This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, share stories, and build friendships in a relaxed and casual setting.
January EAT Locations & Hosts:
Bai Thong - 4853 E. Speedway Hosts: Mark Irvin, John Duval & David Lovitt
Opa's Best - 4590 E. Broadway Hosts: Glenn Ewing, Chuck Sawyer & Bobby Larson
Hotel Congress - 311 E. Congress Host: Dot Kret
Hacienda del Sol (Terraza Patio) - 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Host: Bruce Jacobs & Kurtis Dawson
How to Join
Space is limited at each location, so reservations are required. Please visit the Rotary Club of Tucson website and register under Upcoming Events.
All members and guests will be responsible for their own meals. We kindly ask that you register early and honor your RSVP — our hosts are securing guaranteed seating for each group.
Want to Host?
If you’re interested in hosting a future EAT lunch, please reach out to the Rotary Office.
Take this chance to get to know fellow members, share great food, and celebrate the camaraderie that makes our club so special.
The new year kicked off with fellowship, purpose, and global impact as Rotarians and guests gathered for an inspiring first meeting of 2026.
We opened with the Pledge and a spirited You’re a Grand Old Flag, led by new member CARY BENJAMIN followed by a thoughtful reflection from President DOT KRET that reminded us why service and gratitude sit at the heart of Rotary.
Before introducing our program, President DOT shared a meaningful poem remembering the people who lost their lives in the tragedy that occurred on January 8, 2011.
The centerpiece of the meeting was a compelling presentation by El NDOYE and HUGH THOMPSON, who shared stories, photos, and firsthand insights from Rotary’s International Project in Senegal. Their presentation brought the project to life—highlighting community partnerships, educational support, and sustainable improvements designed to uplift children and families in the region.
Members were especially moved by the emphasis on long-term impact, cultural collaboration, and Rotary’s ability to connect Tucson to communities thousands of miles away. The presentation reinforced how Rotary’s global grants transform generosity into measurable, meaningful change.
A special highlight was the introduction of the children’s book “Senegal: All About Senegal for Kids,” which will be donated to Make Way for Books, further extending the project’s reach by supporting literacy here at home.
Thank you to MATT SINCLAIR, our Cookie Sponsor, for keeping Rotary traditions delicious! We also celebrated birthdays for HOOT aka “HOT” GIBSON (12/24) and CARY BENJAMIN (1/15)—happy birthday!
A warm Rotary welcome to new member CARY BENJAMIN, introduced by GORDY SIEWERT. Congratulations were also shared during Paul Harris recognitions for WOCKY REDSAR-WIERZBINSKI and MARK WIERZBINSKI.
We had a raffle, and guess what? DIANA MADARAS won the $$ along with several other prize winners for a dinner at a Fox restaurant and there was a well-earned “Way to Go” for NINA TRASOFF and LUIS HERNANDEZ.
No lunch meeting on January 14 – join Events Around Town
Next lunch meeting: January 21 – Car Show Results
January 28 meeting will be held at the Sheraton on Grant Road (registration required)
DG Bruce Monro, discussed the District's need for Members to step up for open positions within the District.
We closed with gratitude, a toast, and a reminder that Rotary truly does Unite for Good—locally and globally. 💙💛
Thank you to everyone who came out on Saturday to pack food for our Community Food Bank Service Project. Your time, energy, and compassion made a real difference for families in our community who rely on this support. It’s inspiring to see so many people come together with a shared purpose and a generous spirit.
We’re grateful to continue serving our community through this meaningful project. Together, we’re truly making an impact—and helping one another thrive. ❤️
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.
The Rotary Club of Tucson, in partnership with Tucson Clean and Beautiful, will hold our Adopt a Road service project:
When: Saturday, January 17th, 2026, beginning at 8:15 AM, finished no later than 10: AM.
Where: We gather at Pinz Bowling, 501 E River Road, east side of the parking lot
The project is easy as it involves light walking and bending - healthy exercise, always a good time.
Vests, grabbers, bags, and hot chocolate will be provided. Please wear closed-toed shoes and bring gloves, water, sun-creen and a hat. New members are especially encouraged to participate as this project makes a visible and measurable difference in our community.
Please RSVP via text and or questions to: 520 444 4109. See you at 8:15 AM on the 17th
Subject: Saturday, January 17th - Babad Do'ag Trail - 7:15AM meet time at LeBuzz Tanque Verde
Happy New Year fellow hiking enthusiasts,
As we launch another year of fellowship on the trails, I am excited to kick off 2026 with a first time hike for Martha and I. The Babad Do'ag trail presents a hike offering sweeping views over the Tucson valley. As with our Summer Hiking Series, this trip into the Catalinas will begin at the traditional meeting place of LeBuzz Tanque Verde at 7:15AM with an anticipated departure time of 7:30AM. As noted the hike is moderate in difficulty covering 4.5 miles and around 1,100 vertical feet. Anticipated hike time is 2.5-3 hours leaving everyone's afternoon free for other adventures.
EVERY Rotarian should be properly outfitted at our service projects. Will have our High Performance, Moisture-Wicking, Tailored Polo-style shirts available for purchase at the Wednesday, January 21st Meeting.
Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate one of Mexico’s most iconic traditions—agave 🌵🥃
The Rotary Club of Tucson Agave Fellowship invites you to an evening where culture, craftsmanship, and camaraderie come together in true Tucson style.
📅 Date: January 22, 2026 ⏰ Time: 6:00 PM 📍 Location: The Lodge on the Desert 306 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ
We’ll enjoy a guided tasting of three unique tequilas and one mezcal, paired with a delicious taco bar 🌮—because great stories (and spirits) are always better with good food.
During the evening, you’ll be taken on a cultural journey through the agave fields as we learn how tequila is harvested, crafted, aged, and bottled, complete with a full educational presentation that will change the way you look at what’s in your glass.
💵 Cost: $50 per person 👥 Space is extremely limited—only 25 spots available
This intimate experience will fill up quickly, so don’t wait. If you enjoy learning something new, sharing a few laughs, and raising a glass with fellow Rotarians, this night is for you.
👉 Reserve your spot soon before the last lime is squeezed!
Mark Your Calendar: Due to the Gem Show at the TCC, the club lunch meeting on January 28th will be held at the Sheraton, 5151 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712. We will be meeting upstairs in the Catalina Ballroom. All must register under Upcoming Events on the website. Don't forget to register your guests and mark any special lunch in the comment section.
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
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 2 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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This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, share stories, and build friendships in a relaxed and casual setting.
The centerpiece of the meeting was a compelling presentation by El NDOYE and HUGH THOMPSON, who shared stories, photos, and firsthand insights from Rotary’s International Project in Senegal. Th
eir presentation brought the project to life—highlighting community partnerships, educational support, and sustainable improvements designed to uplift children and families in the region.
Thank you to MATT SINCLAIR, our Cookie Sponsor, for keeping Rotary traditions delicious! We also celebrated birthdays for HOOT aka “HOT” GIBSON (12/24) and CARY BENJAMIN (1/15)—happy birthday!
We had a raffle, and guess what? DIANA MADARAS won the $$ along with several other prize winners for a dinner at a Fox restaurant and there was a well-earned “Way to Go” for NINA TRASOFF and LUIS HERNANDEZ.
Hello Rotary Book Club fellowship - 
RYLA
Fellow Rotarians.
EVERY Rotarian should be properly outfitted at our service projects. Will have our High Performance, Moisture-Wicking, Tailored Polo-style shirts available for purchase at the Wednesday, January 21st Meeting.
Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate one of Mexico’s most iconic traditions—agave 🌵🥃
Mark Your Calendar: Due to the Gem Show at the TCC, the club lunch meeting on January 28th will be held at the Sheraton, 5151 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712. We will be meeting upstairs in the Catalina Ballroom. All must register under Upcoming Events on the website. Don't forget to register your guests and mark any special lunch in the comment section.
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!
