Author: Indy Rotary

  • October 31: World War II Veterans Tell Their Story

    In anticipation of Veteran’s Day on November 11, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis is honoring all veterans on Tuesday, October 31. We hope Rotarians will also bring a Veteran so they can enjoy a program hosted by Tom Mason and Steve Smith, who will be providing a question and answer session with two incredible World War II veterans.

    George Dingledy spent 25 months overseas, reinforcing his unit, the 164th Infantry Regiment, Americal Division (renamed the 23rd Infantry Division after World War II), which sustained heavy losses in fierce fighting at Guadalcanal. George served in the Bougainville Campaign in the Northern Solomon Islands, at Leyte and Cebu in the Philippines, and in the occupation of Japan. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Medal. Paul McClure enlisted in the Army in 1942 and served with the 65th Division—nicknamed the “Battle-Axe”—260th Infantry Regiment, Company D, Headquarters Platoon, in Europe from 1944 to 1946. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Please join us on Tuesday to hear more about their time providing the ultimate Service Above Self.

  • October 24: Jason Gardner, IUPUI Men’s Head Basketball Coach

    October 24: Jason Gardner, IUPUI Men’s Head Basketball Coach

    A Mr. Basketball Comes Home to Indiana

    We welcome Jason Gardner, IUPUI Men’s Head Basketball Coach, to Rotary on Tuesday, October 24. Former Indiana Mr. Basketball and current IUPUI’s head men’s basketball coach, Jason Gardner will speak on his connections to basketball in Indianapolis including discussions of his coaching career and what it means for him to come “home”. Additionally, he will discuss several experiences over the past three years as head coach of the Jags, as well as the upcoming season, IUPUI’s first as a new member of the Horizon League.

    Jason Gardner was named the eighth head coach in IUPUI men’s basketball program’s history on April 2, 2014. Gardner, the 1999 winner of the Indiana Mr. Basketball Award, spent a year on the University of Memphis bench and two seasons at Loyola prior to moving back home to Indianapolis. Gardner racked up numerous accolades during his prestigious high school, college and professional playing careers. He was a 1999 McDonald’s and Parade All-American while at North Central High School helping lead his team to an IHSAA state championship.

  • 2017 Chili Cook-Off Winner!

    2017 Chili Cook-Off Winner!

    Congratulations to Rotarian Norm Melzer who captured the 4th Annual Rotary Chili Cook-off win on Wednesday, October 4th at the Triton Tap Room in Broad Ripple as part of our 5:31 Club.

    Norm was awarded the Silver Ladle Traveling Trophy and was recognized at our weekly meeting on October 10th. Marie Koenig came in 2nd (again) and Matt Burnett and Dave Stamper tied for 3rd. There were over 30 attendees and 15 new members served as judges.

  • October 20: Rotary Club of Indianapolis History Tour

    October 20: Rotary Club of Indianapolis History Tour

    Join fellow Rotarians for an up-close-and-person tour of our Club’s history during this private tour, arranged for by our History Committee. Join us early for lunch at the on-site cafe at 12 p.m. if you can.

    Friday, October 20 at 1 PM – 3 PM, Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

  • 5:31 Club, November 1, Salute To Veterans and Support A Rotary Business!

    Join us for a special Veteran’s Day themed 5:31 event at Hotel Tango Distillery on Wednesday, November 1. We will have a special “5:31” cocktail using Hotel Tango’s special Veteran’s Day labels gin! A portion of our cocktail proceeds will go to HVAF- a nonprofit that supports homeless vets.

    Remember: not only is Hotel Tango the first craft distillery in Indy, co-owned by Rotarian Brian Willsey, but it’s also the first service-disabled combat-veteran owned distillery in the country. What a combination of service and networking! See you there on November 1!

  • October 17: Tom Hanley, CEO, Nine13sports

    October 17: Tom Hanley, CEO, Nine13sports

    How Nine13sports is changing the non-profit world

    We welcome Tom Hanley, CEO of Nine13sports to Rotary on Tuesday, October 17. His presentation will focus on how Nine13sports is changing the game in the non-profit-world. From company culture, to utilizing a multi-talented workforce, to their integration into the Indianapolis biking community, Nine13sports is finding it’s place in a modern world. As the organization’s CEO, Tom will be sharing why this model works, and how it is shaping the future of our communities.

    Tom brings youthful enthusiasm coupled with passion and real world experiences as a young professional. Tom is familiar with the many aspects of the cycling industry through his extensive participation in the sport as a competitive cyclist, employment experience in bicycle retail sales, and beneficial partnerships with bicycle and cycling component manufacturers through sponsorships and product testing. A 2009 graduate from IUPUI, Tom demonstrates an innate entrepreneurial spirit which has been favorably influenced by his experience with family owned businesses. It is the combination of these experiences and personal characteristics that allows Tom to successfully guide the transition of Nine13sports from a concept to a flourishing nonprofit organization.

  • October 10: CEO Jackie Nytes, Indianapolis Public Library

    Presenting new events, challenges, technologies and partnerships

    Jackie Nytes will provide information about the exciting events scheduled at Central Library in October, address the ongoing challenges we face regarding technology and talk about the Library’s efforts to engage more deeply with the schools to insure the best preparation for lifelong learning for our children.

    Jackie Nytes returned to the Indianapolis Public Library in 2012 to be the new Chief Executive Officer. Jackie, who holds a BA in Political Science and an MLS in Library Science had served the Library from 1988 until 2001 as the CFO and the Associate Director for Management Services. During her time away, Jackie served the State as the President of the Indiana Economic Development Council and the City as the Executive Director of the Mapleton Fall Creek Development Corporation. Twelve years on the Indianapolis City County Council has given Jackie a unique perspective on the role of the Library in our community. Jackie currently serves on the Board for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and the Immigrant Welcome Center.

  • October 3: Tim Swarens, Indy Star Opinion Editor

    October 3: Tim Swarens, Indy Star Opinion Editor

    Presenting on year-long investigation of Sex Trafficking

    IndyStar opinion editor Tim Swarens, funded by a grant from the Society of Professional Journalists, has spent the past year investigating child sex trafficking in the United States and around the world.

    Swarens’ work has taken him to eight countries on five continents since October 2016 to better understand why an estimated 1.2 million children a year fall victim to sex trafficking. A U.S. Department of Justice funded study in 2016 found that sex traffickers sell about 10,000 children a year in the United States.

    The average age of American victims is 15. Each one is purchased on average 5.4 times a day. Last year, authorities identified more than 120 child trafficking victims in Indiana; the youngest victim was 7 years old.

    A series of Swarens’ columns on the topic is scheduled for publication by the USA Today Network in January 2018. Join us for an exclusive first look at this incredible story.

  • September 26: Indy Do Day Club Service Project

    September 26: Indy Do Day Club Service Project

    Get Ready to Do Indy Do Day!

    Indy Do Day is our club’s signature service project. We hope to inspire 20,000 Indy residents to serve on September 28, 29 and 30. Be part of the action during the Club’s own service project that will be held on Tuesday, September 26 to kick off the Indy Do Day week. We’ll be creating care packages for the families that utilize the Ronald McDonald House when their children are in serious medical condition. Our service projects during lunch are always some of the most fun, with ample opportunities to network- so don’t miss out!

    There are also still volunteer opportunities for your family, friends and coworkers to do on Indy Do Day! Visit www.indydoday.org to select a project to DO today.

  • September 19: Bryce Adam, District Governor, RI District 6560

    September 19: Bryce Adam, District Governor, RI District 6560

    Looking to be inspired? Look no further! Join us for a Tuesday lunch with our District Governor Bryce Adam. He will share his vision and passion for Rotary and create an energy and enthusiasm for our Service Above Self.

    Bryce became a Rotarian in 1999, joining the Noblesville Midday Rotary Club. After serving as President in 2003-04, he continued to stay involved as the club’s Foundation Chair, Fundraising Chair, Youth Exchange Host Parent and member of the Membership Committee. Bryce is a Paul Harris Fellow +8 and member of the Paul Harris Society.

    Professionally, Bryce is a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner™ passionate about helping his client’s achieve their financial goals. An active community leader; Bryce is a member of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Chair of Prime Life Enrichment, Past Board Chair of Hamilton Centers Youth Service Bureau and is a Hamilton County Leadership Academy Graduate.