Waunakee Rotarians spent the Feb. 23 meeting with a bit of introspection, using the club assembly time to reflect on that monthly exercise of meeting in committee to discuss projects and then reporting to the larger club. President Joe Baer and Incoming President Jennifer Tasker hope to make some improvements to the committee structure and wanted to gather input on the club assembly practice. 

Here are some of the committee member comments: 

-For the community service committee, meeting in the same room as the other committees, rather than separately, is a good thing, since many of the other committees’ work falls into that category, as well. 

-A few commented that the committees could use clearer structure and an outline of what the role is. 

-One strength of Rotary is the members’ loyalty, as they attend every week. One improvement could be board members acting as liaisons to the committees and different structures of the committees. 

-One improvement to the club could be a better way to involve newer members

-Several agreed they would rather meet in committee during club assembly at the regular meetings, rather than outside of meeting times. 

-We could make better use of the committee folders, with more information about the committee roles inside. 

-Meeting and reporting as committees helps to inform the other club members about the work.

Some committees also provided updates of their work: 

-New purchases are coming for the Rotary Lights Display. 

-We should be voting on the business person of the year soon. Also, the youth and vocation committee is working on the scholarship applications and the Rotary youth exchange. 

******

Other News:

-The Rotary Foundation received a $5,000 State Farm Insurance grant, thanks to Troy Salisbury’s efforts.

-Rotarians can volunteer for the Solo Ensemble Festival March 4 at Waunakee High School. 

-Janette Jordee and Alyson Schaefer, who spoke to the club about human trafficking recently, are hosting a fundraiser for Global 1nspiration and Mental Fitness for Teens at the Waunakee Public Library Saturday. 

-Todd Schmidt reminded the club that those little slips left at the tables showing next week’s speakers, and the time, date and location of the meeting, are meant to hand to others as invitations. 

-You can help stuff eggs for the Easter Bunny event March 30; the event is April 1. Any donations can be brought to the village center; these can be gift certificates, pencils or other useful things for children. 

Guests: Dan Piazza, guest of Tony Burns; Jodi McDaniel, guest of Kevin McDaniel. 

Visiting Rotarians: None. 

Birthdays: Feb. 24, Danny Paul.

Anniversaries: None.

Greeters: March 2, Allen Jaeger and Roxanne Johnson; March 9, Jim Kattner and Kevin Kearney; March 16, Bill Kennedy and David Kennedy; March 23, Tom Kennedy and Crispin Kenney.