Rotary Club of HuntsvilleMeeting Notes February 4,2026
President Will opened the meeting by welcoming everyone.The national anthem was led by PDG Ron Strickland.
Guests were introduced by Gord Mitchell: Nick Peroschy from the Morning Club, Diane Boston from the Evening Club, Fran Mitchell, Carol Gibson, and past member Rob Saunders.
Club Business:
Dockfest – President Will: Chairs for most of the key positions have been assigned.Dave and Brandy VanGelder will be involved again this year.
2026 Ontario 55+ Winter Games:Members Peter and Charles are working today for the games.
Treasurer – Bob Gibb: The club will no longer keep members’ credit cards on file for payment of lunches and other expenses.Bill Pritchard checks the club mail box.
Birthday Party – Gord Mitchell:A party for Fran’s 82nd birthday will be held on Saturday February 7 at Trinity United Church Hall, from 2-4 pm.All are welcome to attend.
International Service Report – Jennifer Simpson:This club has supported the ShelterBox organization for several years.In year 2024-25, we donated $ 3,600 which brought us into the Silver Level, the “Hero Program”, and we have received a certificate.We will donate to the Silver level again for this 2025-26year.
Guest Speaker –by Zoom:Mary Blomquist was to join us from North Carolina to speak about how to avoid being scammed.The connection not able to be made so she will be rescheduled for another meeting.In the meantime, Jennifer presented a slide show as a tribute to Rob Saunders – many photographs over the years of Rob and other Rotarians, hard at work for the good of Rotary, and lots of fun times, too.Following the picture show, Rob spoke to the members.He and Beth have been living at a relative’s home in the Ottawa area since leaving Huntsville on December 13, 2025.They have now purchased a new home in Stittsville, a suburban community about 20 km from downtown Ottawa.They will move into their new home in April, but will be going on vacation later this week for six weeks.Rob has already skated on the Rideau Canal, and they are enjoying being close to their children and grandchildren.Rob said he will miss the camaraderie in Huntsville.
Liz was happy as today is her daughter’s birthday, and for a treat, she is taking her to Bingo at the Legion tonight.
Ron asked how many in the room have had cataract surgery?He has just joined that group.
Jennifer was happy that the Winter Games are here.She volunteered at the opening ceremony and met Kurt Browning.
Mary will be driving 3 exchange students to Lakefield on Friday for the weekend.The weather forecast is not good.Exchange student Ava will soon know her destination country.
Debbie Kirwin got to curl last weekend for the first time in 20 years, due to the recent accessibility renovations. TSN chose Huntsville this year to attend the Huntsville Curling Club’s 125th anniversary celebrations and Debbie was interviewed – which can be viewed on TSN.
Bob noted that this club gave a donation of $ 5,000 to the curling club last year for their accessibility renovations.
Jennifer spoke for Rick that he turned 70 on Sunday, and he had a hip replacement a few days prior. Rick and Sandra’s Hospital Foundation appeal for a match of $ 25,000 has raised nearly $ 200,000.Congratulations to Rick and Sandra.
Nick saw Deb’sgreat TSN interview; also he was happy to see Rob again.
Foundation Funding:Rob drew Jennifer’s ticket, but she did not draw the joker.
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