Susan Archibald plans to share some exciting updates about Rotary International, an organization that continues to transform lives and communities across the globe. Rotary's mission of "Service Above Self" has guided our work for over a century, and this year is no different.

 

We are seeing remarkable progress in our key focus areas—especially in areas like disease prevention, clean water access, and literacy initiatives. The End Polio Now campaign is witnessing new milestones as we move closer to eradicating polio once and for all. Our commitment to empowering local economies has never been stronger, with innovative projects underway that are creating jobs and supporting small businesses.

 

In addition, Rotary's global network is expanding, with new clubs and initiatives enhancing our ability to make a difference in more communities than ever before. We've also embraced digital transformation, making it easier for members to connect, collaborate, and take action, even in challenging times.

We will be holding our next "Events Around Town on Wednesday, 12/11/24.  Remember, this is the second week of the month, therefore there is no scheduled club lunch meeting.  These events are hosted by members at restaurants scattered around Tucson.  If you are interested in hosting an event, please let President Kurtis or the Rotary office know.  We will need the location and how many you will be hosting.  Please sign up on the website under "Upcoming Events".  You are responsible for your meal.  Thank you!  We have four events set so far.  A big shout out to the hosts:

 

A member of our club is challenging members to donate to Polio Plus and support our Ride to End Polio riders by offering matching recognition points, one for one, for donations of a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $500. This means a donation of $100 will become $200, $200 will become $400, etc. towards your next Paul Harris Fellow. This is a win-win for everyone: more children will be vaccinated for polio, you will be closer to your next Paul Harris Fellow, and our Ride to End Polio riders will be encouraged to ride and ride.

This comes at an important time for the continued goal of elimination of the wild polio virus as the numbers demonstrate an increase in the two endemic countries:

 

2024 Wild Polio Case Total 71 – Afghanistan 23 – Pakistan 48

2023 Wild Polio Case Total 12 – Afghanistan 6 – Pakistan 6

2022 Wild Polio Cases 22 – Afghanistan 2 – Pakistan 20

 

Our riders for El Tour include:  Matt Blair, Gary Hirsch, Kandy Hirsch, Chris Monson, Ernie Montagne, Angela Moore, Bob Morken, Lee Olitzky, Alan Rogers, and JW Walkup.

 

Our riders for the Indoor Ride include: Dana Cole, Jo DeChatelet, Charlotte Harris, Gary Hirsch, Jen Hoffman, Sean Hoffman, Dot Kret, Ann Lancero, Bobby Larson, Ernie Montagne, Steve Pickering, Darrell Stewart and Hugh Thompson.           

 

To participate, make out your check to “The Rotary Foundation” and in the memo put the name of the rider you are supporting and turn in your check at the registration desk at a club meeting no later than the December 4^th meeting.

 

Your support is appreciated!!! ~~ Char Harris

Date: November 23, 2024

Total Volunteer Hours Contributed (includes travel): 63.5

 

The Rotary Club came out in force and helped tackle a neglected portion of the trail that will serve as part of the racecourse for the Colossal Vail 50/50 in December.  We clearly marked the trail where it turns off the power line road and removed lots of overgrown grass to reveal the tread.  A lot of the day was spent cutting back mesquite trees, catclaw acacias and a few yucca ends. Next year we won’t schedule it on the same day as El Tour de Tucson.  Thanks to all who worked with us on the Arizona Trail!

 

 

 

Hello fellow hiking enthusiasts,

 

I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends!  

 

Just wanted to get the final reminder out for our hike on Saturday, 12/7 at 8AM.  Projected weather for this weekend looks great and we should have a beautiful trek in the Tucson Mountains.  Temperatures as we begin will be in the upper 40's and should reach the low 60's at completion with sunny conditions.

 

This is the official advisement of the final scheduled hike for the calendar year, 2024 and we have a great one lined up in the Tucson Mountains!  Please join me for a morning on the Brown Mountain Loop, departing from the Brown Mountain Picnic Area next door to the Desert Museum.  This is a great little loop hike that takes you on the ridge overlooking the Sonoran Desert Museum, Gilbert Ray campground and offers great views of the backside of the Tucson Mountains.  This is a moderate hike covering 4.2 miles and 688 vertical feet with hike times projected at 3 hours from beginning to end.

 

We will meet at the Brown Mountain Picinic area beginning at 7:45AM for an 8AM departure.  This access allows for sufficient parking so we will just meet there and no carpool necessary.  I will check in as we get closer with updates on anticipated conditions and any time changes that might occur.

 

See you on the trails!

 

Dear Rotarians,

 

Dear Rotarians—our day, December 14 is fast approaching.  We have 8 locations and 4 shifts per location.  The goal is to raise 1k in donations per kettle to provide 5500 holiday meals for Tucson folks.  We need your help.  We have two openings for bell ringers.  We provide the smocks, candy canes and kettles!  We need smiles and ringers!  Please consider signing up.  Here is the link or you can reach out to Dan Kalm at 520-300-1293 or azdan@me.com.  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QSvG8QH02pOLuNmMt37leo03kQ5Jai1ysFgaK-lHNxM/edit

 

Come one come all—let’s make this a great day for our Rotary and really help the community!!

The Rotary Club of Tucson will be volunteering at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona on Saturday, January 18th located at 3003 S. Country Club Rd. in Tucson from 9 am-12 pm.  We will be boxing food for 100’s if not 1000’s of people less fortunate than us and having a great time together while doing it.  Our efforts in our previous volunteer opportunities have helped provide over 140,000 lbs. of boxed food for the elderly and families in and around Pima County.  We are looking for 40 people 16 years of age on up to help.  Please contact Bobby Larson at 520-730-5271 to register.  Thanks gang, and I promise you will leave feeling better than when you arrived!   ~~Bobby Larson  P.S. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be standing a lot but there are a couple of 15 minute breaks.