As we celebrate the season, the Rotary office will be closed on December 24, 25, 26, and January 1 to allow time for holiday cheer, rest, and celebration.
We look forward to ringing in the new year together at our next Rotary luncheon on Wednesday, January 7 when we hear from members El Ndoye and Hugh Thompson talk about our International Project and visit with the Forgotten Children in Senegal . Until then, enjoy a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year!
PRESIDENT ELECT BOBBY LARSON welcomed us to the meeting. New member, as of last month, LORI SCHROEDER led the Pledge and song, “Star Spangled Banner” in A cappella.
BOBBY LARSON shared a video from our fellow Rotarians who are currently traveling in Senegal, led by our member ELIJAH NDOYE. They were watching our meeting in Africa and we all stood up and waived.
Unfortunately, there was a moment of silence for the passing of STEVE OCHOA. STEVE was a pilar in our community and will be deeply missed by many.
ALAN ROGERS offered the Inspiration. He asked “Why are we Rotarians?” Then, he offered the answer. Doing and completing one thing beats starting 10 things. We get things done in our community and around the world.
DAN KALM introduced lots of guests. MARGARET HIGGINS highlighted the Board Candidates for 2026 – 2028 and we all voted for our top three of six choices. The ballots were collected.
JONATHAN WALKUP and his family sponsored the cookies this month. He rode very fast around the 62 mile course of El Tour de Tucson and I hope that he was able to enjoy more than one, well deserved cookie.
DEBBIE SHEPPARD who attended The Ohio State University introduced our Speaker, Alison Flynn Gaffney.
Alison is the CEO at Banner University Medicine, and they are celebrating 10 years in partnership with the University of Arizona. Alison is all about her family and is a Wife, Mom and Daughter. She’s also a calculated risk taker who was born and raised in the Bronx of New York City. She knew many members in our club and said that she may be interested in becoming an honorary member of our club someday. She’s been the CEO for one year at Banner University. Banner University, an organization of 8,200 employees, had an economic impact of $1.1 Billion in 2024. She was welcomed by the CEO of Tucson Medical Center and has since become good friends with Jennifer Mendrzycki who also grew up in the Bronx. She said that they are people taking care of people and focus on service above self. Alison highlighted the Chief of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Liechty and his work with fetal surgery. You can watch a highlight about it here: https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/banners-fetal-care-center-works-miracle-for-tucson-couple-and-their-baby. She ended her talk with a quote by Hamilton Wright Mabie, “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” Then she signed the book “The Hospital Book” which will go in the Make Way For Books library as we continue to focus on literacy.
ERNIE MONTAGNE was celebrating his birthday. Ernie was the District Governor and made the Ride to End Polio happen with the leadership and inspiration of Mike Harris. BOBBY LARSON was celebrating his birthday and noted that his company, The Villas has been voted best in assisted living and memory care for the past 10 years. TOM LICKLITER was also celebrating his birthday. TOM is the only professional axe thrower in Pima County which makes him one in a million. Finally, GARY SCHEER was celebrating his birthday. GARY has been a Rotarian for 48 years. Happy Birthday all!
BRUCE JACOBS introduced our new member LORI SCHROEDER. LORI worked for BRUCE at two different times in her career. She has two sons, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
JENN DELANEY presented AUTUMN HUFAULT with her blue badge and CHUCK SAWYER presented WINSTON WELCH with his blue badge.
DAN KALM read the winning raffle ticket number and CHUCK SAWYER was the winner. He didn’t win the jackpot however. DAN also announced that we had 75 volunteers on the previous Saturday ringing bells for the Salvation Army and raised over $8,500.
BOBBY LARSON had a few announcements:
He noted that upcoming events are listed on our tables as well as on our website.
The Rotary office will be closed 12/24, 12/25, 12/26 and 1/1.
NANCY GUNGOR and LORI SCHROEDER were photographed for a Red Badge Selfie.
DIANA MADARAS announced the Service Project Winner for November & December.
ALAN SCHROPE offered a Membership Minute and noted that Fellowship is where it’s at when it comes to a happy and successful membership.
JEN HOFFMAN then announced the new Board members for 2026-2028. JOHN DUVAL, CAMI EVANS and BILL TONG are the incoming, new Board Members. Congratulations and thank you.
BOBBY summarized the meeting and ALAN RODGERS offered the toast, “Service above self.”
Congratulations and a Big Thank You, Rotary Club of Tucson!!!!
First, a big thank you to our riders who participated in Ride to End Polio event!!! El Tour/Riders included Matt Blair, Aimee Graves, Luis Hernanez, Gary Hirsch, Kandy Hirsch, Dan Kalm, Bob Morken, Lee Olitzky, Alan Rogers, and Jonathan Walkup!!!! Indoor Ride/participants included Dana Cole, Jo DeChatelet, Rich Flynn, Nancy Gutt, Charlotte Harris, Gary Hirsch (leader), Kandy Hirsch, Jennifer Hoffman, Sean Hoffman, Dot Kret, Ann Lancero, Bobby Larson, David Lex, David Lovitt, Jim Lubinski, Ernie Montagne, Steve Pickering, Darrell Stewart. Hugh Thompson, and Bruce Tunze!!!!
Second, a big thank you to our club members, friends and family members who donated to Rotary International's Polio Plus in support of our Riders of our Club's Ride to End Polio!!! I am proud to report that our 9 El Tour Riders raised $3,879 and our 18 Indoor Riders raised $11,660 for a total of $15,539 and with the Gates Match $446,617 to provide polio immunizations to children and get us closer to a polio free world!
Our positive outreach of safety and positive health to the children of the world is significant!
And under the Ride to End Polio leadership of our fellow Rotarian, Gary Hirsch, including all aspects of fundraising from all Rotarians riding in El Tour and Rotarians around America doing Indoor Ride events, a grand total, including the Gates Match, raised was $3,946,897.95. This brings our total, since the inception of Ride to End Polio with El Tour de Tucson's partnership to just over $77,000,000!!!!
It is a challenge to find words to express this incredible dedication and accomplishment!!
At the December 17 Rotary meeting, Alison Flynn Gaffney shared an inspiring example of advanced, life-saving care provided by Banner’s Fetal Care Center, as highlighted in a recent local news story. The article details how a Tucson family received specialized prenatal care after their unborn baby was diagnosed with a serious chest condition that threatened vital organs.
Through early diagnosis and a complex fetal procedure performed before birth by Dr. Kenneth Liechty, pediatric and fetal surgeon, Banner’s multidisciplinary team was able to significantly improve the baby’s outcome. Gaffney emphasized the importance of having this level of highly specialized fetal care available locally, allowing families to stay close to home during critical moments.
Saturday, January 10th 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Join Us for a Morning of Giving & Fun! 🗓 3003 S. Country Club
Calling all Rotarians – it’s time to roll up those sleeves and make a difference! We need 50 energetic, fun-loving volunteers to help pack food for those in need. Get ready for some hard work, a ton of laughs, and the satisfaction of giving back to the community. Let’s make it a morning to remember! Contact Bobby Larson for information.
Our next meeting will be on Monday, January 12th at noon at Canyon's Crown restaurant, located at 6958 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715. We discussed meeting at Risky Business again, but alas they are closing, and I am not creative enough to come up with something else. We will be reviewing the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.
For February, our book is The Boys in the Boat. I learned from Charlotte Harris, that our own Hugh Thompson was also on the Olympic Crew Team as an alternate and is willing to join our meeting to share his experience. The meeting will be on either February 16th or 23rd, based on Hugh's schedule, location TBD.
Great news, Rotarians! Our next Tucson Clean and Beautiful Adopt-A-Road event is coming up on Saturday, January 17th. We’ll meet at 8:15 AM at the former Fiesta Lanes (now Pinz), located at 501 W. River Rd.
Be sure to wear a hat, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and gloves. We’ll provide bags, grabbers, and safety vests. Bring your Rotary spirit and a little morning energy — together we’ll help keep Tucson looking great!
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
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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Happy Holidays from Rotary! 🎄✨
ersity Medicine, and they are celebrating 10 years in partnership with the University of Arizona. Alison is all about her family and is a Wife, Mom and Daughter. She’s also a calculated risk taker who was born and raised in the Bronx of New York City. She knew many members in our club and said that she may be interested in becoming an honorary member of our club someday. She’s been the CEO for one year at Banner University. Banner University, an organization of 8,200 employees, had an economic impact of $1.1 Billion in 2024. She was welcomed by the CEO of Tucson Medical Center and has since become good friends with Jennifer Mendrzycki who also grew up in the Bronx. She said that they are people taking care of people and focus on service above self. Alison highlighted the Chief of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Liechty and his work with fetal surgery. You can watch a highlight about it here: 
BRUCE JACOBS introduced our new member LORI SCHROEDER. LORI worked for BRUCE at two different times in her career. She has two sons, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. 
The following new Member application has been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
Congratulations and a Big Thank You, Rotary Club of Tucson!!!!
At the December 17 Rotary meeting, Alison Flynn Gaffney shared an inspiring example of advanced, life-saving care provided by Banner’s Fetal Care Center, as highlighted in a recent local news story. The article details how a Tucson family received specialized prenatal care after their unborn baby was diagnosed with a serious chest condition that threatened vital organs.
Hello Rotary Book Club fellowship - 
RYLA
Great news, Rotarians! Our next Tucson Clean and Beautiful Adopt-A-Road event is coming up on Saturday, January 17th. We’ll meet at 8:15 AM at the former Fiesta Lanes (now Pinz), located at 501 W. River Rd.
Hiking Fellowship, Saturday, January 17th
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!
