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Each year, Rotary Clubs and District Governors around the world present the Cliff Dochterman Award to individuals who exemplify outstanding service to both Rotary and Scouting. Recipients are selected for their meaningful contributions to Scouting and for demonstrating exceptional leadership. Our club has a long tradition of supporting Scouting. From the early days of owning the first Scout camp—Camp Offutt on the Kentucky River—to later helping develop Camp McKee, and even sponsoring a troop for disadvantaged youth, Rotary has proudly supported the Scouting movement. This year, we are honored to recognize Edwin Gibson for his dedication to Scouting and youth development. Edwin served as a ...

We are honored to welcome someone who has dedicated her life to protecting the most vulnerable among us. Many of you know the remarkable work of GreenHouse17, a nationally recognized organization serving survivors of intimate partner abuse across Central Kentucky. What you may not fully appreciate is the visionary leadership behind that work. Darlene Thomas has spent decades turning compassion into action.  Under her leadership, GreenHouse17 has grown from a local shelter into a model of holistic, survivor-centered care – integrating safety, advocacy, therapy, children’s services, and even a working farm that restores dignity and independence through meaningful work and healing. Darlene's ...

The Rotary Leadership Institute is a critical service to our members as we seek to insure that we will have the leadership we need to ensure Rotary’s future. On Saturday, thirty-three Rotarians from fifteen Rotary clubs in District 6740 braved the low temperatures and uncertain road conditions to complete the first Rotary Leadership Institute for 2026. The Institute was held at the Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Newtown Campus, which joined District 6740 leadership as event co-sponsors. Congratulations to the six Rotarians from our club who received graduation certificates at the end of the day in recognition of their completion of ...

Rotary joins with the larger community in celebrating Black History Month, a time to recognize the role of African Americans in US history. Communities across the country will, in various ways, offer opportunities to learn about the struggles and honor the achievements of African Americans. As noted by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, “2026 marks an important centennial – 100 years of nationally commemorating Black history. In 1915, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson and fellow scholars founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, institutionalizing the teaching, study, and celebration of Black History.” Negro history week was initiated in ...

ROTARIANS PLAY VITAL ROLE AS COMMERCE LEXINGTON AMBASSADORS  New member Kristie Woodrum is noted to have one of her roles at Commerce Lexington as running the Ambassador Program. Ambassadors are active members of Commerce Lexington who volunteer their time to assist with member relations and retention efforts. Ambassadors serve as  mentors to members, meet them at events, and encourage their involvement and participation. Congratulations to Rotarians Trey McCallie, Laura Mobley-Corn, Crystal Newton, and Sam Overbee, who will be supporting Kristie by serving as Commerce Lexington Ambassadors in 2026.  Thanks to them all for their Service Above Self.     

The Rotary Club of Lexington’s annual Holiday party with deserving students from Booker T. Washington Elementary School took place during the last meeting of the year on December 11. Eighteen students were hosted by Rotarians to a delicious lunch of chicken strips, mac and cheese and Christmas cookies. The Holiday Luncheon committee, chaired by Carrie Patterson, provided each student with a gift bag (for their toys), crayons, coloring book, and juice boxes! Several Rotarians, dressed in the Holiday spirit, served as table hosts to make sure each student was well cared for. Before Santa, played wonderfully and enthusiastically by Rotarian ...

It IS the most wonderful time of the year. As we approach this joyous holiday season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable year we have had at the Rotary Club of Lexington. It has been a year filled with service, camaraderie, and meaningful contributions to our community. This festive season is a time for gratitude and giving, and I am incredibly thankful for each of you and the dedication you have shown in living out our Rotary motto, "Service Above Self." Your commitment to our projects and initiatives has made a significant impact, and together, we ...

The Rotary Club of Lexington’s Pickle N Pints fundraiser served up a great night of fun, connection, and easygoing competition. Hosted by PKL Lex and fueled by beer from Country Boy Brewing, the event brought together Rotarians, business leaders, sponsors, and friends around pickleball, pints, and community. One of the most popular parts of the night was the beginner tournament, designed for those who had never played before or had only stepped on a court once or twice. It proved to be the perfect on ramp for new players and a reminder that pickleball really is for everyone. The mix ...