Our July 10th meeting at the University Club will be our annual leadership transition and recognitions meeting, as July 1 marks the start of a new Rotary year and changes in leadership.

We will have a full agenda, including:

• New Member Induction
• Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
• "Big Check" Presentation
• 2024-2025 Rotarian of the Year Award Announcement
• Recognition of Outgoing/Incoming Club and Fund Directors
• President Lori's Remarks
• "Passing of the Gavel" From Lori to Ken
• President Ken's Remarks

Join us at noon on July 17th at the University Club to hear from Cathe Dykstra, President & CEO of Family, Inc. and all subsidiaries, including Family Scholar House.

"Empowering Families, Elevating Communities"

There's more to Family Scholar House than you may realize. Learn about the growth of the organization, the data that shows meaningful impact, and the stories that remind us of what is possible when we invest in people.

The buffet opens at 11:30am and the program begins at noon. The menu is Chicken Florentine with grilled asparagus and wild rice; a salad with grilled chicken or a vegetarian/vegan and/or gluten-free option is available upon advance request.

Please register by Monday, July 14th 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 the Speaker Bio.
 

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The June 26th meeting featured Nadareca Thibeaux, LOUMED. Brett Corbin shared the invocation and Coye Still led the pledge and 4-Way Test. Membership Committee Chair Jay Mallory inducted three new members, we celebrated two graduating Rotary Leadership Fellows and welcomed three new Fellows, and recognized Vernon Foster with the Service Above Self award (see stories below). Club Director Gary Dryden, Sr. introduced the speaker.



You can view the recording on our YouTube channel. Provide feedback about the meeting HERE. 

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At our last meeting, I had the distinct privilege of presenting the Service Above Self Award to Vernon Foster. It's one of the most meaningful recognitions in Rotary. Vernon has been the driving force behind the transformation of our Rotary Leadership Fellows Program. His tireless dedication, mentorship, and vision have redefined how we cultivate the next generation of leaders from the University of Louisville College of Business Graduate Programs’s MBA program. From personally meeting with every candidate to hosting interviews and guiding the entire selection process, Vernon exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and heart. His commitment to Rotary’s core values has made our club stronger and our community better. Vernon, thank you for your unwavering service and leadership. You truly embody the spirit of “Service Above Self.” Click Read More to see my full remarks.
 

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One of the most meaningful things I do is chair the Rotary Leadership Fellows program. The three-year fellowship is designed to develop the next generation of leaders and help them grow roots to stay here in Louisville.

We recently celebrated Eric Gurevich and Antigone Mehani-Asghari for completing the program.

We welcomed Demarco Harris, Catherine Thompson and Aaron DuVall as new Fellows.

Our continuing Fellows are Tonya Augustine, Amalia Maciel Gamez Guerra, Danielle Lavender, Matthew Molter, Maggie Roth, and Woo Smith.

The Rotary Leadership Fellows Program is more than a leadership pipeline — it’s a community of purpose-driven leaders shaping the future of Louisville.
 

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At the June 26th meeting, Jay Mallory inducted new members Michael Bryant, Jason Schmidt, and Luke Fitzgerald. Sponsor Matt Riggle helped with the pinning and introductions.



Click Read More to read the introductions.
 

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Several Rotarians volunteered with New Directions' Repair Affair on Saturday, June 21. Thanks to a lot of paint, sweat, and elbow grease, the team was able to seal a wheelchair ramp and deck for community members in need. This is one of the hands-on service opportunities supported by the Lifeline Committee a few times each year. Keep an eye out for fall dates—we’d love your help and promise to put you to work!


 

What happens during the school year is dependent on the planning that happens during the summer! Our Interact clubs now have regular planned projects that they can advertise to their school communities.
 

The June 12th meeting featured Rotary International Treasurer Beth Stubbs. Julie James shared the invocation and Alan Singleton led the pledge and 4-Way Test. Youth & Education Committee Chair Walt Kunau presented a "big check" to Educational Justice and President-Elect Ken Selvaggi recognized Paul Harris Fellows (see stories below). President Lori Flanery introduced Beth.



You can view the recording on our YouTube channel. Provide feedback about the meeting HERE. 

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Past President and Youth & Education Committee Chair Walt Kunau presented a "big check" to Bryan Warren, Executive Director, and Bayley Amburgey, Manager of Programs and Student Recruitment for Educational Justice.

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At the June 12th meeting, President-Elect Ken Selvaggi handed out lots of Paul Harris Fellow pins! 



Sandra Dodge new PHF
Kelly Burke PHF +1
Lori Flanery PHF +1
Andrew Holden PHF +1
Julie James PHF +1
Louis Seeger PHF +1
Tom Bohnert PHF +2
Ken Selvaggi PHF +2
Ginger Wallace PHF +3
Kevin Lynch PHF +5
Alan Singleton PHF +5
Thom Crimans PHF +7
Joyce Seymour PHF +7
Barbara Sexton Smith PHF +8

Rotarians have a tradition of supporting The Rotary Foundation by honoring others for their Service Above Self. Larry chose to honor these three individuals by transferring PHF points he earned through donations, making each of them a Paul Harris Fellow.
 

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Our next meal service will be on Wednesday, July 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at 757 S Brook St. We need a couple more volunteers; let me know if you can help ([email protected] or 502-552-3990).



Thanks to our volunteers who came out to serve and fellowship with the men in the addiction recovery program at Re:Center Ministries!
 

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I am excited to announce that our Heart of America Zone 30-31 leadership team has chosen Louisville for a Leadership Training workshop on Saturday, July 19th. Our Club will be hosting a social event for attendees on Friday evening, and we would love to have STRONG representation from our members. 

We will begin the evening at the Kentucky Derby Museum with a 5:10pm viewing of the newly-released version of The Greatest Race film on one of the few 360-degree screens in the world, followed by a guided track tour. We will then head over to the Kentucky Science Center for a you-don't-want-to-miss-it Kentucky-themed reception/dinner catered by Bristol beginning at 6:30pm and a screening of City of Ali in the theater with film director Graham Shelby. There will be time for Q&A and to enjoy more food and beverages before we wrap up and encourage attendees to experience some of our downtown nightlife!

If you would like to join us, email [email protected].

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Our next new member service project at SOS, 1500 Arlington Avenue will be Tuesday, July 22nd from 5:30-7:30pm. For those of you that have attended, feel free to come back. For those of you that have not made it, I hope you are able to, as this is a fantastic opportunity to give back and meet some of your fellow Rotarians. Come ready to have some fun, pack medical supplies, and you might even shed a tear when you learn about how this fantastic organization is changing people's lives. Learn more HERE.

Register HERE.



 

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One of the goals I set as I returned from the Rotary PETS in Chattanooga was to engage more with the other Rotary Clubs in our area and district. I will try to share information about upcoming meetings and events here; feel free to keep me posted about those you know of as well. Click Read More to see other area club meetings.

 

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Congratulations to Barry Allen on his pending retirement from the Gheens Foundation in October and to Lori Hudson Flanery, who will step into the role of President on November 1st. Read more HERE.

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What: Tuxes & Tails Gala
Organization: Kentucky Humane Society
Date/Time: Saturday, August 9, 6:00-11:00 pm
Location: Louisville Marriott Downtown
Description: Join us for the 32nd annual Tuxes & Tails gala — a night of fun, nostalgia, and celebration benefiting the Kentucky Humane Society! This year’s theme is “Totally Pawsome: Bark to the 80’s!” and the evening promises good vibes, lively entertainment, and unforgettable moments, including a special performance by world-renowned magician Lance Burton. Break out your best 80s-inspired attire and come ready to dance the night away for a great cause.



More information: https://www.kyhumane.org/tt/
Member to contact: Alisa Gray, [email protected]
 

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What: Celebrate Freedom: A Night to Honor the Life & Legacy of Jay Davidson
Organization: The Healing Place
Date/Time: Saturday, August 9, 5:00-8:30 pm
Location: Mellwood Arts Center, Van Gogh Room
Description: Join us as we honor the incredible legacy of Jay Davidson. Jay's vision and leadership transformed thousands of lives through recovery and hope. This special evening is a chance to gather in gratitude, celebrate his impact, and connect with others who share a passion for second chances.

More information: Save the date and check back here https://www.thehealingplace.org/cfd/


 

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