Happy New Year! July 1 is the first day of our new Rotary year, 2025-2026. On Friday, July 4, we will celebrate Independence Day - the birthday of our country and its new year.
Looking in the rear-view mirror at the 2024- 2025 year, we are all grateful for the leadership, vision and creativity of Kurtis Dawson and his team. Thank you, Kurtis, and ‘retiring’ Board members David Lovitt, Mitch Pisik and Nina Trasoff, as well as Sergeant at Arms Khris Dodge, for jobs well done. Continuing with their Board Service for this year are Michael Guymon, Diana Madaras and Jason Grabosch, Treasurer Glenn Ewing and Secretary Jenn Delaney – thank you all for your time and talent last year and appreciation in advance for your hard work to come. New to the Board are Alan Schrope, Brittany Battle and Jonathan Walkup and new Sergeant at Arms Dan Kalm, who bring lots of excitement, energy and ideas. I’m so looking forward to working with you all! And, of course, our club would not be where we are today without the extraordinary efforts and passion of Dorinna York and Deborah Munoz-Chacon!
Together, our group united and brought another terrific car show to Tucson, ably led by Seaniffer (AKA Jennifer and Sean Hoffman) with support from almost every club member. Dave White brings his energy and leadership to this year’s show, which we already know will be another in a series of very successful Tucson Classics Car Shows!
Our 5-year strategic plan is up for review and renewal, which offers a good opportunity to evaluate where we’ve been and where we want to go. Involvement and engagement of our members will be critical as we move forward.
Rotary International’s theme for this coming year is UNITE FOR GOOD, and the Rotary Club of Tucson will build on that – our local theme will be UNITE SOUTHERN ARIZONA (USA) and we will work toward enhancing our presence, impact and activities in our region and our community. We will continue to enhance fellowship opportunities, grow our membership, improve the number and breadth of our service projects, start new traditions, increase our fellowship activities – and have fun!
I hope you are as excited as I am about the potential for us all to Unite for Good, grow our club and have a positive Rotary impact. Thank you for your trust and faith in me; I appreciate the opportunity to serve.
KHRIS DODGE serenaded us with his gentle piano playing as we enjoyed lunch. And the Bar was open…well, you had to pay for your drink but alcohol was served to those who paid.
PRESIDENT KURTIS called the meeting to order and welcomed KENT BURBANK to the stage for the pledge and song, “America The Beautiful.”
KHRIS DODGE, who had a lot of microphone time at this meeting, offered the Inspiration. He said that science shows that hugging and being hugged can make a real difference in someone’s life. Find a moment and give someone a hug.
KHRIS was then welcomed back to the stage to introduce our guests. PRESIDENT KURTIS’ wife, Sasha, and daughter, Olivia, were in attendance to support PRESIDENT KURTIS at his last meeting as President.
The meeting schedule was changed around a bit, and we engaged in Club Business first. BRITTANY BATTLE, who also had lots of microphone time, introduced our newest member, KENT BURBANK. KENT grew up in Nebraska and went to school at both the University of South Dakota and University of Chicago.
PRESIDENT KURTIS noted that KHRIS DODGE received the Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Hero of the year! Congrats KHRIS!
KHRIS was back again for the 25/50/50 Raffle, and we had a guest who won the cash…but not the pot that’s worth about $1,400 at this point.
PRESIDENT KURTIS had a few announcements:
Events/Projects are noted on the website as well as printed and left on the tables.
Red Badge selfies. We need to see more outside of the weekly lunches.
Wilbur was not traveling this week.
PRESIDENT KURTIS and Co-Car Chair, JEN HOFFMAN next awarded some special individuals with the Presidents Coin for outstanding Rotarianship: JENN DELANY, KHRIS DODGE, NANCY BEVINS, BRUCE TUNZE and JON HARNED all received the coin and a nice certificate of their achievements. KURTIS also introduced and thanked his board members.
KHRIS DODGE and BRITTANY BATTLE blew the top off the TCC with their performance! It started with a great cover of Hotel California – Rotary Club of Tucson (RCOT) style. It was a bit of a roast on KURTIS and was really great!
Then, they did a most excellent cover of Margaritaville only RCOT style with another roast on KURTIS. But that was just the beginning. They wanted to thank the true leader of the RCOT this year, so they gave KURTIS’ wife Sasha a bouquet of flowers. They also gave KURTIS a really nice parting gift. It was an Instant Audience key fob and Microphone…so that KURTIS could remember all of the attention that he enjoyed this year. Next, they directed us to the screens where they showed the “One look for KURT” which was a sport coat and collared shirt. By the time they were done, they both were dressed up as KURTIS to include matching hair courtesy of wigs.
PAUL HARRIS was called, and they gave KURTIS the phone. He wasn’t so impressed with KURTIS this year. There was a “Where’s KURTIS?” moment that showed he had been at the Olympics, Coachella, a strange Where’s Waldo gathering, and at MITCH PISIK’s Colonoscopy exam.
Highlights of some of the achievements this year:
Polio Plus – our goal was to raise $20,000 and we raised $26,000
The Tucson Classics Car Show
Increased the number Service Projects
Stellar Programs
Increased recognition of club accomplishments
Membership – reached our goal
Lunches around town
The Event at the Mountain Oyster Club
Had a lot of fun and good humor.
PRESIDENT KURTIS made it back to the stage and thanked his wife, Sasha, as well as Dorinna, Deborah, the Past Presidents (at least most of them), and our club for putting up with his humor that is as dry as the Tucson desert in June.
PRESIDENT KURTIS passed the very large gavel to PRESIDENT ELECT DOT KRET who received the gavel and noted that it was just about as big as her. PRESIDENT DOT announced the new Sargent at Arms for 2025/2026, DAN KALM, as well as the new board members income this year, BRITTANY BATTLE, JONATHAN WALKUP, ALAN SCHROPE.
Next week PRESIDENT DOT will be presenting the 2025/2026 goals.
THANKS VERY MUCH TO PRESIDENT KURTIS ON A REALLY FUN AND HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL YEAR! Most importantly, thanks for bringing the cookies back!
KHRIS DODGE toasted to Past PRESIDENT KURTIS, New PRESIDENT DOT and the Club at large. Cheers!
In lieu of Events Around Town on Wednesday, July 9, Madaras Gallery will host a very special evening event at the Gallery. Rotary Club of Tucson will honor Ricky Hunley's induction into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, and Bob Logan will sign copies of his book about his three amazing treks across Northern Spain-- "Let Your Path Find You."
Please join fellow Rotarians as we celebrate these two very special members.
Wednesday, July 9th- 6-7:30 pm
Madaras Gallery
3035 N. Swan
Tucson, AZ 85712
520-615-3001
YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT ON CLUBRUNNER. Go to www.tucsonrotary.org and scroll down to UPCOMING EVENTS on the left hand side of the home page.
There is no charge for the event, but you must sign up no later than July 4. PLEASE NOTE: You may park in the lot across the drive as well as in the lot in the far back.
Lace up those boots and join us for the Hiking Fellowship outing on Saturday, July 12th! These hikes are a great way to enjoy Tucson’s beautiful outdoors while connecting with fellow Rotarians in a relaxed, active setting.
Our hikes are open to all members and guests—just bring water, sun protection, and a sense of adventure. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, all levels are welcome.
Stay tuned for more details on the location and meeting time. We hope to see you on the trail!
After our July 12th adventure on the Kellog Trail, we’re keeping the momentum going with another great hike on Saturday, August 9th!
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025 Location: To be announced Time: Morning start (details coming soon)
These monthly hikes are a fun way to enjoy Tucson’s beautiful trails while building fellowship. All members and guests are welcome—bring water, sun protection, and your sense of adventure.
Our hikes are coordinated by Bruce Richardson. Watch for updates on location and meeting time soon. Hope to see you on the trail!
As we all continue to feel the impact of rising costs in many areas of daily life, our Rotary Club is no exception. Increased expenses related to food, A/V services at the TCC, and general office operations have necessitated a modest adjustment to our membership dues. Beginning with the new Rotary year, quarterly dues will increase by $10.
While this change helps us maintain the quality of our meetings and operations, our commitment to fellowship and service remains unchanged. Together, we will continue to make a meaningful difference in our community—no matter the challenges.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
You all should have received the email from the Rotary Office with the Parking Protocols at the TCC. In order for us to continue to receive the complimentary parking, you will need to supply your Name and License Plate Number to kate.calhoun@tucsonaz.gov. When sending your information, please reference that you are a member of the Rotary Club of Tucson. After she has recorded your number into the system, you will not be charged for parking at the TCC going forward. If you have a guest attending a lunch meeting, please inform them they will need to validate their license plate number by stopping by the Guest Services Office inside the glass meeting room doors. Also, if you are driving a different car then the one you supplied information for, you too will need to stop by the Guest Services Office. Please remember to bring your License Plate Number with you when you leave your car.
Thank you and please relay all your questions to Kate at the TCC via the email provided.
Get your Car Show Ticket Packet at the lunch meeting back table with lots of great info to help you sell your tickets. Take some of the Car Show referral cards at your table to give to people to encourage them to buy online. Put your name on the back and ask them to credit you for the sale. Let's all help make this the best Car Show ever! Thank you ~~ Jeanne Zetah
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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My fellow Rotarians,
schedule was changed around a bit, and we engaged in Club Business first. BRITTANY BATTLE, who also had lots of microphone time, introduced our newest member, KENT BURBANK. KENT grew up in Nebraska and went to school at both the University of South Dakota and University of Chicago.
PRESIDENT KURTIS and Co-Car Chair, JEN HOFFMAN next awarded some special individuals with the Presidents Coin for outstanding Rotarianship: JENN DELANY, KHRIS DODGE, NANCY BEVINS, BRUCE TUNZE and JON HARNED all received the coin and a nice certificate of their achievements. KURTIS also introduced and thanked his board members.
ader of the RCOT this year, so they gave KURTIS’ wife Sasha a bouquet of flowers. They also gave KURTIS a really nice parting gift. It was an Instant Audience key fob and Microphone…so that KURTIS could remember all of the attention that he enjoyed this year. Next, they directed us to the screens where they showed the “One look for KURT” which was a sport coat and collared shirt. By the time they were done, they both were dressed up as KURTIS to include matching hair courtesy of wigs.
PRESIDENT KURTIS passed the very large gavel to PRESIDENT ELECT DOT KRET who received the gavel and noted that it was just about as big as her. PRESIDENT DOT announced the new Sargent at Arms for 2025/2026, DAN KALM, as well as the new board members income this year, BRITTANY BATTLE, JONATHAN WALKUP, ALAN SCHROPE.
The following New Active Member application has been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
Come Celebrate Two Fellow Rotarians.jpg)
Next Book Club Meeting:
After our July 12th adventure on the Kellog Trail, we’re keeping the momentum going with another great hike on Saturday, August 9th!
Book: The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu
Ready to help?
As we all continue to feel the impact of rising costs in many areas of daily life, our Rotary Club is no exception. Increased expenses related to food, A/V services at the TCC, and general office operations have necessitated a modest adjustment to our membership dues. Beginning with the new Rotary year, quarterly dues will increase by $10.
You all should have received the email from the Rotary Office with the Parking Protocols at the TCC. In order for us to continue to receive the complimentary parking, you will need to supply your Name and License Plate Number 
Get your Car Show Ticket Packet at the lunch meeting back table with lots of great info to help you sell your tickets. Take some of the Car Show referral cards at your table to give to people to encourage them to buy online. Put your name on the back and ask them to credit you for the sale. Let's all help make this the best Car Show ever! Thank you ~~ Jeanne Zetah
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!
