Lauren Coulter, Founder of Biscuit Belly
Ward Wilson, Executive Director of Kentucky Waterways Alliance

Welcome to The Rotary Club of Louisville

With over 350 members, the Rotary Club of Louisville is the 14th largest club of Rotary International’s 46,000+ clubs around the world. Our Club has been serving others in this community and worldwide since 1912.

We welcome guests and visiting Rotarians from all over the world at our weekly Thursday luncheon meetings. Our programs involve prominent leaders in every field, and our membership represents the business and civic leaders of our community and our state.

We are connected with each other, our community and with other Rotarians worldwide.

Rotary Club of Louisville Create Hope in the World

OUR MEETINGS

University Club Louisville

Thursdays at 12:00 PM (networking/lunch begins at 11:30am)

See upcoming speakers here: https://louisvillerotary.org/our-meetings/

University Club Louisville

200 E Brandeis Ave
Louisville, KY 40208

Mail:
Rotary Club of Louisville
657 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, Ste D-226
Louisville, KY 40222

CLUB NEWS

Next Week's Meeting - District Governor Tom Reed

Rotary District 6710 Governor Tom ReedNext week's meeting on Thursday, September 28, at the University Club will feature our District Governor Tom Reed's official visit.

Lunch is $25 and the menu will be Chicken picatta, caprese salad, tiramisu; a salad with grilled chicken will continue to be offered, as well as a vegetarian/vegan and/or gluten-free option, all available upon advance request. 

RSVP HERE by NOON Monday, September 25th.

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 in advance via SurveyMonkey or with cash, check or scan the QR code at check-in to pay with a credit card.

Click Read More to view Speaker's Bio

 

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Peace Corps Week: Celebrating our Connections 

By: Frederic J. Cowan
From Monday, September 18th through Friday, September 22nd, Partnering for Peace:Friends of Peace Corps and Rotary, which supports the service partnership between Peace Corps and Rotary International, will host its third annual celebration of the partnership’s successes and hopes for the future. You and the entire Rotary and Peace Corps communities are cordially invited and asked to spread the news of this exciting virtual event!

How to Participate

We invite you to help build this exciting Rotary-Peace Corps Partnership by participating in any or all of the daily 75-minute Zoom sessions.You can register here at bit.ly/3rpi0ub or see the QR code below:

  3rd Annual Rotary Peace Corps Week


 

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Re:Center Ministries Dinner: September 27

By: Larry T. Sloan
Rotary Meal at Re:Center Ministries

Pictured: Kenya Wade, Ginger Wallace, Larry Sloan, Sandra Dodge, Brian Jackson

Please join us next Wednesday, September 27th at 5:30pm to serve and have dinner with the men at Re:Center Ministries. 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.
 

Western High School Blood Drive

By: Linda Bartrom-Moore
Sign up HERE to support our Western High School Interact Club blood drive on October 9th! 
Rotary Interact Western High School Blood Drive
 

Rotary, Polio & Lou City FC


World Polio Day #EndPolio

October 24 is World Polio Day. We have made tremendous progress since the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched. But even just one case still represents one child’s life forever changed by polio. That’s why Rotary members must remain tenacious and keep our promise: We won’t stop until we know that no child will ever again experience the paralyzing effects of polio.

To donate, visit www.endpolio.org/donate 

A special shout out to these Charter Members of the Polio Plus Society:  

Roland Blahnik
David Burkholder
Rick Harned
Mike Kull
Amy Luttrell
Woody Northup
Kevin Wardell

This is a new program to recognize gifts and pledges to support Polio Plus at a minimum of $100 per year. Those who make this pledge to join the PolioPlus Society will receive a special membership lapel pin. Contributions also qualify for Paul Harris Fellows Recognition Points credit and will be matched 2 to 1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Click HERE if you are interested in becoming a member of the Polio Plus Society.

Through our alignment with Louisville City FC, Lynn Family Stadium was bathed in purple from 9pm until midnight last October 24th to mark World Polio Day, and we expect that to happen again this year. Why purple? It comes from the purple dot painted on the fingers of children who have received the potentially life-saving polio vaccination. It's a growing trend for iconic buildings to be illuminated in purple to recognize the work of Rotary International and partners in the fight for a polio-free world. As long as polio exists anywhere, it is a risk to children everywhere...it is only a plane ride away. Save the date and if you are in the area that evening, take a photo of the stadium lit up and help us spread awareness about Rotary's impact.

We will have a table at the October 7th LouCity FC game to share the news about Rotary’s work in eradicating polio and to promote World Polio Day. Thanks to Matt Riggle, VP, Louisville Paving & Construction Co, for representing Rotary last October! 



 

Rotary Day at Bernheim: October 14th

By: Thomas H. Bohnert
Rotary Day at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Rotary members and their families are welcome to come out early or stay later to play, hike, fish, or just sit quietly in nature’s beauty.

We will gather at the Education Center Gallery for orientation, as a site to start optional tours and to eat lunch.

Bernheim Education Center

Cost is $15 per carload at the gate. Boxed lunches with a sandwich, chips and a cookie are available for purchase.

RSVP HERE: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCLBernheim2023

Rotarian Dr. Mark Wourms will present a summary of Bernheim activities during lunch. We may also be able to interact with one of Bernheim’s Artists in Residence over lunch or in the field.

Bernheim will have a solar-powered cart that seats 5 guests, and a 10 passenger van as a back-up for another touring option, particularly for those who are mobility challenged.

Optional Tours Include:
  • Walking tour to see Forest Giants in a Giant Forest (45-60 minutes)
  • Walking tour of the platinum LEED Visitor Center, Edible Garden, and Playcosystem* (30 minutes)
  • Driving tour of Bernheim’s Art in Nature (30 minutes)
*Note the Playcosystem – an outdoor, natural play environment can be a multiple-hour destination for children on its own. Additionally, any of the above can be cart, van, or driving tours with minor modifications.

Most importantly, Bernheim provides something for every Rotarian and family member on their own or with Rotarian friends.
 

Rotary Honors Scholars Mentoring

By: Craig Mooney
We have officially kicked off this year's mentoring programs at Iroquois and Western High Schools. I encourage you to consider adding one or more of the dates below to your calendar, and connect with coordinator Craig Mooney at cmooney@bosseconstruction.com to let him know you would like to participate...it's a lot of fun!

The schedule for Iroquois HS, 4615 Taylor Blvd, Louisville, KY 40215:
  • October 18
  • December 6
  • January 31
  • February 14
  • March 27
The schedule for Western HS, 2501 Rockford Ln, Shively, KY 40216:
  • October 17
  • November 14
  • 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.

 

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Events & Opportunities: GLI Grand Opening, September 26th

By: Sarah Davasher-Wisdom
GLI Ribbon Cutting

What: Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting
Organization: GLI
Date/Time: September 26, 2023, 4-6pm
Location: 101 S 5th Street, Suite 2300
Description:  Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of our new home! Hear from special guests including:
Russ Cox, President & CEO, Norton Healthcare & GLI Board Chair, and Mayor Craig Greenberg

More information/register:
https://greaterlouisvillekycoc.weblinkconnect.com/events/Grand-Opening-Celebration-5215/details


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.

Exciting Update: West Louisville Housing Initiative

It has been an exciting couple of weeks for Rotary! In case you missed it in the news, in President Kevin's note or on our social media pages...we celebrated a big milestone for our West Louisville Housing Initiative on August 24 at the home of our first homebuyer, Chantez Williams. You can read the awesome media advisory written by our own Ashley Brauer HERE.

Rotary West Louisville Housing Initiative Celebrates First Homebuyer

On hand to share in the celebration and pictured above from left to right:
Deputy Mayor and Rotarian Barbara Sexton Smith, Deputy Mayor David James, Rotarian and Community Impact Committee Chair Luke Schmidt, realtor Kristina Ditto, new homeowner Chauntez Williams, Congressman Morgan McGarvey, Rotarian and Community Impact Committee Vice Chair Denise Sears, Park Community Credit Union SVP/Chief Lending Officer David Constantino, Louisville Metro Government Deputy Chief of Staff Keisha Dorsey, former mayor Greg Fischer, Rotary President Kevin Lynch, Head of Governor Beshear's Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives Charles Booker, Fifth Third Bank Community Impact Manager and Rotarian Adam Hall, Fifth Third Bank Kentucky President and Rotary Treasurer Kim Halbauer, and Rotary Past President Jean West.

You can watch the video on our Facebook page.

Media coverage: 
WLKY
WAVE
Spectrum

We also received some coverage from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

THANK YOU to everyone who has pledged/contributed to this important program. If you have not donated and would like to, email Luke Schmidt at lbschmidt@lbschmidt.com.

For those who have multi-year pledges, watch for your second invoice soon, or you can go ahead and mail a check to the Rotary Fund of Louisville, 657 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, Ste D-226, Louisville, KY 40222.  

 

One More Host Needed for Our Rotary Friendship Exchange

By: Mary Ellen Harned
We will welcome Rotarians from El Salvador arriving October 14 who will stay 8 nights in Louisville before visiting western Kentucky. Would you be willing to provide home hospitality to one couple? Hosts usually provide breakfast and an occasional dinner as well as guest accommodation. They are busy all day with planned activities.To learn more, contact Thom Crimans (502) 767-8723 or Mary Ellen Harned at (502) 439-1827. It’s a wonderful experience!

Events & Opportunities: The Woman's Club of Louisville

By: Trudy Wheeler
What: Centennial Celebration
Organization: The Woman's Club of Louisville
Date/Time: See dates below
Location: The Woman's Club of Louisville
Description: The Woman's Club of Louisville has three events that we would like for the Rotary Club members to know about as we celebrate the Centennial of our Clubhouse. The Open House is free to the public and is on Sunday, September 24th from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The Progressive Dinner is a ticketed event and is on Saturday, September 30th. This is also open to the public and is a benefit for our Club. The luncheon on October 4th will not be advertised to the public, but we are extending invitations to the Rotary Club and a few other organizations that we have been affiliated with throughout the years; Rotary members would need to make a reservation by emailing manager@wclouisville.org. 

More information: https://www.wclouisville.org/
Member to contact: Trudy Wheeler, trudy.wheeler56@gmail.com
Woman's Club of Louisville Centennial Celebration
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.

Supporting Fellow Rotarians: Maui Fires Relief Fund

Our Rotary Fund and Club Boards authorized a donation of $1,000 to support our fellow Rotarians in Maui. RI District 5000 has created the Maui Fires Relief Fund for this purpose. If you feel led, please join us with your own personal contribution.

Maui Fires Relief Fund



 

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

September 27th 2023 at 5:00 pm
Re:Center Ministries Dinner
Speaker: Re:Center Ministries Dinner

More info
September 28th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: District 6710 Governor Tom Reed
Speaker: District 6710 Governor Tom Reed

More info
October 5th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Ryan Quarles
Speaker: Ryan Quarles, KY Commissioner of Agriculture

More info
October 12th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Nikki Lanier
Speaker: Nikki Lanier, CEO, Harper Slade, LLC and The RAARE Woman Collective

More info
October 19th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Greg Cooper, MD & Shirish Barve, Ph.D.
Speaker: Greg Cooper, MD & Shirish Barve, Ph.D.
New Alzheimer's Treatment Lecanemab (Leqembi)
More info
October 23rd 2023 at 7:00 am
Rotary Large Club Conference: Baton Rouge, Oct 23-25
Speaker: Rotary Large Club Conference: Baton Rouge
Save the Dates
More info
October 25th 2023 at 5:00 pm
Re:Center Ministries Dinner
Speaker: Re:Center Ministries Dinner

More info
October 26th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Christy Brown
Speaker: Christy Brown

More info
November 2nd 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Dr. Kim Schatzel
Speaker: Dr. Kim Schatzel, UofL President

More info
November 6th 2023 at 5:30 pm
Rotary Leadership Retreat
Speaker: Rotary Leadership Retreat

More info
November 8th 2023 at 5:00 pm
Re:Center Ministries Dinner
Speaker: Re:Center Ministries Dinner

More info
November 9th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: David Jones, Jr.
Speaker: David Jones, Jr.

More info
November 10th 2023 at 6:00 pm
Wine Swap Party
Speaker: Wine Swap Party

More info
November 16th 2023 at 10:30 am
International Service Committee Meeting
Speaker: International Service Committee Meeting

More info
November 16th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Elaine Gravatte
Speaker: Elaine Gravatte, President, Sense Color | DDW

More info
November 23rd 2023 at 11:30 am
Happy Holidays - NO MEETING
Speaker: Joint Meeting with Kiwanis Club on Tuesday?

More info
November 30th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel
Speaker: LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel

More info
December 7th 2023 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Jamal Muashsher
Speaker: Jamal Muashsher, President & CEO, Valvoline Global

More info
December 13th 2023 at 5:00 pm
Re:Center Ministries Dinner
Speaker: Re:Center Ministries Dinner

More info
December 14th 2023 at 6:00 pm
Rotary Holiday Celebration
Speaker: Rotary Holiday Celebration

More info

SPARKS NEWSLETTER

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People of Action

Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change

The Rotary Club of Louisville has supported over 40 International Youth Exchanges.

Youth
Service

The Rotary Club of Louisville is a strong supporter of people with special needs.

Community
Service

The Rotary Club of Louisville has supported the End Polio Now campaign since 1979.

International
Service

The Rotary Club of Louisville is a leader in supporting the community.

Vocational
Service

Imagine Rotary - 2022-23 Theme

WE CONNECT PEOPLE

Rotary unites more than a million people

Through Rotary clubs, people from all continents and cultures come together to exchange ideas, and form friendships and professional connections while making a difference in their backyards and around the world.

WE TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES

We take action locally and globally

Each day, our members pour their passion, integrity, and intelligence into completing projects that have a lasting impact. We persevere until we deliver real, lasting solutions.

WE SOLVE PROBLEMS

No challenge is too big for us

For more than 110 years, we’ve bridged cultures and connected continents to champion peace, fight illiteracy and poverty, promote clean water and sanitation, and fight disease.

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

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