This week's meeting on Thursday, November 30th at the University Club, will feature LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel.
The menu will be simmered pork loin (slow cooked in a horseradish mustard cream with wilted spinach, apples and pickled mustard seeds), smashed red potatoes, rolls, and a dessert; a salad with grilled chicken or a vegetarian/vegan and/or gluten-free option is available upon advance request.
Please register by noon on Monday, November 27th HERE.
There is a $5 meeting fee for those who choose not to purchase a meal - this will include a dessert and tea/coffee/water and of course, a fantastic program. You can pay $5 cash, check or scan the QR code at check-in to pay with a credit card.
Click Read More to view Speaker Bio:
Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel served as Interim Chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD). Mayor Craig Greenberg appointed her to the position on January 2, 2023. On July 20, 2023, after a comprehensive nationwide search, the Mayor selected Gwinn-Villaroel to become Louisville’s next permanent police chief. During her tenure as Interim Chief, Gwinn-Villaroel created new initiatives including, but not limited to the following: continuous work of implementing police reforms, establishing the Non-Fatal Shooting Squad, implementing the Stop-the-Violence Community Outreach Program, and the expansion of the Louisville Metro Police Activities League.
Prior to serving as Interim Chief, Gwinn-Villaroel was appointed as LMPD’s Deputy Chief in 2021 and was second in command for the police department. She began her law enforcement career with the Atlanta Police Department (APD) in 1997, where she served until joining the LMPD. As an APD officer, Gwinn-Villaroel served as a patrol officer, a field investigation officer, and worked in the following units as a detective: Vice, Narcotics, Gangs and Guns, and Domestic Violence. Upon promotion to Sergeant, she had the opportunity to work in Patrol, the Police Training Academy, and the Personnel/Human Resources Section.
During her time with APD, Gwinn-Villaroel achieved the rank of Sergeant in 2010. In 2017, she was promoted to Lieutenant, and held positions as a watch commander and commander of the Crime Tactical Analysis Unit. After two years as a lieutenant, she was promoted to the rank of Captain and served as the assistant commander of the Major Crimes Division—overseeing the following units: Homicide, Robbery, Gun Assault, Special Victims, and the Metro Atlanta Crimes Stoppers Unit.
In 2020, she was promoted to the rank of Major and assigned to the Police Training Academy. During her time as the major of the training academy, Gwinn-Villaroel successfully implemented new de-escalation training for new police recruits and implemented the training into the required annual in-service training for veteran officers. She also ensured the development of the curriculum for duty-to-intercede training, emphasizing de-escalation and officer accountability, along with re-implementing crisis intervention training for police recruits.
Chief Gwinn-Villaroel holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration. She is also affiliated with numerous professional organizations, including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), Kentucky Women Law Enforcement Network (KWLEN), Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
As an ordained pastor, Chief Gwinn-Villaroel is passionate about community engagement and being a servant leader in her capacity as a law enforcement officer, as well as an executive police manager. She is a wife, mother and Founder/Senior Pastor of Unstoppable Praise Ministries. Unequivocally, Chief Gwinn-Villaroel is committed to professional excellence, accountability, and compassion, as exemplified by her professional success. Upon her swearing-in, Gwinn-Villaroel will become the first female African-American permanent police chief in Louisville’s and the state of Kentucky’s history.
Read More
Next week's meeting on Thursday, December 7th at the University Club, will feature Jamal Muashsher, President and CEO of Valvoline Global.
"Purpose Driven Journey from American Icon to Global Brand"
Learn how Valvoline Global’s bold purpose and mission is driving the transformation of this 157-year-old company from an iconic American brand to becoming a global leader.
The menu will be oven roasted salmon with spinach orzo and a lemon cream sauce, rolls, and a dessert; a salad with grilled chicken or a vegetarian/vegan and/or gluten-free option is available upon advance request.
Please register by noon on Monday, December 4th HERE.
There is a $5 meeting fee for those who choose not to purchase a meal - this will include a dessert and tea/coffee/water and, of course, a fantastic program. You can pay $5 cash, check or scan the QR code at check-in to pay with a credit card.
Click Read More to view Speaker Bio:
Jamal Muashsher is President & CEO of Valvoline Global Operations, a $3 billion global operations business that is part of the Aramco family of companies. Under Jamal’s leadership, Valvoline Global operates in more than 140 countries and is a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, creating future-ready products and best-in-class services for partners around the globe.
Previously serving as President of Valvoline, Inc.’s Global Products segment, Jamal also has overseen Valvoline’s international business in addition to marketing, digital, and customer experience in North America. Prior to joining Valvoline, he held senior leadership positions in brand management with Procter & Gamble across several billion-dollar brands and entertainment properties.
Jamal’s passion lies in enabling others to achieve their best possible lives, which inspired him to co-found a non-profit focused on developing today’s communities and tomorrow’s leaders; the organization continues to thrive more than 20 years later. Throughout the years, Jamal has served on the board of several organizations and non-profits. He currently serves on the boards of the Talent Magnet Institute, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s National Corporate Council, and Valvoline’s joint ventures with Cummins in India and China.
The son of immigrants from Jordan and a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jamal holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business. Jamal resides in Union, Kentucky, with his wife and daughter.
Read More
By: George A. Brakmeier IIIWe will be ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at the Holiday Manor Kroger on US Highway 42 again this year, competing with the Kiwanis Club to see who can collect the most. There will be 4 90-minute shifts each Saturday, and we need 4 people per shift. Below is the current signup list...as you can see, we still have a few shifts we need to fill - please contact me at 502-552-2002 if you can help.
Sat Dec 02, 2023 |
|
Brauer, Ashley |
Shift 1 |
Kull, Michael J. |
Shift 1 |
Mallory, Jay |
Shift 1 |
Marvel, Melissa A. |
Shift 1 |
--Natalino, Sam |
Shift 1 |
Handmaker, Judy |
Shift 2 |
Seeger V, Harry |
Shift 2 |
Stephenson, M.D., Harry C |
Shift 2 |
Singleton, Alan N. |
Shift 2 |
Harned, Frederic T. |
Shift 2 |
Davidson, Jay P. |
Shift 3 |
Martin, Gerald |
Shift 3 |
Newberry, Anthony L. |
Shift 3 |
OPEN |
Shift 3 |
OPEN |
Shift 4 |
OPEN |
Shift 4 |
OPEN |
Shift 4 |
OPEN |
Shift 4 |
|
|
Sat Dec 09, 2023 |
|
Allen, Barry Glen |
Shift 1 |
Snyder, David |
Shift 1 |
King, Richard D. |
Shift 1 |
Sloan, Larry T. |
Shift 1 |
Burke, William K. |
Shift 2 |
Dick, David C. |
Shift 2 |
Gray, Alisa O |
Shift 2 |
--Gray, Weller |
Shift 2 |
Seeger V, Harry |
Shift 2 |
Harned, Frederic T. |
Shift 3 |
Nesmith, Robert B. |
Shift 3 |
OPEN |
Shift 3 |
OPEN |
Shift 3 |
OPEN |
Shift 4 |
OPEN |
Shift 4 |
OPEN |
Shift 4 |
OPEN |
Shift 4 |
|
|
Sat Dec 16, 2023 |
|
Bohnert, Thomas H. |
Shift 1 |
Bush, John M. |
Shift 1 |
Elgin, Clifford T. |
Shift 1 |
Slider, Robert M. |
Shift 1 |
Dick, David C. |
Shift 2 |
English, Robert S. |
Shift 2 |
Seeger V, Harry |
Shift 2 |
OPEN |
Shift 2 |
OPEN |
Shift 3 |
OPEN |
Shift 3 |
OPEN |
Shift 3 |
OPEN |
Shift 3 |
Schmidt, Luke B. |
Shift 4 |
Taylor, Delene E |
Shift 4 |
OPEN |
Shift 4 |
OPEN |
Shift 4 |
If you can't take a shift but want to help us win the challenge, swing by one of these Saturdays between 9:00am-3:00pm, drop some coins, and cheer us on! Or, you can make a donation HERE.

From the Rotary Elf Elwe,
This year’s holiday party will be at Big Spring Country Club on Dutchman’s Lane. You and your guest(s) will enjoy a huge buffet, with a holiday cash bar. The program will include a word from President Kevin and lots of fun and games for prizes before live music to dance the night away. Wear your craziest holiday attire, as prizes will be given to the Best Dressed from the wise Elf of holiday fashion, Craig Winkleschoss!
Tickets are $65 per person and advance registration is required:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCLHolidayParty2023


What do your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, mentees or other youth know about Rotary? Here is a chance to let them experience it first hand, in a fun and interesting way, while they are on winter break!
Thanks to an excellent response to our recent survey, our regular Thursday lunch meeting on January 4th will be held at the Kentucky Science Center. Save the date and stay tuned for more details and a registration link. If you don't have young family members in town, think about a young person you might be willing to sponsor as your guest.
We still have some furniture for sale as a result of closing our Rotary office downtown. All proceeds will go to our local 501c3 Rotary Fund. If you are interested in bidding on any of these items or know someone who might be, please email rotary@rotary45.org. All are in storage on Frankfort Avenue (thank you, Greg Braun!) and must be picked up by appointment; we are unable to deliver.
Above: JSI Brogan 24 D x 72 L Walnut Flat Cut Veneer Lateral File Credenza with 15 7/8 D x 72 L x 42 H open storage overhead cabinet. Purchased new May 2019 for $2,225 from Office Environment Company - can provide invoice. Valued at $1,150.
Click Read More to see additional items.
Read More By: Alisa O GrayPlease join us on Tuesday, February 20 at 6:00 pm for date night or just an enjoyable evening with your Rotary friends.
Where: Cooking@Millie's, 340 W Chestnut St
Menu: Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Zucchini, Bourbon Glazed Salmon, and Tiramisu; wine included
$60 per person or $120 per couple; RSVP deadline: Feb 10 (watch for registration link soon)
The event usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Participants will be in a class setting with the inherent risks of a culinary setting. Any dietary restrictions will need to be discussed far in advance of the menu selection to see if we can accommodate any requests.
By: Karen MorrisonThe Rotary Service Above Self award recognizes members of the Rotary Club of Louisville who have demonstrated recent significant service to the Club, going above and beyond, through excellent work on a project or committee service. The award is given periodically throughout the year. Please consider members who should be publicly thanked for their notable service on Club projects and submit recommendations. There is no timeline; applications are received throughout the year. You can email nomination forms to Awards & Recognition Chair Karen Morrison at Karen@gck.org or mail to 657 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, Ste D-226, Louisville, KY 40222.
The Rotary Lifetime Service Award award honors a member who has exhibited a personal dedication to the pursuit of Rotary’s values in one or more of Rotary’s avenues of service. It recognizes a Rotarian’s full body of service both to Rotary and to other organizations in the community, region and beyond. Download the nomination form HERE.
We will begin accepting nominations for the Rotararian of the Year Award as we get closer to the end of our Rotary year in June.
Click below for more info and a list of criteria for nominations.
Lifetime Service Award Criteria
This award recognizes a Rotarian’s full body of service both to Rotary and to other organizations in the community, region and beyond.
This award is presented annually to a Rotarian who:
• has been a member for at least 10 years; and,
• has demonstrated a lifelong adherence to Rotary’s Service Above Self ideals.
The list of past recipients appears on page 11 of the Membership Directory; last year’s recipient was Larry Sloan
The Rotarian of the Year Award is designated for the one Rotarian in our club who clearly stands out in demonstrating "Service Above Self" and principled commitment to the Four-Way Test. A nominee should be an outstanding club member who has made significant contributions to the mission and operation of our club, and to one or more avenues of Community or International Service. This award may be given to a member who exhibits Service Above Self in their daily activities and who promotes Rotary by their actions and involvement. This may be accomplished through one major activity in club service, in multiple activities, or by serving on several committees. This person should be highly visible in the weekly activities of the club.
Rotarian of the Year Criteria
While no one can participate in every activity, be at every event or serve on every committee, the following criteria is presented to illustrate the range of things that should be considered when nominating a person for Rotarian of the Year. The decision need not be limited to these items, nor should the items on the list be considered mandatory for selection. The list of past recipients appears on page 10 of the Membership Directory; last year’s recipient was Ashley Brauer.
Club Membership and Attendance
- To be considered for nomination, the candidate must have been a member of our Rotary Club for at least 5 years.
- The nominee must be a member in good standing.
- The nominee must have active membership status.
- The nominee should have an exemplary attendance record. While perfect attendance is not a requirement, the nominee should either regularly attend our club meetings or complete make-ups when they are unable to attend.
Rotary Club Involvement
- The nominee has been involved with service projects that have been undertaken by the club through active participation and support.
- The nominee has been involved with fundraising projects that have been undertaken by the club through active participation and support.
- The nominee has participated in additional club activities that help to strengthen the camaraderie of the club, such as social events.
- The nominee has contributed to the day-to-day workings of the club by helping with the tasks necessary for the club to function effectively.
Leadership and Recruitment
- The nominee has worked on a committee for the club.
- The nominee has taken an active leadership role within the club.
- The nominee brings visitors and/or candidates for membership to the club and/or has sponsored new members.
Read More By: Karen MorrisonEach year our club hosts a speech contest open to all Louisville area high school students (private, public, independent and home taught). The winner will advance to the sectional competition followed by a regional competition. Finalists from each region in the district will compete at the annual Rotary District 6710 Conference to be held here in Louisville on May 10-11, 2024.
This year's club contest will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 4:15pm at Gilda's Club Kentuckiana, 2440 Grinstead Dr.
The contest offers students an opportunity to speak on a meaningful topic, to sharpen their speaking skills, and to gain recognition in addition to monetary rewards. By participating, they will learn about Rotary, our history, and our worldwide mission. Students will also have the potential of establishing a more meaningful relationship with members of our club.
Theme: Create Hope in the World
Length: 5-8 minutes
Delivery: Notes may be used at the first level, but memorization preferred, and no notes allowed at subsequent levels (use will result in significant deductions).
Prize Money: A total of $2,200 possible for the student who wins District wide. ($300, $200, and $100 at the club level for first, second, and third place winners). First place winners at each level proceed to sectionals, regionals, and finally district level. Prize money is increased at each level.
Deadline for submission of entry form: March 1, 2024
Click here for more info and to download an entry form:
https://louisvillerotary.org/speech-contest/
Please share this flyer with students in your circles.
Questions: Karen Morrison, Karen@gck.org
By: Larry T. SloanThanks to those who came out to serve a meal and spend time with the men at Re:Center Ministries this week!
Pictured: Huly Farr, Ginger Wallace, David Snyder, Larry Sloan, Kenya Wade
Please join us on December 13th to serve and have dinner with the men at Re:Center Ministries, 733 E. Jefferson Street. The Holiday Season is a tough time for many, including those with addictions. We set up the meal at 5:00 pm. Typically, I bring meat loaf, scalloped potatoes and steamed vegetables. Others supply the soft drinks, bread/rolls, salad and desserts of fruit pies. The men we serve are going through the LifeChange program recovering from addiction. Those of us who do this regularly always feel like we get more out of it than the effort we put into it. Our club has supported this program with funds and volunteers since 2015. We would love to see some new faces! Contact me at larry.sloan@yahoo.com or David Snyder at davids@ndhc.org for more information or to sign up.
By: Craig MooneyConsider adding one or more of the dates below to your calendar to come out and help mentor our Rotary Honors Scholars. Connect with me at cmooney@bosseconstruction.com if you would like to participate...it's a lot of fun!
The schedule for Iroquois HS, 4615 Taylor Blvd, Louisville, KY 40215:
- December 6
- January 31
- February 14
- March 27
The schedule for Western HS, 2501 Rockford Ln, Shively, KY 40216
- January 23
- February 27
- March 19
** Thursday May 9th is the tentative date for our Rotary Honors Scholars Celebration luncheon.
Click Read More to see photos.
See if you can spot all the Rotarians and community volunteers that showed up last week to kick off our Rotary Honors Scholars mentoring program at Iroquois High School!

Read More
By: Jay MalloryWhat: Bridgehaven Bridge Builder Annual Breakfast
Organization: Bridgehaven Mental Health Services
Date/Time: Wednesday, 11/29/23, 7:30 am- 9:00 am
Location: U of L Conference Center (Shelbyhurst Campus), 450 North Whittington Parkway
Description: Come out and have a hot breakfast, hear from some incredible speakers and support Bridgehaven. The proceeds from this event help this incredible organization continue to provide hope and recovery through innovative, comprehensive, community-based mental health services to adults living with mental illness.
More information: Contact member Jay Mallory at 502-419-7274 or jmallory@imagequest for more information and to register.
Note: This section features upcoming events and opportunities to serve with our nonprofit member organizations. Submissions must be from a member (or spouse/partner) of our Club who is either an employee or board member of the organization for which the event/opportunity is being shared. Click HERE to submit.
By: Nachand TrabueWhat: MELANnaire Marketplace @ Mall St Matthews
Date/Time: Now through January 2nd
Location: Mall St. Matthews, next to Dillard's Women
Description: Invite your family, friends and colleagues to come out and shop with 30+ black-owned businesses. This is our 2nd year at the Mall St. Matthews and we're growing as a business community.
Check out some of the items for sale in this video.

Member to contact: Nachand Trabue, blackbusinessesmatter502@gmail.com