Club History

Takena Kiwanis - Albany, Oregon

Takena Kiwanis was formed at an organizational meeting at the Red Hat Cafe on February 25, 1960. The original club had 34 members with Bud Ashford as President and Arn Abel as Secretary. The club was officially incorporated on March 1, 1960 and given the name Kiwanis Club of Takena, Albany.

Early meetings were held at the Red Hat Cafe, Immanuel Lutheran Church, and the Albany Hotel. Early members of this club included Don Brudvig, Harrison Weatherford, Jim Egan, Jim Barret, P.C. Goin, and Bud Williams.

One of the earliest club activities was Radio Daze, which was held in April, 1960, at KABY Radio. Other fundraising and community activities have included the Honors Dessert, operating a food booth at the Timber Carnival, providing Christmas trees for Albany schools, and organizing kids track meets which began in 1969.

Our club has participated in the larger Kiwanis organization at a District level over the years by providing Lieutenant Governors in Ron Loney, Dick McLain, Marsh Johnson, Al Barrios and Joe Newman.