Category: Latest News

  • January 4: 5:31 Club

    Join the Rotary Club of Indianapolis 5:31 Club at at an old favorite, Hotel Tango Distillery, on Wednesday, January 4.

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

    What: No agenda, just the regular monthly social get-together.

    When: January 4, from 5:31 pm till 7:00 pm, or whenever you can be there.

    Where: 702 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203

  • January 12: Book Review with Ben Lytle

    January 12: Book Review with Ben Lytle

    Join us on Thursday, January 12 on Zoom at noon to review the book The Potentialist with Ben Lytle, Founder & Former CEO of Anthem.

    Ben Lytle is a self-made serial entrepreneur/CEO known for being ahead of the curve – creating something out of nothing, adjusting and thriving during change. Lytle is a thought leader on the future. He launched five successful companies, two listing on the New York Stock Exchange, with his best-known success being Anthem, with a current market value of more than $100 billion. He is a healthcare policy expert who served on state and presidential healthcare commissions, and a governance leader with extensive public company experience. Lytle is the author of a new book, The Potentialist: Your Future in the New Reality of the Next Thirty Years, with two companion books to follow in 2023 and 2024. The series is intended as a guidebook for success during the fast-changing, turbulent, and opportunity-rich times ahead – named The Fourth Industrial Revolution by the World Economic Forum.

    All are welcome to attend. You can find additional information about the book and Ben at Potentialistfuture.com

    Book Review: January 12, 2023 at noon EST
    Zoom info:
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87256391772?pwd=WUtMdjdnYjdkMlZvV2wxSmJ0TTkzUT09

    Meeting ID: 872 5639 1772
    Passcode: 756666
    One tap mobile
    +16469313860,,87256391772#,,,,*756666# US
    +19292056099,,87256391772#,,,,*756666# US (New York)

    Dial by your location
            +1 646 931 3860 US
           
    Meeting ID: 872 5639 1772
    Passcode: 756666  
  • Long Time Rotarian, Jim Kienle Passes Away

    Long Time Rotarian, Jim Kienle Passes Away

    On December 7th, surrounded by loved ones, a good man passed away. He was a man of many passions. He loved cooking and enjoying meals with friends and family. He loved watching sports and was an ardent The Ohio State University football fan. He loved architecture, historic preservation, and the city of Indianapolis. More importantly, he loved being a friend, mentor, partner and father.

    James (Jim) Thomas Kienle, late of Indianapolis, IN, was born in Columbus, OH, on September 4, 1942. He was the oldest of eight children of Lawrence Kienle II and Miriam (nee Willoughby). Because he was born before World War II, and his father served in the US Air Force, he was six years older than the next child and was as much a parent as he was a sibling to the others. He was raised in the Franklinton area of Columbus, lovingly referred to as “The Bottoms,” where he attended Holy Family Grade School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School. In 1967 he graduated with a degree in architecture from The Ohio State University. He was awarded the Alumnus of the Year for Career Development from the College of Engineering’s Knowlton School of Architecture at OSU in 2020.

    Jim practiced architecture for more than fifty years and was still working as a consultant when he passed. He started his career working for Granzow & Guss in Columbus, OH. After practicing in Pennsylvania and Washington DC, he returned to the Midwest to be a principle in Archonics Design Partnership—a practice described by those who worked there as Camelot. Jim took great pride in mentoring younger architects and fostering their unique abilities. He enjoyed collaborating on projects and considered his closest collaborators to be family as much as friends.

    Throughout the years, he worked with colleagues and clients to bring new life to historic structures, college campuses, and urban environments while acting in leadership roles at several architectural firms including HNTB, Moody Nolan, and James T. Kienle & Associates. Some of his most notable civic projects include the Kentucky and Indiana State Capitol Masterplans, Indiana Government Center South Building, and the Old Executive Office Building in Washington D.C. Jim also loved adapted use of historic train stations. Important projects included L&N Depot, Bowling Green, KY, B&O Depot, Grafton, WV, and the Big 4, Layfette, IN. He also specialized in renovating historic theaters, including The Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis, University of Wisconsin Memorial Union Theaters, and The Lerner Theatre & Conference Center in Elkhart, IN. Jim also took the design lead on key new structures including the National Advocacy Center at the University of South Carolina and the Georgetown College Library and the Anne Wright Wilson Fine Arts Building in Georgetown, KY.

    Nationally recognized for his contribution to the field, he had a passion for preservation architecture and was elevated to the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) College of Fellows in 2004. Jim was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash for his pioneering work in preservation. As an acclaimed architect, civic leader, advocate for the architectural profession, he received many awards from Indiana’s chapter of the AIA including the Gold Medal, Edward D. Pierre Award, Juliet Peddle Award, and the President’s Award. Although he was a celebrated architect, he prided himself on being humble, curious, and generous with his time and talents.

    At the local and national level, Jim was committed to service and civic leadership. For twenty-five years, twelve as President, he served on the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission. He was on the boards and committees of several non-profit organizations including Preservation Action of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Indiana Landmarks, and City of Indianapolis’s Urban Design Oversight Committee. Additionally, he was the president of the Indiana German Heritage Society, a board member of the The American Red Cross – Greater Indianapolis, a Rotarian in the Downtown Indianapolis Rotary Club, and a graduate of Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series.

    Jim was integral to downtown Indy’s redevelopment, the emergence of its historic neighborhoods, and its transformation into a major metropolitan hub. From the renovation of his 1872 Victorian cottage in Lockerbie Square to the on-going preservation of his local parish of St. Mary Catholic Church, his commitment to downtown was personal.

    He and his wife Marjorie were always a team. While raising two children, they worked to revitalize Lockerbie Square along with the other pioneering neighbors. In addition to renovating historic homes, Jim also designed neighborhood landmarks such as the Lockerbie Glove Condos and the Educational Center that the James Whitcomb Riley House Museum. Beloved by those in the neighborhood, Jim was known for his easy smile and chats with friends during his long walks. He had a great laugh and wonderful sense of humor. He loved a good party and Christmas was his favorite time of year. He and Marjorie were married during Advent and he passed away ten days before their 56th wedding anniversary.

    Jim Kienle was preceded in death by his father Lawrence R. Kienle II, mother Miriam D. Kienle, and brother Lawrence R. Kienle III. He is survived by his wife Marjorie Kienle, daughter Miriam E. Kienle (John Harlan Norris), son James Andrew Kienle (Jenna), and step-grandson Conrad Gehlhausen. He is also survived by his sisters Patricia Billingsley, Mary Ann Graue (William), Angela Smith (Rex), Cindy Sheets (David), and Jane Kienle (Dean Bramlett), his brother Peter Kienle (Cindy Long), and his sister-in-law Mary Ann Melvin. Additionally, he is survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

    The calling with be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, from 4-8pm at Flanner Buchanan-Broad Ripple 1305 Broad Ripple Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46220. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at 11am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 317 N New Jersey St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, preceded by a calling at 10am at the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church in Indianapolis and the James and Marjorie Kienle Scholarship Fund at The OSU’s Knowlton School of Architecture.

    Obituary: 
    https://flannerbuchanan.com/obits/james-jim-thomas-kienle/

    Services:
    Visitation: December 13, 2022 4:00 – 8:00 pm
    Flanner Buchanan- Broad Ripple
    1305 Broad Ripple Avenue
    Indianapolis, IN 46220
    (317) 475-4475
    www.flannerbuchanan.com

    Visitation: December 14, 2022 10:00 – 11:00 am
    St. Mary’s Catholic Church
    317 N. New Jersey Street
    Indianapolis, 46204

    Mass of Christian Burial: December 14, 2022 11:00 am
    St. Mary’s Catholic Church
    317 N. New Jersey Street
    Indianapolis, 46204

  • 2022-2023 Community Grants Awarded

    2022-2023 Community Grants Awarded

    Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Announces Community Grant Recipients
    $95,000 in funding distributed to five Indianapolis nonprofits

    The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation awards annual Community Grants through a competitive application and review process. The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022-23 Community Grants.

    91 Place will receive $25,000 to provide basic needs for their residents. 91 Place provides a transitional home to youth experiencing homelessness. The grant will cover groceries, toiletries, utilities, education support and employment assistance.

    Dove Recovery House for Women will receive $25,000 to obtain a large vehicle that will transport women to and from community services, sobriety programs, access health care/hospitals, and attend court/criminal justice hearings. Dove Recovery is the only residential substance abuse program for women at no cost in Central Indiana.

    Grassroot Projects will receive $25,000 to procure customized care packages (diapers, car seats, formula, seasonal clothing, school supplies, and books) for immigrant and refugee children ages 0 -17 and provide grocery assistance for immigrant families who are experiencing food insecurity.

    Fletcher Place Community Center will receive $10,000 to support up to 20 single mothers and their preschool aged children. 20 students will be enrolled in Fletcher Place Community Center’s Path to Quality Level 3 program and their parents will be co-enrolled in Southeast’s Center for Working Families. Their goal is to have the children kindergarten ready and parents working towards financial independence.

    Providence Cristo Rey High School will receive $10,000 to support their Corporate Office Readiness and Enrichment training, a seven-day intensive course for new Providence Cristo Rey students. Students will gain a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, communication skills, and the seven habits of highly successful teenagers.

    The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation is a private, stand-alone corporation that serves as the community charitable arm of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. Each year, the Foundation generously donates almost $200,000 annually to projects and organizations in the Central Indiana Area that promote the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”

    Want to make a contribution to the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation? Donate here.

    With almost 200 members, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis is one of the largest and most active Rotary Clubs in the world. Founded in 1913, the club has compiled an extensive record as one the leading supporters and contributors to the quality of life in Indianapolis. For further information about the Rotary Club of Indianapolis, visit indyrotary.org.

  • 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 December 1, 8, and 15 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! 

  • 5:31 Club – Winterlights at Newfield

    Experience the wonder of nearly two million lights glittering in the garden this holiday season at Winterlights on Wednesday, Dec. 7th 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. All ages love twinkling lights and exploring cool pathways! 

    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. 7th)

    Learn More & Get Your Tickets here.

    Afterward, we’ll head to Chatham Tap (Butler Campus) for dinner. 

  • November 16: Corporate Membership Breakfast Series

    Corporate membership breakfasts are back and the next one is quickly approaching on Wednesday, November 16th at Conner Insurance.

    The meetings will be from 7:30 am – 9:00 am with the first 20-30 minutes dedicated to networking/introductions/business items, etc. followed by a 45-minute speaker presentation with time for Q&A.

    On November 16 we will hear from sought after speaker, author and advisor, CJ McClanahan.

    Since 2003, CJ has spent more than 10,000 hours in front of entrepreneurs, executives and their teams helping them achieve personal and professional breakthrough goals.

    However, no matter how much success his clients achieved, few ever seemed to truly enjoy the journey. It didn’t matter if they doubled their income or became CEO – it never seemed to be enough.

    CJ has spent the last 19 years uncovering strategies to help fellow recovering overachievers get more satisfaction and joy in their lives while still achieving their professional goals.


    This event is for Rotary Club of Indianapolis Corporate Members or those interested in becoming a corporate member. Please register on Eventbrite if you plan on attending.

    Save the date for the following future corporate member breakfasts:
    Wednesday, January 11, 2023
    Wednesday, April 12, 2023
    Wednesday, July 12, 2023

    If your organization would be willing to host a meeting, please reach out to Zack Conner or Kimble Richardson.

  • Long Time Rotarian, Dick Tempero Passes Away

    Long Time Rotarian, Dick Tempero Passes Away

    On Monday October 24, 2022, Richard Marius Tempero, loving husband, brother, cousin, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend, passed away at the age of eighty-five. Born July 19, 1937, to Howard and Lucile Lalouette Tempero, “Dick,” as he was fondly known to friends and family, was an avid learner and took strides early in life to educate himself, broaden his perspectives, and reach new horizons. He was an active youth involved in sports, music, and Boy Scouts, in which he earned Eagle Scout status. After graduating from Hahn High School in Wayne, Nebraska, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 1959. There he was active in student government, wrote for the campus newspaper and was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity. He received his law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1962. He spent the next 30 years in various roles and facets of law from courtroom practice to executive and administrative positions until his retirement in the mid 1990s. He was politically active and committed to good government and social justice. Highlights of his career include: beginning his career in private practice with Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather in Lincoln NE, Director of the Economic and Law Student Division for the American Bar Association in Chicago IL, working with a computer-oriented consulting company in Palo Alto CA, associate director of field organization for Common Cause in Washington DC and minority counsel for the House Subcommittee on Government Operations. In 1977 he moved his family to Des Moines, IA to be the administrative partner for Davis, Hockenberg, Wine, Brown, Koehn & Shors and then became the Executive Director of the Association of Legal Administrators (which included a several-year commitment to a weekly commute from Des Moines to Chicago IL), and ended his career by leading the Des Moines Charter Commission effort to unify the governments of the City of Des Moines and Polk County.

    In 1996 when Sue, who was the VP Human Resources of the Des Moines Register, accepted a similar position at the Indianapolis Star/News and they moved to Indianapolis. After her retirement, they continued to live on a lake in a small neighborhood in the city and become involved in the community.

    During law school, Dick married Nancy Spilker and they had one daughter, Allison. After graduating from law school, Dick served in the US Army in Korea after the Korean War and was promoted to the rank of captain. Dick had met Sue Ann Carkoski when they were in high school in different small northeastern Nebraska towns and they also crossed paths at the University of Nebraska. They reconnected when both were working in Chicago. He spent several years courting her, which included trips to Hawaii to woo her back to the mainland. His efforts were ultimately successful, and they began their life together in 1970. Their 52-year marriage found them living in various places including Chicago IL, Palo Alto CA, Alexandria VA, Des Moines IA, and Indianapolis IN. While in Des Moines, Dick was an active member of Rotary (for whom he led an exchange trip to Guatemala) and the Iowa Bar Association, as well as many other community and educational groups including Friendship Force, which took them to Venezuela, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand. In 1996 Sue who was the VP of Human resources at the Des Moines Register accepted a similar position at the Indianapolis Star/News and they moved to Indianapolis IN and settled into their favorite lakeside home in the city. After her retirement, they continued to live in Indianapolis and become involved in the community.

    Dick was recognized with the esteemed Distinguished Service Award by the Nebraska Alumni Association in 2015, highlighting his commitment to sharing his time, talents, and treasure on behalf of his alma mater. In Indianapolis he became involved in many social and service clubs in their community, including: Contemporary Club, Hoosiers for Huskers, Literary Club, Service Club, and Players. Anyone who engaged with Dick professionally or personally through the many organizations in which he was involved found him thoughtful, humble, and caring. He was a mentor to many and let others go first. Dick and Sue hosted an annual “Taste of Nebraska” event for the Indianapolis chapter of the Nebraska Alumni Association (Hoosiers for Huskers). These groups kept him busy when he wasn’t enjoying lake living with a pontoon boat, lake parties, and watching sunsets while enjoying a meal from their deck. He was a foodie and a recycled before those things were popular. He introduced his children to cow tongue and kimchi. There was no food he didn’t like. Always wanting to try another taste. He was frugal with money and resources, telling everyone to turn out the lights when they left the room, buying in bulk (and off-brands). Dick was a kind, generous, and sociable person. He had an abiding affection for the Tempero family lineage and ancestry and enjoyed international trips to meet and spend time with others with a Tempero connection. He was the driving force behind a family newsletter, Tempero Talk, supporting and sustaining the publication until 2013. He also was dedicated to the lakeside community where he served as President of the lake homeowners association, helping manage property owner expectations and lake requirements.

    Dick also had a love of music and singing and for many years in Des Moines sang in the Chancel Choir at Plymouth Church. He enjoyed everything from classical to country music. He was a whiz with anything involving numbers and found ways to exercise that part of his brain; whether by recording gas mileage in a small dashboard notebook (or on a scrap of paper) at every gas stop, or by manually balancing checkbooks. He always found a creative way to get his numeric fix. He also loved to drive and his constant companion on any trip was a paper map of the area. The more obscure the destination, the better – in addition to the map, a highlighter and pen were all he needed. Dick had a knack for sharing stories and his opinions, and for providing a fresh perspective on everyone’s problems (solicited or not). He had enthusiasm for social holiday gatherings where he always took the opportunity to sport his signature red plaid pants. His dedication to family gatherings was highlighted by a decade of organizing an annual family gathering on Labor Day at Honey Creek Resort on Lake Rathbun in Iowa. One of Dick’s favorite holiday traditions was peeling a pomegranate to add to the festivities. Consider enjoying a pomegranate in his honor this holiday season!

    Dick and Sue attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Though it was not the closest church to their home. The thoughtful homilies and music were the draw. He chose to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, becoming a Catholic member of the Church in 2018.

    He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Lucile (Lalouette) Tempero and survived by his brothers Kenneth (Jeanne) Tempero and Stephen (Joan) Tempero. He leaves behind his loving wife Sue Ann (Carkoski) and their children, Katie (Mark) Sandquist, and Howard (Megan) Tempero, and his daughter Allison (Wesley) Nespor, grandchildren Matthew (Aaris) Nespor and Cat Nespor, Annika and Emmy Sandquist, Rezin, Corbet, Islalucia and Aristella Tempero, and great-grandchild Sylvia Nespor.

    Saturday, October 29, 2022 a visitation at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Indianapolis will begin at 12:00pm, with a Catholic Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00pm, followed by a social gathering at our house. A larger family Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date, when all of Dick’s family and friends can celebrate him by memorializing his passion for family gatherings. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who are able make a donation to the University of Nebraska Foundation – Drs. Howard and Lucile Lalouette Tempero Fund, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, or the charity of your choice.

    The family is grateful for all the support and care from friends, neighbors, medical professionals and others who have helped during this difficult journey.

  • November 2: 5:31 Club

    November 2: 5:31 Club

    Join the Rotary Club of Indianapolis 5:31 Club at Eagledale Florist on Wednesday, November 2. Enjoy beer, wine and appetizers in a unique floral setting. 

    Who: Rotarians, friends, guests, and anyone wanting to learn more about Rotary.
    What: No agenda, just the regular monthly social get-together.
    When: November 2, from 5:31 pm till 7:00 pm, or whenever you can be there. 
    Where: Eagledale Florist, 3615 West 30th Street, Indianapolis, 46222
    Other Details: Head to dinner afterward at McGilvery’s Pub & Eatery in Speedway. 
  • November 3 & 17: 4-Way Test Volunteers Needed

    November 3 & 17: 4-Way Test Volunteers Needed

    The 4-Way Test Program is an amazing opportunity which allows Rotarians to interact with students, giving them ideas/techniques and tactics for great decision making throughout their lives! And all it costs you is a couple hours of your time.

    These activities are vital to the student’s growth and foundation, and we promise the experience is rewarding, eye-opening and fun!

    Join us for our 4-Way Tests on Thursday, November 3 from 8:45-10:45 a.m. at Christel House South Academy (2405 Madison Ave) and Thursday, November 17 at Christel House West (55 N. Tibbs Ave).

    Contact Mike Crowley or the office to volunteer or if you have any questions.