The Rotary Club of Tucson gathered at the Tucson Convention Center on May 6 for a lively lunch meeting centered on adventure, discovery, and club connection. President DOT KRET rang the bell, MEME AGUILA led the Pledge and song, and KHRIS DODGE joined on piano for “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” setting a warm and patriotic tone for the afternoon. CHRIS EDWARDS then offered the Inspirational Moment, followed by DAN KALM’s welcome to guests and virtual viewers, including MARGARET HIGGINS, GARY HIRSCH, and MARIANNE FREITAS.
Sweet support came courtesy of cookie sponsors BILL HARLOW and JOHN HARLOW of Harlow Gardens, keeping Rotarians well fueled for the featured program.
PRESIDENT DOT KRET introduced PAT ZUMBUSCH, who in turn welcomed speaker PEARCE PAUL CREASMAN, Professor and Executive Director of the American Center for Research, for a fascinating presentation on “Discovering Petra and Excavations at The Treasury Al Khazneh.” His program brought the ancient world to life, and his book signing for Kid Scientist: Archaeologists on a Dig added a special touch, with the book destined for Make Way for Books as part of the club’s support for children’s literacy in Tucson.
Club business kept the momentum going.
GORDY SIEWERT introduced new member MEME AGUILA, welcome MEME.
CHUCK SAWYER and JIM MURPHY presented blue badges to CARY BENJAMIN, DANIEL ALLEN and ROB SAME.
SAA DAN KALM handled the raffle, congratulations to PAT ZUMBUSCH for the winning ticket.
DOT KRET shared upcoming opportunities including Events Around Town, Home Hospitality, all must sign up for the May 20th program – Becky Burke, Women’s Basketball Coach. JONATHAN WALKUP announced the Orville McPherson and 4 Way Test Nominations are due by the 13th and MARI DEVRIES ROSS asked for nonprofit nominations for the Car Show, JEANNE ZETAH and ADAM ENGLISH promoted car show ticket selling, and DOT announced scholarship cup giving.
The meeting closed with thanks to Professor Creasman, welcome MEME to the club and congratulations to our new blue badgers, CARY, DANIEL AND ROB. A toast was led by CHRIS EDWARDS and the meeting was adjourned.
We are pleased to announce that we are accepting nominations for two distinguished honors within our club: the Orville McPherson Award and the 4-Way Test Award. These awards recognize individuals who exemplify the values, service, and integrity that define Rotary.
The Orville McPherson Award - given to a Rotary Club of Tucson member who exemplifies the ideals of Rotary.Consistently going above and beyond 100%.
The 4-Way Test Award given to a non-Rotarian that models the 4-Way behaviors, and are “unsung heroes,”, or are well-known in the community for demonstrating the 4-Way Test behaviors, or are humanitarians and/or are extraordinary volunteers.
We encourage you to take part in this process by nominating individuals who embody these ideals.Nominating forms can be found on our RCOT website using the following links:Orville McPherson Award Form or 4 Way Test Award Form
The nomination process will take place through May 13.
Thank you for helping us recognize exceptional individuals who make our community and our club strong. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Warm regards, Jonathan Walkup RCOT Board of Directors
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!
Do you know someone in our Club who deserves Rotary recognition? If you’re aware of a recent achievement, special honor, or noteworthy accomplishment involving one of our members, please let us know.
Kindly reach out to President Dot, SAA Dan Kalm, or the Rotary office with the details. We would love to recognize them at an upcoming lunch meeting.
Let’s celebrate the great things happening within our Club — Way to go, Rotary!
Please join the Rotary Club of Tucson Wine Fellowship at the Arizona Wine Collective in St. Philips Plaza (4280 N Campbell Ave #155 - south side of the complex near the Rillito River Walk) for a wine tasting on Tuesday, May 12 from 5:30-7:00p. The cost to participate is $30 per person includes tax and tip and includes 5 tastings. Guests are welcome so please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested in joining us! We ask that attendees register and pay in advance using this link.
Feel free to bring an appetizer to share. Please register by Friday, May 8.
We look forward to seeing you at the Arizona Wine Collective soon!
Marcy Euler & Debbie Sheppard Rotary Club of Tucson Wine Fellowship
Final chance until Fall to help RCOT maintain our road! Join us for a community‑service cleanup of Oracle Road between River Road and Wetmore Road, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 8:00–11:00 AM.
Wear closed‑toe shoes, bring water, and be ready to feel energized by the end—you’ll see the difference we can make together for our community.
Due to the increase in daytime temperatures, the May hike will move to the top of Mount Lemmon for some cooler conditions.
This month’s trek will take us to the top of Mount Lemmon for a shorter — but no less scenic — hike through the pine trees. From the trailhead, we will begin on the Meadow Trail, offering breathtaking views before eventually connecting with the Mount Lemmon Trail for the ascent back to the trailhead. The hike also includes a great optional spur to the fire observation overlook, featuring some of the best views anywhere on the mountain.
The overall hike distance is up to 2.6 miles with approximately 400 feet of elevation gain. While the hike itself will be fairly quick, this will be our first real adventure at altitude, so please plan accordingly and bring sufficient water and snacks.
Meet-up and departure will be from LeBuzz, located at Catalina Highway and Tanque Verde, with a meet time of 6:30 AM and departure at 6:45 AM. We anticipate beginning the hike around 8:00 AM. The hike should take approximately 2–2.5 hours and will be followed by a stop at Beyond Bread, located at the Mount Lemmon Lodge, for a caffeinated beverage and tasty snack.
Our Home Hospitality events are scheduled for the week of May 26–31, and we’re looking for members to serve as hosts throughout the week. These social gatherings will take the place of our regular lunch meeting on Wednesday, May 27.
If you’re interested in hosting—whether at your home, place of business, or even a restaurant—please let Dorinna know your preferred date, time, location, and how many guests you can accommodate. Hosts will be eligible for food reimbursement based on the number of attendees.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Rotarians in a more relaxed and personal setting. We hope many of you will consider participating! Thank you!
We have a new date (to replace our previously scheduled date of May 9th)! Saturday June 6th from 9:00AM - noon, our Club is scheduled to work together at the Community Food Bank. They will be ready for 50 us to be there, so please check your calendars and email/text/call Lori or I if you (or others you know at least 16 years of age) can make it.
Where: Community Food Bank at 3003 S Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85713 When: Saturday June 6, 2026, 8:45 AM to check in then work 9:00 AM - noon Why: To help our Tucson and Southern AZ neighbors Who: The Rotary Club of Tucson, family members/friends/neighbors etc. What: Have fun with your Rotary friends packing food boxes for people in need
This is my infrequent email to all members to assure everyone is aware of our awesome non-fiction book club fellowship.
Our next meeting is Monday, June 15 at noon, held at The Ranch Bar and Grill, 9155 E Tanque Verde Rd. #177, Tucson, AZ 85749. All members and guests are invited. We will be discussing the book, The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation.
On a separate note, please remember that RYLA applications (Rotary Youth Leadership Award, which is leadership camp for high school aged students) become available in October.
Thanks everyone!
Nancy Stockton
The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation
Jun, 2026
The Firing Line
Jul, 2026
Dealers of Lightning -Xerox Parc and the Dawn of the Computer Age
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.
Sweet support came courtesy of cookie sponsors BILL HARLOW and JOHN HARLOW of Harlow Gardens, keeping Rotarians well fueled for the featured program.
PRESIDENT DOT KRET introduced PAT ZUMBUSCH, who in turn welcomed speaker PEARCE PAUL CREASMAN, Professor and Executive Director of the American Center for Research, for a fascinating presentation on “Discovering Petra and Excavations at The Treasury Al Khazneh.” His program brought the ancient world to life, and his book signing for Kid Scientist: Archaeologists on a Dig added a special touch, with the book destined for Make Way for Books as part of the club’s support for children’s literacy in Tucson.
Final chance until Fall to help RCOT maintain our road! Join us for a community‑service cleanup of Oracle Road between River Road and Wetmore Road, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 8:00–11:00 AM.
2026 TLT meeting schedule.
Good evening Rotary family-
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!
Pinz
