February 14, 2022 4:00 a.m.

Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Chris Boice and Tom Kress, in conjunction with the county’s Parks Department, hosted an appreciation event for the Roseburg Rotary After 5 Club last Thursday at Rivers Fork Park.

A release said the Board commended members of the organization for installing 6 new park benches inside the fenced all-inclusive children’s playground at the park. Rotarian Scott Hendy initiated the project in October with Parks Director Mark Wall. Installation of the benches was completed in January and included participation of members from other local Rotary clubs.

The appreciation event also included a dedication of 2 of the 6 benches. The Roseburg Rotary Club surprised long-time Rotarians, Georgia Stiles, retired local businesswoman, and Perry Murray, retired contractor, with special red benches outfitted with engraved plaques bearing their names. The 2 benches were intentionally painted red instead of blue, like the other 4 benches, in order to highlight Stiles and Murray for perpetuity. The two were instrumental in bringing the all-inclusive playground to the park, according to the release.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Roseburg Rotary, one of the oldest clubs in Oregon.