President Will welcomed everyone to the meeting.  Bill Sibeon led the national anthem.  Birthday greetings were extended to Carol Gibson.

Introduction of Guests – Gord Mitchell:  Guest Speakers Suzanne Willett (morning club), Jennifer Jerrett (evening club) Rotary Exchange student Laura, Emma Miller from Rotary club in Kitchener, Carol Gibson, Nina Semper Ross, Fran Mitchell.

Club Business:

Gord Mitchell had a call from our 1988 Exchange Student, who came to Canada 37 years ago today. 

Will Gibson – On September 17, at 6:30 pm, there will be an Alzeimer’s presentation at Trinity United Church as a joint effort by all three Rotary clubs in Huntsville. The documentary “No More Silent Battles” will be shown. The four families featured are mostly Rotarians. This will be recorded and a link will be provided.  Later, at 7:30 pm at the Algonquin Theatre, Doppler and The Rotary Club of Huntsville will sponsor a mayor’s debate.  Questions will be solicited prior to the event. 

Dockfest - Jamie Thompson: $ 50,000 was presented to the hospital foundation. This is an important event to our community.  They had a very good committee and Charles Bridle has agreed to be co-chair next year. The target amount for 2027 will be $ 75,000.  There is a strong partnership with the hospital foundation.  All photos and videos are available on the club website. Gord noted that Paul Evans did a great job as head of the pit crew.  It was a team effort.

Motion that the net proceeds for Dockfest 2027, 2028 and 2029 go to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.  Seconded by Bill Sibeon.  Approved by show of hands. 

Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament - Bill Sibeon: This club’s entry consisting of Bill Sibeon, Will Gibson, Bob Gibb and Paul Evans played 18 holes of golf in the pouring rain and tied for first place. 

World Community Service Committee – Jennifer Simpson:  The committee’s budgeted amount of $ 3,600 to ShelterBox has been sent to help in Nepal.  This amount makes our club a donor at the Silver Hero level.  Also, the budget contained an amount of $ 1,000 for disaster relief and that amount has been dispatched to the Rotary Club in Nepal that we regularly support to help with their disaster efforts.  Funds have also been sent to the Optimum Guatemala Relief Project to assist in the Dental Clinic portion of the program. 

District Conference Huntsville Pit Stop – Jennifer Simpson:  On Thursday September 24, members are encouraged to turn out to support DG Drew at the “Pit Stop” event at Canvas Brewery as the more northerly Rotarians make their way to the conference in Peterborough the next day.  Home hosting may be required. 

Annual Rotary Auction – Charles Bridle: The packages for members to request donations will be ready at the next Rotary meeting.  From November 28-December 6 the auction will be live. 

Introduction of Guest Speaker – Will Gibson:  Suzanne Willett is the Executive Director of Community Living in Huntsville, a not-for-profit, registered charity that supports more than 300 children and adults.  She has a background in human resources and operations and is committed to equity and inclusion. 

Guest Speaker – Suzanne Willett: In 1876 Community Living opened its first facility for people with disabilities in Orillia.  Suzanne gave a brief history of the charity, which has been operating in Huntsville since 1962. The vision: Creating a Community of Belonging Together. Purpose: To promote and advance meaningful choice and real inclusion for people with developmental disabilities, so people, families and our community can thrive. 

Suzanne then turned the mike over to Jennifer Jerrett, Community Engagement Specialist. Jennifer said that there are no funds provided for capital needs. They are renovating their home at 18 Main Street West at a cost of $ 1.2 million.  Still needed is $ 700,000. Their Youth Employment Services help youth to find jobs.  Transportation creates access and belonging.  They require $ 130,000 annually to maintain and replace their standard and accessible vehicles. 

How can the Rotary club help?  They asked for a donation of $ 25,000 as a one-time gift, or five $ 5,000 donations as a partner to help all to live a meaningful life.

Questions:

How many people will be housed in the property on Main Street?  There are  four apartments, suitable for five people. The waitlist for affordable homes in 4-10 years in Huntsville and much longer for disabled folks. 

How many volunteers do they have?  Their board is voluntary, but there are no other volunteers.  There are 90 employees. 

Do they have a program for employment at Canadian Tire or other companies?  Their people who work at Canadian Tire are hired there.  They do real work for real pay. 

Is there a requirement for external review committee?  The ministry does an audit every year. 

President Will thanked Suzanne and Jennifer for their presentation and presented them with a cheque for $ 5,000, as Community Living was part of this year’s commitment. 

Jennifer Simpson will be singing, along with others, at River Mill Park Farmer’s Market this Sunday from 10 am til 2 pm.

George Young gave $ 25.00 as this is his last meeting in the Huntsville Club after 25 years of membership.  He and Rose are moving to Wasaga Beach and he has already joined the Rotary club there. 

Lynne Thompson welcomed exchange student Laura to the club. 

Will gave $ 1.00 for Carol’s birthday. 

Foundation Funding:  Emma Miller drew Nina Ross’ ticket, and Nina, who will be inducted as a member next meeting, found the joker!  She donated her winnings back to the club.