Shane Olson, Olson Iron Works donor to Rotary Centennial Dog Park, will donate this year, too
As the Rotary Club of Jefferson prepares for its 27th annual Charity Auction set for Friday, Nov. 21, many area individuals and businesses along with other donors are appreciated for their contributions to the auction to make the event a success. Proceeds from the event over the past 26 years have funded more than $700,000 in grants to area non-profits to benefit literacy, health, community development, youth services, environmental projects and more.
For the observance of the club’s 100 year anniversary in 2022, club members constructed the Rotary Centennial Dog Park adjacent to the new Greene County Animal Shelter at 1700 Doreen Wilber Drive. There are sections for large and small dogs with size appropriate “toys” and activities for the dogs to enjoy.
The park was developed for use by local residents and those travelling through the area and needing a place to exercise their dogs. In addition to providing a needed area for pets, it was the intent that the park would be one more reason for travelers to stop in Jefferson for shopping, food, fuel and other needs.
Signage was an important factor in the park project. A unique design was created especially for the park and manufactured in steel by Shane Olson (pictured, right), owner of Olson Iron Works of Churdan. The sign stands as a welcome to all who utilize the facility. In addition to the entrance sign, Olson designed and cut out figures of dogs and cats to be placed on the fence. He utilized the commercial steel cutting laser machine at his business, one of the largest in the state, to do this work.
Students at the Greene County High School art department then painted the dog and cat cut outs creating the appearance of lifelike fur and features.
To the benefit of the project, Olson donated the entire cost of all the signage work. He also plans to donate some very popular garden art to the 2025 Charity Auction as well. Sharing his talent and capabilities is an important way to give back to the community and those who benefit from the auction, he said.
The club currently has “pre-auction” items for sale on https://www.32auctions.com/2025JeffRotaryPreAuction This allows the club to offer items that occur in the fall prior to the live auction event itself which will be held at the Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Jefferson. Tickets and more information are available at the www.jeffersonrotary.org website.
