The relationship between Rotary International and the Peace Corps, made official with a 2014 partnership agreement, has its foundation in the organizations’ shared values.
Rotary joined its partners in the GPEI to mark the first anniversary of a public health milestone: the WHO's African region being certified free of wild polio.
The relationship between Rotary International and the Peace Corps, made official with a 2014 partnership agreement, has its foundation in the organizations’ shared values.
Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) members gathered on Saturday afternoon, September 18, to enjoy the second day of the 5th Annual Elm Grove Oktoberfest.
ERC member Ted Wentzel is Vice-President of the Elm Grove Community Foundation and helped organize the gala event. Food, drink (obviously, beer), music, & games highlighted the enjoyable event.
One of the highlights was the Masskrugstemmen competition. Masskrugstemmen ("Large Jug Hoisting") is a Bavarian Sport and is generally played in groups. It consists of holding a 1-liter Stein, filled with Hofbrau beer, with one's arms. The arms must be completely stretched out and parallel to the floor. No bending of the elbows is permitted. You must hold the Stein as long as possible in this position. Winner is the one still holding the Stein(s) after the other competitors have yielded. Click on the image above to view a short clip of ERC member Christine Spresser's participation in the competition.
ERC members enjoy a social every month. It's part of Rotary camaraderie.
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee (BGCGM) was the featured program of Elmbrook Rotary on Friday, September 17. Presenter was Kathy Thornton-Bias.
Kathy Thornton-Bias is the 15th president and CEO of BGCGM and the second female to lead the Clubs since its founding in 1887 by Annabell Cook Whitcomb. She grew up in a Rotarian's family and is currently a member of the downtown Milwaukee Rotary Club.
The BGCGM is the largest Boys & Girls Club in the country with 44 locations throughout greater Milwaukee serving approximately 5,000 youth each day. In addition to providing an overview of the BGCGM's mission and purposes, Thornton-Bias also announced the establishment of "The Learning Center," a new program at a new location that is intended to prepare teenagers for college.
Our 2021 Green Bay Packer Ticket Raffle fundraiser is in the books. The winners were drawn at the meeting on Friday, September 10!
ERC member Chris Salani drew each winning ticket, and ERC member Linda Edelstein recorded the names. The eight (8) winners are:
ELMBROOK ROTARY 2021 PACKER TICKET RAFFLE WINNERS
DATE
GAME
NAME
Sep 20
vs Lions
George Krug
Oct 3
vs Steelers
Ron Hegwood
Oct 24
vs Washington
Gary Rauch
Nov 14
vs Seahawks
Gordy Miller
Nov 28
vs Rams
Doug Jacobson
Dec 12
vs Bears
Margaret Schmitt
Dec 25
vs Browns
Steve Stocker
Jan 2
vs Vikings
Charley Shirley
Winners are being notified, and their e-tickets will be sent to them.
Again, a BIG THANKS to everyone who bought and sold tickets and to those who volunteered on Friday mornings or at the Brookfield Farmers Market. You're the reason for our success.
It appears as if we raised close to $5,000 before expenses, with $2,500+ in net profit going towards the organizations we support!
Rotary District 6270 is pleased to announce the availability of a Global Grant Scholarship for matriculation in the fall of 2022 or spring of 2023.
The amount of the scholarship is USD $30,000 and must be used for graduate school studies outside the United States. Applicants must be residents of the geographic area of D-6270 or attending an undergraduate school in the geographic area. In addition, a proposed program of study must be closely aligned with one of Rotary’s seven “Areas of Focus.” Members of Rotaract clubs are eligible to apply but not Rotarians nor their family members.
Deadlines are as follows:
September 1, 2021 – Application form available
January 14, 2022 – Complete Application Deadline (submit online only)
February 5, 2022 - In-Person or Zoom Interviews scheduled. An in-person interview is preferred.
February 14, 2022 – Successful Scholar Notified (for matriculation in 2022-2023 academic year.)
Click here to access the “Scholarships” page on the D-6270 web site for detailed information, the application form, and other supporting documents. Address any inquiries to Larry Myers, Chair of the D-6270 Scholarships Subcommittee (Email: scholarshipchair@rotary6270.org OR lwmyers2@att.net).
With CoViD-19 lockdowns hopefully behind us, the Elmbrook Rotary Club is back to socializing and having fun. Our monthly socials are one of the ways that our members “build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS,” the third tenet of the Four-Way Test of "the things we think, say, or do." Mark your calendars now for the following socials.
October 9 — Progressive Dinner. We’re going to do things a bit differently this year (for health safety reasons). Instead of having dinner at members' homes, small groups will meet for dinner at various restaurants (TBD). After dinner, we’ll all progress to Steve and Mary Ponto’s home for dessert.
The Elmbrook Rotary Club is special because of the camaraderie shared among all our fellow Rotarians. We hope you will join us at some/all of these great social events. Spouses, guests, and prospective members are always welcome.
More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population.
Rotary's goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.
HOW ROTARY MAKES HELP HAPPEN
We take action to empower educators to inspire learning at all ages. The Rotary Foundation supports education through scholarships, donations, and service projects around the world.
Rotary members make amazing things happen, like:
Opening schools: In Afghanistan, Rotary members opened a girls’ school to break the cycle of poverty and social imbalance.
Teaching adults to read: Rotary members in the United States partnered with ProLiteracy Detroit to recruit and train tutors after a study showed that more than half of the local adult population was functionally illiterate.
New teaching methods: The SOUNS program in South Africa, Puerto Rico, and the United States teaches educators how to improve literacy by teaching children to recognize letters by sounds instead of names.
Making schools healthy: Rotarians are providing clean, fresh water to every public school in Lebanon so students can be healthier and get a better education.
Enhancing educational systems: In Kenya, Rotary clubs are working with the Global Partnership for Education and local and national governments to advance life-long learning opportunities for poor and marginalized children.
The September 2021 11th Anniversary Edition of the Elm Grove News - Independent carries a paid ad concerning ERC's 2021 "Business Person of the Year" nomination process.
You'll find the paid ad on p. 2, the monthly ERC ad in the "Business Directory" on p. 3, and the ERC Friday meetings information on p. 5.
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.
"Greetings President Thom, Past President Tom, and Elmbrook Rotary Club.
"Congratulations on receiving ShelterBox HERO recognition for Rotary Year 2020-2021.
"Your support is very much appreciated. Your club will be listed on our HERO page www.shelterboxusa.org/hero
"ShelterBox has provided aid to over 2 million people since 2000. We could not have reached them without clubs like yours. The global pandemic has not stopped our efforts, and your help provided aid to over 33,000 families in 2020 and over 13,000 households in the first half of 2021.
Jan Constable, Chair of the Fall 2021 School Supplies Drive, reports the following:
"Thanks to your generous donations, our fall school supplies drive was very successful. The supplies were divided up and donated to the 95th Street School and to Cathy's Closet at St A.
Attached please find a complete list of the donated school supplies. Thanks again for your donations."
With more than 1.2 million members worldwide, Rotarians are on the ground and ready to take action to help communities recover when disasters strike.
Rotary members and The Rotary Foundation play a unique role in disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts. Working closely with our partners and other organizations that specialize in disaster relief, Rotary members lead projects to support every phase of a community's recovery.
Rotary supports three phases of relief:
Immediate response: Our local clubs and partners immediately offer helping hands and supplies.
Short-term assistance: Our clubs and districts help affected communities wherever we can through funds and materials to re-establish day-to-day operations.
Long-term rebuilding: Our clubs plan and implement projects that rebuild affected communities
Although separate from the Annual Fund, contributions to the Disaster Response Fund count toward Every Rotarian, Every Year; Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member; Paul Harris Fellow; Paul Harris Society; Major Donor; and Arch Klumph Society recognition. They also count toward club recognition opportunities. Click here to donate.
Héctor Colón, CEO of Lutheran Social Services, shared his life story in a motivational presentations to Elmbrook Rotary Club on Friday, September 3.
That story is encapsulated in his book, My Journey from Boxing Ring to Boardroom: Five Essential Virtues for Life and Leadership.
In summary, the five virtues (using the acronym of CHAMP) are:
Courage (willing to take risks)
Humility (putting others first)
TemperAnce (practicing restraint)
Magnanimity (striving for greatness)
Perseverance (never giving up)
Héctor Colón is the President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS). Under his visionary and Servant-Leadership approach, Colón has positioned LSS for greatness - adapting new models and business strategies to increase impact and viability for staff, clients, and the organization.
Colón was named a 2021 Notable Minority Leader and the 2019 Nonprofit Executive of the Year by BizTimes Media. He also was chosen as Hispanic Man of the year by United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS). His book is available for purchase on amazon.com and at hectorcolonmke.com.
Ron Jones has been a Rotarian for 35+ years. In July he announced to Elmbrook Rotary Club that he and his wife Barbara have sold their home here in Wisconsin and are retiring permanently to Florida. On Friday, August 27, Ron shared with ERC members the following about his Rotary journey:
"My history with Rotary began (35 years ago) in April 1986. I was VP of Patient Care Services at Elmbrook Memorial Hospital. Dr. Sridhar Vasudevan, M.D., was assigned to launch a new evening Rotary Club in Brookfield by the Brookfield Rotary Club Board of Directors. Dr. Vasudevan came to me, at Elmbrook Hospital, to garner interest in me and others to join Rotary. We were designated a provisional club status on May 6, 1986.
"On October 22, 1986, the club received its official charter at a large gathering hosted by the Brookfield Rotary Club. The new Brookfield Sunset Rotary Club began with 25 new members. Jim Dunn and I were charter members on that night.
"I was President-Elect, and Jim Dunn was on the Board and also chair of the Club Service Committee. I had perfect attendance for my first 32 years.
"After 23 years of Nursing and Administrative work at Elmbrook Memorial Hospital, I was recruited to be President of the Siebert Lutheran Foundation in June 1993. In January 2014, I retired from the Siebert Foundation."
ERC members hope that this dedicated, faithful Rotarian will find another club in Florida OR even continue as an ERC member. The latter is possible because of how the CoViD-19 global pandemic has created opportunities for Rotary virtual membership in any club in the world from any residence in the world.
Thanks, Ron, and richest blessings to you and Barbara as you make another "transition" in life!
Rotary International is a world-wide organization of about 1.2 million business people and professionals in 35,000 clubs dedicated to serving others.
With about 80 members, the Elmbrook Rotary Club is part of Rotary International District 6270, whose geographic area covers southeastern Wisconsin. There are 54 local clubs in D-6270 as well as numerous Interact Clubs and Rotaract Clubs.
Over the past three years, Rotarians in this district have contributed or raised more than $1.3 million for projects. These ranged from local needs to international activities in Guatemala, Haiti, India, and Ecuador.
In addition, some $35,000 was designated for CoViD-19 relief in Wisconsin communities and around the world.
D-6270 Rotarians also contributed $70,000 toward eliminating the few remaining pockets of polio in South Asia. This was matched by the Rotary International Foundation's Polio Plus Fund and the Bill and Melina Gates Foundation for a total of $420,000.
Nearly 100 Elmbrook Rotary members and guests gathered on Wednesday, June 30, for a perfect evening at the Mitchell Park pavilion in Brookfield. The event was the 2021 "Changing of the Guard." Spirits were bright (in a post-COVID outdoor venue), hugs were plentiful, and both food and drink were greatly enjoyed.
The meal was catered by Bunzel's, and the after-dinner program featured brief presentations for various purposes. These included remarks by outgoing President Tom Hochuli, updates on the "Million Dollar Journey" by Tom Curl and the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation by Michael Schmeling, announcement of an abundance of Paul Harris Fellow recognitions (see separate article), a report on "Spikes for Tykes" results by Mike Hogan, and distribution of perfect attendance awards by Harry Farchmin.
The culmination of the evening was the installation of the 2021-2022 officers. Those officers are: Dr. Thom Arndt, President; Harry Farchmin, Vice-President; Christine Spresser, Secretary; Dr. Thomas Steinbach, Sergeant-at-Arms; Mark Zalewski, Treasurer; and Gordy Miller, ER Foundation Treasurer. Jeanne Allen, Bonnie Bertram, & Paul Langer also became Directors of both the club and the foundation.
Incoming President, Dr. Thom Arndt, paid tribute to the outgoing officers and directors and encouraged everyone present to "Serve to Change Lives," the Rotary International Theme for 2021-2022.
At its Changing of the Guard ceremony held on June 30, Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) announced forty-three Paul Harris Fellow recognitions. These included six first-time Paul Harris fellows, six presented as gifts from a Rotarian to a spouse or child, and thirty-one additional recognitions of Rotarians who were already Paul Harris Fellows.
The remarkable number of Paul Harris Fellow recognitions was partially the result of the fact the COVID-19 pandemic had prevented recognitions that were earned during the prior fifteen months. However, the principal reason for the extraordinarily large number was a new, limited-time Paul Harris matching program instituted by ERC earlier in 2021. Under the club’s matching program, the club matched each donation of $500 to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) with a transfer of 500 Foundation recognition points. The TRF points are provided by the club itself and by members who have accumulated a large number of recognition points.
Announcement of the matching program generated a Paul Harris “buzz” among club members and prompted many of them to make contributions they might not otherwise have made. The matching program, which runs through the end of the current calendar year, has already generated more than $9,200 of donations to The Rotary Foundation. In addition, the presentation of so many recognitions at the Changing of the Guard event has prompted several members to indicate that they will make Paul Harris donations before the end of the calendar year. The net result of the matching program has been a substantial increase in contributions to The Rotary Foundation and more engagement by the members of Elmbrook Rotary Club.
The Rotary International President for 2021-2022 is Shekhar Mehta, member (since 1985) of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, Calcutta, India. He and spouse Rashi look forward to meeting as many Rotarians as possible during this new Rotary year.
Shekhar has chosen "Serve to Change Lives" as the theme for 2021-2022. He states the following about the theme: "Imagine the change we, as Rotary members, can make when there are so many more of us! More people to care for others, more people to Serve to Change Lives. Think of the impact we can have through grow more, do more. More members will enable us to embark on bigger and bolder service projects. And each of us can also continue to serve in our own personal ways, responding to needs in our communities."
To read what family and colleagues have to say about him, click here.
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.