Two cargo planes packed with tons of medical equipment have already been flown from Chicago, USA, to Ukraine where members helped to unload the supplies.
Rotary responds to the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in UkraineEVANSTON, ILL,. April 5, 2022 – Rotary announced today that it has raised more than $7 million to support locally-led relief efforts
At Café Voca, Nathan Kim and three other autistic youths have been learning to handle the responsibilities and developing the social skills that they’ll need for other jobs.
Two cargo planes packed with tons of medical equipment have already been flown from Chicago, USA, to Ukraine where members helped to unload the supplies.
Rotary responds to the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in UkraineEVANSTON, ILL,. April 5, 2022 – Rotary announced today that it has raised more than $7 million to support locally-led relief efforts
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.
Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) will experience a special opportunity on the first of three successive Zoom-only meetings while the Western Racquet Club is undergoing the installation of a new HVAC system.
At least several Ukrainian Rotarians will join the ERC Zoom meeting on Friday, April 22, in order to provide an update on Ukraine and how Rotary Disaster Response Fund donations are being utilized, both within District 2232 and specifically in Odessa.
Other Ukrainian Rotarians may also join the Zoom meeting. This opportunity is in addition to the regular program on April 22, the "Bikes for Stripes" program of the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative, to be presented by Exec. Dir. Debbie Buchanan. Because of the crowded program, the Zoom meeting will begin promptly at 07:00 a.m. The Ukrainian Rotarians will be introduced at 07:10 a.m. CDT and be given approximately 20 minutes for their update. Ms. Buchanan's presentation will follow.
This is indeed a unique opportunity, not to be missed.
The 2022 Rotary TriCon is fast approaching. Set for Friday April 29, and Saturday, April 30, 2022, the conference this year will be in-person at the The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WI. Attendees from Districts 6220, 6250, and 6270 will have the opportunity to gain useful skills that can be used in their Rotary club and inspiration that will motivate them to embrace Rotary even more.
Internationally-known featured speakers will provide keen insights about their passion projects during the addresses on both days. Multiple breakout sessions will further educate and motivate.
Conference registration fee remains at $45 (even for on-site registration). However, the deadline for ordering meals for The Osthoff Resort is April 20.
Register by clicking here. The deadline for ordering meals to be served at the conference is today Wednesday, April 20, at 11:30 p.m.
Hotel reservation deadline at The Osthoff Resort was March 29. However, there are rooms available at other local hotels. And, Elkhart Lake is a mere 1.5-hour drive from the western suburbs of Milwaukee.
The Western Racquet Club will replace its HVAC system in late April / early May. During the installation, the WRC Food and Beverage department will be shut down. Therefore, Elmbrook Rotary will engage in a Zoom-only format on the dates of April 22, April 29, & May 6.
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.
It's that time of year! The Elmbrook Rotary Club's "Spikes for Tikes" preparations have begun. Project coordinator Mike Hogan has sent out all applicable documents (teams, appeal letter, listing of 2020-2021 charitable donations, etc.) to all members of Elmbrook Rotary.
"Spikes for Tikes" is the club's largest fundraising event and is the main way the club creates funds to donate into our community.
For the Spikes event, our club is split into different teams with the funny names of minor league baseball teams. Everyone is asked to talk with business owners, family & friends, and anyone else who finds joy in donating back into our community. We see which team can raise the most.
The June 4th in-person wrap up volleyball event will be held at Mitchell Park. We invite teams from the community to play some volleyball and learn more about Rotary. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer for this event.
Please see our fearless Spikes' leader, Mike Hogan (pictured delivering a rousing speech) for more details and sign ups.
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.
Through grants from The Rotary Foundation, Rotarians improve access to essential medical services for mothers and their children. These efforts are aimed at reducing the number of children under age five who die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation – a figure that is currently estimated at 7 million.
According to another estimate, more than 80 percent of maternal deaths can be prevented with access to reproductive health services and trained health care workers. Rotarians provide education, immunizations, birthing kits, and mobile health clinics to support these causes. Women are taught how to prevent mother-to-infant HIV transmission, how to breast-feed, and how to protect themselves and their children from disease.
Elmbrook Rotary Club was the international partner for a Rotary Foundation Global Grant that provided pediatric and neonatal ventilators for Andean Health & Development's (AHD’s) locally-staffed teaching hospital in Santo Domingo, Ecuador.
Encourage your friends , relatives, neighbors, and business associates to join Rotary and support maternal and child health.
The April 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 concerning the ERC response to the Ukrainian crisis on p. 7. Deadline for submission of EGNI articles is the 18th of each month. Therefore, the amount raised by ERC for humanitarian relief in Ukraine has more than doubled since the article was written and submitted.
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.
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) is moving quickly to provide grant funds for the relief effort in Ukraine and for those fleeing to other countries.
In response, the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation (ERF) Board of Directors agreed to match individual Rotarian contributions up to USD $15,000. In the past month 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!
Anyone still wishing to make a donation can do so by making your donation payable to the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation by check, bank transfer, or Zelle (ElmbrookRotaryClub5700@gmail.com). Note “Ukraine” in the reference. You can bring your check to our meetings on Fridays or mail it to the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 1014, Brookfield, WI 53008-1014.
Members will receive Paul Harris credit for their donations.
ERF forwards all donations weekly to The Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Fund because of the urgency of this need.
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.
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!
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.
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.
On March 11th the Elmbrook Rotary Club was joined by Bill Mohr & Mike Pyritz of the Wisconsin DOT I-94 East/West Team to learn more about upcoming improvements to a major interstate in our community.
The current I-94 interstate stretch has been in service consistently over the last 60 years and is in need of rehabilitation.
While traffic is being re-routed, the team will take this opportunity to also add an additional 2 or 4 lanes (1 or 2 eastbound, 1 or 2 westbound) and will be removing the 175 left handed exit and replacing with an off ramp on the right hand side of the road. This project completes the major I-94 restoration project, as it follows the completion of the Zoo and Marquette interchange.
Summer in Milwaukee has always meant great weather and road construction. There are always short- term sacrifices, but Bill and Mike promise that these changes will create infrastructure we're happy with for decades.
Elmbrook Rotary Club had a great response to its 2022 Book Drive and collected 276 reading books. The books were donated to Literacy Services of Wisconsin (LSW).
LSW is an adult literacy center located on the corner of Plankinton Avenue and Michigan Street in downtown Milwaukee. LSW will make the books available to their students for their reading pleasure. Any books not selected will be sold to a second-hand bookstore, with the funds raised going into LSW's operational account.
Mike Groth, Chairman of the Elmbrook Rotary Club's Community Service Committee, recently delivered the books to LSW. The above photos shows (left to right): Holly McCoy, LSW Executive Director; Dustin Slane, LSW Director of Marketing and IT; Mike Groth; and Chad Knezel, LSW Director of Development & Volunteer Engagement.
Thank you, ERC Rotarians, for supporting the 2022 Book Drive
The Elmbrook Rotary Club has always challenged that mentality.
Proof: The club has re-imagined our weekly drawing.
Doing away with a format that had stagnated, the new approach has several welcome changes:
Both In-Person & Zoom attendees can participate.
Instead of a "progressive pot," each weekly winner will receive a $20+ gift card and an opportunity to patronize a local business.
Current donors are Brunch of Brookfield and First Watch of Brookfield, but that's just be beginning...
Please let Paul Langer or Mike Hogan know if there is a local business you think would want to have their name in front of Elmbrook Rotarians each week for the drawing.
All proceeds go toward our club's donations to Rotary International.
Pick up your raffle tickets at the registration desk from the Sergeant-at-Arms (Dr. Thomas Steinbach) or with our Zoom host!
As an imported case from Pakistan, this detection of type 1 wild poliovirus in Malawi does not affect the WHO African region’s wild polio-free certification status.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has confirmed a case of type 1 wild poliovirus (WPV1) in a child suffering from paralysis in Malawi. Analysis has shown the virus is genetically linked to WPV1 that had circulated in Pakistan’s Sindh province.
Detection of WPV1 outside the world’s two remaining endemic countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan is a serious concern and underscores the importance of prioritizing polio immunization activities in countries such as Malawi to prevent future instances of importation.
While the news from Malawi is disappointing, the polio program has seen importations from endemic countries to regions that have been certified wild polio-free in the past, and has moved quickly to successfully stop transmission of the virus in these areas. Now is the time for all parties — Rotary members, communities, government leaders, and global partners — to recommit to ending all forms of polio for good. Read Rotary's full statement.
The International Service Committee of Elmbrook Rotary Club has recommended the following distribution of funds for international projects:
$1,200—Andean Health Development—supporting the physician residency training program at Hesburgh Hospital in Santo Domingo, Ecuador. $1,280—Common Hope—sponsoring a Common Hope high school student (to be assigned, including funds for gifts as allowed by Common Hope policy and periodic food bags for the student's family) in Guatemala. $1,200—Friends for Health in Haiti—supporting a new Agriculture Program which will purchase seeds for crops to provide a sustainable food source. $1,200—Giraffe Children’s Charity—helping some of the poorest children in Nairobi, Kenya, receive an education, thereby continuing ERC sponsorship of two primary school age children per year through eighth grade. $1,200—Caserio El Tesoro Water Project—helping purchase materials to capture and provide fresh water for El Tesoro, Guatemala, a community of about 324 people located one hour north of the municipality of San Martín Jilotepeque, department of Chimaltenango, Guatemala. This is in connection with TRF Global Grant Application #2232182, in which the Marquette University Chapter, Engineers without Borders USA, is serving as a cooperating organization. $1,100—Rotary Water Initiative—helping to deliver a minimum of 50 TivaWater filters to families in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. This is an international project of the Rotary Club of Mukwonago, Wisconsin.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who make contributions, or who have contributions made in their name, totaling $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
Last year the Elmbrook Rotary Club's Board of Directors approved a special, limited-time-only program under which the Club would match any $500 Paul Harris gift. That program, which ended December 31, 2021, was a great success. During the first six months of this current Rotary year, sixteen Rotarians took advantage of the program and earned a total of 21 Paul Harris Fellow recognitions. Their gifts to The Rotary Foundation totaled $9,600!
Even though that special program has ended, opportunities still remain to earn a Paul Harris Fellow recognition with ERC’s assistance. Two matching programs are currently available.
(1) The Board wants to encourage members (especially new members) who are not currently a Paul Harris Fellow to contribute to The Rotary Foundation and receive recognition. For these members only, the Club will continue to match a $500 gift. This effectively gives a member the recognition of being a Paul Harris Fellow at “half price.”
(2) Members who already have one or more recognitions will be able to use the Club’s traditional matching program, namely, the Club will add the last $200 after the member has made gifts totaling $800.
Anyone who would like more information about Paul Harris Fellows may contact Gordy Miller, Elmbrook Rotary Foundation Treasurer.
Earlier in December 2021, Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation released a position statement on CoViD-19 vaccinations. The complete statement follows.
"As the first organization to envision a polio-free world through mass immunization of children, Rotary believes the decision to vaccinate is a humanitarian imperative. The Rotary International Board of Directors and Rotary Foundation Trustees believe that:
Global vaccination is the path to ending the pandemic, and we strongly encourage vaccination for all individuals, including our members.
Misinformation hinders the fight against COVID-19, and we are committed to providing our members with science-based information.
Rotary is engaged in assuring equity in vaccine access to all people. Through joint efforts with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance we are leveraging our frontline experience with polio to facilitate vaccine delivery.
Rotary salutes health care workers everywhere as they continue to provide lifesaving services. We encourage clubs to offer recognition and encouragement to these heroes.
Rotary and Rotaract clubs are encouraged to redouble their efforts to support COVID-19 prevention and vaccination efforts.
As one of the greatest advances of modern medicine, vaccines are safe, effective and save millions of lives each year. They have eliminated or controlled numerous diseases such as polio, smallpox, measles, and Ebola, and now, there is the opportunity to end the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccination.
The eradication of polio remains the goal of the highest order for Rotary. We can continue to apply the lessons we have learned in fighting polio to COVID-19 response efforts."
We may know Tom Pipines and Steve "The Homer" True as sports personalities and for many years competitors. They recently teamed up for a new video podcast where they explore an unexpected topic: their faith.
Tom Pipines is the former sports anchor for Fox 6 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Steve True, better known as Steve "The Homer" True, is a long-time radio host for ESPN. Together, they have a podcast on YouTube called “My Faith with Homer & Pip.” On Friday, February 11, they visited Elmbrook Rotary Club to tell the story of their podcast.
They brought with them a young woman named "Cassie," who told her own faith story as an in-person example of how the podcast is done. Envisioned originally by Homer, the podcast intends to demonstrate how the faith story of every individual is unique. "Cassie" spoke of her journey, which includes six years in prison.
The sportscasters-now-podcasters love to motivate people to tell their stories which, in turn, motivate and encourage others. The podcasts, including archived material, can be viewed on YouTube. Simply navigate to YouTube and type in "My Faith with Homer and Pip."
On Friday, January 28, Phil Landry was inducted as the newest member of Elmbrook Rotary Club.
Phil was ERC's "2021 Business Person of the Year" recipient and was subsequently recruited to join the club. He is the founder and owner of C3E Geomatics.
His Rotary classification is "Surveyor"; his Rotary sponsor/mentor, Ralph Gould.
On Friday, January 21, Thomas Michalski was inducted by ERC President Dr. Thom Arndt as the newest member of Elmbrook Rotary Club.
Michalski (center in photo) retired from Marquette University in 2006 after 30 years of service as an IT Administrator. Since then he has been extremely active in city and county government in the Village of Elm Grove and Waukesha County. Currently, he is County Supervisor for the City of Brookfield's Wards 1, 6, 9, 10, 15, & 17 and the Village of Elm Grove. He is also a volunteer firefighter in Elm Grove.
For Rotary purposes, his classification is "County Government." His Rotary sponsor is Ralph Gould.
Representatives from Partners in Hope and The Community Warehouse visited Elmbrook Rotary Club on Friday, January 14.
Adam Procell is the Community Outreach Specialist for Partners in Hope and shared his own personal story about his life before, during, and after incarceration. Partners in Hope is a faith-based prisoner re-entry program, run by The Community Warehouse, which helps formerly incarcerated prisoners become productive citizens. 96% of all Partners in Hope graduates never return to prison.
Jose Hernandez (behind speaker podium in above photo) is the new CEO for The Community Warehouse / Partners in Hope. He recently joined the organizations after retiring from a 30-year career as a corrections officer.
Phil Landry, ERC's 2021 "Business Person of the Year" awardee, is a recipient and strong supporter of the benefits offered by Partners of Hope and The Community Warehouse. More information can be accessed at www.thecommunitywarehouse.org.
Sachin Chheda, Director of the Fair Elections Project, presented an engaging overview of Gerrymandering in state politics and its effect on elections to Elmbrook Rotary on Friday, January 7.
The Fair Elections Project is working to change how politics works in the United States and help end the partisan gridlock that grips the nation. The project claims that people don't really have a voice in elections when the district lines determine which party will be in control. Time constraints prevented any Q&A; however, any concerned citizen can visit the Fair Elections Project by clicking here or on the photo image above.
In 2020, Elmbrook Rotary Club coordinated a Global Grant of nearly USD $98,000 from The Rotary Foundation. Entitled “Pediatric Ventilators Santo Domingo Ecuador,” the grant provided for the purchase of two pediatric ventilators and one neonatal ventilator for Andean Health & Development's (AHD’s) locally-staffed teaching hospital in Santo Domingo, Ecuador.
The Final Report for this Global Grant was submitted to The Rotary Foundation on December 29, 2021. The report has received approval and congratulations from The Rotary Foundation. Click here to read the Fall Newsletter of Andean Health & Development or here to read the Winter Newsletter in order to see the difference being made.
Elmbrook Rotary can be both grateful and proud to have been a part of this very successful project which turned out to be more important than ever expected, especially in view of the worldwide CoViD-19 pandemic.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Personal Growth and Development: Membership in Rotary continues one's growth and education in human relations and personal development.
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.
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).]
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.
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.
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