Tucsotarian - February 4, 2026
 

Stories

Social Mixer - Barrio Brewing Company - February 4

We’re Mixing Things Up! Join Us for Our Next Rotary Event

We’re changing things up and heading out for an evening of fellowship! Our next Rotary event is a Replacement/Social Mixer on Wednesday, February 4, and it will take the place of our regular lunch meeting.

Join fellow Rotarians at Barrio Brewing Co. (800 E. 16th Street) from 5:30–7:30 PM for good food, great conversation, and relaxed Rotary fun. There will be good food and a no-host bar, making this a perfect midweek chance to connect.

Registration is required and space is limited to 50 attendees, so be sure to sign up early. The cost is $35 for guests (please remember to register guests as well), and the guest fee will be billed to your account. Registration is available on the Club website at www.tucsonrotary.org under Upcoming EventsReplacement/Social Mixer.

If you have questions or need help registering, please contact the Rotary office at 520-623-2281.

Don’t miss this fun and social evening with your fellow Rotarians—we look forward to seeing you there!

Mystery Editor ~ 1/28/26
A spirited gathering of Rotarians and virtual guests convened at the Sheraton Tucson for an inspiring Wednesday meeting filled with fellowship, purpose, and meaningful connections!
 
We kicked off with the Pledge led by new member NICOLE van WINDEN, and then we saw a special video of a 104-year-old WWII veteran playing the Star-Spangled Banner on his clarinet.
 
Our hearts went out to ANITA SCALES, who recently fell and underwent hip surgery---get well wishes and signed cards circled the room as we rallied around one of our own.
 
President DOT KRET shared a heartfelt inspirational moment, inviting us to pause and reflect, before offering a glimpse into her friend’s recent travels to Morocco where Rotarians helped rebuild a school after it was destroyed in an earthquake. A beautiful reminder of Rotary's global reach and impact!
 
SAA DAN KALM welcomed all our wonderful guests. Special shout-out to RALPH PHILLIPS from Fair Wheel Bikes for keeping our Rotary cookie tradition alive and delicious!
 
MICHAEL GUYMON provided a warm introduction of Michael Ortega, Executive Director of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), brought the energy and expertise today with his presentation "RTA Next: A Plan for Everyone." Michael painted a compelling vision for Tucson's transportation future---one that prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, and community connection. From public transit improvements to infrastructure planning, his insights showed how thoughtful transportation systems build stronger, more connected cities. It's the kind of work that literally moves our community forward! President Dot presented the book "Road Builders” for Michael to sign. A perfect pairing of real-world impact and inspiring young minds!
 
Happy Birthday to CLIFF BOWMAN (1/27), a distinguished Air Force veteran and former RCOT President (2017-2018)! Cliff, we hope your day was as amazing as your service. We also hope someone gets you some fried okra.
 
A spirited WELCOME BACK! to returning members JON & CONRAD PLIMPTON---we're thrilled to have you rejoin the fold!
 
A warm Rotary welcome to our newest member, NICOLE van WINDEN, introduced by ALAN SCHROPE
 
Heartfelt congratulations to RANDY SCHULTZ on receiving a Paul Harris recognition---a well-deserved honor!
 
SAA DAN KALM pulled out a raffle ticket, and the winner was STU GOLDMAN, who was rewarded not only with cash but with a highly coveted sitting ovation!
 
Mark your calendar :
 
February 4 (No lunch meeting) -- REPLACEMENT/SOCIAL MIXER at Barrio Brewing Co., 5:30 PM--7:30 PM. Registration is REQUIRED and we're capped at 50 guests---so register now.
February 11 - Events Around Town.  Check Upcoming Events for the locations.
February 25 -- RODEO DAYS MEETING! Dust off your Western gear and bring your "Ye-Haw!" energy. We're keeping the tradition alive and having some serious fun!
Upcoming Service Project announcements from DIANA MADARAS, including details about our December Service Project Winner (the suspense!) and a Happy Jackson for the inspiring "Born to Be Wild" initiative for the Tucson Wildlife Center, taking place 3/8/26 at Loew’s Ventana Canyon.
 
DENNIS BERGQUIST from Kino Rotary shared exciting updates on the Kenya Project, continuing to bring Rotary's impact to East Africa.
 
We closed with gratitude, reflection, and a spirited toast to the friendships, service, and purpose that define Rotary. Another week of Uniting for Good---locally and globally. 💙💛
Proposed New Member
The following new Member application has been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
 
Active Member:  Pat Randles
 
Company:  Long Realty Company
 
Classification: Real Estate: Sales
 
Sponsor: Alan Rogers
 
If no written objections are received within ten days of publication, the applicant will be accepted.

Welcome New Members

Please welcome the following new members into the Rotary Club of Tucson.  They will be introduced at a future lunch meeting.

Active Member:  Kasey O'Connor
 
Company:  RG & Sons Plumbing
 
Classification: Service Industries: Plumbing
 
Sponsor: Kevin Barker
 
_________________________________
 
Active Member:  Leah Ranalli
 
Company:  Ranalli Holdings LLC
 
Classification: Service Industries: Plumbing
 
Sponsor: Roger LaFaye
Events Around Town (EAT)  Wednesday, February 11

There will be no regular Rotary lunch meeting on Wednesday, February 11. Instead, enjoy one of our favorite traditions—Events Around Town (EAT)! From 12:00–1:30 p.m., Rotarians will gather in small groups at local restaurants for great food, relaxed conversation, and Rotary fellowship.

Choose your location and host:

  • Parish Gastropub, 6453 N. Oracle
    Hosts: Mark Irvin, John Duval & David Lovitt

  • Locale, 60 N. Alvernon Way
    Hosts: Glenn Ewing, Chuck Sawyer & Bobby Larson

  • Lodge on the Desert (Women), 306 N. Alvernon Way
    Hosts: Vickie Jacobs & Marcia Krumwiede

  • Trattoria Pina, 5541 N. Swan
    Host: Bruce Jacobs

These informal lunches are a fun way to connect and catch up with fellow Rotarians. Advance registration is required—please sign up on the Club website. See you around town!

Wine Fellowship - February 12

Please join us for our next Rotary Wine Fellowship event!

  • Thursday, February 12, 5:30-7:00 pm
  • Flying Leap Vineyards Tucson Tasting Room, 2940 N Swan Rd. in Plaza Palomino 
Any questions contact the Wine Chairs:
 
 
Legacy Society - Annual Appreciation Event - 2/12/26
The Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation will be hosting the members of the Legacy Society for their Annual Appreciation event on February 12th, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Contact Jo DeChatelet at (520) 891-5759 with any questions.
Rotary Golf Fellowship - February 13

Rotary Golf Fellowship Schedule

 

Friday, February 13, 2026

Friday, February 27, 2026

 

Friday, March 13, 2026

Friday, March 27, 2026

 

Contact Bruce Tunze at btunze@gmail.com to sign up.

Book Club Fellowship - February 16
Our next meeting will be Monday, February 16, at noon in the private room of El Charro restaurant (6910 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85750).  We will be reviewing the book, The Boys in the Boat, and will have our own Hugh Thompson as a special guest speaker, as once-upon-a-time he was an alternate on the US Olympic Crew team.
 
No past participation is required, each meeting is stand-alone.  Friends, family and of course potential members are all invited.  There is no cost other than what you choose to purchase at El Charro.  Please let me know if you plan to attend so I can make an appropriate restaurant reservation.
 
Our future reading list is pre-planned and on the website under "Book Fellowship, however we are known to make changes based on current events and the whims of our participants.  Thank you!  Nancy Stockton
Whisky Fellowship - February 19

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

Cheers,
Mitch Pisik & Brett Stein

TRAK - February 21
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 21st
 
Time:  8:00am - 10:00am
 
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!
Adopt a Road - March 7
Tucson Clean & Beautiful / Rotary Club of Tucson
Adopt-A-Road Service Project
Saturday, March 7th, 8:15 AM
 
Rotarians—please join your fellow members as we continue our ongoing mission to clean up Oracle Road. There’s always roadside trash to tackle, and thanks to our efforts over the past two years, we can truly see the difference we’re making—the area is noticeably cleaner.
 
We’ll meet at Pinz Bowling, 501 W. River Road, at 8:15 AM and wrap up by mid-morning. Expect fresh air, a little light exercise, and the occasional “interesting” find along the way.
 
All supplies are provided, including gloves, safety vests, grabbers, and trash bags. We’ll also have snacks and water on hand.
 
Please wear closed-toe shoes, along with a hat and sunscreen.
 
Hope to see you there on March 7th!
 
Lee “Clean Streets” Olitzky
Polio Update
Polio Update from Rotary:
Fifteen weeks in a row with no wild polio was a great run while it lasted...but SADLY a NEW CASE of wild polio showed up in Pakistan on December 14th but is only now being reported.  So, the wild polio count for the 2025-year increases by one, making the Year-to-Date total for 2025 40 (31 in Pakistan and 9 in Afghanistan).  This is compared to 98 for the same period in 2024.  There were 2 Positive Wid environment samples both collected in Hamburg, Germany, which is a little disconcerting.  There was 1 case previously collected in Hamburg on October 6th of last year and it is genetically linked to the new sample just now reported. It clearly shows that we cannot let our guard down....the virus has no borders. The dates of the most recent wild polio virus cases are: Afghanistan: 10/3/2025 and Pakistan 12/14/2025.
Peace Pole Project
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 two 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!
 
You can find out more here.
Make an Impact with Just a Click – Donate to the RCT Foundation Today
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!

Speakers
Feb 11, 2026
"Events Around Town"
Feb 18, 2026
O'Reilly Chevrolet
Feb 25, 2026
Tucson Museum of Art
Mar 04, 2026
Arts/Entertainment
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Lunch Events Around Town ~ 2/11/26
Feb. 11, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
 
Wine Fellowship - 2/12/26
Feb. 12, 2026
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
 
Golf Fellowship - Friday, February 13
Feb. 13, 2026
 
Book Club Fellowship - February 16
Feb. 16, 2026 12:00 p.m.
 
Whisky Fellowship - February 19
Feb. 19, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
 
Hiking Fellowship - Bowen House(Tucson Mountains)
Feb. 21, 2026
 
TRAK - February 21
TRAK
Feb. 21, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
 
Golf Fellowship - Friday, February 27
Feb. 27, 2026
 
Tucson Clean & Beautiful - March 7
Mar. 07, 2026 8:15 a.m.
 
Golf Fellowship - Friday, March 13
Mar. 13, 2026
 
View entire list
Sponsors
Interested in being a sponsor?
Download the website sponsorship guide
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