Category: Latest News

  • Chin National Day Celebration

    Chin National Day Celebration

    Chin National Day celebrating the 69th year of independence from Burma was held on February 18, 2017. Approximately 1,000 people were in attendance. There was singing, dancing, a style show and a talent contest. The Rotary Club of Indianapolis was recognized for its recent grant of $50,000 to The Chin Community of Indiana organization. This grant is renewable for up to five years. The President of the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation, Matt Will, described how Rotary works to do good globally and locally. He also reiterated The Rotary Club of Indianapolis’ commitment to the Chin Community. Other Rotarian’s who attended were, Jeff Lake, Tim Dudley, Bill Bubenzer, Kelly Tingle, Hodge Patel and Monica Peterson. A Chin Support Committee of more than 15 Rotarian’s has been established and they will work to assist The Chin Community of Indiana in all the areas of need requested by their organization. If you are interested in helping with this Legacy Grant/Project, please contact Jeff Lake at lakejeff960@gmail.com.

     

  • Upcoming Venue Change

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is much more than just a meeting at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.  We are a family of committed citizens who care about making our community, both in Indianapolis and around the world, a better place.  And we will continue to perform our duties as Rotarians no matter where we meet.

    Recently, the officers made the decision to explore other venues for our regular Tuesday meetings.  While the Scottish Rite has been a wonderful home for the last several years, we feel that we have a unique opportunity to look for a new space that provides our members with a better and more meaningful Rotary experience.

    Over the last few weeks, Ramona Adams and John Mainella have been working with Kelly Tingle to execute a request for proposal.  We received interest from more than 10 new venues and are in the process of narrowing our selection to the top 2 or 3 and will visit with these places.  Ramona and John will be presenting more information to you in the next few weeks.  If you have any questions about the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to either one of them.

    The Rotary Office will remain at the Scottish Rite. Our last meeting at the Scottish Rite will be Tuesday, March 28.  We are working to make our transition to a new space as seamless and smooth as possible and certainly appreciate your patience during this process.  We look forward to a wonderful Rotary program on April 4 in our new home.

    In the meantime and over our few remaining weeks in the Scottish Rite, please take a minute to thank the wonderful banquet staff, many of whom we see on a weekly basis.

  • Thinking outside the box.  Way outside………!

    Thinking outside the box.  Way outside………!

    I have been sharing information about this most incredible Rotary scholarship opportunity – the Peace Fellowship program that offers either a two-year Master’s degree or a three-month certificate.  It really is an ‘opportunity of a lifetime’……just ask D.F. Pace, police lieutenant and attorney with the Philadelphia police department.  Lt. Pace uses the skills he learned in the intensive certificate program focused on conflict resolution to defuse tensions in Philadelphia neighborhoods cited for violence and confrontation between residents and police.  Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, member of the Philadelphia Rotary Club – 19th oldest in the world – wondered if the program was for academics and students only, and was excited to learn the curriculum was suitable for any one in any field focused on the need for conflict resolution.  The next step was to find the right candidate.  Lt. Pace has both street patrol experience as well as being trained as a lawyer familiar with legal aspects of proper policing.  To Commission Ramsey, Lt. Pace had the right combination of street smarts and experience, education and training and a commitment that policing must be an instrument of peace.

    Indianapolis and its metro area is among the largest urban/suburban/rural regions of the country.  There are suitable candidates among us for a Rotary Peace Fellowship.  Who needs to know more about the three-month certificate in peace and conflict resolution? What community could benefit?  All expenses are covered……. airfare, accommodation, curriculum program.  And surely there is a professional or advanced student intent on a Master’s program in peace and conflict resolution for whom an equally expense paid two-year’s Master’s program is ideal……someone who would be quite upset if we did not at least tell them about this opportunity.  Please do not say you do not know of someone: I bet you do.

    Please go to this link that has all the information one needs for the Peace Fellowships…both the Masters Scholarship and the three-month certificate.  Rotary has made this easier yet to apply AND provide information.  https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships

    You can also contact Betty Tonsing directly at bettyktonsing@gmail.com, or (574) 807-2382

  • A Special Message:

    A Special Message:

    Rotarians,

    The Scottish Rite Cathedral, built in 1929, is a remarkable building. As we all know, updates and renovations are necessary to keep a historic building in top shape. The Ballroom, where the Rotary Club of Indianapolis typically meets, will be undergoing a facelift for the next few months. During this time we will have the pleasure of utilizing the Grand Hall (located downstairs) for our weekly lunch and program. Once renovations have been completed, we will notify you that we can return to the newly updated Ballroom. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this change in location and I hope to see you at a meeting soon!

    And remember, in addition to our regular meetings held in the Scottish Rite, there are many other activities happening at Rotary! From basketball games at IUPUI with Rotarian Roderick Perry to Movie Night with Rotarian Matt Burnett to volunteering at the Marion County Spelling Bee… there are so many ways to get engaged! Watch our e-newsletter or visit our website at www.indyrotary.org to check out our calendar of events.

    Hugs,

    President, Sheila Carlson

  • February 11: Rotary Night With The Jaguars

    February 11: Rotary Night With The Jaguars

     

    Join us in cheering on the IUPUI Jaguars at Indiana Farmers Coliseum at the State Fairgrounds February 11th at 7pm. Rotarians can bring the attached flyer to the box office for discounted tickets ($10.00 for adults and $7.00 for kids 12 and under).

    Online purchases can be made by following this link:

    Buy Your Tickets Online Use discount code JASON to unlock the savings. Want to buy your tickets the night of the game? Bring the attached flier with you to receive a 33% discount on tickets. Our special price is $10.00/ person. Kids 12, and under, are only $7.00! Ask for seats in block 108 (the reserved Rotary section)

    Enjoy a variety of giveaways and family fun throughout the night while cheering on our local team.

     

     

     

  • Rotary Club Volunteer Day at Gleaner’s Food Bank, Saturday, 2/11/2017

    Rotary Club Volunteer Day at Gleaner’s Food Bank, Saturday, 2/11/2017

    30 volunteers needed!

    When: Saturday, February 11 th

    9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.

    Arrival time: 8:45 a.m. for sign in and instructions

    Where: Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana

    3737 Waldemere Avenue

    Indianapolis, IN 46241

    Guidelines: No children under the age of 9 (1 adult per 5 youth); MUST wear closed-toe shoes; no food

    or drink.

    Please e-mail Matt Wilhelm to volunteer: matt@walkeragency.com or call him at (317) 759-9310 with any questions

    Downloads:

    Volunteer Guidelines Revised 0616

    Gleaners Volunteer Release Form Revised 11.15

    Gleaners Volunteer Map 04.16

  • 2016-17 Officer Elections

    On December 12, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis Board of Directors approved the following slate of officers to serve for the 16-17 Rotary year.  Thanks to all who step up to serve in leadership!

      President:             Ramona Adams
    President Elect:    John Mainella
    Vice President:     Michael Schiele
    Treasurer:             Larry Brodnik
    Secretary:             Nick Reich
    Sgt. at Arms:         Marie Koenig

  • Welcome Jamie Stahl

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is excited to welcome Jamie Stahl as the new member services coordinator for the Club.

    She previously was the Development Officer for the Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing and has worked in fundraising and development for over seven years.  She is an Indiana University graduate and has a master’s degree in public affairs with a concentration in nonprofit management.  Jamie currently serves on the board of directors for the Joyful Sound community handbell choir and is the treasurer for the Southside Parents of Multiples organization.

    Jamie and her twin boys, Evan and Liam, reside in Greenwood.  Jamie will start in the office on December 5 and her email address will be jstahl@indyrotary.org;  please show her a warm Rotary welcome!

  • “Stop the Singing” Holiday Campaign

    Rotary Club of Indianapolis President, Sheila Carlson and Indianapolis Rotary Foundation President, Matt Will would like you to make a special holiday donation to the INDIANAPOLIS ROTARY (LOCAL) FOUNDATION FUND.

    Check out last year’s promo video!

    Each year, the Past Presidents of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis present a song for the enjoyment of the club. However… there are some that perhaps don’t see this tradition as quite as “enjoyable” as others. So, a spirited campaign has been developed to “Stop the Singing.” If the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation can raise $3,000 by December 9, the Past Presidents have agreed to forego this tradition and stop their singing! Your donation today goes toward this effort. Thank you for giving to the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation and for your involvement with the Rotary Club of Indianapolis.

     

  • December 7, Rotary 5:31 Club at Platt 99/The Alexander Hotel

    December 7, Rotary 5:31 Club at Platt 99/The Alexander Hotel

    Rotary 5:31 Club will be at PLAT 99: MIXOLOGY LOUNGE/The Alexander Hotel: 333 S. Delaware Street, Indianapolis. Just us for fun, friendship and a kick-off to the holiday season!

    Reservations and punctuality not required! 5:31 meet-and-greets are our most popular event get-togethers. Just “show-up! Or, for more details contact the Rotary at 317-631-3733! 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 and it is never dull!