July 9 – Installation of Officers and Directors and 2026-27 President’s Vision for the New Year

I got involved in Rotary in the early 1990s because my father-in-law had been a member for many years and regularly encouraged me to join. He told me it would be a rewarding life experience. Bill McCord was a dedicated Rotarian with more than 50 years of perfect attendance, and he was right.

I became involved early, serving on the board and helping establish our early endowment fund. Like so many things in life, we get more out of it when we put more into it.

One of the greatest things about Rotary is that we are surrounded by strong, intelligent, hard-working, and dedicated people. When you can work alongside individuals like that, they set a high standard and inspire exceptional work. The beauty of Rotary is that our entire organization is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others, our neighbors, our community, and people around the world.

Rotary opens countless doors for each of us to make a difference. And that’s a worthwhile thing to do.

In our earlier days, we were expected to attend Rotary every week. If we couldn’t attend our home club’s meeting, we were encouraged to make up the meeting at another Rotary club. As a result, I had the privilege of attending Rotary meetings around the world. Whether I was traveling for work, vacation, or with Habitat for Humanity, where I served as Vice Chair of the International Board, I always tried to attend a local Rotary meeting.

You can imagine what a pleasure it is to walk into a Rotary meeting in the Philippines, Australia, Ireland, or South Africa and have people greet you with open arms, asking, “Where are you from? How can we enhance your visit? How is your Rotary club doing back in Lexington?”

There is an immediate connection among Rotarians, and that connection quickly opens doors and enriches your life. Here in Lexington, we have been making a difference for 111 years.

The joy of Rotary isn’t just what we accomplish – it’s how we accomplish it. Our club continues to make a meaningful impact through service, fellowship, and community engagement. From supporting initiatives like Dancing with the Lexington Stars and the Miracle League to educating, feeding, and improving lives, we are making a real difference.

This year, we’ll offer outstanding weekly programs, strengthen relationships with new and long-standing members, and continue attracting exceptional community leaders. We’re also excited to host North America’s largest Rotary clubs this September, showcasing the very best of Lexington, Kentucky’s hospitality, bourbon, horse industry, and innovation.

Is this your year to step up and make an even greater contribution to our club, our community, and our world?

I know we will continue to make a positive impact. But we’ll accomplish even more if you – and your friends – join us.

Rotary in Review

THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD

“What’s past is prologue” noted William Shakespeare in The Tempest. With that in mind, cast your thoughts back to 1915. The world is mired in World War I. While the world was focused on events in Europe, the Rotary Club of Lexington was handing the gavel to George Graves, the first president of our Club. For 111 years, the tradition of passing the gavel has continued through good times and bad.

Our July 9 meeting saw the installation of Lyle Hanna as Club president for the 2026-27 year. Following administration of the oath of office by retiring president Dean Hammond, the gavel passed through the hands of all past presidents in attendance, beginning with Bob Milward (1970 – 71), our oldest active past-president, and finishing up with Jamie Schrader, Jim Richardson, Bill Wilson, and Dean, collectively known as the fabled Fab Four! That was followed by the swearing in of the Board of Directors for this year. New to the Board this year are Secretary Jarred Paull, Sergeant-at-Arms Sam Overbee, and Directors Chris Anderson, Cheyenne McBride, and Don Tharpe. Also taking the oath of office for the first time were R.G. Conley and Linda Weaver, who are filling unexpired terms.

Prior to President Lyle taking over the podium to offer his thoughts on the year, Dean closed out his tenure by completing some business from the prior meeting: recognition of Rotarians who contributions were invaluable during the Fab Four’s reign. Five Rotarians who were absent from our President’s Day meeting were recognized with individual awards. Read more about the recipients and their honors in a separate article in this issue of the Wheel Horse.

Another highlight of the meeting came when Gary Wilhoit won the lottery. With only 10 cards remaining in the deck, Gary drew the Ace of Diamonds and claimed the $965 jackpot. In a generous act of Rotary spirit, he donated his entire winnings to The Rotary Foundation.

With old business behind us, the meeting was turned over to President Lyle. His enthusiasm was noticeable and contagious as he covered a wide variety of topics. A key theme was his recognition of the “talents, ideas, and skills” of Rotarians and his desire for us to interact more with each to learn and grow. Such learning and growth, coupled with informative weekly presentations, puts us in the best position to help make Lexington, already a wonderful place, even better. A timely surprise visit from Mayor Linda Gorton was noted from the podium putting an exclamation point on Rotary’s role in shaping Lexington.

Lyle briefly touched on the importance of our committees, encouraging participation as a way to connect with others, and the Club Charitable Fund and the Rotary International Foundation. All of these are critical to impact that we can make by working together.

It looks like a great year ahead!

– John Wharton