• Proposed Updates to the By-Laws

    Several updates to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis By-Laws are being proposed to modernize the document, improve clarity, and better reflect how the club operates today.

    Key proposed updates include:
    • Officer title changes to reduce confusion: the current President-Elect would become Vice President, and the current Vice President would become Second Vice President.
    • Reduction in the number of directors to eleven.
    • Election of directors by voice vote rather than written ballot.
    • Updating language to reference a “regular scheduled meeting” instead of a “weekly meeting.”
    • Board of Directors vacancies to be filled by a vote of the Board.
    • Clarifying that Board meetings are “regular” rather than “monthly.”
    • Reduction in the number of standing committees.
    • Removal of references to classification.
    • Removal of gender-specific language.
    • Elimination of member voting on termination matters.
    • Addition of a provision outlining budget preparation and approval.
    • Various grammar and clarity edits throughout the document.

    View the current by-laws with proposed changes.

    Rotarians are encouraged to review the proposed changes. Please reach out to a board member if you have questions or would like additional information.

  • January 27: No Meeting

    January 27: No Meeting

    Reminder: There will be no formal program on Tuesday, January 27. Please stay safe during the cold weather. We look forward to seeing you next Tuesday!

  • February 4: 5:31 Club Wine Tasting

    February 4: 5:31 Club Wine Tasting

    Join us for this year’s 5:31 Club Wine Tasting, graciously hosted by Rotarian Matt Burnett and his wife, Jill!

    When:
    Tuesday, February 4
    5:31–7:00 pm

    Where:
    The home of Rotarian Matt Burnett.

    How it works:
    The rules are simple!

    • Bring one bottle of red or white wine per person or couple (valued at $30 or less)
    • Sample a variety of wines
    • Vote for your favorites using your phone
    • Learn the results that evening
    • Have fun!

    This is a wine tasting, but just in case, rideshare options such as Uber and Lyft are encouraged. Please drink responsibly.

  • January 20: Kimble Richardson

    January 20: Kimble Richardson

    Join us Tuesday as we welcome Kimble Richardson, Manager of Business Development and Referrals for Community Health Network – Community Fairbanks Behavioral Health and Community Fairbanks Recovery Center.

    Kimble brings 38 years of experience in healthcare and behavioral health. He earned his master’s degree with honors from Indiana University and has held key roles at Wishard Hospital (now Eskenazi Health), Ascension St. Vincent, and Community Health Network. He is licensed in Indiana as a mental health counselor, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, and clinical addiction counselor, and was appointed by the governor to the Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board.

    A recognized leader in his field, Kimble is a former president of the Indiana Mental Health Counselors Association and the recipient of numerous state and national awards for counseling, education, and crisis response. He has also trained and supported first responders and communities during major critical incidents across Indiana.

    As part of President Charlie’s Health Series, Kimble will speak about evaluating our own mental health, an important and timely topic for all of us.

    📌 Register online
    💳 On-site payment options: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

    Schedule:

    • 11:45 am – Lunch & Networking
    • 12:15-1:15 pm – Program

    Join via Zoom (12:15 pm start):
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
    🔗 Zoom Link

    Join by Mobile (Audio Only):

    • +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    • +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)
  • January 13: Cliff Chapman

    January 13: Cliff Chapman

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Cliff Chapman, President and CEO of the Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. (CILTI).

    Cliff has worked in land conservation since 1997 and brings decades of experience protecting and restoring natural areas. He earned a BA in Geography from Indiana University and began his career as an ecologist with The Nature Conservancy in Olympia, Washington, and later with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves, where he planned, protected, restored, and managed natural landscapes.

    Since joining CILTI, Cliff has led the creation of a strategic conservation plan for Central Indiana that has guided the protection of more than $35 million in land since 2009. His leadership extends beyond CILTI. He has founded a land trust, served on several nonprofit boards, and is a past president of both the Natural Areas Association and the Indiana Land Protection Alliance. He currently serves on the boards of the Natural Areas Association and the Indiana Conservation Fund.

    Cliff will highlight the natural wonders that surround us in Central Indiana and share how CILTI is working to protect them. Through its conservation efforts, the Central Indiana Land Trust preserves exceptional natural areas, safeguarding plants and animals so Hoosiers can experience and enjoy the state’s rich natural heritage.

    📌 Register online
    💳 On-site payment options: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

    Schedule:

    • 11:45 am – Lunch & Networking
    • 12:15-1:15 pm – Program

    Join via Zoom (12:15 pm start):
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
    🔗 https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09

    Join by Mobile (Audio Only):

    • +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    • +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

  • Long Time Rotarian, Jerry Clifford Passes Away

    Long Time Rotarian, Jerry Clifford Passes Away

    February 26, 1947 – January 2, 2026

    Jerry Thomas Clifford, passed away peacefully leaving a legacy of leadership, community service, devotion to family and love for flight.

    Born February 26, 1947 in Denver, Colorado, he never tired of visits to the Rockies throughout the years. He was raised in Indianapolis proud of large paper routes managed from an early age that provided the foundation for a career in sales.

    Jerry attended the Latin School of Indianapolis where he built a faithful brotherhood in the Class of 1965 that lasted his lifetime. He attended Saint Meinrad Seminary from 1965-1966 and the institution was a sacred place his entire life.

    In 1967, he married Mary Ellen Martin in Indianapolis. Their marriage was the foundation of his life and he cherished her deeply in the everyday moments they spent together and in the strength in her presence.

    He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1967-1973. He began his work career at Graybar Electric in 1967. He then devoted 30 years to Indiana Bell/AT&T consistently achieving top sales awards in service to customers. In 1979, Governor Otis Bowen presented him with the Sagamore of the Wabash for his dedication to the telecommunication needs of the State of Indiana. He was most proud of his volunteer service to others in the community during retirement including: Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), AARP Foundation Tax Aide IRS-certified volunteer, Fort Harrison Reuse Authority Commissioner, City of Lawrence Redevelopment Commission Commissioner, and The Fort Golf Resort Volunteer Starter. Equally, he enjoyed the best of friends through hobbies including the Experimental Aircraft Association at Mt. Comfort Airport, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis for 38 years, the Indianapolis Athletic Club for 30 years, and a certain early Friday morning coffee club.

    He was preceded in death by his parents Jeremiah Francis Clifford and Mary Elizabeth Clifford. He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen and his three children: Christopher T. Clifford (Stephanie) of Zionsville, Suzanne M. Taylor (Dana) of Fort Thomas, KY & Colleen M. Starkey (Nickolas) of Colorado Springs, CO. His beloved grandchildren include Katherine Clifford, Benjamin Clifford, Nicholas Clifford, Matthew Clifford, Evan Taylor, Andrew Taylor, Anna Starkey, and Steel Starkey. He also relished and was blessed by extended family and friends beyond measure.

    Visitation for Jerry will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Oakley-Hammond Funeral Home, 5342 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46219. Mass of Christian Burial will 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 5333 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46219. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.

  • January 6: Thomas M. Fisher

    January 6: Thomas M. Fisher

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Thomas M. Fisher, Executive Vice President and Director of Litigation for EdChoice.

    Fisher served 22 years as a Deputy Attorney General and was Indiana’s first Solicitor General (2005–2023), arguing five cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and handling major constitutional litigation for the State. A two-time NAAG Best Brief Award recipient, he is a Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and a Sagamore of the Wabash honoree.

    He will discuss EdChoice, its mission, and current legal efforts. This includes EdChoice Legal Advocates and the Partnership for Educational Choice, initiatives focused on defending parents’ rights and expanding access to high-quality educational options for children.

    📌 Register online
    💳 On-site payment options: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

    Schedule:

    • 11:45 am – Lunch & Networking
    • 12:15-1:15 pm – Program

    Join via Zoom (12:15 pm start):
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
    🔗 Zoom Link

    Join by Mobile (Audio Only):

    • +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    • +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

  • January 7: 5:31 Social Event

    Join the 5:31 Club for our monthly social gathering on Wednesday, January 7, at Seasons 52!

    Who: Rotarians, friends, guests, and anyone interested in learning more about Rotary.

    What: No agenda – just a relaxed evening of fellowship, conversation, and connection.

    When: Wednesday, January 7, from 5:31 pm to 7:00 pm (or whenever you can drop by!)

    Where: Seasons 52, 8650 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis

    Come enjoy great company, good food, and the spirit of Rotary in a casual setting. Happy Hour is 3-6 pm!

  • December 23 & 30: No Program

    December 23 & 30: No Program

    Please note that the Rotary Club of Indianapolis office will operate on modified hours over the next few weeks. There will be no Rotary programs on December 23 or December 30. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, January 6.

    As the year comes to a close, there is still time to make your year-end, tax-deductible contribution to the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation and The Rotary Foundation. Gifts may be made online or mailed to the Rotary Office at 133 W. Market Street, Suite 232, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

    Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Service Above Self.

  • January 31: Volunteer Opportunity

    January 31: Volunteer Opportunity

    The Community Service Committee is excited to announce a service opportunity with Gleaners Food Bank. They are looking for 20 volunteers to help serve on Saturday, January 31, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Friends and family ages 13+ are welcome to attend. To sign up to volunteer, please complete the online form.

    What to expect during your shift:
    • Want a sneak peek of our volunteer project? Check out this video.
    • Volunteers will be loading cars, directing traffic, and bagging bulk food items for the food pantry drive-thru distribution
    • The majority of this project does take place outdoors.
    • Why is this important? During the shift, we will help to provide up to 25,000 meals.
    This project does require repetitive light lifting (think loading your groceries in the car) and bending, but some accommodations can be made. Please let Gleaners know prior to signing up or when you arrive if you need light-duty accommodations.

    Questions? Contact Community Service Committee Co-Chairs Autumn Bryant and Paul Sammons.