Lori Birtola was inducted into the Rotary Club of Forest Grove at its July 8, 2026, meeting. From left, membership chair Evelyn Orr, immediate past president Andrea Stewart, Birtola, and Lucas Welliver, who sponsored her for membership. Photo by John Schrag.

Lori Birtola believed that joining Rotary would be a great way to honor her husband’s memory.

“In honor of my husband, I decided to join Rotary. He always believed in helping others,” she said.

Birtola is now the newest member of the Rotary Club of Forest Grove. She was inducted during the club’s July 8 meeting and was sponsored for membership by Lucas Welliver.

Birtola and her late husband, Jim, were involved with Rotary during their time as real estate brokers in central Oregon. Jim was president of the Sunriver Rotary Club in 2006-07. That same year, they hosted a Rotary Youth Exchange student.

Born and raised in San Jose, California, Birtola married Jim in 1978. The couple moved with their two sons to Sunriver in 1990, where she started her own bookkeeping service. That same year, she and her husband started High Desert Realty. Although she is now retired, Birtola continues to be a part owner of the company.

Birtola’s previous work experience includes administrative work with Mirassou Vineyards and Diasonics, both in the Bay Area.

After Jim’s death in 2024, Birtola moved to Forest Grove to be closer to her eldest son and his family.

Birtola said that she is looking forward to serving the community through Rotary, and we look forward to serving alongside her.