Lexington After Hours Rotary Club

04/25/2026

The Rotary Club of Lexington After Hours was honored to host Liza Holland, President of the League of Women Voters of Lexington, at a recent meeting. Liza is a long-time community advocate who has been involved with Candidate Forums and co-chairs the Open Primaries committee for the League. She is the host of Education Perspectives and co-hosts the podcast series Voting Matters with Alan Lytle on WUKY.

The League of Women Voters of Lexington is the local chapter of a national nonpartisan political organization that works to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League has its roots in the history of helping women realize their newly achieved right to vote after ratification of the 19th Amendment; however, membership is open to people of every gender identity and expression.

LWV of Lexington works to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. They may take on local government measures and policies in the public interest in conformity with the principles of the LWV of the US. They do not support nor oppose any political party or candidate.

04/25/2026

The Rotary Club of Lexington After Hours was awarded the first installment of a Grassroots Grant from Partners For Youth this morning at the Community Center at Davis Park. Representing the Rotary club were Jeanne Clark and President Elect Katherine Wright. The grant will be used to help fund the club’s fifth Empowering Girls Forum scheduled for September 22. The Forum brings together 155 fifth grade girls to discuss the mental health issue of bullying. Pictured are (l-r) Clark, PFY Ex. Dir. Shanreka Shackelford, Wright and PFY advocate Charlene Walker.

04/15/2026

Club member Conley Salyer recently received his Paul Harris plus 1 pin from the Rotary Foundation for his commitment to "Service Above Self". Presenting the pin was club President John Simson.

03/16/2026

Members of the RC of Lexington After Hours volunteered to work at the Lexington Rescue Mission on Saturday March 14. Pictured are John Dalton, Pres. John Simson and (far right) President Elect Katherine Wright.

03/13/2026

The Rotary Club of Lexington After Hours recently welcomed Roberta Davis, founder of Operation Be You, as its guest speaker. Operation Be You focuses on the development and empowerment of all girls, with an emphasis on girls of color in Lexington and surrounding counties as well as Libera in West Africa. The organization offers in-person and virtual programs for girls worldwide.

The goal of OBY is to teach girls 10 – 17 years of age to be socially and economically successful through mentoring, career coaching and life-skills development. The organization’s vision is to be a leader in providing a space of empowerment for all girls to thrive in being their authentic selves. More information is available at their website. (Pic - Robert David and Rotary club president Jhn Simson)

02/28/2026

Members of the RC of Lexington After Hours and friends gathered recently in support of Refuge for Women KY to get an update on human trafficking in Kentucky from Julian McPeak, Community Engagement and Marketing Coordinator. Devastating statistics included the fact that:
* an average of 12,000 ads of sexual solicitation are posted every 24 hours:
* po*******hy accounts for one of the top 5 avenues that women are trafficked and sexually exploited;
* an estimated 500,000 predators are on line every single day.

Despite these overwhelming and very dark statistics, Refuge for Women continues to be a beacon of hope in Kentucky for those seeking to escape that world with an offer of emergency housing, long-term therapeutic care and transitional living.
Thank you Refuge for Women! (pictured are club president John Simson and Julian McPeak)

02/21/2026

02/21/2026

This morning the Rotary Club of Lexington After Hours participated in the 2026 Pancake Breakfast sponsored by CivicLex. The breakfast (with free pancakes) was organized to highlight local non-profits and recognize the great work they are doing in the community. The event was held at the Woodhill Community Center.

Thank you to President John Simson, Ed Maley, John Dalton and Jeanne Clark for representing their Rotary club and sharing information with the public about the club and the wonderful volunteer work it is doing in Lexington.

The Rotary Club of Lexington After Hours meets at 6 PM the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at Bronte Cafe inside Joseph Beth Booksellers at Lexington Green.

02/16/2026

Congratulations to our Rotary club president John Simson who graduated from the Rotary Leadership Institute on Feb. 7. Rotary club member John Dalton has completed the second of three parts required in order to receive his certificate. Way to go boys!!!! We are proud of you!

01/11/2026

Club members were recently treated to a virtual trip to Ireland with Ed Maley. While Ed has made that trek to visit relatives multiple times, he always comes away with interesting stories and beautiful photos. Pictured are club president John Simson and Ed Maley.