A Rotarian works to dispel myths about polio vaccinesDiana Maria PirgaRotary Club of Türkiye Evrensel, District 2430Digital community engagement specialist, UNICEF PakistanI was looking for
Another great morning, volunteering at Feeding America. Fifteen members spent 2.5 hours sorting and boxing 9,250 pounds of non-food items.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is the largest hunger‑relief organization in the state, serving neighbors facing hunger across 35 counties in eastern Wisconsin. The organization distributes food and essential non‑food items through a network of over 400 food pantries and partner programs, helping families, children, and seniors access nutritious resources when they need them most.
The organization sources food through donations from growers, manufacturers, retailers, and community partners, while also purchasing fresh produce, dairy, and protein to meet nutritional needs. Volunteers are critical to this effort, helping sort, package, and distribute food at facilities in Milwaukee and Appleton.
Feeding America accepts several types of support:
Monetary donations, including one‑time or recurring gifts.
Corporate food donations, such as perishable, non‑perishable, close‑dated, private‑label, or discontinued products.
In‑kind non‑food donations, including household cleaning supplies, paper products, personal care items, diapers, and logistics equipment like boxes and pallets.
Volunteering is also a key way to help. Individuals, families, and corporate groups can participate in weekday shifts focused on food sorting and packing, directly supporting local pantries and meal programs.
If you are interested in our clubs volunteering at Feeding America or any of our other projects, ask one of our members about this, or other service project opportunities.
Eight Rotarians, family members and friends have recently returned from a Common Hope volunteer adventure to Antigua, Guatemala. They shared their experiences with the club at our Friday morning Sunrise Meeting of; building a home, working with grade school students, and being entertained by an orchestra of kids. The Elmbrook Rotary has donated numerous instruments in support of these young musicians. This trip, a keyboard was presented to the orchestra with plans of providing more instruments, music stands, amplifiers, and microphones in the near future.
Some of our members spent time with kids in 3 classes working on building life skills, projects and teamwork, while others focused on basic computer skills.
The Team also built a home, starting with pouring a concrete floor, constructing wall panels off-site, to panel delivery, wall assembly and roof installation… all in one week. Thank you Team!
This was our thirteenth team volunteering with the Common Hope Organization in Guatemala. We are planning for our next trip in Feb of 2027… stay tuned.
To view the Team Presentation and Trip photos, go to the Meet Our Members, Service Projects, & Events Photo Albums on the left side of the Elmbrook Rotary website.
Thank you to our 2026 Common Hope Guatemala Team for making a difference in the lives of people 2960 mile away for Wisconsin.
At the club meeting on Friday Maureen Wahhab, an Ambassador for Braver Angels, presented… applying the Rotary 4-Way Test in preparing all to be Peace Ambassadors.
The Rotary 4-Way Test … of the things we say, or do:
Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
Braver Angels is a non-profit organization dedicated to depolarizing American politics and fostering civil dialogue between people with differing viewpoints. Founded in 2016, the group organizes workshops, debates, and community events that bring together individuals from across the political spectrum to encourage mutual understanding and respectful conversation. Their mission is to help Americans move beyond partisan hostility and find common ground, strengthening democracy and civic engagement in the process.
Rules of Engagement… “Seek first to understand, then to be understood. As individuals, try to understand the other side’s point of view, even if we don’t agree with it.”
“Engage with those we disagree with, looking for common ground and ways to work together.”
Maureen, thank you for sharing the mission, vision and skill engaging opportunities provided by the Braver Angels organization. www.braverangels.org.
Rotarian, Jan Constable has been an advocate for Literary Services of Wisconsin since 2006 when he became an adult tutor with this great organization. He has been a leader in our club since 2007, advocating adult and child literacy. At the request of, then President Tony Consiglio, Jan and several members created a Literacy Committee, tasked with creating a hands-on tutoring experience. He has spearheaded our current tutoring program at the MPS 95th St School and continues to tutor adults at Literary Services. His passion for literacy extends to coordinating the club’s annual book/magazine drive, and back to school supplies drive.
During his presentation, Jan shared touching stories of tutoring successes with his adult and grade school students, and the reality of how many adults in our city cannot read beyond a second grade level. He stressed the importance of providing kids by third grade, a solid foundation so they can meet the reading rigor of the following grades in elementary school.
In the early years, the club provided tutoring at the Capital West Academy, and currently 14-18 club members tutor at the 95th St. School.
Jan and fellow Rotarians, thank you for your years of one-on-one tutoring, assisting in providing the vital skills of being able to read. You have made a difference in the lives of many adults and children over these past 19 years.
Elmbrook School District Chief Strategy Officer Chris Thompson, presented The Art of Offline Connections… The Commitment (“The Why”), and The Conversation Starters (“The How”) to our club members.
Chris shared some strategies for connecting with our family members, especially with kids who are involved in online activities and social media.
Here are some of the strategies presented.
The Commitment - Presence is a Power.
By placing our devices aside, we create a space where:
Listening becomes as act of love.
Understanding replaces the urge to be right.
Insight is gathered through shared stories
The Conversation Starters – How – picks a number and start a story
The “Pivot”: What is something you believe five years ago that you’ve since changed your mind about?
The “Highlight”: What was a “small win” you had today that went unnoticed by others?
The “Analogue”: What is the price of “old” technology or traditions you miss? Why was it special?
The “Lens”: If your day was a movie genre (Comedy, Drama, Mystery), which would it be?
The “Vision”: What is one thing we could do as a family to make our neighborhood a little better this week?
The Facilitator’s Golden Rules (The Bottom/Inside)
These are the “reminders” for the person leading the talk.
The Rule of Three: Ask three follow-up questions before sharing your own opinion.
Wait for the Silence: Give others 5 seconds to think before filling the gap.
Eyes Up: Maintain eye contact to show the speaker they are the most important thing in the room.
Elmbrook Rotarian Francis Vogel, Executive Director of the Elmbrook New Berlin Senior Taxi shared how the service provides “human services transportation for our senior citizens who may have trouble using public transportation” at a reasonable price.
The Elmbrook New Berlin Senior Taxi is a community transportation service designed to assist seniors and adults with disabilities in the Elmbrook and New Berlin areas. This program offers affordable rides for medical appointments, shopping trips, and other essential errands, helping residents maintain their independence and stay connected to the community.
Operating throughout the week, the Senior Taxi provides reliable door-to-door service. Riders can schedule trips in advance, ensuring flexibility and convenience. The service is committed to safety, comfort, and meeting the unique needs of its passengers.
For more information about hours of operation, eligibility, or to book a ride, contact the Elmbrook New Berlin Senior Taxi directly at elmbrookseniortaxi@gmail.com or 262-785-1200.
Providing Hope and Support for Milwaukee’s Unhoused Community
Sister MacCanon Brown is a lifelong advocate for social justice, poverty relief, and housing rights. Her work with MBHS reflects her commitment to transforming lives and addressing systemic issues that perpetuate homelessness. Through her leadership, MBHS has become a beacon of hope for many in Milwaukee.
The MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary (MBHS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Milwaukee’s most vulnerable populations. Founded by MacCanon Brown, a well-known advocate for social justice, MBHS offers essential services, resources, and support to people experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The sanctuary’s mission is to provide compassionate assistance and practical support to individuals and families who are unhoused or at risk of homelessness. MBHS envisions a community where everyone has access to basic necessities, dignity, and opportunities for a better future.
Core Services
Daytime Shelter: MBHS operates as a safe haven during daytime hours, offering respite, shelter, and a welcoming environment for guests.
Food Distribution: The sanctuary provides regular meals, snacks, and emergency food supplies for individuals experiencing hunger.
Clothing and Hygiene Supplies: Guests can access donated clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials to help maintain personal health and dignity.
Resource Referral: MBHS connects guests with housing, employment, healthcare, and social services through partnerships with local agencies.
Community Building: The sanctuary fosters a sense of belonging and community through group activities, support circles, and advocacy efforts.
The MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary stands as a vital resource for Milwaukee’s unhoused population, offering practical support and hope. Through collaborative efforts, MBHS continues to make a significant impact on the lives of those most in need, working toward a more just and inclusive community.
Sister MacCanon, thank you for sharing your lifelong mission of serving the unhoused population in Milwaukee. www.mbsanctuary.org
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).
Elevated screen time is associated with suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts
Creates unrealistic comparison which leads to a reduction in self-image.
Screens have allowed us to seek comfort in situations of boredom.
The mind is not left to be creative.
Brain Drain: Presence of phone drains creativity.
Use of screen time is directly influencing developing children’s language skills, including their vocabulary.
Results include:
Weakened conversation skills
Diminished understanding of nonverbal cues
Superficial interactions
Here are some general, evidence-based strategies to help minimize the negative effects of screen time for children:
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Establish daily or weekly screen time limits appropriate for your child's age.
Use parental controls and device settings to enforce these limits.
2. Encourage Quality Content
Choose educational and age-appropriate programs, apps, and games.
Co-view or co-play with your child to discuss what they see and learn.
3. Promote Screen-Free Activities
Encourage outdoor play, reading, hobbies, and family time.
Designate certain times (e.g., meals, bedtime) and areas (e.g., bedrooms) as screen-free zones.
4. Model Healthy Habits
Demonstrate balanced screen use yourself.
Discuss the importance of moderation and self-regulation.
5. Foster Open Communication
Talk with your child about online safety, digital citizenship, and the potential risks of excessive screen time.
Encourage your child to share their online experiences and concerns.
Thank you, Dr. Choate, for sharing the Importance of Limits on Screen Time for our children as well as us adults.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beast Robotics is an educational and extracurricular program based at Brookfield East High School, designed to inspire and empower students through hands-on experiences in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The program introduces students to the fundamentals of robotics, engineering, programming, and teamwork, preparing them for future careers and fostering a passion for innovation.
This program:
Encourages creativity and problem-solving through robotics challenges.
Develops technical skills in engineering, coding, and design.
Promotes collaboration, leadership, and effective communication among team members.
Engages with the local community and industry partners to support STEM education.
Beast provides a competitive team that participates in regional, state, and national robotics competitions, such as FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and VEX Robotics. The teams has won four state competitions with three awards; the Chairman’s Award, Woddie Flowers Finalist Award, and the First Impact Award.
Students work in small groups, each focusing on specific aspects of the robot, such as mechanical design, electrical systems, software programming, and project management.
Thank you, Bob, Richard, Volunteers, and team students Ayush, Audrey and Johnathan for sharing you’re your stories and accomplishments of these two great Elmbrook School programs.
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.
The Destination - Event 3 - the Elkhorn 20th Annual Oktoberfest. The rigors of this winding odyssey through the Kettle Moraine had Jim peeling off early. But the remaining eight participants (and 2 dogs) were rewarded with a few cold ones, the sight of some pretty cool cars and the chance to win some BIG BUCK$ and support our neighboring Elkhorn Rotary too.
But the Real Winners are the children to the world - ERF Treasurer, John Allen, estimated that Elmbrook Club members have contributed over $3,000 so far toward End Polio Now. With the 2-for-1 Gates Foundation Match - that will inoculate over 1,000 kids against Polio.
And We Can't Stop There! This Friday - October 24th - is World Polio Day
So if you haven't yet - send in or bring your donation to End Polio Nowto the Club meeting. Make it out to The Elmbrook Rotary Foundation - End Polio Now. You will receive Paul Harris Credit, a 2-for-1 match, and know that you have helped Rotary move closer to eliminating Polio from the Planet forever.
Thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday. And Thanks to everyone who donated.
You are the reason the Elmbrook Rotary is the special organization that it is.
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.”
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease caused by poliovirus. For much of the 20th century, polio was a feared disease that affected millions of people—primarily children—around the world. The fight to eradicate polio has been one of the most ambitious public health campaigns in history, and Rotary International has played a central role in this global effort.
Rotary International, a worldwide service organization, launched its PolioPlus program in 1985. This initiative was the first and largest internationally coordinated private-sector support of a public health initiative, with the goal of eradicating polio worldwide. Rotary’s work includes fundraising, advocacy, volunteer mobilization, and direct involvement in vaccination campaigns.
Key Achievements
Massive Reduction in Cases: Since the launch of Rotary’s PolioPlus program, polio cases have decreased by more than 99% worldwide.
Vaccination Efforts: Rotary members have contributed over 2.5 billion dollars and countless volunteer hours to immunize over 2.5 billion children in 122 countries.
Advocacy: Rotary’s advocacy efforts have helped secure governmental funding and support for polio eradication, multiplying the impact of every dollar raised.
Lasting Legacy: Several regions of the world, including the Americas, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa, have been declared polio-free as a direct result of these efforts.
While remarkable progress has been made, polio remains endemic in a few countries, mainly due to logistical, political, and social barriers to vaccination. Rotary continues to work with partners to address misinformation, reach remote populations, and build trust with communities.
optimism, Rotary continues to inspire hope for a future where no child suffers from this preventable disease.
Promoting Global Peace Through Community Action and Education
Rotary International is a global humanitarian organization committed to promoting peace and resolving conflict around the world. Peacebuilding is at the heart of Rotary’s mission, with a focus on creating lasting change through education, dialogue, and grassroots action.
Peacebuilding refers to efforts that address the root causes of conflict and promote sustainable harmony within and between communities. This involves fostering understanding, resolving disputes, and building societies that are resilient to violence and injustice.
Rotary approaches to peacebuilding through a variety of initiatives:
Education: Rotary supports peace education programs to equip individuals with the skills necessary for conflict resolution and cross-cultural understanding.
Dialogue: Rotary clubs organize community dialogues that bring together people from diverse backgrounds to discuss challenges and solutions for peace.
Service Projects: Rotary sponsors local and global service projects that address issues such as poverty, inequality, and access to education—factors that often contribute to conflict.
Peace Fellowships: Through the Rotary Peace Fellowship, individuals receive advanced training in peace and development studies at leading universities around the world.
Anyone can participate in Rotary’s peacebuilding efforts—whether by joining a local Rotary club, volunteering for service projects, or applying for a Rotary Peace Fellowship. By working together, Rotary members and partners strive to build a more peaceful and just world.
Bridgette Scholz, formerly Potter, shared with the Club how her scholar experience has impacted on her journey and life. Her dissertation assessed the Potential Impact of H-2A visa expansion for Seasonal Agricultural Worker Visas, in reference to Wisconsin and the nation.
She also shared how the program fosters life long connections with other scholars creating a diverse community with shared values resulting in respected leaders who embody the Rotary values of Peace, Education, and Health.
Rotary Global Grant Scholarships are prestigious awards offered by Rotary International to support graduate-level academic studies or research abroad. These scholarships are designed to promote Rotary’s mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace by funding international study aligned with one of Rotary’s areas of focus.
The scholarships aim to prepare future leaders to address the world’s most pressing humanitarian needs. Successful applicants must propose a program of study or research that falls within one or more of Rotary’s seven areas of focus:
Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
Disease prevention and treatment
Water, sanitation, and hygiene
Maternal and child health
Basic education and literacy
Community economic development
Supporting the environment
For more information on Rotary Global Grant Scholarships, including details on eligibility, application deadlines, and the application process, visit the official Rotary International website at [URL] or contact your local Rotary club.
Thank you, Bridgette for sharing your journey. For more information on the Global Grant Scholarship Program, visit, www.rotary.org
At a recent Sunrise Meeting, President Dave Engle presented Harry Farchmin with the Big Kahuna Award for his leadership and dedication to this years Family Fest.
The Family Fest Planning Team was also recognized by Family Fest Cochair Sandy Wysocki for their countless hours spent planning and working at the event. Sandy also thanked all the members who helped serving food and drink, cooking, face painting, providing music, and people power… making it a fun-filled day for families and community members.
This event and other projects throughout the year would not be possible if it weren’t for our generous sponsors: HJS Packaging and Distribution, George Moore IV Recovery Foundation, MLG Capital, HANDLE IT, St Camillus, Wealth Management – Dunn Investment Management Group, and BAIRD The Tony Consiglio Osmanski Hienz Group.
Thank you, Harry, Sandy, Team, club volunteers, and sponsors.
On August 7th, Wellpoint held their 4th Annual Back-to-School Bash highlighting providing students with 1,800 free backpacks filled with school supplies. Other activities included a DJ, haircuts, along with community support groups, Fire and EMS units, plus an appearance by the Milwaukee Mayor.
The Elmbrook Rotary 14 volunteers provided support by helping in the free food service line, offering hot dogs, brats, chips, and water. 2,000 meals were served.
Thank you, Jack Nelson for coordinating our group… including Bill P, Cathy S, Evonne Z, Mark Z, Mark T, Kerri R, Cole R, Kate B, Scott D, John A, Kim N, William S, and Sue C.
The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) just completed another successful elementary school supplies drive. The purpose of the drive is to help students start the school semester with the proper complement of classroom supplies needed to have a chance at being successful in their schoolwork. The ERC has been holding school supply drives since 2007.
As in the past, the ERC will be donating the supplies to the 95 Street School, which is a K - 5th. Grade Milwaukee Public School and to students aligned with the WellPoint Care Network.
This year Club Members donated 10,884 items including pencils, crayons, erasers, scissors, rulers, markers, colored pencils, glue, pencil bags, lined paper, plus more.
Thank you, Jan Constable and Jack Nelson for heading up this project that provides needed school supplies to Milwaukee school students.
The Elmbrook Rotary Club has a continuing commitment to the Adopt A Highway cleanup program, run by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. On Saturday, August 2nd, a crew of 8 Rotarians and family members patrolled and picked up trash on our section of Highway 59, (Greenfield Avenue), in southwest Brookfield.
The Adopt A Highway program includes committing to 3 cleanup dates between late spring and late fall each year. The WIDOT posts a sign on each end of our section of highway, giving the Elmbrook club visibility and public awareness of our activity. While the public awareness is good for the club, the cleanup is a service to the community, which has stand-alone value, whether widely acknowledged, or quietly seen. The cleanup on August 2nd resulted in the removal of 6 very large bags of trash from Greenfield Avenue, enhancing our community.
On Tuesday August 5th, four Rotarians with two family members sorted 1,300 pair of shoes in two hours with a group of local school kids at the Soles for Jesus facility. Earlier the club donated 275 pairs of shoes for this great cause.
Thank you, Kerri Richlen, for heading up this rewarding project.
The Story Behind an Inspirational Organization – Welcome Diane Studer to the Elmbrook Rotary Rise and Shine meeting.
In a world where the lack of basic necessities can hinder a child’s ability to dream, organizations that address these fundamental needs become beacons of hope. One such organization is Soles for Jesus, a nonprofit dedicated to providing shoes to those in need—primarily in Africa. With the simple yet profound mission of delivering footwear to impoverished communities, Soles for Jesus has touched countless lives, restored health, and extended a hand of friendship across continents.
The story begins with a trip to Africa, where the founder, Diane Studer, witnessed firsthand the hardship faced by children and adults who walked barefoot for miles each day. The dangers were many: blistering heat, rocky paths, parasites, and disease. Shoes, a simple comfort easily taken for granted in some parts of the world, represented both protection and dignity for those without. She returned home resolved to make a difference, thus planting the seed for Soles for Jesus.
At its core, Soles for Jesus operates under the belief that no child should have to go without shoes. The organization’s mission is twofold:
To collect and distribute new and gently used shoes to individuals in need in Africa.
To foster cross-cultural relationships and share messages of hope and faith through tangible acts of service.
By providing shoes, Soles for Jesus directly addresses these critical needs, enabling recipients to walk, play, and learn free from pain and shame.
How to get involved
Anyone can contribute to the mission. Here are some ways to get involved:
Donate shoes: Clean out your closet and give new life to gently used footwear.
Host a shoe drive: Organize a collection event at your school, workplace, or faith community.
Volunteer: Help sort, clean, and prepare shoes for shipment, or offer administrative or logistical support.
Spread the word: Use social media, community bulletins, or personal networks to raise awareness about the need for shoes.
Financial contributions: Donations help cover shipping costs and operational expenses, ensuring that every pair of shoes reaches its intended destination.
Through the simple gift of shoes, the organization changes destinies, fosters hope, and brings comfort to those in need. As it continues to grow, its story reminds us that each of us has the ability to make a difference—one step, one pair of shoes, and one life at a time.
Diane and Kerri with Friday's donations.
Diane, thank you for sharing your stories of adventure and service to the people of thirty-one countries in Africa… and Kerri Richlen for heading up the shoe drive that produce 136 pair of shoes on that day… with more to come. Rotarians, your generosity and Service Above Self continues to shine locally and around the world.
The moment I heard about the Peru Friendship Exchange, I knew I had to go. Twenty years ago, I taught English in Taiwan, and ever since returning home, I'd longed to explore Central or South American cultures. My February trip to Guatemala with Common Hope had whetted my appetite, and now, this was my chance to immerse myself in South America.
Adding to my excitement were four students from Peru in my English as a Second Language (ESL) class. This exchange offered a unique opportunity for me, an ESL teacher, to experience firsthand what it's like to arrive in a new country with limited language skills. My students' enthusiasm was contagious: one raved about the amazing chicken and urged me to try "cuy" (guinea pig), while another declared Machu Picchu an absolute must-see.
As the trip approached, I knew I needed to brush up on my Spanish. I met my eight fellow travelers from Rotary District 6270 for lunch during TriCon, and we eagerly discussed our upcoming adventure. We also connected with our Peruvian hosts online, who flooded us with Spanish WhatsApp messages. My resolve to improve my Spanish quickly only grew!
Our itinerary included visiting Rotarians in two cities: Lima, which my students described as "busy and as large as New York," and Ica, a desert oasis a four-hour bus ride south. I was thrilled about the adventure ahead, especially knowing that after our two-week visit, these same Rotarians would experience Wisconsin in August.
A Taste of Peru: From Machu Picchu to Cuy
When most people think of Peru, Machu Picchu often comes to mind—the breathtaking 15th-century Inca settlement nestled in the Andes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But Peru offers so much more. Perhaps it's the incredible variety of potatoes, or the refreshing Pisco Sour, an alcoholic beverage topped with frothy egg whites, perfect for a celebratory cheer. Then, of course, there's cuy, the small animal many of us know as a pet, which is carefully prepared and delightfully served in Peru. During my trip, I experienced all of it.
Machu Picchu truly is amazing! We savored delicious chicken and potatoes, engaging in long conversations with our travel companions and hosts. These chats often involved some Spanglish, a combination of Spanish and English, or benefited from the helpful translations of Google Translator. We raised our Pisco Sours, toasting our hosts for each memorable day. And yes, I did try the guinea pig. Does it taste like chicken? I'm not sure; I ate it too fast to fully analyze, trying not to think about its origins!
Embracing Peruvian Hospitality
Our Peruvian hosts were simply amazing. After a long day of travel, they greeted us at the airport with banners and an infectious energy that immediately lifted our spirits. We were in Peru!
Our hosts planned itineraries that allowed us to truly experience their country, showing us hidden gems that often go unnoticed in typical travel brochures. We saw Peru through the eyes of a Peruvian, and they generously shared their love for their country, their vibrant culture, and their deep sense of helping their community.
When I think of Peru, I recall the warm embraces of once strangers who are now dear friends. I remember the joyful dancing that's so intrinsic to their culture and brings people together. I think of the Rotary signs throughout the country, a constant reminder of our shared mission to improve communities. I am also reminded of the Rotary meetings we attended that drew members from other regions of Peru, eager to meet the American Rotarians. The trip was a whirlwind of nervousness, excitement, and exhaustion, but above all, it was filled with the heartfelt tears I shed as I said goodbye.
Welcoming Peru to Wisconsin
The Peruvian Rotarians will be in Wisconsin from August 21 to August 29. I'm incredibly excited to reunite with these new friends. My hope is that their experience in Wisconsin will be every bit as memorable as our unforgettable journey in Peru.
Thank you to all the many families and community members who attended the Elmbrook Rotary Family Fest on June 7th at Wirth Park in Brookfield. Our members and community support provide the Elmbrook Rotary with the opportunity and assistance in donating funds and volunteers to our non-profit partners locally and around the world. Our goal of raising $84,000 was met through Rotarian and Community member donations, 100% of the raised dollars will be donated.
This year’s sponsors provided funding for the games, the bounce house, an obstacle course, a balloon twister, the band, and food items.
Our generous Family Fest sponsors were:
Baird – The Consiglio Osmanski Hienz Group
RBC Wealth Management – Dunn Investment Management Group
HJS Packaging & Distribution
Handle It
MLG Capital
George IV Recovery Fund
Elmbrook Rotary Club
Our partner/vendors were from Wellpoint Care Network, Callen Construction, Curative Care Network, George IV Fund, Potawatomi Area Council Scouting America, Troops 55,& 56, Trinity Irish Dance, Elmbrook Rotary Club, and True North Martial Arts.
Thank you to all our members, family, friends, and sponsors/vendors that gave of their time to make the second annual Family Fest a great success.
On Monday, May 26th, our country remembered and mourned those who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom, and celebrated, for all those who have served and are serving in our armed forces today.
The Elmbrook Rotary members, families, and friends recognized this day at a gathering at John and Jeanne Allen’s home to watch the Elm Grove Memorial Day Parade. After the parade, a potluck lunch was shared.
Thank you to Jeanne and John for hosting, and all those who attended and brought great food to share.
On Saturday, April 19th 5 Elmbrook Rotary members, Mia, Ali, Kerry, Chris, and Paul cleaned up Greenfield Avenue as part of our Adopt-A-Programs… Highway and Trail. A couple of weeks prior, 50 pounds of trash was collected on the Brookfield Trail by Ian and his daughter.
At our Friday morning meeting, Dr. Catherine Wolf gave the club an update on the Friends for Heath Program in Haiti. She is the founder and has worked in Haiti since 1982 and has lived there full-time for over 25 years. She is the Executive Director, the Medical Director of the outpatient clinic, Centre de Sante de Gatineau and Director of the community development programs.
Dr. Wolf thanked the Elmbrook Rotary club for their support through the years along with other Rotary Clubs and organizations who provide funding and volunteer support to the Friends for Health program.
Friends for Health in Haiti is a 501c3 faith-based non-profit organization working in the mountain community of Gatineau, located 15 miles south of Jérémie, Haiti.
The clinic, Centre de Sante Gatineau, is in a mountainous region one and a half hours inland from the coastal city of Jérémie, Haiti, far to the west of Port au Prince.
“With a dedication to Christian values, Friends for Health in Haiti strives to improve the health of the people of Haiti in a holistic manner, addressing multiple determinants of health through their outpatient clinic and community development programs.”
Thank you, Dr. Wolf for sharing your life experiences as a dedicated healthcare provider of curative care, preventative services, and livelihood programs with a spiritual ministry for the people of Haiti.
Another great Common Hope adventure included, building a home, enjoying the beauty and the people of Guatemala.
Our Elmbrook Rotary Team spent a week volunteering with Common Hope last month. Members Kemal Y, Kerri R, Erik M, Harry F, Mark T, and Phyllis B, were joined by Carol Moeser, District Secretary Dana Kohlmeyer (Neenah RC) and her daughter Kendall from Los Angeles, Fran Wargolet (Kenosha-West RC - Ms. (Shelterbox) and her daughter Katrina Kyne and daughter Sophie Kyne. This made for an amazing team, as always happens, especially when we reach out beyond our membership for participants.
The Elmbrook Rotary also rallied for the request for musical instruments for young Guatemalan musicians. There were an assorted 14 Instruments delivered on the trip. Thank you, Rotarians, and all those who selflessly gave of their instruments from years gone by.
The following are beautiful pictures from the trip…. Thank you, Erik Moeser for these great pictures… highlighting the life and culture in Guatemala.
On June 7th, the Elmbrook Rotary Family Fest will be held at Wirth Park in Brookfield from 10am – 6pm. This year’s event will feature:
A variety of yard games, Volleyball, and Kite Flying
Venture Rock Climbing Wall, and a Bounce House
Face painting, Marbling and Henna Tattoos
Food and beverages, plus a Raffle
Featuring the Mount Olive Band from 4pm – 6pm
Come for a day of great fun and relaxation while supporting the Elmbrook Rotary mission of “Service Above Self” providing financial support for local non-profit organizations and communities around the world… See you there!
Brookfield East Interact Club is a youth-led organization that aims to bring together young individuals with a passion for community service and leadership. Affiliated with the Elmbrook Rotary Club and Rotary International, the club provides a platform for high school students to engage in various service projects, develop leadership skills, and foster international understanding.
The Club was established with the mission to empower young people to take action in their communities and make a positive impact on the world. The club's activities are guided by the principles of Rotary International, which emphasize service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership. Since its inception, the club has been dedicated to improving the lives of others through meaningful service projects and initiatives.
Membership is open to all students who share the club's values and are willing to contribute their time and effort to service projects. The club is led by a team of student officers, including a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, who are responsible for organizing meetings, coordinating activities, and representing the club in the broader community.
The Brookfield East Interact Club stands as a shining example of how young people can make a meaningful impact in their communities through service and leadership. By fostering a spirit of teamwork, compassion, and global awareness, the club not only addresses pressing local and international issues but also empowers its members to become the leaders of tomorrow. As the club continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to its mission of service above self and the pursuit of a better world for all.
Thank you, President Mary, Nivedha, Amy, Kyra, and Paeton, for sharing the club’s projects and your Service Above Self.
Our Elmbrook Rotary Team of 12 leaves on Feb 16 for a week of volunteering at Common Hope in Antigua, Guatemala where they will build a house, work with kids and families, and do whatever else CH needs us to. This will be our 12th ERC team trip there since the first one in 2012. Close to 40 of our members have traveled, along with numerous spouses and family members, and friends. Guests from a half dozen neighboring clubs have also joined us. Making up our team this year are Elmbrook Rotarians Harry Farchmin, Mark Thurner, Kemal Yilmaz, Kerri Richlen, Phyllis Blodgett, Erik and Carol Moeser, plus Neenah Rotarian and District 6270 Secretary Dana Kohlmeyer, together with her daughter Kendall who lives in Los Angeles, and Kenosha West Rotary Club member Fran Wargolet (Ms. Shelter Box) and her daughter Katrina and granddaughter Sophie.
Shown in the photo are Thomas Steinbach and member Rick Chabot with the trumpets they have donated to Common Hope. Ricks has been with him for 80 years, beginning when he was 7 years old! Together with several flutes, clarinets, recorders and a flugelhorn, which were donations from club members and other sources they will be taken to Guatemala and given to Common Hope to help with their budding music program. All of the 14 instruments have been checked over and undergone refurbishment at White House of Music in Waukesha, which did the repairs at a deep discount and donated three clarinets. Thanks to Tom Curl who headed up this project!
Erik, Carol, Mark, and Kemal will stay on to visit another school that is supported by several ERC members. It is located on Lake Atitlán in the small city of Santiago. The school, La Puerta Abierta, was founded by our friend Amanda, a Peace Corps volunteer who stayed in Guatemala after her tour there to build a school for Mayan children who had no access to education. She married a Belgian ex-pat and raised two girls who are now late high school and college age. He runs the gas station, a health bar, and a brewery/guest house where we will stay for a few days :-)
Harry is also staying in Guatemala after our week at Common Hope. He will meet with members of the Rotary Club of Vista Hermosa and Engineers Without Borders – Guatemala. He will visit our current Global Grant project and the past projects we supported through the Engineers Without Borders, Marquette Student Chapter, whose members recently were speakers at our club.
A team for 2026 will be formed in the coming weeks. Anyone interested in learning more is invited to talk with Erik Moeser, or any of the many ERC members familiar with the water project.
Those are the words of Wellpoint Care Network President and CEO Ann Leinfelder Grove.
“When you engage a couple of people from a community organization who then invite a couple more of their colleagues or friends, you start to see this ripple effect of serving the community. It’s the power of more — more people can have more impact.”
And when you’re working to create a world where children and families have a clearer path to their fullest potential, the more partners the better.
Just one example of those invaluable partners for Wellpoint Care Network is the Elmbrook Rotary Club.
“Wellpoint Care is in our 175th year of service to the community,” added Leinfelder Grove. “Although the way that we've served children and families has changed and evolved over those 17 decades, our mission has stayed the same: Seeing a world where children and families can thrive and restoring the connections that make that possible. Elmbrook Rotary has followed alongside us throughout our evolution.”
The partnership dates back more than 30 years. The local Rotarians would provide guidance and connection to those in residential care. As they learned more about our work and the importance of Trauma Informed Care, they became involved as board members providing valuable insight. Nowadays, they continue to volunteer at several events each and every year.
“The more we learned, the more we wanted to do,” said Jack Nelson, Rotarian and Wellpoint Care Network Board member. “A lot of service clubs just hand over money and that’s the extent of the relationship. But our club is very different. We want to build relationships where we can have boots on the ground, where we are doing things hand-in-hand with the not-for-profit. We want to be a true partner.”
To honor this long-standing partnership and the immense impact it’s had on the community, Nelson and the Elmbrook Rotary Club voted to make Leinfelder Grove a Paul Harris Fellow.
“It honors people who understand the distinction of service above self,” said Nelson. “In the Rotary world, it’s people who are giving beyond just the check-writing. It’s somebody who really cares about the community and is willing to show up in multi-facets to make sure it’s a better place. As Ann gets ready for retirement after more than 30 years of leadership, we wanted to recognize her for really seeing the value of a strong relationship with a service club in the area.”
“Because of my long-time involvement with Elmbrook Rotary, I know and appreciate their values and goals: trying to make the world a better place,” said Leinfelder Grove. “So, this was a big honor. It's also very meaningful to me because my dad had many years of serving as a Rotarian in La Crosse. At a point in his tenure as a Rotarian, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow for his contributions to that community. As a kid, you don't really know much about these things, but as I got older, I understood what a well-earned honor that was for him. My dad passed five years ago, so this acknowledgment is very special.”
“As soon as we met Reggie, we let him know that the Elmbrook Rotary is a source of ongoing support,” said Nelson. “Financial support, personal support, volunteer support — anyway we can help Wellpoint Care be a source of normalcy in the very traumatic world that we exist in.”
If you share in our pursuit of communities where every child and family can thrive and would like to talk about ways to partner, please email communityengagement@wellpointcare.org.
Elmbrook Rotary constructed and donated 18 StoryWalk podiums to the City of Brookfield public Library. StoryWalks are an innovative and interactive way for readers of all ages to enjoy a story while being outdoors in nature. The goal of a StoryWalk is to encourage families to get outside and be active while engaging in literacy.
StoryWalks are designed to engage young readers and provide them with an outlet for movement and activity. Pages of a children’s picture book are placed on special stands or podiums; and placed around a park or public gathering area. As you walk and read each page of the story leads to next page.
The Brookfield StoryWalk made its debut at the Brookfield German Holiday Market on December 7, 2024, where they were placed around the Civic Plaza. Following that they were placed around the courtyard of the City of Brookfield Library. Future uses will include new stories placed at different events around the City.
Elmbrook Rotary members Harry Farchmin, Tom Curl, Thomas Steinbach, Kari Richlen, Gary Gilmore, Noaman Sharief and his daughter Zoha Sharief constructed the portable podiums in Tom Curl’s workshop.
Fentanyl has become the leading cause of death in American teens. An average of 22 adolescents 14-18 years of age dies each week in the US from an opioid overdose, and over the past 8 years, +150 adolescents in Wisconsin have died.
In Waukesha County 2023 to date, there have been 60 deaths with 35 (58%) of those were Fentanyl related.
Elmbrook Rotary, along with the George IV Recovery Foundation, are offering free Narcan Overdose Resource Kits for schools, businesses and organizations throughout the community.
Narcan is a nasal spray that:
Can be easily administered to reverse the effects of an opioid (Fentanyl) overdose.
Has minimal to no side effects.
Has no effect on someone who has not taken opioids.
Wears off in 30-90 minutes.
The Narcan Overdose Resource Kit – Free
Can be easily mounted in an accessible location – mounting hardware included.
Provides QR codes for Narcan Training, Addiction Resources, and DHS Narcan Locator on the front of the Kit.
Inside the Kit are 3 Narcan kits with 2 single dose applicators per kit, a pair of gloves, 2 drug test strips, 2 use instructions, 2 disposable drug packets, and 2 signs of opioid overdose pamphlets.
How to obtain a free Narcan Overdose Resource Kit
A member of the Elmbrook Rotary will drop off your kit/s and provide a review of the kit and training.
Your organization will be responsible for mounting the kit, training your staff, and replenishing the Narcan administration kits. Free replacement kits are available upon request.
If you have any questions, please contact George Moore at gemoore3@att.net. Or 262-488-6747
Three Marquette University students, Laura, Ian and Ben gave a presentation on the Guatemala Cruz Chich and Chumisa Water Project that the Engineers Without Borders Club have been working on for the past year. The project goal is to provide potable water from an up-mountain spring to 3700 residents via 468 water taps located throughout the target communities.
An assessment trip was conducted in August of 2024 to evaluate the spring and tank sites, test the water, and review the needs of the communities. This collaborative program along with support from the Elmbrook and other Rotary clubs, will provide a greatly needed clean water source that will reduce the waterborne illnesses that have plagued the region… reducing the need to haul water great distances and resulting in an improved attendance int schools.
This group of engineering students are “dedicated to the practice of sustainability of long-lasting engineering solutions for our communities to thrive”. And, to build the next generation of globally responsible engineers… equipping students with the leadership expertise to address critical infrastructure problems, “through a true partnership with those requesting our services”.
For more information and to learn about their upcoming Silent Auction Program, February 22, 2025 at the Brown Deer Park Clubhouse, contact them at mu.ewb@marquette.edu.
Just before the holidays 8 members of Elmbrook Rotary spent a day helping to brighten the holidays for young adults living in a supportive housing program in Wauwatosa. Club members painted 2 stairwells in an apartment building operated by Bridge To Brighter. A program that provides affordable housing and other supportive services for young men who have aged out of the foster care system but still need a supportive environment to help them achieve their goals of employment and becoming self-sufficient beyond the challenges and barriers that life has presented.
Bridge To Brighter supports young men with mentoring, building healthy relationships, and creating life success plans that promote healing and building a brighter future. You can learn more about their fantastic programs at www.bridgetobrighter.org
Elmbrook Rotary Club, Community Service Committee, builds fellowship among our members by providing service to many organizations like Bridge To Brighter in the greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County area.
To learn more about Rotary, consider joining us at an upcoming meeting held Friday mornings at 7:00am at St. Camillus.
Members who participated in this service project were, Mark Thurner, Paul Langer, Mia Shana, Mike Hogan, Jean Guzetta, Greg Bonk and Nick Sgarlata (Bridge to Brighter Executive Director)
Did you know that the Milwaukee Public Museum has 500,000 visitors each year, 150,000 kids inspired annually, Field Trips for 44 WI counties every year, and 4Million objects & specimens from every WI County to deep in space?
Dr. Ellen Censky, President/CEO Milwaukee Public Museum share some exciting news about the new Museum project.
Founded in 1882, the Museum has had three homes with the fourth on the horizon… currently under construction… set to open in early 2027. The new venue was inspired by geological formations, diverse landscapes of the areas of Wisconsin. This 240-million-dollar project blends many of the current Museum experience with new interactive exhibits.
The new museum will feature several permanent galleries, including exhibits on the geological wonders and cultures of Wisconsin, the interconnectedness of nature and culture, and the deep past when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. There will also be spaces for visitors to engage with museum objects, staff, and special programming.
To learn more about our New Museum, visit www.mpm.edu.
On Friday morning, members gathered to celebrate in the spirit of Christmas and the Holiday Season. Sandy Wysocki and her helpers, Joe Pottebaum, Jim Finn, Don Down, Kerri Richlen, Chris Salani and Ralph Gould provided a great program of remembrances and song.
Thank you for this fun and interactive Holiday program.
As the year comes to an end, thank you to all our members for your time spent selflessly supporting the club, community and each other. The number of volunteer opportunities and events the club provided and attended speaks to our motto, “Service Above Self”.
Wishing you all a new year of love, kindness, and service.
Elmbrook Rotary members and guests gathered at a member’s home to bring gifts for 226 foster kids and celebrate the season of giving and peace on earth. Our hosts, Doug and Janie welcomed their guests on a cold blustery night to share in the joy of the season, and to enjoy a variety of great food items and beverages.
There was even an appearance by Santa to thank everyone for their generosity and wishing all a healthy and safe new year.
The next day, five members delivered the bounty of gifts that filled the room at Wellpoint Care Network, pictured above.
Thank you, Jack, Jeanne, Doug, and Janie, for planning and making this gift event one to remember, and for our members selfless giving to so many great causes over this past year.
On Sunday, December 8th, Wellpoint Care network held their annual celebration for Foster Families at the Italian Community Center. The Holiday Carnival featured:
Great Brunch for all
Visit and photo op with Santa
Stilt walker, juggler, DJ, and the Milwaukee Flyers Tumbling Group
Gingerbread cookie decorating, face painting, a photo booth, and ballon art
A variety of games with prizes were offered
Seventeen Elmbrook Rotary members assisted in running games, in the food service, coat check, and cookie decorating.
This wonderful event was enjoyed by all the families, Wellpoint Staff and volunteers.
Thank you, Jack, Kim, Jan, Darcy, Kate, Scott, Tom, Paul, Marie, Bill, Cathy, Christopher, Mark, Jackie, Greg, Jeanne, and Phyllis.
The Elmbrook Rotary Club currently has eighty members with a mix of newer and experienced Rotarians with a broad range of vocations. What is “Service Above Self” as it relates to the mission of Rotary? It is the guiding principle where members are encouraged to focus on serving their communities locally and globally. The motto conveys the idea that personal success is more closely tied to helping others than what you do for yourself.
Over this past year the Elmbrook Rotary has participated in many volunteer opportunities, projects and fundraising for the non-profit organizations we support locally and internationally. Here is a synopsis of some of our “Service Above Self” activities.
Eighteen members volunteered their time to tutor one or two kids per week at the 95th Street School, while others have spent time cleaning up discarded items along Greenfield Avenue and a walking/bike trail in Brookfield. Some spent time on Saturdays this summer and fall collecting donated produce items from vendors at the end of the day at the Brookfield Farmers Market. These food items were then given to the Waukesha Food Pantry to help others in a time of need.
At the Wellpoint Care Network, Rotarians read books to one hundred kids, provided Holiday gifts for 120+ Foster Kids, built nine accessibility garden beds that were filled with flowers by the St. Mary Margret School students, and passed out water filter systems including lead paint test kits at their Annual Back to School Bash.
During the year, the club collected 1108 books for Literary Services of Wisconsin, assisted in the Bikes for Veterans event, and supported the Veterans in Focus program at the VA Medical Center photo display.
At the Woman’s Center in Waukesha, volunteers had the opportunity to paint bedrooms… giving the residents a brighter place to stay in their time of need.
Our annual fundraiser and, first ever Family Fest, provided the club with funding to support 13 of the non-profit organizations the club has developed close relationships with over the years.
Other volunteer opportunities included the German Holiday Market in Brookfield where the club sponsored Hayrides, serving food at the Boys Scouts Airtoberfest at the Waukesha County Airport, assisting during the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra tryouts, serving dinner at the Ronald McDonald House for families who are there to be near their child while they receive medical care at Children of Wisconsin Hospital.
Two special projects were the Brookfield Wirth Park Inclusive Playground and the Guatemala Water Project. These projects serve communities locally and internationally.
Each year club members ventures to Guatemala to assist in building homes in conjunction with Common Hope. There are also a number of members who have sponsored students and join them for their High School graduation ceremonies in fall.
An important part of Rotary is the camaraderie amongst its members through our service, informative presentations at club meetings, and social interaction at our events.
We look forward to next year’s challenges, and service opportunities. If you are interested in learning more about the Elmbrook Rotary Club, visit our website at www.elmbrookrotary.org, or join us at the St. Camillus – East Residence Tower Friday mornings at 7:00am for our weekly breakfast meeting.
This past year, our Rotary club had the privilege of hosting Raghav, an exchange student from Nagpur, India, as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Having him with us truly highlighted the global connections Rotary fosters, putting the "international" in Rotary International. Raghav brought fresh perspectives, shared his culture, and built lifelong friendships, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who met him. His time with us was a reminder of how the program unites people from different parts of the world, promoting understanding and peace.
The Rotary International Youth Exchange program boasts of being one of the best exchange programs around.
During the year Raghav was immersed in Wisconsin culture by attending Brookfield Central and participating in all student life including walking down the aisle for the graduation ceremony at the end of the year.
As a Rotary exchange student, he was expected to be an “ambassador” of India. This was a role he truly embraced. He was also expected to be a junior Rotarian, attend our weekly 7:00 meetings and give a brief update on what’s happening in Raghav’s life and participate in our Rotarian activities. The 7:00 am weekly meetings were not one of his favorite things, but it served to foster many relationships with our entire club. He did enjoy participating in many activities such as cleaning up the highway, carrying the banner in our 4th of July parade or attending our progressive dinner to name a few. In these events he did shine as not only an ambassador of India but also an ambassador of Rotary.
One of the cornerstones of the exchange program is gathering all the exchange students in our district together several times throughout the year. Through these events the students can create relationships with exchange students from all over the world, so it becomes a great international experience for them.
While the experience was enriching for all involved, finding host families remains the most challenging aspect of the program. We hope that, with the community's support, we can ensure another student has the same valuable experience next year. Raghav is now back home in Nagpur, finishing school and exploring an exciting new business opportunity with a good friend. We anticipate staying in touch with him (as with
previous exchange students) and look forward to welcoming another student next year!
Thank you, Bill, Marie, Jim, host families and members who opened their homes and hearts to make this past year one of great memories for Raghav and all those who shared in his experience.
Early this fall the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) kicked off their annual book drive with the goal of surpassing last year’s gift to Literacy Services of Wisconsin (LSW) of 500 books. As usual, the ERC Rotarian’s exceeded their goal. The books delivered to LSW this last week totaled 1,108.
Each year Rotarians collect new or gently used fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, how to books and children’s books which are gifted to LSW. LSW gives books to their students for their reading pleasure and for reading to their children. Books not selected by the students are sold to a secondhand bookstore.
LSW was founded in 1965 and will soon start their 60th. year of providing literacy services to adults. Most of the students receive one on one tutoring from trained volunteers. LSW provides the following programs: Adult Basic Education, English Language Learners and General Educational Development/High School Equivalency Diploma (GED/HSED) programs. During the last fiscal year LSW served 1,400 students. This past year 241 GED/HSED students earned their High School Certification.
The above picture shows some of this year’s donated books. Pictured left, back to front, LSW’s Amaya Barker – Special Projects, Chad Knezel – Director of Development, and Madison Olig – Manager of Development. Right side Rotarians Jan Constable, Mark Thurner, John Allen and LSW’s Aaron Goyette – Associate Director.
Thank you, Jan and fellow Rotarians, for heading up this great project, and our members for their generosity of donating over one thousand books.
For the past 13 years, the Elmbrook Rotary Club has worked with Common Hope, a Minnesota-based organization dedicated to educating the children of Guatemala. Some 97 of our members, family and friends, have made a combined 164 trips to Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to build simple houses and help social workers support students and their families. Many of us have sponsored students. Club coordinator Erik Moeser estimates that total contributions from our club, individual members and grants from Rotary District 6270 stand at about $478,000.
A special opportunity comes when Rotarians travel down in November to celebrate sponsored students who are graduating from high school. In early November, Dean and Karen Johnson represented our club at graduation for the club’s sponsored student, Maybelline. Tom and Lynda Curl enjoyed celebrating with Jazmin, a girl they’ve sponsored since 2013.
An impressive graduation ceremony was followed by lunch with the students and their parents. Then, the Johnsons and Curls had one last opportunity to visit with the students and encourage them to work toward great things in the future.
Over the next two days, the ERC representatives had an opportunity to make chocolate from the raw cocoa bean to finished product and also learn more about the medical and dental care, language classes, music program and enrichment opportunities Common Hope provides to students and their families.
We will be sending a Vision Team again in February 2025 and you are welcome to be part of it. Aside from being in a beautiful corner of the world, you’ll get a break from Wisconsin’s winter.
If this would be your first time in Guatemala, there are "scholarship" funds available to help with expenses. Contact Erik at (262) 420-8892.
Thank you, Tom, Lynda, Dean and Karen, for sponsoring and making a difference in these student’s lives as they begin a their next life chapter.
Today, Erik and Carol Moeser, Bill Selzer, Kerri Richlen, Mark Zalewski and I attended the annual Meet and Greet Veteran participants in the Veterans in Focus photography group which our club has supported for the past 8 years.
We were introduced to Courtney Zeller, C.T.R.S, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, by our former member, Daniel Zomchek, who at the time was Director of the Zablocki VA Medical Center.
The photography course is offered to Veterans in the Outpatient Mental Health Recreation Therapy and Homeless Prevention Programs. Courtney’s idea for the photography group came from her in-home visits to Veterans, many of whom did not have any pictures hanging on their walls. At the end of the photography classes, Veterans are able to choose a framed photograph to take home.
Courtney says that photography “provides veterans with the opportunity for self-exploration and self-discovery through photography-based interventions that promote personal healing, recovery, and well-being”. Veterans have expressed appreciation for the camaraderie with other Veterans. This year, group photo sites included: Frame Park, Milwaukee Public Market, Milwaukee Riverfront, Grant Park, Villa Terrace and Mitchell Park Domes, among other locations.
Chris, one of the Veterans today, in a written blurb next to his photograph said that “Something I learned about myself through photography was that I enjoy connecting to others and learning about their thoughts and life experiences. My favorite photography subjects are everything around the city and the lake. I love just walking around with my camera.”
Bonnie, thank you for your support of this wonderful Veteran project, and Erik for representing the project and club on camera for CBS 58 News.
Veterans Day, celebrated annually on November 11th, honors the military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, which officially concluded on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. This day is dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the sacrifices and service of all U.S. military veterans.
Veterans Day is celebrated in various ways, including:
Parades and public ceremonies
Wreath-laying ceremonies at memorials and cemeteries
Speeches and events honoring veterans
Educational activities in schools
It's a time for the nation to come together to express gratitude for the bravery and dedication of those who have served.
On Thursday October 24th, Rotarians from Milwaukee, Elmbrook and local area clubs gathered to view the lighting of the Hoan Bridge, in recognition of Rotary International’s mission to eradicate polio worldwide. After the group photo, the Milwaukee club hosted a hors d’ oeuvres and drinks, get-to-gather at Sail Loft.
On Saturday October 26th - 16 hearty Elmbrook Rotarians and friends dragged themselves out of bed to participate in the 4th annual Elmbrook Rotary Triathlon to End Polio.
The first event - The "Ham Egg & Pancake Throwdown" - saw the entrants attacking copious plant and animal-based items, washed down with unlimited amounts of brown liquid in preparation for the additional events. Of special note was Jim Dunn's "Herbivore Bowl" which for some reason was also topped with 3 eggs
The event took its toll however - with only 9 of the original 16 starters continuing on to the 2nd event - The 12.25-mile overland bike ride to the Zablocki VA Center.
Nobody wound up in the hospital this year - and 6 riders managed to complete the full (1 hill) course to return O'Donoghue's for the final event.
The Final Stage - The "Guinness Pint Glass Lift and Chili Scooping" had all six remaining participants, led by President Tom - finishing in a virtual tie.
With the real winners being the Kids of a world where Polio will finally be eradicated.
So Thanks - and Well Done - to all who came out on Saturday
Thanks everyone for your commitment to Rotary and to your community... Elmbrook Rotary Club - "We Rise and Shine"
In the highlands of Guatemala people washing their clothes in a stream is a daily task. As is carrying water in buckets from the same stream, sometimes for several miles, then gathering firewood to boil the water before it might be safe to drink. Disease from waterborne contaminants is widespread, and in some cases patients in hospitals are forced to bring their own water because the local hospital does not have clean water. Clean, safe water, a commodity we take for granted, is unknown for thousands of the proud, hard-working people of Guatemala.
Elmbrook Rotary Club is stepping to help. Our International Services Committee will be leading a project in 2025 to bring clean, safe water to two communities in the Guatemalan highlands. Cruz Chich and Chumisa are home to 3700 indigenous Mayan people who have never had access to clean water. Partnering with the people of these two communities, as well as the local Vista Hermosa Rotary Club, the Marquette University chapter of Engineers without Borders, the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, and other potential Rotary clubs in Wisconsin and elsewhere, we are on our way to raising the funds for this exciting $260,000 project.
The initial phase of this project has already begun through the efforts of the people in the communities. The task is significant. Trenches must be dug, and pipelines constructed to bring clean water to the villages from a spring seven kilometers away. Storage tanks and treatment facilities will be constructed, and more than 400 connections will be made to individual homes. The people of these two communities, who are supplying some of the funding and all the labor, purchased the spring several years ago and now, with help from Vista Hermosa Rotary Club and Elmbrook Rotary Club, look forward to a day very soon when they will finally have clean, safe water available in their homes.
As indicated above, we are still in the process of raising all the necessary funding for this project and donations of any size will be greatly appreciated. Contact Harry Farchmin or Doug Jacobson if you want to help.
Thank you, Harry Farchmin and Doug Jacobson, for spearheading this multi-club initiative.
This week, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Rotary International headquarters in Evanston, IL. The timing couldn’t have been better; it was a stunning fall day, with the sunlight glistening on Lake Michigan. Most meaningfully, it was the day before World Polio Day. In front of the Rotary building is a statue of a man administering the polio vaccine to children and it speaks volumes about the impact Rotarians have worldwide. It serves as a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can achieve remarkable things.
Just before my visit, I discovered that my colleague and fellow Rotarian, Noaman Sharief, had also recently visited Rotary International, where he received a warm welcome from none other than Paul Harris! Here’s Noaman’s takeaway from the experience: “As mentioned at a meeting and on the Signal group, I highly recommend that all Rotarians visit the RI HQ in Evanston to realize how impactful our collective efforts have been over the years.” I couldn’t agree more!
Lydia, thank you for sharing your trip to Rotary International.
On October 31st, a group of volunteers from the Elmbrook Rotary Club read books to approximately 100 children from St. St. Mary Margaret School at the Wellpoint Campus.
On October 18th, Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) announced that Tina Chang, Chairman & CEO of Brookfield-Based SysLogic was the recipient of ERC’s 8th Business Person of the Year award. Tina was selected from a number of candidates proposed by Brookfield Mayor Steve Ponto for demonstrating significant contributions to her business as well as demonstrating strong community involvement.
Tina has been serving clients for over 28 years in the areas of Technology Strategy & Digital Transformation, Information Management & Business Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Software Development. Tina has maintained a strong background in business leadership and technology innovation, and she has leveraged SysLogic to launch four technology start-ups (SysSpark, LLC, Cyberspect, LLC, WillBridge, LTD, and Ghostscale, LLC). Prior to SysLogic, Tina worked for Andersen Consulting (Accenture), where she served as a business analyst and consultant to Fortune 500 companies.
Tina currently serves on the boards of STRATTEC Security Corporation, Weyco Group, and Central States Manufacturing. She has demonstrated a dedication to her community through her leadership and board responsibilities with Alverno College, Children’s Wisconsin, MMAC, Midwest Cyber Security Alliance, Milwaukee Police Department Foundation, Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation, Wisconsin Policy Forum, Teach for America, Waukesha County Business Alliance, and YMCA of Greater Milwaukee.
Originally from New York, Tina attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she received a BBA degree with an emphasis in Marketing and International Business, and the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, where she specialized in environmental accounting and European commerce.
Thank you, Ralph Gould, Mayor Steve Ponto, Doug Jacobson and Mark Thurner for selecting, and presenting the 2024 Business Person of the Year award to Tina Chang for her leadership, contributions to technology and the support of community service.
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in November.
“Don't wait until the fourth Thursday in November, to sit with family and friends to give thanks. Make every day a day of Thanksgiving!” — Charmaine J. Forde
Happy Birthday! Wishing a wonderful year of good health, happiness, and success to our members:
Raul Arredondo
Donald Black
Jim Dunn
Fred Gettelman
Bill Selzer
Ted Wentzel
ERC also recognizes the following membership anniversaries:
The LAUNCH program at Brookfield East High School is an innovative, profession-based learning initiative designed for high school juniors and seniors. It provides students with opportunities to engage in real-world projects and tasks related to their future career interests. Here are some key features of the program:
Career-Based Learning: Students work on projects in collaboration with local businesses and professionals, gaining hands-on experience in various fields.
Interdisciplinary Approach: The program integrates core academic subjects like math, science, and English with professional tasks, allowing students to earn credits while exploring their career interests.
Community Engagement: LAUNCH students often showcase their projects to business professionals and community members, fostering a strong connection between the school and the local community.
Dr. Robert Hall is a dynamic leader and educator currently serving as the Executive Director of Launch. He shared with the Elmbrook Rotary Club his experience over the past 8 years with a program engaged in 300 projects annually providing 233 certifications … dedicated to bridging the gap between education and industry.
Students have prospered and developed critical skills necessary for success in today’s workplace.
Thank you, Dr. Hall, for your leadership in providing Elmbrook and Wauwatosa District students this great opportunity and path to a future of critical thinking, problem solving, and career success.
Robert Schuldes, Senior Vice President Director of Financial Crime for Associated Bank Fraud Division updated the Elmbrook Rotary members on current scams and how to avoid being a target and victim.
Watch for red flags
“Fraudsters are especially active during times of uncertainty, trying to take advantage of fear, empathy and desire for more information. The types of communications vary, so it is critical you look for any red flags with emails, phone calls, letters, text messages, faxes and social media.”
Be especially alert for any of the following types of messages (including advertisements):
* Asking you to confirm or update confidential, personal information and/or bank account information. - Never share personal information with someone contacting you.
* Asking you to donate during times of crisis. - Fraudsters will attempt to use the urgency of a situation to rush you in to donating. Always research the charity or organization before giving money.
* Offering guaranteed investment opportunities or prize winnings. - Offers that are too good to be true should be avoided. Never respond to these types of offers.
* Making you feel pressured to take an action or share information to receive a rebate or stimulus check. - Fraudsters use time pressure to make people act before they think. If you feel you are being rushed to make a decision, step back to evaluate the situation and what you are being asked to do.
* Contacting you via phone or in person offering special services such as cleaning, testing, running errands or safeguarding money. - Fraudsters are targeting vulnerable people such as the elderly and those who can't leave their homes while impersonating law enforcement or service workers. Never allow access to your home or hand over cash, account information, cards or PINs.
Recent Frauds and Scams
“These are attacks and scams perpetrated by attackers that have been seen recently and are prevalent across all industries and locations. These are not specific to Associated Bank but can be used to target you as a customer. “
The Partnership between the City of Brookfield, Elmbrook Rotary, and other gracious donors has brough the vison of an all-inclusive playground to Wirth Park. On a beautiful evening, John Kelliher and Mayor Steve Ponto welcomed and recognized the Staff, Playground Committee, City Council members, Friends of the Park and Recreation, local business/individual donors, and the Elmbrook Rotary for their $100,000 donation to the project. A large crowd of playground enthusiast attended the opening… eager to try out the numerous engaging pieces of equipment set in a cushioned base, providing “an extra layer of safety, making it a worry-free environment for active play”.
The playground committee was assigned the task of raising $300,000, to date… $301,152.72 has been raised… the goal has been met, thank you for making this a reality!!!
“The new playground features a wide variety of equipment to meet the diverse needs of its users. From wheelchair-accessible ramps and swings to sensory play stations and interactive panels, the design ensures that everyone can participate, regardless of mobility or developmental challenges.”
“The space also includes a quiet corner, providing a soothing environment for those who may need a break from the sensory-rich play area.”
Mayor Steve Ponto shared: “The Wirth Park Playground project will benefit the community for many years to come, developing a space for leisure and play for all abilities and ages will bring our community together, fostering friendships and lifelong memories.”
“One standout feature of the playground is its focus on promoting social interaction. Many of the play elements are designed to be enjoyed by multiple users at once, encouraging cooperation and play between children of different abilities. This approach transforms what could be a solo activity into a shared experience, fostering connections among visitors.”
If you haven’t had a chance to visit the playground… it is a great addition to Wirth Park… serving the Elmbrook Community and beyond.
On Friday Sept. 20, the Elmbrook Rotary Club morning meeting was hosted by the Woman’s Center in Waukesha. Executive Director Faith Holly Beal and Mike Hogan in charge of Management/Operations, welcomed the group and provided the history, mission, and a tour of the facility.
The Women’s Center provides a range of services aimed at supporting and empowering individuals affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse, and trafficking regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, nationality, or immigration status.
“Our vision is to create an engaged community that does not tolerate or accept interpersonal violence and provides abundant resources to ensure futures free of violence.”
Services are provided by a multi-disciplinary Team comprised of Law Enforcement, the Dept. of Health and Human Services, Children’s of Wisconsin, Waukesha County District Attorney’s Victim Witness, Family Services, and ProHealth Care.
Some of the key services they offer include:
24-hour hotline for immediate assistance
Emergency shelter and transitional living programs
Support groups and one-on-one support
Rape crisis response and legal advocacy
Employment coaching and life-skills development
Community education and violence prevention programs
“The Center is located at 505 N East Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186. If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach them at (262) 522-3806.” Or www.twcwaukwsha.org.
Thank you, Faith and Mike for providing your insight to the services provided by the Center and associated organizations.
Braver Angels (formerly known as Better Angels) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to political depolarization in the United States. Founded in 2016, its mission is to bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen democratic values. They organize workshops, debates, and other events where people with differing political views can engage in meaningful conversations and better understand each other's perspectives.
Former Rotarian, Beth Bauer, the new State Coordinator for Braver Angles shared the organization’s mission and vision of how-to bring people together on all sides of the political spectrum.
Braver Angels aims to foster a sense of community and shared values among participants, promoting civil discourse and reducing political polarization. They have a variety of programs tailored for different groups, including educators, elected officials, and journalists.
It’s a fascinating initiative! If you are interested in participating in one of their workshops or learning more about their events? If so, visit www.braverangels.org.
Every Saturday during the harvest season, the Brookfield Farmers Market highlights local vendors and growers from 7:30 – noon in the Brookfield Central parking lot. Elmbrook Rotary is a partner with the Market and the Salvation Army Food Pantry. Around noon a member fromthe Elmbrook Rotary collects donated produce at the Market’s to be given to the Waukesha County Food Pantry.
The generosity of the fresh produce given by Market Vendors is truly appreciated by those who are served by the Pantry.
Thank you to Ian Smith, Community Service Chair, who organized this endeavor and the Committee Members: John Allen, Jack Hill, Bill Petterson, Chris Salani, Kevin Roche, and Nick Sgarlata who served in this summer project.
On a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon at the Hart Park Rotary Stage in Wauwatosa, the Medical College of Wisconsin Orchestra in conjunction with the Wauwatosa Rotary, presented “Sounds of Hollywood”. The concert highlighted the works from well-known composers; Henry Mancini, John Barry, Jerry Goldsmith, Hans Zimmer and John Williams who wrote the scores for Chariots of Fire, Star Wars, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Trek, 007 and others.
They also included a segment of jazz tunes, and a fantastic clarinetist, William Helmers, accompanied by the orchestra.
Conductor, Dr. Alexander Mandl provided the audience with an engaging introduction for each selection. This two-hour concert was a tribute to a number of great composers, performed by a talented consortium of musicians from MCW.
A group of Elmbrook Rotarians and family members enjoyed an excellent concert on the waning days of summer.
On Friday September 7th, the Elmbrook Rotary Annual Packer Ticket Raffle drawing took place. Nine community members won two tickets to an upcoming home game at Lambeau Field.
Congratulation to:
Colts – Sunday Sept. 15th – James Doyle
Vikings – Sunday Sept. 29th – Steve Coartney
Cardinals - Sunday Oct. 13th – Nadya Tenges
Texans – Sunday Oct. 20th – Brad Ewald
Lions – Sunday Nov. 3rd – Justin Schoepke
49ners - Sunday Nov. 20th – Gary Allmers
Dolphins – Thursday Nov. 28th – Kay Noman
Saints – Monday Dec. 23rd – Tom Curl
Bears – Day and Time TBD – Beth Mattes
A big thank you to our Raffle Leader and Organizer Karl Schulz, and fellow members, who sold tickets at the Saturday morning Brookfield Farmers Market. And, thank you to all our members who sold and purchased tickets.
100% of the proceeds go to funding the community and international non-profit organizations we support!
At a recent meeting, Milwaukee Rep Theatre Executive Director Chad Bauman, reviewed the past, present and future of this great theatre company. Chad recently was named the non-profit executive of the year and is a member of the Milwaukee Rotary Club. His presentation covered the early beginnings, continual growth, and the current remodeling project.
The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, often referred to as Milwaukee Rep, is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin. It is one of the largest theatre companies in the United States serving nearly 300,000 people annually with around 700 performances of 12 to 15 productions each season. The theatre company id housed in the Associated Bank Theatre Center, which includes three unique performance venues: the Quadracci Powerhouse, Stiemke Studio, and Stackner Cabaret.
It is known for its diverse range of productions, from compelling dramas and powerful classics to new play and full-scale musicals. The theatre has a national reputation as an incubator for new work and an agent for community change, providing vital arts education programs.
The Milwaukee Rep venue is undergoing a significant remodeling project that addresses the challenges and limitations of the current theatre complex. They are investing $78 million to build a new theatre and renovate the existing Powerhouse Theatre complex. The groundbreaking for this project took place in May 2024. The renovation includes a complete transformation of the flagship Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse (currently the Quadracci Powerhouse), with improvements such as enhanced sight lines, more comfortable seating, and better ventilation. This project aims to create a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all theatergoers.
Thank you, Chad, for sharing your passion for this great iconic and vital contributor to the performing arts scene in Milwaukee. It’s an exciting time for the Milwaukee Rep!
Six Elmbrook Rotarians performed the Summer Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup on August 22. In 2022, The Elmbrook Rotary Club adopted a section of State Highway 59, also known as Greenfield Avenue, in the southwest corner of Brookfield. The Adopt-A-Highway initiative is one of the efforts of the Club’s Community Service avenue of service. We are pleased to have this project and to contribute to the health and aesthetics of our community.
Our commitment to the program includes three cleanup dates per year: late spring, mid-summer, and late fall. We can see that the impact over time is a positive one. With each year and cleanup date, we see slightly less refuse on the roadside. If you are familiar with the “broken windows” theory, the effect may be happening on our stretch of highway, with a cleaner environment affecting the actions of people who may refrain from littering an area that is generally clean.
Thanks to the mid-summer cleanup crew. Pictured at the start of the cleanup are Rotarians Dave Engle, Bill Petterson, Paul Langer, Karl Schulz, Paul Sawicki, and Bill Selzer. For anyone interested in participating in the next cleanup, it will be scheduled for late October.
“Reading is the most important skill we have in life.”
Brian Floriani shared his life story and journey that brought him to the founding of Bernie’s Book Bank, a non-profit organization that is named after his avid reading father. As he began his career as an elementary school teacher, in a under resourced community outside of Chicago, Brian realized how critical literacy is, and how this transformative time in a child’s life, effects the rest of their life. He embraced the impact of literacy, and in 2009, started Bernie’s Book Bank out of his garage, with $5,000 on his credit card, in hopes to make a difference in the lives of children without books.
“The vision is where every child has equal access to books and the opportunities they inspire.”
“Every child shall have an opportunity to read their way to a better life”
Did you know:
32 million Americans can’t read.
Only 23% of 8th graders are reading at grade level.
If we increase literacy by 1% in America, there would be a 480-billion-dollar positive impact on the economy.
Bernie’s Book Bank ships 100K-150K books out the door per week.
Over the past 5 years, they have served 20,000 children in Milwaukee, and “by the end of 2026 they plan on serving every qualified child” in southeastern Wisconsin.
Would you like more information on how to get involved or details about their programs? visit www.berniesbookbank.org.
Also, if you would like to be part of a great Elmbrook Rotary community service opportunity, consider tutoring at the Milwaukee 95th Street School along with fellow Rotarians. To learn more or sign up, contact Jan Constable at: jrconstable@sbcglobal.net.
Elmbrook Rotary Club member Nick Sgarlata is the Executive Director of Bridge to Brighter. At the Friday morning meeting, Nick shared stories about the mission, vision and history of this great organization. Nick and his wife Carrie are foster adoptive parents. They have fostered 15 children, adopted two, and have three biological kids.
Bridge to Brighter is an organization dedicated to supporting youth in and aging out of foster care in Milwaukee County. They provide vital services, resources, and programming to help these young individuals transition successfully into adulthood. Their focus is on building independence and self-sufficiency through life skills training and supportive housing.
Bridge to Brighter meets the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of youth aging out of foster care. The organization supports these youths by focusing on the:
Five Pillars of Success:
Stable Housing
Employment Assistance and Coaching
Self-care and Healing
Building Healthy Connections
Life Skills Development and Mentoring
“Eighteen-year-olds who age out of the foster care system have neither been united with their families nor adopted, and statistics on what happens next for these young people are particularly daunting:”
Are homeless the next day they age out of foster care
Only 60% graduate high school and only 3% graduate college
60% of young men are convicted of a crime
Only 50% are employed full-time at age 24
“Bridge to Brighter provides stable housing for up to eight young men to live independently in and apartment building on Milwaukee’s west side. This cohousing model created opportunities for these young men to receive therapeutic, mentoring and spiritual support as they unlearn the survival skills that have helped them survive the foster care system but are creating barriers in their transition to adulthood.”
Group sessions provide these young men financial literacy, personal budgeting, life planning, healthy cooking, self-care, and healthy group social dynamics.
Nick, thank you for sharing your story, experiences, and how Bridge to Brighter is positively impacting these young men who have aged out of foster care in Milwaukee.
Another great presentation at the Friday morning ERC Sunrise Meeting.
Our speaker, Bethany Rentsch, studied terrorism at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, lectured at the University of Leipzig in Germany, and taught young girls English and social responsibility in Palestine. She was recruited as a US Military advisor for the NATO mission in Afghanistan where she worked as a contractor trainer for 16 months.
Bethany shared her story of “Nation Building in Afghanistan: How it Began, Why it Failed, and What Happens Next”
What is Nation-Building?
Nation-building is a significant undertaking that governments employ to develop political, economic, security, and social institutions in other countries – especially those emerging from conflict like Afghanistan that has been at war between tribes as far back as 1793.
“We were void of fundamental understanding of Afghanistan – we didn’t know what we were doing” This long running campaign was extremely expensive in the loss of lives and dollars… 1 trillion. And, in “August 2021, the Taliban walked right back in”.
Bethany described the unforgiving landscape, her base, accommodations and the very pervasive negative attitude from her colleagues she encountered.
She shared, “What it was like in a theatre of conflict, especially one like Afghanistan” with the mission to train incoming NATO personnel about logistics, procurement, insider threats, the culture, and Islam.
Bethany applied the 5 Key Principals of Trauma Informed Care to her experience in Afghanistan.
1. Safety – create areas that promote a sense of safety
“There can be no forward movement without safety, which was never a certainty. The history of violence between tribes, the terrain, and poor planning by the Coalition made security unsustainable at best.”
2. Trust – provide clear and consistent information
“We never had a strong end game, which only empowered the Taliban. Too often we leaned on money to make things better. Eventually it was simply stolen. Over time, corruption became the first and worst risk to deteriorating security in Afghanistan.”
3. Choice – provide options for treatment and care
“Choice was only ever limited because political parties lacked power, as did ordinary citizens. The president ruled mostly alone, by design, which was reinforced by the West.”
4. Collaboration – maximize collaboration between health care staff, patients, and their families
“Their ability to collaborate was compromised by frequent insider attacks. Afghans were similarly frustrated by collateral deaths and injuries after Coalition airstrikes and operations.”
5. Empowerment – build upon a patient’s strengths and experiences
“The US and the West wanted women to have equal rights. Even then, Afghan women were resented and rarely treated fairly by their male counterparts.”
Today Bethany is a Psychology Associate, State of Wisconsin, Clinical Mental Health Counselor specializing as a Trauma Recovery Therapist for women who are incarcerated within Wis. Department of Corrections. She is a past Fulbright and Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, as well as an Outstanding Young Alumni from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.
Thank you, for sharing your experiences as a NATO trainer and for your current work with women… exploring and treating trauma… “What Happened to You?” Not, “What’s Wrong with You?”
This article highlights several recent Club activities. Community members are welcome to join us at any of our events... check out our website calendar for up-coming Friday morning speakers, club projects and activities.
Get your Packer Raffle Tickets! Tickets can be purchased at the Rotary Table at the Brookfield Farmers Market on Saturdays from 7:30am to noon. Tickets can also be purchased from any Elmbook Rotary Club member, or by contacting Karl Schultz at kschulz2@gmail.com. “For only $10, a single Raffle Ticket gives you 9 chances to win 2 tickets to one of the 9 home games at the famous “Frozen Tundra” and every penny goes to support needs in our community and beyond",.. supporting our 35 plus community and international non-profit organizations.
Every year the ERC partners with the Wellpoint Care Network to provide Books for Kids. This year 300 plus books were donated by the Club, with 6 members volunteering to spend a few hours reading to the kids at Wellpoint. Thank you Jack Hill, Rick Chabot, Jack and Kim Nelson and Greg and Jeanne Bonk!
Back to School Supplies Drive – Every year mid-summer, the Club collects supplies and donations from its members. This year $1,400 worth of supplies were donated as well as a number of Teacher Supplies from a former Brookfield Academy Teacher. Thank you, members, for stepping up and Jean Schindler for your supplies.
3rd Annual Back to School Bash was hosted by Wellpoint Care Network at St. Margret Mary School on 92nd and Capital Drive. At the event 1000 backpacks were distributed along with 300 Lead Safety Kits and Zero Water purification systems. Thank you, Doug and Janie Jacobson, Kate Bloomberg, Scott Dryburgh, Kim Nelson and Bill Selzer for volunteering your afternoon for a great event.
On August 7th, the Club held their Monthly Social at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in Brookfield. Twenty-two members gathered to enjoy a beautiful evening of socializing.
At the Brookfield Farmers Market, every Saturday, produce is picked up at the end of the market. A member, volunteers to go around to the various vendors and pick up unsold produce they would like to donate, which is then given to the Salvation Army Food Pantry.
The City of Brookfield Wirth Park Playground Renovation Project is almost complete and looking great! This project is all about providing “a space for leisure and play for all abilities and ages”. The playground is designed with inclusive features allowing the opportunity to play and socialize together.
The Elmbrook Rotary Club is a major sponsor of this project serving the community providing funding and local support.
Recently, John Kelliher, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry for the City of Brookfield, pointed out the signs recognizing the Club’s contributions to this worthy community project. He also mentioned the plan for an additional Elmbrook Rotary recognition sign along the walk leading from the parking lot to the playground.
“Meals from the Heart” is a beautiful program that embodies compassion, community, and sustenance. At RMHC, it’s not just about providing shelter; it’s about creating a home-away-from-home for families facing challenging times. When a child is receiving medical treatment far from their own home, the burden can be overwhelming. That’s where “Meals from the Heart” steps in.
How Does It Work?
Volunteer-Prepared Meals:
Dedicated volunteer groups come together to prepare meals. Recently four Elmbrook Rotarians provided Meals from the Heart at the Southeastern Wisconsin Ronald McDonald House in Wauwatosa at the Milwaukee Medical Center.
These volunteers planned the menu, purchased the ingredients, and then worked their magic in the kitchen, prepping and serving dinner with love to 40+ family members. Afterwards, the crew cleaned the cookware, kitchen and provided to-go containers for the families.
The goal? To create wholesome, comforting meals that families can enjoy without worrying about the hassle or cost of cooking themselves.
A Welcoming Space:
A provided heartwarming meal in the Family Room allows families to sit down together, share stories, and find solace in a warm environment.
Imagine parents and children gathering around a table, nourishing both body and spirit.
Impactful Support:
Families often express their gratitude for having fresh, homemade food available.
One parent shared, “My daughter and I were able to sit, play games, and enjoy a meal together without the tally running up.”
Another mentioned, “It was so nice to have fresh food available; I was getting really tired of fast food.”
The Heartfelt Impact
Each year, nearly 3,000 homemade meals are served to families at the Ronald McDonald House. Ian shared that “the families were very grateful for dinner” after returning from an emotional draining day at the hospital.
Volunteers become part of the healing process, providing not just sustenance but also emotional support.
Families find comfort in shared meals, forging connections with others who understand their journey.
How You Can Help
Consider donating to RMHC or becoming a volunteer.
Your contribution, whether through time or resources, directly impacts families during their most vulnerable moments.
Remember, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the love, care, and community that come with every meal.
Elmbrook Rotary welcomes community members to join us in our volunteer opportunities and projects. To view the event calendar, visit www.elmbrookrotary.org, select the Volunteer Event Opportunities tab to scroll through the calendar for events and the contact person who can provide more information about the activity.
Thank you, Anne, Harry, Paul and Ian for being part of this heartwarming mission!
ShelterBox is a remarkable organization founded with a simple yet powerful vision: to provide emergency shelter and essential supplies to people affected by disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide. Since its inception in 2000, ShelterBox has been a beacon of hope for those who find themselves displaced, vulnerable, and in urgent need of assistance.
Fellow Kenosha Club Rotarian Fran Wargolet shared her passion, commitment, and history with the ShelterBox organization. She thanked the Elmbrook Rotary Club for their past support and funding for this great cause.
Recently, Fran and her daughter participated in a fundraising 30-mile hike around Yosemite National Park for ShelterBox. To date they have raised $16,000… congratulations and thank you!
The history and impact of ShelterBox:
From Humble Beginnings:
ShelterBox was officially launched in the year 2000. The initial hope was to assist 8 to 10 families annually.
Each ShelterBox contained essential items: a family-sized tent, sleeping bags, water purification tablets, a trenching tool, and basic cookware.
Global Impact:
ShelterBox quickly expanded its reach. Since 2000, its staff and volunteers have helped shelter more than 1.5 million people across over 100 countries.
Their response isn’t limited to a specific type of disaster; they’ve stepped in after earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, typhoons, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and even conflict situations.
Rotary Connection:
ShelterBox has strong ties to Rotary International. In 2000, the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard adopted ShelterBox as its millennium project.
Affiliates sprouted across the globe, including ShelterBox USA, which was adopted as a project by the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota, FL.
The collaboration between ShelterBox and Rotary has been instrumental in their success and impact.
A Signatory to Compassion:
ShelterBox adheres to the Red Cross Code of Conduct, emphasizing the dignity, respect, and impartiality with which they provide aid.
Their commitment extends beyond immediate relief – they enable families to rebuild their lives by ensuring they have a safe place to call home.
Fran reviewed the various operational components, number of volunteers, response capabilities, resource availability and worldwide tracking of events. There is a ShelterBox “team with the sole purpose and dedication, is to monitor the world, to look at what is going on, and to determine whether or not we need to send response teams to those areas”. As a result, ShelterBox can respond to a need anywhere in the world quickly and efficiently.
What is in a ShelterBox or Bag and how much does it cost?
Shelter essentials – toolkit, 2 tarps, and rope
Family health kit – mosquito nets, water filter, water carriers, and hygiene kit
Kitchen set – pots, pans, and utensils
Blankets and mattresses – for a family of 5
Family tent and solar lights
Children activity pack
The complete shelter package costs $1,000
For a family to have their own shelter versus being housed in a large venue is huge… “they become part of a community” … when families can have their own living space alongside others, creating a temporary neighborhood.
Thank you, Fran for sharing the story of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication. ShelterBox continues to be a lifeline for those caught in the storm of disaster, offering not just shelter but also a glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow.
The World Affairs Seminar, “Peace Through Understanding” is a “unique interactive educational program for high school students sponsored by Rotary International District 6270. It is a weeklong experience providing an opportunity for international students to discuss issues in a non-threatening environment.”
The Seminar was started in 1977 with over 30,000 future world leaders participating in this great program. For many years, Elmbrook Rotary has sponsored two delegates from Brookfield East High School.
At a recent meeting, Doug Jacobson introduced Brinnly Ward and Ava Hicks, the clubs two representatives to the 2024 World Affairs Seminar that recently took place at Carroll University. The theme this year was “Democracy and Governance: Evolving Global Perspectives”. Brinnly and Ava thanked the club for their sponsorship, gave a synopsis of the Diplomacy Simulation exercise, including highlights of their experience of collaboration and international friendship building.
180 students were divided into groups with the task of finding a diplomatic solution to a regional issue between the hypothetical democratic nations of Parmandy and Mapon over the Alaka region. The goal was to find an agreeable solution and secure a treaty between the groups. The solution for one of the groups was to have a signed fair treaty that created an “autonomous region”.
Brinnly and Ava reviewed their roles, group collaboration, and peaceful resolution for the simulation challenge.
Ava shared that it was “a truly an incredible experience to be part of the World Affairs Seminar that I will remember forever. I learned a lot about government politics and learned about friendships and building relationships with people that don’t’ necessarily have the same viewpoints as you.”
Brinnly discovered “How we can work through true world affairs…it is not always going to be easy. There are going to be strong personalities everywhere… It was a good lesson to learn.”
They both met “a great group of people from around the world… hoping to stay in touch.”
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in September.
"September days have the warmth of summer in their briefer hours, but in their lengthening evenings a prophetic breath of autumn." - Rowland E. Robinson
Happy Birthday! Wishing a wonderful year of good health, happiness, and success to our members:
Linda Edelstein
Ralph Gould
Mike Hogan
Larry Myers
ERC also recognizes the following membership anniversaries:
On June 4th, Wellpoint Care network launched their 2024 vegetable and flower Community Garden season. Children from St. Margaret Mary School were in attendance along with representatives Jack Nelson and Bill Selzer from the Elmbrook Rotary Club, and Wellpoint Staff were in attendance.
The group was welcomed by Alex Williams and the Wellpoint Garden Team. The Team recently completed 9 raised planting beds, three of them set for kids and six taller beds that are accessible for walkers and wheelchairs. Thank you, Bed Builders; Jack Nelson, Tom Curl, Thomas Steinbach, Kerri Richlen, Mark Thurner, and Bill Selzer were thanked for their hard work and craftsmanship. Blessing Clark from Wellpoint was also a member of the construction crew.
The activities included:
The dedication of three raised beds, in recognition of the Elmbrook Rotary Club for their dedication and support of the Wellpoint Care Community Garden, along with Jack Nelson and Bill Selzer for their involvement in this project. Permanent metal plaques will be installed on three of the beds.
Children colored pictures of flowers and plants, then planted annual flowers in the new beds.
The Community Garden Team looks forward to the completion of the MMSD project, and development of in ground garden plots, and a Peace Garden giving staff and residents a tranquil place to enjoy.
On Monday, May 27th, our country remembered and mourned those who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom, and celebrated, for all those who have served and are serving in our armed forces today.
The Elmbrook Rotary members, families, and friends recognized this day at a gathering at John and Jeanne Allen’s home to watch the Elm Grove Memorial Day Parade. After the parade, a potluck lunch was shared.
Thank you to Jeanne and John for hosting, and all those who attended and brought great food to share.
BloomMKE and Elmbrook Rotary Club built a garden at the VA hospital.
BloomMKE invited the Elmbrook Rotary Club to help in building gardens in the VA hospital. This invitation had extra significance since the gardens were being built with the money BloomMKE received as a mini grant.
Paul Sawicki from the club joined Rick and Lisa Roszkowski from BloomMKE
Dr. Mark Hansen, Elmbrook School Superintendent, presented his annual update to the club on the Elmbrook School District’s recent accomplishments and programs. Dr. Hansen has served the district since 2012 and has seen the system flourish and grow both academically and socially. Recently, he received the State Superintendent of the Year Award for 2024… Congratulations Dr. Hansen!
The School District of Elmbrook’s “Mission is to educate and inspire every student to think, to learn, and to succeed… with the Vision and Core Values to inspire the work of our students, staff and community as we prepare all students for success”.
“We have amazing results across the system.”
As a result of the districts commitment, in 2023, Elmbrook was ranked #1 by niche.com, #2 for ranking on senior ACT testing, #3 on the state report card with K-12 was ranked #4.
The two flagship schools, Brookfield Central and Brookfield East, received gold recognition on the AP school Honor Roll and East was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, being the only high school in Wisconsin and one of only three in the nation.
Of 367 public 4K-12K grade districts rated in the state, Elmbrook is in the top:
1% for overall scores.
1% for achievement.
1% for growth scores.
2% for target group outcome scores.
2% for on-track to graduation score.
“Our schools all exceed, or significantly exceed expectations… this is an expectation in our community… we are a high expectation community, and we have high performance from our students.”
Dr. Hansen reviewed the various programs available to students, such as, Launch, athletics, performing arts and other opportunities for students to learn and grow.
He also touched on the ten district schools, planning, and financial stability. This well managed district has a tax mill rate that has gone down from $13.60 in 1993 to $7.47 in 2023.
The Elmbrook Teaching and Learning Department is “committed to helping the schools in our district meet the needs of each and every student”.
“Because of this core belief to reach every student, every time, all the time, we embrace the principles of personalized learning in all that we do - thoughtful lesson design using rigorous curriculum, assessment information to drive instruction, student voice and choice in the classroom, meaningful integration of instructional technology and other tools to engage students, and authentic and honest feedback to students about their learning and progress.”
Thank you, Dr. Hansen, for sharing the latest news about our great schools, staff members, students, and parents.
To learn more about the Elmbrook Schools, programs, vision, achievements, awards, and plans, visit www.elmbrook schools.org
On April 19th, President Chris Spresser inducted Kurt Schley into the fellowship of the Elmbrook Rotary club and Rotary International, serving throughout the world. Kurt, President of Elmbrook Hospital, was proposed by Steve Ponto for membership, who presented Kurt with the Rotary lapel pin.
“With the motto Service Above Self, the object of the club and all Rotary clubs is to encourage and foster this ideal as a basis of worthy enterprise.”
Bill and Fe Pettersen along with Marie Owens and Todd Hill reported on the 2023 Graduation, of Elmbrook Rotary sponsored students. Bill and Fe have followed the educational journey of their student, Evelyn Roxana, from 7th grade to high school graduation. She graduated with special training to become a chef and is interning in a restaurant while working in a factory.
Over the years, Elmbrook Rotary has been involved in Guatemala by sponsoring students, building homes and providing other health and education related services on their annual pilgrimage with Common Hope.
The Common Hope Mission… promotes hope and opportunity in Guatemala through:
Support and encouragement to help Guatemalan students graduate from high school.
Construction of homes for families in need with the essentials of clean water and electricity.
Needed Healthcare providing medical preventative care, dental and prenatal services.
Family development programs offering legal aid, and parenting programs.
Guatemala has a 69% literacy rate, and a 18,6% high school graduation rate with 1/3 of adults never attending school. With the mission of Common Hope, Guatemalan students are twice as likely to work in a formal job, have a 53% improved job class over their parents, and female graduates earn 47% more that female non-graduates. Graduates are 50% more likely to report being in good health, and 90% are optimistic about achieving a higher standard of living.
Bill, Fe, Maire, and Todd attended the graduation of three students, Evelyn, Wagner, and Diego. Evelyn has been sponsored by the Pettersen’s since 2017. Now, at 21 years old, she is graduating from high school with culinary skills that will provide a route to her goal of becoming a chef.
Graduation was a day of celebration and sharing between students, families, and sponsors. Marie was invited to the graduation as the Elmbrook Rotary Club representative to be present for Wagner and Diego’s day of celebration. She talked about the day’s activities starting with breakfast followed by the graduation ceremony, a celebration parade, party, and fireworks. There have been 2,000 students that have graduated and are recognized with a brick set in the graduation pathway of dreams… walking into hope and walking into the future. The warmth and welcomeness of the families “made me feel like their best lost friend or aunt. I felt like I was part of their family. The gratitude to the sponsors was overwhelming”.
The transformation that Evelyn experienced through Fe and Bill’s sponsorship has provided her with a new world of opportunities. She has grown from a young girl struggling to stay in school to a graduate, on the path to success and financial stability.
The connection through correspondence over the years has been heartfelt for both sponsors and students. In her most recent letter, Evelyn wrote, “I say goodbye with care, love and appreciation for all the support you have provided me”.
How can you become involved with Common Hope?
Volunteer to take the annual trip to construct a home, assist in healthcare or at a school.
Sponsor a student at $70 per month or share a sponsorship with another Rotarian.
To learn more about Common Hope, ask one of the many club members who have either sponsored a student or have provided labor and love in building homes, visit: www.commonhope.org.
John Kelliher, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry for the City of Brookfield gave a presentation on the Wirth Park Playground Renovation Project, planned for construction this spring.
Over the years the Park and Recreation Programs have grown, providing “Children and families spending time together… that is what relationship building is all about”.
The City of Brookfield is excited to announce the Wirth Park Playground Renovation Project. The playground will be designed with inclusive features allowing all ages and abilities the opportunity to play and socialize together.
John reviewed the design criteria key points that will provide:
Social Inclusion
Independence
Active Motion
Imagination
Graduated Complexity
Features of the playground will allow “kids with all skills and abilities to play together in parallel play”.
John thanked the Elmbrook Rotary members for being an integral part of this project as a major sponsor and host of the upcoming Fundraising Event.
“This project would not be moving forward without people like you.”
All the sponsors will be recognized at the park with large donor signs at the entrance of the facility, as well as putting donor information on the website. “The Rotary Club will be front, and center and people will know you are a major contributor to the Project.”
Mayor Steve Ponto shared: “The Wirth Park Playground project will benefit the community for many years to come, developing a space for leisure and play for all abilities and ages will bring our community together, fostering friendships and lifelong memories.”
Upcoming Fundraising Event – Saturday April 13th, 6pm at the Brookfield Convention Center.
The Elmbrook Rotary Foundation is hosting this event to help make the playground project a reality. Cocktail Hour, Food, Live Music, Raffles, Silent / Live Auctions are all part of a fun evening.
To learn more about the Wirth Park Playground Project, visit www.ci.brookfield.wi.us and click on “Parks and Recreation” to view the project, make a donation and purchase tickets for the April 13th event.
Jodi Wenzel, Project Coordinator for the ADAM Project has practiced as a pediatric nurse at Childrens Wisconsin Hospital for 15 years. At the Friday meeting she shared her passion, knowledge of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and the evolution of the ADAM Project.
In 1999, a 17-year-old athlete, Adam Lemel, collapsed by sudden cardiac arrest while playing basketball. CPR was started and 911 called. At that time there were no AEDs available at the school, or a practice plan in place. EMS personnel arrived and were unable to revive Adam… he passed away on the court. As a result of the tragic loss of their son, Joe and Patty Lemel worked with Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin to develop Project ADAM (Automatic Defibrillators in Adam’s Memory). Lumel’s continuing to advocate for Project ADAM, keeping Adam’s memory alive and his legacy has prevented over 200 sudden cardiac deaths.
What is a Sudden Cardiac Arrest? It occurs when there is an electrical problem with the heart, and it stops beating. It is different from a heart attack, where there is a circulation problem linked to a blocked cardiac artery. To start the heart up again, an electrical impulse provided by an AED along with good quality CPR is needed. An AED will only provide a shock if there is a shockable rhythm.
Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest survivable? “Survival can be as high as 90% if treatment starts within the first minutes after sudden cardiac arrest. The rate drops by 10% each minute longer. Sudden cardiac arrest can be fatal if it lasts longer than eight minutes without CPR. Brain damage can happen after just five minutes.” The time window is small… though having an incident plan, calling 911, initiating CPR, and having an AED available can save lives.
With a mission and vision to save lives by empowering schools and communities to be prepared for a sudden cardiac arrest, and to eradicate sudden cardiac death through school and community prevention, these goals can be attained via this great program.
The ADAM Project, led by Children’s Wisconsin, the Herma Heart Institute, and hospital systems provides 42 programs across 32 states, advocates for:
Heart Safe Schools – providing a practice plan to include CPR/AED training and available AEDs in the event of a SCA at the school.
Heart Safe Community Sites – provide AEDs in parks and community gathering sites.
Heart Safe Youth Sports – provides AEDs where youth sporting events are held.
By adding CPR training and AEDs to our schools and throughout our communities, Sudden Cardiac Arrest deaths can be significantly reduced.
If you are confronted with using an AED, follow the prompts and “know that the AED won’t let you harm the cardiac victim”.
Rotarian Erik Moeser has traveled to Hawaii, Chili, Aruba, Zambia, Libya, Australia, and Tennessee to experience the totality of a solar eclipse. He shared his knowledge and passion for the heavens with the club at the Friday Sunrise Meeting. It all started in the late 50’s when his dad woke him up at 4am and went to the flood control dam to witness the passing of the Soviet Union Satellite… Sputnik.
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse can be viewed across the northern hemisphere from Mazatlán, Mexico to Burlington, Vermont. Along this path, eclipse seekers will be able to enjoy a 4minute and 27 second show of solar eclipse totality. Up to the point of totality, the viewer must wear approved eye protection, and during the brief blackout, the protection should be removed to observe the umbra where the moon has completely blocked out the sun.
Erik described the planning process and the need for a Plan B in the event of a cloudy event day. His Plan B is to schedule the trip to a location that if the sun isn’t visible, the location and experience will provide a great vacation.
The planning process considers the location’s weather conditions, cloud cover statistics, travel distance, cost, plus geopolitical and health risks.
If you are interested in observing a 90% eclipse in the City of Brookfield on April 8th, the partial will start at 12:52pm and end at 3:23pm. The midpoint will be at 2:08pm where 90% of the sun will be covered by the moon. To experience this eclipse, make sure to where solar glasses approved for eclipse viewing throughout the event.
Rumor has it that “For every minute of totality observed, you get an extra year of life… hmmm, fact, fiction or a nice thought?
Erik, thank you for your 44 years of Rotarian service, sharing your knowledge, and experiences. We hope you will have a successful viewing on April 8th and look forward to hearing about your adventure upon your return.
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in March.
“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” ― Charles Dicken
Happy Birthday! Wishing a wonderful year of good health, happiness and success to our members:
Michael Asuncion
Dave Engle
Kevin Roche
Charley Shirley
ERC also recognizes the following membership anniversaries:
On February 9, 2024, 3 officers of Brookfield East's Rotary Interact Club visited the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC).
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of "Service Above Self.” The Brookfield East club organizes at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary clubs sponsor, mentor, and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills. The ERC's mentor is Rotarian Jack Hill. The club has grown from 10 members last year to 60 plus this year. Participating in the Club Fair and modifying the meeting times helped grow interest in joining the club.
Each Officer introduced themselves and explained what activities they were involved in:
· Mary, a junior and President of the Interact Club, has been with the club for two years and as an officer. She was involved in a program of making sandwiches for Guest House Milwaukee and participated in a food drive. Mary’s interest lies in becoming a history teacher.
· Nivedha has been with the club for three years. She enjoyed the blanket project that benefited the Women’s Shelter. Upon graduation, Nivedha is planning on majoring in product design.
· Sofija, a senior, has been with the club for four years and her first as an officer. She also found the blanket project fulfilling and rewarding. Sofija would like to major in marketing after graduation from Brookfield East.
Interact Club aims to connect with leaders in our community and around the world to:
· Take action to make a difference in your school and community
· Discover new cultures and promote international understanding
· Become a leader in your school and community
· Have fun and make new friends form around the world
· There are 342,953 Interactors in 14,911 clubs worldwide in 145 countries
Thank you, Mary, Nivedha, Sofija, and Interact members for your service to the community and each other.
For additional information on Rotary Interact Clubs, visit www.rotary.org or Rotary International on Facebook.
This article will highlight the history, stories, and impact of the tutoring program. Thank you, Jan Constable, and ERC Tutors past and present, for providing the history and sharing your recent experiences at the 95th Street School.
Program History:
In 2008 Tony Consiglio was serving as President of the Elmbrook Rotary Club. As a new community service project, he asked club Rotarians to determine if there was a way to get club members involved in a literacy project. A small group was formed to act on his request. After several meetings the group decided to investigate three activities. The three activities were tutoring inmates at the Waukesha Huber Jail, tutoring at an elementary school, or starting our own after school student tutoring program. The group met with representatives of the Huber Jail and the Executive Director of the Capitol West Academy a Private Charter School located in Milwaukee. After additional discussion we decided on the Private Charter School. Meeting with the Executive Director of the school, we asked first that we be assigned to teachers that wanted tutors, second, that when tutoring in reading we also include comprehension and vocabulary. And third, that we tutor the students that are in the lowest 10% of the class. ERC members and spouses tutored at the Capitol West Academy for 12 years. Each year 15 to 20 ERC tutors supported the school. In addition, each year the ERC held a school supplies drive for the school. During the 12 years, three ERC members served on the school’s Board of Directors.
While ERC members were tutoring elementary students, members were also tutoring adults at Literacy Services of Wisconsin. Literacy Services of Wisconsin is an adult literacy center located in downtown Milwaukee.
In 2020 the ERC decided to move the tutoring program to the 95th. Street School, which is a Milwaukee Public Elementary School, and is in the same neighborhood as the Capitol West Academy. Unfortunately, COVID delayed the start of tutoring until 2022. Each year during the COVID period the ERC held school supplies drives to support all the student’s taking classes from home. Over each of the last two years 10 Rotarians and spouses have been tutoring students at the 95th Street School.
Thank you to all of you who have been part of this program prior switching to the 95th Street School!
Tutors Stories and Comments:
“I have an incident that warmed my heart I'd like to share with you. I stopped in the bookstore at the airport earlier this year to buy something. Before I had taken out my credit card to pay, the clerk at the counter said, "Hi, Mrs. Engle. It's so good to see you!" He was not wearing a name tag, so it took a while for me to figure out who it was. It turned out to be one of the boys I tutored at Capital West Academy in 2008/2009. He recognized me right away and came out and gave me a big hug. It was so amazing that he recognized me from that long ago and I was so touched that he asked to give me a hug. Then he said he'd be sure and tell the other boy I tutored with him that he had seen me. It was so heartwarming.” - Jensy Engle
“I have found that many students who struggle in a busy classroom thrive in a quiet one tutor to one student learning session. As a student’s knowledge grows so does their self-confidence and self-esteem. Throughout my 14 years tutoring elementary students, I have yet to come upon a student that didn’t want to succeed in their classwork. In fact, the more they found themselves succeeding, the more they wanted to learn.” – Jan Constable
“It is so rewarding when you are working with a student on a math concept and suddenly it clicks and he says with a big smile, “I get it!”. After a reading session, my fourth-grade student said, “If it weren’t for you, I would still be reading at a 1st grade level”. I am not sure that really is the case, but the kind words were appreciated. Every session I can see growth in the level of confidence in mastering reading and math. They are engaged and focused, even though there are many distractions nearby. We as tutors, can only hope that our time spent with our students each week is having a positive impact, even though it may be ever so small in their education journey.” – Bill Selzer
“I LOVE tutoring at 95th St School! I have worked with Mrs. Shields in 4th grade this year and last. I am working with the students in Math. Last year I worked with 4 students and this year I have 5 students. I work on Tuesday mornings from 8:45-10. This is honestly a highlight of my week. When I arrive the students always seem happy to see me and I am happy to see them.
We work on multiplication facts and then the lesson for the day. Time flies!
It may not always be easiest to find a place to work with them, but I now have a table outside of the classroom that is available for me.
The teacher shared with me that one student at conferences said that he is improving because he gets to work with Mrs. Thurner (that really made me smile)
Overall, the tutoring experience has been a fantastic one for me. I love that I can use my former teaching skills to help the kids and I have some little hints for them to help them learn and retain. I would highly recommend this tutoring experience to anyone that has the time and patience to help make a difference in a child's life.” – Jackie Thurner
“Over the past 12 plus years of tutoring, I believe that tutoring every week makes a difference on the growth of students, especially when tutoring starts no later than 2nd or 3rd grade. It is amazing to watch the transition in growth and skill development. You can see it in their eyes when giving positive reinforcement... they just love it, even when they are struggling. Doing the right thing warms his heart… a wonderful experience I hope the kids get something out if it honestly, I think I get more.” – Wally Smanski
The benefits of tutoring are numerous, but some stand out:
Tutoring gives individualized attention to the student, allowing for a give and take that provides immediate feedback.
Tutoring helps a student develop study skills and skills for more independent learning.
Tutoring assistance frequently improves the student’s attitude about a school—what was once frustrating and embarrassing is now a source of success and pride.
Tutoring improves self-confidence and self-directed learning as the student gains more and more mastery in a subject.
Many students work better in the quieter, less distracting tutoring session than in class.
Tutoring aids in identifying learning challenges and brings a method for improving learning difficulties.
This environment often feels safer for the student when asking questions.
Thank you, Jan for leading this effort, and this year’s Tutors are:
John & Jeanne Allen
Jensy Engle
Jack Hill
Wally Smanski
Jackie Thurner
Bill & Cathy Selzer
Jan & Darcy Constable
For the 2024-2025 school year it was mentioned that the school would like another three ERC Tutors. If you are interested, please contact Jan Constable.
What is a new Rotary member Classification talk? The talk is usually given to the membership within the first six months after joining. It is an opportunity for our new members to share their life experiences and give the club a snapshot of who they are, what has been their vocation path and what drew them to the fellowship of Rotary.
Recently, Janie Jacobson, David Urban and John Scott shared their life journeys during their talks. Welcome to the club, we look forward to you being involved in our mission, “providing service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders”.
Three members of the Elmbrook Rotary receive recognition from President Elect Thomas Steinbach for their financial contributions to Rotary. Kevin Roach, Linda Edelstein and Jim Dunn were recognized and thanked for their continued support of the Rotary mission. Kevin provided four gifts in honor of his children and spouses, while Linda and Jim received their Plus 7 awards.
Congratulations, and thank you for your dedicated service and generosity.
Linda Irwin, Secretary of Book Ahead, shared with Elmbrook Rotary the mission and vision of this non-profit organization. The goal is to provide underserved children ages 0-5, in Waukesha and Milwaukee counties, with a book every month of the year, increasing early literacy and positive parent/child interactions. Reaching 3,500 kids with 10,500 books equates to “3 books in the hands of our littlest readers”.
Book Ahead has become Community partners with:
HeadStart MPS
HeadStart Waukesha County
WIC Waukesha County
Heavenly Babies
Through these partnerships a vision of future success can be attained “by increasing early literacy each child has a jump start on continued school success.”
Thank you, Linda, for sharing how Book Ahead has positively impacted young children by your volunteer organization. For more information and how to donate to this great cause, visit www.abookahead.org.
In 2020, Rotarian Jack Nelson spearheaded, along with fellow Dan Roads, the creation of the Elmbrook Rotary First Responder Scholarship in recognition of retired Elm Grove Fire Chief William Selzer’s years of service. This scholarship provides a full-time student with $1000 towards tuition in Protective Services studies at a college level. The recipient is eligible for an additional $1000 for their second year of coursework.
At a recent meeting, Maya Pagel was awarded the scholarship by Jack Nelson and Bill Selzer. Congratulations Maya, and the best to you in your quest in becoming a fire service professional.
Diane and Kerri with Friday's donations.
