banner
Advertisement for Russell Hampton
Advertisement for ClubRunner
Advertisement for ClubRunner Mobile
Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Elmbrook (Brookfield)
We Rise & Shine
Fridays at 7:00 AM
Western Racquet Club
1800 Highland Drive
Elm Grove, WI 53122
United States of America
Attendance also possible via Zoom.
DistrictSiteIcon
District Site
VenueMap
Venue Map
Upcoming Events
Rotary Straight Shooters - September 15 Shotgun Outing
Waukesha Gun Club
Sep 15, 2022
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Walk for Hope - September 17, 2022 - Mitchell Park
Mitchell Park
Sep 17, 2022
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
 
ERC Strategic Planning Meeting
Elm Grove Village Hall
Sep 19, 2022
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
 
ERC & Foundation BoD meeting
Zoom
Sep 27, 2022 6:00 PM
 
Volunteer Opportunity - Steins for Scouting
Stein Aircaft Services
Oct 01, 2022
7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
 
View entire list
Speakers
Sep 02, 2022
A Wealth of Nature: Parks and Natural Areas in Southeast Wisconsin
Sep 09, 2022 7:00 AM
2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Waukesha County
Sep 16, 2022 7:00 AM
Common Hope/ERC Guatemala project update and "Walk For Hope"
Sep 30, 2022
Veteran’s in Focus
Oct 07, 2022 7:00 AM
A Hotel Alternative in Downtowns of Major Cities
Oct 14, 2022 7:00 AM
Historic MSO Bradley Symphony Center Renovation
Oct 28, 2022 7:00 AM
Elmbrook Rotary 2022 Business Person of the Year
View entire list
 
 
Spikes for Tykes started in 1988 and  initially benefited Rotary International's End Polio campaign. Since then, the proceeds have been directed to the Child Abuse Prevention Fund, the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, and numerous other charitable causes. Since its inception, SPIKES has raised over $750,000!
 
Our sponsors include large and small businesses, organizations, and individuals who field one or more volleyball teams at the entry rate of $150 per team. Sponsors may donate $150.00 without organizing a team, BUT WE ENCOURAGE ALL SPONSORS TO HAVE PLAYING TEAMS. Each playing team receives six (6) long-sleeve commemorative T-shirts.
 
HOW DO WE MAKE OUR MONEY? Spike for Tykes funds come from sponsorships, plus concessions and a raffle on the event day. In addition to the team sponsorships, major sponsorships—ranging from Bronze Sponsor to Presenting Sponsor—are encouraged.
Saturday June 4, 2022
9am - 2pm
Mitchell Park Pavillion 
Contact Mike Hogan
mjhogan53213@gmail 
 
Click on the document titles below to access major information for this year’s fundraiser:
 
Sponsorship Opportunity Form
Sponsorship Appeal Letter
2020-2021 ERF Charitable Contributions
Teams & Team Members
Photo Albums
Guatemala Vision Team 2020
Walk for Hope 2021
2019 Spikes for Tykes
Guatemala Team 2019
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Executive Secretary / Director
 
Community Service Chair
 
International Service Chair
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
Vocational Service Chair
 
Immediate Past President
 
Director (Past President)
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Membership
 
Programs
 
Public Image Chair
 
The Rotary Foundation
 
 
Elmbrook Rotary Club is pleased to recognize the following . . .
 
Emeritus Director:
     William Isbister (deceased)
 
Honorary Members:
     Honorary members are those who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service and embody Rotary ideals, or those considered friends of Rotary for their support of Rotary's causes. ERC honorary members are Scott Dryburgh, Tom Ehrsam, Ron Jones,  Jane Koons, Chuck Steinbach, & Renato Westby.
Stories
Our Green Bay Packer Ticket Raffle Fundraiser is Back!

Looking for a chance to WIN tickets to a Green Bay home game during the 2022 season - and help needy organizations and causes at the same time? Club President Harry Farchmin is urging everyone to do their part in buying and selling Packer raffle tickets during our 7th Annual Green Bay Packer Raffle Ticket Fundraiser from now through September 9! Donations will go to the programs and organizations we support in Brookfield, Elm Grove, and around the world!
 
The Packer season is fast approaching, and this is a great way for our club to raise additional funds that will benefit the programs and organizations we contribute to! Information and tickets will be available at our Friday morning meetings throughout August. 

Selling tickets is easy!
 
See the attached information for sharing with your friends, family, neighbors, and business associates OR help out and volunteer at one of the Saturday's in August at the Brookfield Farmers' Market!

Sell as many as you can!

Tickets are $10 each with 3 tickets for $25, 10 tickets for $50, and 25 tickets for $100. Winners will be drawn at our meeting on August 30, with one winner (or 2 tickets) for each of the eight home games this season. Collect or make a donation to turn at weekly meetings or go online! Winners will be notified and posted online at our website in September.
 
Our goal is to raise $5,000 after costs, so let’s all GO FOR THE GREEN & GOLD this summer! Watch for updates at our upcoming meetings. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Irwin (dwi2020@outlook.com).
 
Read more...
Bringing some Class to the ERC
On August 19, 2022 the Elm Grove Rotary (ERC) was introduced to the Carolyn Korona & Anne Harberg of the Elm Grove Lifelong Learning. 
 
Aging is a combination of staying active mentally, as well as social, physically and spiritually. The lifelong learners aim to provide opportunities to exercise many of those aspects at once.
 
The wide ranging class topics include everything from wildflowers to Nazi POW, home cooking to chair yoga, Antarctic expedition to Civil War nursing... here is the link to learn more and sign up for a discussion:
https://www.egs4ll.org/
 
Classes run October 3 - November 8 2022. $10/ class or $65 unlimited classes
Thanks for stepping up!
The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) is a vibrant group.
 
A big reason this club is so impactful is we are so active. Our meetings are well attended, our donations are notable, and we organize volunteer projects locally and internationally.
 
The reason we're able to do all of this so effectively is we have lots of different people leading and supporting different projects.
Mark Zalewski and Mike Hogan have taken lead on Spikes for Tykes for years. Gordy Miller, Paul Langer, John & Jeanne Allen are staples at board meetings and past presidents continue to serve in new capacities. The list of people who really put in time for the club is long, sorry I missed so many of you. 
 
It's important to note, the same folks can't do it all... forever.
 
A great example of getting more members involved is Steve Stocker running the raffle since inception, and diligently transitioning it. Larry Meyers has made a wonderful contribution to our club with an effective newsletter and website. When he started training me, I realized how much work he was putting in every week. I asked for help and had several people reach out. Thank you.
 
Special thank you to Emily Jones who has gracefully accepted the role of social media manager, and a few others have voiced interest in sharing what the ERC is up too. 
 
As we've seen so many people step up and into new roles, I wanted to take a moment to thank them. These commitments help to make our club fun, enriching, and a source for good. 
 
Thank you to our Club Chairs Mike Groth, Erik Moser, Tom Curl, & Jack Nelson.
 
If you don't have your hands in a project with the ERC, please get them dirty. You will enjoy your time with the club even more and you will have proof you're part of helping to make our world a better place. 
 
If you don't have a project you are active in, please ask a Club Chair what projects they have available. PR will be posting any upcoming activities we're notified of and posting pictures and recaps of events we're sent. 
 
Thank you to everyone for making the Elmbrook Rotary Club a great club to be a part of. 
Elmbrook Rotary August Social 
Each month the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) meets outside our traditional Friday morning meetings for fellowship in the community. On August 8, 2022, several Rotarians met at Greenfield park for stories, laughs, and refreshments. 
 
 
   
 
 
(one may notice, those who provide content get featured in our Club communications :))
 
 
Rotary is all about doing good in our world. At the same time, it's about what we do while we're doing good. Please check us out for a meeting of a social event! 
Bridge Builders Inc - Transforming Neighborhoods Block by Block 
On August 12, 2022 the Elmbook Rotary Club (ERC) was visited by Kurt Owens of Bridge Buiders Inc. 
 
Kurt talked about the ground up approach Bridge Builders uses to empower the people of the communities they serve block by block vs. relying solely on governance. The ways they are empowering the communities they serve is by keeping good housing stock, leveraging the available workforce, dovetailing efforts with other non-profits, create full time neighbors, and revive community owned businesses. 
 
Their current project is raising funds to buy 20 homes and make them "Lighthouse" properties, or properties where a full time neighbor who is dedicated to the community lives. 
 
To learn more, please visit their website: https://bridgebuildersmke.org/ and to learn more about Rotary, please join us for a 7a meeting. 
Adopt A Highway

On August 6, 2022 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) launched it's inaugural cleanup of Greenfield Avenue, (Hwy 59), between Barker Road and Hwy 164.

Paul Sawicki, Chris Salani, Phil Landry and son, Jeanne Allen, Paul Langer, John Allen Rick Chabot and Rick's son-in-law David. Bill Petterson behind the camera. They collected 5 bags of trash plus several larger objects. 

The next cleanup date will be in October. If you're interested in talking trash, please see Paul Langer. 

Elmbrook Rotary Club Assembly
On August 5, 2022 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) held an assembly to reflect on how the club is upholding the 4 way test of what we think, and do. We looked for ways we can provide a better Rotary experience for everyone, and enjoy our own time with Rotary all the more.  
 
The common themes were finding more ways to get to know Rotarians, both in meetings and outside of them. We also had calls for better communication on upcoming service projects and working professional programing our presentations. 
 
Our breakout sessions allowed us to identify opportunities to grow as a club, as well as offer solutions to our concerns. 
 
Please stay tuned for meeting time and place where all ERC members are encouraged to help us Image a 2022-2023 Rotary year. Members will work though these and other items, and work to be intentional in making this Rotary year one to remember. 
 
ERC Awards Scholarships
The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) is active in many different areas of our community. Sometimes there are projects at the Women’s Center we can help with. Other times Rotarians will commit to weekly volunteering and helping students with their literacy skills. Today’s report is on seeds (scholarships), that we hope will bloom into impactful careers.  The ERC awarded 3 scholarships to worthy recipients.
 
A $1000 scholarship paid each year for four years went to Sarah Astley from Brookfield Central High School who will attend UW- Stevens Point.A $1000 scholarship paid each year for four years went to Adriga Bhattacharyya from Brookfield East who will attend UW- Milwaukee.A $1000 scholarship paid each year for two years went to Charles Benjamin Fleming who will attend Waukesha County Technical College. This scholarship is specific to a student entering a two year program in a field that relates to a First Responder status. The scholarship is funded by Elmbrook Rotary Club to honor the 40+ years of service that retired Fire Chief William (Bill) Selzer gave to the Elmbrook Community.Dr. Thomas Arndt, President of the Elmbrook Rotary Club presented all three scholarships at the respective school’s Senior Honors Night at the end of the school year.
 
If getting involved with any area of our community is of interest, please reach out us via our website: https://elmbrookrotary.org/. Membership info is under the join tab.  
ERC Announces Total Charitable Contributions 2021 - 2022 
The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) ended it's 2021-2022 fiscal year on June 30th, 2022. This was the completion of a year where we saw in- person meetings return, favorite projects and events renewed, and new service opportunities surface. This year has pulled our club together, and we had lots to celebrate. 
 
Service projects are a big part of what the ERC does each year. The other facet is the charitable contributions our members and community leaders make. These donations are raised by a mixture of fundraising events such as Spikes for Tykes, a silent auction, and our upcoming fundraiser, and the upcoming raffle for Packers tickets to home games in 2022. 
 
In 2021 - 2022 the ERC had one of the largest donation totals in recent memory. The $154,514.62 reflects both the efficacy of fundraising efforts, and also the size of the club's heart. The club often added several hundred more dollars to a donation when the "hat gots passed" to help out. 
 
 
The ERC is grateful for the  opportunity to strengthen those around us, both with service effort, and with intentional donation. 
 
If you are interested in connecting with our local Rotarians, getting involved in a service project, or donating to a cause that  is special to you, please connect with our membership chair John Allen at jallen@jallengroup.com. 
Sargent Shakedown Spotted
There's a new Sheriff, I mean, a new Sargent in town, and he means business.
 
On July 29, 2022, it appears Sargent at Arms Dave Engle delivered back to back to back to back fines to unsuspecting Rotarians. Some were the variety that we expect (late fines, pin fines) and some were blatant money grabs (like accusing and fining a member for not wearing their name badge... while that member wore their name badge...) Either way, another few dozen dollars were raised because we lacked some attention to detail. 
 
A note to newer members. The Sargent at Arms has special authority to hand out fines to members who are not keeping Rotary as crisp as it could be. Those fines could be for:
 
  • Forgetting to wear your Rotary pin
  • Not having a name badge on
  • Being late
  • Leaving early
  • Not completing a "full" happy table
This list is not inclusive, and some have been fined for something off the wall.
 
The spirit idea behind the fines is keeping everyone focused on taking pride in being a Rotarian, respecting the time of the other members, and maybe get Happy fines going if it's a slow start.  
 
Please keep an eye out for Sargent Shakedown... and wear your pin! 
 
Discovering the Town of Brookfield 
On July 22, the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) welcomed Anna Antoine, Town of Brookfield Tourism Director.
 
Anna outlines the areas where City of Brookfield & Town of Brookfield meet, and let us know of the coming accommodations to the area. Wimmer Properties is extending their luxury apartments on the corner of Barker & Bluemound and on that same intersection a Tribute by Marriot will be completed by 2024.  
 
Ms. Antoine also updated us on upcoming events at the Corners like their food truck festival and Brooktoberfest.  
   
                       
 
If you would like to get the Town of Brookfield newsletter, click here
 
If you would like to learn all of this information first hand, please join us for a Friday morning meeting. 
Help Requested for 2022 Packer Raffle 
Service clubs are built around volunteering time in a community to strengthen it, and to donate funds to organizations, allowing them to do their work more effectively. 
 
This is an opportunity to partake in both aspects of service!
 
Our Saturday mornings 7:30a-12p, there is a Farmer's Market in Brookfield (16900 Gebhardt Rd, Brookfield, WI)
 

At that Farmers Market the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) will be both selling raffle tickets for the Packer's home games this season, as well as sharing what Rotary is, how we help our community, and how interested folks can get involved. 
 
Volunteering for this project allows the opportunity to grow our club and grow relationships inside our club, as well as collect proceeds from the raffle to continue supporting the 40+ organizations the ERC works with. 
 
David Irwin has stepped up to organize and oversee the raffle this year.
 
Please reach out to him with interest and questions. Mike Groth of the Community Service board and Steve Stocker, long time organizer of this event, are also available to answer questions, talk strategy, and share how fun this event is to be a part of! 
Classification talks July 8, 2022
Classification talks are among Rotarian's favorite meeting outlines. A member of the club shares a bit about their past, what drew them to Rotary, and what they are looking forward to accomplishing. On July 8 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) was fortunate to learn more about Julie Couden & Emily Jones. 
 
 
Julie grew up in New Berlin, traveled the world, and has circled back to where she started. She's always been inquisitive, and she's allowed that curiosity lead her the Wartburg College to pursue a degree in social work. Curiosity then led her to Africa to study health, water, and disease, and then to China to work in tech before landing in her newest adventure... sales. 
 
 
Emily Jones is used to having to think on the fly. As a mom, a teacher, and a black belt, she has to be ready for anything at all times. When she needed to be at work vs. in person for her talk, she flipped over to Zoom and didn't miss a step.
 
Emily studied Spanish abroad in Salamanca, Spain and loves teaching Spanish. She works at Tosa East as a Spanish teacher and enjoys volunteering locally with her church and Rotary, as well donating her time as far away as Costa Rica. A fun fact about Emily is she is the youngest of 11 siblings. 
Addressing Anger with Serenity 
On July 15, the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) welcomed Kenneth Ginlack, CEO of Serenity Inns of Milwaukee.
 
Ken shared that being in long term and active recovery himself, his experiences have allowed him to connect personally with the men at Serenity Inns. As he's counseled hundreds of recovering addicts, he's found that pain and anger are the triggers which lead most people to relapse. He's also noticed that so much of their anger and pain are tied to early childhood episodes of abuse. Although what happened can't be changed, the staff at Serenity Inns works to help the men to use different coping mechanisms to work though the hurt. 
 
The work Serenity Inns does is emotional and frustrating at times, but it is also leading people back to a productive life and a hopeful future. 
 
If you are interested in getting involved, the men's evening meal is completely dependent on donations. People will make a meal, come to the home and have dinner with the staff and men in recovery. If you are interested in learning more, please connect with them at: http://serenityinns.org/
Elm Grove Independent News July 2022
The July copy of Elm Grove Independent News is off the press. You will find an article about Spikes for Tykes on page 2. 
2022-2023 Changing of the Guard 
On June 29, 2022, the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) held it's annual celebration, the Changing of the Guards. This ceremony offers thanks and gratitude to the resigning president, and promotes current members to move up the leadership ranks. 
 
This year we celebrated Thom Arndt as he wrapped his 4 years of service, the last presiding as president. Thom's goals were to bring more hands-on projects to our club. That led to a highway clean up commitment, several Habitat for Humanity builds, and an in person Spikes event this Spring. Thank you Thom for your leadership.
 
Moving up through our leadership ranks, Harry Farchmin will serve as our president in the 2022/2023 Rotary campaign. Chris Spresser will be our Vice President, and Tom Steinbach will act as our Secretary. Joining the leadership seats this year is Dave Engel at Sargent-at-Arms. 
 
 
A big thank you also to Mark Zalewski and Gordy Miller for overseeing the responsibilities of club treasurer and foundation treasurer respectively. 
 
Rotary is a collection of people who understand that change starts with us. By following the 4 Way Test, we all work to build our community in the way that best fits our skills and interests. Please consider joining us for a breakfast meeting in our 2022-2023 Rotary year. 
2022-2023 Rotary President Jennifer Jones Takes Office 
On July 1, 2022, Rotary Clubs all over the world turned over leadership to the next round of leaders. The 2022 transition is especially notable as Rotary International President Jennifer Jones is the first woman to lead Rotary as President. 
 
In Jennifer's "Imagine" speech from January 2022, she channels John Lennon's famous declaration:
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one"
 
She says it's a challenge to all of us to imagine, and also act. Rotarians have imagined a world without polio, a world with clean water, and a world with peace.
 
This Rotary year, imagine what big outcomes we'll realize in the future, from the seemingly small actions, done consistently. 
 
Best of fortunes to President Jennifer Jones, and all the new presidents in our 2022-2023 Rotary year!
 
 
Avalanche of Paul Harris Award Winners

At its Changing of the Guard ceremony held on June 29, Elmbrook Rotary Club presented forty Paul Harris Fellowships. These Fellowships included four first-time Paul Harris fellows, five Fellowships presented as gifts from a Rotarian to a spouse, one Fellowship earned by a non-Rotarian and thirty additional Fellowships presented to Rotarians who were already Fellows.

The remarkable number of Fellowships awarded was due not only to the generosity of Club members but also to two limited-time Paul Harris matching programs which have since expired. Under the first matching program, the Club matched each donation of $500 to The Rotary Foundation with a transfer of 500 recognition points. Under the second program, the Club matched any gift made to The Rotary Foundation for polio prevention with an equal number of recognition points. The recognition points were provided by the Club itself and by members who have accumulated a large number of recognition points.

These matching programs generated a Paul Harris “buzz” among Club members and prompted many of them to make contributions they might not otherwise have made. The net result of the matching programs has been a substantial increase in contributions to The Rotary Foundation and more engagement by Club members.

To build upon past success and encourage more Paul Harris giving, the Club continues to offer two matching programs. For Rotarians who have not yet obtained a Paul Harris Fellowship, the Club will match a donation of $500 to The Rotary Foundation with a transfer of 500 recognition points. For those who are already Paul Harris fellows, the Club will contribute 200 recognition points for each donation of $800 to the Rotary Foundation.

Anyone who wants more information about the matching programs and anyone who would like to receive quarterly reminders about making regular Paul Harris contributions is encouraged to contract Foundation Treasurer Gordy Miller.

Ukrainian Relief updates

At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship caused by the war in Ukraine. We’re using our deep networks and decades of experience to take swift action in the region.

How we are taking action: (click for video)

All donations to our Disaster Response Fund from 3 March to 30 April 2022 have been prioritized for use providing humanitarian aid to regions that are supporting Ukrainian refugees or other victims of the war.

Thanks to the generosity of donors around the world, we raised more than $15 million in contributions that are already helping provide people with essential items such as water, food, shelter, medicine, and clothing.

So far, 142 disaster response grants totaling $4.3 million have been awarded to support people affected by the war. The Rotary Foundation will continue to use the donations for humanitarian aid in and around Ukraine, and districts can apply for these grants until 31 December 2022.

Donations made to the Disaster Response Fund after 30 April will be available to all communities around the world that need assistance recovering from disasters.

An International Focus 
The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) welcomed two speakers with focus abroad to our June 24th breakfast meeting. 
 
Jennifer Demar of the NGO Guatemala Service Project shared the challenges the Guatemalans have confronted. Recognized as the "Poorest Country in the Western Hemisphere," this developing country has daily challenges many Americans never contemplate. Examples are malnutrition, contaminated water, and lack of access to diapers and other hygiene resources. 
 
The Guatemala Service Project is helping to address these needs with awareness, the collection of donations, and helping anyone who wants to get more involved, do so. 
 
 
The second speaker was Rotarian Dick Debe, member of the Mukwonago Rotary Club and former District Governor of Rotary International District 6270. He shared how his club's involvement with Guatemala has led to even more involvement. The Mukwonago RotaryClub has sponsored projects and earned grants to deliver seeds and create farming programs. They've had chickens delivered to Guatemalan communities to create food, or revenue, or both. Rick has gotten the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) involved in clean water initiatives, getting water purification tools to remote communities so they can drink water with confidence. 
 
The ERC shares its focus among many local and several international organizations. ERC donates volunteer time, financial gifts, and insight to programs. The overarching intention is to be a catalyst for positive change. 
 
ERC is always welcoming new members and meets weekly on Fridays at 7:00 a.m. at the Western Racquet Club in Elm Grove. Let a member know if you're curious about joining. 
Pop up Habitat Project 
On June 23, 2022 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) helped staff a Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity project. Rotarians Mark Zalewski and spouse Evonne Zalelewski joined Jackson Bubolz to round out a group of seven volunteers. They lifted pre-built walls to the second story of a new Habitat home and raised three walls on the second level.
 
Habitat for Humanity is an avenue to give time or treasure for aiding housing issues in Milwaukee. Housing is often the "lead domino" which causes many additional challenges for families such as education, crime, and employment. Habitat works to provide families with affordable housing to help stabilize their expenses for shelter and to stabilize neighborhoods by increasing home ownership.
 
Please connect with Jackson Bubolz if you are interested in taking part of a Habitat build this year. There is high demand for volunteers; so this is a unique way to be active, be involved, and also learn some construction skills! 
Thanks for Making "Spikes" a Success 
Prep and Tear down
 
No event can be a success without lots of working planning ahead of time and dedicated people on site early to prep and make sure the day gets started well.
 
 
We also needed volunteers willing to stay afterward to clean up, pack up, and keep going after everyone had their fun . . .
 
 
and last but not least... friends & neighbors to come celebrate a great Rotary year and a strong Spikes for Tykes event!
 
 
Thank you to all the Rotarians and their families for the effort that went into this year's event. It was great to be back among our members and our Elmbrook community!
 
Don't forget the online "Silent Auction," which begins on June 22, as part of the annual "Spikes for Tykes" fundraising effort.
 
Shoot to Thrill 

The Elmbrook Rotary Straight Shooters (RI District 6270) enjoyed a joint outing with the Madison Shooting Sports Fellowship (RI District 6250) on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at the Milford Hills Hunt Club in Johnson Creek, WI.

While It turned out to be the hottest day the year so far, a great time was had by all in meeting new Rotarians and breaking clays over the scenic fields.

After a fun late-afternoon shooting participants learned more about each other in fellowship while enjoying beverages and a meal.

Richard Barnhouse & WCTC
On June 16, 2022, Dr. Richard Barnhouse came to the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) to share the foundation that Waukesha County Technical College WCTC has established as a powerful educational resource in our community and where he sees WCTC's future programming. 
 
Dr. Barnhouse spoke about the two-year applied science degrees offered by WCTC as well as their one-year technical degrees. He explained that nursing and protective services (fire, police, EMT) are still some of their most popular programs, but there are other programs such as cosmetology that are quietly growing . Dental hygienists are in very high demand, if one is looking for a carer, and there are are many open seats in those classrooms.
 
WCTC is used both by individuals in our community and by employers, who provide on-going training for their employees. Dr. Barnhouse insists that WCTC stands among the top two-year schools in the country, and he is excited to continue to build the programs which people in our county need. 
 
If you are interested in taking a class, the enrollment periods are now every four months since WCTC switched from the semester academic system. 
 
Rotary offers engaging speakers, fellowship, and opportunities to give back to our community. Please join us at a 7:00 a.m. Friday breakfast meeting at the Western Racquet Club in Elm Grove. 
Rotary Response Update for Ukraine
With deep sadness, we feel the plight of Ukraine and its people.  When someone is suffering, we reach out to help. Rotary International, a service organization, is doing just that and is calling us to help those in need. The Rotary Foundation (TRF) moved quickly to provide grant funds for the relief effort in Ukraine and for those fleeing to other countries.
 
The Rotary Disaster Response Fund has received more than USD $15 million through June 8, 2022. Any contributions made after April 30 are being used by the Disaster Response Fund for disasters throughout the world and not just Ukraine.
 
The Elmbrook Rotary Foundation (ERF) Board of Directors agreed to match individual Rotarian contributions up to USD $15,000. In the past months our Elmbrook Rotary Foundation has sent more than $34,000 to The Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Fund to support relief efforts in Ukraine and the Ukraine refugees. This includes member contributions and the full $15,000 ERF match.
 
Thank you so much to everyone that has donated! This is a great response, and we can all feel proud of our Elmbrook Rotary Club!
 
Thus far, some USD $3.3 million have been released through district grants to assist with relief efforts in Ukraine and with Ukrainian refugees. Soon after the Russian invasion began, Czech and Slovak Rotarians assisted in opening a train corridor to get much needed supplies into Ukraine. You can read about that ongoing effort by clicking here or on the photo below.
 
 
Numerous other examples exist. Rotarians and Rotaractors throughout the world are responding and acting. Read the stories here! ERC members who attended the RI Convention in Houston, TX, report that, in the Parade of Flags, the blue-and-yellow flag of Ukraine received a standing, thunderous ovation from the thousands of attendees. Help keep the tragedy of Ukraine front and center for both Rotary and the public in general. 
A Look into the 2022 RI Convention 
 
News from the Rotary International Convention 
 
Fellow Elmbrook Rotarians Tom Curl, Harry Farchmin, Tom Hochuli, and their spouses attended the RI Convention in Houston, TX, taking in all of the sights, sounds, experiences, and relationships at the largest gathering of Rotarians in the world. 
 
Charlie Duke, retired astronaut (see story screenshot above), talked about the need for our communities to work together as space missions were compelled to do.
Tom Hochuli has shared pictures of events on opening day, including one of a Texan telling a very interesting story about (or to) his armadillo (see photo below).
 
                                        
 
This convention is held each year and is open to any interested Rotarian. Mate, next year's convention will be held in Melbourne Australia. 
Spikes for Tykes 2022
The Elmbrook Rotary Club's "Spikes for Tikes" annual fundraising drive experienced one of its culminating events on Saturday, June 4.
 
The June 4th in-person wrap-up was a volleyball event held at Mitchell Park in Brookfield. Approximately 20 teams from the community played an hour of volleyball and learned more about Rotary. Each playing team received six (6) long-sleeve commemorative T-shirts. A cash raffle added to the funds raised, and both food and drinks were available for purchase.
 
Enjoy the photos from the June 4th wrap-up, snapped by ERC member Erik Moeser, by clicking here.
 
"Spikes for Tikes" is the club's largest fundraising event and is the main way the club creates funds to donate into our community. If you wonder about where the money goes, check out this PDF which lists the 2020-2021 charitable donations of Elmbrook Rotary Club and its Foundation. It's impressive!
 
If your school, company, or place of worship missed the event this year, please reach out to one of the Elmbrook Rotarians. We'd love to get you involved in "Spikes '23" and also introduce you to the ways we're serving our community through Rotary. 
 
The fundraising effort continues through the club's "Changing of the Guard" event at the same location (Mitchell Field, Brookfield) on June 29. Connected with that event will also be a "Silent Auction," proceeds of which will be added to the "Spikes for Tykes" totals. The online portion of the "Silent Auction" will begin on June 22—lots of treasures, goodies, and experiences to win (for the right bid)!
Purposeful Higher Ed - LAUNCH of Elmbrook 
The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) has consistently focused on enhancing the opportunities of the students in our community. The LAUNCH program of Elmbrook has been a wonderful way to focus time and resources back into the high schools in our immediate school districts.
 
On 31 May, the ERC sponsored a large conference room block for the LAUNCH program's "Watch It Live" so their students could showcase what their semester's efforts had created. 
 
The LAUNCH program represents over 400 sophomores, juniors, and seniors from the Elmbrook and Wauwatosa School Districts. Student are grouped into interest "strands" such as global business, future teachers, business analytics, media solution, IT, engineering, healthcare solutions, manufacturing, and several other options. Student groups are paired up with mentors from related industries to receive insight and training from beyond the school's walls. Each mentor brings a real life "problem statement" from their business to the project. The student's job is to solve the problem through their own resources and rely on the mentor for guidance during challenges or confusion. 
 
 
Areas in which a Rotarian can get involved are:
  • Launch needs guest coaches each semester to listen to their problem statement, review their current progress, and provide feedback. This is a 90-minute commitment each session, and there are no minimum/maximum sessions in which one must be involved.
  • Launch needs interviewers. Each semester LAUNCH provides their students an opportunity to mock-interview with an adult who has real life work experience. This is a few hours commitment once or twice a semester.
  • If your business has projects they aren't getting to, bring those challenges to the LAUNCH program. This requires a weekly commitment of spending an hour with the students, working through the problem statement, and helping them to develop their ideas into real strategies.
Does this sound like a project you might be interested?
 
Please connect with Jack Nelson or Doug Hafemann for more details. If nothing else, please check out the next "Watch It Live" session in the Fall to understand better how our club's time, effort, and funds are serving those around us. 
Read more...
Memorial Day Social 
The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) loves to help out locally and internationally whenever we can. When not actively serving, many Rotarians enjoy kicking back and relaxing in our community. 
 
On 30 May, ERC members Jeanne & John Allen invited club members and their families to take in the Elm Grove Memorial Day parade from the comfort of their front yard. Food, drinks, and stories were enjoyed all morning and into the afternoon as friendships were deepened along with our appreciation for Rotary. Thank you for hosting, Allens! 
 
Social events, educational breakfast meetings, local volunteer events, and international service trips—Rotary offers something for anyone who wants to be better connected to those among whom we live. 
Building Media Relations 
On 27 May, Trish Nitschke of the Center for Business Communication Excellence met with the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) to share ideas on how to make one's brand more visible. Take-aways that can be used for business or personal branding are:
  • Build relationships with local news people. Share 3-5 stories each year with them
  • Make stories compelling and easy to understand, with visuals packaged ahead of time if possible 
  • Many mediums are available to leverage: 
    • Local news
    • Podcasts
    • Social media 
As the ERC continues to attract new members from all areas of our community, it was a treat to have Trish share top ideas around branding. Because these strategies are readily available for growing businesses and personal brands, there is carryover to how ERC can leverage these strategies to grow awareness of our club and increase the impact we make. 
 
Please consider bringing a friend to our next 7:00 a.m.  breakfast meeting to hear great speakers like Trish! 
Blogging with Alaina Eckert
Alaina Eckert is the current RI District 6270 Global Grant Scholar.
 
These days she is in Panama, doing her internship at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. After completing the internship, she still has a semester of study at Lincoln University New Zealand and a master's thesis to write. Alaina is the first Global Grant Scholar of The Rotary Foundation with the Environment as the Area of Focus.
 
She has created a website, which includes a weekly "blog." Follow her adventures at the following URL:  https://eckeala.wixsite.com/missadventures
 
Highlights of Boards of Directors
The Elmbrook Rotary Foundation (ERC) Board of Directors and the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) Board of Directors met via Zoom on Tuesday, May 24.
 
Among the highlights of the two board meetings were the following:
  • ERF Treasurer Gordy Mueller announced that, as of May 24, more than $39,000 has been raised by the annual Spikes for Tykes fund-raising effort.
  • Approved a Mini-Grant of $1,300 to support the Partners in Hope program of Community Warehouse.
  • Authorized the inclusion of $3,000 in the 2022-2023 budget to support ERC member attendance at the annual TriCon (three-district conference). The maximum would be $250 per attendee, and other parameters will be determined/announced in future months. The next TriCon is scheduled for April 28-29, 2023, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
Any ERC member is welcome to attend the meetings of the Board of Directors. Follow this website and the weekly ERC eBulletin for announcement of BoD meetings.
The Women's Center & ERC Go Way Back 
Anyone who has spent time at Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) meetings knows well that the club has deep ties to The Women's Center (TWC). At our May 20th meeting, Jessie Trauth (the TWC Shelter and Housing Programs Director) shared the legacy that compliments our deep connection. 
 
Over the last 30 years, ERC has:
  • Donated over $250,000 to this single organization (making the ERC the largest service club donor in TWC's history)
  • Outfitted sleeping quarters in the shelter
  • Landscaped the campus
  • Painted the interior of property
  • Raised awareness of TWC's services
As Spikes of Tikes, ERC's largest fundraiser, approaches its conclusion, it is important to remind all Rotarians, friends of Rotary, and local businesses that none of the positive and impactful work the ERC does can happen without donations of both time and treasure. We're looking forward to great Spikes for Tikes' results in 2022 and opportunities to continue our work in the community, while hopefully adding an organization or two to support in the 2022/2023 Rotary year.
Friends for Health in Haiti Update 
On May 6 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) welcomed Dr. Catherine Wolfe, Founder, Executive Director, and Clinical Director for Friends for Health in Haiti. Dr. Wolfe shared how gang violence is intensifying challenges of the pandemic and recent earthquakes. Inflation is leading to hunger being increasingly prevalent. 
 
It's not all bad news though. Through programs like Friends for Health in Haiti, communities are able to get organized and work toward solutions. Leveraging repeatable farming techniques, having consistent education for children, and building solutions for clean drinking water and sanitary latrines are all ways Rotary clubs like ours can help boost the wellbeing of others. 
 
Other recent breakthroughs include installing solar panels at the hospital to deliver days of reliable power. Friends for Health in Haiti is also realizing the superior ability of cinderblock structures to weather storms and earthquakes vs. using rocks or tin materials. They are looking to implement stronger materials whenever possible. 
 
There are also opportunities within the ERC to have donations go further. $2,000 has been matched by an anonymous donor to help Friends for Health in Haiti, making a total USD $4,000+ that was raised to support the agricultural seed project of Friends for Health in Haiti. 
New Members & Stories within the Elmbrook Rotary Club
The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) had a meeting full of introductions on May 13, 2022. 
 
After visiting a few meetings, Emily Jones & William (Bill) Selzer both decided to join our club. Over the next few months they will hopefully make friends with many Rotarians, as well as better understand the ways they can be involved in local to international efforts. They will have a chance to choose an Avenue of Service that best fits their interests and share their classification talks with us later this year. 
 
Part two of our meeting was hearing classification talks from slightly more seasoned members. 
 
Sherry Fontaine shared that she is not a new Rotarian, having been active in a club in Onalaska, WI, since 2015. She has always been someone who liked adventure. As a college student, her class was only the second to be integrated with both men and women. Although there were some challenges with culture shift, she loved being part of something new and big. She went on to travel and, amid her 30 years in academia, living in London for a stretch was particularly memorable. She focused on instructing Public Health Administration among other areas. 
 
Lydia Miller was born in New Jersey, went to Penn State to learn to teach in special education, and realized that finance was more her speed. Investment banking allowed her to see most of the world, including S.E. Asia and Africa. 
 
The second stage of Lydia's journey has been focusing on her two almost adult children, ages 17 & 14. Although they keep her "on her toes," they also have rooted her to the area, allowing our club the benefit of having her as a member. Lydia promises there any many stories she would love to tell in a smaller setting; so look for her at an upcoming social or volunteer event. 
 
Tom Michalski has called this area home for a long time. He graduated from Greenfield, studied at UW-Milwaukee, and took a staff role at Marquette, which turned out to be a 30-year post. 
 
Tom's experience in life is that things just work out. They might not make sense in the moment, but if we keep showing up, things will work out just as they are supposed to. Tom is leveraging his decades of experience in our community, both as a new Rotarian and also as a civil servant with hopes of growing positive impacts locally. 
Read more...
New Hope School Guatemala Project
         Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) has sent teams to Guatemala in February of every year since 2012 to work with Common Hope. Common Hope is a St. Paul-based NGO, offering housing, medical, social, and educational services.  In 2021 and 2022 the trips were cancelled due to the global pandemic. Because the clients whom Common Hope serves are largely unvaccinated, one way to continue helping has been remotely via Zoom and email.
 
         In 2021 Elmbrook Rotary (assisted by a grant from Rotary International District 6270) provided books, supplemental materials, desks, and supplies for students in the remote village of San Miguel Milpas Altas. The school was experiencing high failure rates. This year the aid was focused on the New Hope community near Guatemala CIty, founded 21 years ago by Common Hope after a disastrous mudslide. The school was built five years later. It was a from-the-ground-up effort to create a model to be emulated in other places over the ensuing years. Teachers were provided with six Dell PCs and peripheral equipment, replacing obsolete technology and enabling them to provide enhanced online learning experiences. This will continue until the Ministry of Education in Guatemala authorizes a return to in-person school attendance.
 
Elmbrook Rotary Club members will again travel to Guatemala in February of 2023 to catch up with onsite work related to the two remotely-provided projects, return to the usual home building, and participate in other program elements to aid families. Contact ERC member Erik Moeser for more information and for details on the February 2023 trip.
ERC in EGNI June 2022 Edition
The June 2022 edition of the Elm Grove News - Independent has been printed and distributed.
 
You'll find the ERC paid ad in the "Business Directory" on p. 3, the ERC Friday meetings information in the "Calendar of Events" on p. 5., and an article by Erik Moeser about Common Hope in Guatemala on p. 8.
 
Click here to access and read. Copies are also available for pick up at the Elm Grove and Brookfield libraries, Sendik's, Ace Hardware, etc.
Getting Kids Fit - Physically & Scholastically
On April 29 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) was visited virtually by Marcellus Dawson of Fit Club MKE. 
 
Marcellus shared how their programming teaches children the rules and details of sports like baseball and golf, and to be added soon, soccer and yoga.
 
The players receive a baseball glove when they begin the program together with opportunities to study school and sports on campus. On top of sports training, Fit Club MKE also provides children's books for members to take home, building their literacy along with their home library.
 
Marcellus shared that the best part of the program is seeing kids come in with apprehension and uncertainty and leave knowing they can play a game well and be part of this sports and education club. 
 
Fit Club MKE is currently in a growth and transition stage, adding programming while also seeking out donations to build a new facility. They are wanting to bring these types of education / athletics / community engagement directly to the players' neighborhoods. The link above provides an opportunity to donate to this organization if so moved. 
 
Ukrainian Rotary Update
Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) experienced a special opportunity on Friday, April 22,  when it received an update via Zoom on Ukraine and how Rotary Disaster Response Fund donations are being utilized, both within District 2232 and specifically in Odessa.
 
Special guests included Nikolay Stebljanko (Past District Governor of D-2232) and Veniamin Lushpenko (Rotary Foundation Chair and Past President of the Odessa Rotary Club). Rotarian Lushpenko is personally known by ERC Rotarian Larry Myers, who attended meetings of the Odessa Rotary Club in 2017 & 2018. Nikolay Stebljanko is helping to coordinate Rotarian relief efforts throughout Ukraine. Click here to view a list of medical supplies that are needed. Click here to view a list of local Rotary clubs and districts throughout the world who are trying to assist those still inside Ukraine and her refugees.
 
Rotarian Stebljanko reported that, as of last week, more than USD $200,000 had been received by Rotary districts through the Rotary Disaster Response Fund to assist with humanitarian efforts on behalf of Ukraine, both inside and outside the country. Rotarian Lushpenko reported that members of Rotary Club Odessa have been buying humanitarian aid, medicines, and First Aid Kits for people who live in Odessa Region. About 10 years ago the Odessa Rotary Club, with cooperation with Rotary Club Aleksandria, bought a bus equipped with a ramp for disabled people. After the Russian invasion, Rotary Club Odessa has been using the bus to help disabled people to move around Odessa, to evacuate these people, and to transfer humanitarian aid and food around Odessa. To date the only sponsor from the USA is Rotary Club Rockwell (Iowa). Therefore, members of Rotary Club Odessa will be appreciate any involvement, participation, support, and help from other USA-based Rotary clubs! Funds are needed for these efforts and can be provided directly to the club by wire transfer without applying for a district grant via the Rotary Disaster Response Fund.
 
During the Zoom meeting, Theresa Reagan of the Milwaukee Rotary Club also spoke of that club's effort to collect, sort, and ship medical supplies to Ukraine. That effort can be reviewed by clicking here.
Rotary International Statement on Ukraine Conflict

It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.

At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.

As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.

In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support, and peace to the region.

Rotary International
25-Feb-2022

Bikes for Stripes
Last year Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) embarked on sponsoring a new local endeavor by providing a Mini-Grant to the "Bikes for Stripes" program of the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative (MHVI).
 
On Friday, April 25, the club received a briefing about this program by MHVI Executive Director Debbie Buchanan in its Zoom-only meeting (necessitated by installation of a new HVAC system at the Western Racquet Club). She was joined by West Allis Rotarian Dan Kasun, who coordinates the "Bikes for Stripes" effort.
 
Ms. Buchanan also shared the mission and purpose objectives of MHVI, and Dan Kasun not only described the details of "Bikes for Stripes" but also provided information on how to get involved. For example, the Rotary Club of West Allis will hold  a volunteer opportunity on May 7 to support the Bikes for Stripes program.
 
Check out the follow URLs to glean more information and to volunteer:
 
 
 
 
 
Millennial Action Plan (MAP)
Steven Olikara, Brookfield native & US Senate hopeful, spent time with the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC). He is a member of the Millennial Action Plan (MAP), and shared his love of music, politics, and his motivation to have our community and state work together for a better future. 
 
Steven shared how the political strategies of outrage culture, arms-race-style funding for campaigns, and demonization of opponents are poisoning our political climate. Steven sees Final 5 voting, listening to opposition with intent to understand, and resident-based government as today's biggest areas for opportunity. 
 
A musician himself, Olikara insists that to make good jazz, all musicians must play together, building off each other's strengths, and listening to what's happening around them. Time will tell if that strategy has a place in American government. 
ERC Helps Build
Habitat for Humanity is another example of how Elmbrook Rotary Club members give back to the community.
 
On Thursday, April 7, seven ERC Rotarians and one guest Rotarian joined a Habitat for Humanity team to build a new home located at 3466 N. 2nd Street, Milwaukee, WI. 
 
This build entailed framing the home and moving prebuilt walls from ground level to the second story. The volunteers measured, raised, and secured walls on the second story. The home is now ready for trusses and a roof before work on the interior begins. 
 
                         
 
 
 
            
 
 
Thanks to ERC members Mark Thurner, Lucas Severson, Tom Curl, guest Rotarian Paul Turner, John & Pati Allen, Patti Allen Brickman, & Mike Groth for a job well done!
 
If you have interest in participating but haven't yet, please reach out to the ERC Community Service group so that they can determine interest in a third build in as many months. 
Local Options for Assisted Living 
On April 8 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) was visited by Shannon Angell, CEO, of St. Camillus. St. Camillus is one of the largest independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities in our area. 
 
She shared information about the new residence building, newly completed, as well as insights on amenities, package options, and pricing. 
 
Shannon is one of the dozens of local guests the ERC hosts each year to keep our members up-to-date on community progress, aware of planned changes, and understanding what service opportunities are available to our members. 
 
Please join us for a 7:00 a.m. meeting any Friday! 
Elmbrook Rotary Fieldtrip 
Because the Western Racquet Club was under maintenance, the Elmbrook Rotary club visited the Sharon Lynn Wilson Center for the Arts on Friday March 25. 
 
We heard about the upcoming theater season, including plans for Starry Nights, and we received a tour of the facility.
 
We also received a surprise! The Sharon Lynn Wilson Center wanted to make a special gesture to our club, a driving force in fund raising before, during, and after the Center's 1994 opening. They revealed a large inscription, "Elmbrook Rotary Fireside Lounge," appearing between the northern etched windows in the lobby and honoring the club's efforts in making the Center a reality. 
 
 
 
Upcoming "Starry Nights" events on the Center's outdoor grounds are sure to be a staple of our club's social events this summer. 
 
 
Classification Talks 3.18.2022
A recurring theme in the Elmbrook Rotary Club is how much we love classification talks. Rotarians love these presentations because we're able to hear a 5-10 minute talk from a member about their life.
 
We hear antidotes, ah ha moments, and some really funny stories. Our trio of presenters at the 3/18/22 meeting were a great example of why. 
 
Rick Chabot shared with us the differences in cost of commonly purchased items from the year he was born to share some of the change he's seen. He's been very involved in Boy Scouts and Rotary, and his advice from 32 years in Rotary is to visit other clubs and engage in international programs. 
 
David Irwin is a new member with a history of travel. He spent some time growing up in Europe and travels often for work. Business and the affairs of the world are a few of his leisure activities. He has two high schoolers at Brookfield East.
 
Yusuf Quereshi is another new member, and wanted to get involved with a service group because of the example his parents and grandparents set. Yusuf likes spending time at local parks all the way up to the National parks. He also really likes numbers and enjoys his role as an actuarial accountant. 
 
 
2021 Business Person of the Year
The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) recently announced Phil Landry, Owner of C3E Geomatics,LLC, as the recipient of the 5th annual Business Person of the Year Award. The program recognizes the leadership and accomplishments of a successful Brookfield or Elm Grove individual.
 
In a span of five years, Phil completed his bachelor’s degree and founded C3E Geomatics, LLC, a land surveying company, in 2017. Community support, sharing, and mentoring have been a significant part of Phil’s life and career. This includes being a supporter of the Community Warehouse, an organization designed to support background-challenged individuals by providing employment, job skills, and practical housing support. Phil also supports Partners in Hope, a faith-based community reentry program for ex-offenders, run by Community Warehouse. C3E Geomatics is also writing a custom career packet about land surveying for The Community, another organization working to aid offenders in their career decisions long before release. Currently, C3E Geomatics provides financial support to these organizations. The long-term goal is to be able to offer employment opportunities and mentorship to the individuals served by these organizations.
 
Phil founded the business with the goal of helping ex-offenders because he himself served a two-year prison sentence. During his time of incarceration, Phil came to understand that he needed to make a radical change in his life so that he wouldn’t end up in prison again. Even with Phil’s careful planning for his release (including enrolling in a university, arranging for a place to live, and applying for financial aid), he still needed the additional support of community organizations and a local church in order to get established on the right path. Because he understands the tremendous hurdles that ex-offenders face when released back into society, he feels committed to supporting released offenders in the greater Milwaukee area.
 
Pictured (left to right):
Ralph Gould (Chair of the ERC selection committee),
Tom Michalski (Trustee of Village of Elm Grove,
Waukesha County Board Supervisor,
and selection committee member),
Phil Landry (2021 awardee),
& Dr. Thom Arndt (ERC President).
 
In order to continue growing the business he founded in 2017, Phil needed to gain professional licensure in the state of Wisconsin. However, he faced numerous obstacles in this process because of his criminal record. Working with a local assembly member as an advocate, Phil finally obtained licensure and has been able to grow C3E Geomatics from a revenue of $65,000 in 2017 to $385,000 in 2020. The business is projected to make well over $500,000 in 2021.
 
Phil loves to share his story, particularly with ex-offenders and other marginalized groups, in order to encourage them not to give up when they are pursuing employment, education, and a successful quality of life.
 
Elmbrook Rotary Club is pleased to be able to honor Phil Landry with its 2021 Business Person of the Year award.
 
Online ERC & ERF Payments/Donations
It is now possible for members of Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) to make online payments and donations both to ERC and to the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation (ERF).
 
Two separate commercial merchant accounts have been activated which intend to keep transactions separated between ERC and ERF.
 
To make payments to ERC, simply follow the link provided in one's individual club account (and quarterly statements). A surcharge of 5% is billed to one's club account when utilizing a credit card or debit card.
 
To make donations or payments to ERF, simply click the "Donate" or "Donate Now" button that can be found on multiple pages on the ERC web site. Or, one can click the URL link that will be provided in ERF invoices to club members. Please ensure that donations or payments intended for the ERF account are not made to the ERC account. The opposite is also true. And, please remember that not all payments to the Foundation [a 501(c)(3) entity] are tax-deductible. IRS rules and policies must be followed.
 
 
Finally, one can always use the old-fashioned (and least expensive) way of payment/donation with an individual check or bank check via "Bill Pay" at one's bank.
ClubRunner Mobile App

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

Completely free to download and use, this app will let you access the key info you need while you're on the go. Password protected just like the ERC website, the ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to to view the ERC member directory, contact your members and executives, read the latest articles posted to the ERC website, learn more about ERC upcoming events and speakers, view ERC meeting details, and track your attendance statistics—right from your smartphone or tablet! Download the ClubRunner Mobile App either from the App Store (for Apple products) or from Google Play (for Android devices).
What Is Elmbrook Rotary Club?
What is Elmbrook Rotary Club? What do we do? Who are we?
 
 
 
Watch our promotion video to learn about us. If accessing via our weekly eBulletin, click here to watch.
Why Join Rotary?

20 Reasons to Join Rotary


 
 
 
  1. Friendship: In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs: the need for friendship and fellowship. It is one of two reasons why Rotary began in 1905.

  2. Business Development: The second original reason for Rotary's beginning is business development. Everyone needs to network. Rotary consists of a cross section of every business community. Its members come from all walks of life. Rotarians help each other and collectively help others.

  3. Personal Growth and Development: Membership in Rotary continues one's growth and education in human relations and personal development.

  4. Leadership Development: Rotary is an organization of leaders and successful people. Serving in Rotary positions is like a college education. Leadership: - learning how to motivate, influence and lead leaders.

  5. Citizenship in the Community: Membership in a Rotary club makes one a better community citizen. The average Rotary club consists of the most active citizens of any community.
     6.  Continuing Education: Each week at Rotary there is a program designed to keep one informed about what is going on in the community, nation, and world. Each meeting provides an opportunity to listen to different speakers and a variety of timely topics.
 
     7.  Fun: Rotary is fun, a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. Serving others is fun.
 
     8.  Public Speaking Skills: Many individuals who joined Rotary were afraid to speak in public. Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communication and the opportunity to practice and perfect these skills.
 
     9.  Citizenship in the World: Every Rotarian wears a pin that says "Rotary International." There are few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary club. Every Rotarian is welcome - even encouraged - to attend any of the 33,000 clubs in over 200 nations and geographical regions. This means instant friends in both one's own community and in the world community.
 
   10. Assistance when Traveling: Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many a Rotarian in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while traveling has found assistance through Rotary.
 
   11. Entertainment: Every Rotary club and district has parties and activities that provide diversion in one's business life. Rotary holds conferences, conventions, assemblies, and institutes that provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information, education, and service.
 
   12. The Development of Social Skills: Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops one's personality, social skills and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people.
 
   13. Family Programs: Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians; opportunities for spouse involvement; and a host of activities designed to help family members in growth and the development of family values.
 
   14. Vocational Skills: Every Rotarian is expected to take part in the growth and development of his or her own profession or vocation; to serve on committees and to teach youth about one's job or vocation. Rotary helps to make one a better doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.
 
   15. The Development of Ethics: Rotarians practice the 4-Way Test that governs one's ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and person relationships.
 
   16. Cultural Awareness: Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, color, and ethnic identity is found in Rotary. It is a cross section of the world's most prominent citizens from every background. Rotarians become aware of their cultures and learn to love and work with people everywhere. They become better citizens of their countries in the process.
 
   17. Prestige: Rotary members are prominent people: leaders of business, the professions, art, government, sports, military, religion, and all disciplines. Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world. Its ranks include executives, managers, professionals - people who make decisions and influence policy.
 
   18. Nice People: Rotarians above all are nice people - the nicest people on the face of the earth. They are important people who follow the policy of "it is nice to be important but it is more important to be nice."
 
   19. The Absence of an” Official Creed": Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no official creed, no secret meetings or rituals. It is an open society of men and women who simply believe in helping others.
 
   20. The Opportunity to Serve: Rotary is a service club. Its product is serving. Rotarians provide community service to both local and international communities. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else and to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in the process and return of that satisfaction to one's own life. It is richly rewarding.
[List "borrowed" from the Rotary Club of Champaign, IL (https://www.champaignrotary.org/index.php?s=20reasons).]
Read more...
At ELMBROOK ROTARY - We Rise & Shine!
 
When we say "WE RISE & SHINE” to others, it means:
  • WE RISE to meet early every Friday.
  • WE RISE to the occasion by helping those in need.
  • WE RISE to make a difference in our community and the world.
     
  • WE SHINE by living the Rotary 4-way Test.
  • WE SHINE by staying positive and encouraging others.
  • WE SHINE by lighting the way for service above self in Brookfield, Elm Grove, and beyond.
The tagline appears on our Coffee Mugs, on our Web site, on club emails, and on other communications going out. Try using the tagline the next time you’re talking to someone about Elmbrook Rotary or Rotary in general. In fact, consider purchasing an Elmbrook Rotary Coffee Mug for $7.
What Is Rotary?
How do others perceive Rotary and what we do?
 
Enjoy this humorous video about what Rotary really is. Click me to view!
 
Filmed in 2017 in the Fargo-Moorhead area (North Dakota Minnesota border region), where there are five Rotary Clubs. Video was supported by Rotary District 5580.