News: Rotary Club of Louisville
RECENT UPDATES
October 22 Meeting Featuring Leon Hirsh
Join us at noon on Thursday, October 22nd, at the University Club to hear from Leon Hirsh, Past Rotary District 6940 Governor.
"The Fight for the Oral Polio Vaccine"
Please register by noon on Monday, October 19th, HERE.
The buffet opens at 11:30am and the program begins at noon. The menu is pot roast with brown rice and corn bread; 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 for the speaker bio.
October 29 Meeting Featuring Carlos Sanchez
Join us at noon on Thursday, October 29th, at the University Club to hear from Carlos Sanchez, President of AT&T Kentucky.
“AT&T Kentucky: Building Connections and Creating Opportunities”
Hear about Carlos’ journey to Louisville and his work to position AT&T in the commonwealth to connect Kentuckians to greater possibilities.
Please register by noon on Monday, October 26th, HERE.
The buffet opens at 11:30am and the program begins at noon. The menu is grilled pork chops with roasted Brussels sprouts and fingerling potatoes; 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 for the speaker bio.
Ohio River Sweep: October 24
Join Rotary Clubs from Pittsburgh to Evansville on Saturday, October 24th for a powerful day of river cleanup and community service! As part of the official ORSANCO Ohio River Sweep: Season Finale Celebration, Rotary is leading a multi-site cleanup effort that spans across four states.
Check-in at 9:00 am at Eva Bandman Park. Come dressed for the weather, wear sunscreen, and bring your reusable water bottle. Gloves, trash bags, and volunteer T-shirts are provided.
Whether you're a longtime Rotarian or a first-time volunteer, this is your chance to make a visible impact while representing Rotary's commitment to environmental stewardship and service.
Register HERE.
Rotary Bourbon Class & Tasting: October 26
Rotary Bourbon Class & Tasting — A Spirited Evening Awaits!
Join your fellow Rotarians for a fun, flavorful dive into Kentucky’s favorite spirit! We’ll swirl, sniff, and sip our way through a guided bourbon education and tasting at Total Wine & Spirits — right in the heart of The Paddock Shops.
WHEN: Monday, October 26, 4:30–6:00 pm
WHERE: Total Wine & Spirits, 4320 Summit Plaza Dr #5
Free — but reservations are required (limited to 25 participants)
RSVP by Thursday, October 22nd HERE.
Come for the bourbon, stay for the fellowship — and maybe discover your new favorite pour!
UN Day Event Focuses on Human Trafficking and Sextortion
The United Nations Association-USA KY Division is hosting their 2026 annual conference in honor of World Polio Day and the 81st United Nations Day. District 6710 and Rotary Clubs in the area have been strong supporters of the UNA-USA KY Division and the annual conference through the years. This year, the Rotary Club of Louisville is the Gold Sponsor, while several other clubs are co-sponsors.
The 2026 UN Day Conference, “Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Technology-Facilitated Abuse,” will be held:
WHEN: Monday, October 26, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
WHERE: Lang House, 115 S. Ewing Avenue; Use back entrance
RECEPTION: with food and beverages 5:00 PM to 5:20 PM
COST: Free and open to the public; registration is required due to capacity limits
REGISTER: Contact Teena Halbig
VIRTUAL OPTION by Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86441759786?pwd=BiTOXAvU3cvA2PTfe2w8CHfZi0o61h.1
Several dignitaries will be in attendance and speaking, including Rotary District Governor-Elect John Rufli, who will address “Rotary – People of Action!”
- Guest of Honor, KY Senator Julie Raque Adams, will address legislation on this issue.
- Distinguished keynote, Jeremy Murrell, Deputy Commissioner, Office of Counter Exploitation, Department of Criminal Investigations, Office of the Attorney General, will address “SEXTORTION”.
- Detective Ricky Lynn, Sex Crimes Unit, Frankfort Police Dept. will address “Cycles of Harm and Paths to Healing.”
- Blake Konny, Safe Schools Consultant, KY Dept. of Education, will show Sextortion Posters in KY Schools.
If you know of a human trafficking survivor or shelter that could benefit from a FREE SERVICE DOG for comfort and emotional support, contact Rotarian Joseph Michael Kerr with Shepherds of Mt. Eden.
Make plans to join us and register now to reserve your space.
Re:Center Ministries Meal Service: October 28
For over 10 years, our Rotary Club has served dinner once a month at Re:Center Ministries to a group of men in the addiction recovery program. If you have not volunteered, you will find it a rewarding time well spent helping out some people that are trying to get their lives back in order. If you have volunteered before, we would love to have you join us again.
Our next meal service will be on October 28th at 5:30 p.m. at 757 S Brook St. We normally serve on the 4th Wednesday of each month, but due to the holidays, our next two dates will be November 11th and December 9th.
Let me (Larry.Sloan@yahoo.com or 502-552-3990) or Ginger Wallace (glw2169@gmail.com) know if you can help. Click Read More below for additional details.
Rotary Day at the Volleyball Court: November 1
Join us on Sunday, November 1st at the KFC Yum! Center to cheer for the Louisville Lady Cards Volleyball team as they host Georgia Tech.
Doors open at 10:45 am
Match begins at 12:00 pm
Tickets $7 each; limited group seating.
Register for tickets HERE.
Your ticket(s) is not confirmed until payment has been received. Tickets will be distributed closer to game day.
Don't wait — we only have 30 spots and they are first come, first served.
Rotary Honors Scholars 2026-2027 Mentoring Schedule
Please consider joining us for these upcoming Rotary Honors Scholars mentoring sessions:
Western High School, 2501 Rockford Ln
Tuesdays from 9:05–10:35 am
- October 27
- December 1
- January 26
- March 2
- April 6
Iroquois High School, 4615 Taylor Blvd
Wednesdays from 8:50–10:10 am
- November 11
- December 9
- February 3
- March 10
- April 14
Please contact me for more information or to sign up: wkunau@bellsouth.net
2026 Battle of the Bells: December 5, 12, 19
Join us for our annual "Battle of the Bells" competition with the Kiwanis Club on Saturdays in December at the Holiday Manor Kroger on US 42. Shifts are from 9:00 to 10:30, 10:30 to noon, noon to 1:30, 1:30 to 3:00; guests/children are welcome.
Register for December 5th HERE
Register for December 12th HERE
Register for December 19th HERE
If you can't take a shift but want to help us win the challenge, swing by, drop some coins or bills, and cheer us on! Or, you can make a donation HERE.
Contact me at 502-552-2002 or gbrakmeier@centralelectronic.com with questions or if you need assistance with signup.
Click Read More to see more photos and the list of bell ringers from last year!
Rotarians in the Spotlight: Matt Riggle, Jeremy Vokurka, Kenya Young
Congratulations to Matt Riggle, Jeremy Vokurka and Kenya Young on being selected for the Leadership Louisville Class of 2027.
Rotarians in the Spotlight: Carlos Hernandez Ocampo and Charlie Todd
Congratulations to Carlos Hernandez Ocampo and Charlie Todd for being included in the Louisville Business First list of 2026 40 under 40!
OUR VISION:
To be Louisville’s premier fellowship of business, professional and civic leaders dedicated to selfless humanitarian and civic service, improving lives in our ever-changing community and the world.
OUR MISSION:
To provide a fellowship of inspired business, professional and civic leaders with exceptional opportunities for humanitarian and civic service, while promoting integrity, understanding and goodwill on a local, national and worldwide basis. We achieve our mission by:
- Developing a strong, growing and active membership that reflects the diversity of vocations and people in our community.
- Strengthening finances to support the club and to carry out the civic, vocational and international service projects that meet the needs of the community and the world.
- Building a dedicated, well-trained and energized leadership team to guide the club and to support the District and Rotary International.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION:
The Rotary Club of Louisville’s mission is to provide a fellowship of inspired business, professional and civic leaders with exceptional opportunities for humanitarian and civic service, while promoting integrity, understanding and goodwill on a local, national, and worldwide basis.
We, as a club, cannot achieve our mission without acknowledging the inequalities in our country and our community, specifically for Black and minority Americans.
We celebrate diversity and equality. We continue to foster supportive programs for our community. We will be tenacious in creating new, innovative solutions to address community needs.
We strongly believe everyone should be heard, be respected, and be supported.
Yes, we still have much work to do. But our club is passionate in addressing these issues. Together, we can continue to foster peace, justice, and #EquityForAll.
Adopted January 2021
CORE VALUES & GUIDING PRINCIPLES
These core values are reflected in the Object of Rotary and The Four Way Test which we use in our daily lives. Adopted June 2012
SERVICE
We believe that our service activities and programs improve lives and communities and bring about greater understanding and peace. Through the plans and actions of our Club, we create a culture of service that not only benefits the recipients but also provides unparalleled satisfaction for those who serve.
FELLOWSHIP
Fellowship leads to tolerance and transcends racial, national and other limiting boundaries. This broadens our lives and perspectives and strengthens our ability to serve.
DIVERSITY
We believe Rotary unifies all people behind the ideal of service. We encourage diversity of vocations within our membership and in our activities and service work. Our membership reflects our business and professional community and is a key to our Club’s success.
INTEGRITY
We are committed to and expect accountability from our leaders and fellow members, both in the results of our efforts and in the processes we use to accomplish our goals. We adhere to high ethical and professional standards in our work and personal relationships. We are fair and respectful in our interactions, and we conscientiously steward the resources entrusted to us.
LEADERSHIP
We are a fellowship of leaders and believe in offering our members lifelong opportunities to develop their leadership capabilities in service to others. As Rotarians, we are leaders in implementing our core values.