Jeffrey P. Nasse, Ph.D., became Chancellor of Pima Community College on Aug. 5, 2024. That day, he launched the first event of a 100-day “Listening, Learning, Leading” initiative to quickly gain a deep understanding of Pima, Tucson and Arizona, having previously served in higher education positions, including Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and College Operations, at Broward College in FortLauderdale, Florida.
In his presentation, “The First 100 Days – and Beyond,” Chancellor Nasse will discuss his observations and insights about Pima's special place in our community, distilled from a whirlwind 100 days that saw him attend 113 events and interact with more than 3,000 people: Pima students and employees, business and education leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders.
He will also share his vision for Pima’s future, one that places student success at the heart of all endeavors and seeks to enhance Pima’s essential place in Southern Arizona as a learning organization that can supply high-quality, in-demand training at a scale large enough to make a tangible difference in the economic vitality of our community.
PRESIDENT KURTIS called the meeting to order and welcomed TIM GRAUNKE to the stage for the pledge and song, “You’re a Grand Ole Flag.”
PRESIDENT KURTIS then presented us with news that former member Carolyn Emerine has passed away. Carolyn was one of the first women members in our club in 1991. KURTIS also welcome Dr. JON WANG in the audience who is recovering from surgery. JON had a lovely turkey feather in his hat in honor of the Tucson Rodeo this week.
MITCH PISIK offered the inspiration and dedicated it to the 12 potential members in the audience. MITCH talked about the immeasurable opportunities that come from chance encounters and to embrace the serendipity.
KHRIS DODGE welcomes Rotarians from the Tacoma and Ontario clubs as well as lots of guests.
PAT ZUMBUSCH introduced our speaker, Vice Admiral James “Jimmy” Pitts. Jimmy is the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, N9, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He’s a three star in the Navy whose job is to ensure that the United States of America maintains maritime dominance…something that we’ve done for 250 years. Jimmy was formerly the Commanding Officer of the USS Tucson, an attack submarine. He mentioned that the galley of the submarine is named El Charro Down Under. A Chef from the actual El Charro Restaurant had the honor of traveling underwater in the USS Tucson and teaching their chef how to make Carne Seca. Jimmy’s boss, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Chief of Naval Operations, has a vision broken down into three parts: War Fighting, War Fighters and Foundation. 90% of global commerce goes by sea. Our job is to ensure the bad guys are deterred and realize that today is not the day to mess with us. He said that part of the Foundation is to support each other and that strong teams succeed. The Vice Admiral signed the book “Lil’ Navy Sailor.”
Next it was the birthdays. TIM PUNTENNEY was celebrating his birthday. He told PRESIDENT KURTIS that he was better than an adequate President. ROBERT O’BRIEN was celebrating his birthday and when asked about something we may not know about him, he said “If I told you then I’d have to kill you.” KEN LIGHT was celebrating his birthday and became a great grandfather for the 2nd time six months ago. He also encouraged us to volunteer at the JCC Maccabi Games this summer (July 27 – August 1).
MITCH PISIK introduced one of our newest members, ROGER LaFAYE. ROGER has 5 children, 13 grandchildren and likes to exercise and travel.
MIKE ANDERSON introduced another one of our new members, RICKY HUNLEY. RICKY was the 5th of 9 children. He was a linebacker at the U of A and then had a great career in the NFL including playing in two super bowls. He currently works for the U of A Football program.
BRUCE TUNZE gave a blue badge to ZACH TAVEL who received a standing ovation. Then, JOE DANISZEWSKI gave a blue badge to DANA COLE.
KHRIS DODGE held a raffle and the winner got $95. Then, KHRIS fined RICKY HUNLEY who was just inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. RICKY thanked KHRIS for paying for his fine.
Then, we had the following announcements:
Reminder that Event/Projects are printed on tables at our lunches as well as on the website, tucsonrotary.org.
Red Badge Selfies were shown.
Wilbur Traveled to New Zealand, the Caribbean and Canyon Ranch.
Wilbur has gone missing. If you have him, please return him to PRESIDENT KURTIS.
Save the date for “The Event,” April 30th at the Mountain Oyster Club. Details to follow.
PAM WALTON-ROSS won the Service Project award for January.
MARGARET HIGGINS talked about nominations: 4 Way Test Award & Orville McPherson.
MATT BLAIR reminded us to give a membership packet to potential Rotarians while they are visiting for lunch.
DAVE WHITE spent a lot of time talking about upcoming opportunities to sell Car Show tickets including at the Rodeo and Running of the Bulls event that will happen this spring.
Inviting prospective members to Rotary events is a great way to showcase the club's values and service. The Club covering the cost of lunch for first-time attendees is a generous touch that can make newcomers feel welcome and appreciated. It's all about building connections and strengthening our impact in the community. We encourage you to bring your prospective members to a club meeting. They won’t be disappointed.
We held a wonderful Appreciation Event on February 18th for all Legacy Society Member, 32 were in attendance.Darrell Stewart prepared an excellent meal to enjoy, and Charlotte Harris baked delicious cookies and bars for dessert.We had a great choice of beverages brought by Darrell and Lee Olitzky.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Donors’ spouses/partners are now included in membership for the same contributions listed below.
Please consider your Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation (RCTF) in your charitable giving. Our Foundation has a Legacy Society that you, and your partner, if you choose, can be a part of with a gift of $10,000 or more.This gift can be made during lifetime or at the time of your death.
During Lifetime: As an outright gift of cash, securities or other assets; or over a period of 10 years or less; or directly through your IRA, if you are age eligible.
At Death: By naming our RCTF as a beneficiary of your Estate, Trust, Retirement Account, or Life Insurance.
Talk to any of us.We would love to have you be a part of the RCTF Legacy Society.
Planned Giving Committee: Jo DeChatelet, Chair, Charlotte Harris, Marcia Krumwiede, Lee Olitzky, Darrell Stewart
Three new Wild Polio paralysis cases reported this week - two in 2025, one from 2024. We are now 3 weeks since the most recent report of a child being Paralyzed by the Wild Polio Virus in Pakistan.
Needle-free syringes for Polio immunization campaigns are used in some locations
The widely known IPV polio vaccine is administered using an intramuscular delivery with a needle and syringe. Now needle-free syringes have been introduced. This syringe — introduced in 2019 by the WHO during its polio eradication campaign in Pakistan — drives the vaccine through a nozzle orifice that delivers the dose into the skin without the penetration of a needle.
The results from using these needle-free syringes were outstanding. This method of vaccine administration helped increase campaign coverage by 18.4% compared to the traditional needle and syringe method. In a survey of caregiver and vaccinator acceptability in Karachi, Pakistan, 97.6% of vaccinators and 99.6% of caretakers preferred jet injectors to needle and syringe. This is because of its speed of use and less discomfort associated. These needle-free injectors also reduce the risk of accidental needlestick injuries both during injection and while managing waste. Additionally, they produce minimal waste.
2025 Wild Polio Case Total 3 - Afghanistan 1 - Pakistan 2
2024 Wild Polio Case Total 99 - Afghanistan 25 - Pakistan 74
2023 Wild Polio Case Total 12 - Afghanistan 6, Pakistan 6
Advocate, Donate & Educate to END POLIO NOW & FOREVER!
Over 3 billion Children Immunized
21,000,000 Children Saved from the Paralysis of Polio
Quote of the Day - "Without you, Rotary is nothing. The Foundation needs your presence, your input, and your creative mind just as much as it needs your generous financial backing. Your Rotary Club needs you to be there at meetings - not to warm a chair, but to engage, to inspire." Past R I President Ron Burton
The Wine Fellowship held last Tuesday at Tinajas Wine & Beer was an absolute success! We had a fantastic turnout, with a delightful variety of wines to taste—everything from rich reds to crisp whites, refreshing rosés, and sparkling options. The event was perfectly complemented by a selection of delicious appetizers, making it a feast for both the palate and the soul. It was a wonderful evening of great fellowship, surrounded by amazing friends, laughter and making memories. It truly was a night to remember!
TRAK went well on Saturday, February 22nd. There were three Rotarians: Roger Harwell, Khris Dodge and Nancy Gutt. We also had Lee Borzick, Interact Leader and Science Teacher for Edge HS, and three students joined in the fun. So seven all in total helping out at the Ranch.
TRAK, Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids, has another "Be a Rancher" scheduled for Saturday, March 15th. At the last two "Rancher" service projects, we raked and scooped poop, raked entrance areas, pulled weeds, cleaned horse stalls, prepared and served veggies to animals, cleaned water troughs for horses, added pavers to an existing patio, and enjoyed learning about all it takes to care for and run a therapeutic ranch for animals and kids.
We would love to see more volunteers. If you are interested in helping out at the Ranch, please contact Nancy Gutt at:the_nance@comcast.net
The next Whisky Fellowship - March 8. The details are below:
You don’t want to be one of the few who miss this. Rumors are already flying that this one will be our most impressive extravaganza/lallapaloosa/production yet…..
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Start time: 6:00 PM - End time: That's up to you.
Who's invited: All the cool Rotarians (hence your invitation).
Who else is invited: Anyone/everyone who is 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.
Can the bottle go back home with you?: Absolutely.
Bonus Points for: A bourbon that impresses Brett Stein, or a Rye that impresses me (FYI - I'm way easier to impress than Brett).
Food: But of course... ample amounts of your favorite munches.
Where: My wife Bonnie’s and my oh so inviting home.4901 N Avenida de Castilla, Tucson (in the Hacienda del Sol Estates community).
Subject: Rotary Hiking Fellowship, Mount Wrightson hike on Saturday, March 8th, 6:30AM meet for 8AM hike
Our upcoming hike is going to offer a variation of choices as far as length, level of difficulty and time required. At this time, there are at least two planned treks with a group hiking to the summit via the Old Baldy Trail and another that will be going to the Saddle and back. I am hopeful that this adventure in the Mount Wrightson Wilderness will appeal to a broader group and be of interest to many.
As there will be an hour drive to reach the trailheads in Madera Canyon, those interested in hiking will be meeting at El Con Mall in the parking lot in front of the Target store. Meet time will be 6:30AM for the commute/carpool with intended hike start time at 8AM. Due to the logistics and planning I ask that all intending to join, RSVP and also plan for a full day. As the Old Baldy hike will take over 7 hours to complete.
As always, please be sure to bring plenty of water (I will have 4 liters) snacks, lunch, electrolytes and sun screen. Projected temperatures are lows in the mid 40's at departure with highs reaching the upper 70's in the afternoon under sunny skies. It will be a great day to be on the mountain.
Want to find the best trails in Mount Wrightson Wilderness for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 27 great trails for hiking, birding, and camping and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 935 to 5,902 feet in elevation gain.
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, March 15th
Time: 8:00 - noon
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!
I am pleased to share that we have completed sufficient clean-ups to receive our permanent sign. It will be placed on River Rd. When the city is ready; they asked if some of us would attend a photo op. Date to follow...
We are planning our next road clean-up for Saturday, March 22nd, at 8:15 AM.
We meet at Fiesta Bowling, 501 W River Rd.
Please wear closed-toed shoes, a hat, water and sunscreen. We provide grabbers, vests, and bags.
We can use more help, please join us in this community service project.
Questions, concerns, etc. text or email: lee@wit2tucson.com or 520 444 4109.
Come help Tri Y get ready for the kids that will attend summer camp. Camp improvement projects include landscaping, trail clearing, and more. The day starts at 8:30a.m. and finishes in the early afternoon with a break for lunch.
Camp Lawton Service Day on Saturday, May 3rd for next spring’s RCOT Camp Lawton Service Day.
We’ll plan on gathering at Camp at 8.30 a.m. for registration, coffee, and light snacks. Lunch will be served at mid-day and we expect all the projects to be wrapped up by 3.00 pm.
We’ll coordinate registration with the club and staff.
Any questions can be addressed to Jon Harned or myself.
Southern AZ Community Food Bank: Saturday, May 17 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join Us for a Morning of Giving & Fun! 🗓 Saturday, May 17 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 📍 3003 S. Country Club
Calling all Rotarians – it’s time to roll up those sleeves and make a difference! We need 40 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. Great service in January where we packed over 250,000 lbs. of food for our "neighbors". Rotary Rocks!
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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PAT ZUMBUSCH introduced our speaker, Vice Admiral James “Jimmy” Pitts. Jimmy is the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, N9, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He’s a three star in the Navy whose job is to ensure that the United States of America maintains maritime dominance…something that we’ve done for 250 years. Jimmy was formerly the Commanding Officer of the USS Tucson, an attack submarine. He mentioned that the galley of the submarine is named El Charro Down Under. A Chef from the actual El Charro Restaurant had the honor of traveling underwater in the USS Tucson and teaching their chef how to make Carne Seca. Jimmy’s boss, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Chief of Naval Operations, has a vision broken down into three parts: War Fighting, War Fighters and Foundation. 90% of global commerce goes by sea. Our job is to ensure the bad guys are deterred and realize that today is not the day to mess with us. He said that part of the Foundation is to support each other and that strong teams succeed. The Vice Admiral signed the book “Lil’ Navy Sailor.”
MIKE ANDERSON introduced another one of our new members, RICKY HUNLEY. RICKY was the 5th of 9 children. He was a linebacker at the U of A and then had a great career in the NFL including playing in two super bowls. He currently works for the U of A Football program.
Inviting prospective members to Rotary events is a great way to showcase the club's values and service. The Club covering the cost of lunch for first-time attendees is a generous touch that can make newcomers feel welcome and appreciated. It's all about building connections and strengthening our impact in the community. We encourage you to bring your prospective members to a club meeting. They won’t be disappointed.
Three new Wild Polio paralysis cases reported this week - two in 2025, one from 2024. We are now 3 weeks since the most recent report of a child being Paralyzed by the Wild Polio Virus in Pakistan.
The Wine Fellowship held last Tuesday at Tinajas Wine & Beer was an absolute success! We had a fantastic turnout, with a delightful variety of wines to taste—everything from rich reds to crisp whites, refreshing rosés, and sparkling options. The event was perfectly complemented by a selection of delicious appetizers, making it a feast for both the palate and the soul. It was a wonderful evening of great fellowship, surrounded by amazing friends, laughter and making memories. It truly was a night to remember!
TRAK went well on Saturday, February 22nd. There were three Rotarians: Roger Harwell, Khris Dodge and Nancy Gutt. We also had Lee Borzick, Interact Leader and Science Teacher for Edge HS, and three stu
dents joined in the fun. So seven all in total helping out at the Ranch.
The next Whisky Fellowship - March 8. The details are below:
Lead: Nancy Gutt (
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!
