Category: Latest News

  • March 21: Flanner House Volunteer Opportunity

    March 21: Flanner House Volunteer Opportunity

    The Environment and Beautification Committee is seeking volunteers for a service project at Flanner House. On Saturday, March 21, from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm, volunteers will work together to install two sheds that will support a water irrigation system for the Flanner House gardens.

    If you are able, please bring a hammer, saw, or drill to assist with the installation.

    If you are interested in lending a hand, we would love to have you join us. To sign up or for more information, please contact Charlie Meyer.

  • New Board of Directors Announced

    On Tuesday, March 10, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis elected five members to serve on the Board of Directors for two years beginning July 1, 2026. These leaders will help guide the club’s work and continue our long tradition of service to the community.

    Please join us in congratulating our newly elected board members:
    Ken Barlow, Paramount Schools of Excellence
    Joe Gaafar, Retired
    Larita Killian, Indiana University Columbus
    Meg Magsamen, American Dairy Association Indiana
    Michelle Pleasant, Happy Hollow Children’s Camp

    We appreciate their willingness to serve and look forward to their leadership in the years ahead.

  • Nominations Open for ROAR Award

    Nominations Open for ROAR Award

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition (ROAR) Award—formerly known as Rotarian of the Year.

    Nominations are being accepted for Rotarians in good standing who have demonstrated “Service Above Self” throughout their lifetime. The ROAR Award recognizes individuals who embody the Four-Way Test not only through their service to the Club, but also in their professional and community lives. This honor is considered a lifetime achievement award.

    Completed nominations must be submitted by April 15, 2026. Nominations can be sent to Jamie Hanan via email or submitted through the online nomination form below.

    The recipient will be publicly announced on June 2, 2026, and formally recognized at the 2026 Celebration Event on the evening of June 23, 2026.

    Past Recipients:
    2007: Marge Tarpley and Danny Danielson
    2008: Dr. Tim Dudley
    2009: Hugh Baker
    2010: Bill Batt
    2011: Bill Ervin
    2012: Gene Busche
    2013: Club celebrated 100th anniversary and named Rotarian of the Century: Senator Richard Lugar
    2014: Paul Raikes
    2015: Club celebrated retirement of Executive Director, Susie Harmless, and, therefore, no ROY named
    2016: Judge Tom Fisher
    2017: Elaine Bedel
    2018: Tom Lugar
    2019: Jeff Lake
    2020: Kathy Cookerly and Bill Bubenzer
    2021: Marie Koenig and Larry Brodnik
    2022: Peggy Blackard and Norm Melzer
    2023: David Leonards
    2024: Michael Crowley
    2025: Jim McClelland

    ROAR Award Nomination

    This is the nomination form for the ROAR Award (Rotary Outstanding Achievement Recognition)
    • All nominees must be a current member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis
    • Why you think this person is deserving of being honored as Rotarian of the Year
    • You must be a member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis to nominate a ROAR nominee. All submissions will remain confidential.

  • March 10: Women’s History Month

    March 10: Women’s History Month

    Join us Tuesday for a special program in celebration of Women’s History Month. Kathy Cookerly, Marie Koenig, Natasha Krupp, and Costeena Weathersby will participate in a panel discussion moderated by Tiana Johnson.

    Through this conversation, we will highlight how women’s voices have paved the way for progress, opened doors for others, and continue to shape opportunities for the next generation. We hope the discussion resonates with women in the audience who may be navigating similar challenges, while also reinforcing the importance of partnership with men as allies in the workplace and beyond. Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to recognize and elevate the incredible female leaders in our network whose impact, legacy, and leadership are helping build a stronger and more inclusive future.

    In addition, we will be voting on the slate of the 2026-2028 Rotary Club of Indianapolis Board of Directors during the program.

    The proposed slate includes:

    • Ken Barlow
    • Joe Gaafar
    • Larita Killian
    • Meg Magsamen
    • Michelle Pleasant

    All are welcome at Rotary programs.

    📌 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)
  • March 17: Pack Away Hunger Offsite

    March 17: Pack Away Hunger Offsite

    On Tuesday, March 17, we will be heading offsite for a hands-on service project at Pack Away Hunger. Organized by the Community Service Committee, this project will give us the opportunity to pack meals for those in need and make a direct impact in our community.

    Registration is required to participate. Please register on Square by Friday, March 13 to reserve your boxed lunch. If you plan to attend but do not need a lunch, select “Attending – No Boxed Lunch” when completing your registration.

    Members participating in the Rotary Value Club should email the Rotary office with their attendance plans.

  • March 11: 5:31 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

    March 11: 5:31 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

    Join the 5:31 Club for our monthly social gathering on Wednesday, March 11, at the Rathskeller!

    Who: Rotarians, friends, and guests looking to enjoy a fun filled Wednesday evening.

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

    Location: Rathskeller in the Bar, 401 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis.

    Date: Wednesday, March 11 at 5:31 pm to 7:00 pm (or whenever you can drop by!)

    Come enjoy great company, good food and the spirit of Rotary in a casual setting.

  • February 19: 4-Way Test Volunteers Needed

    February 19: 4-Way Test Volunteers Needed

    The 4-Way Test Program is a fantastic opportunity for Rotarians to engage with students, offering valuable tools, techniques, and strategies for making thoughtful, ethical decisions that will serve them throughout their lives. By participating, you’ll help instill essential skills in young people while providing them with insights that will shape their future.

    This initiative is not only impactful for the students, but also incredibly rewarding for the volunteers. It’s a chance to witness firsthand the growth and development of the next generation and be part of their educational journey. We promise the experience will be eye-opening, fun, and a fulfilling way to give back to the community!

    For our newer members, this is an excellent way to get involved with Rotary and experience our mission in action. We welcome everyone to be part of this meaningful program!

    Our next 4-Way Test will be on Thursday, February 19 at 9:00 am at Indiana Math and Science Academy – North, 7435 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis (old Junior Achievement building).

    Interested in volunteering? Please email Mike Crowley or call him directly at 317-627-9030.

    Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives and be part of Rotary’s impactful work!

  • February 11: Corporate Membership Series

    February 11: Corporate Membership Series

    Join us on Wednesday, February 11 for the next Rotary Corporate Membership Series, designed for corporate and board members seeking meaningful connection and practical insight.

    We will welcome Jason Beutler, Founder and CEO of Robo Source, for a timely discussion on AI, business growth, and meaningful work. Jason will share how AI and automation can strengthen organizations without replacing people, offering practical, human-centered insights leaders can apply right away.

    Key takeaways include:

    • Using AI tools like ChatGPT effectively
    • Understanding AI bias and the role of human judgment
    • Leveraging automation to focus teams on higher-impact work
    • AI as a tool vs. AI as a business strategy

    Event Details

    • Date: Wednesday, February 11
    • Time: 8:00 – 9:30 am

    Registration
    Corporate Members received a registration email on January 22 from Rotarian Zack Conner. To learn more about Corporate Membership, contact info@indyrotary.org.

  • 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.

  • 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.