October 24th is World Polio Day, and our speaker will be Dr. Daniel Blatt, Infectious Disease Specialist at Norton Children's.

"Infections to Pandemics: The Intersectionality of Science, Healthcare, and the Social Ecosystem"

Climate change, human travel and geopolitical instability have become increasingly significant factors of health devastation throughout the world. We will discuss how an infection spreads, how we stop it, and what types of impacts our decisions have on the world's economy, education and health.

RSVP by NOON on Monday, October 21st HERE.

The menu is chicken alfredo; a salad with grilled chicken or a vegetarian/vegan and/or gluten-free option is available upon advance request.

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:
 

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Our October 31st meeting at the University Club Louisville will feature Soozie Eastman, President, 502 Film.

"Spotlight on Growth: The Rise of Louisville and Kentucky's Film Industry"

Join Soozie Eastman, Filmmaker and President of 502 Film, as she delves into the exciting evolution of the film industry in Louisville and across Kentucky. Soozie will share insights into the region's expanding role in the global film scene, explore the economic impact of film production in the area, and highlight opportunities for local talent, businesses, and communities. Discover how strategic partnerships, local policies, and a supportive creative ecosystem are propelling Kentucky into the cinematic spotlight.

RSVP by NOON on Monday, October 28th HERE.

The menu is Texas Chili with cornbread; a salad with grilled chicken or a vegetarian/vegan and/or gluten-free option is available upon advance request.

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:
 

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At last week's meeting, District Governor Dale Leatherman presented President Lori with a star in recognition of our STAR CLUB status, which means that our contributions to The Rotary Foundation have averaged $100 or more per member. This is a requirement in order to be eligible to receive District Matching Grants for our service projects such as Habitat for Humanity and the West End School. Thank you to everyone who donated this past Rotary year!

Next Thursday, 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, click HERE. Donations will count toward Paul Harris Fellow points.

We will have a drawing at next week's meeting for this amazing gift basket donated by Susan Zepeda. All you have to do to be included is make a donation before 10:00 a.m. next Thursday, 10/24.


 

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Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, leaving countless families in need of urgent assistance. Rotary Zones 33-34 include most of the areas impacted. Rotary clubs can play a crucial role by leveraging their extensive network and resources, and mobilizing quickly to provide humanitarian aid, including food, clean water, and medical supplies. Rotary members can volunteer their skills for rebuilding efforts, to help coordinate disaster response activities, and to support long-term recovery projects. However, during the initial phase of any disaster recovery, the most important way to assist is through cash donations. If you wish to contribute, please click HERE.
 

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Our Club is proud to sponsor the Interact Clubs at Iroquois and Western HS, and to guide these young scholars in Service Above Self. 

This is our 3rd year hosting blood drives, and we got off to a great start this week at the first one! Our Interact Club members both gave blood and manned the check-in table.

We reached our quota while creating a way to serve that can become a lifelong habit in a world where the need for blood is crucial.

Next up is our blood drive at Iroquois HS on...wait for it... October 31st! So much you can do with that, right??

Thanks for your support, and if you're able, come out to 4615 Taylor Blvd between 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and help with a shift or by giving blood (click HERE to sign up).

 

Special shout out to Club Advisors James Gibson and Mika Powell.

Watch the video from previous events HERE. 

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Our Youth & Education Committee has already helped the Imagination Library Louisville recruit multiple new families to receive free books! Participants have reported that the task is really easy and fun, as talking with parents of very young children is inspiring.

We have three more dates scheduled, for which two Rotarians are requested to join Imagination Library Director, Maria Gurren, to talk to young parents who may not know they are eligible:

• Friday, 10/18: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Shelby Park Pumpkin Patch, 600 E Oak St.
• Saturday, 10/19: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Southwest YMCA Fall Festival, 2800 Fordhaven Rd
• Thursday, 10/24: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at McFerran Elementary School, 1900 S 7th St. (Literacy Night)
• Thursday, 10/24: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Cane Run Elementary School, 3951 Cane Run Road (Literacy Night)
• Saturday, 10/26: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Kentucky Science Center, 727 W Main St.
• Saturday, 11/16, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at 3rd Street Neighborhood (Building our Block event with Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell)
• Saturday, 11/16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Johnson Traditional Middle School, 2509 Wilson Ave.

Join us for our next two Rotary Honors Scholars mentoring sessions at Western High School (10/22) and Iroquois High School (10/23). Thanks to Rotarian Melissa Cobb for capturing these photos last month!



Thank you to all who are investing time in the success of these young people! Click Read More below to see upcoming dates; mark your calendar and plan to join us! Contact me for more information or to sign up: [email protected]
 

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Our next meal service will be Wednesday, October 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at 757 S Brook St. Please email [email protected] if you would like to join us or to learn more.

 

Join us for an important event presented by our club along with the United Nations Association of the USA, Kentucky Division, UofL, Kentucky Waterways Alliance and more. It will be on Monday, October 28th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Lang House, 115 S. Ewing Avenue. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Seating is limited; it will also be available via Zoom (click Read More for info).

There will be a private screening of the documentary film GenX: The Saga of Forever Chemicals, a first-hand account of a community faced with decades of contamination and how their unification with other communities is systematically fixing the worst pollution crisis in world history. There will be a presentation by film director and producer Elijah Yetter-Bowman, who is also the founder of Ethereal Films as well as an Affiliate Researcher at UNC School of Public Health. Actor Mark Ruffalo is the Executive Producer of the film.

Let me know if you would like to attend: [email protected].
 

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Save the date and plan to join us for the 11th Annual Louisville Sustainability Summit Hungry for Change: Climate, Equity & the Future of Food on Friday, November 8th at Sullivan University.
 

Rotarian Maggie Harlow will be a featured speaker at the 4th Annual Canopy Good Business Summit on November 20th at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

The annual GBS highlights the innovative ways Kentucky businesses are showing up for our people and environment and provides practical ways businesses can engage in Business Beyond Profit. 

The program will also include presentation of the Impact Awards and a Mission Marketplace, where our club will have a table.

Register here and use code "ROTARY24" to receive a 10% discount https://canopyky.org/cgbs24/
 

What: Fall Fest + Night Market
Organization: MELANnaire Marketplace
Date/Time: Friday, October 18, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Location: 4th Street Live
Description: Join us to explore and shop with local black-owned businesses, groove to live entertainment, and dive into a night full of family fun! There’s something for everyone with a dedicated kids’ zone, family photo ops, and so much more.

More information: click HERE


What: Holiday Market Grand Opening
Organization: MELANnaire Marketplace
Date/Time: Friday, October 25, 11:00 a.m.
Location: Mall St. Matthews
Description: Save the date as we kick off another holiday season with a grand opening event!

More information: click HERE
Member to contact: Nachand Trabue, [email protected]


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.

What: Global Gourmet
Organization: Kentucky Refugee Ministries
Date/Time: Friday, October 25, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Speed Art Museum
Description: Join KRM in honoring refugees and their contributions to our community during an evening of international cuisine, inspiring voices, live global music, art and celebration. 
5:30 – 6:30 PM: Cocktail Hour, Museum Gallery Access; 6:30 – 9:00 PM: Dinner, Live Music, Program

More information: https://kyrm.org/globalgourmet-2024
Member to contact: Mary Ellen Harned or Larry Sloan


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.

What: A Night for Life
Organization: Whitney/Strong
Date/Time: Saturday, October 26
Location: Mellwood Art Center
Description: This event is so much more than just a night out—it's a pivotal opportunity to come together with others who are committed to ending gun violence and building safer communities. Every ticket sold and every auction item donated brings us one step closer to a world free from gun violence. Together, we can create real change and save lives.

More information: https://e.givesmart.com/events/Cei/
Member to contact: Whitney Austin, [email protected]


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.

What: 4th Annual Canopy Good Business Summit
Organization: Canopy
Date/Time: November 20, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Kentucky International Convention Center
Description: The annual GBS highlights the innovative ways Kentucky businesses are showing up for our people and environment and provides practical ways businesses can engage in Business Beyond Profit. Featured speakers include Rotarian Maggie Harlow, Chef Edward Lee and Rob Samuels. The program will also include a Mission Marketplace and presentation of the Impact Awards.

More information: https://canopyky.org/cgbs24/
Member to contact: Ben Smock, [email protected]


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.