Author: Rotary Club of Indianapolis

  • June 28: Celebration Event After Party

    June 28: Celebration Event After Party

    Come join us at the totally renovated Murat Shriners Bar following our annual Celebration Event honoring departing President Don and incoming President Jenny. Parking is free and we’ll have light snacks available.  Beverages are available for purchase.

    You’ll get a preview of the beautiful new dining room and adjoining bar where future meetings will be held in the Year of Dexter.

    Murat Oasis Lounge, 510 N. New Jersey Street, Indianapolis, 46204

    Tickets for the Celebration Event and Fundraiser can be purchased at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/

  • June 18: Beautification Service Project

    Please join your friends from the Environment & Beautification Committee at a Tower clean up for the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

    We will be weeding, planting shrubs and perennials, and mulching at the INSBVI Tower on June 18th from 9am to 12pm. Looking forward to a nice, summer day of service. Families and guests are welcome to attend.

    Sign up here to volunteer.

  • June 7: Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership Service Project

    June 7: Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership Service Project

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Lynn Baldwin the Director of Operations for Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership. The Nurse-Family Partnership empowers vulnerable first-time moms to transform their lives and create better futures for themselves and their babies. The Nurse-Family Partnership works by having specially trained nurses regularly visit young, first-time moms-to-be, starting early in the pregnancy and continuing through the child’s second birthday. Lynn will share with us about the organization and then we will participate in a club service project of packing tote bags filled with baby essentials for their new moms. This project is funded by the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation and organized by the Community Service Committee. 

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting 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
  • June 1: 5:31 Club

    June 1: 5:31 Club

    Join the Rotary Club of Indianapolis 5:31 Club at the home of Norm and Lana Melzer on Wednesday, June 1 for drinks in their splendid garden. 

    Who: Rotarians, friends, guests, and anyone wanting to learn more about Rotary.

    What: No agenda, just the regular monthly social get-together.

    When: June 1, from 5:31 pm till 7:00 pm, or whenever you can be there. Rain date June 8. 

    Where: 7932 Springwater Court, Indianapolis, 46256
  • May 31: Ray Boomhower

    May 31: Ray Boomhower

    Join us Tuesday for a special Memorial Day program and hear from Ray Boomhower the Senior Editor of the Indiana Historical Society. Boomhower specializes in WWII correspondents and will speak about Hoosier Ernie Pyle. Ernie Pyle was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and war correspondent who was best known for his stories about American soldiers during World War II. 

    In addition to being the senior editor of the Indiana Historical Society Press, Boomhower is also responsible for the quarterly popular history magazine Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History. He has been with the Society since 1987, beginning work for the statewide, nonprofit organization as its public relations coordinator.

    A native of Mishawaka, Indiana, Boomhower graduated from Indiana University in 1982 with degrees in journalism and political science. He received his master’s degree in U.S. history from Indiana University, Indianapolis, in 1995. Before joining the Society staff, he worked in public relations for the Indiana State Museum and as a reporter for two Indiana daily newspapers, the Rensselaer Republican and the Anderson Herald.
     
    Boomhower is the author of numerous articles and books, including biographies of such notable Hoosiers as Gus Grissom, Ernie Pyle, Benjamin Harrison, Lew Wallace, and May Wright Sewall. His latest book, Richard Tregaskis: Reporting under Fire from Guadalcanal to Vietnam, was published by the University of New Mexico Press in November 2021. Boomhower is now working on a book about Associated Press Saigon bureau chief Malcom Browne and his experiences in Vietnam in the early 1960s, including his famous photo of the burning monk. 

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting 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
  • May 24: Alyssa Van Vactor

    May 24: Alyssa Van Vactor

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Alyssa Van Vactor the Executive Director of kNot Today. kNot Today was founded by Indianapolis Colts Head Coach, Frank Reich, and his wife Linda. kNot Today strives to bring about a world that cherishes and protects the beauty and innocence of every child. Their mission is to generate awareness and initiate prevention strategies to end sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking of children. They also assist in the development of innovative healing programs and support vetted, restorative service providers to improve their capacity to care for children who have experienced sexual trauma. kNot Today Headquarters are located in Indianapolis. They serve the entire state of Indiana as well as Charlotte, North Carolina and its surrounding cities. 

    Alyssa joined kNot Today in June 2021. Prior to joining kNot Today, Alyssa spent seven years leading a nonprofit for struggling youth in the greater Indianapolis area. Alyssa has extensive knowledge in marketing, sales, education, fundraising events, and nonprofit leadership. Prior to her career in nonprofits, Alyssa had a 10-year career in elementary education. Alyssa received her degree in Education and Family Health and Wellness from Ball State University.
     
    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting 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

  • May 17: Dr. Deborah Curtis

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Dr. Deborah Curtis the President of Indiana State University. Dr. Curtis will address the changing landscape of higher education as our state and nation emerge from the pandemic along with Indiana State’s role in preparing Indiana’s workforce. 

    Dr. Curtis began her tenure as the twelfth president of Indiana State University on January 3, 2018. She is the first female and only the second graduate of Indiana State to serve as president. She came to Indiana State from the University of Central Missouri where she had served as provost and chief learning officer since 2012.

    Prior to becoming provost at Central Missouri, Dr. Curtis served as dean of the College of Education at Illinois State University from 2006 to 2012, interim dean from 2005 to 2006 and as director of the Cecilia J. Lauby Teacher Education Center and Clinical Experiences and Certification Processes from 2001 to 2005. She served on the faculty of Illinois State for 26 years, advancing to the rank of full professor. 

    Dr. Curtis earned her Ph.D. from Indiana State University in curriculum and instruction with specializations in secondary education and supervision of instruction. She holds a master’s degree in music education from the University of Illinois and a bachelor’s degree in music education from MacMurray College.

    Throughout her career, Dr. Curtis has served her community and profession through engagement in a variety of service roles in Illinois, Missouri, and now Indiana. Some of these include the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Board, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Indiana Chamber Board, Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation Board, Indiana Campus Compact Board, NCAA Division I Presidential Forum, and the Indiana Chamber 2025+ Task Force.
     
    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting 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
  • Long Time Rotarian, Paul Raikes Passes Away

    Long Time Rotarian, Paul Raikes Passes Away

    Paul L. Raikes, age 95, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on Monday, May 9, 2022. Paul was born March 19, 1927.

    Paul joined the Rotary Club of Indianapolis in 1976 and had 38 years of perfect attendance. He was a Paul Harris Fellow, served on the Rotary Board of Directors and was recognized as Rotarian of the Year in 2014.

    A gathering of family and friends for Paul will be held Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a celebration of life from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Crown Hill Memorial Chapel, 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208

    Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Raikes family.

  • May 10: Allison Melangton

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Allison Melangton the Senior Vice President of Penske Entertainment. She is responsible for the oversight of several business areas within the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and IMS Productions, including marketing, communications, video content, corporate partnerships and human resources.

    Allison joined Penske Entertainment, formerly Hulman Motorsports, in November 2014 as senior vice president of events. Her responsibilities included the overall production of major events at the Racing Capital of the World, as well as special NTT INDYCAR SERIES events such as the preseason kickoff and postseason celebration.

    Most notably, Allison led the planning and execution of the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016, which was recognized as Sports Business Journal’s Sports Event of the Year and featured the event’s first-ever sold-out crowd since its inception in 1911.

    Allison served on the Executive Leadership team of Indiana Sports Corp. for 20 years, serving the final two years as president from September 2012 until October 2014. She spent four of those years serving as CEO and president of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee from 2008-12.

    Widely regarded as the most engaging and successfully organized Super Bowl in history, Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis featured the Super Bowl Village, which drew more than 1.1 million people to downtown Indianapolis; $154 million of investment in the city’s Near Eastside through the Legacy Project; more than 12,000 volunteers serving in a variety of roles; and community, youth and green initiatives that impacted hundreds of thousands of individuals.

    Allison was honored with a “Sagamore of the Wabash” by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels in 2012, and recognized as a “Living Legend” by the Indiana Historical Society in 2014. Sports Business Journal, the nation’s industry-leading publication, named Allison a recipient of its “Game Changer” Award in 2012. In 2017 Allison received recognition for two Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Jefferson Award for Community Impact and College Mentors for Kids.

    Allison also serves on the Board of Directors for OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc., the 2022 College Football Playoff, the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, the St. Vincent Foundation, the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis Economic Club.

    Prior to joining Indiana Sports Corp., Allison worked nine Olympic Games, including the last six as an associate producer for the gymnastics broadcast by NBC Sports, with the most recent being the 2016 summer games in Rio de Janeiro. She has won five Emmy Awards for her work as a member of the NBC Sports broadcast team.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Please note that this week’s program will be in the second floor ballroom. 

    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    
  • May 3: Steven Woods

    May 3: Steven Woods

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Steven Woods an NFL Umpire. Steven, a native and resident of Franklin, recently completed his fifth season as an NFL official, having started his journey in football officiating over 20 years ago. Steven graduated from Franklin Community High School and then Wabash College where he played football for four years and was elected Team Captain as a senior. Since 1999, he has officiated football and was hired into the NFL in 2017 as an Umpire. He is one of the youngest NFL Umpires to date.

    Steven will give us a behind the scenes take on a day in the life of an NFL Umpire. When he is not on the field officiating, you can find Steven at his day job as a financial advisor at Raymond James.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Please note that this week’s program will be in the second floor ballroom. 

    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