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Russell Hampton
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Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Elmbrook (Brookfield)
We Rise & Shine
Fridays at 7:00 AM
Western Racquet Club
1800 Highland Drive
Elm Grove, WI 53122
United States of America
Currently meeting via Zoom.
DistrictSiteIcon
District Site
VenueMap
Venue Map
Upcoming Events
ERC & Foundation BoD meeting
Zoom
Mar 24, 2021
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
 
March Social: Eagle Park Brewery
Eagle Park Brewery
Mar 25, 2021
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Mar 26, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Apr 02, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Apr 09, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Rotary Straight Shooters - April Outing Waukesha Gun Club
Waukesha Gun Club
Apr 15, 2021
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Apr 16, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Apr 23, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Apr 30, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
May 07, 2021 7:00 AM
 
View entire list
Speakers
Mar 26, 2021
Milwaukee Department of City Development
Apr 02, 2021
Spikes Kick-Off
Apr 09, 2021
High Speed Rail Alliance
Apr 16, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers
Apr 23, 2021 7:00 AM
Single Stream Recycling - How it Works & Where Does it All Go?
Apr 30, 2021
Elmbrook Education Foundation
May 07, 2021
Milwaukee REP
May 14, 2021
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC)
View entire list
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Rotary gets the job done where others failed.

 

Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors worked together in a nationwide project that promoted behavior change and initiated safety standards for businesses.

 

Facing the challenges of COVID-19, Rotary clubs and partner organizations are finding new ways to support access to education.

 

The $2 million grant goes toward Rotary club-led Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia program; an additional $4 million contributed by partners the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and World Vision USA.

 

Rotary-led Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia awarded US$6 million to reduce burden of malaria in heavily affected districtsLUSAKA, Zambia (March 9, 2021) — To help end a leading cause of illness and death in the southern

 
Photo Albums
2019 Spikes for Tykes
Guatemala Team 2019
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
Immediate Past President
 
Director (Past President)
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Membership
 
Programs
 
Programs
 
Public Image Chair
 
The Rotary Foundation
 
 
Elmbrook Rotary Club is pleased to recognize the following . . .
 
Emeritus Director:
     William Isbister (deceased)
 
Honorary Members:
     Tom Ehrsam, Jane Koons,
     & Renato Westby
Stories
Anyone Desire In-Person Socializing?
Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) has returned to in-person monthly socials after an hiatus of many months caused by COVID-19. Hooray!
 
Many ERC members have been longing for the opportunity to get together with fellow Rotarians. The time has come. The next gathering will be on Thursday, March 25, at the Eagle Park Brewing Company in Muskego (S64 W15640 Commerce Center Parkway), just east of S. Moorland Road and south of W. College Ave. Socializing begins at 5:00 p.m.
 
 
Eagle Park Brewing just recently opened this new location in Muskego. It offers a brewery, distillery, tasting room, restaurant, private parking lot, and private event space. Do join the group for conversation, drink, & food.
 
Want to Meet In-Person?
Elmbrook Rotary Club is not yet "formally" meeting in person, nor does it intend to change the venue for its normal meeting space. However, some members have been meeting in-person with very limited numbers. ERC Director Jackson Bubolz is leading the effort.
 
The small group gathers on Friday mornings at the Sendik's Food Market at The Corners of Brookfield. Address is 20222 Lower, Union Street. The market has a roomy mezzanine area which accommodates a small group. Face masks and social distancing are utilized. The kiosk (lower level) offers coffee, espresso, cappuccino, tea, and baked goods (or anything else in the grocery store) for purchase.
 
Please arrive no later than 6:50 a.m. on Friday mornings to make your purchases and to socialize. The online Zoom meeting begins at 7:00 a.m., for which purpose you need to bring along a smart phone, laptop, or tablet. The hope is to maintain safe practices as we defeat the menacing coronavirus, yet interact live once again. Come check it out!
March Birthdays & Anniversaries
 
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in March.
 
"By March, the worst of the winter would be over. The snow would thaw, the rivers begin to run and the world would wake into itself again." ―Neil Gaiman
 
Happy Birthday! Wishing a wonderful year of good health, happiness and success to our members:
  • Mark Bruce
  • Dave Engle
  • Kevin Roche
  • Charley Shirley
ERC also recognizes the following membership anniversaries:
  • Thomas Steinbach, 3 years
  • Tom Hochuli, 6 years
  • Linda Edelstein, 8 years
  • Don Down, 17 years
  • Joe Pottebaum, 21 years
  • Tony Consiglio, 24 years
  • Erik Moeser, 41 years
 
Read more...
Rotary Peace Fellowships - Apply Now!
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Our fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and 80 for certificate studies at premier universities throughout the world.
 
Choose the program that's right for you

Master’s degree programs

Accepted candidates study peace and development issues with research-informed teaching and a diverse student body. The programs last 15 to 24 months and include a two- to three-month field study, which participants design themselves.

Professional development certificate program

During the one-year blended learning program, experienced peace and development professionals with diverse backgrounds gain practical skills to promote peace within their communities and across the globe. Fellows complete field studies, and they also design and carry out a social change initiative. This program is intended for working professionals.

Application timeline

The Rotary Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 Rotary Peace Fellowship program.

Candidates have until 15 May to submit online applications to The Rotary Foundation. Districts must submit their endorsement decisions to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July. Click here for detailed information.

Puzzles and Paradoxes in Economics & Finance
Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) was both educated and entertained by a world-renowned economist, Dr. Mark Skousen, in its weekly Zoom virtual meeting on Friday, March 12.
 
Mark Skousen, Ph. D., editor of Forecasts & Strategies, is a nationally known investment expert, economist, university professor, and author of more than 25 books. In July 2018 Dr Skousen was awarded the inaugural Triple Crown in Economics for his work in economic theory, history, and education, and has been identified as one of the 20 most influential living economists.
 
In his presentation to ERC, Dr. Skousen challenged members to solve some of the world's most interesting puzzles and paradoxes in economics and finances. Keeping the audience completely engaged, he won more than a few "converts" to his economic theories. A PDF copy of his presentation slides can be accessed here.
 
 
A limited number of Dr. Skousen's book, The Maxims of Wall Street, were made available on the ERC's online auction site, and proceeds were given to The FOOD Pantry of Waukesha County. Additional copies are available for purchase on Amazon.com. Access by clicking here or on the image above.
ERC Partners with Jhoole
The Elmbrook Rotary Club's International Committee has elected to  support a unique collaboration between Jhoole in India and Womanspace in Rockford, IL.
 
Jhoole is a nonprofit ethical fashion social enterprise based in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, India. Founded by Hannah Warren, a past Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and President Elect for the Rockford Rotary Club, Jhoole employs women to help them gain economic independence, invest in education and break the cycle of poverty in their community. Jhoole focuses on empowering women both financially, through employment and vocational training, and as individuals, through community programming in literacy, mindfulness, health, and creative arts.
 
In a new collaboration, Jhoole has partnered with Womanspace, a unique nonprofit organization in Rockford, IL, that focuses on empowering women to become creative, confident, impactful leaders. A group of artists from Jhoole and Womanspace have cross-pollinated ideas and techniques to design an athleisurewear collection that will be manufactured, hand-dyed and block-printed by Jhoole. The collection is available for purchase here.
 
Jeff Reed, Past District Governor of RI District 6270 and himself a supporter of Jhoole, has penned the following letter of appreciation and update:
 
Thank you again for your support of Jhoole!  To date, contributions from your club and other Rotary Clubs in Wisconsin and Illinois have raised over $10,000 for the Labyrinth project collection of athleisurewear. 
 
Hannah Warren has returned from her trip to India.  I want to share with you some updates from her on Jhoole.
 
The Labyrinth Collection
The contribution of your club in support of Jhoole is very beneficial in their production of the great new Labyrinth Collection of athleisure wear.  It has launched and is now available.  You can see more about The Labyrinth Collection at: https://www.jhoole.org/pages/the-labyrinth-collection
 
“Experience India” fundraiser event
This multi-faceted, virtual event will be available for the entire month of March, Women's History Month, until March 31st.  Take a look at  www.jhoole.org.  You can contribute to view Indian Culture Premium Programs;  Shop the Labrinth Collection of athleisure wear;  Participate in the Experience India Auction of over 150 items; or buy a gift card from the Womanspace shop for use at the House of India restaurant. 
 
Online newsletter
This tells the story of the fundraiser and breaks down all the components of the event and how people can support it.  See
 
The History of Jhoole
This new 10-minute documentary about Jhoole was filmed this past January in Maheshwar with the support of Rotary International.  If you have not seen it here is the link  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHkVpNP7kT0
 
Videos
Explore videos of Indian culture, history and traditions at www.jhoole.org .  See Tamil Folk Dance, learn about Cooking Authenti Aloo Gobi, observe Bollywood Dance, watch a Kerala Boat Dance, and much more. 
 
Feel free to pass this information on to your club members.
 
Best wishes.
 
Jeff
Jeffrey G. Reed, PDG (17-18), RID 6270
Read more...
Puzzle Palooza Nets $10,000
Elmbrook Rotary's Puzzle Palooza online auction netted $10,000 in support of The FOOD Pantry Serving Waukesha County.
 
The online auction had over 200 items, including some new puzzles and puzzle company gift cards. The $10,000 was raised through bidding on gently-used puzzles and cash contributions (both matched dollar for dollar with a grant from the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation).
 
Karen Tredwell, Executive Director of The FOOD Pantry, reports that pantry usage was 30% higher in April, May, & June of 2020 compared to 2019, and increased usage has remained comparable this year. The FOOD Pantry is currently serving about 6,000 individuals per month throughout the entire Waukesha County area. A "digital check" was presented to Director Tredwell in ERC's Zoom meeting on Friday, March 5. The paper check was sent via USPS.
 
 
The FOOD Pantry intends to utilize the funds received from Elmbrook Rotary for the new mobile unit at Elmbrook School District's Burleigh Elementary School. A major article in the March 2021 edition (see p. 7) of Elm Grove News - Independent features the fundraiser. Click here or on the image above to access a PDF copy of the EGNI edition.
Water and Sanitation Month

The Rotary theme (emphasis) for the month of March is "Water and Sanitation."

Clean water is a basic need for human beings. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, they live healthier and more productive lives. However, at least 3,000 children die each day from diseases caused by unsafe water, which is what motivates Rotary members to build wells, install rainwater harvesting systems, and teach community members how to maintain new infrastructure.

While very few people die of thirst, millions die from preventable waterborne diseases, providing the impetus for our members to also improve sanitation facilities in undeveloped countries. Members start by providing toilets and latrines that flush into a sewer or safe enclosure and then add education programs to promote hand-washing and other good hygiene habits.

From the various water projects in which Rotary has participated, we have come to know the obstacles that many people across the globe face when it comes to some of the basic necessities of life. We tend to take for granted the clean and generally safe and plentiful water sources to which we have access. 

RI District 6270 Announces Global Grant Scholarship Recipient
Rotary International (RI) District 6270 is pleased to announce the selection of Alaina Eckert, Sussex, WI, as its Global Grant Scholarship applicant for 2021-2022.
 
Ms. Eckert is a graduate of Sussex Hamilton H.S. and of The University of Wisconsin—Madison. She has already begun a dual degree, Master of Science/Master of International Nature Conservation, in a cooperative program of the Georg-August Universität in Göttingen, Germany, and Lincoln University in Lincoln, New Zealand.
 
The amount of the Global Grant Scholarship is U.S. $30,000. RI District 6270 is providing $15,000 of that amount, and The Rotary Foundation is matching it with another $15,000. The Rotary Foundation, RI districts, and Rotary clubs invest in our future leaders and philanthropists by funding scholarships for graduate study through the Global Grant Scholarship program. Information about Rotary’s other scholarship programs can be accessed at:  https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships.
 
The practical approach of Ms. Eckert's study program is to preserve the integrity of nature, in combination with the assessment of risk management and conservation strategy, and offers an invaluable experience in the education of international conservation. The four-semester program offers new perspectives to maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems that allow local communities to be resilient to future ecological changes, maintain economic stability and growth, use adaptive conservation management strategies for both the betterment of the community and the ecosystem, and preserve critical ecological systems. Thus, Ms. Eckert’s program of studies aligns with RI’s “Community Economic Development” Area of Focus, and it anticipates close alignment with RI’s newest Area of Focus, “Protecting the Environment,” which becomes effective on July 1, 2021.
Read more...
More Changes to TRF Global Grants
The Rotary Foundation (TRF) has announced additional changes to its Global Grants program. The first major change occurred last year when TRF decided that World fund resources will be used to match only District Designated Fund (DDF) contributions, and the match remained at 100%. This change was because, due to COVID-19 distributions, TRF fully expended the Global Grant budget.
 
The most recent change takes effect on July 1, 2021, and includes the following:
 
1. DDF contributions transferred to Polio Plus will be matched at 50% (instead of 100%)
2. The World Fund match of DDF will be reduced from 100% to 80% when being used for Global Grants.
3. 5% of the current year’s Annual fund-SHARE contributions will be taken equally from the World Fund and DDF to help fund operating expenses. (i.e., for every $100 contribution, $5 will go to operating expenses, $47.50 to DDF, and $47.50 to the World Fund).
4. The ability to roll over unused DDF will be limited to five years. The first DDF rollover redirection will take place on 1 July 2026. Currently there is $48.8 million DDF being carried by various districts throughout the world, and TRF desires to put those monies to work. [NOTE:  RI District 6270, in which Elmbrook Rotary is located, does NOT carry over large amounts of DDF from one year to the next. Rather, a rollover occurs only when the amount is already designated for a particular purpose.]
More COVID-19 Casualties
COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on organizations' meetings and activities. Rotary is no exception.
 
RI District 6270 has been forced to conduct its annual Pre-PETS seminar online (via Zoom). Likewise, the seven-district Midwest PETS (President-Elect Training Seminar) will be conducted via Zoom. The Rotary Midwest President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) is one of the largest multi-district PETS in the United States.  It was formed in 2012 with a view to becoming a premier training event with the atmosphere of a mini Rotary International Convention by leveraging the expertise and buying power of seven Rotary Districts from Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin—Districts 6220, 6250, 6270, 6420, 6440, 6450, 6460.
 
And, the Rotary International Convention, originally scheduled for Taipei, Taiwan, will likewise be "virtual" again this year. Click here to access detailed information on registrations, refunds, etc.
ERC Member Jim Dunn Continues to Support AHD
Even before celebrating Elmbrook Rotary's successful receipt of a $98,000 Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation (TRF), ERC member Jim Dunn continued his ongoing support of Andean Health & Development (AHD) by participating in its annual group bike ride in September 2021.
 
Because of the global pandemic, this annual fundraiser became "virtual" this year. Some 143 cyclists in 17 different states and four different countries participated. Generosity from 369 donors resulted in net contributions of $634,935 from the annual fundraiser.
 
Be sure to read the article (p. 6) in the February 2021 edition of Elm Grove News - Independent about ERC's Global Grant from TRF. Click here to access.
 
And, do join ERC's weekly meeting on Friday, February 19, when Dr. David Gaus (AHD Founder & CEO) will be the featured speaker.
 
 
Bill Selzer's Thanks & Tips
In 2020 Elm Grove Fire Chief (Retired) William Selzer was named as the "Business Person of the Year" by Elmbrook Rotary in recognition of his 47 years of service. He recently provided the photo below, displaying the ERC recognition plaque alongside other memorabilia in his home office.
 
 
In addition, Chief Selzer sent a letter of gratitude intended for the entire club membership. Click here to read his letter, which also contains fire prevention tips that can be profitably put to use by all of us.
 
Congratulations again to Fire Chief (Retired) Bill Selzer!
Meet Ana Ramirez
Ana V. Ramirez is the 8th student at the Common Hope School in Guatemala who has been sponsored by the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation.
 
 
Ana's family income is U.S. $364/month, and the six-member family lives in a small concrete-block home (10 meters by 10 meters). They obtain water and electricity from neighbors and must use an outhouse for a bathroom.
 
Ana is an 11th Grade student, enrolled in Marketing and Advertising Certification. Her anticipated graduation date is November 2022. Since 2014, six members of Elmbrook Rotary Club (accompanied by four family members) have made the trip to Guatemala for the graduation exercises, a weekend-long celebration with, and support for, our sponsored student and her/his family. Any club member can volunteer to represent the club. Contact Erik Moeser if interested.
Rotary Opens Opportunities
Holger Knaack, member of the Rotary Club of Herzogtum-Lauenburg-Möln, Germany, is Rotary International President for 2020-2021.
 
A Rotary member since 1992, Knaack has served Rotary as treasurer, director, moderator, member and chair of several committees, representative for the Council on Legislation, zone coordinator, training leader, and district governor. He is an endowment/major gifts adviser and was co-chair of the Host Organization Committee for the 2019 Rotary International Convention in Hamburg. Knaack and his wife, Susanne, are Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation and members of the Bequest Society.
 
 
Rotary Opens Opportunities is the theme chosen by President Knaack for 2020-2021. At the International Assembly in San Diego in January 2020, he had the following to say about his theme: "So as you can see, Rotary is not just a club that you join. It is an invitation to endless opportunities. It opens opportunities to serve in a project as big and historic as End Polio Now and also in a small community project, where you just plant a tree. And it opens opportunities for you to live a richer, more meaningful life, with friends around the world, based on our core valuesAs Rotarians, we are very blessed to take on leadership roles at this wonderful moment for our organization. Everything we do opens another opportunity for someone, somewhere. Therefore, the theme for our year is: Rotary Opens Opportunities."
Online ERC & ERF Payments/Donations
It is now possible for members of Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) to make online payments and donations both to ERC and to the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation (ERF).
 
Two separate commercial merchant accounts have been activated which intend to keep transactions separated between ERC and ERF.
 
To make payments to ERC, simply follow the link provided in one's individual club account (and quarterly statements). A surcharge of 5% is billed to one's club account when utilizing a credit card or debit card.
 
To make donations or payments to ERF, simply click the "Donate" or "Donate Now" button that can be found on multiple pages on the ERC web site. Or, one can click the URL link that will be provided in ERF invoices to club members. Please ensure that donations or payments intended for the ERF account are not made to the ERC account. The opposite is also true. And, please remember that not all payments to the Foundation [a 501(c)(3) entity] are tax-deductible. IRS rules and policies must be followed.
 
 
Finally, one can always use the old-fashioned (and least expensive) way of payment/donation with an individual check or bank check via "Bill Pay" at one's bank.
ERC on Twitter
Did you know that Elmbrook Rotary Club has a Twitter account? It's true! Become a "Follower" (@ElmbrookRotary).
 
ClubRunner Mobile App

The ClubRunner Mobile App is your key to connect to your club on the go!

Completely free to download and use, this app will let you access the key info you need while you're on the go. Password protected just like the ERC website, the ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to to view the ERC member directory, contact your members and executives, read the latest articles posted to the ERC website, learn more about ERC upcoming events and speakers, view ERC meeting details, and track your attendance statistics—right from your smartphone or tablet! Download the ClubRunner Mobile App either from the App Store (for Apple products) or from Google Play (for Android devices).
What Is Elmbrook Rotary Club?
What is Elmbrook Rotary Club? What do we do? Who are we?
 
 
 
Watch our promotion video to learn about us. If accessing via our weekly eBulletin, click here to watch.
At ELMBROOK ROTARY - We Rise & Shine!
 
When we say "WE RISE & SHINE” to others, it means:
  • WE RISE to meet early every Friday.
  • WE RISE to the occasion by helping those in need.
  • WE RISE to make a difference in our community and the world.
     
  • WE SHINE by living the Rotary 4-way Test.
  • WE SHINE by staying positive and encouraging others.
  • WE SHINE by lighting the way for service above self in Brookfield, Elm Grove, and beyond.
The tagline appears on our Coffee Mugs, on our Web site, on club emails, and on other communications going out. Try using the tagline the next time you’re talking to someone about Elmbrook Rotary or Rotary in general. In fact, consider purchasing an Elmbrook Rotary Coffee Mug for $7.
What Is Rotary?
How do others perceive Rotary and what we do?
 
Enjoy this humorous video about what Rotary really is. Click me to view!
 
Filmed in 2017 in the Fargo-Moorhead area (North Dakota Minnesota border region), where there are five Rotary Clubs. Video was supported by Rotary District 5580.