President Jennifer was wearing her other hat for this meeting. She is an important part of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation team and we met at their office for an update on the Foundation's progress and challenges and to tour the planned MRI facility. After the tour the members gathered adjacent to the Foundation offices. Jennifer opened her comments with a land acknowledgement in the spirit of reconciliation. This was particularly relevant on this day as it was National Indigenous Awareness Day in Canada. 

Following Jennifer's comments Foundation Exec Director Katherine Craine praised Rotary for there historical and ongoing support for the Hospital, acknowledging that over the past 20+ years the Huntsville Club has donated in excess on $300,000 to assist the Foundation in their work.

 

Rotarian Rob Saunders acknowledged the important partnership that works effectively for both groups and proceeded to present Katherine with a 'big cheque' acknowledging the Club's commitment to donate $100,000 over a ten year period. This is the third such pledge of this kind and, to make it even more impactful, an initial cheque for $25,000 was presented to kick the pledge off. 

 

 

 

Other Notices

 

Volunteers are needed for July 1 Canada Day celebrations at Muskoka Heritage Place

We are cooking Back Bacon on a Bun between 9 and 1pm This is a fundraiser for us.

 

In July we are giving the Legion Ladies a break and going to Boston Pizza for 2 meetings July 5 and July 19th

 

July 4th is the ANETA Farewell BBQ at President Jen's house

Very quietly our Club was involved in a Friendship Exchange during the past few weeks. Through the very hard work of outgoing DG Richard Denton a group of 8 Rotarians, from various clubs in India, visited Canada. Initially hosted by Clubs in the Sudbury area, and treated to a whirlwind four days of tours and activities, the 4 couples then dispersed to various homes in the District. One such home was the Beechwood Path residence of Rob and Beth Saunders, who had the pleasure of hosting Sonal and Kishnor Rajpopot, from Rajkot, the fourth largest city in the Gujarat State area of India.

Sonal (wife) is an IVF technician and Kishnor (Husband) is a hospital administrator at the private hospital owned and run by Sonal's sister. Kishnor is actually retired but I got the impression he still has his hand somewhat in the business. The couple have a son who works with Microsoft in Seattle and after their Canadian adventure they were heading to visit him for 5 weeks and then taking an Alaskan cruise. All this to avoid the rainy season (and visit family). Kind of like our snowbirds deserting us during the winter (L Ross; G Young; P Evans take note)

The couple were lovely guests and a number of great conversations were had over coffee on the Saunder's deck in the morning. I'm sure all of the Indian travellers were adjusting to how much open space we have in this country, including the long drives between Towns and events. It wasn't all fun and games however.

The Rajpopots, both in the medical field, were treated to a tour of a number of areas of our local hospital (thanks Jennifer). Since the majority of hospitals in India are private, and the level of care seems very much tied to what you can afford, the comparison of the two countries medical care lead to more than one discussion. During the day the Hosts and Guests  toured Huntsville and visited some of Rotary's projects;

 

 

They also got to experience the Dorset Fire Tower (both climbed to the top!); Ragged Falls; Lion's Lookout

  

 

We couldn't resist taking them for a ride on the Wenonah out of Gravenhurst. 

 

and who could resist having a pic sitting on the Deerhurst Muskoka Chair

 

All in all a lovely four days before they were taken to Bracebridge for another two days of experiences. Following that they headed to Niagara Falls and Toronto to cap off this leg of their travels.

Rotarian Rob and his wife may be participating in the return portion of the Friendship Exchange, sometime in November of this year, to be determined in upcoming discussions.

        

Date	Caller	Ph 1	Ph 2	Tech	Money Pickup
27-Jun	Rob	Trish	John D	Dave	Rob
04-Jul	Deb	Bill	Henri	Len	Rob