Our Weekly Meeting Venue: St. Camillus - East Residence Tower
Elmbrook Rotary Club meets every Friday morning at:
 St. Camillus - East Residence Tower
10100 W. Bluemound Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
 
Visitors Welcome! See you 7-8 a.m. for a hot breakfast & cup of coffee!
Elmbrook Rotary Club News
 
Ellie Choate, PHD, Pediatric Psychology Fellow at Children’s Hospital presented “The Importance of Limits on Screen Time” to our club members at a recent weekly meeting at St. Camillus. Her presentation is one in a series of Peacebuilding topics planned for this year.
 
Did you know the average amount of screen time for adolescents (ages12-17): 7 to 8.5 hours per day.
 
Adolescents with higher non-schoolwork screen time have:
  • Infrequent physical activity
  • Infrequent well-rested/irregular sleep schedules
  • Depression and anxiety symptoms
  • Insufficient peer support
There are pros and cons to screen time!
 
About 15.4% of high school students reported cyberbullying victimization from 2011 to 2019
Cyberbullying: Intentional and repeated harm inflicted through electronic devices and social media (Midgett et al., 2020).
 
by Ralph Gould
 
Nelson Williams, CEO of Briohn Building Corporation, a leading design-build firm in Brookfield was awarded the Elmbrook Rotary 2025 Businessperson of the Year at a recent Friday morning meeting at St. Camillus.
 
Nelson’s journey to the helm of Briohn is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Originally on a pre-med track at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a pivotal conversation with his rowing coach led him to pivot towards business, a decision that ultimately brought him into the world of commercial construction. After gaining experience in web consulting and building products sales, Nelson joined Briohn in 2007, where he quickly rose through the ranks from Sales and Marketing Director to Vice President, and then CEO in 2011.
 
Under Nelson’s leadership, Briohn has flourished not only as a builder of spaces but as a builder of community. He’s a passionate advocate for team culture, often saying that people he works with are what keep him coming to work every day. That spirit extends beyond the office. Nelson is an avid cyclist and endurance sports enthusiast who has rallied his team around charitable causes like the Trek 100, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research along the way.
 
“We support a number of initiatives designed to strengthen our community, including education, cancer research, adoption related causes, and wellness.”
 
“We have been active with the Trek 100 & the MACC Fund, the Medical College of Wisconsin, Vince Lombardi Cancer Fund, St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, University of Wisconsin, Marquette University, United Way, Make a Wish, Little Warrior, Hunger Task Force, and many more.”
 
Nelson lives in Elm Grove with his wife and two children, who are in High School and Middle School at Brookfield Academy.
 
Thank you, Nelson for exemplifying the ideals of Rotary “Service Above Self”.
 
 
On Friday December 17, the Elmbrook Rotary Club gathered at St. Camillus for our weekly Friday morning breakfast meeting, and to celebrate the Holiday Season. A great interactive program ensued with singing of Christmas carols, and a name-that-holiday-movie with quotes from classic movies.
Thank you to our musicians and song leaders with vocals by Joe Pottebaum and Gary Gilmore, Jim Finn on the keyboard, and Carina Salvatori on violin.
Movie Trivia graphics were created by Karl Schulz and projected with the tec support of Kemal Yilmaz. Greg Bonk provided media content research and event support.
 
Thank you for the fun event.
 
The Elmbrook Rotary Club over the years has partnered with many local and worldwide non-profit organizations serving communities and people around the globe. The Holiday Season provides the club with many opportunities for giving and service. Recently the club was involved with the following holiday projects:
 
Wellpoint Care Network by Jack Nelson
 
150, 15, 150... that's how many Foster Kids, Young Men and Single Dads Elmbrook Rotary helped with this year's Holiday Gifting program.
While we make the gifts to the Foster kids and the young men anonymously, we did get to see many of the single dads as they came to the Rotary Wrapping station at the Diapers for Dads event at Wellpoint.  We sure did help to make a great start to the Holidays for these Dads who are stepping up to take care of their kids.
This was our first year setting up a wrapping station. Luckily, we had some excellent wrappers and were not dependent on Jack Nelson's "wrapping skills" .
 
Thanks to Sue Cerletty, Evonne Zalewski, Cathy Selzer and her sister Jenny Hensgen, Nick Sgarlata his wife Carrie and son Gunner. Everyone involved said they hoped this would become an annual event.
Bridge to Brighter
  • Providing 15 gifts for young men who have aged out of the foster care system
  • Cleaning the lower level of one of their apartment buildings
German Holiday Market
  • Providing sponsorship and assistance for the hayrides during Saturday of the event
Woman’s Shelter in Waukesha
  • Painting rooms and hallways at the shelter
Waukesha County Food Pantry
  • At a recent meeting the club raised $805.00 at one of our Friday morning meetings by passing the jar around
Throughout the year the club is involved with many service projects. If you are interested in attending one of the projects posted on the website: www.elmbrookrotary.org, please contact us.
 
Promoting peace is the cornerstone of the Elmbrook Rotary Peacebuilder Committee mission. As part of peace sharing, Tracy Ebert from the Peace Learning Center recently presented the Center’s mission, goals, and activities with the club.
 
Peace Learning Center of Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching youth and adults in the Milwaukee area effective, standards-based programs focused on healthy communication and nonviolent conflict resolution. Their workshops empower participants to manage conflict in their daily lives and foster respect for self, others, and the environment. The mission is to be a catalyst in the community for nonviolent conflict management and respect for all.
 
Programs and Impact
  • Peacemakers’ Workshop: This flagship program provides students with tools to make healthy, nonviolent choices and manage daily conflict. The five-hour workshop builds self-esteem and confidence through cooperative games, role play, and small group study. It also includes a nature hike to connect participants with the natural world in an urban setting.
  • Circles of Peace – Middle School Workshop: Designed for adolescents, this curriculum addresses issues like the circle of violence, conflict prevention and management, and restorative justice circles.
  • Train the Trainer: PLC offers customized training packages for educators and schools outside Milwaukee, including workshop materials and ongoing support.
Community Reach
  • PLC has worked with more than 70 schools and nearly 30,000 students and adults, teaching them to handle conflicts without resorting to violence. Their workshops lay the foundation for restorative practices, improved communication, and conflict resolution skills within families and neighborhoods.
  • The organization collaborates with professionals in education, social work, counseling, violence prevention, restorative justice, and youth development, making it an integral community resource for nonviolence.
  • Website: www.plcmke.org
Thank you, Tracy for sharing the great work of the Peace Learning Center.
 
 
by Shawn Wurtzbacher
 
The Elm Grove Police, Fire, EMS, and Dispatch Departments recently recognized a member of their team with the “2025 Distinguished Service Award” sponsored by the Elmbrook Rotary Club. The award honors outstanding service and dedication to the Village of Elm Grove. Below are recipients of this year’s award and recognition from the department:
 
Officer Alexander Hockett – Elm Grove Police Department
Dispatcher Wendy Priest – Elm Grove Dispatch Department
 
“Through Officer Hockett’s and Dispatcher Priest’s active participation in community-based programs and their consistent willingness to assume additional responsibilities within the department, they have demonstrated exceptional dedication to public service. Their selection for this recognition reflects their unwavering commitment to the Elm Grove community and their outstanding contribution to advancing the department’s mission.”
 
Firefighter Claudia Roedl – Elm Grove Fire Department
 
“Claudia was chosen by department officers in recognition of her outstanding dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service. Over the past year, she responded to more than 90% of department calls and training sessions – a testament to her reliability and strong work ethic. Known for her energetic, positive attitude, Roedl consistently demonstrates a level of enthusiasm and teamwork that strengthens the department and sets a high standard for others. Claudia embodies the values and spirit every department strives for in its members. Her dedication and positive presence make a meaningful impact on our team and the community we serve.”
 
Paramedic Sonia Stowe – Elm Grove EMS Department
 
“Sonia joined us as a volunteer in 1993 as a driver and then as an EMT. She was a member of the first class from Elm Grove to complete Paramedic training, which allowed the village to become relicensed by the state of Wisconsin as a paramedic-level community. She became licensed as a Tactical Emergency Medic in 2011 and licensed as a Critical Care Paramedic in 2015. She has been a member of the administrative team of our EMS service for decades and is the backbone of the service. For several years, she was one of the top two members in the number of calls responded to. We honor her for 32 years of remarkable service to the Village of Elm Grove EMS.”
 
The Brookfield Jaycees was the steward for this award for over twenty years. The Elmbrook Rotary Club is honored to continue this award for the City of Brookfield and the Elmbrook School District, and expand it to the Village of Elm Grove.
 
Another great year at the German Holiday Market held in the Civic Plaza in the City of Brookfield. Seventeen Rotarians assisted at the Hayride and provided information about Rotary projects,  creating life changes around the world and locally… at a booth in the main tent.
 
Thank you to our volunteers for your Holiday and Community giving Spirit; Mark Thurner, Mark Zalewski, Bill Petterson, Jack Nelson, Sandy Wysocki, Gary Gilmore , John Scott, Mike Hogan, John Allen, Fatima Shana, Ralph Gould, Scott Dryburgh, Kate Bloomberg, Karl Schulz, Jean Guzzetta, Jim Dunn, and Bill Selzer.
 
Recently the Club received two excellent presentations from the Brookfield East Launch and Beast Rototics programs, at our Friday morning Sunrise meetings. Launch was presented by Bob Hall, Executive Director, and Beast Mentor Richard Oakes, along with senior Ayush from the team.
The Launch Program at Brookfield East High School is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world professional experiences. Through innovative partnerships, hands-on projects, and career-focused learning, students gain the skills and insights needed to thrive beyond high school. This program provides students with:
  • Career Exploration
  • Project-based Learning
  • Mentorship
  • Internships
  • College and Career Readiness
This program provides an enhanced understanding of potential career paths and industry, and the development of professional skills relevant to the modern workforce.
Bob and his team of mentors have given Launch students inspiration, and a head start in a path to a future of exciting possibilities.
 
by Mark Zalewski
 
20 Enthusiastic Elmbrook Rotarian made the trek to the Machine Shed restaurant on Saturday for the first event of the Elmbrook Rotary 2025 "Drive Out Polio" Triathlon. 
 
There to pile on the pancakes and shovel in the eggs where Larry and Claudia Rovens, Harry and Anne Farchmin, Karl Schulz, Tom and Linda Curl, Doug and Janie Jacobson, Greg Bonk, Jim Dunn, John Allen, Shawn Wurtzbacher, Dr Tom Steinbach, Prez Dave, Paul Langer, Lydia Miller and Mark and Evonne Zalewski.
 
Winner of the first Event - The Carbo-Loading - was none other than Larry Rovens - attacking a slice of coffee cake the size of the Chicago phone book before going after Claudia's blueberry pancakes.   On the way out the door, the local boy scouts took advantage of Karl and Paul's sweet tooth - selling candy bars to help their troop.
 
The effort required lifting those forks at breakfast took it's toll and only nine intrepid Rotarians - the Zalewskis, Curls, Jacobsons, Paul, Karl and Jim moved on to Event 2 - the 45 mile Kettle Moraine Drive.   Jim Dunn won this event hands down before it even started, with the Coolest Car Award - for his Red Hot Corvette.
 
 
by Noaman Sharief
 
The Elmbrook Rotary annual golf outing began as an informal outing during the pandemic - first one at Blackstone Creek Golf Club on Sep 29, 2020.
 
Barry was an avid, devoted Rotarian whose own maternal grandfather, Canadian John Nelson, served as Rotary International President during 1933-34. Barry himself served terms on Rotary International District 6270's District Grant Committee and Global Grant Committee. In the local club he served as ERC President during 1990-91.
 
Sadly, Barry James passed away in spring/summer of 2021. At which point, I proposed to call this annual event “Barry James Memorial Golf Outing” with proceeds funding the educational endowment fund - which Barry was passionate about. 
We held this at a number of different courses, as well at The Luxe, and at the Ironwood Golf Course in 2024.
 
The format remains the same - no rules, no "fundraising", come as you are and have fun!
 
As the official "Tribute" notes, "It never mattered what his score was as long as he got the round in within 2 ½ hours."
 
“Special thanks to our fellow ER Rotarians, pictured, who continue to support this event year after year.”
About Elmbrook Rotary
Elmbrook Rotary Club was founded by 26 Brookfield and Elm Grove, Wisconsin, USA business leaders to promote fellowship as a foundation for community service, ethical ideals and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace. Elmbrook Rotary Club is also proud to sponsor The Brookfield East High School Interact Club, a service oriented group of high school students. Our mailing address is: Elmbrook Rotary, P.O. Box 1014, Brookfield WI 53008-1014.
 
ERC Peace Initiative
Elmbrook Rotary Club has embarked upon a "Peace Building Project."
 
 
Announced and previewed on Friday, October 18, the project will stretch over multiple years as the club and its membership engage in peace building in Milwaukee.
 
View the embedded video from the Rotary Action Group for Peace. If not viewable, follow the URL linked to "Rotary: Peace Is . . ."
 
For a detailed look at ERC's peace initiative, view the PDF entitled "ERC Peace Building Project." Above all, stay tuned and become involved as the project unfolds.
Rotary 2025-2026 Theme
 
 
Thank You 2025/2026 Club Sponsors :
Rotary Four-Way Test
Of the things we think, say or do:
  1. Is it the truth?
  2. Is it fair to all concerned?
  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
  4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Service Above Self
- Learn more about our guiding principles
 
Rotary's Four Way Test

Of the things we think, say or do:

  1. Is it the truth?
  2. Is it fair to all concerned?
  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
  4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Service Above Self

- See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/5700/#sthash.YgEI863i.dpuf

Of the things we think, say or do:

  1. Is it the truth?
  2. Is it fair to all concerned?
  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
  4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Service Above Self

- See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/5700/#sthash.YgEI863i.dpuf

Of the things we think, say or do:

  1. Is it the truth?
  2. Is it fair to all concerned?
  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
  4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Service Above Self

- See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/5700/#sthash.YgEI863i.dpuf
 
 
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Meetings and Speakers
Board of Directors Meeting
Jan 27, 2026 6:00 PM
Sister MacCanon Brown-President/CEO MBHS
Jan 30, 2026
MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary
Roxanne Baumann, Global Business Strategist
Feb 03, 2026
Export Growth in a Tariff-Driven World--Managing Risk Without Losing Momentum--O'Donoghue's at 6pm
Lt. Joe Zientek & Ofc. Dexter Schleis Wauwatosa PD
Feb 13, 2026
Using Evidence-based Policing Strategies to Police Smarter
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Rotary’s alumni honoree works to transform mindsets in peacebuilding efforts

Rotary’s alumni honoree works to transform mindsets in peacebuilding

The game changer

Meet your 2026-27 Rotary president, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola

Indian developer donates US$50 million to The Rotary Foundation

Ravishankar Dakoju pledged that he and his wife and fellow club member, Paola Dakoju, would donate approximately US$50 million (4.5 billion Indian rupees) to The Rotary Foundation.

Olayinka H. Babalola urges members of Rotary to Create Lasting Impact

Rotary International president-elect emphasizes effective action and ‘embracing the world with open arms’

Club Officers
President
President Elect
Club Vice President
President Elect Nominee
Secretary
Sergeant-at-Arms
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Club Treasurer
Club Foundation Treasurer
Director Class of 2026
Director Class of 2026
Director Class of 2027
Director Class of 2027
Director Class of 2028
Director Class of 2028
Director (Past President-Class of 2025)
Community Service
Membership
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Public Image Chair
Satellite Chair
Satellite Chair Elect
Satellite Secretary
Vocational Service
Major Fundraising
Social Committee
Sunshine Committee
Peacebuilder
Youth Exchange Officer
Club Foundation Chair
In Recognition . . .
 
The Elmbrook Rotary Club and Foundation are pleased to recognize the following individuals.
 
Foundation Director Emeritus:
     William Isbister (deceased)
 
Club Honorary Members:
Honorary members are those who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service and embody Rotary ideals, or those considered friends of Rotary for their support of Rotary's causes. ERC honorary members are Scott Dryburgh, Tom Ehrsam, Ron Jones,  Jane Koons, & Renato Westby.

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