It’s time once again to enjoy one of our favorite Rotary traditions — Events Around Town (EATS)! Join us on Wednesday, September 10th as we gather in small groups at some of Tucson’s best local restaurants, hosted by our very own fellow Rotarians.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, share stories, and build friendships in a relaxed and casual setting.
September EATS Locations & Hosts:
Victoria Cosina Mexicana – 7090 N. Oracle Rd, #172 Hosts: Mark Irvin, John Duval & David Lovitt
Opa's Best – 4590 E. Broadway Hosts: Glenn Ewing, Bobby Larson & Chuck Sawyer
Locale – 60 N. Alvernon (Event is Full) Host: Dot Kret
Kingfisher – 2564 E. Grant Rd(Women’s Lunch) Host: Vic Jacobs
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 EATS lunch, please reach out to President Dot or 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.
Rotary President DOT KRET called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM from the Tucson Convention Center.
The lunch featured delicious chicken and beef along with fresh greens. As always TCC banquet staff were attentive to the hungry Rotarians.
The opening of the meeting featured the “My Country Tis of Thee” with the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag lead by KEVIN BOYLE. A heartwarming Inspiration was given by ROB SAME.
GET WELL WISHES were shared with the membership as STU GOLDMAN had a pacemaker put in on 8/27. He’s home and recovering. KANDY HIRSCH had emergency surgery. We wish them both speedy recoveries. This was followed by a MOMENT OF SILENCE. Long-time member ROB LAMASTER’S wife Karen passed away last week from a long battle w/cancer.
A small but enthusiastic guest list was shared by JON HARNED.
Our newly added agenda item was introduced by DOT. The COOKIE MONSTER/SPONSOR this week is MICHELLE WARD of Larsen Baker.
President DOT kicked off the formal program by introducing former mayor JONATHAN ROTHSCHILD, now a full member of the Downtown Rotary. JONATHAN introduced Sharon Megdal, PhD, Director & Professor of the UofA Water Resources Research Center. The topic of the presentation was “The Tucson Region’s Water Supply Situation”. She shared some important statistics of our water usage and some of the outlooks for the future needs of water by our community. Dr. Megdal also shared some of her views on the recent introduction of Project Blue to the community. I would recommend seeing her presentation on the Rotary YouTube Channel.
Happy Rotarian Birthdays were given to TOM MCKINNEY and KURTIS DAWSON. Happy Birthday to you both!!
MITCH PISIK was called upon to introduce two new members. KEVN BOYLE, long time food broker in Sales and Marketing and TONY SIMMS from Compass Affordable Housing. They were introduced to the membership. Welcome to club you two!
A Blue Badge was given by GARY FRANKS to new member GORDY SIEWERT. Congratulations GORDY!
JON HARNED filling in as the SERGEANT AT ARMS conducted the 25/50/25 Raffle with no big winner of the day. Get your tickets at the next lunch meeting for a chance to win.
The meeting concluded with the following announcements:
DOT KRET – Events/Projects on tables, on Website/Bulletin and showed the Red Badge Selfies.
DOT KRET - We have added a lunch meeting
DAVE WHITE/JEANNE ZETAH - Car Show Ticket Update we have sold more tickets than last year.
CLIFF BOWMAN – Charities Presentation at 9/17 Meeting for voting on the 2026 Car Show proceeds.
BOBBY LARSON – Happy Jackson – Welcoming his little grandson Fitzy.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 pm with a toast by PRESIDENT DOT.
Get ready for one of the most exciting events of the Rotary year! On Wednesday, September 17th, the Rotary Club of Tucson will hold its Charities Selection Luncheon, where members will have the opportunity to cast their votes and help determine the 2026 TCCS Beneficiary Organizations. Watch your inbox soon for an important update with details about each of these charities and also about the opportunity for active members to vote prior to the meeting.
This year’s finalists represent a diverse group of impactful local organizations:
Amphi Foundation ECHO
Compass Affordable Housing
Habitat For Humanity Tucson
Interfaith Community Services
Youth On Their Own
These incredible nonprofits are making a difference in our community, and now it’s our turn to support the causes that will benefit from our Tucson Classics Car Show proceeds.
Don’t miss this important luncheon — your vote will help shape the future of our charitable giving and strengthen our impact across Tucson.
Date: Wednesday, September 17 Location: Rotary Club of Tucson Luncheon (TCC) Who Votes: Rotary Club of Tucson active members only
Be sure to attend, be informed, and make your voice count!
Rotary Club of Tucson’s own Mark Irvin, Managing Member at Mark Irvin Commercial Real Estate Services and Kurtis Dawson, President & CEO of the YMCA of Southern Arizona, were recently featured on The Morning Voice with hosts Tom Moulton and Tim Vimmerstedt.
The interview explored urban tourism, downtown development, and Tucson’s expanding attractions, offering insights into how Rotary members and community leaders are helping shape the city’s future.
🎧 Listen to the full interview here. FYI, the play button does not work on this video so please scroll the red advance line until you get to the video and it will play:Click to Listen
On Wednesday, August 27th, Rotary Club of Tucson members had the opportunity to tour the Steele Children’s Research Center at the University of Arizona — a facility dedicated to advancing pediatric medicine through groundbreaking research.
A special thank you goes out to Lori and Katie for leading us through this incredible center and sharing the inspiring work being done to improve children’s health. We also extend our gratitude to CamiEvans for organizing the tour.
Rotary members gained valuable insights into the innovative research happening right here in Tucson and left with a deeper appreciation for the power of science, collaboration, and community in shaping healthier futures for children.
Although the September hike had to unexpectedly be moved to another date, fellow Rotarian, Debbie Sheppard and I were not going to let a "Bear Warning" thwart us from completing this year's Summer Hiking Series. It was a cooler morning on the mountain with temperatures for the hike in the mid-60's on the Sunset & Marshall Gulch trails. The addition of partly cloudy skies with cloud layer lower than our hiking altitude made for a spectacular day with breathtaking views. Cheers to another great Summer Hiking Series and to all that were able to enjoy!
As schedules are a bit busy in October, there will not be an official Hiking Fellowship adventure. I am planning an informal, Sunday morning hike on Blackett's Ridge, tentatively for October 12th, so, any interested in joining me, just give me a call before.
Looking to represent your Rotary spirit? Rotary Club of Tucson merchandise will be available for purchase at our luncheon on Wednesday, September 17th! Stop by the merchandise table to browse our selection of shirts, hats, and other Rotary gear — perfect for showing your colors at meetings and around town.
Can’t make it to the luncheon? No problem! Contact Nancy Bevens directly at (530) 343-9920 to arrange your purchase.
Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up and wear your Rotary pride in style!
Thursday, September 18th | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Reforma Modern Mexican Mezcal and Tequila 4340 N. Campbell Ave, Ste. 101, Tucson, AZ 85718
Get ready for an evening of fun, fellowship, and flavor! The Rotary Club of Tucson invites you to our upcoming Agave Fellowship at Reforma Modern Mexican Mezcal and Tequila.
For just $50 per person, you’ll enjoy an exclusive guided tasting of four 1 oz shots — the perfect opportunity to expand your palate and learn about the rich traditions of mezcal and tequila.
This event is open to Rotary members and their guests, and you’re welcome to stay and socialize afterward at your own expense.
Spots are limited, so don’t wait to reserve your place!
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, September 18th
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Reforma Modern Mexican Mezcal and Tequila
Price: $50 per person (includes 4 tastings)
Guests Welcome!
For questions or to reserve your spot, please contact: Luis Hernandez ~~ Come sip, savor, and share a memorable evening with your fellow Rotarians!
Mark your calendars; we begin a new season of Tucson Clean and Beautiful - adopt a road on Saturday, September 20th, 2025.
Start time - 7:15AM - end time 9:15AM.
We meet at the former Fiesta Bowling - now Pinz. 501 River Rd. Please wear a hat, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and gloves. We have bags, grabbers, and vests. Bring your energy and Rotary enthusiasm.
Special free event at District Conference featuring our own fellow Rotarian Elijah Ndoye and our Senegal Global Grant
The International Project Fair at the Tubac Golf Resort is on Friday, Sept 26. from 10 AM till noon. Elijah Ndoye of RCOT will be Opening it with a 20-minute combination of inspirational speaking (about his journey) and music from his native Senegal. Afterwards, he will be at the RCOT booth featuring the Global Grant. There will be more than 20 other clubs and organizations presenting their projects at other booths too. This Fair is free to anyone who goes; you don't need to register for the District Conference.
The International Project Fair will be held in the Wedding Chapel just outside the Resort itself. Elijah will be a central part of this effort - something of which RCOT is really proud. Come support him!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of camaraderie, conversation, and, of course, whisky! Join us for the Rotary Whisky Fellowship hosted by Jeff and Tiana Ronstadt at their beautiful home. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP early!
Date: Wednesday, October 8 Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Location: Home of Jeff & Tiana Ronstadt 2800 N. Camino Principal
Cost: $20 plus an interesting bottle of whisky (And yes, you absolutely get to take your bottle back home!)
The Car Show Friday Night Dinner will take place the evening of October 17th at the Gregory School, 3231 N. Craycroft, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cost Per Person is $20 (includes two drink tickets, cash bar after) and will be billed to your account. The dinner is Lucky Wishbone Chicken. Registration is on the Website www.tucsonrotary.org under “Upcoming Events”. Be sure to register your guests. The deadline to register is Friday, October 10th. Hope to see you all there!
The Rotary Club of Tucson Cycling Fellowship will start up once again. The dates are November 8th and November 15th. The Ride starts 8 AM at the St Philips Plaza Campbell and River on the South side near the REN coffee shop. We will ride the loop going West. The ride is for all riders of any ability and the pace and distance is entirely up to the rider. This ride is meant to be a fun training ride in preparation for the El Tour de Tucson. Riders should wear Rotary jerseys if possible.
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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