Tucsotarian - September 17, 2025
 

Stories

Charity Presentations and Vote 2026 Car Show 9/17/25 Meeting
The five finalists will compete for the 2026 TCCS proceeds at our 9/17/25 lunch meeting. Hope all of you can attend the meeting to cast your vote.
 

The ECHO Program provides free after-school programs, meals, and vital resources for families in Tucson’s 85705 community. With education, workforce development, and wraparound supports all in one place, ECHO is transforming schools into centers of opportunity where children and families can succeed together.

 

At Compass Affordable Housing, we believe everyone deserves a safe place to develop—a home where people can heal, grow, and thrive. Through affordable housing and supportive services, we walk alongside individuals and families, creating opportunities for stability, connection, and brighter futures. Together with community partners and individual supporters like you, we’re building a stronger community rooted in compassion and collaboration.  
 
Creating a more compassionate and just world, Habitat for Humanity Tucson brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat Tucson has been a leader in affordable housing serving Pima County since 1980, building over 500 houses and serving over 950 families. Habitat Tucson’s “hand up, not a handout” policy, offers an innovative solution to poverty housing. 
 

ICS provides pathways leading to more stable and self-sufficient lives. The goal of ICS’s Emergency Financial Assistance program is to prevent eviction and keep families and seniors safe in their homes, which is critical because it is 3 to 5 times more expensive to rehouse people once they have lost their home.  ICS is a unique service agency because it has wrap-around services to give people a hand up including a brick-and-mortar food bank, mobile food bank, a workforce development program, and transportation, mobile meals and food box delivery for seniors and disabled adults, among other services.

Youth On Their Own (YOTO) supports the high school graduation and continued success of youth experiencing homelessness in Pima County. YOTO's goal is to address the educational barriers faced by homeless youth by providing earned financial support, free basic needs like food and hygiene supplies, and the support of consistent adults. YOTO serves 1,500 youth experiencing homelessness each year at over 100 schools across the county and has a 93% graduation rate for its participants.

This Week's Cookie Sponsor

Laughter, Good Food, and Fellowship at September EATS
Our September Events Around Town (EATS) proved once again that Rotary friendships are best served with a side of great food! On Wednesday, September 10th, members gathered at four Tucson favorites — Victoria Cosina Mexicana, Opa’s Best, Locale, and Kingfisher — each table buzzing with lively conversation and plenty of laughter.
 

From sizzling plates and fresh flavors to stories shared among old friends and new connections, the afternoon was filled with the kind of fellowship that makes our club so special. Whether it was tacos, gyros, handmade pasta, or seafood, one thing was certain: the menu always included Rotary spirit.

A big thank you to our generous hosts — Mark Irvin, John Duval, David Lovitt, Glenn Ewing, Bobby Larson, Chuck Sawyer, Dot Kret, and Vic Jacobs — for making this month’s gatherings such a success.

Until next month’s adventure, keep your appetite ready — for both great meals and great company!

Rotary Merchandise Available – September 17 Meeting

Looking to represent your Rotary spirit? Rotary Club of Tucson merchandise will be available for purchase at our luncheon on Wednesday, September 17th! Stop by the merchandise table to browse our selection of shirts, hats, and other Rotary gear — perfect for showing your colors at meetings and around town.

Can’t make it to the luncheon? No problem! Contact Nancy Bevens directly at (530) 343-9920 to arrange your purchase.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up and wear your Rotary pride in style!

Agave Fellowship - September 18

Join Us for the Agave Fellowship!

Thursday, September 18th | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Lodge on the Desert
306 N. Alvernon, Tucson, AZ 85711

Get ready for an evening of fun, fellowship, and flavor! The Rotary Club of Tucson invites you to our upcoming Agave Fellowship at Lodge on the Desert.

For just $50 per person, you’ll enjoy an exclusive guided tasting of four 1 oz shots — the perfect opportunity to expand your palate and learn about the rich traditions of mezcal and tequila.

This event is open to Rotary members and their guests, and you’re welcome to stay and socialize afterward at your own expense.

Spots are limited, so don’t wait to reserve your place!

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, September 18th

  • Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

  • Location: Lodge on the Desert

  • Price: $50 per person (includes 4 tastings)

  • Guests Welcome!

For questions or to reserve your spot, please contact:  Luis Hernandez ~~ Come sip, savor, and share a memorable evening with your fellow Rotarians!

Tucson Clean & Beautiful - September 20th
Good News!
 
Mark your calendars; we begin a new season of Tucson Clean and Beautiful - adopt a road on Saturday, September 20th, 2025.
 
Start time - 7:15AM - end time 9:15AM.
 
We meet at the former Fiesta Bowling - now Pinz. 501 River Rd. Please wear a hat, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and gloves. We have bags, grabbers, and vests. Bring your energy and Rotary enthusiasm.
 
Contact Lee Olitzky with questions. Lee@WiT2Tucson.com
 
District Conference - International Project Fair - 9/26
Special free event at District Conference featuring our own fellow Rotarian Elijah Ndoye and our Senegal Global Grant 
 
The International Project Fair at the Tubac Golf Resort is on Friday, Sept 26. from 10 AM till noon. Elijah Ndoye of RCOT will be Opening it with a 20-minute combination of inspirational speaking (about his journey) and music from his native Senegal. Afterwards, he will be at the RCOT booth featuring the Global Grant. There will be more than 20 other clubs and organizations presenting their projects at other booths too. This Fair is free to anyone who goes; you don't need to register for the District Conference.  
 
The International Project Fair will be held in the Wedding Chapel just outside the Resort itself. Elijah will be a central part of this effort - something of which RCOT is really proud. Come support him! 
Rotary Whisky Fellowship – Sip, Share & Socialize - October 8

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of camaraderie, conversation, and, of course, whisky! Join us for the Rotary Whisky Fellowship hosted by Jeff and Tiana Ronstadt at their beautiful home. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP early!

Date: Wednesday, October 8
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Home of Jeff & Tiana Ronstadt
2800 N. Camino Principal

Cost: $20 plus an interesting bottle of whisky
(And yes, you absolutely get to take your bottle back home!)

RSVP: Email Jeff at jeffr@ronstadtinsurance.com

TCCS Friday Night Dinner - October 17th
The Car Show Friday Night Dinner will take place the evening of October 17th at the Gregory School, 3231 N. Craycroft, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  Cost Per Person is $20 (includes two drink tickets, cash bar after) and will be billed to your account.  The dinner is Lucky Wishbone Chicken.  Registration is on the Website www.tucsonrotary.org under “Upcoming Events”.  Be sure to register your guests.  The deadline to register is Friday, October 10th.  Hope to see you all there!
Wine Fellowship - October 23

Rotarians,

Please join the Wine Fellowship at El Corral Restaurant for wine tasting and small bites on Thursday, October 23 from 5:30-7:00p. The cost to participate is $40 per person, payable upon arrival at El Corral. Guests of Rotarians are also welcome.

To assist us in planning, please register using this link. This will allow us to provide an accurate guest count for El Corral. Please register by Tuesday, October 21.

We look forward to seeing you at El Corral on October 23!

Marcy Euler & Debbie Sheppard
Wine Fellowship

World Polio Day - October 24
Help Eliminate Polio From The World
Support Our Rotary Club’s Ride to End Polio Riders
 
YOUR donation gets us to closer to a polio-free world
 
Update on the Final Two Polio Endemic Countries
Pakistan No new Wild Polio cases reported this weekTwenty-four Wild Polio cases reported in 2025.  Seventy-four Wild Polio cases reported in 2024.  Six Wild Polio Cases reported in 2023.  The most recent case had an onset of paralysis on 8/02/25.  No WPV1 Environmental Samples and no cVDPV2 Positive Environmental Samples were reported this week in Pakistan.
Afghanistan No new Wild Polio cases reported this week.  Three Wild Polio cases reported in 2025.  Twenty-five Wild Polio cases reported in 2024.  Six Wild Polio Cases reported in 2023.  The most recent case had an onset of paralysis on 7/25/25.  No WPV1 Environmental Samples and no cVDPV2 Positive Environmental Samples were reported this week in Afghanistan. 
 
Rotary Club of Tucson Ride to End Polio Teams 2025
El Tour Team: Matt Blair; Luis Hernandez; Gary Hirsch; Kandy Hirsch;
Dan Kalm; Bob Morken; Lee Olitzky; Alan Rogers; Jonathan Walkup
Indoor Team: Dana Cole; Jo DeChatelet; Rich Flynn; Nancy Gutt;
Charlotte Harris; Gary Hirsch-leader; Jennifer Hoffman; Sean Hoffman;
Dot Kret; Ann Lancero; Bobby Larson; David Lex; David Lovitt;
Jim Lubinski; Ernie Montagne; Steve Pickering; Darrell Stewart;
Hugh Thompson; Bruce Tunze
Cycling Fellowship ~ November 8 and November 15
The Rotary Club of Tucson Cycling Fellowship will start up once again.  The dates are November 8th and November 15th.  The Ride starts 8 AM at the St Philips Plaza Campbell and River on the South side near the REN coffee shop.  We will ride the loop going West.  The ride is for all riders of any ability and the pace and distance is entirely up to the rider.  This ride is meant to be a fun training ride in preparation for the El Tour de Tucson.  Riders should wear Rotary jerseys if possible.
 
Contact me if you have questions.
 
Alan Rogers MD
520-444-8941
Make an Impact with Just a Click – Donate to the RCT Foundation Today
At the Rotary Club of Tucson, we believe in giving back to our community and supporting causes that make a real difference. And now, it’s easier than ever to contribute to our efforts!

We’re excited to highlight a new way for you to make your donations directly to the Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation – all from the comfort of your own home! Simply head to our website, where you’ll find the gold Donation button at the top right of the menu bar. Whether you're contributing to our Scholarships, making a General Donation, or supporting our Local Charities, your generosity will help fund important initiatives that uplift our community.

But wait, there’s more! If you're joining us for lunch at the next meeting, don’t forget to look for the blue scholarship cups on the tables. These cups now feature a QR code that will take you straight to the Donation Page with just a quick scan. No need for cash or checks – donate right from your phone!

We can’t thank you enough for your ongoing support of our Foundation. Your donations directly benefit our community and empower us to continue making a meaningful impact. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Rotary office.

Let’s continue to do good in our community – with a click, a scan, and your generous heart!

Speakers
Sep 24, 2025
Housing Affordability Panel
Oct 01, 2025
2025 TCCS - Rah Rah Meeting
Oct 08, 2025
"Events Around Town"
Oct 15, 2025
UA Men's Basketball
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Agave Fellowship
Sep. 18, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
 
Tucson Clean & Beautiful
Sep. 20, 2025
 
Edge H.S. Interact Meeting
Edge High School
Sep. 24, 2025
9:36 a.m. - 10:56 a.m.
 
Edge H.S. Interact Meeting
Edge High School
Oct. 01, 2025
9:36 a.m. - 10:56 a.m.
 
Whisky Fellowship - October 8
Oct. 08, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
 
Axe Throwing Fellowship Event - October 10
St. Hubert's Hatchet House
Oct. 10, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
 
Hiking Fellowship - October 12 (Sunday)
Oct. 12, 2025
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
 
TCCS/Friday Night Dinner 10/17 (ALL TO REGISTER)
Food Tent Next to the Gregory School Lawn
Oct. 17, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
 
Cycling Fellowship - November 8th
Nov. 08, 2025 8:00 a.m.
 
Hiking Fellowship - November 9 (Sunday)
Nov. 09, 2025
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
 
View entire list
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