Author: Rotary Club of Indianapolis

  • April 23: Alexis Litz

    April 23: Alexis Litz

    Join us Tuesday for the Environment and Beautification Committee’s annual Arbor Day Program as we hear from Alexis Litz with Wilcox Environmental Engineering.

    Alexis will be addressing the topic of brownfields, where present and past operations at commercial/industrial properties can lead to contaminant releases in the environment, posing a potential risk to human health. These brownfields could be located near where you live or work. Alexis will discuss Wilcox Environmental Engineering’s work on conducting environmental investigations and remediation within residential areas. As property owners, it is important to arm yourself with knowledge and be prepared in the event an environmental investigation is in your neighborhood or even your home.

    Alexis graduated from Hanover College in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Geology and Environmental Science. A professional with over eight years of experience in the environmental industry, Alexis has worked all across Indiana as field team leader for a variety of investigation and remediation projects. She specializes in project management, technical reporting, data analysis, logistics, budgeting, and client relations. 

     All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at the Murat Shrine reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. If registering on site we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

    Lunch and networking start at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.  

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    Upcoming Programs:
    April 30: Fifth Tuesday Service Project with Brightlane Learning
    May 7: Dan Hasler, Purdue University
    May 14: Jenni Browning, CEO, American Dairy Association Indiana
    May 21: Dr. Tiffany Kyser, Culver Academies
  • Nominations Open for Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition Award (ROAR)

    Nominations Open for Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition Award (ROAR)

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is proud to announce that nominations for the Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition (ROAR) Award is open (formerly called Rotarian of the Year). Nominations for Rotarians in good standing who have demonstrated “Service Above Self” during his or her lifetime are being accepted. This award recognizes a life devoted to reflecting the Four Way Test, not just within the Club, but in their career and community life as well. This is considered a lifetime achievement award.

    Completed nominations should be submitted no later than May 15, 2024, to Jamie Hanan via email or by completing the online form below.

    Public announcement of the ROAR Award will occur on June 4, 2024, and the award will be presented at the 2024 Celebration Event scheduled for the evening of June 25, 2024.

    Past Recipients:
    2007: Marge Tarpley and Danny Danielson
    2008: Dr. Tim Dudley
    2009: Hugh Baker
    2010: Bill Batt
    2011: Bill Ervin
    2012: Gene Busche
    2013: Club celebrated 100th anniversary and named Rotarian of the Century: Senator Richard Lugar
    2014: Paul Raikes
    2015: Club celebrated retirement of Executive Director, Susie Harmless, and, therefore, no ROY named
    2016: Judge Tom Fisher
    2017: Elaine Bedel
    2018: Tom Lugar
    2019: Jeff Lake
    2020: Kathy Cookerly and Bill Bubenzer
    2021: Marie Koenig and Larry Brodnik
    2022: Peggy Blackard and Norm Melzer
    2023: David Leonards

    ROAR Award Nomination

    This is the nomination form for the ROAR Award (Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition)
    • All nominees must be a current member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis
    • Why you think this person is deserving of being honored as Rotarian of the Year
    • You must be a member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis to nominate a ROAR nominee. All submissions will remain confidential.

  • April 16: Gregory A. Hill, Sr.

    April 16: Gregory A. Hill, Sr.

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Gregory A. Hill, Sr. the CEO of the Indianapolis Public Library. Hill is an experienced librarian who is well-versed in management and strategic leadership. Since 2012, Hill has held several positions within the Indianapolis Public Library system, including adult reference librarian at Central Library, manager at the Decatur Branch, manager of the Lawrence Branch, area resource manager of the Indianapolis Public Library’s east region, chief public services officer (CPSO), and acting chief executive officer. He was appointed to permanent CEO in April 2023.

    Prior to his career at the Indianapolis Public Library, Hill served in the United States Navy for more than 20 years.

    Guided by his core values of contribution, kindness, service, trustworthiness, and meaningful work, Hill has made significant contributions to the Indianapolis Public Library during his tenure. Most notably, in his role as CPSO, Hill developed and implemented the Indianapolis Public Library’s career development and mentor programs along with establishing and measuring system-wide public service diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

    An active community member, Hill also serves on the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, volunteers as a mentor and tutor at Gold Academy Elementary School, and assists with the management of the Block Family Library at Riley Children’s Hospital.

    Hill holds a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from Liberty University, a master’s degree in library science from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and a second master’s degree in strategic management from Indiana Wesleyan University. Hill will provide an update on the current state of the library.

     All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at the Murat Shrine reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. If registering on site we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

    Lunch and networking start at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.  

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    Upcoming Programs:
    April 23: Arbor Day Program with Alexis Litz, Project Manager, Wilcox Environmental Engineering
    April 30: Fifth Tuesday Service Project with Brightlane Learning
    May 7: Dan Hasler, Purdue University
    May 14: Jenni Browning, CEO, American Dairy Association Indiana
  • 2024 Community Grants: Apply Online

    2024 Community Grants: Apply Online

    The 2024 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Community Grant guidelines have been posted. The Foundation intends to award three grants of $25,000 and two grants of $10,000.

    The online grant application can be found here. Applications are due by June 19, 2024. Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofits who serve the charitable and educational needs of Central Indiana.

    You can find out more about the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation here.

  • Rotary Golf League

    Rotary Golf will start on Monday, May 13 at River Glen. Save the date for our Outing at The Fort on August 7. You do not have to be a good golfer as all events are handicapped. For more information or to sign up to receive the weekly golf newsletter contact David Leonards at ieb@prodigy.net.

  • April 27: Mass Ave. Flower Bed Refresh

    April 27: Mass Ave. Flower Bed Refresh

    The Rotary Environment & Beautification Committee is looking for 6 volunteers to load and rake mulch from 9 am to 12 pm on Saturday, April 27. Please consider volunteering to help us mulch and beautify our two Mass Ave plots (close to our luncheon meeting site – The Murat Temple). Paid parking is available very close by. If interested, please contact Erik Johnson at: erikcajohnson@gmail.com or by calling him at 317-590-3204. 

  • April 9: Joshua Pedde

    April 9: Joshua Pedde

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Joshua Pedde the Artistic Director of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir (ICC), one of the largest and most respected children’s choir programs in the world. Each year, the ICC serves more than 2,500 young people between the ages of 18 months and 18 years who are enrolled in the ICC’s choirs and music education programs. ICC has a long history of serving our community and will be celebrating their 40th year in 2025. 

    Joshua will provide an overview of the ICC community offerings, the current concert season, and their community outreach as well as what is to come for the upcoming season. 

     All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at the Murat Shrine reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. If registering on site we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

    Lunch and networking start at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.  

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    Upcoming Programs:
    April 16: Gregory Hill, Sr., CEO, Indianapolis Public Library
    April 23: Arbor Day Program with Alexis Litz, Project Manager, Wilcox Environmental Engineering
    April 30: Fifth Tuesday Service Project with Brightlane Learning
    May 7: Dan Hasler, Purdue University
  • April 2: Tyler Leishman

    April 2: Tyler Leishman

    Indiana kids and teens are in crisis. Rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are at an all-time high. 1 in 5 kids live with a mental health disorder in the U.S. Death by suicide is the #2 cause of death among Hoosier teens. 82 Indiana counties have a mental health care shortage and Indiana is in the bottom 20% of states in availability of child psychiatrists. Join us Tuesday to hear from Tyler Leishman, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Riley Children’s Health and learn about Riley’s pediatric behavioral healthy strategy. Riley has worked with over 150 community and healthcare members to define key elements of behavioral health for kids across Indiana.

    Tyler joined Riley Children’s Health in February 2022. Recently, Tyler was the Vice President of Strategic Provider Integration and Executive Director of the Pediatric Care Network at Children’s Hospital Colorado – a pediatric clinically integrated network aligning providers across a multistate region. Previously, he held leadership positions at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Tyler has over twelve years of leadership experience in academic medical centers in strategy and planning, business development, physician alignment, clinical integration, value-based care, and reimbursement reform.

    Tyler earned his master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota and his bachelor’s degree in health management services from Weber State University.

    Tyler is passionate about defining and driving value in children’s health. Having children with complex medical needs, he is acutely aware of the importance of making pediatric care accessible to every child in our communities.
     
     All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at the Murat Shrine reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. If registering on site we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

    Lunch and networking start at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.  

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    Upcoming Programs:
    April 9: Joshua Pedde, Executive Artistic Director, Indianapolis Children’s Choir
    April 16: Gregory Hill, Sr., CEO, Indianapolis Public Library
    April 23: Arbor Day Program with Alexis Litz, Project Manager, Wilcox Environmental Engineering
    April 30: Fifth Tuesday Service Project with Brightlane Learning
  • March 26: Offsite at RecycleForce

    March 26: Offsite at RecycleForce




    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis will be going offsite for our luncheon program to RecycleForce next Tuesday, March 26. Join us as we tour their new 102,000 square foot building in Sherman Park.

    RecycleForce is committed to reducing crime through employment and job training, while improving the environment through electronics recycling. Since 2006, RecycleForce has safely recycled more than 65 million pounds of electronic waste while providing job training to thousands of returning citizens. 

    Pre-registration is required by today if you would like lunch. If you participate in the Rotary Value Club program, please email Jamie with your attendance plans by today.  Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/.

    Lunch and networking start at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Zoom will not be offered for this program. 

    You may bring electronics with you to be recycled as well as Styrofoam. 

    Upcoming Programs:
    April 2: Tyler Leishman, Chief Strategy Officer, Riley Children’s Health
    April 9: Joshua Pedde, Executive Artistic Director, Indianapolis Children’s Choir
    April 16: Gregory Hill, Sr., CEO, Indianapolis Public Library
    April 23: Arbor Day Program with Alexis Litz, Project Manager, Wilcox Environmental Engineering
    April 30: Fifth Tuesday Service Project with Brightlane Learning
  • Rotary Helps Send Spelling Champ to DC

    Rotary Helps Send Spelling Champ to DC

    Miah Miller of Creekside Middle School in Carmel (right) is headed to Washington DC to represent Central Indiana as winner of the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee, supported by the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. The Rotary Club covers travel costs for the winner’s family to the National Bee held in May. Taking the lead role for the Bee was Dr. Ted Hall (left) of IU Indy’s School of Education. Also pictured: Daniel Ro Chung Lian, Perry Meridian Academy (third place) and second place finisher Gavin Sigua, Sycamore School.  

    The March 17th Regional was judged by Rotarians Monica Peterson, Lynn Lambuth and Tom Fodor.