Join us for an exciting and delicious evening at the Replacement/Social Mixer at Charro Vida in Tucson! This is the perfect opportunity to connect, enjoy some fantastic food, and have fun with fellow Rotarians.
Date: February 5, 2025 Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Location: Charro Vida, 7109 N. Oracle, Tucson, AZ 85704
No Host Bar: Enjoy drinks of your choice while mingling with fellow guests.
Guest Fee: $35.00 (Be sure to register your guests in advance!)
This event promises to be an evening of fun, fellowship, and fantastic food.
Don’t forget to register yourself and your guests to secure your spot and ensure we have enough food for everyone!
Register now on the Club website under "Upcoming Events" and we’ll see you on February 5th! Remember, this social event replaces the lunch meeting.
PRESIDENT KURTIS clapped us to attention to start off our meeting as we didn’t have a bell. Crowd participation is always a good thing. He then invited new member DUANE WHITAKER up to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and “God Bless America” acapella style, and we sounded quite good according to PRESIDENT KURTIS, well done RCOT, well done.
PRESIDENT KURTIS let us know that member JIM RUBOYIANES broke his leg and won’t be at meetings while he is on the mend. Cards were sent around to wish him a speedy recovery. Also, FRANK DAHL is asking for prayers for him and his wife Sandy, who was just diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Thoughts and prayers are going out to you both.
Today our Inspiration was from JEFF RONSTADT (where in the world has this guy been?); he shared a story about a talking frog that was stuck in a hole. Luckily the little guy was able to hop to freedom. Turns out it is easy to conquer difficult things when people are cheering for you.
SAA KHRIS DODGE introduced us to our guests, there were quite a few.
Our first speaker was KHRIS DODGE, he shared quite the introduction of our impressive keynote speaker, Alexander Schauss, PhD. He spoke on “The Economic Impact of Tucson’s new UA Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum and Tucson’s Annual Gem and Mineral Show”. When the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show first started in 1976 it has grown to one of the largest in the world, and has a reputation for getting the best of the best exhibitors. The economic impact of the gem and mineral show is jaw dropping. According to a 2019 survey, the gem and mineral show brought in$121,436,030 to our local economy, and this number doesn’t even include the purchases at the show which accounts for hundreds of millions of dollars. This show is a GEM indeed.
He went on to discuss the UA Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum, his involvement in the development and construction of the museum along with the amazing exhibits it showcases. It is definitely a must see if you haven’t been.
PAST PRES MARGARET HIGGINS was our third speaker today. She gave a lovely introduction to our new member DUANE WHITAKER. Welcome DUANE.
GARY HIRSCH introduced us to another new member: TIM GRAUNKE. Welcome! We are so glad to have you, and love that you bring down the average age!
And now to introduce our new BLUE BADGERS: STEVE PICKERING presented BILL TONG with his Blue Badge, CHARLOTTE HARRIS presented DORVITA PARKER her BB. YAY, high fives!!
CHARLOTTE HARRIS also presented three Paul Harris Awards to: DORVITA PARKER, LISA STANTON AND ERIC LAMB. Congratulations on your Paul Harris Fellow!
SAA KHRIS DODGE announced the winner of the raffle, LISA STANTON!! Alright LISA!! But the big money is still up for grabs.
PRESIDENT KURTIS shared announcements:
Check the table for upcoming events and projects.
Next Week we are having a Replacement Mixer at Charro Vida, remember to sign up, no lunch meeting.
Get your selfies with Red Badgers to Dorinna!!
Wilbur has been traveling again: he hit the beautiful mountain town of Aspen with RICKY HUNLEY and Jeannine Mason, and he also enjoyed a Caribbean Cruise with MITCH PISIK and his wife Bonnie. What a lucky mascot!
Make your donations! Every Rotarian Every Year.
JIM LUBINSKI had a Happy Jackson (the happiest sort) He announced the birth of his second grandchild, Dominic Jeffrey.
JEANNE ZETAH introduced us to some guests from JTED; our newest INTERACT Club! Members are happy to see these young future Rotarians! Keep up the good work.
Remember there is no meeting next week but we are having a Replacement Mixer at Charro Vida on Oracle Road. Sign up on the Club website under “Upcoming Events”.
PRESIDENT KURTIS ended the meeting and had JEFF RONSTADT send us off with a toast.
Who knew we would be raking up horse poop and tossing it into a wagon at 8:00 am at the TRAK Service Project? It was a nice, clear, and relatively warm morning at TRAK (Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids.) Early birds Roger and Jeri Harwell, Eric Lamb, Bruce Jacobs, and Nancy and Phil Gutt toured some of the TRAK grounds, learned about what TRAK is all about, scooped poop, raked alfalfa, prepared fresh veggies to serve to animals, fed goats, ducks, pigs and bunnies, gave apples to horses, and added pavers to an existing patio surface. It was a fun morning, and it is a feel-good experience!
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.
Please consider your Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation (RCTF) in your charitable giving. Our Foundation has a Legacy Society that you 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.
When asked why he decided to contribute to the Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation and be a part of the Legacy Society, Darrell Stewart responded:
Rotary will never run short on projects, programs and causes worthy of our financial support. So why the RCOT Legacy Society? For me, I want to leave a lasting contribution to local youth seeking to further their education. Consequently, the endowment within the RCOT Scholarship Fund is the perfect vehicle to accomplish that. Darrell also reached out to Larry Adamson. Larry is available to assist anyone interested in being a part of the Legacy Society. We have the forms to document your contributions.
We are holding an Appreciation Event on February 18th for all Legacy Society Members. It is not too late to join the Legacy Society and attend this event. Please reach out to us with any questions.
Planned Giving Committee:
Jo DeChatelet, Chair, Charlotte Harris, Marcia Krumwiede, Lee Olitzky, Darrell Stewart
Rotary’s response to the U.S.’s announcement of its intent to withdraw from the World Health Organization
22 January 2025
Rotary notes the recent announcement that the United States intends to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). We remain resolute in our mission to eradicate polio. As a founding partner of the GPEI, Rotary has for decades worked closely with all the GPEI partners, the U.S. government, and other governments to end polio worldwide. This effort has reduced the number of children paralyzed by polio by 99.9% since 1988. The global effort to eradicate polio has innovated many times over the years to come close to protecting every last child.
Although this decision creates new challenges, Rotary remains dedicated to ensuring that every child is protected from this preventable disease. We are confident that the GPEI will continue to adapt, to innovate, and to implement effective strategies to keep polio vaccines available for every child in the United States and around the world, especially those in the most challenging and remote regions. The most important decisions leading to a polio-free world are made every day by parents who present their children for vaccination.
We remain committed to working with all GPEI partners to fulfill the promise of a polio-free world. Together, we have ended smallpox, and together, we can ensure that polio becomes the second human disease to be eradicated from the planet.
Afghanistan - A child receives anti-polio drops during an anti-polio campaign in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, Jan. 27, 2025. Afghanistan initiated its first vaccination campaign in 2025, targeting over 6 million children under the age of 5 from poliovirus, the Ministry of Public Health reported. (Photo by Saifurahman
With the 2025 hiking schedule underway, we are looking forward to the return to enjoy the views over Tucson from Wasson Peak for the first time in a few years on February 8th. This hike is categorized as moderate/difficult covering 8 miles and 1,800 vertical feet on the loop or can be done as an out and back, reducing total distance by 1 mile.
With the shorter winter days and cooler mornings, meet time will be 7:45AM with an 8AM start time from the Kings Canyon Trailhead in Tucson Mountain Park. The trailhead is located across from the entrance of the Sonoran Desert Musuem. Please plan on a 4-5 hour trek, dress in layers and bring plenty of water and snacks for the morning. Odds are good that the hike will be followed by a bite to eat and tasty beverage.
Get to know this 7.8-mile loop trail near Cortaro, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Where: Tandem American Eatery, 8864 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749
When: Monday, February 10, noon-1:30pm
Book Discussed: Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson
All are welcome, including members, spouses, guests, friends and acquaintances who love non-fiction. No prior meeting attendance is necessary, each meeting is a stand-alone session about the selected book.
Mark your calendars for our next "Events Around Town" on Wednesday, 2/12/25! Additional hosts and locations will be shared soon, so stay tuned! Remember, this is the second week of the month, so no regular lunch meeting—just lots of fun around Tucson.
Mark Irvin/John Duval hosting at Batey Puerto Rican Gastronomy – 4230 N. Oracle Rd. #100
Glenn Ewing/Bobby Larson hosting at Vero Amore - 2920 N. Swan
Brittany Battle/Khris Dodge hosting at The Monica, 40 E. Congress
These events are hosted by members at different restaurants across town, and we'd love for you to get involved! If you’re interested in hosting, let President Kurtis or the Rotary office know. Just send over the location and how many people you'll be hosting.
Want to join in? Sign up on the website under "Upcoming Events." You’ll be responsible for your own meal, but the good times are on us!
Big thanks in advance to our awesome hosts! Keep an eye out for more details coming your way soon!
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 22nd, and 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 take, sweep, shovel, feed, water, brush, have fun and more!
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).
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 take, sweep, shovel, feed, water, brush, have fun and more!
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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Our first speaker was KHRIS DODGE, he shared quite the introduction of our impressive keynote speaker, Alexander Schauss, PhD. He spoke on “The Economic Impact of Tucson’s new UA Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum and Tucson’s Annual Gem and Mineral Show”. When the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show first started in 1976 it has grown to one of the largest in the world, and has a reputation for getting the best of the best exhibitors. The economic impact of the gem and mineral show is jaw dropping. According to a 2019 survey, the gem and mineral show brought in$121,436,030 to our local economy, and this number doesn’t even include the purchases at the show which accounts for hundreds of millions of dollars. This show is a GEM indeed.
GARY HIRSCH introduced us to another new member: TIM GRAUNKE. Welcome! We are so glad to have you, and love that you bring down the average age!
The following new Member application has been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
Who knew we would be raking up horse poop and tossing it into a wagon at 8:00 am at the TRAK Service Project? It was a nice, clear, and relatively warm morning at TRAK (Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids.) Early birds Roger and Jeri Harwell, Eric Lamb, Bruce Jacobs, and Nancy and Phil Gutt toured some of the TRAK grounds, learned about what TRAK is all about, scooped poop, raked alfalfa, prepared fresh veggies to serve to animals, fed goats, ducks, pigs and bunnies, gave apples to horses, and added pavers to an existing patio surface. It was a fun morning, and it is a feel-good experience!
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.
Please consider your Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation (RCTF) in your charitable giving. Our Foundation has a Legacy Society that you can be a part of with a gift of $10,000 or more.
Afghanistan - A child receives anti-polio drops during an anti-polio campaign in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, Jan. 27, 2025. Afghanistan initiated its first vaccination campaign in 2025, targeting over 6 million children under the age of 5 from poliovirus, the Ministry of Public Health reported. (Photo by Saifurahman
Our next meeting:
Join us for our
Lead: Nancy Gutt (
The next Whisky Fellowship - March 8. The details are below:
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!
