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.