As Rotary International celebrates its 100th year, Sweet Home Rotarians took time last week to reflect on their own history, recognizing the accomplishments of many local Rotarians in the community.
The Sweet Home Rotary Club was chartered in April 1941, Ozzie Shaw said. The only remaining charter member, A.V. Jack Gilbert lives at Wiley Creek Community and was unable to attend the Rotary meeting last week.
Gilbert is among the firefighters featured on the fire station mural, Shaw said. He also was featured in a 1966 The New Era photo celebrating the Rotary Club’s 25th year.
Shaw recognized families who had multiple generations serve as president of the club, including the Wolthuis family and the Keesecker family, which both had two members present last week.
Shaw extended special recognition to Donna Ego, who was present at the weekly meeting.
“Donna Ego is here,” Shaw said. “She was never president. She’s never been a member of the Rotary Club, yet she’s been involved in Rotary for many, many years.”
Her father, Dan Ashton, was the sixth president. Her husband, Stan Ego, was the 38th president. Her son, Greg, was recently installed as president in the Keizer club.
“We wanted to thank her and her family and show the pride we take in her family,” Shaw said. “We thank Donna for all her family has meant to the Rotary Club and the City of Sweet Home.”
Shaw himself has been involved in the Sweet Home club for more than 50 years. He became involved in 1951 when he became the Rotary Club’s Scoutmaster. He joined the club in 1956.
The Albany Rotary Club sponsored Sweet Home’s. In 1955, Sweet Home sponsored a club in Lebanon.