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://www.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

This Week's Meeting: Unsung Heroes Celebration

Unsung Heroes logoAt this week's meeting at Savor at River House we will recognize and celebrate Unsung Heroes in Metro Louisville. Area Rotary Clubs recognize one student from each of the 48 high schools in Jefferson County. Students are selected by leaders from each school and represent the best of the very best when it comes to leadership, academics, community service and extracurricular activities.

The RSVP deadline has passed; email admin@louisvillerotary.org if you would like to attend.

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.

 

March 28th Meeting: Seema Sheth, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Seema ShethNext week's meeting at noon on March 28, at the University Club, will feature Seema Sheth, senior vice president and regional executive of the Louisville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

"Federal Reserve Bank Overview and the Fed’s Role in the Economy"

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

RSVP by NOON on Monday, March 25 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:

 

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April 4th Meeting: Teddy Abrams, Louisville Orchestra

Teddy AbrahmsThe April 4th meeting at noon at the University Club, will feature Teddy Abrams, Music Director, Louisville Orchestra.

"Bridging the Divide"

How the Louisville Orchestra’s In Harmony Commonwealth Tour is fostering a sense of understanding and community between all Kentucky residents.

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

RSVP by NOON on Monday, April 1st 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:

 

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Rotary University Starts TODAY at Noon Via Zoom

By: Jay Mallory
notebook with rotary university session topics written
A new season of Rotary University is upon us! If you have not completed all of these sessions yet, please mark the dates on your calendar; we will meet via Zoom at noon on each day, starting today (Tuesday)! If you would like to join us for this first session, register for the Zoom link HERE.

Completion of Rotary University is required for new members, so prioritize these sessions!

 
March 19 Session 1 - What is Rotary?
April 16 Session 2 - Committees
May 21 Session 3 - Rotary Honors Scholars
June 11 Session 4 - Service Projects
July 9 Session 5 - Rotary International
July New Member Celebration / Mixer (location TBD)

Volunteer Host Needed for Rotary Friendship Exchange Couple

By: Thom S. Crimans
Our club is participating in a Rotary Friendship Exchange with District 1200 in England this spring; we are hosting 10 British Rotarians. Rotary Friendship Exchanges take place between districts from around the world, and typically include active and involved Rotarians eager to travel and meet their peers in other countries. While we have host families lined up to cover most everything, we still need a host for one lovely couple. They are active retirees enjoying life, who need a place to stay from the evening of April 28 through the morning of May 2. They have activities planned during the days on the 29th, 30th and 1st, including a dinner on the 30th to which you are invited.

Please call, text or email me if you are interested: tcrimans@gmail.com or 502-767-8723. 

 

District 6710 Matching Gifts Must Be RECEIVED By March 24

By: Michael J. Kull
The Rotary Foundation LogoOffer Ends This Sunday!

Donate $125 to $2,000 to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund-SHARE that supports District Matching Grants, Global Grant, and Global Grant Scholars and receive matching PHF points. 

Rotarians need to make their personal checks payable to "The Rotary Foundation" and note Annual Fund-SHARE on the memo line. Please mail them to the person and address below to arrive before March 24, 2024.

 
Sheila Stoke
Rotary District 6710 Matching Program
7906 Westover Drive
Prospect, KY 40059

Contact Annual Fund Chair Mike Kull at 502-802-4485 or mjk502@aol.com with questions.
 

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Habitat for Humanity House Dedication

By: Alisa O Gray
It was a beautiful day Saturday for the Habitat for Humanity "Raise the Roof" Service Project. Thank you to those who came out to help, and to our Lifeline Committee for coordinating this annual event. Larry Sloan spoke on behalf of the Club.... view the video HERE.

Habitat for Humanity Rotarians at Work

INTERACT Spring Blood Drive at IHS a Success!

By: Linda Bartrom-Moore
Our Iroquois High School Interact Club hosted our second spring blood drive and raised two units over our quota! Props to our amazing Interactors for months of hard work campaigning for blood donors and Club Advisor James Gibson. Rotary Club of Louisville is proud to sponsor the INTERACT Clubs at Iroquois and Western, and train our West End youth in Service Above Self.

Iroquois HS INTERACT Blood Drive

KHS CARE-a-van Day: April 5

By: Alisa O Gray
Our Club's Lifeline Committee is sponsoring a Kentucky Humane Society CARE-a-van Day at Louisville Central Community Center (1300 W Muhammad Ali Blvd) on April 5th from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The CARE-a-van mobile veterinary clinic visits neighborhoods throughout Kentucky to provide affordable pet care. Services currently include vaccines, heartworm tests, microchips, flea/tick and heartworm preventatives, and nail trims, pet wellness exams and spay/neuter surgery.

KHS CARE-a-van day at LCCC

KHS will also be doing a pet food giveaway at LCCC for clients or anyone in the area. We would love two volunteers to help with this on April 5 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. (or when food runs out)! Please email aburridge@kyhumane.org if interested.

We'd also love to have you join us for "Date with a Dog" at the Kentucky Humane Society’s Sam Swope TLC Campus, 241 Steedly Drive. Behavior staff will get you set up for success with one of their adorable adoptable pups. You can take them out on a walk, to a dog-friendly store or to a home/ workplace to relax and play. Five dogs will be ready to go on April 5 at 11:00 a.m. You can do the date by yourself or in pairs if interested. Please sign up by emailing volunteer@kyhumane.org.

 

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Middle School Literacy Project at West End School Starts April 11

By: Walt L. Kunau
Join us for our Middle School Literacy Project as we read and discuss a book with 8th grade students at the West End School. You will be amazed and enriched by the accomplishments of these students and this school!

We meet Thursdays, April 11 - May 9, from 10:05 - 10:55 a.m.

Email Walt at wkunau@bellsouth.net or call 502.262.2792 to sign up or for more information.


Rotary members read with 8th graders at West End School

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Louisville Knot Sign Cleanup: April 13

By: Gregory Patrick Braun
Rotary Louisville Knot Sign Cleanup TeamThe Louisville Knot has been used thousands of times by tourists to commemorate their visit to our city. Thanks to Greg Braun who conceived of the idea, our club is memorialized with a small sign at the location. Kids love to climb all over the jungle gym and use the swing.

It is not maintained by the city and we are meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, to give it a quick wash and wipe down, pull a few weeds, etc. 

Everyone is welcome to join in the fun, and we are inviting our INTERACT and Rotary Honors Scholars students to join us. There will be ice cream and coffee afterward!

A 600-gallon water truck will be there, and everything else we need is provided. All we need is you!

Please RSVP HERE to let us know that you can join us!

 

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Business Synergy Mixer with Canopy | YPAL | Republic Bank: April 16

Save the date - Tuesday, April 16th at 5:00pm - for what is going to be a fabulous Business Synergy networking event in collaboration with Canopy and YPAL (Young Professionals Association of Louisville), hosted by Republic Bank Executive Chair Steve Trager and CEO Logan Pichel at the newly renovated Plaza headquarters on 7th Street.

Register HERE.


Rotary Business Synergy Networking Mixer Canopy YPAL Republic Bank

Rotary Tour of GE Appliances: April 23

By: Kent Oyler
GE Appliances Refrigerators
Rotary has secured an exclusive executive briefing and tour of GE Appliances' dishwasher factory on April 23rd. This is a great opportunity to see a state-of-the-art assembly facility and meet with senior GEA executives. In fact, GEA is encouraging potential suppliers who are Rotary members to join this tour. So, if you need a good GEA contact, or just want to see lots of cool automation, this outing is for you. The briefing and tour will run from 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Space is limited so register quickly HERE. Please note that, per GEA’s safety protocols, no canes, walkers or wheelchairs are allowed and attendees must wear closed toe and heel shoes with heels no more than 1” high.
 

New Member Service Project at SOS: April 23

By: Jay Mallory
Join us on April 23rd from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at SOS for our new member service project. We will be sorting and packing supplies to be redistributed to those in need. SOS meets critical health care needs in medically impoverished communities in 106 countries around the world by collecting and distributing surplus medical supplies and equipment. Partnering with hospitals, clinics, and manufacturers to recover and redistribute what would otherwise go into local landfills, SOS promotes environmental stewardship.

Please RSVP HERE.

Rotary Day at the Downs: May 1

Churchill Downs Silks Balcony

Join us for Rotary Day at the Downs for Champions Day on Wednesday, May 1. 

We have reserved the brand-new Silks Balcony and Loge for Champions Day. Our group will have an elevated view of the Paddock in a covered open-air setting. This area offers both dining tables and box seats. Enjoy easy access to a dedicated race viewing location in the 3rd floor Clubhouse in Section 320.

Email director@louisvillerotary.org to see if tickets are still available.



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Honor Flight: May 21

By: Gerald Martin
Save the date for the next Honor Flight on May 21st - we will need volunteers for the ground crew as well as people to cheer for our veterans at the airport as they return home from their day in Washington DC. If you are interested in being a Guardian for a veteran on the flight, let us know. Meanwhile, let's write some letters for Mail Call!

Honor Flight Bluegrass Mail Call Flyer

Final Call for Rotary Lifetime Service Award Nominations

By: Karen Morrison

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.



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Rotarian in the Spotlight: Craig Scherman

Craig Sherman in his garden
Rotarian Craig Scherman's beautiful gardens were featured in a recent Louisville Courier Journal article. Craig's gardens at his Anchorage home reflects more than four decades of hard work, creativity and dedication.

Craig told the CJ, from planting seeds to building rock walls, he works daily to get it all done. “I don’t mind the work,” he added. “It’s good for me. … It keeps me active.”

Want to see his gardens for yourself? Don't miss Craig's annual house party in June. 

Read the full article HERE. 

Rotarian in the Spotlight: Tawana Bain

Tawana Bain True Mahogany Honoree


Congratulations to Rotarian Tawana Bain on being chosen as a Hallmark Mahogany Honoree. Mahogany has chosen 30 Black women who have been trailblazers, community leaders, cultural icons, and unsung heroes in their respective fields and have made a positive, lasting impact on the lives of other Black women across generations.

Read more HERE.
 

Rotarian in the Spotlight: Denise Sears

Jennifer Baileys with Denise Sears

Rotarian Denise Sears was on WLKY to promote the SOS Health & Hope Breakfast. The 6th annual event is Wednesday, March 20 at the Olmsted. Watch the clip, HERE. 

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

March 21st 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Unsung Heroes Celebration
Speaker: Unsung Heroes Celebration Luncheon

More info

March 28th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Seema Sheth
Speaker: Seema Sheth, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

More info

April 4th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Teddy Abrams
Speaker: Teddy Abrams, Louisville Orchestra

More info

April 11th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Gene McLean
Speaker: Gene McLean, President & Publisher, The Pressbox
Kentucky Derby 150
More info

April 18th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Alli Truttman
Speaker: Alli Truttmann, CEO / Founder, Wicked Technologies

More info

April 25th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Brigadier General Robert Givens
Speaker: Brigadier General Robert Givens

More info

May 9th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Rotary Honors Scholars Luncheon
Speaker: Scotty Davenport

More info

May 16th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Sec. Lindy Casebier
Speaker: Sec. Lindy Casebier, KY Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet

More info

May 23rd 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Lt. Col. Whitney Allen
Speaker: Lt. Col. Whitney Allen, Commissioner, KY Dept of Veteran Affairs

More info

May 30th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Purna Veer
Speaker: Purna Veer, V-Soft Consulting Group

More info

June 6th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Carolyn Tandy
Speaker: Carolyn Tandy, SVP - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Humana

More info

June 20th 2024 at 11:30 am
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Omar Ayyash
Speaker: Omar Ayyash, World Trade Center Kentucky

More info

SPARKS NEWSLETTER

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.