My wife, Kristin and I just returned from the Rotary International Convention in Los Angeles. Not only was this our first trip to LA, but it was our first RI Convention and what a wonderful experience for the both of us. We met so many great people from around the world who all have the same thing in common: “Service Above Self.”

As we all move forward to the new Rotary year under the leadership of DK Lee, every Rotary club around the globe will try to “Make Dreams Real” for the many children in this world who deserve to dream. Reducing child mortality is the central theme of 2008-2009. More than 25,000 children under the age of 5 die EVERY DAY and Rotary will do everything in its power to bring this number down over the next few years.

Our club will take part in an international service project that will help achieve President Lee’s goal. On a more local level, Waunakee Rotary will make sure child safety seats are installed properly with the help of the Dean Foundation.

Other International and District goals that we will focus on include: increasing membership, supporting the Rotary Foundation, and of course, the on-going battle of eradicating Polio.

As I think of all the great things we can do as a club in the coming year, I am reminded of an old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Our club is in great shape heading into ’08-’09. We are active both locally and internationally and we have lots of fun!

But there is always room for improvement and I would like to see our club focus on the following:

1. Support new members (educate them and get them involved)

2. Have broader participation amongst our members

3. Better support of the Rotary Foundation (EREY)

4. Strong support of local projects/ fundraisers

(i.e. Great Rotary Walk & Wauktoberfest)

5. Receive Presidential Citation

6. Have Fun!

As always, anyone is welcome to join us for our weekly meetings held at Rex’s Innkeeper in Waunakee every Thursday from Noon-1:00 pm.

Sincerely

Dan Statz - President