Children’s Museum Tucson is celebrating its 40th Anniversary! The children’s museum has been a cornerstone of childhood in Tucson for generations of families and is growing to meet the demand. Expansion plans for the downtown location include renovation of the existing Museum to expand and update exhibit experiences, adding more opportunities for play, inside and out. With a new planned entrance and the museum’s recently opened Angel Charity for Children Education Center, the museum will have space for a café, gift shop and outdoor science park. Courtyard exhibits are a top priority, with the installation of a dedicated Fountains of Fun exhibit for families to enjoy water play. Learn more about the museum’s plans for growth at our downtown location from Executive Director Hilary Van Alsburg.
Biography
Hilary Van Alsburg serves as the Executive Director at Children’s Museum Tucson|Oro Valley, where interactive accessible learning is the core mission. She holds a Juris Doctorate degree from University of Arizona College of Law and a BA in Sociology from Northern Arizona University, as well as having earned state certification as a K-12 educator. Hilary serves on the board of directors of the Association of Children’s Museums, Visit Tucson, and Downtown Tucson Partnership. Hilary served as a fellow with the Public Voices OpEd Project and was honored as the Association of Fundraising Professionals Fundraising Executive of the Year for Southern Arizona. A native Arizonan, Hilary is active in community organizations focused on education, having served on committees including the United Way of Southern Arizona’s First Focus on Kids and the Institute of Museum and Library Services Information Literacy Initiative. In her role as Executive Director at the Children’s Museum, she is leading the organization through a period of growth with a $15 million expansion to allow the Museum to continue serving as a trusted educational resource for future generations.
Our June 10th Events Around Town (EAT) lunches once again proved that Rotary friendships are best served with a side of great food!
Rotarians scattered across Tucson, gathering at Locale, Forbes Meat Co., The Hills, and Bubbaques where the meals were delicious, the conversations were lively, and the laughter flowed freely. From swapping Rotary stories and community ideas to catching up with friends old and new, every table had its own recipe for a memorable afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Ladies of Rotary enjoyed a special gathering at Trident II, where food, fun, and plenty of chit-chat were on the menu. Judging by the smiles and stories shared, it was an afternoon well spent!
One of the best things about EAT is the opportunity to step away from the usual routine and connect with fellow Rotarians in a relaxed setting. New friendships were sparked, familiar faces were reunited, and everyone left with full stomachs and fuller spirits.
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful hosts who helped make each gathering welcoming, enjoyable, and uniquely memorable. Your efforts continue to make EAT one of our club's favorite traditions.
Missed this month's culinary adventure? Don't worry—another round of EAT is just around the corner. Until then, keep your forks ready and your calendars open!
Rotary Youth Exchange: Kevin Kim, our South Korean exchange student, has been accepted as a junior at Ironwood Ridge High School for the 2026-27 school year. Leo and Lucy Lawrenson will be his first host family and the Oro Valley Rotary Club will be partnering with us to host him. Their club will try to find the two additional host families, although if you or someone you know in the Ironwood Ridge HS area would like to host him, please let Jeanne Zetah know. We'll be sharing Kevin between the clubs, as far as involvement with Rotarians and service projects
No new Wild Polio paralysis cases were reported this week. We are now 9 weeks since the most recent report of a child being paralyzed by the Wild Polio Virus in Pakistan.
Let's Advocate, Donate & Educate toEND POLIO NOW & FOREVER!
2026 Wild Polio Case Total - 7 Pakistan 3, Afghanistan 4
2025 Wild Polio Case Total 52 - Afghanistan 21 - Pakistan 31
We will be selling Rotary merchandise at the June 17th meeting. If you cannot attend, but would like to order merchandise, please contact Nancy Bevens 520-343-9920
For the second installment of this year’s Summer Hiking Series, we’ll be exploring a moderate hike offering the spectacular views you’d expect on Mount Lemmon, but from a different start and finish point. This route also provides flexible distance options, with the Marshall Gulch trailhead and picnic area serving as a natural midway point. The full hike is approximately 5 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain and is expected to take about 3 hours.
Meet-up and Departure – Saturday June 20th – Sunset Trail/Marshall Gulch (Out and Back from Soldier Camp Road):
We will meet at LeBuzz (Catalina Highway and Tanque Verde) at 6:30 AM, with departure at 6:45 AM. We anticipate starting the hike around 8:00 AM.
After the hike, we’ll head over to Beyond Bread at the Mount Lemmon Lodge for a well-earned caffeinated beverage and snack. (Fudge from the General Store will be available for individual purchase.) 😁
RCOT members, it’s time to register YOUR car for the car show!
This year we’re going to have some amazing special displays, and folks are definitely going to want to be part of the show. If you have friends or family members who’d like to enter, they need to register soon too.
Last year registration closed the first of August, so don’t delay.
Ticket Packets as well as Classic Club tickets are now available for pickup at Rotary meetings along with posters, business cards, and ticket-selling partner agreements.
If you haven't completed the Ticket Survey yet, please click on this link: (https://forms.gle/jot5D3JstDyYvoBs5) and give us your feedback by May 20. If you can’t access the link, please complete a paper survey at the Ticket Table to let us know whether you'll sell paper tickets, online, at events, through partner seller groups you recruit, and/or donate instead. THANK YOU!
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 June 10th Events Around Town (EAT) lunches once again proved that Rotary friendships are best served with a side of great food!
The following new Member application has been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
RCOT members, it’s time to register YOUR car for the car show!
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!
