Every year, beginning in mid-January and ending in mid-February, the largest “gem, mineral, and fossil show” in the world is held in Tucson, Arizona, which brings attendees from nearly 200 countries to our community. The scope of the over 50 shows in terms of its impact on southern Arizona’s economy is profound. Few residents realize just how big this show actually is and the effect it has, not just for two months but throughout the year, such as the opening in July 2021 of the University of Arizona’s Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum in downtown Tucson at the historic Pima County Courthouse, that brings visitors to our community year-round. This has inspired numerous gem, mineral, and fossil dealers to store their products in the metropolitan area and establish a year-round presence in Tucson to service their clients worldwide.
Bio of Speaker:
Alex became interested in gems and minerals as a seven-year-old who believed he had struck it rich for his family by discovering gold and silver in New York City’s Central Park! This began a solely needed education in mineralogy provided by the curator of gems and minerals at the American Museum of Natural History who mentored him for over a decade on how to identify and curate minerals, before moving to the southwest to begin his college education.
Eventually, his knowledge of minerals and their effects on human health led to numerous discoveries such as the role of zinc status on the development of Parkinson’s disease or how this essential mineral’s deficiency can contribute to cognitive dysfunctions in patients suffering from life threatening eating disorders as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. His vast knowledge of minerals was published in four editions of Minerals, Trace Elements, and Human Health, and over 200 peer-reviewed scientific papers and chapters, and 23 books.
A former research director and professor of nutraceutical research and botanical medicine, he currently is a research associate at the Bio5 Institute and the Department of Geoscience at the University of Arizona.
For over 35 years Alex has been a judge of competitive displays of minerals at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society’s annual show held at the Tucson Convention Center. He also served as Vice Chair of the University of Arizona’s Gem and Mineral Museum Advisory Board from the day the university’s new gem and mineral museum was conceived.
The Founder and CEO of AIBMR Life Sciences, Alex believes pursuing physically challenging passions throughout one’s life is important to maintaining one’s health. He and his wife, Laura, for example, are Certified United States Track and Field Officials (USATF). Last year they were invited to officiate the first Women’s World Decathlon Championships hosted by the United States held concurrently during the men’s decathlon at the Paris Olympics. When they are not traveling around the country officiating track and field meets or meets hosted by the University of Arizona, you will find them removing Buffelgrass and other invasive grasses that threaten the biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert at Saguaro National Park or along the Canada del Oro Wash.
Lastly, Alex has a notable history with Rotary as a Paul Harris Fellow and chair of numerous committees of Rotary No. 8, in Tacoma, Washington, during a span of nearly 20 years, and more recently as a founding member of the Rotary Club of International Exchange, District 5190, in Reno, Nevada.
PRESIDENT KURTIS DAWSON welcomed everyone to the Wednesday’s meeting and rang the bell at 12p to officially get the meeting started then made the announcement on the buffet; we will have fellowship then at 12:15p we will start the presentation.
We were led in the Pledge and Song by new Red Badge Member ANDRES ESPINOZA. Today’s song was “My Country Tis of Thee”.
The Inspirational Moment was given by AMY MORIN.
Sergeant at Arms DAN KALM took over the mic to introduce our guests. Welcome all Rotarians and guests.
PRESIDENT KURTIS then introduced the 2024 Car Show Chairs JEN & SEAN HOFFMAN for today’s presentation. The best meeting of the year, the one where we get to celebrate and give away the money raised at our Tucson Classics Car Show! This was an amazing show, there were over 420 cars that took part, the weather was absolutely perfect, the volunteers were amazing. All in all, we sold a total of 24,788 tickets and raised a total of $225,151.06 for our beneficiaries. The first of our three beneficiaries, Pima Foundation, was given a check for a total of $112,575,54; Sister Jose’s Women’s Center was given a check for a total of $56,287.76 and last but not least, Wright Flight was presented with a check for a total of $56,287.76. JEN & SEAN HOFFMAN then officially passed the baton to our 2025 Tucson Classics Car Show Chair DAVE WHITE. Thank you to O’Reilly Chevrolet for the new Corvette for our 2025 Tucson Classics Car Show! The new book to be added to our Make Way for Books library, “Cars and Trucks” will be signed by JEN and SEAN HOFFMAN.
There is one Rotary Club Birthday this week, JIM ENGEL (1/15). A very happy birthday to you!
A new member was introduced by TOM STRASBURG. Welcome ANDRES!
CHUSHI MWEWA then introduced JAKE BLUMENTHAL to the club. Welcome JAKE!
The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by KHRIS DODGE. The King of Clubs card was not drawn. Better luck to all club members next meeting.
Next up…Rotary Announcements:
PRESIDENT KURTIS DAWSON moved our attention to the screen for a list of upcoming events and projects. Next week’s lunch will be at The Sheraton located on Grant; all must register so sign up early. The Replacement/Social Mixer will be on 2/5 at Charro Vida at 5:30pm. There are pledge forms on the table for Senegal Global Grant. Another round of Red Badge Selfie Pictures was on the screen. Remember to take selfies with our Red Badgers. There were no photos of Wilbur travelling. He must be on vacation this week with new pictures to come. Finally, be sure to donate to the EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year), donating to the Rotary Foundation, the goal is to have 100% participation from our club.
MATT BLAIR fashionably stepped up to the podium for the announcement of the Derby Teams for our Annual Membership Drive. Invite those prospects!
Our last announcement was a cute one, ANN LANCERO announced a Happy Jackson for her newest Grand-baby, a baby boy named Liam. She happily received a stuff dog for Liam.
PRESIDENT KURTIS DAWSON closed by thanking all our members and guests for being here today. The scholarship cups are on the table if you’d like to donate. Happy birthday to JIM. Welcome to the club ANDRES and JAKE. A huge thank you to Jen and Sean for another fabulous car show. Remember next week we are meeting at the Sheraton on Grant. All must register.
AMY MORIN gave the final toast before PRESIDENT KURTIS DAWSON rang the bell to adjourn the meeting.
Inviting prospective members to Rotary events is a great way to showcase the club's values and service. The Club covering the cost of lunch for first-time attendees is a generous touch that can make newcomers feel welcome and appreciated. It's all about building connections and strengthening our impact in the community. We encourage you to bring your prospective members to a club meeting. They won’t be disappointed.
Please consider your Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation (RCTF) in your charitable giving. Our Foundation has a Legacy Society that you can be a part of with a gift of $10,000 or more.
This gift can be made during lifetime or at the time of your death.
During Lifetime: As an outright gift of cash, securities or other assets; or over a period of 10 years or less; or directly through your IRA, if you are age eligible.
At Death: By naming our RCTF as a beneficiary of your Estate, Trust, Retirement Account, or Life Insurance.
When asked why he decided to contribute to the Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation and be a part of the Legacy Society, Darrell Stewart responded:
Rotary will never run short on projects, programs and causes worthy of our financial support. So why the RCOT Legacy Society? For me, I want to leave a lasting contribution to local youth seeking to further their education. Consequently, the endowment within the RCOT Scholarship Fund is the perfect vehicle to accomplish that. Darrell also reached out to Larry Adamson. Larry is available to assist anyone interested in being a part of the Legacy Society.
We have the forms to document your contributions. Please reach out to us with any questions.
Planned Giving Committee:
Jo DeChatelet, Chair, Charlotte Harris, Lee Olitzky, Darrell Stewart
The TRAK service project that happened this weekend was a success. A huge thank you goes out to those that came and worked at the ranch. Our next TRAK project will take place on 2/22/25. Please reach out to me if you would like to help out! ~~ Nancy Gutt
With the 2025 hiking schedule underway, we are looking forward to the return to enjoy the views over Tucson from Wasson Peak for the first time in a few years on February 8th. This hike is categorized as moderate/difficult covering 8 miles and 1,800 vertical feet on the loop or can be done as an out and back, reducing total distance by 1 mile.
With the shorter winter days and cooler mornings, meet time will be 7:45AM with an 8AM start time from the Kings Canyon Trailhead in Tucson Mountain Park. The trailhead is located across from the entrance of the Sonoran Desert Musuem. Please plan on a 4-5 hour trek, dress in layers and bring plenty of water and snacks for the morning. Odds are good that the hike will be followed by a bite to eat and tasty beverage.
Get to know this 7.8-mile loop trail near Cortaro, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Where: Tandem American Eatery, 8864 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749
When: Monday, February 10, noon-1:30pm
Book Discussed: Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson
All are welcome, including members, spouses, guests, friends and acquaintances who love non-fiction. No prior meeting attendance is necessary, each meeting is a stand-alone session about the selected book.
Lead: Nancy Gutt (the_nance@comcast.net) Please email me if you plan on helping out on the TRAK day!
TRAK: Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids: 3250 E. Allen Road
Saturday, February 22nd, and March 15th
Time: 8:00 - noon
Come and be a "Rancher" for the day! Please bring work gloves, refillable water bottles, and wear boots or shoes that can get dirty. We will take, sweep, shovel, feed, water, brush, have fun and more!
The next Whisky Fellowship - March 8. The details are below:
You don’t want to be one of the few who miss this. Rumors are already flying that this one will be our most impressive extravaganza/lallapaloosa/production yet…..
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Start time: 6:00 PM - End time: That's up to you.
Who's invited: All the cool Rotarians (hence your invitation).
Who else is invited: Anyone/everyone who is philanthropic, fun, and who YOU believe would be a great new Rotarian; and/or your significant other.
Cost of entry: $20 plus an interesting bottle of whisky.
Can the bottle go back home with you?: Absolutely.
Bonus Points for: A bourbon that impresses Brett Stein, or a Rye that impresses me (FYI - I'm way easier to impress than Brett).
Food: But of course... ample amounts of your favorite munches.
Where: My wife Bonnie’s and my oh so inviting home.4901 N Avenida de Castilla, Tucson (in the Hacienda del Sol Estates community).
Lead: Nancy Gutt (the_nance@comcast.net) Please email me if you plan on helping out on the TRAK day!
TRAK: Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids: 3250 E. Allen Road
Saturday, March 15th
Time: 8:00 - noon
Come and be a "Rancher" for the day! Please bring work gloves, refillable water bottles, and wear boots or shoes that can get dirty. We will take, sweep, shovel, feed, water, brush, have fun and more!
We’re taking orders for these long sleeve shirts throughout January. The shirts are lightweight, breathable, and offer UV protection. Shirts will be delivered in February. To order, or ask questions, contact Nancy Bevens - 520-343-9920, nbevens@gmail.com.
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!
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Every year, beginning in mid-January and ending in mid-February, the largest “gem, mineral, and fossil show” in the world is held in Tucson, Arizona, which brings attendees from nearly 200 countries to our community. The scope of the over 50 shows in terms of its impact on southern Arizona’s economy is profound. Few residents realize just how big this show actually is and the effect it has, not just for two months but throughout the year, such as the opening in July 2021 of the University of Arizona’s Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum in downtown Tucson at the historic Pima County Courthouse, that brings visitors to our community year-round. This has inspired numerous gem, mineral, and fossil dealers to store their products in the metropolitan area and establish a year-round presence in Tucson to service their clients worldwide. 
PRESIDENT KURTIS then introduced the 2024 Car Show Chairs JEN & SEAN HOFFMAN for today’s presentation. The best meeting of the year, the one where we get to celebrate and give away the money raised at our Tucson Classics Car Show! This was an amazing show, there were over 420 cars that took part, the weather was absolutely perfect, the volunteers were amazing. All in all, we sold a total of 24,788 tickets and raised a total of $225,151.06 for our beneficiaries. The first of our three beneficiaries, Pima Foundation, was given a check for a total of $112,575,54; Sister Jose’s Women’s Center was given a check for a total of $56,287.76 and last but not least, Wright Flight was presented with a check for a total of $56,287.76. JEN & SEAN HOFFMAN then officially passed the baton to our 2025 Tucson Classics Car Show Chair DAVE WHITE. Thank you to O’Reilly Chevrolet for the new Corvette for our 2025 Tucson Classics Car Show! The new book to be added to our Make Way for Books library, “Cars and Trucks” will be signed by JEN and SEAN HOFFMAN.
A new member was introduced by TOM STRASBURG. Welcome ANDRES! 
The following new Member application has been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
Inviting prospective members to Rotary events is a great way to showcase the club's values and service. The Club covering the cost of lunch for first-time attendees is a generous touch that can make newcomers feel welcome and appreciated. It's all about building connections and strengthening our impact in the community. We encourage you to bring your prospective members to a club meeting. They won’t be disappointed.
Please consider your Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation (RCTF) in your charitable giving. Our Foundation has a Legacy Society that you can be a part of with a gift of $10,000 or more.
The TRAK service project that happened this weekend was a success. A huge thank you goes out to those that came and worked at the ranch. Our next TRAK project will take place on 2/22/25. Please reach out to me if you would like to help out! ~~ Nancy Gutt
Our next meeting:
Join us for our
Lead: Nancy Gutt (
The next Whisky Fellowship - March 8. The details are below:
We’re taking orders for these long sleeve shirts throughout January. The shirts are lightweight, breathable, and offer UV protection. Shirts will be delivered in February. To order, or ask questions, contact Nancy Bevens - 520-343-9920, 
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!
