She’s the One Who Makes It Happen

A picture of laid-back retirement is not what comes to mind when hearing about the schedule of “retired” ex-loan officer Gladys Logan. At 66, the longtime Westminster resident serves as president, chairwoman, secretary, treasurer or director on five community volunteer groups.

Between giving tours for schoolchildren at the Blakey Historical Museum, helping solve problems addressed by the city’s mobile home community and meetings on top of meetings, Logan is able to shuffle grandchildren to school and take care of a son with diabetes.

On Thursday, the Westminster Chamber of Commerce recognized her tireless accomplishments by naming her the 1999 Citizen of the Year.

Councilwoman Joy L. Neugebauer, who nominated Logan, said her friend has dedicated herself to community service.

Friend Sondra Evans looks at Logan as a trailblazer, even though the grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of two prefers staying in the background. Evans said Logan seems to be a part of every group in the city.

“Without Gladys, Westminster would be a very different place,” Evans said. “She is the quintessential volunteer.”

Logan, who said her volunteer work “keeps her off the streets,” is involved with the Historical Society, Cultural Arts Foundation, Mobile Home Commission, Kiwanis and the Cultural Arts Commission.

After retiring as a loan officer with Union Bank, Logan decided there were many opportunities for her.

“I had no intention of sitting on my duff,” said Logan, who has lived in Westminster for more than 40 years. Today, she is able to juggle her extra-full schedule with the help of friends whose calendars she cross-references with hers.

“It works out pretty good,” she said. “You can always find time to do what you want to do.”

The rewards for Logan come in the form of simple things, like the chance to interact with children as she gives tours of the museum, which gives a glimpse of Westminster and Orange County history.

“I love the kids,” she said. “They are so astonished at the way people used to live.”

Logan is a wealth of information about Westminster. “You can ask her anything about the city,” said Joyce Eastman, another friend and volunteer co-worker. “She knows everyone.”

Alex Murashko can be reached at (714) 966-5974.