Next 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.
The RSVP deadline has passes for this event. Please email admit@louisvillerotary.org to see if seats remain.
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:
Seema Sheth is senior vice president and regional executive of the Louisville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. She became head of the Louisville Branch, which serves southern Indiana and western Kentucky, in December 2021.
Seema joined the Bank from PNC Private Bank in Louisville, where she served as vice president and relationship strategist. In this role, she specialized in financial planning and stewardship of high net-worth clients. Passionate about financial capability, Seema founded the Adulting Academy in 2017, which teaches the basics of finance to young adults, and she still speaks frequently on the topic and its importance.
Among her honors, Seema has been recognized as a MOSAIC Award recipient by the Jewish Career and Family Services Foundation for her work in the nonprofit sector. She was also recognized by the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana as its “Tough Cookie” recipient in 2018 for her work in the Louisville community, particularly as it relates to uplifting and supporting girls. She has been recognized by Louisville Business First as one of the 20 People To Know in Finance and has been featured in TOPS Louisville, Style Blueprint and Today’s Woman magazines as a leader in business.
Seema co-chairs the Board of Directors of Canopy Kentucky, a social enterprise nonprofit. Additionally, she is a board member of Louisville Public Media, the Jefferson County Public Education Foundation, the College of Business at the University of Louisville Business Board of Advisors, and the Board of Trustees of the Speed Arts Museum.
Seema earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of California, Irvine and an undergraduate degree in theater from the College of William and Mary. She and her husband are the parents of three children.
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The 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:
Teddy Abrams, Musical America’s 2022 Conductor of the Year, is in his tenth season as Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra (LO), where he has been the galvanizing force behind the orchestra’s artistic renewal since his appointment in September 2014.
Abrams and the LO begin their 2023-24 season with the next leg of their multi-season “In Harmony” state tour. After a summer debut at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and a return to Ravinia with the Chicago Symphony, Abrams’s guest conducting highlights include Helsinki and Buffalo Philharmonic debuts and a return to the Utah Symphony.
In April 2023 Abrams premiered his own composition Mammoth with the LO in Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave. Other recent compositional highlights include a piano concerto for Yuja Wang, and Abrams is now at work on ALI, a musical about Muhammad Ali premiering in fall 2024 in Louisville, the boxer’s birthplace, before opening on Broadway in spring 2025.
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By: Jay MalloryThank you to all who participated in our first Rotary University session last week. If you are a long-time member but would just like a refresher, feel free to watch the recording, available HERE. You may need to enter this passcode to access: @5ZatVk0
New members, once you have completed watching the recording, please complete the feedback survey HERE and include the 3 code words provided during the session in order to receive credit.
Here are the links to some of the sites covered in the session:
Our District and Club Database (DaCdb) - please log in using your email address and make sure your profile is up to date
MyRotary - please log in / create an account using your email address
Link to the New Member Basics course in the Learning Center (must log in to MyRotary to access)
Our club website louisvillerotary.org
Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation
Please save the dates for the next sessions, all at NOON via Zoom (watch Sparks / email for registration links). Completion of Rotary University is required for new members, so prioritize these sessions!
If you have any questions, reach out to me, or Jay Mallory, Co-Chair of the Membership Development & Engagement Committee, jmallory@imagequest.com.
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) |
By: Delene E TaylorIn honor of Women's History Month, we are spotlighting our female presidents and sharing a little Rotary history. Merrily Orsini served as our FIRST female Club President from 1998-1999 and as Fund President from 1999-2000. Please visit our Faceboook, LinkedIn and Instagram feeds and "like" or comment on the post to help with visibility.
Read the history of women in the Rotary Club of Louisville HERE (scroll about halfway through to the "Seven Decades Overdue" section). Many thanks to Rotarian Tony Newberry for untold hours of work compiling this priceless information.
Today, 107 - or 30% - of our 351 active (excluding Honorary) members are women. Joyce Seymour, who joined in May 1988, is the woman with the longest continuous active membership in the Club, and we are so fortunate to have her smiling face greeting folks each week! Former Executive Director and Honorary Lifetime Member Patricia Hart was the Club's first female member in August 1987. See the timeline of women in Rotary International HERE.
Read More By: Frederic T. HarnedHere’s another important Rotary acronym! PETS – the President-Elect Training Seminar – is always a fun and exciting opportunity for incoming Club Presidents and District Leaders to connect, share ideas, and plan to strengthen their clubs!
PETS for the six Districts of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama is called MS-PETS, or Mid-South PETS, and was held earlier this month in Chattanooga. PE’s met with their peers in large and small clubs to exchange thoughts on fund-raising, membership retention, and support for the Rotary Foundation. Inspiring leaders such as past Rotary International Presidents John Germ and Mark Maloney were there to raise everyone’s excitement level!
President-Elect Lori Flanery shared the photos above and told me she thought the event was truly valuable – and I, as an incoming Assistant Governor, readily agreed. MS-PETS will be held again next March – if you want to consider being involved, the best way to start is by taking part in our District Conference here in Louisville this May 10-11. See how much fun it can be to help our Club by connecting with Rotarians elsewhere!
By: Linda Bartrom-MooreGreat mentoring at the final wrapup session for the school year at Western High School. A small gift was presented which will carry our scholars forward - ties for the young men and scarves for the young ladies. Everything matters, and it takes a village! Shout out to our Rotarians who kindly guide these young folks on their life journey.
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Read More Thank you to our Iroquois High School INTERACT Club for donating 96 lbs. of shoes to WaterStep. That equates to providing safe water for life for 32 people!
By: Alisa O GrayOur 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 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.
Read More By: Walt L. KunauJoin 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.
West End School is a free, private, college preparatory, Pre-K through 8th grade. Admission is open to boys who are on free or reduced lunch, are capable of doing academic work at grade level or above, and who would benefit from a safe environment and high expectations. West End School strives to address all the issues which boys in our community face by creating for its students an environment of high expectations and personal responsibility. One of the main opportunities for this community is literacy. Through the school's rigorous academic and personal standards, we encourage our students to attain the highest possible level of scholarship, character, and intellectual growth.
Motto: To be a man is to be responsible. Read More
By: Gregory Patrick BraunThe 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!
Our club was instrumental in the installation of a community landmark known as the Louisville Knot sign located at the corner of 9th & Main Street:
More Than Sculptural Decor, The Louisville Knot is Both Lesson and Landmark
Constructed under the 9th street flyover ramps at West Main in downtown Louisville, a sculpted series of bright orange pipes and block lettering spell out our city’s familiar moniker. This organized sequence of rails, letterforms, and ‘gathering spaces’ cannot be overlooked due to its energy and stature – and must be seen and experienced in person to truly be appreciated. Spanning the entire width of the concrete roadways overhead (and within a few yards of the Frazier’s front door), The Louisville Knot conveys multiple ideas – the visual reminder of Louisville’s urban planning past, the ongoing work to reconnect downtown communities, and the active groups committed to seeing the damaging effects of the “9th Street Divide” rectified.
Among the many groups involved in bringing The Knot to Louisville, one key organization took the lead. After 4 years of planning and logistics, The Louisville Knot was installed in September 2019 through the dedicated efforts of members of the Rotary Club of Louisville, and championed by its project lead, Rotarian and businessman, Greg Braun.
“We recognized this location in Louisville as the ideal site to reconstruct something memorable and meaningful,” Braun says, “…and we drew inspiration from other cities where sculpture delivers a bold message.” Since its installation, The Louisville Knot has been recognized as one of the city’s newest must-experience sites.
Read More By: Kent Oyler
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.
By: Jay MalloryJoin 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.
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.
Gates Open: 11:30 a.m.
First Race: 12:45 p.m.
Champions Day shines a spotlight on the rich history of the Kentucky Derby and the thrilling world of thoroughbred racing. This year, we're setting the stage for an even more expansive celebration, paying tribute to the extraordinary Kentucky champions who have excelled across a diverse spectrum of sports.
Tickets are $140 per person and include admission, racing program, 4-hour Chef's Table Buffet, coffee, tea and soft drinks, and a 4-hour OPEN BAR.
Parking: Tickets include free parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center, with continuous shuttles to/from the Paddock Gate at Churchill Downs.
Read More By: Gerald MartinSave 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, volunteers are needed to write some letters for Mail Call! Click Read More for info.
Read More By: Karen MorrisonThe 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: Michael J. KullThe Matching Gifts Campaign has been extended until Wednesday, April 3.
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.
Make your personal check 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 April 3, 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.
Rotary District 6710 is making a special offer through the generosity of several District Rotarians who donated their Rotary Recognition Points “earned” by donating a dollar for each point.
You can:
- Accumulate points toward your Paul Harris Fellow
- Become a Paul Harris Fellow sooner
- Earn a new "multiple" Paul Harris pin
- Earn points to make your spouse/child a Paul Harris Fellow
How This Works
- Your name with a note requesting a match of your Annual Fund-SHARE donation.
- Your Rotary Club’s name
- If you want to make someone else a Paul Harris Fellow – the correctly spelled name of that individual.
- YOUR daytime phone number & email in case we have questions.
- Make the check to “The Rotary Foundation.”
- On the check’s “memo” line please put “Annual Fund-SHARE.”
- The minimum contribution for this campaign is $125 and the maximum is $2,000.
- Personal checks are the preferred method. Please, no club checks.
- This year we will take personal credit card contributions made online at Rotary.org. If you prefer this way call Mike Kull at 502-802-4485 for further instructions before proceeding. We want to be sure we can match your contribution so please call first.
- If you will be making your contribution from your IRA’s RMD call Mike Kull at 502-802-4485 to discuss.
- This is a special District 6710 offering - Donations sent directly to The Rotary Foundation, or coming from a Rotary Club will NOT be matched – only those donations submitted by the steps listed above.
- Paul Harris Fellowships and pins will require 1-2 months to arrive.
- You will receive an emailed receipt letter from The Rotary Foundation 2-3 weeks after we receive your check.
- The contribution will be for the amount of your check.
- If you need to know how close you are to your next Paul Harris Fellow contact Mike Kull.
Read More Rotarians Dr. Muhammad Babar, Whitney Austin and Steve Jester were in the spotlight this week at the 14th Annual Interfaith Iftar event on March 19 and Second Presbyterian. Several other members attended as well for the program themed "Standing Together Against Gun Violence." You can see videos and pictures HERE and media coverage HERE.
Dr. Babar also spoke at the Governor's Prayer Breakfast on March 12. Watch HERE. Read More Congratulations to Rotarian Michelle Black White and a hugely successful 20th Anniversary Gallopalooza event!
Congratulations, as well, to Rotarian Amalia Gamez Guerra and her husband Humberto Lahera - his horse, Diseño, won the best Kentucky Derby statue design!
Congratulations to President-Elect Lori Hudson Flanery, CEO of Louisville-based nonprofit New Directions Housing Corporation. The non-profit was awarded a $6.36 million federal grant to improve more than 100 affordable housing units.
Read the story HERE.