First, I would like you know I consider it an honor and a privilege to have been chosen to be your president. I sincerely consider each of you all family, and I will do my very best to make this year fun, meaningful, interesting, and worthy of the time you invest here. With all of the fantastic club president’s we’ve had over the years, I welcome you to Rotary year 2026-2027. This is a very special year for our wonderful country. We all celebrate 250 years as the United States of America this very week, and I cannot think of a better group of people to celebrate it with. We also celebrate Rotary International in its 121st year of providing “service above self” while at the same time welcoming the city of Tucson join us while we celebrate our club, The Rotary Club of Tucson, in its 105th year working to make Tucson and the world a better place for everyone.
Looking back on 2025-2026 we all are big fans of Dot Kret and enjoy all that she was able to achieve with our helping hands. Her Board of Past President Kurtis Dawson, Michael Guymon, Diana Madaras, Jason Grabosch, Brittany Battle, Alan Schrope, and Jonathan Walkup, SAA Dan Kalm, Secretary extraordinaire Jennifer Delaney, and Treasurer Glenn Ewing have not only kept us on solid ground but also have set the bar high. Jenn and Glenn are back as well as Britt, Alan, and Jonathan, and I look forward to them working with our new board members SAA Drea Williams, Cami Evans, Bill Tong, and Tom Moulton. I commend our club on choosing a great group of people that I am sure will work alongside each other to make our club even better.
As we start this new Rotary year, I will ask each of you to help “Create Lasting Impact”. This is not only impact on Tucson and our world, but also within yourselves. Each piece of service you give this year will also have an impact on you. By creating lasting impact helping others, you will also feel the lasting impact within yourselves. YOU/WE can do amazing things for others, and I look forward to seeing the results.
PRESIDENT DOT KRET rang the bell and welcomed everyone to a lively year‑end celebration. Then, almost‑new member ALAN PRESSEL set the tone with the Pledge and song “America the Beautiful,” accompanied by KHRIS DODGE on piano.
DOT then led a heartfelt IN MEMORIAM, as we paused to remember members JAN GREEN, STEVE OCHOA, KIOTE ERICKSON, CONRAD PLIMPTON, JOHN DUVAL, and family members Nathan Lex, Nan Rollings and Karen LaMaster, whose lives and service have forever shaped our club. JOE DANISZEWSKI followed with an inspirational moment, uniting us around Rotary’s call to “Let there be Peace on Earth” talking about Rotary Peace Poles in our Community and around the world.
SAA DAN KALM warmly welcomed guests including lots of international virtual ones before DOT spotlighted this week’s COOKIE MONSTER, MARGARET HIGGINS, honoring MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS and our ongoing commitment to children’s literacy. Birthdays were celebrated for TJ JUSKIEWICZ and MATT BLAIR (our very own Didgeridoo aficionado), with plenty of cheers.
CLIFF BOWMAN delivered the Rotary Foundation’s ANNUAL REPORT, sharing impressive growth, generous giving, and the many ways our funds fuel scholarships, international projects, and local impact.
SAA DAN then drew the winning raffle ticket, congrats Michael Lex and thanks for sharing PRESIDENT DOT with us this year. We then got to see the Red Badge Selfies before PAST PRESIDENT KURTIS shared the History of the Giving Moment. JONATHAN WALKUP exemplified the Giving Moment by making a donation to TJ JUSKIEWICZ and Perimeter Bicycling.
DG BRUCE MONRO shared how lucky we are to have hosted so many amazing speakers this year and how lucky he was to have been present at SIX of our AMAZING meetings. He also commented that despite what a large club we are, we make all feel welcome.
From new members highlighted by DAN, to fellowships recapped by MITCH PISIK, EATS events promoted by BOBBY LARSON, and social mixers given a poetic twist by MICHAEL GUYMON, it was a full slate of Rotary fun. Our SERVICE PROJECTS coordinated by DIANA MADARAS, a phenomenal GLOBAL GRANT project in Senegal, a measurable FIVE‑YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN, and an incredibly successful CAR SHOW all made this “Year in Review” proof that we truly did UNITE FOR GOOD.
CHARLOTTE HARRIS spoke of the history of the Paul Harris Award and DON ROLLINGS followed up with his kind heart and generosity with the “Spirit of Rotary” Award that recognizes Rotarian(s) who stepped up and supported the President and the Club going the extra mile. This year two wonderful Rotarians were awarded this special recognition: BRITTANY BATTLE and LUIS HERNANDEZ. Congratulations you two and a huge thank you to our generous DON ROLLINGS for bringing this award to life.
In a fitting finale, DOT passed the gavel to incoming president BOBBY LARSON, with pins exchanged, new board members announced, heartfelt thanks offered, and a shared promise that 2026–27 will be FUN, impactful, and full of Rotary service. BOBBY closed by inviting everyone back next week as he shares his goals for the new Rotary year.
To continue providing the quality experience our members expect at our weekly lunch meetings, we must address rising operational costs. Due to increased expenses especially for catering and audiovisual services, membership dues will increase by $25 per quarter, effective July 1. Attendance Exempt and Family Member Meals will increase to $34. Guest lunches will increase to $36 per meal.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to maintain the high standards and value of our meetings and programs. Most importantly, we want to continue fostering the fellowship, camaraderie, and spirit of service that make our club such a meaningful part of our members’ lives.
Events Around Town (EAT) — Wednesday, July 8 🍽️(No Lunch Meeting)
Trade the usual routine for something a little more flavorful—Events Around Town (EAT) is back on Wednesday, July 8! Instead of our regular lunch meeting, Rotarians will head out across town from 12:00–1:30 p.m. to gather in smaller groups for lunch, conversation, and connection.
EAT is your chance to mix it up—meet someone new, catch up with familiar faces, and enjoy a relaxed midday break in a more personal setting. Whether you’re there for the food, the fellowship, or a bit of both, there’s always something special about these around-town gatherings.
Keep an eye out for location details and sign-up information coming soon. Be sure to reserve your spot early—these tables tend to fill up fast!
If you would like to host and event, contact the Rotary office.
No podium, no program—just good company and great conversation. See you around town on July 8!
Date: Thursday, July 16 Start time: 5:00 PM End time: 9:00 PM
Who's invited: All the cool Rotarians (hence your invitation). Who else is invited: Anyone who is philanthropic, fun, and who YOU believe would be a great new Rotarian; and/or your significant other. Cost of entry: $20
To register and pay: Link: fairwaycigarsaz Password: Rotary2026
Any issues with the link: Call Jeff at 520-990-1011.
Beverages: 4 whisky tastings, 4 tequilla tastings, and a couple of surprise tastings.
Food: But of course - ample amounts of your favorite BBQ.
Where: Fairway Cigars: 2900 E Broadway #113.
Deadline to RSVP: July 13 at 2:00PM. Maximum # of guests: 50 (due to the inevitable unrivaled enthusiasm, and the limited number of spots - don’t procrastinate to RSVP – this opportunity wouldn’t last long). Any questions: Call Jeff at 520-990-1011
Our next hiking fellowship will be on Saturday, July 18th at Incinerator Ridge (Kellog) Trail. More details to follow. We hope you can join us for another great adventure!
Our first Replacement/Social Mixer of the 26-27 Rotary year will be held the evening of July 29th at the Terraza Garden Patio, Hacienda del Sol, 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Rd. from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is a great way to meet your fellow Rotarians in a relaxed setting. Registration is now open under “Upcoming Events” on the left side of the homepage at our website www.tucsonrotary.org. Please be sure to register your guests. Guest fee is $36 billed to your member account. We hope to see you there...
Ticket Packets as well as Classic Club tickets are now available for pickup at Rotary meetings along with posters, business cards, and ticket-selling partner agreements.
If you haven't completed the Ticket Survey yet, please click on this link: (https://forms.gle/jot5D3JstDyYvoBs5) and give us your feedback by May 20. If you can’t access the link, please complete a paper survey at the Ticket Table to let us know whether you'll sell paper tickets, online, at events, through partner seller groups you recruit, and/or donate instead. THANK YOU!
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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My Fellow Rotarians:
Events Around Town (EAT) — Wednesday, July 8 🍽️(No Lunch Meeting)
Date: Thursday, July 16
Our next hiking fellowship will be on Saturday, July 18th at Incinerator Ridge (Kellog) Trail. More details to follow. We hope you can join us for another great adventure!
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!
