Author: Indy Rotary

Congressman Todd Rokita is excited to join Rotary and present the latest initiatives and information that will lead to better government and improved lives for Hoosiers.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Rokita is confronting some of America’s most critical issues including our national debt, a deteriorating transportation infrastructure, and education and workforce development. As Vice-Chairman of the Budget Committee, Rokita is battling against a tax and spend culture while proposing common-sense reforms to programs like Medicaid and Medicare. In his role as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, Rokita is fighting for a stronger educational system that returns local control and authority to parents and teachers, instead of federal bureaucrats.

Our club is excited to participate in a service project during our regular scheduled Tuesday lunch program on Tuesday, May 24!

With the help of the USO, we will be creating packages for families of recently deployed soldiers.

Everyone attending must pay $15 for lunch that day. You can pay at the door like normal, but we’d like to know about how many to prepare for- please email Greg Albright at galbright@indyrotary.org if you plan to attend.

Our club will hold our annual offsite meeting at the Indiana War Memorial on May 17.  Adjutant General Courtney Carr, the highest ranking military official in the State of Indiana, will be giving the presentation. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, General Carr also has a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Chicago and his military schooling also includes a Master’s of Science in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.  This scholarly soldier has also served as a Commander in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iraq.

Tours of the Indiana War Memorial, which is a historic landmark with incredible architecture and includes a fantastic museum, are also available before and after the event. The program is just $16.  Advance registration is required- you can see Greg after the lunch to pay for your ticket if you don’t have one yet.  You are also encouraged to bring a veteran along with you to enjoy the program!

Attendees MUST register and pay HERE, in advance for this offsite meeting. Cost is only $16.

PLAY:

Judge Tanya Walton Pratt was appointed to the United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, on June 15, 2010.  She was nominated for appointment by President Barack H. Obama and unanimously confirmed by the full United States Senate.

Judge Pratt began her legal career in the law firm, Moss & Walton.  She served as a county Public Defender and as Master Commissioner in the Marion Superior Court, Indianapolis, Indiana.  She was elected to the Marion Superior Court in November 1996, 2002 and 2008.

Judge Pratt is active in several bar associations, community groups, and legal education organizations, and has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including Outstanding Judge of the Year Award in 2002, and several honorary doctorate degrees.

Judge Pratt received her B.A. from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and her law degree from Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C.  She is married to Marion Superior Court Judge Marcel Pratt; they have one daughter

Rodney Mann, Executive Director, Scottish Rite Cathedral
Although the Rotary Club of Indianapolis meets in the beautiful ballroom of the Scottish Rite Cathedral each Tuesday, many members may not know the history of the building or what being a Freemason is all about.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis is a magnificent example of Tudor-Gothic architecture and is the home of Freemason member activities, as well as public and community events. Freemasons believe in personal honor, principle, moral and ethical behavior, and setting a good example. There is natural synergy between the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Freemasons and the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. Mr. Mann will end his presentation slightly early and there will be an optional tour of the Scottish Rite Cathedral just afterward. 

Past Presidents Day
Each year, Rotary recognizes Past Presidents of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis for their past and continued service to our club. Please join us and help us celebrate these important individuals on May 3.

Back for a return speaking engagement with the Rotary Club of Indianapolis is Professor Tom Turpin from Purdue University’s Entomology Department. Professor Turpin will be sharing his insight into Honey Bees and pollinators. How important could it be for us to learn about a bunch of bees? Well, consider that Honey Bees add over $15 billion to US agricultural production and do almost 80% of all crop pollination. It’s been reported by the Nature Conservancy that “the number of honey bee colonies has dropped to about 2.5 million from more than 4 million in the 1970s.” and “ It cannot be denied that the honey bee is the greatest pollinating machine when it comes to agriculture.” Whether pesticides are to blame or Colony Collapse Disorder or something else, Professor Turpin will be sure to raise our Bee IQ regarding this situation and potential causes which are being hotly debated in the scientific and environmental communities.