• September 28: George Buss

    Join us on Tuesday, September 28 to hear from George Buss the Vice President of Visitor Experience of the Bob Ross Experience.

    Bob Ross inspired generations of viewers with his soft-spoken voice and a pallet knife. With its global reach, it’s hard to imagine that much of the beloved series, The Joy of Painting, was filmed in an unassuming television studio in Muncie, Indiana. From 1983 to 1988 Bob painted for the iconic series in the historic Lucius L. Ball home – now part of Minnetrista’s museum campus. Bob’s message of fearless creativity and his ability to reinterpret perceived mistakes as “happy little accidents” is something we want to see amplified in our world today.

    Join us to learn more about the Bob Ross Experience and the museum’s recent expansion.

    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. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. 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

  • October 6: 8th Annual Chili Cook-Off

    Join us for a special edition of the 5:31 Club which includes the 8th annual Chili Cook-off at Black Acre Brewing Bier Garden ( 5529 Bonna Ave #9, Indianapolis, IN 46219) on Wednesday, October 6. Everyone in attendance can vote for their first and second choices. The winner will be announced that evening.

    Throw your hat into the ring by emailing Norm Melzer at normmelzer@gmail.com no later than Tuesday, September 28th if you think you have the best chili in Rotary. Win bragging rights for the entire year! Don’t delay! Ten entrants maximum.

    We plan to meet outdoors, weather permitting. Reservations and punctuality not required! 5:31 meet-and-greets are our most popular event get-togethers. They are a fun way to get to know folks outside of our regular Tuesday programs. We always meet at a new location somewhere in the city 

  • Long Time Rotarian, Jim Stokes Passes Away

    Long Time Rotarian, Jim Stokes Passes Away

    Paul James Stokes (Jim), Indianapolis, passed away suddenly Wednesday, September 8th. He was born October 2nd, 1925, to Paul James Stokes, Sr, and Helen (Braunecker) Stokes. He was a native Hoosier who enjoyed many retirement months at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Jim attended PS70 and graduated from Shortridge High School, Class of 1943, and from Antioch College in 1948. After college he spent his 35-year career at Lilly Varnish Company, later renamed Lilly Industrial Coatings, retiring as Vice President and Treasurer. Civic board commitments included the Indianapolis Day Nursery and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. He was an active member of the Indiana Board of Credit Management, and an officer of the National Credit Management Association.

    Jim was a 60-year member of the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church (Tab), a deacon, elder, and elder trustee. On December 12, 1959, Jim married Mary Jeannine Grinslade at Tab and they were blessed with three sons: Paul (Anne), Charlton (Catherine), and John. Their beloved grandchildren include Lauren Stokes (Sal Chavez), P.J. Stokes IV, Elizabeth Moon (Micheal), Ryan Gertiser (Natalie), Reilly Stokes, Isabel Stokes; and great-grandchildren Olivia and Evan Elliott; and Kaedence, Easton and Lacey Gertiser; and beloved nieces Kathy Davis (Bill) and Christine Grinslade and families, all of whom mourn his passing.

    Jim was a member of the Indianapolis Literary Club, Rotary Club of Indianapolis and Meridian Hills Country Club. Jim was a kind gentleman who appreciated a good book, funny jokes, a clever pun, and a great opera performance. A devotee of classical music, Jim was a season ticket holder of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for over 50 years.

    In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in Jim’s honor; or a gift to the charity of your choice. The Stokes family wishes to thank Donna Chambly and Ann Travis for their exceptionally fine nursing skills and devoted care of Jim. Thanks also to the entire staff of AseraCare Hospice and Senior1Care.

    Friends may call from 10am until 11am on Friday, September 17, 2021 at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, 418 E. 34th Street, Indianapolis, where funeral services will immediately follow beginning at 11am. Burial will follow services in Crown Hill Cemetery.

  • September 21: Indy Do Day Club Project

    September 21: Indy Do Day Club Project

    Indy Do Day is our club’s signature service project. We hope to inspire Indy residents to serve on September 24 and every day. Be part of the action during the Club’s own service project that will be held on Tuesday, September 21 to kick off Indy Do Day week. We’ll be packing meals with Pack Away Hunger. If you plan to join us, please check out Pack Away Hunger’s instructional video ahead of time. 

    Our service projects during lunch are some of the most fun, with ample opportunities to network – so don’t miss out!

    There are still volunteer opportunities for your family, friends and colleagues to do on Indy Do Day! Visit beselflessindy.org/about to select a project to DO today.

    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. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. 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

  • September 19: Environment & Beautification Service Project

    September 19: Environment & Beautification Service Project

    Join us for the Environment & Beautification Committee’s Indy Do Day Service Project at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired on Sunday, September 19 from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. You do not have to be a member of the committee to participate.

    Volunteers will be clearing brush and some trees along the school’s property, removing a daylily bed and weeding one of the dorms.

    Water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray will be provided. Please bring the following if you have it: chain saw, pole pruner, loppers, gloves, hoe, soil knife, weed digger and knee pads!  Contact Marie Koenig at koenigmarie55@gmail.com or 317-509-0525 by Saturday, September 11 to participate.

  • September 14: Tanorria Askew

    Join us on Tuesday, September 14 to hear from Tanorria Askew an Executive Chef and Founder of Tanorria’s Table.

    A 2016 contestant on MasterChef hosted by Gordon Ramsay, Tanorria walked away as the 4th best home cook in America. Tanorria spent 15 years at Teachers Credit Union (TCU) before leaving to follow her culinary dreams. During that time, she worked her way through the ranks from Sales Representative, Member Service Representative, Assistant Manager, and Training and Organizational Development Specialist. Tanorria was the champion and practitioner for TCU’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative (DEI), leading the charge in winning the Indianapolis Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Award. She blended her passion for cooking and her passion for DEI to create Unity Tables, a safe space for women of different races, cultures, and backgrounds to sit around a dinner table and share their heart as a way to create unity.

    Since leaving TCU, Tanorria has had the privilege of speaking to audiences as a keynote speaker, emcee, and panelist about her significant career shift, anti-racism, DEI, social justice, and the courage it takes to chase dreams. She serves as the Director of Diversity for the non-profit board Slow Food Indy and was named to the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Forty under 40 in 2021. 

    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. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. 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
  • September 5:31 : Capri Italian Restaurant

    September 5:31 : Capri Italian Restaurant

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

    WHAT: Capri Ristorante has been a part of the Indianapolis dining scene since 1951! Their menu features house-made pastas made fresh each day, as well as traditional Italian meat and seafood entrees. An extensive wine selection, both by the glass and by the bottle are always available. We look forward to welcoming you to one of Indy’s finest and oldest locally owned restaurants.

    WHEN: Wednesday, September 1st from 5:31 p.m. till 7:00 p.m., or anytime in between.

    WHERE: 2602 Ruth Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46240

    WHY: Fellowship, fun, and frivolity during our monthly social get-together.

  • September 7: Kizito Kalima

    September 7: Kizito Kalima

    Join us Tuesday, September 7 to hear from Kizito Kalima the Founder and Executive Director of the Peace Center for Forgiveness and Reconciliation. Kizito joined us on August 17 and by popular demand he will be returning for part two.

    In April 1994, Kizito was hacked with a machete and left for dead in a pile of bodies. He was then chased, imprisoned, tortured, and then, finally, found a chance to escape. The odds were slim, but it was better to be shot than slowly cut to pieces by Rwanda genocidaires. Leading a few others and running as fast as his scarred teenage body could carry him, Kizito found refuge deep within the Nyanza swamps.

    Kizito Kalima was born in 1979, in Nyanza, Rwanda, to Denis and Cecilia Kalima. Kizito was the last born of ten and comes from a long family tradition of community involvement. His father was an administrator/teacher for local schools and his mother served as a health advisor to the surrounding community.

    In 1994, the Kalima family was devastated by genocide. The family was separated, and many in the family, including Kizito’s parents, died. Kizito, however, managed to survive. Displaced by the genocide and without knowledge of surviving family members, Kizito found refuge in sports. He played basketball in surrounding African countries and was able to support himself in this manner.

    In 1998, Kizito was offered the opportunity to travel to the United States to participate in a basketball tournament. Upon participating in this tournament, Kizito was scouted by many colleges in the US. Having not yet finished high school, Kizito was offered the opportunity to attend high school at Providence St. Mel High School in the Chicago area. Upon completion of high school, Kizito went on to attend Indiana University in South Bend, Indiana, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2005.

    Kizito is the Founder and Executive Director of the Peace Center for Forgiveness & Reconciliation, a public speaker, and an advocate for Genocide survivors. Kizito has spoken at a variety of schools, churches, community gatherings, and events. Perhaps the most notable and honorable speaking engagement to date occurred in 2014 when Kizito was invited to share his story at the United Nations 20th Commemoration of the Genocide in Rwanda.

    Join us on Tuesday, September 7 to learn more about this amazing individual and his work. Kizito will have his book, My Forgiveness, My Justice, available for purchase after the program.

    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. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. 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  

  • August 31: Ray Kramp

    August 31: Ray Kramp

    Join us on Tuesday, August 31 to hear from Ray Kramp the Rotary District Governor for District 6560. Ray was born in Charleston, SC, and was raised in Danville, IL.  He earned his under-graduate degree in Construction from Bradley University, and his graduate degree in Conflict Resolution from Creighton University. Ray lived most of his life after college in the St. Louis area. After arriving in Indianapolis, his employer asked him to get involved in the community and join an organization. A colleague, a Rotarian, introduced Ray to Rotary and invited Ray to some of his club’s meetings. Being warmly greeted by Rotarians and learning of the great things they do in their communities and abroad, he decided this was an organization he wanted to be a part of.

    Ray ended up joining the Rotary Club of Carmel in 2009. He served as Club President 2013-2014, as well as Vocational Chair and Club Grants Administrator. He also served on the Carmelfest Parade Committee and as Club Foundation chair. Ray is very proud of the fact that the Carmel Club achieved record breaking contributions to the Annual Fund for the two consecutive years that he was Chair.

    At the District level Ray has served as Assistant Governor for 14 different Rotary Clubs, as well as Interim Membership Chair and either Sponsorship Chair or Operations Chair for several District Conferences. Ray was proud to be named District 6560 Assistant Governor of the Year in 2015-2016.

    Ray was selected to serve as District Governor in 2021-2022. He is excited about this new challenge and is looking to serve his District in this new capacity.

    Personally, Ray has spent his professional career in construction management and has worked on many signature projects throughout the Midwest and Nationally. Ray has two grown children and four grandchildren. He is the oldest son of two loving parents who are at the young age of 90 and 87.

    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. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. 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  

  • August 24: Dr. Katie Jenner

    Join us on Tuesday, August 24 to hear from Dr. Katie Jenner. Katie Jenner, Ed. D., was appointed as Indiana’s first Secretary of Education by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, effective January 11, 2021. Prior to her appointment, Dr. Jenner served as Senior Education Advisor to Governor Holcomb where she provided guidance on statewide policy and initiatives for preschool, K-12, and higher education.

    Dr. Jenner began her career in K-12 public education as a Career and Technical Education teacher in Kentucky. After moving to Indiana, she held various administrator roles, including assistant superintendent, for Madison Consolidated Schools. Dr. Jenner later served as the Vice President of K-12 Initiatives and Statewide Partnerships for Ivy Tech Community College where she led statewide strategies and formed partnerships between K-12 education, Career Centers, and Ivy Tech.

    Dr. Jenner earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Transylvania University in Kentucky, a Master’s Degree in Business Education from the University of Kentucky, an M.B.A. through a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship at Indiana State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Kentucky.

    Dr. Jenner is committed to ensuring all students are prepared for the competitive realities of our 21st century economy. She and her IDOE team will build capacity, spark innovation and forge partnerships at all levels of Indiana’s PK-12 education system to support educators and empower families.

    Dr. Jenner and her husband, Joe, live in Madison with their twin fifth-grade girls who attend Madison Consolidated Schools.

    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. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. 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