With a new Rotary president in place and some new board members, a SWOT initiative is underway.
President Mark McFarland set the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analyis in motion at the July 5 meeting when he asked members to list what about the club falls into these categories.
The responses varied, but some common themes emerged from the small groups members formed.
One strength noted was the support,  particularly financial, the club gives to the community.
Another was the active participation among members, but more could be forthcoming. That includes volunteering at WaunaFest and other events.
One opportunity would be for members to include their children in such volunteer activities.
A threat was seen in attrition of members raising more opportunities. The club could do more to attract new members through social media and connecting with new business owners to invite them join.
More could also be done to dispel the myth that the club is for only business owners and men.
Mark and the rest of the board want to hear your ideas for making the club stronger and increasing membership. Be sure to let him  and others on the board know what you see as Rotary’s SWOTs.
In addition to Mark, Phil Willems, Jim Kattner, David Weishoff, Bob Sachtjen, Jim Pingle, Randy Guttenberg and Allison Feldbruegge serve on the board.

 

*****

Mark updated the club on donations approved at the previous board meeting. They include:
-$500 to Girls on the Run.
-$250 to the MacKenzie Environmental Center.
-$5,000 to the Waunakee library capital campaign, the second installment of the club’s $35,000 pledge.
-$250 to Schumacher Farm Park.
-$250 to Boy Scouts Glacier Edge Council.
-$250 to Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Badger Land.
-$400 for the Village of Waunakee’s Chalk Walk.

 

******

The club got to know two members a little better during the new 90 seconds of fame, wherein the greeters have a minute and a half to talk about themselves.
Dave May and his wife Candice have been married 22 years and spend a lot of time with their children, ages 15 and 9. Among other hobbies, Dave enjoys bow hunting.
Bob Lenz is a charter member of the club and was the first secretary/treasurer. At that time, he was vice president of technical services for the Oconomowoc Canning Factory where the Village Center and Cannery Row Apartments is located.
When the plant closed, he worked for Wisconsin Public Radio. Really retired this time, he is a volunteer with Theater Bus. He is also a 49-year member of the American Legion.
Bob enjoys traveling by train and is a fan of River Boats.

 

Other news:
–A farewell party for Harold, the club’s exchange student, is set for July 17. Watch the club’s Facebook page where Scott Biba will post information.
-Shelley Moffatt is taking over the Edward Jones office in Kent Washington, and will leave the club. She thanked the club for 11 years of friendship.
-A sign-up circulated for the Betty Lou Cruise for July 17. Bob Klostermann said other fellowship events are planned at the Live from the Park concerts Tuesday nights and the Thursday Community Band concerts. Watch for invites. These are kid-friendly events.
-The senior picnic is July 11 at Centennial Park. Phil says come early, stay late.

 

*******

 

Guests: Ann Becker, in Liz Diehs’ place.

Visiting Rotarians: None

 

Birthdays: July 13, Joe Olson

 

Anniversaries: July 17, Allan and Lynn Dassow; July 17, Scott and Ann Biba; July 17, Roberta Baumann and Tim Brubaker; July 18, Jim and Maria Fitzpatrick.

 

Programs: July 12, Club Assembly and Susan Vergeront on a pilgrimage to Israel.   

 

Greeters: July 12, Mark McFarland and Gordon Meicher; July 19, Nicholas Mischler and Shelley Moffatt; July 26, George Ohlendorf and Joe Olson; Aug. 2, Linda Olson and Cindy Patzner; Aug. 9, Danny Paul and Ken Pesik.