Category: Better Know a Member

On a beautiful day in May (not one of the many rainy ones), I had the pleasure of visiting with John Aleshire in his office at the Humane Society of Indianapolis where John is the CEO.

John grew up in Terre Haute with his parents and one younger brother. He graduated from Indiana State University and went on to United Theological Seminary where he obtained a graduate degree in divinity. He came to Indianapolis in 1976 and was on staff at North United Methodist Church for many years.

After his time at the church, John was with Indiana National Bank’s community affairs/public relations division for 11+ years. A highlight there was organizing the annual Independence Day fireworks. While at Indiana National, he was given the opportunity to be a trust officer and held that position until the bank was sold and he was asked to transfer to Detroit—John chose to stay in Indianapolis.

John was then CEO of The Little Red Door Cancer Agency for 6 years until the Humane Society of Indianapolis came calling. About three years ago, he had actually read about the resignation of his predecessor in the Indianapolis Star and thought “what sucker is going to take that job…” A week later he was approached by a friend, Marsha Spring, who was on the board and asked him to consider the position. John said ‘no’ quickly but then agreed to meet David Horth, who was the board president at the time. David’s vision, passion and dedication for the organization were so impressive that John decided to take the position.

John’s been with the Humane Society of Indianapolis for over 2-1/2 years now and works to fulfill the organization’s vision that “all Central Indiana animals are treated with dignity and respect and live free from cruelty, harm and neglect.” He is diligent about making the organization truly financial secure. Future plans for the organization include a second location that will be an animal welfare center in the Fountain Square area to provide spay and neuter services. This center will be the first of its kind in the country. Learn more about the Indianapolis Humane Society and sign up for “furr-e-mail” at http://indyhumane.org.

Oh, and if you’re wondering how many pets are in John’s family–he has two cats.

When I asked John about his personal mantras, he shared these nuggets:

• Show up and pay attention
• Suspend judgment
• Don’t take anything personally
• Speak your truth with compassion
• Don’t be attached to the outcome

John was recruited to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis in 2003 by Marsha Spring. He was pleasantly surprised by the club’s diversity, large membership, mission and people. John says, as with any experience, membership in Rotary is what you make it and suggests that anyone that values their profession and wants to be around leaders, visionary thinkers and people engaged in the Indianapolis community needs to give Rotary a chance. He has found it to be a great place to build a network of professional friendships and has found members to be a great resource for services as well.

John’s future goals include travelling to Europe and tracing his ancestral roots in England, Wales and Scotland. He spent time studying in Europe while in seminary and would like to go back to Italy some day. John has already been to every state except Arizona and New Mexico. He has a business trip to Arizona next month, so he is close to completing the U.S. tour.

I also learned that one of John’s creative outlets is writing. He has the plots worked out on a couple of novels he hopes to finish one day. He also dreams of being a pianist and loves classical and other music. He admires the talent of others—including those that play for our club meetings—but just has never had the time to work on it enough.

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to spend time getting to know John. Personally, I won’t be surprised to see his name on a best seller list or a marquee someday. If you haven’t yet met him, be sure to do so at an upcoming Rotary meeting. Or, if you are considering adding a dog or cat to your family, visit John and friends at the Humane Society of Indianapolis!

Sitting at the Children’s Museum after enjoying the stories and wonderment the museum brings to children and families, I found this same wonderment in the story behind the man of Dr. Kent Millard, Senior Pastor at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and a long time Rotarian. His mission to children and families from Indianapolis to Kenya, to Haiti and Zimbabwe, brought both a tear and a smile as I listened to his life story and ministries.

Kent was born in Hereford, Texas. He and his family later moved to Faith, South Dakota. Yes, he really grew up in Faith! Kent graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University where he majored in English and History and played football. He attended seminary at Boston University School of Theology and did graduate work at Cambridge University in Cambridge, England. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

Kent and his wife, Minnietta, have 2 children and 7 grandchildren. His son, Kendall, and his wife, Katherine, have 4 children: Madison, McKenzie, Morgan and Marshall. Kendall is also an active Rotarian. His daughter, Koretta and her husband, Eddy, have 3 children: Tre, Jalen and Taylor.

Kent has been senior pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for 17 years. St. Luke’s is an open community of Christians that shares Christ’s unconditional love for all people and sponsor mission teams providing loving service somewhere in the world every month. There are 6,200 members with an average attendance of 3,000 with 10 different services and 3 locations.

I asked Kent if there were turning points in his life that brought him to the ministry. He recalled his Father’s struggle with alcoholism and the day he began his recovery. This turning point in his Father’s life not only changed him and redirected his life’s journey; it did the same for his entire family because then they started attending church. The second turning point was his decision to go to church camp as a young teen. He actually made this decision because he heard he could play sports and meet pretty girls. He accomplished both and much more as he met his future bride, Minnietta, and accepted Christ. He remembered a warm, summer night as he was sitting at a camp church service hoping no one would go up for altar call so that he could have more time with Minnietta. The next thing he knew he was the one walking to the altar. He remembers silently asking himself this question, “Where are you going, and why are you going there?” Kent, at that moment, realized he was being called to the altar. This was the moment of his calling to the ministry. He still fondly speaks of the peace that embraced him that night.

The ministry of Kent and St. Luke’s touches many lives both at home and globally. He is President of the Indianapolis Interfaith Hunger Initiative where Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh leaders work together to help feed 15,000 children in Indianapolis through Gleaners and 12,000 children in school lunch program in Kenya. He is also on the National United Methodist Global AIDS and Global Health Task Forces where funds are raised to help make an AIDS free, Malaria free and TB free world. He compared these missions to that of the Rotary dream of eradicating Polio.

Parishioners and volunteers have joined Kent on his many mission trips as he encourages others to give of their time and talents serving those in need. I asked him to share some of these stories and his successes of these missions and his ministry.

He began with a time he struggled to convince a parishioner in another community to join him on a mission trip as this parishioner was not convinced that mission work was something he wanted to be involved with or believed in. During the trip he and the parishioner visited a school in Haiti. They soon observed that some days the children were not being fed. When they asked the teachers why the children were not eating each day, they were told the food to feed the children is totally dependent upon the mission giving in the United States and when mission giving is down there is not enough food to feed the children daily. The doubt the parishioner had in his heart when he arrived in Haiti melted away that day. He now speaks on behalf of the mission teams and raises funds to help feed the children.

He spoke of another mission experience of a young Father in Zimbabwe performing very hard labor in extreme conditions of heat, hunger and thirst for hours a day without a break to make pennies to feed his family. Kent realized the young man was doing all of this without complaint of pain or discomfort and with shoes on his feet that had large holes that exposed most of his feet to the elements. Kent bent down, took the old tennis shoes off of his feet and handed them to the young Father, named Phillip. Phillip rejoiced as if he had been given the gift of life, which, perhaps, to him was exactly what these old shoes were. Kent also spoke of a doctor on a trip with him in Haiti treating a young girl with a rare tumor. He could not perform surgery there, so he convinced Methodist Hospital and other doctors to help him arrange a trip to Indianapolis for the little girl and her Mother so that she could have a life-changing surgery.

I listened to many stories that afternoon of one man making a difference in many lives, and, of one man creating a village to make a difference in many lives. I found that Dr. Kent Millard, Senior Pastor, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church is as so many Rotarians are, true servants to others and has a pure life mission of service above self.

I asked Kent if he could share a few words of advice what would they be? He replied, “If you want to be happy practice compassion and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I also asked him what he thought most connected him to Rotary. His response was one word, compassion.

Written by: Brenda Jackson, Stewart & Irwin, P.C.

Growing up in Pennsylvania during the Great Depression proved to be an interesting time in Jim Miller’s young life. With his large family of five brothers and one sister, him being the last, he remembers serious poverty in the small rural village at the base of the mountains where they live. His father attempted to make a living as a trucker during those tough times. The family later moved to Goshen, IN which is why Jim has his roots here now.

After an active family life in Goshen, Jim went to Goshen College where he majored in Sociology and minored in Chemistry. Originally he intended to be a physician, but decided against this and did not look back. It was his love for working with people that led him to the social work arena. He noted that working in a laboratory, for him, seemed a bit nightmarish!

He completed his graduate work at Ohio State with a Sociology/Social Work Masters Degree. The first date led them to the many wonderful years of marriage that they have shared until this day. His first job leading to his 55th year in 2010, started in Dayton, Ohio at a Family Services Agency. He now consults part-time for many not-for-profits in the area of Strategic Planning. He has over the years acted as an Interim Executive Director for many agencies across the United States where he relocates temporarily for 6-9 months in an apartment while visiting home regularly. Through his travels he has officially visited all 50 states in the US as well as several provinces in Canada and traveled to Europe.

Following college Jim began dating the sister of one of his friends whom he had known previously. The first date led to their strong relationship today. His wife enjoyed a career as a nurse and PhD. She also taught at Ball State and is now enjoying retirement to its fullest, but does work part-time at the Simon Cancer Center. They enjoy two grown sons and their families. One resides in Indianapolis, while the other in Michigan and their grandchildren include two college age grandsons with a granddaughter who is five. Jim and his wife enjoy spending time with their granddaughter as they travel to their second home in Michigan regularly.

Active in their church at Meridian Street United Methodist when asked what the greatest words of wisdom Jim has enjoyed and stuck to he indicated a simple, “Be grateful!”. His tenure with Rotary dates back to 1968 in Illinois and then he joined our downtown club in 1974. He has been active in the Education Committee particularly in the arena of Rotaract at IUPUI. He began working with them at their inception to assist with donated consulting and setting up their group. He has also enjoyed his time spent at the various 4-Way Tests that the education committee sponsors. He believes that Rotary is powerful and our motto places others interests above our own.

Jim’s hobbies include photography and biking. He noted that he has traditionally taken a photo for the annual Christmas card as well as its caption.
When asked what is next for him, he intends to lessen consulting in a couple of years and retire fully.

He intends to take more time to write and get organized so his children don’t have to do it for him later. With no regrets, he feels every season of his life has offered him more and more and that “old age” is the best part of his life! (I assured him I didn’t think he was old!).

Written by Dene Dresch Nidiffer, Lohr Design, Inc.

While Brian Buchanan and I sat comfortably at the Carmel Flanner and Buchanan location last month, I was reminded just how fortunate we are to know such important individuals in our club. Brian exemplifies the Rotarian because he’s involved, caring and committed.

He is a fourth generation Buchanan and was born in Indianapolis, currently residing in Carmel, Indiana. Unless you’ve just moved to Indianapolis, it would be hard to not know the Flanner and Buchanan name. After all, Flanner and Buchanan Mortuaries have been around for 129 years. Brian’s Great Grandfather (Charles) was the original Buchanan. He married Anna Flanner, sister of Frank Flanner. They went into business with Frank and the rest is history!

Brian is married to Kim Sullivan Buchanan, who grew-up in Irvington, Indianapolis. When he was the Indianapolis Deputy Prosecutor (during Steve Goldsmith’s position as Prosecutor) he met Kim while she was working in the Indianapolis Probation Department.

As when began our conversation, Brian talked about our club glowingly. And while he is a member of the Indianapolis club, he also attends the Carmel Club meetings occasionally, having friends in both clubs.
I asked Brian why he became a member. He remembered his Grandfather was a charter member of the Rotary Exchange Club in downtown Indianapolis. He always loved attending the meetings and rarely missed. In fact, when his Grandfather was older and couldn’t drive, Brian recalls that he would call a taxi just to get him to the meetings!

Being an advocate of service clubs, Brian was also a member of the Carmel Clay Kiwanis club in the early 1980’s. He became a member of the downtown Rotary Club when he was invited by a friend to attend a meeting at the Athletic Club – he was then Vice President of Flanner and Buchanan.
While we have moved several times since being at the Athletic Club, Brian loves our new location at the Scottish Rite Cathedral and is also a 33rd Degree Member of the Scottish Rite, the highest Masonic Degree bestowed.

Over the years, he has been involved with the Rotary Foundation, especially when James Schram (God rest his wonderful sole) was in charge, who then handed the torch to Brian. When Brian attended the Rotary Convention in Calgary, he was so impressed with the international presence, he became even more involved by lobbying for the Foundation.

One great story Brian recalls was from 2007. Brian sponsored a student from Slovakia through the Rotary Exchange and Student Program (Michael Kutzer). Michael lived with the Buchanan’s for most of that year. The Buchanan’s then had the unique opportunity to fly back with Michael to visit Slovakia, where his father was also a Rotarian. Brian made Michael a Paul Harris Fellow during his visit, and it was indeed very appreciated, both by Michael and the Rotarians in Slovakia.

Brian was also invited to speak at the Rotary Club in Slovakia. He recalls that the members there were (are) truly entrepreneurs because it wasn’t too long ago that Slovakia was part of the Soviet Union. They had many, many (tough) questions for Brian. The exchange of conversation was both exciting and challenging – because of the cultural differences.

One of the most interesting topics had to do with the American Rotarian’s interest in helping their community and giving back. The Rotarians in Slovakia are not used to this because the Soviet Union of yesterday and some of what still exists today, frown upon citizens doing good things for their fellow Slovakians. It can still be a challenge because of the residue left in government. As American Rotarians we take a lot for granted – if we want to do something good for our community, there’s little to stop us from doing so. This is not the case in many other countries, including Slovakia.

I also asked Brian what he most enjoys about Rotary today. He would like to get to know more of the members in someway. Perhaps more events outside of the Tuesday meetings. He would encourage members to visit the other clubs when possible and participate in more activities like Ringing the Salvation Army Bell, Rotarian volunteer gatherings, etc.

Brian really enjoys our recent successes in attracting new members at Rotary. He thinks were doing a great job and sees a good future for our club. Mostly because we continue to do good things for our community through the Foundation.

We are truly fortunate to have Brian Buchanan as an Indianapolis Rotarian. Please say hello the next time you see him and thank him for all that he does for our club!

Rotary’s own Executive Director, Susie Harmless, was raised as a daughter of a career Air Force Officer. She, her sister and mother joyfully followed Dad all over the country and the world where she was blessed to experience living in Germany and Japan. She began her college career at the University of Maryland in Munich, Germany and finished her degree in Political Science on the main campus at College Park, Maryland.

Upon retirement from the Air Force, her father became Director of Development for DePauw University in Greencastle. It was the summer between her Junior and Senior years that she met her husband and partner for life, Michael. Soon after college they married, had one (1) wonderful daughter, Heather, and have lived in Greencastle for thirty (30) years. Michael served the community of Greencastle for eight (8) years as the Mayor of Greencastle and later joined Crowe Horwath as a Director. Their daughter, Heather, Director of Client Services for Multiple Sclerosis of Indiana is married to Bart who is employed by Baldwin & Lyons.

Prior to joining Rotary as our Executive Director, Susie enjoyed a career in state government working for the Indiana Department of Commerce where she was Director of Community Development and also worked within the Indiana Department of Revenue. Her time with Rotary has gone very quickly for her over these past six (6) years and she feels that Rotary is never a dull moment. The continual planning for wonderful speakers/meetings each week keeps her and staff very active to meet the requirements of the club meetings and our members. Susie truly enjoys, and would say her favorite piece of Rotary is being able to have interaction with club members from such diverse backgrounds. She feels continually enriched by knowing our members, and by planning and serving the transitions from year to year with the Rotary’s Board.

Rotary not only touches Susie’s professional life, but also touches her personally as she feels better informed on issues of the state and world which is a direct result of the quality of our programs, feels connected internationally due to her attendance and participation in the International Convention and is pleased to be able to serve others through the work that Rotary does here and in the world.

Susie’s hobbies and interests include loving to cook, consuming wonderful wine and traveling. She has spent some time recently being involved with the American Pianist Association as she loves music.

Her only regret may be that she did not go to law school to obtain a degree as she has always wanted to be an attorney. Her continued drive each day comes from her father’s influence on her throughout her life where he encouraged her to “always try harder” which is why she is so pleased to see our club always reaching to improve and to try harder to be the best service club in the state.

When asked whose the most interesting person Susie has ever met, she quickly noted that her two (2) meetings with Hillary Clinton rank high on her list as they both shared their passions for public and community service for others.

Indianapolis born, Greg Albright, owner of Greg Albright Design realized at a very young age art was a passion that would stay with him a lifetime. This passion set into motion his path toward years of education and hard work to bring this childhood vision to reality as a designer and artist.
He began this journey in eighth grade when Mr. Bower, his art teacher, encouraged him to purse his talent. By the time he was in high school, he had decided to attend the John Herron School of Art at IUPUI (now the Herron School of Art and Design).

After graduating from the Herron, Greg began his career as a design intern at Channel 4 WTTV. He left WTTV to pursue his career with Public Relations firm Borshoff (Erik Johnson, Rotarian). After working for several other firms and on his own, Greg recognized the importance and the future of web design and in 1999 began his journey learning this craft. Through self-motivation and self-education, he grew his knowledge and talent in web design and took his abilities with a leap of faith to become a business owner, thus, the birth of Greg Albright Design was realized in 2005.

As a sole proprietor, Greg’s days begin in the early morning hours and often go late into the night. Hard work has never been a stranger to Greg. He began working in the restaurant business on his fourteenth birthday working his way through the kitchen to head cook and left at age 20. He carried the tradition of hard work to his professional career as a designer. When asked of his greatest accomplishment, he responded with “I am providing a product parallel in excellence and service to larger, full size firms.” And his greatest challenge as sole proprietor, he says “getting the message out.”

Along with his successful web and graphic design company, Greg donates numerous hours a week to our Rotary Club. When you log onto, www.indyrotary.org you will witness first hand Greg’s talent for art, design and detail. His current Rotary Club project has been developing our new website. Greg is also Chair of our Communications Committee, and is a member of the IT, Social and Softball committees. In June, he managed the Rotary softball team to a three-peat victory over Kiwanis!

After sitting down with Greg, it became apparent to me, that the Rotary Club of Indianapolis would not be the same without him. We are fortunate to have in our club members like Greg who adopt service above self as a personal core value. I asked Greg, “What are the benefits he sees as a Rotarian?” He replied, “Friendships and community outreach.” He also added he would like to see growth in member-to-member networking and business relationships. When you see Greg next time at Rotary, shake his hand and take a moment to thank him for his countless volunteer hours developing a first-rate, awesome website, club branding and for sharing his multiple talents and gifts so willingly throughout the club.

When Greg finds time, he enjoys cooking and golf. Greg is also an avid runner. He recently finished his 6th marathon. He also enjoys his rescued stray dog, Snoopy (pictured). And spends lots of time with his niece, Katie, nephew, Joseph, sister Donna and mother JoAnn.