INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Dr. Mercy Obeime knew she wanted to help other people, and she knew she would use medicine to do that. But what she didn’t realize is that her degree from Indiana University was not only going to make a difference here in Indiana, but many thousands of miles away. “Poverty is a huge reason that people have poor health,” said Obeime. “And that’s one of the reasons that people do not address their health issues.” Read full story with video.
Category: Members in the News
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Rotarian Dr. Mercy Obeime works tirelessly on behalf of underinsured (with Video)
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November 18 – Rotarian, Tonsing to be featured on No Limits
Indianapolis Rotarian Betty Tonsing wrote a book on patient safety that stemmed from her husband’s tragic illness following a hospital infection. Stand in the Way! Patient Advocates Speak Out. On Tuesday, November 18, Betty Tonsing will be on No Limits, hosted by John Krull (WFYI, broadcast at 1 PM on 90.1 FM). Also featured will Dr. David Orentlicher, a physician and an attorney who is a professor at IU School of Medicine specializing in health law and issues.
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Mayors Proclaims Lorene Burkhart (Rotarian) Day
Story Courtesy: Current in Carmel
July 11 marked a joint celebration of Lorene Burkhart’s 80th birthday and an awards ceremony in her honor.
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard and Indianapolis Mayor Gregory Ballard proclaimed the day “Lorene Burkhart Day” for each of the two cities.
Burkhart, a longtime resident of Indianapolis, recently moved to Carmel. Lorene Burkhart is a well-known philanthropist, author, publisher, radio and TV personality, civic leader and pioneer for women in the work place.
After recent heart surgery, Burkhart appeared to be recovering well and in great spirits as friends Barbara Boyd, Alpha Blackburn, Janie Hodges, Pat Wachtel, Syd Steele, Donna Martz, Peggy Sabens, Sharon Hunt, Rosie Steinmetz, Jeanne Olson, Bob Olson, Jenny Jones, Jim Jane Gradison and Winnie Ballard, to name a few, joined the celebration.
Mark Shunk, one of Lorene’s sons, flew in from Los Angeles to honor his mother at the ceremony. His wife, Suzy, joined him. Other family members enjoyed the celebration, as well. Shunk spoke briefly and noted that one of the most important lessons he learned from his mother was about giving back to the community.
Lorene Burkhart graduated from Purdue University in 1956 and has been a loyal supporter of the institution ever since. In 1994, she donated $1 million dollars to establish the Center for Families. In 1997, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters for her many leadership contributions.
In 1995, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from the University of Indianapolis. In 2013, she was awarded an Honorary Associate of Science Degree from Ivy Tech Community College. Her passion for teaching and learning continues with her participation to further adult literacy through the Indy Reads program.
When asked what stands out as the most important achievement to her personally, Burkhart said, “I was a pioneer for women, opening the door for achievement in the work place.”
She also said several attributes helped to contributed to her success.
“A positive attitude balanced with common sense and facts. Look at things as opportunity, then execute the tasks at hand,” she said. “Life is full of surprises. I recently survived heart surgery and drastic downsizing of my living space. It’s a time of transition. Who knows what’s next?”
She will continue organizing projects and staying active, although, the immediate task at hand is cardio therapy. Living life well, for her, is identifying things that need to be done and doing it. It’s also about having fun.
“Fun for me is being with family and friends. Funny people with good jokes make me laugh,” she said.
At 80, Lorene Burkhart continues to live life well.
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July 2014 Rotarians in the News
Harriet Ivey Harriet Ivey has been honored with a Touchstone Award from Girls, Inc. Harriet Ivey served for 15 years as the founding president and CEO of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, retiring in January 2014. During Ms. Ivey’s tenure, the Trust granted more than $223 million to nearly 900 charitable entities to help people in need, protect animals and nature, and enrich community life. Additionally, more than 500 nontraditional college students have received Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholarships, a signature program of the Trust since 2001.
Eleven outstanding volunteers were recognized by United Way of Central Indiana in conjunction with Indiana Black Expo at the 31st annual Diversity Volunteer Awards, Saturday, July 19, 9 a.m., at the Indiana Convention Center 500 Ballroom.
Sue and Dick Tempero Diversity Advocate Award: Rotarian Sue Tempero is recognized as a “fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion” her entire professional life. As a member of the board of directors of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis she has helped steer the Y towards best practices in diversity and inclusion when she helped develop the agency’s first pilot race relations study circle for board members along with other conversations and actions to change attitudes and behaviors.
Mary Burger, VP and CFO at Indiana Landmarks was elected to the Board of the Propylaeum Historic Foundation on May 21, 2014.
Eddie Pillow set to take over family business Pllow Logistics. Similarities between father-and-son duo George and Eddie Pillow don’t immediately jump out. The two relish their many differences, and speak of how well they complement each other and how well that will serve them in a few years when Eddie takes over their company, Pillow Logistics Inc. Read full story.
Rick Markoff named president of newly formed Damar Foundation. Richard M. Markoff has been named president of the newly created Damar Foundation. Damar Services’ board of directors established the foundation to help raise funds to support the work of the non-profit that has been serving children and adults challenged by autism, as well as intellectual, developmental and behavioral disabilities for more than 40 years. Read full story.
Civil Site Group has recently added Greg Gerke, PWS, CESSWI to their staff of professionals. Greg is a Senior Ecologist with over 25 years’ experience in ecological services. He will be responsible for all ecological project management including wetland delineations, wetland permitting, wetland design/build and monitoring, stream assessment and streambank stabilization, erosion control design and inspections, treatment wetlands, floral surveys, endangered species and related ecological assessments.
Laura Demeter, has left Key Bank to work at Centier as Sales Officer, Vice President, Cash Management. She oversees cash management services for Central Indiana, including Mishawaka, Fort Wayne, Lafayette, and the Greater Indianapolis area. Laura is a career banker with broad retail banking and treasury management experience. “I work with my clients to recognize, develop, and implement strategies that grow revenue, volume, market share, and profitability,” said Laura. “I am driven to produce results for my clients.”
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August 8, Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith, to be Honored
Rotary Club of Indianapolis member since 1995, Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith will be honored at a special Thanksgiving Celebration and Dinner on August 8, 2014. The celebration will take place at Light of the World Christian Church. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at http://www.indyfaith.org/_forms/view/20906. Download the invitation here.(Excerpt from The Indianapolis Recorder, March 24, 2011)
As a senior in high school, Angelique Walker wanted to get as far away from Cedarville and Springfield, Ohio, as she could manage. She went away to college at Kent State University, located 162 miles across the state.
It was not that the preacher’s kid was trying to ditch her beloved parents, Rev. Roosevelt and Geneva Walker, but the teenager was ready to make her own mark.
Having given her life to Christ at age 9, Walker started to feel a calling to the ministry while she was an undergraduate student at Kent State, but did not know that calling was toward the pulpit. Still, after graduating she was convinced that she should pursue graduate study at Yale University Divinity School, (YDS) where she earned a master’s of divinity degree. This also allowed her to join her future husband at Yale, R. Drew Smith, whom she met at Blessed Hope Baptist Church in Indianapolis as a youth during a visit from her home church in Springfield.
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Rotarian Sheila Carlson Makes 2014 Pink Honor Roll!
The Pink Honor Roll consists of the top 100 individual fundraisers for the Central Indiana Race for the Cure®. Combined, this year’s top fundraisers raised $225,000! And, our very own Sheila Carlson made it raising $1415.00! Because of this group, their supporters and others in our community, this will mean more funds will be available for life-saving local breast health services and global research for the causes, improved treatments and cures for breast cancer. In total, Rotary Racers raised $2,268.00 – way to go Rotary!
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Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame dedicates Danielson Theater
In ceremonies on Thursday, June 19, the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame dedicated the “Patty and Danny Danielson Theater”, recognizing the numerous contributions of the New Castle couple to the organization. The event was attended by members of the Hall’s Board of Directors, inductees, local community and business leaders, family and friends totaling nearly 100. Read the full press release.
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Danny O’Malia Featured on Hoosier Hometown Heroes
Hoosier Hometown Heroes is the premier business web-series, focusing on successful professionals in Indiana. The show is hosted by Tony Valle and sponsored by *Promethius Consulting. For those looking to grow their business, gain new insights, and learn about exciting opportunities; this show is a must watch.Promethius Consulting is one company in a growing list of organizations, sponsors and vendors participating in the 2014 Indy Do Day Project: A Community Partnership Led by the Rotary Club of Indianapolis.
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Rotarian, Betty Tonsing Releases Book
Stand in the Way! Patient Advocates Speak Out is now available on amazon.com. Go to amazon.com and see what people are saying about this book, written for you. And do not forget to like Patient Advocates Speak Out on its own Facebook page. I do not mean to alarm (yes I do) but eight jumbo jets crashing each and every week (the equivalent of the number of people who die each year from medical error and infections) is a very serious problem (perhaps crisis?). This book is full of good stories, and hope. -
New Rotarian, NaShara Mitchell Finding Her Space
Women Entrepreneurs: Finding Their Space
A business owner and assistant dean at IUPUI has announced an expansion of what she calls the only coworking space in the state with a focus on women. Studio B owner NaShara Mitchell says high demand has led to the need for a larger space in Indianapolis. She is launching a crowdfunding and awareness campaign to coincide with the facility’s grand re-opening. Mitchell and KA+A Community Manager Janneane Blevins discussed the importance of networking and mentorship programs on Inside INdiana Business Television as part of our focus on women entrepreneurs throughout the state.
