As we head into Thanksgiving, please note that Wednesday, November 26, 2025 will be a DARK day. There will be no lunch meeting at the TCC this week as we pause to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. The Rotary office will be closed November 27th & 28th.
We look forward to gathering again at our next lunch meeting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. All must register for this meeting as we welcome UA President, Suresh Garimella.
From President Dot and the Rotary Staff, we wish you and your loved ones a warm, joyful, and gratitude-filled Happy Thanksgiving!
PRESIDENT DOT welcomed us to the meeting. We enjoyed a buffet of Pot Roast and Turkey with lots of other vegetables as options to accompany. DANIEL ALLEN led the Pledge and song, “God Bless America” in A cappella. We sounded pretty good!
MITCH PISIK offered the inspiration. Why the Rotary Club of Tucson? We do the right thing, at the right time and in the right way.
DAN KALM welcomed lots of guests from Dove Mountain Rotary who were selling their color changing mugs. The mugs have a lovely desert scene that is only visible when hot liquid is in the mug. Visit DoveMountainRotary.org for more information.
DOT introduced our Cookie Sponsor, Charlotte Harris. Charlotte highlighted the riders for El Tour de Tucson who are riding to End Polio and encouraged all to sponsor a rider. Those who did the indoor ride and those who will be riding El Tour de Tucson were wearing their Rotary jersey and stood to be recognized.
JONATHAN ROTHSCHILD introduced our speaker. He encouraged all of us to spend a morning at Criminal Court downtown and said that it may change our perspective. Hon. Danelle Liwski is the Presiding Judge for Pima County. She is in charge of all of the courts to include: Civil, Criminal, Juvenile and Probate Court. In 2021, there were a total of 25,502 court cases in Pima County. So far this year, there has been 29,513. Of the 10,000+ Civil cases in 2024, 30 went to a jury trial. Of the 6,000 Criminal cases in 2025, 103 have gone to a jury trial. Settling out of trial is typically a good thing so long as both parties are unhappy, she said. When both parties are unhappy, that typically means that both got some but not all of what they wanted and is the best sign of a good compromise. Family court is the most difficult as often the Judge only has the two parties and their “word” to decide the outcome. She said that often in Juvenile court, it’s just kids being kids. Probate court cases will grow as more baby boomers pass away and then will shrink as many have passed. Judge Liwski was given the book “All Rise! At the Courthouse” to sign for the Make Way for Books Library.
A few were celebrating their birthdays. RICKY HUNLEY was celebrating his birthday and said spending time with the Rotary Club of Tucson was like being in another locker room. We’re all family here. He said that his Mom used to call him at 12:01am to wish him a happy birthday and he had better answer the call. MARGARET HIGGINS just returned from a great trip to Australia. We had a group sigh as she didn’t have a joke to tell. Finally, ROB SAME was celebrating his birthday. Something that we didn’t know about him is that he was born with a twin sister who passed away. She reminds him that life is a gift!
MARK IRVIN introduced Colonel JOSE CABRERA as an Honorary Member of our Club. “CA” CABRERA is the Wing Commander at Davis Monthan Airforce Base (DMAFB). We were told that they have an upcoming event called the “Cookie Crunch” where people can donate store bought and homemade cookies to the airmen at DMAFB who will not be able to return home for the holidays.
MITCH PISIK introduced DANIEL ALLEN as a new member. DANIEL has been in Tucson for about one year. He’s ran 10 marathons in his life, is an author, business coach and won the 2025 Tucson Classics Car Show Corvette! Super sweet and congrats, DANIEL!
MARGARET HIGGINS presented a blue badge to KENT BURBANK. Nice work KENT!
CHARLOTTE HARRIS presented a Paul Harris Award to Patrick Murphy who is the nephew of member JIM MURPHY. PATRICK grew up in Bisbee and while he no longer lives there, he’s on the Board the Friends of Warren Ballpark which is the original Field of Dreams in Bisbee, AZ. Congrats to PATRICK!
DAN KALM drew the winning card for the 25/50/25 Raffle and the winner was DIANA MADARAS….again! I think DIANA does a whole lot of good in our community and karma is paying her back, one raffle drawing at a time.
We had a few announcements:
PRESIDENT DOT reminded us to check the upcoming Events on our tables or on our website.
12/3 the Univ. of Arizona President will be speaking to our club. You must sign up online to attend.
12/11 the Holiday Mixer will be at GEORGE LARSEN’S Car Cave. Save the Date!
GARY HIRSCH talked about the Ride to End Polio. Since the start of El Tour de Tucson, 63% of all the money raised for non-profit organizations has been for the Ride to End Polio.
DARRELL STEWART let us know that the award outside of Rotary General Secretary John Hewko’s office has been renamed to the GARY M. HIRSCH AWARD for all that GARY has done for the Ride to End Polio. Congrats and well-deserved GARY!
MARK IRVIN’S Happy Jackson was to let us know that the Desert Thunder Squadron has an ongoing program going for DMAFB Airmen who are about to retire. The program is intended to give the Airmen a better footing and preparation for the day they are no longer in active duty.
PRESIDENT DOT summarized the meeting and MITCH PISIK offered the closing toast “Look to your left, look to your right and congratulations on knowing such cool people.”
November is Rotary International Foundation Month! If you’ve lost or misplaced any of your Paul Harris Fellow pins at any level, please contact Charlotte Harris for a replacement. Your generous contributions continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.
Lee Borzick, advisor for the Edge High School Interact Club, joined our recent Food Bank Service Project with two students, his Executive Director, and Head of Finance — marking about his sixth time supporting this Rotary effort!
The Edge Interact team is now organizing a community Blood Drive — see the included flyer for details and ways to help.
Thank you, Lee and Edge Interact, for your continued partnership and dedication to service!
Join us on Wednesday, December 3, for a special luncheon featuring University of Arizona President Dr. Suresh Garimella. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the leader of our state’s flagship university.
Please note: All attendees must register for this meeting on the Club website. Registration is now open. Although the official deadline is Friday at noon, the office will be closed, so we need to give the TCC a nearly final meal count by Wednesday afternoon. Your help is greatly appreciated to register by Wednesday.
There will be NO regular lunch meeting on Wednesday, December 10th. Instead, join your fellow Rotarians for Events Around Town (EAT) at various hosted lunch locations! If you are interested in hosting, please let the Rotary office know the location and how many you will be hosting. This is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow Rotarians.
Our Holiday Mixer will take place the evening of December 11th at George Larsen's Car Cave, 8140 E. 22nd Street, Ste. 140. More details will follow, so in the meantime please mark your calendars for this fun, festive evening with your fellow Rotarians! All will need to register. We'll keep you posted when registration is open.
Saturday, December 6th hike - Tumamoc Hill Trail - 7:30AM start time from the trailhead
It is time for the annual tradition of our always favorite, Holiday Stroll! We will meet at the trailhead on Silverbell Road, off of St. Mary's. Please remember to use on street parking as the potential to have your vehicle towed on weekends is still in play!
The hike is categorized as moderate and on a paved trail, covering 3 miles and 720 vertical feet. Please allow 2 hours for the hike and another hour for a tasty horchata/breakfast at Seis Kitchen!
Please look at your schedule and see if you can be a part of this wonderful day! With kettle sponsors, we’re well on our way to raising 10,000 in our day of jingles!!
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.
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!
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!
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
.jpg)
As we head into Thanksgiving, please note that Wednesday, November 26, 2025 will be a DARK day. There will be no lunch meeting at the TCC this week as we pause to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. The Rotary office will be closed November 27th & 28th.
DOT introduced our Cookie Sponsor, Charlotte Harris. Charlotte highlighted the riders for El Tour de Tucson who are riding to End Polio and encouraged all to sponsor a rider. Those who did the indoor ride and those who will be riding El Tour de Tucson were wearing their Rotary jersey and stood to be recognized.
MARK IRVIN introduced Colonel JOSE CABRERA as an Honorary Member of our Club. “CA” CABRERA is the Wing Commander at Davis Monthan Airforce Base (DMAFB). We were told that they have an upcoming event called the “Cookie Crunch” where people can donate store bought and homemade cookies to the airmen at DMAFB who will not be able to return home for the holidays.
MARGARET HIGGINS presented a blue badge to KENT BURBANK. Nice work KENT!
November is Rotary International Foundation Month! If you’ve lost or misplaced any of your Paul Harris Fellow pins at any level, please contact Charlotte Harris for a replacement. Your generous contributions continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.
Lee Borzick, advisor for the Edge High School Interact Club, joined our recent Food Bank Service Project with two students, his Executive Director, and Head of Finance — marking about his sixth time supporting this Rotary effort!
Join us on Wednesday, December 3, for a special luncheon featuring University of Arizona President Dr. Suresh Garimella. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the leader of our state’s flagship university.
There will be NO regular lunch meeting on Wednesday, December 10th. Instead, join your fellow Rotarians for Events Around Town (EAT) at various hosted lunch locations! If you are interested in hosting, please let the Rotary office know the location and how many you will be hosting. This is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow Rotarians.
Our Holiday Mixer will take place the evening of December 11th at George Larsen's Car Cave, 8140 E. 22nd Street, Ste. 140. More details will follow, so in the meantime please mark your calendars for this fun, festive evening with your fellow Rotarians! All will need to register. We'll keep you posted when registration is open.
Greetings fellow hiking enthusiasts,
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
There will be a Rotary lunch meeting on Wednesday, December 17th. The speaker will be the CEO of Banner Health, Alison Flynn Gaffney.
There will be no Rotary lunch meeting on Wednesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 31st.We are dark these weeks for the holidays.
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.
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!
