August was a month filled with education, inspiration, community connections, and plenty of Rotary fellowship.
As summer begins to wind down, Kelso Rotary remains focused on its mission of Service Above Self, bringing together community leaders and volunteers to make a positive impact locally and beyond. August demonstrated once again that Rotary meetings offer more than just networking opportunities. They provide meaningful learning experiences, strengthen community partnerships, and foster friendships that make a lasting difference.
We look forward to another exciting month ahead and thank all of our speakers, members, and guests who helped make August a success.
From inspiring speakers and community events to meaningful service projects, there was plenty to celebrate!
Officer Sarah Brent and Sgt. Brady Spaulding with retired K9 partner Icarus shared about the Washington State Police Canine Association Retired Police Dog Fund, which helps provide medical care for retired law enforcement canines.
Fred Baxter took us through the history of Longview’s Old West Side, sharing stories behind some of our community’s historic homes and architecture.
Drew McDaniel from Columbia Wellness gave us insight into mental health trends in our community and ways we can support stronger mental wellness.
Heidi Crabtree shared practical information about hearing loss, communication strategies, and evolving hearing technology, including low-cost and low-tech options.
We also recognized our first Students of the Month for the 2026–27 school year! Congratulations to Avery Coburn & Brady Snaza!
We completed the commemorative bricks at Lads & Lassies Park, celebrating our 100th year of the Rotary Club of Kelso!
And outside of our meetings, we were busy with Food Wagon events, the Highlander Festival, and preparations for the return of Lights in the Park this December, including our new Paws in the Park kickoff!
Thank you to everyone who continues to make our club and our community stronger.
Kelso Rotary’s September 17th meeting offered members the opportunity to learn about an important issue facing our community while also celebrating the accomplishments of two outstanding local students.
Our featured speaker, Drew McDaniel of Columbia Wellness, shared insights into current mental health trends and challenges affecting our region. Drew discussed the growing need for mental health awareness, support services, and community involvement in helping individuals and families access the resources they need. His presentation served as a reminder that mental wellness is a critical part of building a healthy and thriving community.
In addition to our program, Kelso Rotary proudly recognized our first Students of the Month for the 2026-27 school year. Congratulations to Avery Coburn and Brady Snaza, who were honored for their academic achievements, leadership, character, and commitment to their future goals. These exceptional students represent the bright future of our community, and we are proud to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments.
Kelso Rotary extends its thanks to Drew McDaniel for an informative presentation and congratulates Avery and Brady on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to following their continued success throughout the school year and beyond.
Kelso Rotary welcomed Heidi Crabtree for an informative and engaging presentation on hearing health, communication, and the impact hearing loss can have on individuals and their families.
Heidi shared valuable information about how hearing changes over time and discussed some of the common causes of hearing loss. She explained that hearing challenges often develop gradually, making them difficult to recognize at first. Many people may find themselves asking others to repeat themselves, turning up the television volume, or struggling to follow conversations in noisy environments without realizing that hearing loss may be the underlying cause.
Members learned about the advances in modern hearing technology that can significantly improve quality of life. Heidi emphasized that addressing hearing concerns is not just about hearing sounds more clearly. It is about maintaining connections with family, friends, coworkers, and the community.
The presentation also highlighted how untreated hearing loss can affect communication, social engagement, and overall well-being. Heidi offered practical tips for improving communication, both for individuals experiencing hearing loss and for the family members and friends who support them.
Rotarians appreciated Heidi's approachable style and the opportunity to ask questions about hearing health, hearing aids, and current treatment options. Her presentation served as an important reminder that hearing is a vital part of staying connected to the people and experiences that enrich our lives.
Kelso Rotary extends its thanks to Heidi for sharing her expertise and helping raise awareness about the importance of hearing health. Through education and understanding, we can all take steps to ensure that communication remains accessible and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you, Heidi, for an enlightening presentation that helped us better understand the importance of hearing well and living well.
Kelso Rotary members and guests enjoyed a fascinating journey through local history as Fred Baxter, author, historian, and fellow Rotarian, shared his presentation on the historic homes of Longview.
A member of the South Everett/Mukilteo Rotary Club since 1994, Fred brought not only his deep appreciation for Rotary but also a personal connection to our community. His father was a member of the Longview Rotary Club for 50 years, making his visit to Kelso Rotary especially meaningful.
During his presentation, Fred highlighted many of Longview's most notable historic homes, weaving together stories of the families, architects, and community leaders who helped shape the city's early years. Through photographs, historical research, and personal anecdotes, he illustrated how these beautiful homes serve as lasting reminders of Longview's rich heritage and the visionaries who helped build our community.
Members were captivated by Fred's knowledge of local history and his passion for preserving the stories behind these architectural treasures. His presentation offered a unique perspective on how our community has evolved while emphasizing the importance of protecting and celebrating our historical landmarks for future generations.
Fred also brought copies of his book for members to browse and purchase. In true Rotary spirit, all proceeds from book sales are donated to the Longview Public Library Foundation, helping support literacy and educational opportunities throughout our community.
Kelso Rotary extends its sincere appreciation to Fred for sharing his expertise, his love of local history, and a reminder that the stories of the past continue to shape the communities we enjoy today.
Thank you, Fred, for an engaging and informative presentation that brought Longview's history to life.
Kelso Rotary welcomed Officer Sarah Brent and Sgt. Brady Spaulding, along with retired K9 partner Icarus, for an inspiring presentation about the Washington State Police Canine Association (WSPCA) Retired Police Dog Fund.
Members learned about the important role the fund plays in supporting retired law enforcement dogs by helping cover non-routine medical expenses after their years of service have ended. These highly trained K9s spend their careers protecting communities, assisting officers, and serving in critical public safety roles. The fund helps ensure they receive the specialized care they need to enjoy healthy, comfortable retirements.
Meeting attendees had the opportunity to meet Icarus and hear firsthand about the dedication and sacrifice of police K9 teams. Their presentation served as a powerful reminder that while these dogs may retire from active duty, their needs continue long after their service ends.
In support of this meaningful mission, Kelso Rotary held a pass-the-hat collection during the meeting, with members generously contributing to the Retired Police Dog Fund. Donations can be made at any time to help provide medical care and support for these deserving K9 heroes.
We thank Officer Brent, Sgt. Spaulding, and Icarus for sharing their story and for helping us recognize the lasting impact of our four-legged partners in law enforcement. 🐾💙
Kelso Rotary members took a trip down memory lane at this week's meeting, sharing favorite pet stories and reflecting on the special bonds that animals bring to our lives. We also recognized Dolly Parton and the remarkable impact she has made around the world through initiatives such as the Imagination Library, which has helped inspire a love of reading in millions of children.
Our featured speaker was local radio owner John Paul, who shared the rich history and enduring mission of KLOG. His connection to the station began when he was just 14 years old, giving him a unique perspective on its evolution over the years. Members enjoyed hearing stories from KLOG's past, learning how the station has adapted to changing times, and gaining insight into the important role local radio continues to play in serving and connecting communities.
John's passion for community-focused broadcasting was evident throughout his presentation, reminding us of the value of keeping local media truly local and responsive to the people it serves.
It was another great Rotary meeting filled with laughter, learning, and meaningful connections, highlighting the stories and people that make our community special.
Kelso Rotary was pleased to welcome Jim Seeks, Transit Manager for RiverCities Transit, as our guest speaker this week.
Jim has served with the City of Longview for the past 10 years and is celebrating an impressive milestone in 2026: his 50th year in the public transportation industry. In addition to his professional work, Jim currently serves as President of the Longview Early Edition Rotary Club, giving him a unique perspective on both community transportation and Rotary service.
Members enjoyed hearing Jim share stories from his long and distinguished career, insights into the role RiverCities Transit plays in our region, and his passion for serving the community. His presentation highlighted the importance of accessible transportation and the impact it has on the lives of local residents. We thank Jim for taking the time to join us and share his experiences.
Adding a little extra excitement to the meeting was a special young guest. Baby Riot delighted members as he proudly demonstrated that he has officially mastered the army crawl. His determination and enthusiasm brought plenty of smiles and laughter as he made his way around the room.
It was another memorable Kelso Rotary meeting, combining information, fellowship, community service, and a touch of baby-powered entertainment.
One of the special tradition s in Rotary is the opportunity for members to share their personal stories through Classification Presentations. After settling into the club, new Rotarians are invited to talk about their backgrounds, careers, interests, and the experiences that led them to Rotary.
At this week's meeting, members enjoyed hearing from two of our newest Rotarians, John Jabusch and Brad Thurman. Their presentations gave us a chance to learn more about the people behind the name badges, including their professional journeys, personal passions, and the reasons they chose to become part of Rotary's worldwide network of service.
In addition to learning more about our newest members, the club celebrated several August wedding anniversaries, recognizing the lasting partnerships that are an important part of our Rotary family.
Adding a little friendly competition to the meeting, Sergeant-at-Arms David Futcher challenged members with a round of trivia. The questions sparked plenty of laughs and spirited guesses, proving once again that Rotary meetings are about more than service. They are also about building friendships and having fun together.
The afternoon was a wonderful reminder that one of Rotary's greatest strengths is the people who make up our club. Through shared stories, celebrations, and fellowship, we continue to strengthen the connections that make the Rotary Club of Kelso such a welcoming and vibrant organization.
Kelso Rotary had a great time connecting with our community tonight at National Night Out at Tam O’Shanter Park!
We enjoyed meeting so many wonderful families while handing out American flags, bracelets, and bubble gum. It was especially fun seeing all the smiles as the kids enjoyed the evening’s activities.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to say hello and learn more about Kelso Rotary and the work we do in our community. Events like National Night Out are a great reminder of what makes our community so special—neighbors coming together, building relationships, and having fun!
We look forward to seeing you at our next community event!
Kelso Rotary was pleased to welcome Andrew Bellah, Vice President of Home Lending at Red Canoe Credit Union, as our featured speaker.
Andrew shared insights into Red Canoe’s mission of helping members achieve their financial goals, with a special focus on making homeownership more attainable throughout our communities. He spoke about the credit union’s commitment to providing personalized lending solutions and highlighted the many ways Red Canoe supports members through every stage of the home-buying journey.
A highlight of the presentation was an overview of Red Canoe’s innovative construction lending program, which helps members navigate the process of building a home from the ground up. Andrew explained how the program removes many of the complexities often associated with construction financing, making the dream of building a custom home more accessible for local families.
Rotarians appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the important work Red Canoe is doing to strengthen our region through responsible lending and community-focused service.
Thank you, Andrew, for joining us and sharing your expertise. We enjoyed hearing about the positive impact Red Canoe Credit Union continues to make throughout our community.
