At our March 26th Rotary meeting, members were reminded of the meaningful impact local organizations continue to have in our community. We were honored to hear from Major Philip Smith of The Salvation Army, who shared insights from his career and highlighted the important work being done at The Salvation Army Longview Temple. From providing vital support to families in need to offering free lunch meals five days a week, their outreach efforts are making a real and lasting difference for many in our area.

In addition to our program, members discussed the 2026 Rotary scholarship applications, which are now open to seniors at Kelso and Castle Rock High Schools. These scholarships represent an important opportunity for Rotary to support and invest in the next generation of leaders. Students interested in applying can obtain applications through their school’s guidance office.

Kelso Rotary Program Highlights Community Service and Student Leadership

Members of the Kelso Rotary Club recently welcomed Kelso Police Chief Fletcher as the program speaker, who provided an informative update on the programs and services currently being offered by the Kelso Police Department. Chief Fletcher shared how the department continues to focus on public safety while also expanding community-centered initiatives designed to build trust, provide outreach, and support residents throughout the community. His update offered valuable insight into the department’s ongoing efforts and reinforced the importance of strong partnerships between local organizations and public safety.

The meeting also included recognition of two outstanding Kelso High School Students of the Month: Blake Larwick and Ellie Treadway. These students were honored for their exceptional achievements both inside and outside the classroom. Blake and Ellie exemplify the qualities Rotary values—strong academic standing, positive representation of their school, involvement in extracurricular activities, meaningful community participation, leadership, and service to others. Their dedication and character truly set them apart as exceptional students and promising young leaders.

Kelso Rotary is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of students like Blake and Ellie and remains committed to supporting programs and partnerships that strengthen our community and invest in its future.

Mike Karnofski introduced Brian Wood of Nippon Dynawave Packaging (NDP) as our speaker today. Brian shared an engaging and informative presentation highlighting the many ways NDP contributes to our local community and regional economy.

During his talk, Brian gave members an overview of Nippon Dynawave Packaging’s operations and mission, emphasizing the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability in the packaging industry. He outlined how NDP’s work supports a wide range of customers while maintaining a strong focus on environmental responsibility and continuous improvement.

A key focus of the presentation was NDP’s local presence and impact. Brian discussed the company’s role as an employer in the area, the value of investing in local talent, and the importance of building long‑term relationships within the community. From supporting local jobs to partnering with other businesses and organizations, NDP strives to be a positive and reliable community partner.

Brian also touched on NDP’s involvement in local initiatives and community support, reinforcing how the company looks beyond day‑to‑day operations to give back and stay engaged where it matters most. His presentation offered Rotarians a clearer picture of how a global company can maintain strong local roots.

Kelso Rotary appreciates Brian Wood for taking the time to share insight into Nippon Dynawave Packaging and for highlighting the important work being done right here in our community. We thank Brian for an excellent presentation and for helping members better understand the impact of NDP’s local operations.