Meade County volunteer celebrated at LTADD Annual Meeting

As part of a tradition dating back to 1992, the Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD) honors an engaged community volunteer in memory of one of its own. 

The Dorothy M. Dolle Memorial Award is given during LTADD’s Annual Meeting to a senior member of the Lincoln Trail District who exemplifies the attributes of its namesake, a caring individual who was a dedicated volunteer, and its 2025 recipient is Janet Hobbs of Meade County.

“Our region is filled with servant leaders, who give of their time freely and generously to the betterment of our communities, and we are proud to honor one of them each year,” said Daniel London, Lincoln Trail Area Development District executive director. “It is volunteers like Janet Hobbs who shape our communities and improve the lives of those directly impacted through her service. During her service, Janet has exemplified leadership, compassion and commitment, and she is an asset to LTADD and Meade County.”

Familiar with the award through her work on the Aging Advisory Council for LTADD, Hobbs has served on the nominating committee for it and presented it to the 2025 recipient Patsy Allen of Meade County. She now joins a long list of dedicated community servant leaders, representing countless volunteer hours, who have been honored. 

“Knowing the significance of this award, I couldn’t be more honored and humbled to have received it,” Hobbs said in accepting the award. “While the work I do through the Aging Advisory Council is focused on the importance of its mission to serving the seniors in our region rather than individual accolades, it is with gratitude that I accept the Dorothy Dolle Award. I know the caliber of honorees who have won this award before me and am honored to be included among them.”

For 11 years, Hobbs has served on the Aging Advisory Council for LTADD, demonstrating long-standing commitment, leadership and service to the community. Hobbs has served as chairperson since Fiscal Year 2021-2022, completing two consecutive terms, and agreed to an additional term when no other members were able to step into the role. 

“Janet Hobbs brings heart, compassion, and steady leadership to the Aging Advisory Council and the Lincoln Trail Area Development District,” said Amanda Ross, Community Aging & Social Engagement finance director. “She creates a space where people feel respected, heard and supported, always keeping the focus on what is best for older adults and their caregivers. Janet’s commitment goes far beyond attendance — she consistently brings insight, professionalism and a collaborative spirit to council discussions, helping guide decisions that strengthen programs, partnerships and outcomes for our aging population. Through her calm presence, thoughtful guidance and genuine care, she has strengthened the council, shaped its culture and made a lasting difference in the lives it serves. Her steady leadership and deep understanding of community needs reflect the spirit of service and leadership honored by the Dorothy Dolle Memorial Award.”

In her tenure on the council, Hobbs has served on numerous committees to include the Executive Committee, By-Laws Review Subcommittee and the RFP Review Committee. In addition to her governance leadership, Hobbs is involved in hands-on community programming as she assists with the Senior Celebration by coordinating and assembling the centerpieces, and Stuff-A-Stocking for Seniors. 

Always cheerful and willing to go above and beyond in her service, Hobbs is invaluable to the work of the Aging Advisory Council, said Sue Greenwell, director of Community Aging & Social Engagement.

“She’s always filling in gaps that’s beneficial to the department, because the Aging Council is a pivotal role required by the Older Americans Act statute,” Greenwell said, adding her department is the beneficiary of Hobbs’ generosity and baking skills at the holidays through her Christmas goodies delivery. “She’s taken it upon herself to spearhead a review of the bylaws for the Aging Council, and she’s not shy in assisting us in making the difficult decisions. As an advocate for the importance of our work, she’s always encouraging others to become more involved in the council’s committees and subcommittees.”

Beyond the Aging Council, the Meade County Cooperative Extension Service and its Homemakers benefit from Hobbs’ community leadership, especially following her retirement from civil service at Fort Knox. 

She has served two terms as president of the Meade County Extension Homemakers, as well as president of the Lincoln Trail Area Extension Homemakers and secretary of the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association, where she played a key role in helping the organization address the evolving needs of women in agriculture. 

That service through the Homemakers organization led her to be inducted into the Kentucky Master Farm Homemaker Guild. 

Hobbs has held multiple roles on the Meade County Extension Council and, as a representative from West Region Area 6, has advocated for improvements to make the extension more relevant, according to Bridge. She currently serves as secretary of the Kentucky Extension Council. 

She was appointed by Meade Fiscal Court to two terms on the Extension District Board as a representative of the Family and Consumer Sciences program. During her tenure, Hobbs served as secretary, treasurer and president of the board.

“Janet has long been active in her community, and her volunteer contributions grew significantly after retirement,” said Jennifer Bridge of the Meade County Cooperative Extension Service. “Janet’s leadership, compassion and commitment to progress make her an asset to Meade County and any organization she serves.”

Hobbs also is a graduate of Leadership Meade County and is certified in Parliamentary Procedure, for which she has taught many classes, and serves as parliamentarian for several groups. 

Dolle worked with the Lincoln Trail Area Development District from July 1981 until her death on Jan. 28, 1992. Her co-workers remember her many interests and constant activity. Her love of people kept her busy with countless friends. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to make the lives of those around her less difficult. 

First given in 1992 in Dolle’s honor, this award recognizes an individual who honors the best in all of us and is willing to give freely of their time to improve the lives of others. Nominations of this prestigious award are solicited throughout the Lincoln Trail region and are reviewed by a select group of the Lincoln Trail Aging Advisory Council.

“The Dorothy M. Dolle Memorial Award is our way of celebrating one of our many servant leaders in our region each year,” London said. “Janet Hobbs is the latest in a long but not exhaustive list of humble volunteers who strive each day to bring positive change through their service, and we are proud to honor her.”