• Rotarian Mac Fehsenfeld Passes Away

    Rotarian Mac Fehsenfeld Passes Away

    Mac Fehsenfeld (93) passed from this life on Friday, November 17, 2023, son of J. E. Fehsenfeld and Ruth (Barnes) Fehsenfeld. He is survived by his wife Nancy C. (Gore) Fehsenfeld, daughter Debra A. (Fehsenfeld) Baker, daughter Trina L. (Fehsenfeld) Stuk, son-in-law, Steven J. Stuk, son Mark E. Fehsenfeld and daughter-in-law Channa (Bowling) Fehsenfeld, nine grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.

    Mac attended Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, graduated from Rose Polytechnic Institute, and was a corporal in the U. S. Army toward the end of the Korean War. He was the youngest of four brothers, three preceding him in death: Frank B. Fehsenfeld, John E. Fehsenfeld, Jr. (Jack), and Fred M. Fehsenfeld, Sr. He worked, along with his brothers, in a family business founded by his father in 1930, serving as President, then CEO, of Crystal Flash Petroleum from 1971 until 2006 when he retired.

    Mac was a devoted husband to Nancy, theirs was a marriage of 71 years, a beloved father, and was loved by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He believed himself to be blessed with a loving family and was at peace with his eventual death, knowing he had lived a good life.

    Mac did enjoy life. A Rotarian, he participated for 61 years in a Rotary bowling league, golfed, was a master angler, and enjoyed raising and racing thoroughbred horses. He loved telling a good joke or a favorite family story and he was a generous philanthropist.

    His wish upon death was to have a quiet family graveside service. For those who wish to honor his life, contributions can be made to Rose Hulman Technical Institute, 5500 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47803; Riley Children’s Foundation, 500 N. Merdian Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46204; Gleaners Food Bank of Indianapolis, 3737 Waldemere Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46241; The Patachou Foundation, 4565 Marcy Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46205; or Joy’s House, 2028 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220.

    Arrangements are entrusted to Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North

    A Celebration of Life for Mac will be held on Saturday, December 16 from 1-5 p.m. at 6320 Intech Way, Indianapolis.

  • November 21: Terri Lee

    November 21: Terri Lee

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Terri Lee, the Director of Cradle Indy. In Indiana, too many families are grieving a loss instead of celebrating the birth of their child. That’s because our state has the eleventh-highest infant mortality rate in the nation. According to the Indiana Department of Health, Indiana’s average infant mortality rate in 2019 was 6.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. The rate for Black families:13 deaths per 1,000 live births.

    Cradle Indy is an organization focused on reducing the infant mortality rate by helping Indianapolis/Marion County babies reach their first birthdays.They are dedicated to empowering parents and honoring those with lived experiences of infant mortality, which is why they work together, connecting organizations and individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of Indianapolis/Marion County families. They aspire to make resources more accessible and culturally relevant than ever before through a collective impact framework.

    Terri Lee earned a Master of Public Health degree from Indiana University in 2014, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Butler University in 2011, and earned a certification as a community health worker in 2022. Terri has over ten years of experience in public health and public service. Prior to joining Cradle Indy, Terri served as the Director of the Office of Women’s Health at the Indiana Department of Health. Her passions lie within the infant mortality, violence prevention, and women’s health spaces. Terri is a lifelong Hoosier having been born and raised in Gary, Indiana. Through her work, she ultimately hopes to see a community where people feel empowered and able to experience their optimal health.  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. We plan to transition to a cashless registration later this fall. 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

    Upcoming Programs:
    November 28: Dianna Boyce, VP, NBA All-Star 2024, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
    December 5: Chris Lowery, Commissioner, Indiana Commission for Higher Education
    December 12: World Community Service Panel
    December 19: Holiday Program benefitting the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation
  • December 6: 5:31 Club at Newfields

    December 6: 5:31 Club at Newfields

    Experience the wonder of nearly two million lights glittering in the garden this holiday season at Winterlights on Wednesday, Dec. 6th at 5:30pm.  

    Dress warmly for this outdoor walking event. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase, and there’s a firepit where we can linger and warm up. This is a family-friendly event. 

    We’ll meet in the parking lot as we lineup for the 5:30pm admittance. Grab your tickets right away, as Newfields always sells out. Be sure to purchase tickets for the 5:30pm time slot (Wednesday, Dec. 6th)

    Learn More & Get Your Tickets: https://discovernewfields.org/Checkout?eid=109336

    Afterward, we’ll head to the Aristocrat for dinner and drinks.

  • November 14: Lt. General Carol Mutter

    November 14: Lt. General Carol Mutter

    Join us Tuesday for a special Veterans Day program organized by our History Committee. We will hear from Lieutenant General Carol A. Mutter, the first woman in the Marine Corps to attain a 3-star rank, retired from the Marine Corps in January 1999. Her last assignment was as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC/S,M&RA), Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C.

     In 1967, General Mutter was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps upon graduation from the University of Northern Colorado. In addition to holding a B.A. degree in Mathematics Education and an honorary doctorate from the University of North Carolina, General Mutter has an M.A. degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island and both an M.S. and an honorary doctorate degree from Salve Regina College, also in Newport.

    After completing the Woman Officer Basic Course in 1967 at Quantico, Virginia, she was assigned to data processing installations at Quantico, and at Camp Pendleton, California. In 1971, she returned to Quantico as a platoon commander and instructor for women officer candidates and basic course lieutenants; she departed this tour as a Captain of Marines.

    During 1973-1984, she progressed to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel while serving as Project Officer for Marine Air Command and Control Systems at Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, Camp Pendleton; Financial Management Officer at the Development Center, Quantico; Assistant Chief of Staff, Comptroller, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan; and Deputy Comptroller at Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia. In 1985, capitalizing on her expertise in both data processing and financial management, she was assigned as the Deputy Program Manager, and subsequently Program Manager, for the development of new Marine Corps automated pay and personnel systems for active duty, retired, and reserve Marines.
    In July 1988, as a Colonel, she joined the U.S. Space Command, J-3 (Operations) Directorate in Colorado Springs becoming the first woman to gain qualification as a Space Director. After initially serving as a Command Center Crew Commander/Space Director, she became the Division Chief, responsible for the operation of the Space Command Commander in Chief’s Command Center.

    August 1990 brought a transfer to III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) on Okinawa, Japan and duty as the Assistant Chief of Staff, Comptroller for both III MEF and 3d Marine Division. In June 1991, she returned to Quantico as a Brigadier General to serve as the Deputy Commanding General, Marine Corps Systems Command and Program Manager for Command and Control Systems. In June 1992, she again transferred to Okinawa, this time as the first woman of general/flag officer rank to command a major deployable tactical command, the 3d Force Service Support Group, III MEF, U.S. Marine Forces Pacific. In June 1994, she became the first woman Marine Major General and served as Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico. Upon advancement to Lieutenant General on 1 September 1996, she assumed her duties as DC/S M&RA.

    In addition to the Naval War College at Newport, General Mutter has attended the Amphibious Warfare School and the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, both at Quantico.

    Her medals and decorations include: the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation with bronze star, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze stars. 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. We plan to transition to a cashless registration later this fall. 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

    Upcoming Programs:
    November 21: Terri Lee, Director, Cradle Indy
    November 28: Dianna Boyce, VP, NBA All-Star 2024, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
    December 5: Chris Lowery, Commissioner, Indiana Commission for Higher Education
  • Salvation Army Bell Ringing

    Salvation Army Bell Ringing

    It is fast approaching that time of year – Salvation Army Bell Ringing!  Please sign up to “ring the bells” for the Salvation Army this year. It is a very long tradition with our Rotary Club.  And in recent years we have made it a competition with Kiwanis!!  It is no secret we would like to win this year.

    Please sign up on the Google sheet –  all are welcome to more than one time slot! We will ring the bells November 30, December 7, and December 14 at the entrance of Kroger at 71st & Binford Ave. Slots are for one hour 12:00 noon – 6:00 p.m.. The Salvation Army will drop off a Red Kettle at Noon and pick it up at 7:00 p.m.. Thanks in advance for your help! 

  • November 13 & 14: Veterans Day Activities

    Our History Committee is proud to be honoring our veterans in multiple ways on November 13th & 14th. We are humbly asking that you not only join us for one or both activities, but that you also share the invitation with any veterans or active military in your life. We will be hosting a social/networking event in partnership with INVets. INvets is a nonprofit organization founded by veterans that helps former service members transition to civilian life by connecting them with Indiana employers and providing career-building resources. This will be an extraordinary opportunity to reach our goals of connecting with more veterans who may become employees, business members, and/or Rotarians. 

    Secondly, we have put together an impactful lunch program to honor our Rotary veterans and hear from the esteemed Lt. General Carol Mutter. As a sign of respect, we are asking all our members and guests to wear patriotic colors for the lunch program. You won’t want to miss it! 


  • November 7: Cheryl McLaughlin

    November 7: Cheryl McLaughlin

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Cheryl McLaughlin an Education Consultant with School Organizational Solutions. Having a strong interest in ensuring that an equitable education is delivered to all students, Cheryl has worked for the past 20 years serving as an evaluator of the Indianapolis Mayor’s Authorized Charter Schools. There are now 46 Charter Schools authorized by the Mayor of Indianapolis. Cheryl will address what are Charter Schools. She will also offer a glimpse of some of the Mayor’s Charter Schools, their missions, and how they enrich the educational landscape, as well as how they are inspiring students to learn.

    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. We plan to transition to a cashless registration later this fall. 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

    Upcoming Programs:
    November 14: Veterans Day Program with Lt. General Carol Mutter, USMC Retired
    November 21: Terri Lee, Director, Cradle Indy
    November 28: Dianna Boyce, VP, NBA All-Star 2024, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
  • October 31: Service Project with Pack Away Hunger

    October 31: Service Project with Pack Away Hunger

    Join us Tuesday for our Fifth Tuesday program, where we use our time together for community service. Abby Harlan the Executive Director with Pack Away Hunger will share about the organization and then we will get to work packing meals that will go to the people of Ukraine.

    Our service projects during our weekly programs are some of the most fun, with ample opportunities to network. Guests are always welcome to join in.  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. We plan to transition to a cashless registration later this fall. 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

    Upcoming Programs:
    November 7: Cheryl McLaughlin, School Organizational Solutions, LLC
    November 14: Veterans Day Program with Lt. General Carol Mutter, USMC Retired
    November 21: Terri Lee, Director, Cradle Indy
    November 28: Dianna Boyce, VP, NBA All-Star 2024, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
  • Volunteers Needed for Environment & Beautification Service Projects

    Volunteers Needed for Environment & Beautification Service Projects

    Join the Environment & Beautification Committee as they complete two ongoing service projects on Mass Ave. and at RecycleForce.

    RecycleForce: Saturday, October 28, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.  816 N. Sherman Dr., Indianapolis  The RecycleForce Project was initially planned for last spring but construction at their new facility was delayed. October 7 was the new date, but we ran into some barriers and were unable to complete the project. We will meet again on October 28 to wrap up this project.

    Bring shovel, gloves, and rake. And a kneeling pad, if you’d like.

    Mass Ave: Sunday, October 29, noon until possibly 6 p.m.  Intersection of Mass Ave, Michigan and New Jersey. The Mass Ave Cultural Arts District assembled an inspired program to beautify a section of Indianapolis that we now count as our “home.” (We meet at the Murat Shrine, in the heart of Mass Ave, after all.) Rotary volunteers have cleared the two flower beds we adopted, then mulched them. Now it’s time to finish the job by planting 379 plants chosen by a landscape architect. (210 are tiny “plugs.”) It will take a dozen volunteers to get this done.

    Bring shovel, gloves, rakes, broom, blower, drill with planting auger, wheelbarrow. And a kneeling pad, if you’d like.

    The Environment & Beautification Committee projects are funded by the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation.

  • October 24: Autumn Bryant

    October 24: Autumn Bryant

    Join us Tuesday for a discussion about meaningful estate planning. Attorney Autumn Bryant will cover how to protect yourself and your loved ones all while leaving a legacy for your family and community. Autumn will cover the basics of estate planning, common pitfalls of estate plans, and goals that you can include in your own plan. She will also discuss different vehicles that can be utilized for charitable giving.

    Autumn is an Attorney and Counsellor At-Law with Randall & Bryant. She focuses her legal practice in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law, Business Formation and Maintenance, and Estate Administration. She is a member of the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, the Indiana State Bar, and IndyBar Association. Autumn is also a proud member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. 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. We plan to transition to a cashless registration later this fall. 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

    Upcoming Programs:
    October 31: Fifth Tuesday Service Project with Pack Away Hunger
    November 7: Cheryl McLaughlin, School Organizational Solutions, LLC
    November 14: Veterans Day Program with Lt. General Carol Mutter, USMC Retired
    November 21: Terri Lee, Director, Cradle Indy
    November 28: Dianna Boyce, VP, NBA All-Star 2024, Pacers Sports & Entertainment