Kelso Rotary members and guests gathered at Tam O'Shanter Park on July 2 for a special afternoon of fellowship, celebration, and reflection as we marked the close of one Rotary year and the beginning of another.
The event provided an opportunity to recognize the dedication and accomplishments of outgoing President Keenan Harvey, whose leadership helped guide the club through another successful year of service to our community. We also welcomed the 2026–2027 Board of Directors and officially passed the gavel to incoming President Larry Timmons, who will lead the club in the year ahead.
Adding to the festivities was a milestone celebration for one of our cherished Rotarians, who celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by friends and fellow members.
As we reflected on the past year and looked forward to the future, the gathering served as a reminder that Rotary is about more than service projects—it is about the relationships and friendships that make our impact possible. Service Above Self comes to life through people who support one another, work together, and share a commitment to strengthening our communities.
We look forward to another year of service, fellowship, and making a difference—together.
July 9 marked an exciting milestone for Kelso Rotary as Larry Timmons presided over his first official meeting as Club President. President Larry began the meeting by welcoming guest speakers Lois Smith of United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties and Brooke Fischer from the Washington State Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Lois and Brooke shared updates on the growth and impact of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, as well as ongoing efforts to secure funding and expand access to books for children across Washington State. Their presentation highlighted the critical role early childhood literacy plays in a child’s development and the lasting difference that free, age-appropriate books can make for families and young readers.
The morning also included a memorable moment of Rotary generosity. Drawing winner Randy Hall selected the coveted red chip and, in true Rotary fashion, immediately donated his winnings to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Fund. His contribution will help provide books and encourage a lifelong love of reading for children in our communities.
The meeting was a wonderful start to President Larry’s year of leadership and a powerful reminder of Rotary’s commitment to investing in the future. Thank you to Lois and Brooke for their informative presentation, and thank you to Randy for his generosity and commitment to supporting literacy. Together, these moments exemplify the spirit of Service Above Self and the positive impact Rotary continues to make throughout our region.
Kelso Rotary welcomed Longview Fire Chief Brad Hannig as our guest speaker this week for an engaging and informative presentation on the Longview Fire Department and the proposed levy lift.
Chief Hannig provided an overview of the department's operations, highlighting the wide range of services firefighters and emergency medical personnel provide each day to keep our community safe. He also discussed the growing demands placed on emergency services and the challenges departments face as they work to meet the needs of a growing community.
Members appreciated learning more about the proposed levy lift and how it could help support the resources, staffing, equipment, and emergency response capabilities that residents rely on. The presentation offered valuable insight into the importance of planning for the future while maintaining the high level of service our community has come to expect.
Following the presentation, Rotarians had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in a thoughtful discussion about public safety and the evolving needs of emergency services.
We extend our sincere thanks to Chief Hannig for taking the time to visit our club and share his expertise. Programs like these help keep our members informed about important issues affecting our community and strengthen our understanding of the organizations that serve the Longview and Kelso area every day.
Kelso Rotary had a fantastic time at the Castle Rock Fair, meeting so many friendly faces, sharing information about our community service projects, and welcoming new members to our Flag Subscription Program.
There is something special about a small-town fair. It brings neighbors together, creates lasting family memories, and showcases the community spirit that makes our region such a wonderful place to live. Throughout the fair, Rotarians enjoyed visiting with attendees and talking about the many ways our club gives back through scholarships, literacy initiatives, local parks, youth programs, and other community projects.
We are grateful to everyone who stopped by our booth to learn more about Rotary and support our efforts. The enthusiasm and encouragement we received remind us how much can be accomplished when communities come together in service.
Thank you, Castle Rock, for another wonderful fair. We are proud to be part of communities that value service, patriotism, and hometown traditions.
Interested in showing your patriotic spirit while supporting local projects? Kelso Rotary's Flag Subscription Program provides beautiful American flag displays at your home on designated patriotic holidays throughout the year. Every subscription helps fund programs and projects that make a positive impact across our community. We would love to have you join us!
The Rotary Club of Kelso was pleased to welcome its newest member, John Jabusch, during this week's meeting. John was introduced by fellow Rotarian David Futcher, and members extended a warm Rotary welcome as he officially joined the club. We are excited to have John become part of our Rotary family and look forward to his contributions to service above self.
Members also enjoyed an informative and inspiring presentation from Karyn and Mark of the Cowlitz Master Gardeners Program, who shared the vision behind Cowlitz Grows, a community initiative focused on much more than gardening. The program is dedicated to strengthening families, improving food security, encouraging self-sufficiency, protecting natural resources, and fostering community connections through outdoor education and service.
With more than 100 certified Master Gardener volunteers contributing over 11,000 hours of service each year, the organization continues to make a meaningful impact throughout Cowlitz County. Their commitment to education, sustainability, and community engagement is helping cultivate a healthier and more connected future for local residents.
Kelso Rotary appreciates Karyn and Mark for sharing their passion and the important work being done through the Cowlitz Master Gardeners and Cowlitz Grows programs.
Rotarians enjoyed a beautiful summer evening of fellowship at the Westin Amphitheater, gathering together to enjoy live music from Imposter Syndrome.
With sunshine, great company, and fantastic entertainment, it was the perfect opportunity to relax, connect, and enjoy one another's company outside of our regular meeting setting. Events like these remind us that Rotary is not only about service, but also about building lasting friendships and strengthening the connections that make our club so special.
A wonderful time was had by all, and it was a great way to celebrate the season while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere and summer weather. We look forward to more opportunities to gather, serve, and share fellowship together in the months ahead. ☀️🎶🎵
Kelso Rotary enjoyed another outstanding Thursday meeting this week as we welcomed Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti as our guest speaker.
Treasurer Pellicciotti provided an informative overview of Washington's financial outlook, sharing insights into state finances, long-term fiscal planning, and the importance of transparency and responsible stewardship of public resources. Members were treated to a lively and engaging discussion, with thoughtful questions covering issues that impact communities throughout our state.
We extend our sincere thanks to Treasurer Pellicciotti for taking the time to visit our club and share his expertise and perspective with our members.
Interested in learning more about Rotary? We invite you to join us as a guest at an upcoming meeting. It's a great opportunity to connect with local leaders, learn about service projects in our community, and discover how Rotary is making a positive impact both locally and around the world.
Kelso Rotary is always looking for engaging speakers and program ideas. If you have a story to share, represent a local organization, or would like to present to our club, we'd love to hear from you.
CLUB TREASURER: Debra Gardner reported that we have a balance of $16,210.59 as of June 30, 2026.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: No Report
CLUB MEMBERSHIP: Keenan is the new Membership Chair, we have one new member to induct.
PUBLIC IMAGE - We need a new Public Image chair.
Social Media - Lisa Diaz reported that our social media is experiencing a strong following on all outlets.
CLUB ADMINISTRATION Lisa Diaz
Programs - Now being scheduled by a committee: Lisa Diaz, Mike Karnofski, David Futcher, Lisa Straughan.
Fellowship - We meet at Westin Amphitheater on July 29th.
Website - No report.
FOUNDATION TREASURER - Jori Scruggs-Brown reported that we have a balance of $112,291.18 as of June30, 2026.
NEW BUSINESS - Lisa Diaz presented a draft MOU for the board to approve to submit to the City of Kelso and District 5020 Grant committee for shades at the Skate Park.
MAJOR FUNDRAISING GOALS - Larry shared his suggestions for possible goals to achieve this year with fundraising. Goals for Lights in park suggestion was to increase traffic count which would increase the revenues and or Flags program to have goals on increasing number of subscriptions. A suggestion was brought up to possibly think of a club member competition program or assigning teams for bringing in subscriptions similar to when Duck raffle tickets were sold. Board was supportive of having goals in fundraising.
SERVICE PROJECTS - No Report
ROTARY FOUNDATION - No Report
FUNDRAISING - Mark Diaz
Kelso Rotary Lights in the Park Lisa Diaz - The committee met on 6/29.
Food Wagon Jori Scruggs-Brown & Georgia Vaughn – Co-Chairs: We have 2 events in August.
Kelso Rotary Flags Mark Diaz & David Houten – Co-Chairs: We have a booth at the Castle Rock Fair and will have one at the Highlander Festival as well. We currently have 64 flag subscriptions.
