The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is proud to have funded the statue of Senator Richard Lugar, now standing prominently at the Indianapolis City-County Building. This tribute honors Lugar’s extraordinary legacy as a transformative Mayor of Indianapolis, a distinguished United States Senator, and a dedicated lifetime member of our Rotary Club. His lifelong commitment to public service, diplomacy, and community leadership continues to inspire generations. The statue serves not only as a memorial to his remarkable achievements, but also as a reminder of the impact one principled, service-minded leader can make—both here at home and across the world.
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April 8: 5:31 Spring Hike & Social
Join fellow Rotarians, friends, and guests for an evening hike and social gathering on April 8 from 5:31 – 7:00 pm at Fort Harrison State Park (6000 N. Post Road, Indianapolis).
Some participants will begin with a hike on the Schoen Creek Trail, while others may choose to head directly to the pub.
Schoen Creek Trail – 3.3 miles | Moderate (Trail map)
The hike begins at the Schoen Creek Trailhead east of the saddle barn and follows a scenic route through wetlands, prairie grasses, woods, and ravines.After the hike, we’ll gather at Fort Ben Pub (5645 N. Post Road, Indianapolis).
If you have any questions before or on the day of the event, please contact Sandy Messner at 812-219-5869.
All are welcome!
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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.
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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 CampWe appreciate their willingness to serve and look forward to their leadership in the years ahead.
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March 17: Offsite at Pack Away Hunger
On Tuesday, March 17, we will head offsite for a hands-on service project at Pack Away Hunger. Organized by the Community Service Committee, this program will give us the opportunity to pack nutritious meals for those in need. The meals packed during our session will be sent to support individuals and families in Cuba.
Guests are welcome to join us for this service opportunity.
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.
📌 Register online by Friday, March 13
Pack Away Hunger
5230 Park Emerson Drive, Suite A
Indianapolis, IN 46203Schedule:
- 11:45 am – Lunch & Networking
- 12:15–1:15 pm – Program & Meal Packing
Please note: Zoom will not be available for this program.
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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 -
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 ExpressSchedule:
- 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 LinkJoin by Mobile (Audio Only):
- +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
- +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)
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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.
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March 3: Board of Directors Introductions
Join us Tuesday as we introduce the 2026–2028 Board of Directors slate. This is your opportunity to hear directly from the nominees as they share their vision and priorities for the future of our Club.
The proposed slate includes:
• Ken Barlow
• Joe Gaafar
• Larita Killian
• Meg Magsamen
• Michelle PleasantOur Board of Directors plays a vital role in shaping the tone, vision, and character of our Club for years to come. We encourage you to attend and learn more about each candidate. We will vote on the slate during our Tuesday, March 10 program.
In addition, we will recognize our newest members and vote on proposed updates to the Club bylaws.All are welcome at Rotary programs.
📌 Register online
💳 On-site payment options: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American ExpressSchedule:
- 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 linkJoin by Mobile (Audio Only):
- +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
- +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)
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February 24: No Meeting
There will be no formal program on Tuesday. Instead, members and guests are invited to meet at noon at the Rathskeller Restaurant for an informal lunch.
It’s a great chance to connect with fellow Rotarians, share ideas, and stay engaged with the Club. Prospective members are welcome to join us as well.