At 76, Angela Lee, president of the Kindness Rotary Club in Middletown, NY, radiates a youthful energy that proves kindness is not just a virtue but a transformative force. A lifelong pharmacist and dedicated community leader, Angela’s story is a vibrant reminder that one person’s commitment can inspire a ripple effect of compassion.
Based at 295 Wawayanda Ave, the Kindness Rotary Club embodies Rotary International’s motto, “Service Above Self,” urging residents to cherish and contribute to the community resources that make Middletown thrive.
A career built on compassion
Angela’s journey began behind the pharmacy counter, where her dedication earned her a spot among the top eight pharmacists out of 10,000, as voted by 31,000 customers in 2011 by Rite Aid’s CEO. “I worked 12-hour days without breaks, skipping lunch and dinner to serve my customers,” she shared. “Instead of exhaustion, I felt energized and happy every day.” This selfless approach defined her decades-long career, fueled by a belief that serving others is its own reward.
Her commitment deepened through her Falun Gong practice since 1998, which emphasizes truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. These principles aligned seamlessly with Rotary’s ethos, leading Angela to join Rotary Clubs in Washington, DC, and Virginia before settling in New York. “Service Above Self resonates with me,” she said. “It keeps me feeling younger, even at 76, outworking my 20-year-old technicians who needed breaks while I didn’t.”
Founding the Kindness Rotary Club
In 2023, inspired by the “Kindness Is Cool” movement from Ganjing World, a media platform promoting positive content, Angela and her friends founded the Kindness Rotary Club in Middletown. “When people see the word ‘kindness,’ they feel happy and connected,” she explained. “Kindness is for everyone—friends, neighbors, young or old, across the universe.” The club’s name reflects her philosophy that kindness is a universal language, sparking joy and unity.
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At a recent community event featuring chopstick buns, Angela handed out cards with the club’s name and kind messages, even writing attendees’ names in Chinese. “They were so happy,” she recalled. “Kindness inspires people to do kind things.” These small gestures embody the club’s mission to foster connection and positivity in Middletown.
Rising to challenges with generosity
Angela’s leadership shone during her presidency of the Port Jervis Rotary Club from 2019 to 2020, amid the COVID-19 crisis. Recognizing the urgent need for protective equipment, she sourced 1,000 masks from Taiwan and personally delivered them to 25 local organizations, including police and fire departments, hospitals, and churches. “I wanted to show my sincerity as a Rotary member and Falun Gong practitioner,” she said. Her efforts strengthened community ties during a challenging time, earning heartfelt gratitude.
The Kindness Rotary Club continues this legacy, recently earning five awards, including the “Kindness Is Cool” Award in Times Square in March 2025. Angela’s broader advocacy—speaking to U.S. Congress members and supporting families affected by persecution in China—shows how local service can have global impact, reinforcing the club’s role as a community cornerstone.
Lessons for a stronger community
Angela’s story offers timeless lessons: invest in others, stay compassionate, and never stop learning. “Devote yourself to people, and you’ll feel happy and energized,” she advises. Her boundless energy at 76 proves that age is no barrier to impact—it’s the spirit of service that matters. For readers, this is a call to action: value community resources like the Kindness Rotary Club, which fosters connection and support. Whether through volunteering, donating, or small acts of kindness, everyone can contribute to a stronger Middletown.
The Kindness Rotary Club welcomes new members to join its mission at 295 Wawayanda Ave. As Angela’s example shows, a single act of kindness can spark a movement. Let’s follow her lead, embrace “Service Above Self,” and build a brighter, more compassionate community together. Contact the club to get involved and make a difference today.
