Wednesday, August 27, 2025 5:30 – 7:30 PM The District Bites & Brew – 3025 N. Campbell Ave., Suite 121
Rotarians, get ready for a fun evening of fellowship and connection! Our Rotary Club of Tucson Social Mixer is happening at The District Bites & Brew, one of Tucson’s newest and most talked-about spots.
This casual neighborhood restaurant and bar offers a warm, welcoming vibe, great food, and plenty of drinks to enjoy while catching up with friends and meeting fellow members. It’s the perfect chance to strengthen connections, welcome new faces, and share what Rotary is all about in a relaxed setting.
We can’t wait to see everyone there as we enjoy an evening of camaraderie, conversation, and community!
PRESIDENT DOT rang the bell right on cue, launching us into another Wednesday of warmth and wisdom. The buffet was bustling, and the chatter was cheery—we were spreading classic Rotary energy!
New member JOANNE ZICH led us in the pledge and belted “God Bless America” like the true gem she is.
JASON FLAX delivered the spark of inspiration reminding us that life isn’t a race, it is a journey. We were inspired and caffeinated.
SCOTT VAUGHAN shared a message from DON ROLLINGS and his family, who thanked us for the outpouring of support with the passing of his beloved wife Nan.
SAA DAN KALM welcomed everyone—both in-person and Zoom-style. Shoutout to our virtual viewer Monte Clausen for beaming in from cyberspace!
A Cookie Monster has been spotted! This week’s sweet sponsor? The ever-fabulous DIANA MADARAS! Cookies entered the room and disappeared just as fast.
SAA DAN KALM strikes again, and this time we have a winner of our 50/50 Raffle; Congratulations DARRELL STEWART, he went home $2314.00 richer!! DAN also announced all of the RCOT members who made it to the Reader’s Choice Finals. Way to go!
Led by PRESIDENT DOT , the mic got hot with these highlights: - Red Badge Selfies – Snap, post, and graduate that badge! - Replacement Mixer (8/27 @ District Bites & Brew) – Sign up by 8/22! - District Conference @ Tubac – Sept 26 & 27. Tee off & turn up! - Catalina Club Service Project – Join us Sept 20 at Ben’s Bells. - Car Show Ticket Update – DAVE WHITE gave us the lowdown and encouraged us to “Bust our Butts” selling tickets. Share your very own "Bust your Butt” story and you may just win a Benjamin. - Derby Team Victory Lap – MATT BLAIR AND BOB MORKEN awarded the winning team- Mustang Rally! - Happy Jacksons! – BRITTANY BATTLE and RICKY HUNLEY delivered the double dose: UA Football & PR love.
CAMI EVANS announced that there will be a tour at Steele Children’s Research Center next week on Wednesday. If you are interested please reach out to CAMI so she knows how many to expect and EL NDOYE had an announcement about our Global Project in Senegal.
PRESIDENT DOT proudly introduced DIANA MADARAS, Chair of our Service Projects and all-around Rotary rock star, DIANA spoke on all of the amazing service projects our club participated in this year really showcasing our club’s commitment to Service Above Self. She gave away some pretty awesome prizes to those who submitted their names for participating in service projects over the past year. Twenty Two of our members had five or more points The amazing prizes went to: PAM WALTON-ROSS, ALAN ROGERS, JIM ENGEL, DARYL BIRKHIMER, BRUCE JACOBS, ART ALLIS and ROBERT O’BRIEN. MARCIA KRUMWIEDE TIMS had the winning ticket for the Flemings Gift Card! Congratulations to you all and thank you for your service to our community.
The children’s book “The Magic of Me – My Magical Gifts” is being donated to Make Way for Books to spread the magic even further.
Thank you, DIANA MADARAS, for your sponsorship and dedication.
Next up: MICHELLE WARD from Larson Baker, LLC has the cookies covered for our next lunch meeting on 9/3. Remember there is no lunch meeting next week, Instead, we Mix It Up at District Bites & Brew on 8/27. Sign up on the website by Friday, 8/22. Next lunch meeting: September 3rd, back at the TCC!
JASON FLAX closed out the fun with a heartfelt toast. Until next time, Rotarians—keep serving, keep smiling, and don’t forget the cookies.
Rotary Club of Tucson was recently featured on the Life Along the Streetcar podcast, hosted by Tom Heath. The episode highlighted the powerful connections and community impact fostered by our club, featuring two inspiring Rotarian voices:
Brittany Battle – Jazz vocalist and active community leader
Ricky Hunley – UA football legend, NFL alum, and passionate mentor
During the interview, Brittany and Ricky shared personal stories about what drew them to Rotary and how the club continues to connect people from all walks of life. They spoke about Rotary’s role in fostering friendships, supporting local nonprofits, and creating opportunities to make a lasting difference in Tucson.
Their insights remind us why Rotary matters: we are People of Action, united through fellowship and service, striving to strengthen our community while building lifelong relationships.
PakistanTwo new Wild Polio cases reported this week. Twenty one Wild Polio cases reported in 2025. Seventy-four Wild Polio cases reported in 2024. Six Wild Polio Cases reported in 2023. The most recent case had an onset of paralysis on 7/29/25. Forty-two WPV1 Environmental Samples were reported this week in Pakistan. AfghanistanNo new Wild Polio cases reported this week. Two Wild Polio cases reported in 2025.Twenty-five Wild Polio cases reported in 2024. Six Wild Polio Cases reported in 2023. The most recent case had an onset of paralysis on 3/09/25. No WPV1 Environmental Samples were reported this week in Afghanistan. Together we will end polio!!!
Following our recent genome sequencing presentation by Dr. Laubitz, we are announcing an upcoming tour of the Steele Children’s Research Center! The tour will take place on Wednesday, August 27th at 12 noon. Plan on approximately an hour and a half visiting four labs on the tour. We have availability for 30 max to attend the tour so let us know as soon as possible.
Please contact Cami Evans crcwik@me.com to sign up and for further details
Please note the date change for this final hike of this year's Summer Hiking Series from September 13th to the week prior on September 6th. This final hike at altitude for this year is categorized as moderate, covering 5 miles and 900 vertical feet. Expected hike time is expected to be right around 3 hours.
Meet and departure will be from LeBuzz, located on Catalina Highway and Tanque Verde with a meet time of 6:30AM, departure at 6:45AM and anticipated hike start at 8AM. Upon completion of this beautiful stroll through the forest, conversation and tasty treats will be follow at Beyond Bread, located at the Mount Lemmon Lodge.
A nice trail with great views along the way. The end near the highway goes through a cabin neighborhood, being a holiday weekend it was a bit busy there. We had planned to cross the road and do a bit of the Butterfly Trail but the weather was starting to turn so we headed back. There was barely a trickle at the creek in Marshall Gulch. A lot of birds, mostly at either end.
Columbines greeted us at the beginning of the trail. Other wildflowers were blooming along the way. Running water about 1/2 mile in made my pooch very happy. On the way back, I noticed a few aspens blowing in the wonderfully cooling breeze. About 1 1/4 miles in, a dead tree is blocking the trail. We decided to go back instead of navigating around it.
Upcoming Events Around Town (EATS) – Wednesday, September 10, 2025
It’s that time again—EATS week is just around the corner! We're looking for members to host our next round of Events Around Town at restaurants across the city. Interested in hosting? Let the Rotary office know your chosen location and how many guests you can accommodate. Just a reminder: each attendee will cover the cost of their own meal.
Prefer to attend instead of host? Great! Sign-ups will be available soon on the home page under "Upcoming Events." You’ll pay for your meal, but the connections and conversation are always on the house!
A huge thank you in advance to our wonderful hosts—and don’t forget, there will be no regular lunch meeting on Wednesday, 9/10/25.
Thursday, September 18th | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Reforma Modern Mexican Mezcal and Tequila 4340 N. Campbell Ave, Ste. 101, Tucson, AZ 85718
Get ready for an evening of fun, fellowship, and flavor! The Rotary Club of Tucson invites you to our upcoming Agave Fellowship at Reforma Modern Mexican Mezcal and Tequila.
For just $50 per person, you’ll enjoy an exclusive guided tasting of four 1 oz shots — the perfect opportunity to expand your palate and learn about the rich traditions of mezcal and tequila.
This event is open to Rotary members and their guests, and you’re welcome to stay and socialize afterward at your own expense.
Spots are limited, so don’t wait to reserve your place!
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, September 18th
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Reforma Modern Mexican Mezcal and Tequila
Price: $50 per person (includes 4 tastings)
Guests Welcome!
For questions or to reserve your spot, please contact: Luis Hernandez ~~ Come sip, savor, and share a memorable evening with your fellow Rotarians!
Mark your calendars; we begin a new season of Tucson Clean and Beautiful - adopt a road on Saturday, September 20th, 2025.
Start time - 7:15AM - end time 9:15AM.
We meet at the former Fiesta Bowling - now Pinz. 501 River Rd. Please wear a hat, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and gloves. We have bags, grabbers, and vests. Bring your energy and Rotary enthusiasm.
Special free event at District Conference featuring our own fellow Rotarian Eljah Ndoye and our Senegal Global Grant
The International Project Fair at the Tubac Golf Resort is on Friday, Sept 26. from 10 AM till noon. Elijah Ndoye of RCOT will be Opening it with a 20-minute combination of inspirational speaking (about his journey) and music from his native Senegal. Afterwards, he will be at the RCOT booth featuring the Global Grant. There will be more than 20 other clubs and organizations presenting their projects at other booths too. This Fair is free to anyone who goes; you don't need to register for the District Conference.
The International Project Fair will be held in the Wedding Chapel just outside the Resort itself. Elijah will be a central part of this effort - something of which RCOT is really proud. Come support him!
The Rotary Club of Tucson Cycling Fellowship will start up once again. The dates are November 8th and November 15th. The Ride starts 8 AM at the St Philips Plaza Campbell and River on the South side near the REN coffee shop. We will ride the loop going West. The ride is for all riders of any ability and the pace and distance is entirely up to the rider. This ride is meant to be a fun training ride in preparation for the El Tour de Tucson. Riders should wear Rotary jerseys if possible.
Register Now for the 2025 Zones 26 & 27 Rotary Institute!
October 23–25, 2025 | Albuquerque, New Mexico Venue: The Clyde Hotel - Join Rotarians from across Zones 26 & 27 for the Big West Rotary Institute, an inspiring three-day event filled with leadership training, networking, and fun. Whether you’re a new member, an emerging leader, or a seasoned Rotarian, this is your chance to connect, learn, and grow.
Event Highlights
Dynamic Keynotes & Workshops – Engage with expert speakers, breakout sessions, and leadership development opportunities.
Emerging Leaders Program – Special track designed to prepare the next generation of Rotary leaders.
Pitch to Ignite – A Shark Tank-style competition where members present bold ideas for impact.
Celebrate Rotary – Join us for World Polio Day, peace initiatives, and the Sparkling Saturday Gala.
Optional Add-Ons – Tram rides, balloon museum tours, Santa Fe train trip, and golf outings available.
Lunch Afterwards: For those interested, we can walk to one of the downtown restaurants for a fun lunch. Our Ben’s Bells Coordinator says: For a group of about 20 people, I would recommend The Monica. It is within walking distance from our studio and has a wide variety of options. There is also Elliots, Baggins, La Chingada, The Little One, and La Cruda (Seafood).
Come join fellow Rotarians as we spend a Saturday morning with skilled artists at Ben’s Bells studio in downtown Tucson. We will be painting and stringing ceramic beads and elements that go into beautiful Ben’s Bells of kindness. These unique wind chimes will then be hung in a public space to be found by someone you do not know – but for whom this gesture of kindness will surely bring a moment of grateful peace into their lives. Hope to see you there 😊. Contact Barbara Kiernan with questions.
You all should have received the email from the Rotary Office with the Parking Protocols at the TCC. In order for us to continue to receive the complimentary parking, you will need to supply your Name and License Plate Number to kate.calhoun@tucsonaz.gov. When sending your information, please reference that you are a member of the Rotary Club of Tucson. After she has recorded your number into the system, you will not be charged for parking at the TCC going forward. If you have a guest attending a lunch meeting, please inform them they will need to validate their license plate number by stopping by the Guest Services Office inside the glass meeting room doors. Also, if you are driving a different car then the one you supplied information for, you too will need to stop by the Guest Services Office. Please remember to bring your License Plate Number with you when you leave your car.
Thank you and please relay all your questions to Kate at the TCC via the email provided.
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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Wednesday, August 27, 2025
A Cookie Monster has been spotted! This week’s sweet sponsor? The ever-fabulous DIANA MADARAS! Cookies entered the room and disappeared just as fast.
Following our recent genome sequencing presentation by Dr. Laubitz, we are announcing an upcoming tour of the Steele Children’s Research Center! The tour will take place on Wednesday, August 27th at 12 noon. Plan on approximately an hour and a half visiting four labs on the tour. We have availability for 30 max to attend the tour so let us know as soon as possible.
Please note the date change for this final hike of this year's Summer Hiking Series from September 13th to the week prior on September 6th. This final hike at altitude for this year is categorized as moderate, covering 5 miles and 900 vertical feet. Expected hike time is expected to be right around 3 hours.
Soldiers Camp Road to Sunset Trail - AllTrails
Marshall Gulch Trail, Arizona - 1,248 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Join Us for the Agave Fellowship!
International Project Fair at the Tubac Golf Resort is on Friday, Sept 26. from 10 AM till noon. Elijah Ndoye of RCOT will be Opening it with a 20-minute combination of inspirational speaking (about his journey) and music from his native Senegal. Afterwards, he will be at the RCOT booth featuring the Global Grant. There will be more than 20 other clubs and organizations presenting their projects at other booths too. This Fair is free to anyone who goes; you don't need to register for the District Conference. 
The Rotary Club of Tucson Cycling Fellowship will start up once again. The dates are November 8th and November 15th. The Ride starts 8 AM at the St Philips Plaza Campbell and River on the South side near the REN coffee shop. We will ride the loop going West. The ride is for all riders of any ability and the pace and distance is entirely up to the rider. This ride is meant to be a fun training ride in preparation for the El Tour de Tucson. Riders should wear Rotary jerseys if possible.
Register Now for the 2025 Zones 26 & 27 Rotary Institute!
SAVE THE DATE:
You all should have received the email from the Rotary Office with the Parking Protocols at the TCC. In order for us to continue to receive the complimentary parking, you will need to supply your Name and License Plate Number 
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!
