(Greensburg, IN) – The Rotary Club of Greensburg is closing one Rotary year by recognizing leadership, volunteer service and the people who continue to move the organization forward.
Mike Sefton is wrapping up his term as president of The Rotary Club of Greensburg 3437, District 6580, as Rotary International prepares to begin its 2026-27 year on July 1.
Sefton’s year as president included several district awards for the local club and continued work on projects tied to Rotary’s long-standing mission of Service Above Self.
At a recent club meeting, Mandy Jo Lohrum, Past District Governor and Past Club President, stepped into the local leadership role for the first quarter of the new Rotary year. She also thanked Sefton for his work as president and presented him with gifts, including a Rotary cap and a baseball-themed item connected to the club’s work toward a baseball inclusion park.
Sefton said his approach to leadership was shaped by years in farming and business, where success often depended on people being willing to jump in and do whatever was needed. He said that experience reinforced a simple standard: leaders should be willing to do the same work they ask of others.
“To do what is right for the community while supporting Rotary’s larger mission across the district and around the world.”
Sefton credited club members for the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Rotary active each week, from lining up speakers and preparing meeting space to helping with meals, programs, district events and annual club traditions.
He also pointed to local projects as examples of Rotary’s impact in Greensburg, including community signage, park improvements tied to basketball and the ongoing push to develop the baseball inclusion park.
New Rotary year brings shared leadership
Lohrum will lead the club through September before other members take over leadership duties during the middle quarters of the Rotary year. She is scheduled to return for the final quarter, from April through June. The club also will begin looking for its next president for the following Rotary year as Greensburg Rotarian Linda Simmons prepares to serve as District 6580 Governor.
Lohrum said the club has been approved for a district grant to support Mama Cleo’s House in Guadalajara, Mexico. The project will help add an enclosed kitchen and provide kitchen equipment and supplies for the boys’ home.
The work will be done in coordination with a Rotary club in the Guadalajara area, with updates and photos expected as the project moves forward.
Lohrum also encouraged members to keep suggesting local service projects. She said Rotary’s work may reach around the world through efforts such as polio eradication and the Guadalajara project, but the Greensburg club remains focused on serving its own community as well.
Rivera receives Robbins Family Award
The club also honored Jaime Rivera as the 2026 recipient of the Robbins Family Award.
The award is named for the Robbins family and recognizes Rotarians who strengthen the club through service, friendship and commitment to others. It also reflects the continuing Rotary involvement of Bill Robbins, Brian Robbins and Jennifer Robbins Sturgis.
Rivera was recognized for being a dependable presence within the club and for the way he helps others feel included and supported. Club members described him as someone who regularly steps forward when help is needed and brings a welcoming spirit to Rotary’s work.
Rivera thanked the club for the honor and spoke about the friendships and sense of belonging he has found through Rotary.
Robbins named Art Turner Legacy Award recipient
Bill Robbins, Greensburg’s longest-tenured Rotarian, was named the 2026 recipient of the Art Turner Legacy Award.
The honor recognizes Robbins’ decades of service to the Rotary Club of Greensburg, Rotary International and the local community.
Sefton praised Robbins as a longtime example of steady, humble service and said Robbins has repeatedly given his time, resources and skills when the club or community needed him.
“From downtown cleanups to archery tournaments and ballpark projects, Bill has always shown up with humility and a willing heart,” Sefton said.
William H. “Bill” Robbins III has been a Rotarian since 1967, giving him nearly 60 years of service through the organization.
The Art Turner Legacy Award is named for longtime Greensburg Rotarian and former Greensburg Community Schools Superintendent Art Turner, whose service influenced generations of local Rotary leaders.
The Rotary Club of Greensburg thanked Sefton for his year of leadership and recognized Rivera and Robbins as examples of the fellowship, inclusion and service at the center of Rotary’s mission.
