Fellowship with Rotary Club of Tucson . . .

Helping To Eradicate Polio . . .

Clean Up Day At Mt. Lemmon Boy Scout Camp

Fundraising For Our Ride To End Polio Tour de Tucson

Classics Car Show Fundraiser for Local Charities

Salvation Army Bell Ringing Work Project

Weekly Meeting:

WEDNESDAYS, 12:00 NOON - 1:20 PM

Meetings are held at Tucson Convention Center

260 S. Church Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701 (USA)
520-623-2281

District Site

Bulletins

Venue Map

THE FOUR-WAY TEST

Of the things we think, say or do

1. Is it the TRUTH?

2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

With the Four-Way Test as our guide, the Rotary Club of Tucson is an indispensable resource for our community, and provides our members a remarkable return on their investment of skills, time, and resources.

42 Years of Community Impact

For more than four decades, Greater Tucson Leadership (GTL) has inspired local professionals to step up more confidently into community leadership roles. In its 42-year history, GTL has graduated more than 1,000 local leaders from its flagship program LEAD Tucson, and in 2021 the organization completed a community impact study to find out how alumni are serving the Southern Arizona Region. This presentation shares the results of that impact study and highlights the important role community leadership programs play in building thriving communities.

Kasey Hill ~ Biography

Kasey Hill became the Chief Executive Officer of Greater Tucson Leadership in July 2016. Prior to that, she served as communications director for Develop Danville — a public-private economic development organization in central Kentucky.

Kasey is a Kentucky native and received recognition as a Kentucky Colonel in 2015. Kentucky Colonel is an honorary commission given by the governor of Kentucky to individuals noted for their public service and their work for the advancement of Kentucky. She is a graduate of two community leadership programs and currently serves as President of the board of directors for the Roots & Roads Community Hospice Foundation (formerly Casa de la Luz Foundation). She is a 2020 recipient of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber's 40 Under 40 awards. In the spring of 2021, she was recognized by BizTucson Magazine as one of Tucson's 20 NextGen Leaders. She also received the Leadership Award in 2021 for SHRM of Greater Tucson’s annual Celebrating Innovation in the Workplace awards.

Kasey received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Eastern Kentucky University in 2005 and graduated from the University of Kentucky Institute for Economic Development in 2014. She is currently a graduate student in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Prescott College. She is a Gallup®-Certified Strengths Coach, and lives on the southeast side of Tucson with her husband, Alan, and her 6-pound Yorkshire Terrier, Thor.

This meeting is sponsored by:

El Charro Cafe

Ray & Carlotta Flores

Established in 1922, El Charro Café has become one of America's dining icons…

It’s the Nation's Oldest Mexican Restaurant that has been continually run by the same family.

Featuring traditional -Sonoran style food, along with uniquely Tucson creations, El Charro Café has been described by Gourmet Magazine as: "A Taste Explosion".

In fact, El Charro’s legendary Monica Flin, is world famous as “The Inventor of The Chimichanga.”

It came about by accident… Monica accidentally dropped a burro into the frying pan she was using to brown some beef, and when the hot oil splashed up, she was about to curse out loud in Spanish, using a common Spanish cuss word starting with “Ch”, but because she was surrounded by her young nieces and nephews, she blurted out “Chimichanga”, and accidentally created a dish now enjoyed all around the world….

El Charro’s menu is proof that it’s possible to maintain old world quality, while using recipes that are lower in trans fat, and even gluten free!

With a large array of award winning hand-crafted menu items and beverages , El Charro Café has written a full chapter in Tucson's Culinary History…

Mission Garden: Our Past, Present and Future

Posted by David Lovitt on Dec 30, 2021

Short Biography of a Long and Exciting Life - Roger Pfeuffer

Roger was born in Saginaw Michigan. He attended the same high school as his parents and actually had some of the same teachers.

He grew up reading, collecting rocks and minerals and spent inordinate amounts of time “looking for arrowheads” along the many prehistoric sites in the Saginaw River basin.

Roger graduated high school in 1960 and began as a freshman at the University of Michigan that Fall. He started in anthropology, then switched to geology, then to forestry as a major.

DARK DAY ~ 12/29/21

Reminder: There will be no lunch meeting on Wednesday, December 29th as this is a scheduled Dark Day. The Rotary office will be closed on Friday, December 31st. Hoping you are enjoying the holiday season and President Mark along with the Rotary office, would like to wish each of you and your families a very happy and healthy New Year. See you in 2022!

DARK DAY ~ 12/22/2021

Reminder: There will be no lunch meeting on Wednesday, December 22nd as this is a scheduled Dark Day. President Mark and the Rotary office would like to wish each of you and your families a very special holiday season!

Holiday Mixer ~ Culinary Dropout (The Coop) 12/14/21

Our Holiday Mixer will take place on Tuesday, December 14th in the Coop at Culinary Dropout, 2543 E. Grant Road, start time is 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Please join us for an evening of holiday cheer and fellowship.

This event is a Replacement for our Lunch Meeting on Wednesday, December 15th.

We want to wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday Season!

Jazz Studies

Angelo Versace ~ Biography

Jazz pianist Angelo Versace, a native of Indiana, Pennsylvania, has been the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Arizona since 2014. He attended William Paterson University from 2004-2008, studying with Mulgrew Miller, a seminal figure in jazz and a man whom Versace cites as being a main musical influence. He subsequently earned his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Miami, studying jazz piano, jazz pedagogy, composition and arranging. During his time in Miami, Versace was on faculty at the Superior Academy of Music – an award-winning institution backed by the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program. He also was on faculty at the CGCC Community Arts Program and Dillard High School – high school jazz band programs that found success at the prestigious Essentially Ellington competition. He began to work for the Tucson Jazz Institute (the two-time winner of the Essentially Ellington competition) after his move to Arizona in July of 2014.

Tucson's Tourism Recovery

Travel is one of metro Tucson’s top industries. In 2019 (pre-pandemic), visitors spent $2.6 billion in Pima County, the travel industry employed 25,000 people in our region, and we accommodated nearly 8 million overnight visitors.

The COVID-19 pandemic cut visitor spending nearly in half to $1.35 billion in 2020. While domestic leisure travel has rebounded strongly, corporate and international travel, meetings, and festivals and events, continue to lag.

You will hear from Felipe Garcia, Interim President/CEO about Visit Tucson’s efforts to bring back Tucson travel to pre-pandemic levels, along with his predictions about how long it will take to get there.

DARK DAY ~ Wednesday, 11/24/21

Reminder: There will be no lunch meeting on Wednesday, November 24th as this is a scheduled Dark Day. President Mark and the Rotary office would like to wish each of you and your families a very wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

The Hotel Congress 1919-2021

Richard will be discussing the contribution of The Hotel Congress to the history and culture of the Tucson community.

Richard Oseran ~ Biography

Richard was born 1945 into a family who had been in Arizona since the state was a Territory. He attended the University of Arizona obtaining undergraduate and law degrees and practiced law from 1970 to 2006, appearing before State and Federal Courts including The United States Supreme Court. Richard was appointed Public Defender of Pima County and served in that capacity between private practice as a trial attorney. His family purchased the Hotel Congress in 1985 and has operated the Hotel for thirty-six years. Richard was a founding member, with wife Shana, of the Downtown Tucson Partnership and has been heavily involved in downtown Tucson revitalization efforts. He opened Maynards Market and Kitchen in the Historic Train Depot in 2008. Richard is also a partner in Sonoran Vineyards in Cochise County.

Tucson Underground: Connecting Tucson's Past & Present

Tucson is located on the ancestral lands of the O’odham. O’odham ancestors, whom they refer to as Huhugam, were farming ancient maize along the Santa Cruz River at least 4,000 years ago. Over the last 20 years archaeological studies prior to freeway construction and other urban development have revealed early irrigation canals, agricultural fields, and the villages where people lived. Tucson’s City Hall and Museum of Art are located just inside the walls of Tucson’s former Spanish Presidio. And a thousand-year-old Hohokam ballcourt village was likely an even older layer below downtown Tucson. One of the factors that helped Tucson to become a UNESCO City of Gastronomy was the community’s deep agricultural history.

To Ella with Love, The Music of Ella Fitzgerald

Singing sensation Crystal Stark takes the stage in a concert devoted to celebrating American legend Ella Fitzgerald. Joined by Khris Dodge, Crystal will scat, swing, and serenade you to your heart’s delight. Crystal has been praised for her “style and attention to detail that truly bring the greatness of Ella Fitzgerald to life”.

Crystal Stark ~ Biography

Just off of her premiere performances on the Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship, with the Divas3 from Las Vegas, Crystal Stark is a powerhouse vocalist with national credentials. She doesn’t just take the stage – she owns it.

Replacement/Social Mixer ~ Three Canyon, 10/27/21

The Replacement/Social Mixer is on Wednesday, 10/27/21 at Three Canyon Beer & Wine Garden, 4999 N. Sabino Canyon Road from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. This Mixer will be a replacement of our lunch meeting on Wednesday, 10/27/21. Let's all have some fun and fellowship on the 27th.

If you have any questions, please contact the Rotary office.

"This is an excellent opportunity to introduce potential new members to the Club!"

No Lunch Meeting on 10/20/21

There will be no lunch meeting on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 due to our wonderful Car Show and all the hard work that was put into our annual signature event. We will have a social mixer on 10/27/21 at Three Canyon Beer & Wine Garden on Wednesday 10/27/21, which will replace our Wednesday lunch meeting. Our next scheduled lunch meeting will be held on Wednesday, 11/3/21 at the TCC.

Replacement/Social Mixer ~ 10/27/21

The Club will hold a Replacement/Social Mixer on Wednesday, 10/27/21 at Three Canyon Beer & Wine Garden, 4999 N. Sabino Canyon Road from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. This Mixer will be a replacement of our lunch meeting on Wednesday, 10/27/21. ALL must register on the Club Website under "Upcoming Events". Bring your Guests, the fee is $25.00 and will be billed to your account. Let's all have some fun and fellowship on the 27th.

If you have any questions, please contact the Rotary office.

"This is an excellent opportunity to introduce potential new members to the Club!"

Southern Arizona Leadership Council

Ted Maxwell ~ Biography

Ted Maxwell joined the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC) in April 2013. He assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2018. The nearly 140 CEOs, business and community leaders of SALC are actively involved in creating a vibrant future for the Tucson region and state of Arizona by engaging the critical issues of education, infrastructure, healthcare, governance as well as supporting the innovation economy.

2021 Tucson Classics Car Show

Posted by Joni Condit on Oct 01, 2021

We are getting ready for our 15^th anniversary of our Tucson Classics Car Show in our Centennial year of our club! The Rotary Club of Tucson has raised nearly $1.8M to support local charities focused on literacy, education, development of job skills, and senior assistance. This year, like last year, we are supporting Pima JTED, and 100% of our proceeds will go towards meeting our commitment of $250K.

Our signature event will hopefully host close to 20,000 attendees, feature a field of 400 fabulous classic cars, includes lots of good things to eat and drink, and will feature a wrap up raffle for a gorgeous 2021 Corvette Stingray and five other amazing prizes. With only ten days to go, we are excited to share all of the plans and hard work that will come to fruition on Saturday, October 16^th at 10 am on The Gregory School field. Come to hear all of the opportunities to be a vital part of this fun event that include setting up the field on Friday, the 15^th, the Friday Night Dinner which includes the car show auction, the fun and fabulous day of show, and the camaraderie of the clean up on Sunday morning. Please come to hear from your team leaders to learn all you need to know!

Joni Condit is the 2021 Car Show Chair and is a Past President (2011-2012) and a thirty year member of the Club. Joni is the President and CEO of La Posada at Park Centre in Sahuarita.

Replacement/Social Mixer ~ Prep & Pastry 9/29/21

The Club will hold a Replacement/Social Mixer on Wednesday, 9/29/21 at Prep & Pastry, 2660 N. Campbell from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. This Mixer will be a replacement of our lunch meeting on Wednesday, 9/29/21. ALL must register on the Club Website under "Upcoming Events". Bring your Guests, the fee is $25.00 and will be billed to your account. Let's all have some fun and fellowship on Wednesday.

If you have any questions, please contact the Rotary office.

"This is an excellent opportunity to introduce potential new members to the Club!"

Survivors

Lisa Bates, Founder and Executive Director of Tucson Wildlife Center, and Diana Madaras, artist, are kindred spirits who were destined to come together. Both these women began rescuing wildlife at age 5 or 6—Lisa in Tucson in her backyard, and Diana in New Jersey at her father’s veterinary hospital. At a very early age, both formed a deep bond with animals and understood the need to help these beings who were desperately trying to survive.

The Tucson Wildlife Center, now 23 years old, is a survivor, as well. Eleven other wildlife rescue centers have closed in the past few years pressuring TWC to increase its intake by 400%. Where they served 1500 animals 4 years ago, they now expect 6,000—and all care is funded by private donations.

The Future Worth Fighting For

Posted by Kurtis Dawson on Sep 09, 2021

Zach will share about the growth of Tucson Young Professionals into the largest network of its kind in the state of Arizona, TYP's role as a platform for young professionals to shape the most prosperous, innovative and inclusive Greater Tucson possible, and the opportunities and challenges ahead for getting there.

Zach Yentzer ~ Biography

Zach Yentzer has been intentional to work at the intersection of neighborhood and housing policy, and workforce and economic development to help shape an inclusive, prosperous and innovative future for Tucson. He’s the executive director of Tucson Young Professionals and serves on the Tucson Metro Chamber’s Talent Taskforce. Zach is also the president of the Menlo Park Neighborhood Association, and over the past number of years has been involved with groups such as the Downtown Neighborhoods and Residents Council and the Downtown Tucson Partnership (DTP) board, the Barrio Neighborhood Coalition and the Tucson Small Scale Development Coalition working on housing policy and issues. Zach hosts the daily talk show “Tipping Point with Zach Yentzer” on AM 1030 KVOI The Voice, was named Tucson’s 2019 40 Under 40 Man of the Year, and is a 2020/21 Flinn Brown Fellow.

Togetherness in a Fractured World

A brief look at the Fox Tucson Theatre, the Crown Jewel of Downtown Tucson and the role that live performance plays in an increasingly fractured world. We'll look at where she's been, where she is today, and where she's headed including the Return to the Fox 2021 - 2022 season unfolding in the midst of ongoing change and uncertainty.

Bonnie Schock ~ Biography

Bonnie Schock brings 25 years of professional, nonprofit arts leadership experience to her role as Executive Director at the Fox Tucson Theatre. She has been a presenter, producer, stage director, grant maker, interdisciplinary arts educator and practitioner, and led a range of organizations and projects. She holds an M.F.A in Stage Directing from the University of Minnesota. Prior to the Fox, she led the historic Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts through a programming renaissance.

District Governor Visit

Native Montanan and Army wife, Henrietta “Hank” Huisking became a member of the Rotary Club of Sierra Vista West in its charter year, 2005. Hank is serving as the Service Projects Chair of her club.

In the fifteen years she has been a Rotarian, she has served in many capacities in her club and the District. She attended the 2017 Zone 25-26 Institute as a District 5500 Resource Leader. She is a member of the Paul Harris Society and has attended two in-person and now two virtual Rotary International Conventions.

Hank is a graduate of the D5500 Rotary Leadership Institute and Rotary Leadership Academy leadership programs.

Hank is married to Peter Huisking (of the Sierra Vista Sunrise Rotary Club). Together they have hosted Youth Exchange Students (Germany, Brazil, and Peru) and numerous Group Study Exchanges. She has also served as a counselor for RYLA.

Downtown Post Covid

Fletcher McCusker ~ Biography

Fletcher is a third generation Tucsonan. His grandfather Russell moved to Tucson from Indiana just after the depression. Russell worked for the WPA and laid many of the downtown and University area sidewalks for $1.00 a day and eventually went to work for the railroad. Fletcher's mother was a Tucson High School grad and Fletcher attended John B Wright, Davidson and Amphi. He completed a BS in Rehabilitation at the University of Arizona in 1974 but left Tucson for greener pastures attending graduate school at ASU. Fletcher rose through the ranks in many health care companies in Oklahoma, Maryland and Texas and while in Texas in 1996 he conceived and launched the Providence Service Corporation, the first home based mental health company in America.

Saguaros and Other Cacti Are Up to Something

David Yetman ~ Biography

David Yetman has lived in Tucson since 1961. He has bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in philosophy from the University of Arizona. Since 1992, he has served as a research social scientist at the UA’s Southwest Center, where he explores the lives of the indigenous peoples of Sonora, and people and plants--especially cacti--in southern Mexico and South America and publishes extensively on the results of his research. His latest book "Natural Landmarks of Arizona" will be published by the University of Arizona Press in September.

From 2000-09, David hosted the KUAT natural history series “The Desert Speaks,” and from 2011 through the present he has hosted the PBS series “In the Americas with David Yetman,” which is broadcast to over 100 PBS affiliates and throughout French- and German-speaking nations worldwide. It has also become available on Amazon Prime. Yetman has received Emmy awards for both shows.

In addition to his academic work and broadcasting, David has served twelve years on the Pima County Board of Supervisors and as the Executive Director of the Tucson Audubon Society and as a board member of Patronato San Xavier.

Pima JTED - Transformational Innovative Learning

Pima JTED, as the proud recipient of the RCOT 2021 Centennial Grant, is providing transformational innovative learning opportunities through their new campus, the JTED Innovative Learning Center at The Bridges. Updates will be provided about the new campus, the new programs and why this project is so innovative as it relates to the student experience, how the project was funded and community partnerships as well as the economic and workforce development opportunities that Pima JTED provides.

Kathy Prather ~ Biography

Kathy Prather has served as the Superintendent/CEO of the Pima JTED since 2018. Prior to joining Pima JTED, she served as Director of Career and Technical Education for the Sunnyside Unified and Tucson Unified School Districts. Kathy's career in education has spanned 32 years in multiple locations across Arizona including Rough Rock High School, Prescott College, Northwest Pioneer College, Mohave Community College, Mohave High School, Colorado River Union High School District, Tucson Unified School District and Sunnyside Unified School District. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration-Management, a Master of Arts Degree in Vocational Technical Education, and multiple certifications from the Arizona Department of Education including Superintendent, Principal and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher.