“The Pancake People”

Through these 66 years, the RCSM has successfully lived up to Rotary International’s motto of Service Above Self.

In the early years, community projects included decorating the military barracks at Bowman Field with drapes cut and sewn by members wives and searching for furniture which proved difficult because of concern over ration stamps. Other projects involved the building of cabins at Easter Seal’s Camp KYSOC and financially supporting the Crippled Children’s Home, the tuberculosis ward at Veterans Hospital, St. Joseph Orphanage, Boys’ Haven, and the Masonic Home.

One of the great programs started by RCSM was the Heart Surgery Program or “the gift of life”. UPS, Humana Hospital and Dr. Lansing were critical to the success of this project. It was their services of transportation and treatment that provided Korean children, facing life threatening heart ailments, with a promise to lead long, healthy lives.

RCSM has also been involved in international programs which included sponsoring students and groups to study in and visit foreign countries as well as hosting visitors from other countries.  These countries have included Italy, Israel, Ireland, Japan, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, India, and Algeria. This direct connection with other countries is a very important part of RCSM history and allowed the opportunity to fulfill that part of Rotary International’s mission of creating a greater understanding among all people in order to advance the search for peace in the world.

Fellowship has always been an important part of RCSM. The weekly meetings started out as dinner meetings held at various restaurants, churches, and civic hall in St. Matthews.  Beginning in 1946 and for the next six years, because of cost considerations, the wives of Rotary members served the weekly meal. Times changed and in 1979 the meetings were moved to the Breckinridge Inn Hotel. Regular outings were taken each year to places like Keenland in Lexington, Churchill Downs, and UK football games. The annual “Fireside Meeting” was always a favorite. There were summer family picnics and even chili cook-offs.

From its start just prior to WWII, 23 St. Matthews’ business, professional and civic leaders established the Rotary tradition of community service. Throughout its history, the members of RCSM have continued this tradition with support of many charitable organizations. More recently, a greater emphasis has been placed on projects that support St. Matthews based charities that enhance the quality of life for infants, children and senior citizens.