Rotary Club of HuntsvilleMeeting Notes March 18, 2026
President Will opened the meeting by welcoming everyone.The national anthem was led by Past President Mary Rashleigh.
Guests were introduced by Peter Redwood: Nick Peroschy from the Morning Club, Karen Pascall and welcome to Honorary Member Ken Stronach.
Club Business:
President Will outlined features from the recent board meeting:
Bingo has had a net profit of $ 30,000 for the past half year. Sharing with Gravenhurst Rotary Club has been a good arrangement.We have given away $ 38,251 in community support so far this Rotary year.
The club will be spending some of it saved funds
Parks Service agreement had some parts not agreeable to the club.A decision was made not to sign the agreement.President Will to meet with town CAO Denise Cory.
A request from District to assist with a shortfall of $ 2,300 US to the Chinsanschi School project in Zambia.To be referred to World Community Service committee.
The club will support the Festival of Music as a Platinum sponsor by donating $ 1,000.
As part of strategic planning regarding the spending of club investments, a future meeting will have a representative from the District to help us devise a plan.
A decision will be made on a beneficiary from the Dockfest funds raised.Please send suggestions to President Will.
Dockfest – President Will:The Rotary tent at Dockfest will have story boards to showcase what Rotary does.
Bursary Program – Peter Redwood: The bursary program has opened up.Applications are available for students to apply.
Introduction of Guest Speaker – President Will Gibson: Rachel Hunt was invited to the podium to tell her story.
Guest Speaker –Rachel Hunt: Rachel was born in Windsor in 1976, lived in foster care for a while and was then adopted.She has been on her own since age 16. She studied Hotel and Restaurant Management at college and held various positions before and after she finished her education.Eventually she was transferred to Huntsville, and she said it feels like a vacation every day in downtown Huntsville.She was a manager of Pharmasave for twenty years.She believes everything happens for a reason.She is community-minded and cares for others. Rachel joined the BIA board and noted that all the businesses and shops support each other.She is now the Executive Director of the BIA where she can develop her passion for this thriving community.She is also passionate about advocating for women and children.Rachel is married to James Hunt who she met online. It was “love at first post”.They have been married for 17 years, and have two children together, plus she has a son from a previous marriage. They have made mission trips to Haiti and other countries, which made her realize how lucky she is to live here.She feels privileged and honored to help this community.
Questions:
Will asked about successes in the BIA?Much wisdom is learned from the members of the BIA and now the BIA is being more noticed. The lights installation at Christmas was a big success and that is just the beginning.The BIA helps the community to learn more about what is going on.
Peter – How important is the BIA relationship with the Chamber of Commerce?It is very important to collaborate with each other.If one succeeds, all succeed.The BIA needs its partnerships.
Liz – Since the BIA has applied to have Huntsville host the Ontario BIA Conference in 2028 or 2029, should the Rotary Club be one of its support sponsors?YES!
Mary – congratulated Rachel on her downtown lighting initiative at Christmas.They are trying to create an all-season destination, so they are building a product, like a downtown market, through more months of the year.
President Will thanked Rachel for her incredible enthusiasm for everything downtown.
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