Tucsotarian - January 21, 2026
 

Stories

2025 TCCS Results & Checks Presentation
At the 1/21/26 lunch meeting Dave White, our 2025 Car Show Chair, unveils the results of this year’s incredible event! We’ll be celebrating the hard work, passionate effort, and generous giving that made the show such a BIG SUCCESS.
 
During the meeting, we will be presenting checks to each of our amazing beneficiaries—organizations doing truly impactful community development right here in our city.  For many members, this is one of the most meaningful and anticipated meetings of the year.
 
Don’t miss it!
 
This Week's Cookie Sponsor:
(Anonymous)
 
 
EAT, Drink, and Be Rotary – January 14 Was a Hit!

Rotarians traded the ballroom for bistros on January 14, and Tucson’s dining scene delivered in delicious style. From the savory Thai flavors at Bai Thong (thanks Mark Irvin, John Duval & David Lovitt!) to the comfort-food vibes at Opa’s Best with Glenn Ewing, Chuck Sawyer & Bobby Larson, laughter and great conversation filled every table.

Downtown buzzed at Hotel Congress, where Dot Kret kept the group energized with her signature hospitality, while the Hacienda del Sol Terraza Patio crew soaked up sunshine and scenery thanks to hosts Bruce Jacobs and Kurtis Dawson. Across the city, friendships were strengthened, stories were swapped, and more than a few “we should do this more often!” moments were overheard.

If you missed January’s EAT, don’t worry—there’s always another chance to pull up a chair. Watch the website, grab a seat early, and consider being a host yourself. After all, the best Rotary connections often happen somewhere between the appetizer and dessert.

Proposed New Members
The following new Member applications have been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
 
Active Member:  Kasey O'Connor
 
Company:  RG & Sons Plumbing
 
Classification: Service Industries: Plumbing
 
Sponsor: Kevin Barker
                                                                                                                                                             
 
Active Member:  Leah Ranalli
 
Company:  Ranalli Holdings LLC
 
Classification: Service Industries: Plumbing
 
Sponsor: Roger LaFaye
 
If no written objections are received within ten days of publication, the applicants will be accepted.
Clean & Beautiful Service Project - Recap
Pictured L to R, Bobby L., Jo D., Alan R., Dan K., Hugh T., Dot K., Lee O., Wocky R.
Not picture Karen K.
 
RCOT’s Tucson Clean and Beautiful Service Project
 
Our Rotary team gathered at 8:15 AM on 1/17/26, in the parking lot of Pinz Bowling. Given the chilly morning, we shared coffee, hot chocolate and pastry for energy and fellowship. We began this service project two years ago. When we began, our assigned street was quite littered and unpleasant.  We continue to find litter, including shopping carts, clothing, and car parts, but far less than when the service project began. The area we cover is Oracle from Wetmore to River.  Please think about joining us for the next service effort in early March (date to follow).
Shirts Available for Purchase
EVERY Rotarian should be properly outfitted at our service projects. We will have our High Performance, Moisture-Wicking, Tailored Polo-style shirts available for purchase at the Wednesday, January 21st Meeting.
Agave Fellowship - January 22
Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate one of Mexico’s most iconic traditions—agave 🌵🥃
 
The Rotary Club of Tucson Agave Fellowship invites you to an evening where culture, craftsmanship, and camaraderie come together in true Tucson style.
 
📅 Date: January 22, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: The Lodge on the Desert
306 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ
 
We’ll enjoy a guided tasting of three unique tequilas and one mezcal, paired with a delicious taco bar 🌮—because great stories (and spirits) are always better with good food.
During the evening, you’ll be taken on a cultural journey through the agave fields as we learn how tequila is harvested, crafted, aged, and bottled, complete with a full educational presentation that will change the way you look at what’s in your glass.
💵 Cost: $50 per person
👥 Space is extremely limited—only 25 spots available
 
This intimate experience will fill up quickly, so don’t wait. If you enjoy learning something new, sharing a few laughs, and raising a glass with fellow Rotarians, this night is for you.
 
👉 Reserve your spot soon before the last lime is squeezed!
 
RSVP to Luis Hernandez: luis@hercorgroup.com
 
¡Salud!

Agave Fellowship
Rotary Club of Tucson
Lunch Meeting 1/28/26 At the Sheraton
Mark Your Calendar: Due to the Gem Show at the TCC, the club lunch meeting on January 28th will be held at the Sheraton, 5151 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712.  We will be meeting upstairs in the Catalina Ballroom.  All must register under Upcoming Events on the website.  Don't forget to register your guests (if a "prospect" mark in the comment section) and mark any special lunch in the comment section.
Rotary Golf Fellowship - January 30

Rotary Golf Fellowship Schedule

 

– Friday, January 30, 2026

 

Contact Bruce Tunze at btunze@gmail.com to sign up.

Book Club Fellowship - February 16
Our next meeting will be Monday, February 16, at noon in the private room of El Charro restaurant (6910 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85750).  We will be reviewing the book, The Boys in the Boat, and will have our own Hugh Thompson as a special guest speaker, as once-upon-a-time he was an alternate on the US Olympic Crew team.
 
No past participation is required, each meeting is stand-alone.  Friends, family and of course potential members are all invited.  There is no cost other than what you choose to purchase at El Charro.  Please let me know if you plan to attend so I can make an appropriate restaurant reservation.
 
Our future reading list is pre-planned and on the website under "Book Fellowship, however we are known to make changes based on current events and the whims of our participants.  Thank you!  Nancy Stockton
Whisky Fellowship - February 19

This is the most special time of year, as it is when the Rotary Club of Tucson's February Whisky Event is announced. As per always, this is going to be the most fun one yet.

Details, Details, Details:
Date: February 19
Day: Thursday
Start time: 6:00 PM
End time: Before Monday morning
Who's invited: All the cool Rotarians.
Who else is invited: Anyone 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 (extra credit for Rye).
Can you bring your bottle back home with you: Absolutely.
Food: Ample amounts of your favorite munchies.
Where: 750 W. Landoran Lane. Oro Valley. 85737
RSVP: Text Rob at 520-661-5519
Deadline to RSVP: 2:30 PM on February 12th
Maximum # of guests: 20
Any questions: Call Rob at 520-661-5519

Cheers,
Mitch Pisik & Brett Stein

Peace Pole Project
The Peace Pole Project is a global grassroots initiative that invites people and communities around the world to plant Peace Poles inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages, serving as enduring symbols of hope, unity, and goodwill; with over 200,000 poles on every continent, the project connects participants through a shared commitment to peace and a global “Peace Pole Map” where installations can be registered and celebrated.
 
Our RCOT has two Peace Poles. One at Literacy Connects and a second at the entrance to the Zoo. 
 
Two of our Rotarians are working on two new Peace Poles in 2026. May Peace Prevail on the Earth!
 
You can find out more here.
Resignations
The following members have resigned from the Rotary Club of Tucson:
 
Brandi Haga-Blackman
Kandy Hirsch
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
Jan 28, 2026
Regional Transportation Authority (Sheraton)
Feb 04, 2026
Feb 11, 2026
"Events Around Town"
Feb 18, 2026
O'Reilly Chevrolet
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Agave Fellowship
Jan. 22, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
 
January 28, Lunch Meeting @ Sheraton, Grant Road
Jan. 28, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
 
Golf Fellowship - January 30th
Jan. 30, 2026
 
Book Club Fellowship - February 16
Feb. 16, 2026 12:00 p.m.
 
Whisky Fellowship - February 19
Feb. 19, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
 
Hiking Fellowship - Bowen House(Tucson Mountains)
Feb. 21, 2026
 
TRAK - February 21
TRAK
Feb. 21, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
 
Hiking Fellowship - Phoneline Trail
Mar. 21, 2026
 
TRAK - March 21
TRAK
Mar. 21, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
 
View entire list
Sponsors
Interested in being a sponsor?
Download the website sponsorship guide
Please add mailservice@clubrunner.com to your safe sender list or address book.
To unsubscribe from future e-mails, click here.
To forward this email to your friends, click here.
To view our privacy policy, click here.
 
ClubRunner
905.829.5299
102-2060 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, ON, L6H 5R7
 
ClubRunner is a registered trademark of Doxess Technologies Inc.
© 2016 ClubRunner. All Rights Reserved.