Tucsotarian - April 1, 2026
 

Stories

Events Around Town (EAT) - April 1
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, share stories, and build friendships in a relaxed and casual setting.
 
Sign up on the website under "Upcoming Events".

April EAT Locations & Hosts:

  • Guadalajara Grill - 1220 E. Prince Rd.  
    Hosts: Mark Irvin, John Duval & David Lovitt
  • Bashful Bandit - 3686 E. Speedway  
    Hosts: Glenn Ewing, Chuck Sawyer & Bobby Larson
  • Redbird Scratch Kitchen - 2515 E. 6th Street
    Hosts:  Vickie Jacobs, Marcia Krumwiede - Women
  • Canyon Crown - 6958 E. Tanque Verde
    Host: Bruce Jacobs
  • Cafe A La Carte Downtown - 150 N. Main  
    Hosts:  Dot Kret, Jonathan Walkup

Want to Host?

If you’re interested in hosting an EAT lunch, please reach out to the Rotary Office.
 
Take this chance to get to know fellow members, share great food, and celebrate the camaraderie that makes our club so special.
 
Remember, no lunch meeting on April 1st.
 
We look forward to seeing you around town.
Rotary Mixer Recap – You Should’ve Been There

Well…that escalated nicely.

What started as “let’s try something different” turned into a full patio, great conversations, and the kind of energy that reminds you why Rotary works so well—especially when we shake up the format a bit.

We had a fantastic turnout, the food absolutely delicious, and the conversations didn’t stick to small talk for long. New connections were made, guests got a real feel for who we are, and plenty of laughter carried well past what anyone would call a “scheduled end time.”

If you missed it, you missed a good one on the patio at Trident Grill II.

The takeaway? Rotary doesn’t just happen at the podium. It shows up just as strongly in moments like these—when members connect, bring others in, and enjoy being part of something worthwhile.

Safe to say…we’ll be doing this again.

TRVFA - Tax Deductible Donation
The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA) is a great, tax-deductible way to support people wanting to go through vocational training programs (nursing, truck driving, forklift and heavy equipment operators, etc.)
 
We are Rotarians - we give lots of gifts
We give contributions, we give scholarships!
 
You all know about scholarships to Pima and the U
Now you're gonna learn what TRVFA can do!
 
The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona -
You can support it just by being a donah!
 
The funds pay for training to help folks get jobs
The need here in Tucson? Sadly, there's mobs.
 
Care giving, nursing, driving trucks and forklifts
Providing job training is truly a gift.
 
And you get a gift, too, from the State with your tax
Credit - low income - you may get it all back!
 
So help our community, our people, this club that we're in
Contribute to the Vocational Fund, everyone will win!
 
The Rotary Vocational Fund of AZ: Mission
Our mission is to provide a sustainable revenue stream to fund vocational education grants for Arizona residents who want to thrive. Together, we create lasting change by allowing individuals to lift themselves out of poverty and contribute to their communities. Helping others help themselves.  https://trvfa.org
 
This video provides valuable insights into tax credit donations and how they support our mission.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvaEqt6_dxk&t=28s

Welcome New Members

Please welcome the following new members into the Rotary Club of Tucson.  They will be introduced at a future lunch meeting.

Active Member:  Tina Bauschatz
 
Company:  Marmalade Skies Tutoring
 
Classification: Education: Reading Specialist
 
Sponsor: Alan Schrope
____________________________________________________
Active Member:  MeMe Aguila
 
Company:  We Care Tucson
 
Classification: Community & Social Services: We Care Tucson
 
Sponsor: Gordy Siewert
Polio Update
Polio Update 
For The Week Ending 3/28/26
 
Dear Polio Eradication Warriors,
 
No new Wild Polio paralysis cases reported this week.  We are now 6 weeks since the most recent report of a child being paralyzed by the Wild Polio Virus in Pakistan.
 
Thank you so much Dr. Salk!!!
On March 26, 1953, American medical researcher Dr. Jonas Salk announces on a national radio show that he has successfully tested a vaccine against poliomyelitis, the virus that causes the crippling disease of polio. In 1952—an epidemic year for polio—there were 58,000 new cases reported in the United States, and more than 3,000 died from the disease. For his work in helping to eradicate the disease, which is known as “infant paralysis” because it mainly affects children, Dr. Salk was celebrated as the greatest doctor-benefactor of his time.
 
Let's Advocate, Donate & Educate to END POLIO NOW & FOREVER!
 
Total Wild Polio cases
Year-to-date 2026
 
Total
2025
Total
2024
 
Total
2023
Total
 2022
Globally
1
52
99
12
30
- in endemic countries:
1
52
99
12
22
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2026 Wild Polio Case Total - 1 Pakistan 1, Afghanistan 0
2025 Wild Polio Case Total  52 - Afghanistan 21 - Pakistan 31
 
2024 Wild Polio Cases Total 99 - Afghanistan 25 - Pakistan 74
2023 Wild Polio Cases Total 12 - Afghanistan 6, Pakistan 6
2023 Circulating Variant Polio Cases 524 in 23 Countries
 
New Polio Cases & Samples reported this week -
  • Namibia:  one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
  • Togo:  one cVDPV2 case
  • United Kingdom (UK):  one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
Help Us Recognize Club Members!

 Dear Fellow Rotarians,

Do you know someone in our Club who deserves Rotary recognition? If you’re aware of a recent achievement, special honor, or noteworthy accomplishment involving one of our members, please let us know.

Kindly reach out to President Dot, SAA Dan Kalm, or the Rotary office with the details. We would love to recognize them at an upcoming lunch meeting.

Let’s celebrate the great things happening within our Club — Way to go, Rotary!

Get Involved!
Dear Rotarians:  Would you like to be a little more involved?  Do you like to take photos, write, greet or even give an inspiration or toast?  
 
We need to add some new blood to write the weekly recap as mystery editors.  You take notes and recap the meeting for the weekly Tucsotarian.  
 
Not a writer?  We could use some folks to add to our talent and take photos in the meeting of new members, blue badge recipients or even Paul Harris honorees.  You just need to grab the camera or use your phone!!
 
Want to meet more folks?  Get to meet other members?  Consider being a greeter once a month.
 
Finally, if you’d like to challenge the group, give the inspiration or toast from time to time, let us know.
 
If you have any questions or want to participate more in 2026, please call or text me at 520-300-1293 or email me.
 
SAA Dan Kalm
Guest Speaker - Senator Mark Kelly - April 8

All Must Register or Re-Register from April 1st to April 8th

Senator Mark Kelly - April 8th

The Rotary Club of Tucson will host Mark Kelly, United States Senator from Arizona, as our guest speaker on Wednesday, April 8.

The guest fee for this event will be $40. All must Register for this event on the Club Website  www.tucsonrotary.org under Upcoming Events.  Additional details will be shared as they become available.  Register Now and don't forget to register your guests!!!!

  • Please submit your questions in advance (send them to Dotary@dkajobs.com) – there will be no questions from the floor).

Triangle Y – Saturday, April 4th at 8:30 a.m.

April 4th
 
Rotarians needed: 25-50
 
Lead: Kurtis Dawson – kurtistucsonrotary@gmail.com
 
Come help Tri Y get ready for the kids that will attend summer camp. Camp improvement projects include landscaping, trail clearing, and more. The day starts at 8:30a.m. and finishes in the early afternoon with a break for lunch.
Hiking Fellowship - 4/11 - Bisbee
COME ONE, COME ALL!!  Please join the Hiking Fellowship for a day of camaraderie, shopping, food and of course a nice little walk around Bisbee following the Bisbee 1000 route - Saturday, April 11th; 6:30AM meet time at El Con Mall. Starbucks @El Con Mall
Rotary Around Town - Human Trafficking Seminar - April 13

Join us for an important and timely Rotary event focused on Human Trafficking Awareness. This free seminar will take place on Monday, April 13, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at SaddleBrooke Ranch.

Registration is encouraged for planning purposes and can be completed at:
https://saddlebrookerotary.com/rotary-human-trafficking-awareness-seminar.php

Guests are welcome to arrive early and enjoy lunch from the restaurant, which will be open for orders prior to the start of the program. Coffee will be available, and water will be provided during the event.

This seminar offers an opportunity to learn, engage, and increase awareness of a critical issue affecting communities everywhere. We hope you will join us for this informative and impactful presentation.

Time Capsule Celebration - April 15th
Join us for a special happy hour at Hotel Congress as we celebrate our annual trip and count down the days until we unearth the Rotary Centennial Time Capsule on April 1, 2121! Mark your calendars for April 15th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM and swing by for some fantastic Rotary fellowship. The time capsule, buried on April 21, 2022, to honor our club’s 100th anniversary, holds treasures Rotary Club of Tucson will rediscover in the distant future. No reservations needed—just drop in, bring a friend, and let’s toast to a century of impact and the exciting moment still to come!
Adopt-A-Road Cleanup! Saturday, April 18th
The Adopt a Road service project will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026
 
Tucson Clean & Beautiful / Rotary Club of Tucson
the Adopt a Road Service Project is Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 8:00 AM.
 
Rotarians—please join your fellow members as we continue our ongoing mission to clean up Oracle Road. There’s always roadside trash to tackle, and thanks to our efforts over the past two years, we can truly see the difference we’re making—the area is noticeably cleaner.
 
We’ll meet at Pinz Bowling, 501 W. River Road, at 8:00 AM and wrap up by mid-morning. Expect fresh air, a little light exercise, and the occasional “interesting” find along the way.
 
All supplies are provided, including gloves, safety vests, grabbers, and trash bags. We’ll also have snacks and water on hand.
 
Please wear closed-toe shoes, along with a hat and sunscreen.
 
Hope to see you there on April 18th
 
Lee “Clean Streets” Olitzky
Save The Date - The Event - April 22


đź“… Mark Your Calendars!

Our special evening to recognize ourselves and celebrate our club will take place at the Tucson Country Club on April 22nd.

Join us for a memorable night of fun, great food, and a chance to pat ourselves on the back as we give a well-deserved shout-out to our fellow Rotarians who have gone above and beyond to help propel our efforts in serving the community.

Please save the date—more details will be coming soon!

Desert Spirits Fellowship - May 6

Desert Spirits Fellowship – Mark Your Calendar!

What was once the Whisky Fellowship has officially evolved into something even more spirited. Introducing the Desert Spirits Fellowship of the Rotary Club of Tucson—now celebrating not only whisky, but also tequila and mezcal in honor of Cinco de Mayo.

Following a spectacular last gathering filled with laughter, camaraderie, and some exceptional pours, the leadership team—Mitch Pisik, Brett Stein, Gordy Siewert, and Luis Hernandez—promise that the next event will be the most fun one yet.

Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, May 6

  • Time: 6:15 PM – whenever the evening naturally concludes

  • Location: Home of Steve & Ann Pickering, 4850 E. Placita Provida

  • Cost: $20 plus an interesting bottle of whisky (rye earns bonus points), tequila, or mezcal

  • Food: Plenty of favorite munchies provided

  • Who’s Invited: Rotarians, significant others, and prospective Rotarians who enjoy good company and great conversation

RSVP: Email Steve Pickering at stevepickering75@gmail.com by May 4 at 10:00 AM.
Capacity: Limited to 30 guests, so don’t delay.

Bring a bottle, bring a friend, and bring your sense of adventure. Cheers to another memorable evening of fellowship!

Community Food Bank - Save the Date - May 9

To Rotary Club of Tucson members, family members & friends-
 
As Bobby gets ready for his upcoming RCOT presidency, Lori and I are heading up the Community Food Bank work project efforts for our club. Saturday May 9th from 9:00 - 12:00 our Club is scheduled to work together at the Community Food Bank. They will be ready for 50 us to be there, so lets see how many thousands of pounds of food we can box up!
 
We know the CFB is a favorite Service Project for many of us so please check your calendars and email/text Lori or I back if you (or others you know at least 16 years of age) can make it. 
 
Where: Community Food Bank at 3003 S Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85713
When:  Saturday May, 9, 2026, 8:45 AM to check in then work 9:00 AM - 12:00
Why: To help our Tucson and Southern AZ neighbors
Who: The Rotary Club of Tucson, family members/friends/neighbors etc. 
What: Have fun with your Rotary friends packing food boxes for people in need
Lunch after: TBD (stay tuned) 

Thanks!!!

From the Community Food Bank dynamic duo-

Marcia Krumwiede - MARCIALK33@outlook.com  
and
Lori Schroeder - Lori.Schroeder1@gmail.com

TLT Meeting - May 21
2026 TLT meeting schedule.
 
May 21 Tuesday
Aug 18 Tuesday
Sept 17 Thursday 
Oct 15 Thursday
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
Apr 08, 2026
All to Register
Apr 15, 2026
Apr 22, 2026
Tucson Country Club
Apr 29, 2026
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Triangle Y Ranch - April 4
Apr. 04, 2026 8:30 a.m.

April 8, 2026 Meeting ~ TCC, Senator Mark Kelly
Apr. 08, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
Tucson
Tucson Convention Center

Hiking Fellowship - Bisbee 1000 Road Trip!!
Apr. 11, 2026

Tucson Clean & Beautiful - 4/18
Apr. 18, 2026 8:15 a.m.
Tucson

TRAK - April 19
Apr. 19, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Tucson
TRAK

Whisky Fellowship - May 6
May 06, 2026
6:15 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Community Food Bank - May
May 09, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tucson
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

Hiking Fellowship - Summer Hiking Series
May 16, 2026

TLT Meeting - May 21
May 21, 2026

View entire list
Sponsors
Interested in being a sponsor?
Download the website sponsorship guide
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