” collaboration—an innovative, music‑based mentoring and life‑skills program for local youth. Mickey’s message hit all the right notes as he described how music immersion is helping young people find confidence, connection, and a positive path forward. A children’s book titled “Music” was signed to be donated to Make Way for Books, extending the impact to Tucson’s youngest readers.
We celebrated March birthdays for DREW VACTOR 3/1 who has had 100% attendance making up meetings across the globe, CHAR HARRIS 3/6 who can play the Alto Saxophone like she did in high school, and DANIEL ALLEN 3/12 who as a Red Badger is still becoming a Rotarian but winning that corvette…
RICK 
ROSE helped us to welcome new member JOHN WILSON. Welcome to the best Rotary Club in the Whole Wide World!
ROSE helped us to welcome new member JOHN WILSON. Welcome to the best Rotary Club in the Whole Wide World!SAA DAN KALM pulled the winning raffle ticket, they left the meeting $110 richer. The large pot will keep growing as the King of Clubs was not drawn today.
We heard from NANCY STOCKTON and RYLA students, Sophie and Daniel who brought fresh energy and leadership inspiration to the room.
PRESIDENT DOT shared announcements and highlighted upcoming events, including service projects, mixers, scholarship support, our March 25th Replacemen
t/Social Mixer (Register – limited to 70) at Trident Grill II and our April 1st VIP visit from Senator Mark Kelly register ASAP.
t/Social Mixer (Register – limited to 70) at Trident Grill II and our April 1st VIP visit from Senator Mark Kelly register ASAP.We had a Happy Jackson from JIM MURPHY asking us to bring household and personal items to donate to the residents at Western Winds Senior Apartments on March 18th.
Another Happy Jackson from JIM LUBINSKI inviting us to the Out of the Darkness walk on 3/28. Reach out to him to donate or sign up to walk and support the cause.
Reach out to SAA Dan Kalm if you are interested in taking pictures, greeting, Mystery Editor, picking up centerpieces, piano playing and helping out during and after the meetings.
Car Show Chair ALAN ROGERS is looking for volunteers to sell tickets at the Tucson Festival of Books. Keep an eye out for an email or reach out to WALLY JOHNSON.
JOE DANISZEWSKI closed us out with a song, channeling the spirit of our speaker.
