The 1/28/26 Lunch Meeting will be held at the Sheraton, 5151 E. Grant Road.
Over the past 20 years, the Regional Transportation Authority invested $1.6 billion in regional transportation infrastructure improving the movement of people, goods, and services throughout Pima County and enhancing the local economy. This plan, funded by a half-cent sales tax, is coming to an end in 2026. A plan for the next 20-years, still funded by the same half-cent sales tax rate (not a tax increase) will be on the ballot for Pima County voters in March 2026. Complete details of the draft plan can be viewed here.
Michael J. Ortega, P.E., Executive Director
Pima Association of Governments (PAG)
Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)
On June 16, 2025, Michael J. Ortega joined Pima Association of Governments (PAG) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) as its Executive Director. In working with its members, PAG conducts transportation, environmental and economic vitality planning for the region. PAG, a 501(c)4 nonprofit, was established in 1970, and the RTA, a state-established taxing authority charged with developing a 20-year regional transportation plan, was established in 2004. The RTA Board recently approved a $2.67 billion 20-year regional transportation plan that is scheduled to go to the voters for consideration in March 2026.
Prior to his appointment as Executive Director of PAG and RTA, Ortega began serving as Tucson City Manager in July 2015, where he managed a $2.2 billion budget and 5,000 employees. A former Cochise County Administrator and Douglas City Manager, he previously worked as an engineering manager for Pima County and various consulting firms. Ortega also served as the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) State Engineer where he led the Intermodal Transportation Division. In his nine years as Tucson City Manager, the City’s bond rating increased with all major bond agencies, and he managed more than $1.2 billion in revenue from voter-approved ballot initiatives.
Ortega graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and later earned a Master of Business Administration from the UA.
WELCOME Rotarians announced PRESIDENT DOT KRET Wednesday’s meeting. PRESIDENT DOT KRET rang the bell at 12 p.m. to officially get the meeting started then made the announcement on the buffet, we will have fellowship then at 12:15p we will start the presentation. We were led in the pledge and song by New Member ELENA HA. Today’s song was “America the Beautiful”. The inspirational moment was given by ALAN ROGERS. ALAN shared some thoughts on what it means to be a vital and active Rotarian. Being a Rotarian gives us a sense of purpose and gives so much more to our community. Sergeant at Arms DAN KALM stepped up to the podium to introduce our guests. Welcome to all Rotarians and guests.
Next PRESIDENT DOT KRET announced the Cookie Monster for this week. This weeks’ Cookie Monster is Anonymous. That means that any leftovers are available to take home with you!
PRESIDENT DOT KRET then introduced DAVE WHITE and ALAN ROGERS as today’s speakers. DAVE is going to be giving out some money! DAVE then took over for this spirited and heartfelt announcement about our Tucson Classics Car Show funds raised. DAVE shared several slides on our fundraising accomplishments and thanked every member that sold tickets, volunteered and put every effort into making this a great Nifty-Nineteen! TCCS creates such value: $2.9 million local people building projects, connects Rotary with our community, builds camaraderie with our fellow Rotarians, demonstrates Rotary’s power and generosity, it honors our history, innovation and creativity and finally, people love the Car Show. After today we will have given away over $3 million over the last 19 years. DAVE then invited each sponsor to the stage; starting with We Buy Houses, who have been a title sponsor for at least 15 years. Our next sponsor is Wellspring Financial, who has sponsored the Classics Club for 10 years. Then, Faye Morse and Eric Smith, who sponsor the Friday Night Dinner each year stepped up to the stage. Next JONI CONDIT with La Posada, the O’Reilly Chevrolet team and HUMBERTO LOPEZ with HSL Properties were also invited to the stage. Thank you all for being such a great support during our Car Show and helping us raise these funds for these wonderful beneficiaries. DAVE then invited the beneficiaries up to receive their checks. First up is JobPath, who then introduced their team then DAVE presented them with a check for $53,415.20! Amphi ECHO Foundation was next. After the introduction of their team, DAVE presented a check for $53,415.20! DAVE then asked MARCY EULER and her team to the stage to receive the check for Pima Community College Foundation, Pima START. MARCY introduced her team before receiving their check for an amazing total of $106,830.39! MARCY then stepped up to the mic to share the story of how the Pima START program began and now how much the program has benefited from these funds and changed so many lives. The 2025 Tucson Classics Car Show raised a total of $213,661! DAVE ended with words of gratitude before he passed the torch to ALAN ROGERS, the 2026 Tucson Classics Car Show Chair. ALAN announced Plenty for Twenty will be another great fundraiser for 2026. ALAN was also able to announce the 2027 Tucson Classics Car Show Chair for 2027; DAN KALM. Congratulations!
Our Make Way for Books addition today is called “C is for Car” for DAVE to sign then add to our Make Way for Books Library.
Next up were our Rotary Club Birthdays. Happy birthday to: THOMAS GOMEZ (1/13), JIM ENGEL (1/15), STU GOLDMAN (1/15), and LEA MARQUEZ PETERSON (1/19). A very happy birthday to you all!
We have one New Member introduction this week. LUIS HERNANDEZ presented ELENA HA as a new member! Welcome ELENA.
The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by DAN KALM. King of Clubs card was not drawn. Better luck to all club members next meeting.
DAN KALM announced this week’s Way to Go, BOBBY LARSON. BOBBY is the Chair for The Community Food Bank. He organizes each weekend packing event and is super at it! Congratulations BOBBY and team on your Way to Go!
Next up…Rotary Announcements:
PRESIDENT DOT KRET reminded the members the announcements are on each table to view and listed on the website as well as in the Tucsotorian. You can view the entire list on the website under Events. Next week we are at the Sheraton on Grant since the TCC has Gem Show events at the convention center. Next up are Red Badge Selfies!
Now we have our Membership Minute. ALAN SCHROPE is our Membership Chair and stepped up to encourage all guests to visit the back table to grab a membership packet. Then GORDY SIEWART had a Happy Jackson, he’s DJ’ing a Karaoke Night at the Forty-Niners Club this Saturday at 6pm.
PRESIDENT DOT KRET closed today’s meeting by thanking all our members and guests for being here today and watching online. The scholarship cups are on the table if you’d like to donate. Happy birthday to THOMAS, JIM, STU, and LEA. Thank you to our Anonymous Cookie Monster for the cookies this week. Thank you to DAVE WHITE, our 2025 Tucson Classics Car Show Chair and ALAN ROGERS, our 2026 Tucson Classics Car Show Chair for presenting and speaking to us today and congrats to DAN KALM who will be our 2027 Tucson Classics Car Show Chair. Welcome again ELENA HA to The Rotary Club of Tucson!
ALAN ROGERS gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting. Here-here! That’s all folks!
TRAK (Theraputic Ranch for Animals and Kids) Rotary service project was held on Saturday, January 17th from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. TRAK has begun to move its ranch facility down the road a few hundred yards. At the new ranch facility, our project was to trim two huge trees, take out two dead plants, pull weeds, and organize all the trimmings into neat piles. There were seven volunteers; Darrell Birkhimer, Jack Camper, Diana Cannon, Jeri and Roger Harwell, and Phil and Nancy Gutt.
Our next TRAK service project is Saturday, February 21st from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
For this first scheduled trek of 2026 and our first experience on the Babad Do-ag trail, Martha and I were joined by quite the group of hike fanatics with whom we have shared many trails over the years. First and foremost, this hike was all that it was hyped up to be! It was moderate in both length and vertical gain. The trail was in great shape, easy to follow and offered some truly fantastic views across Tucson and the surrounding mountain ranges. Joined by fellow Rotarians Michael Guymon, Rich Flynn, Bill Mesch, friends of Rotary Nancy Bowman, Amy Nelson and Jim Bachman, Martha and I enjoyed a wonderful morning on a trail that will be visited again!
Save The Date; Saturday February 21st for a leisurely 2 mile stroll in the Tucson Mountains.
The Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation will be hosting the members of the Legacy Society for their Annual Appreciation event on February 12th, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Contact Jo DeChatelet at (520) 891-5759 with any questions.
Our next meeting will be Monday, February 16, at noon in the private room of El Charro restaurant (6910 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85750). We will be reviewing the book, The Boys in the Boat, and will have our own Hugh Thompson as a special guest speaker, as once-upon-a-time he was an alternate on the US Olympic Crew team.
No past participation is required, each meeting is stand-alone. Friends, family and of course potential members are all invited. There is no cost other than what you choose to purchase at El Charro. Please let me know if you plan to attend so I can make an appropriate restaurant reservation.
Our future reading list is pre-planned and on the website under "Book Fellowship, however we are known to make changes based on current events and the whims of our participants. Thank you! Nancy Stockton
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
Lead: Nancy Gutt (the_nance@comcast.net) Please email me if you plan on helping out on the TRAK day!
TRAK: Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids: 3250 E. Allen Road
Saturday, February 21st
Time: 8:00am - 10:00am
Come and be a "Rancher" for the day! Please bring work gloves, refillable water bottles, and wear boots or shoes that can get dirty. We will rake, sweep, shovel, feed, water, brush, have fun and more!
The Peace Pole Project is a global grassroots initiative that invites people and communities around the world to plant Peace Poles inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages, serving as enduring symbols of hope, unity, and goodwill; with over 200,000 poles on every continent, the project connects participants through a shared commitment to peace and a global “Peace Pole Map” where installations can be registered and celebrated.
Our RCOT has two Peace Poles. One at Literacy Connects and a second at the entrance to the Zoo.
Two of our Rotarians are working on two new Peace Poles in 2026. May Peace Prevail on the Earth!
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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PRESIDENT DOT KRET then introduced DAVE WHITE and ALAN ROGERS as today’s speakers. DAVE is going to be giving out some money! DAVE then took over for this spirited and heartfelt announcement about our Tucson Classics Car Show funds raised. DAVE shared several slides on our fundraising accomplishments and thanked every member that sold tickets, volunteered and put every effort into making this a great Nifty-Nineteen! TCCS creates such value: $2.9 million local people building projects, connects Rotary with our community, builds camaraderie with our fellow Rotarians, demonstrates Rotary’s power and generosity, it honors our history, innovation and creativity and finally, people love the Car Show. After today we will have given away over $3 million over the last 19 years. DAVE then invited each sponsor to the stage; starting with We Buy Houses, who have been a title sponsor for at least 15 years. Our next sponsor is Wellspring Financial, who has sponsored the Classics Club for 10 years. Then, 
Faye Morse and Eric Smith, who sponsor the Friday Night Dinner each year stepped up to the stage. Next JONI CONDIT with La Posada, the O’Reilly Chevrolet team and HUMBERTO LOPEZ with HSL Properties were also invited to the stage. Thank you all for being such a great support during our Car Show and helping us raise these funds for these wonderful beneficiaries. DAVE then invited the beneficiaries up to receive their checks. First up is JobPath, who then introduced their team then DAVE presented them with a check for $53,415.20! Amphi ECHO Foundation was next. After the introduction of their team, DAVE presented a check for $53,415.20! DAVE then asked MARCY EULER and her team to the stage to receive the check for Pima Community College Foundation, Pima START. MARCY introduced her team before receiving their check for an amazing total of $106,830.39! MARCY then stepped up to the mic to share the story of how the Pima START program began and now how much the program has benefited from these funds and changed so many lives. The 2025 Tucson Classics Car Show raised a total of $213,661! DAVE ended with words of gratitude before he passed the torch to ALAN ROGERS, the 2026 Tucson Classics Car Show Chair. ALAN announced Plenty for Twenty will be another great fundraiser for 2026. ALAN was also able to announce the 2027 Tucson Classics Car Show Chair for 2027; DAN KALM. Congratulations!
We have one New Member introduction this week. LUIS HERNANDEZ presented ELENA HA as a new member! Welcome ELENA. 
TRAK (Theraputic Ranch for Animals and Kids) Rotary service project was held on Saturday, January 17th from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. TRAK has begun to move its ranch facility down the road a few hundred yards. At the new ranch facility, our project was to trim two huge trees, take out two dead plants, pull weeds, and organize all the trimmings into neat piles. There were seven volunteers; Darrell Birkhimer, Jack Camper, Diana Cannon, Jeri and Roger Harwell, and Phil and Nancy Gutt.
Greetings friends,
The Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation will be hosting the members of the Legacy Society for their Annual Appreciation event on February 12th, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Contact Jo DeChatelet at (520) 891-5759 with any questions.
Our next meeting will be Monday, February 16, at noon in the private room of El Charro restaurant (6910 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85750). We will be reviewing the book, The Boys in the Boat, and will have our own Hugh Thompson as a special guest speaker, as once-upon-a-time he was an alternate on the US Olympic Crew team.
Lead: Nancy Gutt (
The Peace Pole Project is a global grassroots initiative that invites people and communities around the world to plant Peace Poles inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages, serving as enduring symbols of hope, unity, and goodwill; with over 200,000 poles on every continent, the project connects participants through a shared commitment to peace and a global “Peace Pole Map” where installations can be registered and celebrated.
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!
