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Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Elmbrook (Brookfield)
We Rise & Shine
Fridays at 7:00 AM
Western Racquet Club
1800 Highland Drive
Elm Grove, WI 53122
United States of America
Attendance also possible via Zoom.
DistrictSiteIcon
District Site
VenueMap
Venue Map
Upcoming Events
Elmbrook Rotary Changing of the Guard
Brookfield Mitchell Park Pavillion
Jun 29, 2022
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
 
View entire list
Speakers
Jun 24, 2022
NGO Guatemala Service Project
Jul 08, 2022 7:00 AM
Rotary Member Classification Talks
Jul 15, 2022 7:00 AM
Serenity Inns - Update on current programs and impact of Elmbrook Rotary support
Aug 05, 2022
ERC member survey review/discussion
Aug 12, 2022 7:00 AM
Bridge Builders, Inc - Transforming Neighborhoods - Model Block strategy
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
Rotary RSS Feed

The nonprofit Music Mends Minds, launched by Rotarian Carol Rosenstein, provides people with memory loss an opportunity to reconnect through the power of song.

 

Join us to Imagine What’s Next at the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Australia

 

Rotary and ShelterBox renew global partnership

 

When Lindy Knowles thinks back to his childhood in the Bahamas, a particular tree is the backdrop of the best memories: the mangrove. Spindly, with twisted roots, mangroves thrive in tidal areas around the islands, including a creek near his grandmother’s house. Knowles learned to fish among

 

Convention attendees are encouraged to learn about what Houston Rotary members are doing to combat two issues facing their community.

 
Photo Albums
Guatemala Vision Team 2020
Walk for Hope 2021
2019 Spikes for Tykes
Guatemala Team 2019
RI RSS Feed

The nonprofit Music Mends Minds, launched by Rotarian Carol Rosenstein, provides people with memory loss an opportunity to reconnect through the power of song.

 

Join us to Imagine What’s Next at the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Australia

 

Rotary and ShelterBox renew global partnership

 
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
President Elect Nominee
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Executive Secretary / Director
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
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
Changing of the Guard and Silent Auction
Elmbrook Rotary Club's (ERC) Changing of the Guard event will occur on Wednesday evening, June 29, at the Mitchell Park Pavilion in Brookfield. The “Outdoors” will open at 5:00 p.m. for social time and activities that include a 50/50 raffle and a wine pull. This is a business casual event, and it is suggested that you bring folding chairs because seating could be limited. A buffet dinner will be served by Bunzel’s Catering, and seating will be on picnic benches surrounding the pavilion or on your own chairs. The program, which begins at 7:00 p.m., will be inside the pavilion that is air conditioned. Multiple invitational emails have been sent to ERC members for registering the member and one guest. Please remember to register.
 
The online silent auction goes live at 12 noon on Wednesday, June 22, which is also when bidding begins. Lots of great items have been donated, and bidding is expected to be brisk! If you can’t wait to see the many awesome items, you can get a preview of them at https://www.32auctions.com/ElmSilAuct2022
 
To participate in the silent auction, click https://www.32auctions.com/ElmSilAuct2022 Before bidding, you will be asked to create an account which must include your email address. A phone number is optional. Check the "Help" section for details if you have any questions about the auction. Under the bidding section, you will see how the watch list works. At the end of the auction, bidders will receive a notification that has a link to an invoice. Before paying the amount due, please consider placing an Add-on amount to help defray the software costs that the club will incur. All funds will then be credited to the Elmbrook Rotary Club PayPal account. There is also a green "Donate" button on the home page for cash donations.
 
The auction will close at 10:00 p.m. on the evening of the Changing of the Guard (Wednesday, June 29).
 
As soon as payment is made, winning bidders may pick up items at the offices of Jackie Radomski from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to noon on Friday (except on holidays). Her address is Gordon J. Maier & Company LLP, 12778 W. North Avenue, Bldg A, in Brookfield. Please pick up the items won (and paid for) no later than Wednesday, July 13. If not picked up, the items will be considered forfeited and donated to a worthy organization.
 
Thank you and enjoy bidding. Proceeds will be allocated to the Elmbrook Rotary Club's Community, International, & Vocational Committees for the benefit of the many grants and programs that we support.
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. 
June Birthdays & Anniversaries
 
 
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in June.
 
 
“Far up in the deep blue sky, Great white clouds are floating by; All the world is dressed in green; Many happy birds are seen, Roses bright and sunshine clear Show that lovely June is here.” — F. G. Sanders
 
Happy Birthday! Wishing a wonderful year of good health, happiness, and success to our members:
 
  • Kate Bloomberg
  • Susan Cerletty
  • Andrew McCully
  • Jackie Radomski
  • Larry Rovens
  • Bill Severson
  • Christine Spresser
 
ERC also recognizes the following membership anniversaries:
 
  • Jennifer Cagle, 3 years
  • Raul Arredondo, 5 years 
  • Dan Roads, 9 years
  • Mark Zalewski, 14 years
  • Steven Stocker, 18 years
  • Larry Myers, 24 years
 
Read more...
Rotary Fellowships Month
June is designated Rotary Fellowships Month to recognize the importance of international fellowship and goodwill among Rotarians with similar recreational and vocational interests, to promote increased participation in fellowships, and to increase understanding of this program.
 
What are the benefits for Rotarians in joining a Rotary Fellowship? Fellowship provides opportunities for Rotarians to make lasting friendships outside their own Club, District, or country. There are many Fellowships that would be of interest to members, and they are detailed at https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships
 
A handful of Elmbrook Rotary Club members belong to various Rotary Fellowships. Examples include Beer Rotarians Enjoy Worldwide (BREW), Cycling to Serve, Shooting Sport Rotarians, and Surfers Unite. Just ask around, and you'll find a great deal of interest in the 100+ Rotary Fellowships.
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. 
 
 
New Paul Harris Fellow Incentive
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.
RI-TRF Position Statement on Vaccinations
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:
  1. Global vaccination is the path to ending the pandemic, and we strongly encourage vaccination for all individuals, including our members.
  2. Misinformation hinders the fight against COVID-19, and we are committed to providing our members with science-based information.
  3. 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.
  4. Rotary salutes health care workers everywhere as they continue to provide lifesaving services. We encourage clubs to offer recognition and encouragement to these heroes.
  5. Rotary and Rotaract clubs are encouraged to redouble their efforts to support COVID-19 prevention and vaccination efforts.
  6. 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.
  7. 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."
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.