Copy of Rotary Echo Dec 6 2023 (Jun. 20, 2025)

New Members Welcome, Come Join Us

Service Above Self

Wednesdays at 11:45 a.m.

Royal Canadian Legion Br 232 (See note below)

21 Veterans Way
Huntsville, ON P1H1P4
Canada

Phone:

(705) 788-2844

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1st and 3rd Wednesday at Noon Lunch at 11:45 Meeting at 12:15

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Rotary Club of Huntsville Meeting Notes June 18, 2025

President Len opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. The national anthem was led by Bill Sibeon.

Guests: MP Graydon Smith; DG Stephen Wilkinson; AG Andrew Smellie; Lynne Doyle and Paula Brundia; Peter Redwood’s wife Irene and son Brad; Fran Mitchell; Nina Ross; Karen Pascall; Exchange Student Jorge Valdebenito; Past Member Doug Sullivan and Ramona; Lou Dalessandro, guest of Bob Gibbs; James Bowler from Cogeco; Dan Powers, Aide to Graydon Smith; press members

Club Business

Len spoke for Jamie Thompson on Dockfest: Planning is going really well, sponsorships are solid.
Bracebridge Rotary Club is seeking volunteers from this club to help with collecting donations at their fireworks display on July 1. The event includes a drone show this year.
Len thanked Adrian and especially his daughter for the vision and work in developing the Pollinator Garden at Avery Beach.
Adrian noted that the Pollinator Garden will be dedicated at a lunch meeting on August 13. Adrian thanked all who contributed
Rick showed a sample of three Peace Poles to be erected at Avery Beach, Muskoka Heritage Place and at the Legion. The wording is in several languages, with a QR code leading to a website on the Rotary Peace Poles. Volunteers are required for their installation.
Connor Ryan will chair the Rotary Christmas Auction, 2025.
Gord spoke of the Huntsville High School Robotics team who were featured this week at the Algonquin Theatre. Their performance in Texas at the world competition was impressive.
The Club was represented at the Mayor's Bike Ride and acknowledged for their donation of 3 bikes for needy youth

Presentation: MP Graydon Smith spoke of the volunteer work done in this town by Rotarian Peter Redwood, and the long list of his accomplishments. He noted that King Charles III Coronation medal is given to various people in many areas, as an opportunity to recognize people. The MP then presented Peter with the Coronation Medal in commemoration of His Majesty’s Coronation as King of Canada and in recognition of Peter’s valuable contribution to his country.

In response, Peter said that 'being of service was part of his upbringing' and he will keep doing it as long as he can.

District Governor, Stephen Wilkinson:

“In Rotary, it all starts by saying YES”. He said that he can see that in this club, we all say “yes”. He said that service gives meaning to our lives. This would be his last official visit of his year as DG, so he saved the best for last.

PP Rob had the pleasure of thanking DG Stephen Wilkinson and noted that a donation would be made in his name to the Rotary Foundation. In fact, since he let the 'cat out of the bag' that Huntsville Rotary is in fact is the No1 club in the District, the donation will be doubled ... proving once again that praise and flattery does get you somewhere!!

Assistant Governor Andrew Smellie: Len recognized Andrew for always being supportive of our club.

Awards:

Doug Sullivan was pinned with his Paul Harris Fellow +4 pin

Sandy McKay was pinned with his Paul Harris Fellow +4 pin

Jennifer Simpson was presented with a certificate for her contributions into the PolioPlus fund, becoming a member of the PolioPlus Society. Sharon Wallace will receive the same certificate at a later date.

Today's Speaker

Introduction of Guest Speaker:

Rotarian Lynne Doyle (Rotary Club of North Muskoka) and Paula Brundial from the Corner Lighthouse Community Hub and Foodbank:

This new foodbank has been open for just three months and they have a full roster of volunteers and great donors. There were 7,689,580 visits to foodbanks in Canada in 2024, and the usage is expected to rise by 24% in 2025. Reasons for local people using foodbanks are primarily because of seasonal employment and high cost of housing. Trinity United Church donated their basement space free of charge for two years. The foodbank uses a points-based system, and families can shop for what they want or need. Goal is to supply items that are needed, such as basic staples. They also have a student lunch program. Independent grocer has been a large sponsor; the Co-Op is a great sponsor for fresh greens and bread. Muskoka Roastery donated a one-year supply of coffee. Items supplied include laundry strips, shampoo bars.

The Hub is a support area for assistance with taxes, cooking hints, Canadian Dental Plan applications, and connecting people with services. There are many challenges; they try to build people up. Charitable status is pending.

The foodbank is 100% volunteer staffed, and they spend 96% of their funds on food. Liability insurance is their only expense. Their budget is $ 5,000 per month, to care for 175 families. The Rotary Club of Huntsville was asked to cover one month of expenses. The response was positive.

President Len Rides Off Into the Sunset

Presentation to President Len, as Outgoing President – PP Rob:

DG Steve Wilkinson and ADG Andrew Smellie were at the meeting and joined the club in thanking Len for his two years of service. PP Rob said that Len had two strong years as president and noted some of the accomplishments during his term such as Hunter’s Bay Trail and overseeing the revival of Dockfest. Rob told Len that in his spare time, he will need to get some hobbies, so in jovial manner, Len was presented with a variety of gifts to help him keep occupied from now on, such as artwork, puzzles, exercise equipment, and fun cups for a special drink. Len was thanked by the whole club for his leadership.

Len thanked Rob and said he enjoyed his time as president and accomplished his goals, everybody in the club helped out, and he also thanked Nina for her support.

Happy Bucks

Happy Bucks

-Mary thanked Rob for taking Jorge to hospital and having to spend most of the night there.

Rob responded that he then had to be at Deerhurst that morning at 6 a.m. so he only had one hour sleep.

-Charles was happy after attending his son’s wedding in Canmore.

Foundation Funding: Bill Pritchard had the winning ticket number, but he did not draw the joker.

There being no further business for the good of Rotary, President Len adjourned the meeting at 1:45 p.m.