• September 22: HVAF Backpack Packing Event

    September 22: HVAF Backpack Packing Event

    Every night, veterans wander the streets of Indiana’s cities and towns looking for a place to sleep or a hot meal. 33% of the homeless population are veterans. Sadly, these veterans who are now homeless are the same veterans who served our country with courage, self-sacrifice, honor, dignity, and pride. These veterans are America’s forgotten heroes. They fought for our freedom on the battlefield, and now they and their families fight daily for their survival on America’s streets.

    Join us next Tuesday as we hear from HVAF, the nonprofit who supports Indiana’s homeless veterans. We’ll also work together to pack backpacks with life essentials, which will be distributed to those in need.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are required. Due to current guidelines only 50 seats are available. 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/. 

    Registration is not required to join the meeting. If you’d like to join via your mobile phone or tablet you can download the free Zoom app. 

    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
    Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abV7RufTKj

    Go here to view instructions on how to prepare for your first Zoom call. If you have questions about joining the meeting contact the office at info@indyrotary.org. 

  • September 15: Ian Nicolini

    September 15: Ian Nicolini

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis welcomes Ian Nicolini, Vice President, Indianapolis Economic Development, Indy Chamber on Tuesday, September 15

    Join us next week to hear from Ian Nicolini the Vice President of Indianapolis Economic Development for the Indy Chamber. Ian oversees Develop Indy, an economic development organization dedicated to growing Marion County businesses, attracting new business investment, and implementing the Mayor’s vision for economic development. Ian also oversees the Indy Chamber’s inclusive growth agenda, creating strategies to align the Indy Chamber’s business units and partners to more effectively unlock the ability of businesses to leave a lasting impact on the community. Under this agenda, Ian’s first project was to re-orient Develop Indy’s incentives program to help advance community objectives and prioritize inclusivity.

    Ian currently serves on the board of the IndyHub Foundation, Fathers and Families Center, and Indy Skate Park Advocates. Prior to joining the Chamber, Ian was the Town Manager in Speedway, Indiana where he oversaw nearly $200M in economic development projects, was responsible for all public services of the 100th Indianapolis 500 as well as a town of 12,000 residents all while managing a team of 125 employees and a $20M annual budget.

    Ian will be speaking with us about the Indy Chamber’s Rapid Response programming and microlending efforts since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the lessons learned for supporting small business in the Indy Region can lead to a more resilient and inclusive economy.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are required. Due to current guidelines only 50 seats are available. 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.

    Registration is not required to join the meeting. If you’d like to join via your mobile phone or tablet you can download the free Zoom app.

    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
    Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abV7RufTKj

    Go here to view instructions on how to prepare for your first Zoom call. If you have questions about joining the meeting contact the office at info@indyrotary.org.

  • 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off

    Join us for a special edition of the 5:31 Club which includes the 7th annual Chili Cook-off at Black Acre Brewing Bier Garden ( 5529 Bonna Ave #9, Indianapolis, IN 46219) on Wednesday, October 7. Everyone in attendance can vote for their first and second choices. The winner will be announced that evening.

    We plan to meet outdoors, weather permitting, and there is plenty of space to allow social distancing. (There’s a good size space indoors, too.) Wear a face mask to gain entry.

    Throw your hat into the ring by emailing Norm Melzer at normmelzer@gmail.com no later than Tuesday, September 30th if you think you have the best chili in Rotary. Win bragging rights for the entire year! Don’t delay! Ten entrants maximum.

    Are you a new member? We want to recognize you at this event so please plan on attending.

  • “Ole!” for Indy Eleven

    What: The mission of Indy Eleven – “To win championships with and for the community” – stays true to its aim of fielding a team that will represent Indiana proudly on and off the field. From the beginning, Indy Eleven has looked to create a team representative of Indiana that forms strong emotional connections with its fans. Those connections – embodied in the team’s symbolic name, crest, and colors – are made with Indiana’s youth and adult soccer community and the active young adult urban and ethnic populations.
    Sit with your Rotarian friends while enjoying the world’s most popular sport. There is plenty of room for social distancing; bring your face mask.
    When: September 23, 2020 The game begins at 7:00 PM
    Where: Lucas Oil Stadium
    How Much: Tickets are $22.00 plus ticket fees. To get tickets in the Rotary section, click on this link: https://fevo.me/indyeleven-indianapolisrotary-0923
    Parking: Parking is available for Indy Eleven events at Lucas Oil Stadium’s south lot

    Individual game parking is $15 per game. Cash and credit cards will be accepted at entry gates.

    Gates 1 & 6 will be the only gates open to the general public for parking in the South Lot and will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff for games during the 2020 season (5:30 p.m. for all scheduled games).

    To encourage adherence to social distancing guidelines, tailgating is NOT permitted during the 2020 season.

    Guests will be required to show their pre-paid pass to the attendant; all attendants will maintain social distancing and the Guest will be required to present the pass behind a closed window.

    All parking attendants will be required to wear face masks.

    For accessibility information, click here to refer to the Lucas Oil Stadium guests with disabilities page for a comprehensive guide on the stadium’s special needs’ provisions.

    Oversized vehicles are not allowed in the south lot of Lucas Oil Stadium.

  • September 8: Mark Miles

    September 8: Mark Miles

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis welcomes Mark Miles, President & CEO, Penske Entertainment Corp on Tuesday, September 8

    Join us next week to hear from Mark Miles the President and Chief Executive Officer of Penske Entertainment Corp. Penske Entertainment Corp is comprised of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDYCAR and IMS Productions. Penske Entertainment Corp. is a subsidiary of Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader employing more than 64,000 people worldwide.

    From January of 2013 to January of 2020, Miles was President and Chief Executive Officer of Hulman & Company, the previous parent organization of IMS, INDYCAR and IMSP. During this time, Miles and his leadership team presided over the sold-out 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and several years of attendance and viewership growth for the NTT IndyCar Series.

    Prior to entering the world of motorsports, from January 2006 through December 2012, Miles was President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Inc. (“CICP”), a non-profit, regional alliance of corporate CEOs and university presidents focused on long-term growth and economic development throughout the Central Indiana region, including strategic priorities as wide-ranging as human capital (education), entrepreneurship and innovation, government reform, and mass transit.

    In 2008, Miles led a successful effort to earn Indianapolis the right to host Super Bowl XLVI. He was Chairman of the Board of the 2012 Super Bowl Host Committee, with 18 staff members and thousands of volunteers, and which served as an extension of the National Football League in the local community to centralize planning and execution of the 2012 Super Bowl event.

    In conjunction with the 2012 Super Bowl, Miles spearheaded a civic effort known as the Legacy Project to effect positive change throughout the surrounding community. Legacy Project work done on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis creating a lasting legacy and impact far beyond game week – with special emphasis on Youth Education Town and revitalization of the East 10th Street business district.

    Miles serves on the board of LDI, Ltd., a century old family office, funding and operating customer-focused, middle-market company as well as numerous civic and non-profit boards and committees. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wabash College, and is a member of the Wabash College Athletic Hall of Fame.

    Mr. Miles will speak next week about the future of the Speedway and Indianapolis 500 under Penske’s leadership.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are required. Due to current guidelines only 50 seats are available. 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.

    Registration is not required to join the meeting. If you’d like to join via your mobile phone or tablet you can download the free Zoom app.

    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
    Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abV7RufTKj

    Go here to view instructions on how to prepare for your first Zoom call. If you have questions about joining the meeting contact the office at info@indyrotary.org.

  • September 1: Jim Morris

    September 1: Jim Morris

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis welcomes Jim Morris, President & CEO,
    Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity on Tuesday, September 1

    Join us on Tuesday at Ivy Tech Community College Culinary and Conference Center or via Zoom to hear from Jim Morris the President and CEO of the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. Jim will talk with us about the current demand of affordable housing in Greater Indianapolis and the challenges to Indianapolis residents who are dealing with affordability struggles. He will also highlight the value that affordable home ownership can have on a family and what some of the solutions we and other community-based organizations are doing to affect change.

    Jim has led Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity since 2011. He has a total of 30 years’ experience in both the profit and non-profit sectors. He has spent his last 21 years in the non-profit sector with direct experience in affordable housing, arts & culture, comprehensive community development, economic development and cultural tourism. In his eight years in the for profit sector, he primarily worked in the residential building and construction industry.

    In 2006 while serving as Executive Director of the Arts & Cultural Alliance in Orlando, Jim received the coveted Martin Bell Scholarship, a full-ride scholarship to the executive MBA at Rollins College. He completed his MBA in 2008. The Martin Bell Scholarship is awarded annually to a senior nonprofit professional who demonstrates outstanding leadership in their field.

    Jim is an Indiana native, born and raised in Michigan City and finished his undergraduate work at Ball State University with a degree in Journalism.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are required. Due to current guidelines only 50 seats are available. 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.

    Registration is not required to join the meeting. If you’d like to join via your mobile phone or tablet you can download the free Zoom app.

    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
    Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abV7RufTKj

    Go here to view instructions on how to prepare for your first Zoom call. If you have questions about joining the meeting contact the office at info@indyrotary.org.

  • 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! Our 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. The award-winning staff will go out of their way to provide you with wonderful dining experience. Capri is proud to be locally owned and we look forward to welcoming you to one of Indy’s finest and oldest locally owned restaurants.

    WHEN: Wednesday, September 2nd from 5:31 pm till 7:00 or 7:30 pm, or anytime in between.

    WHERE: 2602 Ruth Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46240

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

    ETC: They have an indoor room that opens to the outdoors so that we can safely social distance and plenty of free parking!

  • August 25: Alpha Blackburn

    August 25: Alpha Blackburn

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis welcomes Alpha Blackburn, President and CEO (retired), Blackburn Architects on Tuesday, August 25

    Join us next Tuesday via Zoom to hear from Alpha Blackburn. Ms. Blackburn has been a pillar of the Indianapolis community for more than four decades as an award-winning fashion designer and editor, a successful businesswoman and CEO, a civic leader and a community volunteer, as well as a philanthropist.

    Ms. Blackburn is the former President and CEO of Blackburn Architects and in that capacity led the development of a $4 million public art program for the $1.1 billion Indianapolis Airport. Some notable projects for her firm include: Finalist (with Norman Foster + Partners) for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (Washington, D.C.), Owners Technical Representative – New Indianapolis Airport and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Ms. Blackburn has shown her dedication to her community by serving on more than sixty (60) boards and committees. She served on the board of the Indianapolis Symphony Society, Key Bank Regional Board, One America Mutual Insurance Holding Company, Indianapolis Cultural Development Commission, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She serves as the chairperson of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, has been noted a Distinguished Hoosier by Former Governor Mitch Daniels and serves as Vice Regent Emerita, Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union.

    Ms. Blackburn is the recipient of many awards and honors including the Hope Award from the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Outstanding Woman of the Year 2004, the Indiana Torchbearers Award from the Fashion Group International and Everything Underground, Outstanding Woman of the Year and inaugural inductee to the Madame C.J. Walker Hall of Fame, the Trailblazer Award from Indiana Black Expo and the Spirit of Freedom Award from the Indiana Civil Rights Commission with appointments from seven Indiana Governors. In 2017, Ms. Blackburn was awarded the Chancellor’s Medal from Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis.

    Join us next Tuesday to hear Ms. Blackburn’s inspiring story and how she continues to make an impact in our community.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs.

    To join our online meeting starting at 12:15 p.m. (join 10-15 minutes early to socialize) and ending promptly at 1:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09.

    Registration is not required to join the meeting. If you’d like to join via your mobile phone or tablet you can download the free Zoom app.

    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)
    +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
    +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
    Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abV7RufTKj

    Go here to view instructions on how to prepare for your first Zoom call. If you have questions about joining the meeting contact the office at info@indyrotary.org.

  • Special Message

    A special message from President Nick Reich:

    I am excited to share our plans for restarting our in-person Rotary Club of Indianapolis luncheon meetings at Ivy Tech on Tuesday, September 1st.

    First and foremost, the well-being and safety of our members is our top priority and of paramount importance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have and will continue to monitor and comply with the recommendations/orders from Governor Holcomb and Indianapolis Mayor Hogsett.

    The responsibility to keep others healthy is one that we all share. If you are sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick, please do not attend in-person meetings.

    Outlined below is the process for resuming our in-person meetings:

    • Reservations and prepayment will be required and processed through Square no later than the Friday before the program.
    • Self-check questions will be posted on the registration page and near the entry of the building.
    • Box lunches with be available with disposable utensils or a lunch buffet served by MBP staff.
    • The Hospitality team will check-in members and guests.
    • There will be no 50/50.
    • There will be no gathering/loitering in the lobby.
    • Masks will be required.
    • Rotarians are asked to keep their name badge after wearing and not return them to the name badge containers.
    • The room will be set with rounds of 2 people per table.
    • Guests will be introduced from the podium and asked to stand when recognized instead of passing the microphone around.
    • Hand sanitizer will be available
    • All meetings will be broadcast on Facebook Live or Zoom and later posted on our YouTube Channel.
    • We encourage committees to continue meeting via Zoom.

    As we navigate through the restart of our meetings, I want to personally thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation so we can meet safely to share in the fellowship that we have all sorely missed in the past few months. I feel fortunate to be part of this strong and supportive organization during these challenging times and look forward to welcoming you back (from a distance) on September 1, 2020!

    If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me or any of the officers.

    Yours in Rotary Service,
    Nick Reich
    President, Rotary Club of Indianapolis
  • August 18: Dr. Scott Shackelford

    August 18: Dr. Scott Shackelford

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis welcomes Dr. Scott Shackelford, Cybersecurity Program Chair, Indiana University on Tuesday, August 18

    COVID-19 has resulted in one of the largest work-from-home situations in U.S. history. As hackers discover new ways to exploit the security vulnerabilities created by the pandemic, cybersecurity is under new levels of stress, resulting in a substantial increase in cybersecurity risks for businesses. The FBI recently reported that the number of complaints about cyberattacks to their Cyber Division is up to as many as 4,000 a day which is a 400% increase from before coronavirus. Also, as we look forward to the November election cybersecurity has become a top issue.

    Join us next week to hear from fellow Rotarian Dr. Scott Shackelford the Cybersecurity Program Chair at Indiana University and the Executive Director of the Ostrom Workshop Program on Cybersecurity and Internet Governance as he will tell us how we can protect ourselves in this new normal and digital age.

    Dr. Shackelford is an Affiliated Scholar at both the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and Stanford’s Center for Internet and Society, as well as a Senior Fellow at the Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research, and a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations.

    Dr. Shackelford has written more than 100 articles, book chapters, essays, and op-eds for diverse outlets ranging from the American Business Law Journal to the Christian Science Monitor. Similarly, Dr. Shackelford’s research has been covered by diverse outlets, including NPR, Forbes, Time, Associated Press, Indy Star, Washington Post, and the LA Times. He is also the author of Managing Cyber Attacks in International Law, Business, and Relations: In Search of Cyber Peace. Both Dr. Shackelford’s academic work and teaching have been recognized with numerous awards, including a Harvard University Research Fellowship, a Stanford University Hoover Institution National Fellowship, a Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study Distinguished Fellowship, the 2014 Indiana University Outstanding Junior Faculty Award, and the 2015 Elinor Ostrom Award.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs.

    To join our online meeting starting at 12:15 p.m. (join 10-15 minutes early to socialize) and ending promptly at 1:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09.

    Registration is not required to join the meeting. If you’d like to join via your mobile phone or tablet you can download the free Zoom app.

    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)
    +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
    +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
    Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abV7RufTKj

    Go here to view instructions on how to prepare for your first Zoom call. If you have questions about joining the meeting contact the office at info@indyrotary.org.