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.
The Object of Rotary is a philosophical statement of Rotary’s purpose and the responsibilities of Rotarians. The concept of Vocational Service is rooted in the Second Object, which reads: "High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society."
Paul Harris wrote: "Each Rotarian is a connecting link between the idealism of Rotary and their trade or profession."
Vocational Service is the way Rotary fosters and supports the application of the Ideal of Service to the pursuit of all vocations.
It is the shared responsibility of both the Rotary Club and its members. The role of the Club is to implement and encourage the objectives by its own actions in dealing with the community and by the development of projects that enable members to use their vocational talents in the service of the community. The role of members is to conduct themselves and their businesses in accordance with Rotary principles and to support the Vocational Service projects that the club has developed.
During January, Rotarians are encouraged to focus on this important avenue of Rotary service. Discussions on vocational service can lead to projects that develop not only the ethical consciousness and vocational skills of Rotarians but also the talents within their communities. Vocational Service Month is an opportunity to begin year-long vocational service activities, ranging from Rotary discussions to awards to community projects.
Just slightly more than one year ago, 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. 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.
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in January.
“JANUARY, The first month of the year, A perfect time to start all over again, Changing energies and deserting old moods, New beginnings, new attitudes.”- Charmaine J. Forde
The January 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. 8, the ERC Friday meetings information on p. 5., and an article on Elmbrook Rotary's 2021-2022 Mini-Grants distribution on p. 6.
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.
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."
The Annual Elmbrook Rotary Christmas/Holiday Program occurred at the Western Racquet Club on Friday, December 17. Holiday cheer and laughter filled the air as Gary Gilmore, accompanied on the keyboard by Jim Finn, again led a program filled with a trivia contest, music, & a sing-along.
By overwhelming audience demand, Linda Wickstrom was forced to join Gary in singing. Ned Consigny announced that the "Grinch" has officially been retired for appearances at the annual program but nevertheless managed several scowls as a parting gift.
Pre-pandemic club participation was achieved with nearly 50 members and guests in attendance.
Two new members, Lydia Miller & Sherry Fontaine, were inducted into club membership on Friday, December 17.
Lydia Miller (second from right in photo) holds the classification of "Investment Advisor." Her sponsor is Noaman Sharief. Sherry Fontaine (far left in photo) holds the classification of "Education," and her sponsor is John Allen.
Welcome to these newest members as together we make a difference in our communities and in the world at large.
Waukesha County Sheriff Eric J. Severson visited Elmbrook Rotary Club on Friday, December 10.
Sheriff Severson has been in law enforcement since 1985. He provided an overview of the programs and services of the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department in addition to describing a typical day in the life of the country sheriff, which begins at 4:00 a.m. each morning. ERC members had many questions for the sheriff about the challenges and future status of law enforcement in the United States.
Sheriff Severson also indicated his intention to run for re-election in 2022.
At last count we raised $12,200+ - and when you add the Gates Foundation 2-for-1 match, that becomes $36,000+! That means 250,000 kids will be vaccinated for polio.
Thirty (30) Elmbrook Rotarians participated in the event - by riding - cheering - or donating. And because of the Club match, at least 10 more Paul Harris Fellowships were added to the club's impressive total.
Elmbrook Rotary - You did it again!
Anyone who wants can still send in a check to protect more children from the debilitating disease of polio.
And, donations to Polio Plus will also count as credits toward Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month
Every month of the year is dedicated to one of the major themes of our Rotary lives. This month the theme is that for which RI is perhaps best known, at least among non-Rotarians.
The eradication of polio has been Rotary International's s major worldwide, corporate effort since the 1980’s. And remarkable progress has been made. The job is not finished, however, and you can rest assured that we will not, cannot, set this torch down until that job is finished.
Disease Prevention and Treatment is one of The Rotary Foundation's Seven Areas of Focus. And for good reason. The health and vitality of a person, a family, and a community can be seriously impaired by what in many cases is a preventable disease. Disease prevention is really a keystone to progress in other areas as well because of the interplay with other Areas of Focus like Water and Sanitation and Maternal & Child Health.
The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) enjoys a large number of Paul Harris Fellows in its midst. At its Changing of the Guard ceremony held on June 30, 2021, ERC announced forty-three new 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. This number has continued to increase throughout 2021.
The principal reason for the extraordinarily large number is a limited-time Paul Harris matching program instituted by ERC earlier in 2021. Under the club’s matching program, the club matches 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.
The matching program runs through the end of the current 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. If you have not already done so, do take advantage of this opportunity before December 31. Donations to the "2021 Ride to End Polio" and Polio Plus also count as credits toward Paul Harris Fellow award recognition.
The Annual Meeting for both the Elmbrook Rotary Club and the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation occurred on Friday, December 3. In addition to update reports from various committee chairs, elections were conducted for both Elmbrook Rotary Club and the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation.
Elected as Directors (Class of 2025) for three-year terms for both the Club and Foundation were Raul Arredondo and Jack Nelson. Elected as Director—Past President (Class of 2023) for a one-year term for both the Club and the Foundation was Jan Constable. Dr. Dave Engle was elected as Sergeant-at-Arms for a one-year term, succeeding in the following three years to Secretary, Vice-President, & President. All terms take effect on July 1, 2022.
Lucas Severson was inducted into the membership of Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) on Friday, October 22, at its weekly breakfast meeting. ERC President, Dr. Thom Arndt (far right in photo), presided at the formal induction.
Lucas' Rotary sponsor is Steven Ponto (middle of photo), whose niece Laramie is Lucas' spouse. Lucas is a Senior Project Manager at Advicent Solutions in Wauwatosa, Wisc. His Rotary Classification is "Internet Marketing." He was previously a member of a Rotary Club in LaCrosse.
City of Brookfield Mayor Steven Ponto is also a member of the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC). On Friday, November 12, he provided an update to ERC concerning the city.
Highlighted were the continuing economic developments in the city, lowered property taxes, and the fantastic 54,000 sq. ft. multipurpose Brookfield Conference Center.
Being a Rotary Club member and attending frequently is one of the best, and easiest, ways to stay informed about one's community and the world in general. Join Elmbrook Rotary Club for a free breakfast and great program on any Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. at the Western Racquet Club in Elm Grove (1800 Highland Drive). You won't regret that you did. This week's (November 19th) program features Dr. Daniell Bastian, Bürgermeister der Einhardstadt Seligenstadt, Deutschland (Mayor of Einhardstadt Seligenstadt, Germany). Seligenstadt is Brookfield‘s Sister City.
November is Rotary Foundation Month The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary International, The Rotary Foundation taps into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into Rotary priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.
Representatives from the Marquette University Chapter of Engineers Without Borders USA visited and briefed Elmbrook Rotary at its breakfast meeting on Friday, November 5.
The briefing centered on the most recent work of the chapter in Guatemala, including the newest project at Caserio El Tesoro, San Martin Jilotepeque, Guatemala, for which a Rotary Foundation Global Grant application is being submitted.
The student chapter members included Claire Connelly, Jordan Gastos, & Abby McGill. Their briefing was recorded via Zoom and can be viewed by clicking here or on the image above.
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.
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in November.
"Don't wait until the fourth Thursday in November, to sit with family and friends to give thanks. Make every day a day of Thanksgiving!" —Charmaine J Forde
The Rotary community showed its collective support for World Polio Day on 24 October by raising funds and advocating for polio eradication. There’s still time to make a contribution to PolioPlus in honor of World Polio Day.
If you haven’t watched it yet, don’t miss Rotary’s World Polio Day Global Update, which provides important news about eradication efforts and explains why continued support is critical to protecting our progress toward ending polio forever. New this year: Our Facebook page and YouTube channel feature a World Polio Day video playlist, so you can watch and share individual segments from the Global Update.
The world may never have a better chance than now to eradicate polio, according to Aidan O’Leary, polio eradication director for the World Health Organization. Before polio can be considered eradicated, the number of cases must reach zero and no virus can be detected in the environment. During the first nine months of 2021, just two cases of polio caused by the wild virus were recorded — one each in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the two countries where wild polio is still endemic. Environmental testing throughout those countries has also shown significantly less wild poliovirus in water and sewage samples.
O’Leary explains how we can protect our progress against polio and reach more children with a new polio vaccine and a new Global Polio Eradication Initiative strategy. This strategy aims to address our remaining challenges, including vaccine hesitancy, political uncertainty, and the difficulties of continuing vaccinations during a pandemic. Read more from O’Leary about the determination and support it will take to overcome today’s challenges and achieve a polio-free world.
Liz Beaudoin, Director of Marketing for Kathy's House, provides the following update.
Kathy's House is the Milwaukee area's only hospital guest house that serves both patients of all ages and their caregivers, and all area hospitals. We are grateful for Elmbrook Rotary Club's support of our Family Program for Patients and Caregivers, which helps offset lodging costs for economically disadvantaged families.
High healthcare costs, lost wages, and travel expenses are barriers for many rural and minority families who need to travel to Milwaukee for advanced medical care. By providing housing for patients and family members while they are receiving advanced medical treatments in Milwaukee, Kathy's House helps to reduce these barriers and improve access to critical care.
Dr. Malika Siker is a Brookfield resident, Kathy's House board member, and Professor of Radiation Oncology, Associate Dean of Student Inclusion and Diversity at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Siker describes Kathy's House as "a game-changer for improving health equity in our region. Patients and families facing serious health conditions can access lifesaving care regardless of geography, income barriers, or lack of other resources."
Kathy's House provides an affordable alternative to an expensive hotel room, or, more often, a stay in the caregiver's patient room, waiting room, or vehicle. Elmbrook Rotary Club's support of our Family Program ensures that entire families stay together in our "home away from home" while accessing the care they need.
Photo Caption: Jamie Nicklas of DeKalb, Ill., stayed at Kathy's House as grandmother Sandra Bonneville of Appleton, Wisc., underwent cancer treatment at nearby Froedtert Hospital. Jamie said, "Kathy's House is incredibly welcoming. There's a sense of community. We've been here for several weeks, and it doesn't matter who is in the House. Everyone here is really friendly and helpful. They want to share their story and share their empathy with what you're going through. It's just incredibly comforting to be here."
The deadline for receipt of Mini-Grant applications for 2021 is Wednesday, October 27.
During 2020-2021, the Elmbrook Rotary Club/Foundation disbursed $109,781 to various charitable organizations, both domestically and internationally. Click here to view the list of recipients.
The Mini-Grant Application Form (in fillable PDF format) can be accessed and downloaded from both the "Foundation" and the "Resources/Frequently Requested Documents" menus on the ERC web site.
Please send completed application form and all required supporting documents in digital format to: lwmyers2@att.net
Rotary District 6270 kicked off Rotary International's newest Area of Focus with its "Environmental Days of Service" during October 4-10. Local clubs were encouraged to do anything they wanted during that week with an environmentally-focused theme.
Adding the "Environment" as a new area of focus provides Rotary International with the influence needed to continue sustaining humanitarian projects in the long term while also actively working to make the planet cleaner and safer for the communities it serves. This proactive approach to climate change ensures that Rotary International will be able to handle the inevitable changes arising from a warming planet amid increasing levels of pollution, deforestation, and extinction. Rotary is not alone. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a partner of Rotary, has also added climate change to its top issues. Humanitarian organizations like Rotary have the network and resources necessary to help vulnerable communities adjust to environmental changes that are on the horizon.
RI District 6270 boasts of having been awarded the first Global Grant Scholarship in the new Area of Focus. Alaina Eckert of Sussex, WI, is the recipient. Working towards completing dual masters degrees simultaneously and currently in Germany, Alaina has been forced to adjust slightly her sequence of program studies. The Government of New Zealand has again delayed the issue of student visas until mid-2022. Alaina has therefore procured a three-six month internship with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Society in Panama, beginning in January 2022, and will hopefully proceed afterwards to New Zealand for a semester of studies at Lincoln University.
Elmbrook Rotary Club was treated to an update of the additions and improvements of Old World Wisconsin at its weekly meeting on Friday, October 8.
ERC member Fred Gettelman is a member of Rotary International's "Brew Fellowship." The purpose of this fellowship is to foster and encourage fellowship between and among Rotarians of all nations who have a love for beer and through this fellowship support international projects of The Rotary Foundation. Fred is also an active participant in constructing and operating a new brewing complex at Old World Wisconsin.
Dan Freas, Director of Old World Wisconsin, provided ERC with not just an update of the site but also concentrated on this newest addition. A newly constructed Brewing Experience building, combined with relocated historic Wittnebel’s Tavern and a festive outdoor Beer Garden, will allow Old World Wisconsin guests to celebrate Wisconsin’s brewing traditions like never before.
Mr. Freas hopes that both Rotarians and the general public will visit Old World Wisconsin to enjoy the state's history and culture. Zum Wohl!
Nearly 800 million people live on less than $1.90 a day. Rotary members are passionate about providing sustainable solutions to poverty.
Rotary members and The Rotary Foundation work to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.
Rotary provides training and access to well-paying jobs and financial management institutions.
ROTARY MAKES HELP HAPPEN
Rotary creates opportunities to help individuals and communities thrive financially and socially.
ROTARY IMPACTS LOCAL ECONOMIES
Rotary members train people to become resources for their community, offering networking activities, advice on new business development, and financial management training.
The Rotary Four-Way Test challenges us to take a close hard look at the realities in our own communities. In particular, we must ask the question: “Is it Fair to All Concerned?” As a Club, through our service projects and giving, we have dedicated ourselves to improving the conditions and fairness for all concerned. Whether these efforts involve providing opportunities for at risk pre-school children to practice communication skills, serving pancakes at Breakfast with Santa, or partnering on sanitation and drinking water projects in communities in need throughout the world, they all serve to provide for economic and community development. Thank you for being a member of our Elmbrook Rotary Club and thank you for being concerned about, and dedicated to, improving the economic conditions for people in our community and throughout the world.
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in October.
“In October, a maple tree before your window lights up your room like a great lamp. Even on cloudy days, its presence helps to dispel the gloom.” — John Burroughs
Noaman Sharief, Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) member and member of the ERC Board of Directors, has become a member of the Board of Directors of ShelterBox USA.
ShelterBox USA, long supported by Elmbrook Rotary, wants to see a world where no family is left without shelter when disaster strikes. Its Board of Directors and Staff share this determination and have all pledged to help make it happen. Striving to do the right thing is an important value at the heart of the organization and drives the ShelterBox commitment to improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in our work and workplace.
Click on Noaman's image below to view the other Board members and learn more about the mission and work of ShelterBox.
Craig Burnett, Past District Governor (PDG) of Rotary International District 6270 during 2020-2021, presented Elmbrook Rotary Club with the distinguished "Rotary Citation" for Rotary Year 2020-2021 at its breakfast meeting on Friday, September 24.
Citing the difficulty of receiving such recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic year, PDG Burnett congratulated the club for being among the very few in RI District 6270 who received the recognition.
Tom Hochuli, Immediate Past President for Elmbrook Rotary, received the citation on behalf of the club. He credited the entire membership for the achievement and offered his personal gratitude for the way(s) in which club members continued to remain active in service during 2020-2021. Congratulations, Elmbrook Rotary!
Brian Sonderman, Executive Director of Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, provided an update on the organization and its efforts on Friday, September 24.
Mr. Sonderman cited an abundance of data concerning the housing situation in the central city of Milwaukee. That data demonstrates the dire need for the ongoing efforts of Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity.
ERC President Thom Arndt announced the intention of Elmbrook Rotary Club to engage with the organization and support its efforts, including hands-on participation in building and renovating houses.
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.
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.
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!
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 Western Racquet Club will undergo "deep cleaning" on Friday, September 10. Therefore, the management is unable to provide the usual venue for the ERC weekly meeting. As a result, the ERC meeting on Friday, September 10, will be via Zoom only. Zoom access information will be emailed to all ERC members. who can then invite guests by providing the same access information.
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).
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.
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.
"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.
We’re celebrating Membership and New Club Development Month in August. We know that the main reasons our members join and stay with Rotary are community service and friendship. That makes this month the perfect time to learn more about how to further engage with our global community and make a positive difference.
On September 18, 2021, the Oconomowoc Rotary Club is sponsoring a Bicycle Tour to raise funds toward completion of a new riding trail that stretches from Oconomowoc to Watertown.
Entry fees vary: $45 per rider & $95 per family (up to 4 people) when pre-registered; $50 per rider & $100 per family (up to 4 people) on the day of the event. Riding distances also vary: 8-, 16-, & 38-mile options.
Click here or on the image below to access detailed information and to register for this unique opportunity.
Brad Schimel, Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge, addressed the Elmbrook Rotary Club on Friday, August 20, on the topic of the "Waukesha County Drug Treatment Court Program."
Judge Schimel grew up in the Town of Vernon and graduated from Mukwonago High School. He attended UW Waukesha for 2 years and then finished his Bachelor Degree at UW Milwaukee. He began his career in the Waukesha County Courthouse as an intern in the DA's Office in 1989, and, after graduating UW Law School in 1990, was hired as an Assistant DA. He served as an Assistant DA until he was elected Waukesha County District Attorney in 2006 and was twice reelected as DA. He left the courthouse in 2015 after being elected Wisconsin Attorney General. Brad and his family stayed here in Waukesha County, and he returned to the courthouse as a Circuit Court Judge in January 2019.
Since 1920 the Russell Hampton Company has been Rotary's original club supplies vendor. The company is the world's largest and most respected provider of Rotary Club supplies, awards, personalized gifts, apparel, signage, and more.
Elmbrook Rotary Club member Linda Edelstein is the Executive Director for the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO). On Friday, August 6, together with Besty Corry, Managing Director of First Stage, and Del Wilson, Executive Director for the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC), she provided an overview of the expansion project for the MYAC.
The center plans to renovate 42,000 square feet of underused space in the lower level of the current building in order to add two new rehearsal halls, six studios, and six small group instruction rooms, and to upgrade its mainstage hall on the facility’s main level.
The MYAC campus, which is the home of Milwaukee children’s theater group First Stage and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, consists of two buildings near the intersection of West Walnut Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue: the main building at 325 W. Walnut St. and another building across the street at 1702 N. 4th St.
MYAC also plans to update the building’s systems to increase energy efficiency, improve safety and security with a reconfigured front entrance and improve technology in the facility.
The project is expected to be completed by the fall. MYAC is using Milwaukee-based Ramlow/Stein Architecture & Interiors and Brookfield-based Hunzinger Constructions Company for the project. A second phase of the project will include renovating MYAC’s building on Fourth Street, which the organization purchased in 2016. When completed, the project is expected to create nearly twice the available teaching, rehearsal, and performance space by allowing 20,000 additional children to participate in their programs annually. Other groups, including Milwaukee’s Children Choir and Danceworks, already rent the facility.
MYAC first opened in 2005 in collaboration with First Stage and MYSO. In addition to those two organizations, MYAC hosts Danceworks, Milwaukee Children’s Choir and Festival City Symphony. The center annually serves about 25,000 students from about 90 zip codes throughout southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
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.
On Friday, July 30, Sara Eskrich, Executive Director of Democracy Found, provided a thought-stimulating and question-provoking overview of the concept of "Final Five Voting."
Democracy Found is a Wisconsin-based initiative committed to revitalizing democracy. The organization argues that implementing Final-Five Voting (a system wherein the top five candidates are selected from the primary ballot and instant runoff voting is used in the general election) will ensure that politicians are held accountable for delivering results. A bill on Final-Five Voting is currently being considered in the Wisconsin legislative chambers.
The concept of Final-Five Voting is explored and explained in The Politics Industry (available on Amazon), a book by path-breaking political innovator Katherine Gehl and business strategist Michael Porter. They apply the tools of business analysis—and Porter's distinctive Five Forces framework—to show how the political system functions just as every other competitive industry does, and how the duopoly has led to the outcomes we see today.
Using this competition lens, Gehl and Porter identify the most powerful lever for change—a strategy comprised of a clear set of choices in two key areas: how our elections work and how we make our laws. The Politics Industry hopes to open eyes to the true dynamics and profound challenges of the American political system and provide real solutions for reshaping the system for the benefit of all.
Rotary Million Dollar Journey Reached its Goal . . . and More . . . and More!
A joint effort between the Wisconsin & Michigan Rotarians of Districts 6220 and 6270 to raise $1,000,000 for The Rotary Foundation (TRF) by October 2020 reached its goal four months early in July 2020. With that success, and with even greater need, the districts continued the journey by raising more funds. The campaign ended on June 30, 2021.
Tom Curl, our Elmbrook Rotary Club's TRF representative, reports that the final tally was USD$2,797,153!
In these unprecedented times of pandemic and economic uncertainty, this result once again demonstrates the "giving gene" that Rotarians possess.
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!
Joe Addis, a Certified Arborist, visited Elmbrook Rotary on Friday, July 16. He is a Certified Arborist and a Certified Treecare Safety Professional with an associates degree and bachelor's degree in Urban Forestry. He can provide a comprehensive plant health care program, pruning recommendations, evaluation of the health and structure of trees, and a long term plan for maintaining landscapes. He works closely with residential and commercial property owners in caring for their trees and shrubs.
The information on "Tree and Plant Disease," which he provided to ERC, was much appreciated. One member commented: "I wish that I had learned this years ago!"
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.
The April 2021 edition of the Elm Grove News - Independent carries a major article on Rotary International (RI) District 6270's announcement of the selection of Alaina Eckert, Sussex, WI, as its Global Grant Scholarship applicant for 2021-2022. Ms. Eckert was referred to the D-6270 selection committee by Elmbrook Rotary Club leadership. Click here or on the image below to access the article.
Ms. Eckert is a graduate of Sussex Hamilton H.S. and of The University of Wisconsin—Madison. She has already begun a dual degree, Master of Science/Master of International Nature Conservation, in a cooperative program of the Georg-August Universität in Göttingen, Germany, and Lincoln University in Lincoln, New Zealand. Since her Area of Focus is "Environment," the Global Grant will be one of the first in this newest emphasis of Rotary International, which takes effect on July 1, 2021.
The practical approach of Ms. Eckert's study program is to preserve the integrity of nature, in combination with the assessment of risk management and conservation strategy, and offers an invaluable experience in the education of international conservation. The four-semester program offers new perspectives to maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems that allow local communities to be resilient to future ecological changes, maintain economic stability and growth, use adaptive conservation management strategies for both the betterment of the community and the ecosystem, and preserve critical ecological systems. Thus, Ms. Eckert’s program of studies aligns closely with RI’s newest Area of Focus, the "Environment."
The amount of the Global Grant Scholarship is U.S. $30,000. RI District 6270 is providing $16,667 of that amount, and The Rotary Foundation is matching it at an 80% level with another $13,333. The Rotary Foundation, RI districts, and Rotary clubs invest in our future leaders and philanthropists by funding scholarships for graduate study through the Global Grant Scholarship program. Information about Rotary’s other scholarship programs can be accessed at: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships.
RI District 6270 Global Grant Scholarship Recipient
The 4th of July Parade returned to Brookfield on July 3, and members of Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) were present!
ERC tradition has been to participate in both the annual Elm Grove Memorial Day Parade and the annual Brookfield 4th of July Parade. Unfortunately, COVID-19 spoiled both events in 2020 and the Elm Grove Memorial Day Parade in 2021. However, the Brookfield Independence Day celebration was back in full swing this year!
ERC participants who walked the parade route, and handed out lots of candy, were: Thom Arndt (2021-2022 ERC President), Kevin (convertible driver) and Sue Roche, Christine Spresser & Linda Edelstein (banner bearers), Bill Petterson, and Tom Hochuli.
Thanks to our six ERC members and one family member who well represented our 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.
The July 2021 edition of the Elm Grove News - Independent is available by clicking here.
A major ERC article on the "Literacy Services of Wisconsin" (written by Jan Constable) is located on p. 6. The July 2021 ERC meetings (with program speaker information) are listed in the "Calendar of Events" on p. 5; and ERC's paid advertisement appears on p. 3.
"You'll be back!" We've been saying that for many months now, but now we can say for certain, "We're Back!" In July it's finally coming true for the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC)!
In-person meetings resumed on Friday, July 9. It was a terrific start to post-COVID meetings with a great program speaker (Annemarie Sawkins, "A Creative Place—The History of Wisconsin Art") and a visit from the RI D-6270 Global Grant Scholarship winner (Alaina Eckert, "Environment" Area of Focus) and her parents. Attendance included 58 in person and 4-5 via Zoom online.
Don't miss the opportunity! Each week a full breakfast will be available at the Western Racquet Club in Elm Grove. The buffet line will begin at approximately 06:45 a.m., and the meeting will begin shortly after the top of the hour.
Meetings will also be available via Zoom. ERC is investigating technology that will provide optimum video and audio performance for those attending via Zoom. The desire is to have the majority of members attending in person, although Zoom will be available for those who require it and for remote program speakers when appropriate. The Board will evaluate the success of this arrangement in January 2022.
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.
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in July.
"My life, I realize suddenly, is July. Childhood is June, and old age is August, but here it is, July, and my life, this year, is July inside of July." ―Rick Bass
Elmbrook Rotary members and guests participated in the annual "Walk for Hope," supporting Common Hope's programs in Guatemala, on Saturday, June 5.
We walk because less than 20% of kids graduate from high school in Guatemala. We walk to support education for students living in poverty, so that they can graduate and help end generational poverty for their family. We walk for the kids just starting school, where they will likely hold a book for the first time. We walk so that families have access to quality health care. We walk to help young people dream, grow, and succeed.
Now more than ever, all of us appreciate the Power of Healthcare, Community, and Hope. Let's walk the Extra Mile to fight poverty with diplomas!
Each $1,200 we raise will sponsor a student and their family for one year. Approximately $3,000 was raised on Saturday morning, June 5. Support our team by going to our fundraising/registration page (click here).
See a handful of photos from the June 5th event by clicking here.
The Rotary Western Great Lakes District Conference successfully held its first virtual conference during May 1-6. To help Rotarians to be inspired, to become engaged, and to be change makers, the Conference Committee has provided:
5.5 hours of General Sessions
11.7 hour of Breakouts covering Membership, Engaging Youth & Young Adults, Leadership, and Fundraising
3 hours of House of Friendship
RWGLDC is pleased to announce the launch of its YouTube channel with Rotary International President Holger Knaack's Opening Remarks, https://youtu.be/KhrDqGJs3uQ, Past District Governor Bill Gormont’s Magic of Rotary, https://youtu.be/Sz8DVgHlqWA, and more.
This new channel enables you to share a video of how you were inspired. Perhaps there was a breakout session held at the same time as the one you attended. You have the opportunity to see what you missed and grow in Rotary. By subscribing to the Rotary Western Great Lakes District Conference YouTube channel, you will be alerted as more conference videos are posted in the coming days.
Barry Nelson James, Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) member since 1984, died on Tuesday, May 25. He was 87 years old.
A memorial service occurred at the Becker Ritter Funeral Home, Brookfield, WI, on Wednesday, June 2. The full "Tribute" (obituary) on the funeral home's web site can be read by clicking here.
Barry was an avid, devoted Rotarian whose own maternal grandfather, Canadian John Nelson, served as Rotary International President during 1933-34. Barry himself served terms on Rotary International District 6270's District Grant Committee and Global Grant Committee. In the local club he served as ERC President during 1990-91. He also initiated "Diane's Dictionaries," one of ERC's many projects which was named after his first wife. Information about this charitable effort can be read by clicking here. He was also the Primary Contact (driving agent) for ERC's Global Grant initiative for an e-learning project in India during 2014-15.
ERC President Tom Hochuli remembers about him, "Barry was generally the first person to arrive at our meetings each week and during this past pandemic year has been in attendance for the majority of meetings on Zoom." Indeed, he will be missed.
The Elmbrook Rotary Club's Board of Directors has acted to rename the ERC annual golf outing to the "Barry James Memorial Golf Outing" and to designate any proceeds from the outing for use by the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation. As the official "Tribute" notes, "It never mattered what his score was as long as he got the round in within 2 ½ hours."
Requiescat in pace!
If desired, memorials can be given (by family request) either to "Elmbrook Rotary Club" or to "Living Hope Presbyterian Church."
Rotary District 6270 has welcomed a new satellite club in Fond du Lac. New clubs make it possible for current members, past members, and new members of Rotary to create more opportunity for service in their community and in the world. A special thanks to Barb Senn and the Board of Directors of the Fond du Lac Morning Rotary Club for spearheading this effort. It is wonderful to see how Rotary can renew itself and adjust to new times and circumstances. The new club is currently meeting virtually once a month but is looking to change to hybrid meetings in the coming months. With ten (10) active members, the club is set for growth.
A satellite club offers current members of a club the opportunity to meet a changing schedule or circumstance, past members to rejoin Rotary, and new members to join at a time and place that fit their work hours or family schedule better.
A few comments from club members to illustrate some of the many reasons for clubs to offer an alternative to a traditional Rotary experience:
“We used to be Interact members and wanted to rejoin the Rotary World, but a morning club did not make that possible.”
“We now spend several months out of state and the time difference makes it difficult to participate in a morning meeting.”
“I am commuting to work at 7:00 AM and an afterhours club makes it possible to join Rotary.”
Congratulations to Fond du Lac Afterhours. Four growing, active Satellite Clubs are now part of Rotary District 6270.
During World Immunization Week, April 24-30, Elmbrook Rotary joined with Rotary International and the other 150+ Wisconsin Rotary clubs to help combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation by spreading the facts about why #VaccinesWork.
With decades of experience fighting polio, Rotary has played, and will continue to play, a key role in informing people about the power and effectiveness of vaccines. As COVID-19 vaccines become more available, Rotary members are using our experience in fighting polio to help communities with their vaccination education and organization efforts. Today, because we and our partners have worked so hard, wild poliovirus remains endemic in only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Yet to eradicate it there, and to prevent a resurgence in other parts of the world, we must continue to build trust in vaccines.
Rotary International has produced a new two-minute video, "Rotary Inspires Leaders in Global Health." In it, global health leaders like U.S. infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Co-Chair Bill Gates, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore, and World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus talk about what Rotary has achieved in the fight to end polio.
Click here or on the URL above, or on the image below to access and view the video.
Together, we can be just a starting place in helping our local community members to understand the value of vaccinations for themselves and their community.
ERC's monthly meetings in May are listed in the "Calendar of Events" on p. 5. A major story, written by ERC member Erik Moeser and concerning the use of monies received this year from a District Grant, appears on p. 6. Copies are also available for pick up at the Elm Grove & Brookfield libraries, Sendik's & Ace hardware in Elm Grove, etc.
The photo depicts Linda Garcia (center) and her parents when they joined former Brookfield Mayor Kate Bloomberg and her daughter Amy Sandlass in Antigua, Guatemala, a few years ago to celebrate Linda’s high school graduation at the Common Hope school. Linda’s concentration was Business Administration, one of a handful of specialties open to high school students, as studies are heavily “trade” oriented.
Emily Tucker, RI Regional Membership Officer (RMO) for Zones 25B & 29, has provided a monthly newsletter (the RMO April Membership Update) that contains several most interesting and helpful documents.
In this month’s newsletter, she shares a resource on club models and membership types, stories from Rotaractors who have become Rotarians, an update on membership leads, and our District 6270 membership progress to goal reports.
Elmbrook Rotary Club was not able to send a team of members, along with “friends and family,” to Guatemala this past February as it has done since 2012 because of COVID-19 issues. Instead, the club applied for a District Grant from Rotary International District 6270, representing 54 clubs in southeastern Wisconsin, to provide help for 7th grade students who are at risk of dropping out of school (now particularly difficult to deal with due to the pandemic).
Elmbrook Rotary was able to provide ten (10) LG tablets, loaded with software and internet capability, to a new “Resource Center” in a remote village. The center was designed in cooperation with Common Hope, an NGO based in the World Heritage City of Antigua. Common Hope promotes literacy and school attendance through work in housing, health, nutrition, and social services. The tablets are being used to enable contactless interventions, enabling staff to encourage students to remain in school. The technology enables working with the families to improve their circumstances and to make decisions, without the risk of in-person visits. Once the family decisions are made, the tablets can then be provided to another student, and so forth.
The issue is, and has been, economic in nature. A school-age child can be seen as an “asset” in third world areas in a country like Guatemala, being forced to work in fields to increase the family income. That leads to a cycle of poverty, which Common Hope tries to break by its efforts. Since Common Hope’s inception in Guatemala, those efforts have resulted in more than 3,000 high school graduates. The average level of school completion is roughly five years, and illiteracy in some remotely indigenous villages can be 60% or more.
For more information on how you can help, contact Elmbrook Rotarian Erik Moeser.
On Friday, April 16, 2021, the members of Elmbrook Rotary Club were privileged to be entertained, informed, and delighted by Lande Grindle, one of the broadcasters for the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
Lane shared with the club his own background that led him to his dream job, broadcasting for the Brewers and working side-by-side with the legendary Bob Uecker, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
The Zoom recording of Mr. Grindle's presentation can be accessed by clicking on the image above or by clicking here. He predicted that the St. Louis Cardinals would be the Brewers' end-of-season competitor this year but that the Brewers would prevail.
The Elmbrook Rotary Club and Foundation have been honored to support the Veterans in Focus Photography Group at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center since its inception in 2017.
The idea for the photography group came from visits that Courtney Zeller, HUD VASH Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist, had with veterans in their homes. Since many veterans had challenges finding stable housing in the past, Courtney took note that their living environments were “relatively stark." A photography group class could potentially enable Veterans to experience the health benefits of camaraderie and self-exploration while additionally creating personal framed photographs to display at their home.
Veterans in Focus has been very successful and has evolved over the past five years, with two sessions offered annually in the spring and in the fall. Together with three talented community volunteers, the veterans learn the technical skills of using the camera and photography along with skills that can be applied to improve their mental health. Then they explore various places in the community to practice their skills. Some of these places have included the Milwaukee Lakefront, the Milwaukee Urban Ecology Center, the Water Tower, and the Harley Davidson Museum, to name a few. Each session is concluded with a photography exhibit open to the public for the veterans to display and share their work. The past community venues which have offered their sites for exhibits have included The Wilson Center, Northwestern Mutual, Carroll University, Milwaukee County Library-Central Branch, and the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center.
The exhibits are accompanied by an online slideshow which proved to be especially helpful in 2020 due to the pandemic. The most recent slide show, dated October 14, 2020, can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAbD6RAKq6g . The 10 minute slideshow demonstrates the stunning photographs taken by the Veterans during the Fall 2020 session, and takes one to the rich venues visited, including the Sculpture Gardens, Havenwoods State Forest, Mitchell Domes, 3 Bridges Park, MKE Urban Stables, and the War Memorial! One of these photographs (taken during the fall session by Jeffry Peterson) is exhibited in this article.
The following quote is from a veteran who was a participant in the fall session which encapsulates the benefits of the program: “I gained inner growth, patience, and more awareness of my surroundings.” Another surprising outcome of the program has been that two of the past veteran participants are pursuing a future interest photography and are taking college education courses in photography related fields of study.
If you or your company would like to learn more about the Veterans in Focus photography program, please contact Courtney Zeller (Courtney.zeller@va.gov).
The Civic Music Association, Milwaukee, is one of many charitable organizations that are sponsored by the Mini-Grant program of the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) and the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation (ERF).
The CMA was founded in 1918. It has served many hundreds of young musicians and music educators over the years through educational experiences, scholarship programs, performance opportunities, and award recognition. In recent years, the emphasis has increased on private music lessons based on financial need and other factors. Elmbrook Rotary Foundation donations have in the past been recognition of that effort.
Civic Music’s Board of Directors is made up of musicians, MPS music teachers and community leaders. CMA has maintained an association with MYSO (Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra) and the Steinway Society of Milwaukee. It has had to re-invent itself in the past year, and on-line lessons and recitals have been substituted for live participation due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Some programs have been pushed back pending the return of normal health considerations, which all hope for in the not-too-distant future.
Serenity Inns addresses an unmet community need for residential treatment for men who are recovering from addiction and who have no insurance or funds to pay for treatment. The organization provides support for mind, body and spirit.
Their goal is to provide the men with the support and accountability they need to rebuild their lives and to become self-sufficient, contributing members of the community. The need for this program is demonstrated by statistics attesting to the rising rate of opioid addiction along with an ever-present and growing waiting list.
All of the men served by Serenity Inns are battling addictions. They are typically between the ages of 18 and 55; they have an addiction to heroin/opiates, cocaine, or alcohol; and they are without the ability to pay for treatment. They must complete detox before arriving at Serenity Inns due to the possible medical complications that detox entails. Nearly 100% of the men served at Serenity Inns have a history of incarceration.
Serenity Inns’ main program is the residential Recovery Program, which is supplemented by the Alumni House independent living program (see photo) and the Outpatient Program. Together the programs served approximately 100 people annually.
For the second year in a row, Serenity Inns recently was awarded “Best in Milwaukee” by the Shepherd Express in the Alcohol & Drug Rehab Center category.
Elmbrook Rotary Club and the ERC Foundation are pleased to support Serenity Inns through our Mini-Grant program.
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 is the international partner for a Rotary Foundation Global Grant that has 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 Rotary Foundation (TRF) has announced additional changes to its Global Grants program. The first major change occurred last year when TRF decided that World fund resources will be used to match only District Designated Fund (DDF) contributions, and the match remained at 100%. This change was because, due to COVID-19 distributions, TRF fully expended the Global Grant budget.
The most recent change takes effect on July 1, 2021, and includes the following:
1. DDF contributions transferred to Polio Plus will be matched at 50% (instead of 100%) 2. The World Fund match of DDF will be reduced from 100% to 80% when being used for Global Grants. 3. 5% of the current year’s Annual fund-SHARE contributions will be taken equally from the World Fund and DDF to help fund operating expenses. (i.e., for every $100 contribution, $5 will go to operating expenses, $47.50 to DDF, and $47.50 to the World Fund). 4. The ability to roll over unused DDF will be limited to five years. The first DDF rollover redirection will take place on 1 July 2026. Currently there is $48.8 million DDF being carried by various districts throughout the world, and TRF desires to put those monies to work. [NOTE: RI District 6270, in which Elmbrook Rotary is located, does NOT carry over large amounts of DDF from one year to the next. Rather, a rollover occurs only when the amount is already designated for a particular purpose.]
The Elmbrook Rotary Club's International Committee has elected to support a unique collaboration between Jhoole in India and Womanspace in Rockford, IL.
Jhoole is a nonprofit ethical fashion social enterprise based in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, India. Founded by Hannah Warren, a past Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and President Elect for the Rockford Rotary Club, Jhoole employs women to help them gain economic independence, invest in education and break the cycle of poverty in their community. Jhoole focuses on empowering women both financially, through employment and vocational training, and as individuals, through community programming in literacy, mindfulness, health, and creative arts.
In a new collaboration, Jhoole has partnered with Womanspace, a unique nonprofit organization in Rockford, IL, that focuses on empowering women to become creative, confident, impactful leaders. A group of artists from Jhoole and Womanspace have cross-pollinated ideas and techniques to design an athleisurewear collection that will be manufactured, hand-dyed and block-printed by Jhoole. The collection is available for purchase here.
Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) was both educated and entertained by a world-renowned economist, Dr. Mark Skousen, in its weekly Zoom virtual meeting on Friday, March 12.
Mark Skousen, Ph. D., editor of Forecasts & Strategies, is a nationally known investment expert, economist, university professor, and author of more than 25 books. In July 2018 Dr Skousen was awarded the inaugural Triple Crown in Economics for his work in economic theory, history, and education, and has been identified as one of the 20 most influential living economists.
In his presentation to ERC, Dr. Skousen challenged members to solve some of the world's most interesting puzzles and paradoxes in economics and finances. Keeping the audience completely engaged, he won more than a few "converts" to his economic theories. A PDF copy of his presentation slides can be accessed here.
A limited number of Dr. Skousen's book, The Maxims of Wall Street, were made available on the ERC's online auction site, and proceeds were given to The FOOD Pantry of Waukesha County. Additional copies are available for purchase on Amazon.com. Access by clicking here or on the image above.
Elmbrook Rotary's Puzzle Palooza online auction netted $10,000 in support of The FOOD Pantry Serving Waukesha County.
The online auction had over 200 items, including some new puzzles and puzzle company gift cards. The $10,000 was raised through bidding on gently-used puzzles and cash contributions (both matched dollar for dollar with a grant from the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation).
Karen Tredwell, Executive Director of The FOOD Pantry, reports that pantry usage was 30% higher in April, May, & June of 2020 compared to 2019, and increased usage has remained comparable this year. The FOOD Pantry is currently serving about 6,000 individuals per month throughout the entire Waukesha County area. A "digital check" was presented to Director Tredwell in ERC's Zoom meeting on Friday, March 5. The paper check was sent via USPS.
The FOOD Pantry intends to utilize the funds received from Elmbrook Rotary for the new mobile unit at Elmbrook School District's Burleigh Elementary School. A major article in the March 2021 edition (see p. 7) of Elm Grove News - Independent features the fundraiser. Click here or on the image above to access a PDF copy of the EGNI edition.
A great experience has been planned for 2021-2022 Rotary leadership in the Great Lakes and Midwest geographical areas during March 11-13. The President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) is a mandatory annual training event for all Presidents Elect and is also available for other Rotary leadership. This year, because of the global pandemic, the event will be a virtual one.
The Great Lakes Rotary PETS and the Midwest PETS have combined resources to create a partnership of 13 Rotary districts. The event is being referred to as MEGA PETS.
This year’s virtual PETS will be a great opportunity to network and to share ideas with other PEs outside one’s district and to learn from some of Rotary’s prominent leaders. Practical information is intended to prepare PEs for their year as a Rotary club president.
PETS trainers have developed a virtual curriculum based on years of experience and feedback from the previous attendees. That experience indicates that club presidents-elect often feel some trepidation about handling their new role, and returning presidents need a more in-depth focus. Surveys also indicate that, after attending PETS, the presidents elect increase their confidence to 95%+. This year will be no different.
Thom Arndt, Elmbrook Rotary’s PE, will be in attendance as will Larry Myers, D-6270 Assistant Governor for Area E. Let’s hope they will be inspired!
Elmbrook Rotary has enjoyed an extremely successful, second online auction fundraiser.
Running from February 12 until February 19, the online auction benefitted The FOOD Pantry of Waukesha County (which is experiencing heightened use because of COVID-19). The Elmbrook Rotary Foundation matched every dollar raised up to $5,000. Thus far, the effort has resulted in nearly $10,000 being raised for The FOOD Pantry. Although the bidding for puzzles ended at noon on Friday, February 19, the online auction site remains open until Friday, February 26, for donations.
The FOOD Pantry has announced that it intends to use the monies received from this fundraiser to help finance a new mobile food pantry at Burleigh Elementary School in the Elmbrook School District.
February is "Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution" month for Rotary worldwide.
Forty-two million people are displaced by armed conflict or persecution, and 90 percent of armed-conflict casualties are civilians, half of them children. Through service projects, fellowships, and other Rotary-sponsored campaigns, members train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, and aid refugees who have fled dangerous areas. Members also pursue projects to address the underlying structural causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
Join Rotary and help spread peace around the world. Give now to promote peace.
Even before celebrating Elmbrook Rotary's successful receipt of a $98,000 Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation (TRF), ERC member Jim Dunn continued his ongoing support of Andean Health & Development (AHD) by participating in its annual group bike ride in September 2021.
Because of the global pandemic, this annual fundraiser became "virtual" this year. Some 143 cyclists in 17 different states and four different countries participated. Generosity from 369 donors resulted in net contributions of $634,935 from the annual fundraiser.
Be sure to read the article (p. 6) in the February 2021 edition of Elm Grove News - Independent about ERC's Global Grant from TRF. Click here to access.
And, do join ERC's weekly meeting on Friday, February 19, when Dr. David Gaus (AHD Founder & CEO) will be the featured speaker.
Throughout the year, Common Hope is hosting a series of virtual Zoom Sessions on focused topics from health care to housing. Common Hope wants to bring Guatemala to you with opportunities to dive deeper into culture, context, programs, and more.
Learn about the education system in Guatemala, the challenges of maintaining educational health in a pandemic, and the progress of education in Guatemala.
This session will be 60 minutes and there are two session times to choose from. You will hear from Executive Director, Shari Blindt along with visits from team members in Guatemala.
Sarah Pfeiffle of NAMI Southeast Wisconsin briefed Elmbrook Rotary on Friday, January 15, about the programs of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
She especially addressed the objectives, efforts, and results of the PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) program. PATH has been financially supported for the past several years by an Elmbrook Rotary Mini-Grant.
The NAMI Southeast Wisconsin website can be accessed by clicking here in order to learn more about NAMI and its program. Click on the image below to view Ms. Pfeiffle's most informative presentation.
The Rotary Club of Troy, MI, and RI District 6380, (an international district that comprises parts of southeastern Michigan and also Canada) hosted an online presentation and Q&A on January 6 with John Hewko, Rotary International General Secretary. The program is most informative and provides Hewko's perspective on "The Future of Rotary." Enjoy the embedded YouTube video, or click here to access if trying to view from the Elmbrook Rotary Club's weekly eBulletin.
In 2020 Elm Grove Fire Chief (Retired) William Selzer was named as the "Business Person of the Year" by Elmbrook Rotary in recognition of his 47 years of service. He recently provided the photo below, displaying the ERC recognition plaque alongside other memorabilia in his home office.
In addition, Chief Selzer sent a letter of gratitude intended for the entire club membership. Click here to read his letter, which also contains fire prevention tips that can be profitably put to use by all of us.
Congratulations again to Fire Chief (Retired) Bill Selzer!
Ana V. Ramirez is the 8th student at the Common Hope School in Guatemala who has been sponsored by the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation.
Ana's family income is U.S. $364/month, and the six-member family lives in a small concrete-block home (10 meters by 10 meters). They obtain water and electricity from neighbors and must use an outhouse for a bathroom.
Ana is an 11th Grade student, enrolled in Marketing and Advertising Certification. Her anticipated graduation date is November 2022. Since 2014, six members of Elmbrook Rotary Club (accompanied by four family members) have made the trip to Guatemala for the graduation exercises, a weekend-long celebration with, and support for, our sponsored student and her/his family. Any club member can volunteer to represent the club. Contact Erik Moeser if interested.
Through vocational service, Rotarians contribute their professional expertise and skills to address societal problems and needs, and to promote high ethical standards in the workplace. Rotarians have two benchmarks for promoting professional integrity: the Rotary Code of Conduct and the Four-Way Test. Click on "Read more" to study these two benchmarks.
Rotarians can support vocational service by
Strengthening the emphasis on professional diversity in member recruitment;
Identifying ways to emphasize professions in club activities;
Placing a stronger emphasis on business networking with integrity at the club and district level -- which also is a means of attracting and mentoring the next generation; and
Emphasizing the connection between The Four-Way Test and the Rotary Code of Conduct and their importance to the values of Rotary.
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in January.
“"I'll never understand why everybody puts so much emphasis on January first. There are three hundred and sixty-four other days in the year that you can make a change." ―Elizabeth Eulberg
On December 28 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) was notified that The Rotary Foundation has paid out $47,300 from its World Fund in support of Global Grant 2099786, "Pediatric Ventilators Santo Domingo Ecuador." The amount includes $11,000 of District Designated Funds (DFF) from Rotary District 6270.
The ERC 2020 Christmas Program will never be forgotten! Not deterred by COVID-19 and the limitations of an online Zoom video conference, coordinator Gary Gilmore (with the assistance of Jim Finn, Steve Stocker, and others) put together a pre-recorded presentation. It is available on the YouTube platform and be accessed by clicking here or on the image below.
On December 17, 2020, the Elmbrook Rotary Club presented a collection of 90 gifts to families currently being assisted by SaintA in Milwaukee. The mission of SaintA is "to facilitate equity, learning, healing and wellness by the restoring connections that help children and families thrive."
The families and staff at SaintA were overwhelmed by the generosity of ERC members who shopped for, purchased, and wrapped the gifts that brightened the holidays for many families. Thanks to ERC member Jack Nelson for coordinating the effort!
If, on December 8, you missed Kristin Bock's special online presentation, fear not!
Entitled "Keeping Rotarians Connected: Using Nonverbal Communication in a Digital World," the presentation is now available on YouTube. Simply click here or on the image below.
The "Annual Meeting" of both the Elmbrook Rotary Club and the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation occurred on Friday, December 3.
Part of this online gathering included the election of new leaders for both the club and the foundation.
Elected to the Board of Directors for both organizations for a three-year term (Class of 2024) were Jeanne Allen and Bonnie Bertram. Past President Paul Langer was also elected to the Board of Directors for a one-year term (Class of 2022). Their tenure of office takes effect on July 1, 2021.
ERC member Tom Steinbach was elected to serve as Sergeant-at-Arms, beginning on July 1, 2021, and succeeding to Secretary, Vice-President, & President in succeeding years.
Congratulations to all, and thanks for being willing to serve!
ERC's historic, first-ever, ONLINE SILENT AUCTION experienced awesome, smashing results! A total of $11,299 was raised (bids, $8,824; donations, $1,475; & auction sponsorship, $1,000).
Combined with the annual "Spikes for Tykes" fundraiser results, this amount has already enabled ERC committees to authorize nearly $30,000 through the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation to support the charitable activities of 17 different organizations. Fantastic!
Thanks to all for your participation! Please contact anyone on the committee with any follow-up questions.
Online Silent Auction Committee:
Kevin Roche, Chair; Tom Hochuli, Honorary Member; Kathy Becker; Bonnie Bertram; Kate Bloomberg; Mike Groth; Jackie Radomski.
Veterans in Focus (VIF) trains veterans in photography, videography, and film. The local program at the Zablocki VA Medical Center has been financially supported by the Elmbrook Rotary Club's annual Mini-Grants effort for the past several years. Because of COVID-19, there will not be a VIF public display this year. However, do view the short video below which explains the objects of the program and some results of the 2020 training sessions.
If unable to access when attempting to view on a mobile device, click on the Veterans Day 2020 image below.
Through the Milwaukee VA Veterans in Focus program, veterans are able to express themselves and possibly even begin to prepare themselves for a career.
December is Rotary's "Disease Prevention and Treatment" month.
Disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide. That’s why treating and preventing disease are so important to us. We lead efforts both large and small. We set up temporary clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in underserved communities struggling with outbreaks and health care access. We design and build infrastructure that allows doctors, patients, and governments to work together.
Our members combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and polio. Prevention is important, which is why we also focus on health education and bringing people routine hearing, vision, and dental care.
HOW ROTARY MAKES HELP HAPPEN
We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases. Rotary members have hundreds of health projects underway around the world at any given time.
OUR IMPACT ON DISEASE
The Rotary Foundation is changing the world by providing grants for projects and activities around the globe and in your own backyard.
Rotary makes amazing things happen, like:
Providing clean water: Rotary has worked with partners to provide more than 80 percent of Ghana’s people with clean water to fight Guinea worm disease.
Reducing HIV infection: In Liberia, Rotary members are helping women get tested for HIV early in their pregnancies. They used prenatal care to reduce new HIV infections in children by 95 percent over two years.
Ending polio: Rotary members have played a key role in bringing the world to the brink of polio eradication. Their efforts have not only ended polio in 122 countries but also created a system for tackling myriad other health priorities, such as Ebola.
Because of COVID-19, sponsors of graduating students at the Common Hope School in Guatemala were not able to attend graduation events in person. However, the Common Hope organization arranged for two Zoom events in order to connect sponsors with their graduating students. Sergio Cuc C(Z)elada, who has been sponsored by the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation, was among the graduates.
Sergio hopes to attend a university in order to study Agriculture or Civil Engineering. Click here to read letters of gratitude from both Common Hope and from Sergio himself.
On November 1, Common Hope also debuted its "Salute to Hope," a video that explains and celebrates its work in Guatemala. Click on the image below to access the video, available on YouTube.
Share Hope this Holiday
This holiday season, please consider sharing hope with students and families in Guatemala. You can shop the Special Edition Gift Catalog in support of Covid-19 Crisis Response, send a note to someone in Guatemala to let them know you’re thinking of them, or order the NEW limited edition Holiday Boxes in the Common Hope Holiday Shop! Click here or on the image below to shop and order. Thank you for helping to deliver hope this holiday!
The Rotary Foundation (TRF) transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.
The Rotary Foundation's mission is to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace. Rotary Foundation grants (1) promote peace, (2) fight disease, (3) provide clean water and sanitation, (4) sustain mothers and children, (5) improve education, and (6) strengthen local economies. On July 1, 2021, supporting the environment will be added as a 7th Area of Focus.
The Foundation is a worldwide leader in the efforts to eradicate polio through its partnership in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Since 1988, Rotary and its partners in the GPEI have immunized over 3 billion children, reducing the incidence of polio by 99.9 percent and eradicating it from all but two countries. Rotary has contributed more than $2.1 billion and thousands of volunteer hours to eradication efforts. The Foundation also funds training of peacemakers through the Rotary Peace Center program. Most recently, Rotary's Disaster Response Grants are making it possible for Rotary members to respond effectively to local recovery efforts as they unfold, and COVID-19 was recently added as an eligible activity.
Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating, and a unique funding model mean that TRF makes the very most of your contribution. Give and become a part of Rotary’s life-changing work!
The collective leadership and expertise of 1.2 million members help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, locally and globally. We are united by common values and vision for the future as we sharpen our focus with targeted specific causes that will reach communities most in need.
On October 30, 2020, Elmbrook Rotary Club had the privilege of being visited by Special Agent Tyrone ("Ty") Daniels of the U.S. Secret Service. However, rather than "investigating" Elmbrook Rotary, Special Agent Daniels provided a most interesting overview of the history and mission of the United States Secret Service. Keeping ERC members stumped with historical trivia, SA Daniels enlightened all participants with a most interesting presentation. Click on SA Daniels' image below to access the 45-minute presentation.
SA Daniels provided an overview on the following topics: whom the Secret Service is authorized to protect; the types of crimes the Secret Service investigates; how the Secret Service differs from other federal law enforcement agencies; the role the Secret Service had in Milwaukee’s DNC Convention (working with ERC's own Linda Wickstrom); and why agents seem to always wear sunglasses.
If you are not yet joining Elmbrook Rotary at 07:00 a.m. on Friday mornings, do consider it.
Rotary District 6270 World Polio Day Activities - Social Media Sharing Contest
RI District 6270 has encouraged local clubs to share what we are doing to eradicate polio via, among other methods, online social media. As a way to inspire us, District 6270 leaders created a little contest with rewards for contest-winning clubs. To keep this as uncomplicated and easy to accomplish as possible, they designated a very straight-forward set of actions on just two popular social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter.
Contest Activities
1. Timeline:The contest will run from 12:00 a.m. on October 15 through 11:59 p.m. on October 30. All counted activity must happen in that range of dates!
2. Action:Post about WPD on Facebook, and encourage all who read the posts to share them widely.
3. Action:Tweet about WPD on Twitter, and encourage re-tweets.
4. A club may make as many FB posts and Twitter tweets as desired, but the number of posts and tweets are not what get a win. It’s the total number of Facebook shares and Twitter re-tweets a club gets in the specified time range, indicating how well we’ve encouraged others to spread the message about World Polio Day.
Please Note: You must "Share" the Facebook post, not just "Like" it. "Like"s do not count; only "Share"s count. Please use your Facebook account to "Share" any Elmbrook Rotary Club posts on its Facebook page to your own Facebook page. Do the same with any ERC "Tweet"s on Twitter. Simply effect a "Retweet."
To repeat, Jackson Bubolz, ERC social media co-cordinator, is leading the charge for Elmbrook Rotary. Do get your Facebook and Twitter skills up to speed and "Share . . . Share . . . Share . . . Retweet . . . Retweet . . . Retweet!" The deadline for all Shares and Retweets is Friday, October 30!
Saturday, October 24, was World Polio Day. Mark Zalewski, ERC Treasurer, is a member of Cycling2Serve, a Rotary Fellowship. In past years Cycling2Serve has organized a major event in Tucson that has raised millions for End Polio Now. In this year of COVID-19 it organized virtual rides around the world in order to raise funds. Check out this Rotary Fellowship and the annual event by clicking here or on the image below.
Mark Zalewski is also a member of the local Bay View Bike Club, which had its regular rides scheduled for Saturday, October 24. Therefore, he combined the two events in order to raise some money for End Polio Now. He rode a total of 56 miles (five of them due to a wrong turn) and raised more than $1,000 for End Polio Now. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match these donations at a 2 for 1 level.
ERC members are encouraged to fulfill their pledged commitments, either directly through The Rotary Foundation (TRF) or by using the pledge form from Cycling2Serve. One can also send a check to ERC Foundation Treasurer, Gordy Mueller, for forwarding to TRF. Please also let Mark Z. know or include his name in the information to The Rotary Foundation so that the Elmbrook Rotary Club gets credit for the donation.
Thanks to all for supporting this World Polio Day fundraiser! And, special thanks for Mark Z. for doing this!
Earlier this summer the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) announced the 2020 recipients for its AVID Scholarships. These scholarships were awarded in an online setting and presented by Past President Mike Schmeling.
For the past several years, ERC has limited its scholarships to participants in the AVID program in the Elmbrook School District. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a school-wide approach to curriculum and rigor adopted by more than 4,000 schools in 45 states and 15 countries over 28 years. It is a research-based program that equips students to meet the challenges of rigorous coursework in high school and college. Also, AVID is closing the opportunity gap in college graduation rates among diverse and underrepresented demographic groups.
The 2020 ERC Scholarship recipients were:
Ms. Emma Harris - Brookfield Central
Receives $1000 annually for 4 years and will attend UW-Whitewater
Mr. Daniel Epple - Brookfield East
Receives $1000 annually for 4 years and will attend UW-Madison
Ms. Julia Hickey - Brookfield Central
Receives $1000 annually for 2 years and will attend Waukesha County Technical College
Congratulations to these three outstanding students as we encourage them to work hard and thrive in the next level of their education!
In its very first year, Walk For Hope showed that despite being physically distant, we've never been more united! Together, more than 1,060 generous donors and 402 walkers raised $100,000! Elmbrook Rotary Club contributed with 12 walkers and $1,193. Each dollar helps to fund 1,040+ months of programming for Common Hope students. The enthusiasm, generosity, and positive energy generated across borders and around the world are truly inspiring!
This month also includes the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on the 17th and World Polio Day on the 24th of October.
Rotary supports investments in people to create measurable and enduring economic improvement in their lives and communities.
The Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to invest in people by creating sustainable, measurable, and long term economic improvements in their communities and livelihoods by:
Building the capacity of entrepreneurs, community leaders, local organizations, and community networks to support economic development in impoverished communities;
Developing opportunities for productive work;
Reducing poverty in under-served areas; and
Supporting studies for career-minded professionals related to economic and community development.
October is Economic and Community Development Month
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in October.
“You don't waste October sunshine. Soon the old autumn sun would bed down in cloud blankets, and there would be weeks of gray rain before it finally decided to snow.” - Katherine Arden, Small Spaces
Ciara McHugh, the RI District 6270 Global Grant Scholar for 2018-2019, was the featured presenter for Elmbrook Rotary's Zoom "virtual meeting" on Friday, September 25.
Ciara is in her third year of a Ph.D. research studies program at Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Her RI Area of Focus is "Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution." Her specific research centers on the intersection and impact of technology (especially social media) on the tensions between police and minority communities. Click on the image of Ciara below to view a Zoom recording of her presentation.
During this past year, Ciara has also been instrumental in the formation and leadership of a Rotaract Club at QUB in Belfast. She joyfully shared that ongoing experience with ERC.
Both Elmbrook Rotary and all of RI District 6270 can be proud of the contributions of this budding scholar to the world at large and to Rotary International. She is a prime example of what supporting The Rotary Foundation can accomplish.
Elmbrook Rotary culminated its annual fundraising effort, "Spikes for Tykes," on Saturday, September 19, with a service project.
COVID-19 prevented the normal volleyball event as well as the celebratory silent auction banquet. Therefore, both club members and family members gathered in Mitchell Park in Brookfield to participate in Common Hope's "SponsorPalooza Virtual Walk for Hope." Approximately 20 participants walked the route and/or contributed toward the effort by making a financial contribution.
ERC's submitted donations have approached $1,000. However, commitments are still arriving, and fulfillment of pledges (or new submissions) are encouraged by no later than the end of the month. Common Hope's walk-a-thon results will be announced on October 1.
In addition, Dr. Dan Zomchek announced that he and his spouse Jennifer have committed to sponsoring a student at the Common Hope school in Guatemala as part of the "SponsorPalooza" challenge. They join a growing list of Elmbrook Rotary families who have done the same. To learn more about Common Hope, check out their programs at this URL.
So states the popular song in Hamilton, the broadway musical.
However, it appears that it won't be as quickly as we had hoped. In-person attendance on Friday mornings has not been what was originally projected, and The Western Racquet Club cannot financially justify the low numbers.
In-person meetings for Elmbrook Rotary Club are therefore suspended once again. We return to Zoom only.
The 10th Anniversary Edition of the Elm Grove News-Independent (September 2020) contains an article on Elmbrook Rotary's "Business Person of the Year" award.
The award recipient was announced (via Zoom) on Friday, August 14, 2020. The 2020 awardee was William ("Bill") Selzer, retired Fire Chief of the Village of Elm Grove Fire Department. Award committee chair (and ERC member) Ralph Gould announced the awardee and later presented him with the applicable plaque.
The story appears on p. 6 of this anniversary edition. Printed copies are available at many locations, including the Elm Grove Public Library, Sendik's, and Ace Hardware. The file can also be viewed online (click on ARCHIVE).
September is "Basic Education and Literacy" month in Rotary. Basic education and literacy is one of The Rotary Foundation’s six Areas of Focus. We know that basic education and literacy are essential for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace. Read more to understand the challenges.
Avi Mylrea joined the ERC Zoom virtual meeting from Minnesota on Friday, August 28, and provided an update on how Common Hope in Guatemala is coping with COVID-19 and adapting to it. She shared a number of most exciting and creative ways in which Common Hope continues to care for the community in Guatemala. The Zoom session was recorded; therefore, simply click here or on the photo below to view the briefing.
Avi also reported on the following ways in which those interested can provide support to the Common Hope efforts in Guatemala:
Click here to sponsor a student! – By the way, WE HAVE A MATCH! The first month of every new sponsorship in September will be matched by a generous anonymous donor!
Elmbrook Rotary Club just concluded another successful drive for school supplies. Divided between the 95th Street School (K - 5th Grade; a SaintA school) and Cathy's Closet, the amount of items collected was phenomenal! Following is an inclusive, but not exhaustive, list: 20 backpacks, 431 markers of various kinds, more than 1,000 pencils, 50 packs of crayons, 115 pocket folders, 104 blue sticks, 480 legal pad sheets, tissues and hand sanitizers, 50 medical masks, 60 tooth brushes, 72 tubes of tooth paste, & 12 soccer balls.
Way to go, ERC! Specials thanks go out to Greg Bonk, Jan Constable, and Jack Nelson for spearheading the drive, collecting the items, and delivering to both organizations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on August 25. 2020, announced that transmission of the wild poliovirus has officially been stopped in all 47 countries of its African region. This is an historic and vital step toward global eradication of polio, which is Rotary’s top priority.
[Click on the photo above to read the full story.]
Now that the African region is free of wild poliovirus, five of WHO’s six regions, representing more than 90 percent of the world’s population, are free of the disease. Polio caused by the wild virus is still endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan (the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean region).
In its virtual meeting (via Zoom) on Friday, August 14, 2020, Elmbrook Rotary Club announced the recipient of its "Business Person of the Year" award. The 2020 awardee is William ("Bill") Selzer, retired Fire Chief of the Village of Elm Grove Fire Department. [Click on the image above to view a video of the award presentation.]
Retired Chief Selzer provided 47 years of service to the Village of Elm Grove in its Fire Department. 31 of those years were as Fire Chief.
Interim Fire Chief David Kastenholz shared the following comments: "Bill was a respected leader in the fire service; his innovation and leadership skills were as strong as anyone I have ever worked with in the fire service or the corporate world. Bill understood how to treat the people he worked with. When things went well and there was praise to be given, he always made sure the department received it. Bill never needed nor did he want to be in the lime-light. Bill had a collaborative attitude; he knew we would always be a better department if we interacted with the other departments within the Village as well as our neighboring departments. Joint training and sharing of resources occurred while Bill was Chief. Bill was responsible for modernizing our apparatus and equipment. If we felt there was a piece of equipment that would help us do our job in a safer and more efficient manner, Bill was on-board. Bill's command presence was unflappable! No matter what was going, Bill remained cool, calm, and collected! That presence gave all of us the opportunity to do our jobs to the best of our ability."
Elmbrook Rotary Club also announced that it has named an annual two-year scholarship the "Elmbrook Rotary Bill Selzer First Responder Scholarship." This scholarship will be reserved for, and given to, selected students who desire to pursue a career as a first responder.
Congratulations to Fire Chief (Retired) Selzer! We salute you, and thank you for your service!
"Health Care in the U.S.: What are we investing and what are we getting in return?" was the focused topic for the guest speakers at Elmbrook Rotary on Friday, July 31.
Physicians for a National Health Program is a single issue organization advocating a universal, comprehensive single-payer national health program. PNHP has more than 20,000 members and chapters across the United States.
PNHP member, Dr. Roland Brilla, and second-year medical student Simon Yadgir addressed the topic.
The topic generated the most animated discussion at an ERC meeting in recent memory. In fact, the discussion continued way past the closing gavel and made its way into the ERC chat room in WhatsApp.
Do join Elmbrook Rotary Club any Friday morning for our meetings at 07:00 a.m. We are currently meeting virtually via Zoom and hope to initiate "hybrid" meetings (i.e., both in-person and virtual options) in September. Simply send a note to the club contact person on this web site for an invitation to join. You'll like what you see and experience!
On Friday, July 24, motivational speaker and author Roslyn Franken shared the amazing story of her parents, survivors of WW II, and her own personal story with Elmbrook Rotary.
Mr. Franken has authored her parents' story in a book entitled, Meant to Be, which will also be turned into a movie. In a follow-up message to ERC members, she writes the following: "If anyone would like a personally autographed copy of my book, Meant to Be, instead of ordering from Amazon, [you] can order it directly from my website at https://roslynfranken.com/buy-now.html. [You] just need to indicate in the PayPal checkout box the instructions how [you] want the book autographed and the exact name [you] would like me to sign it to. Thank you again for the wonderful opportunity to share my parents' story."
To hear her presentation, click here or on the graphic above. The video clip contains only her presentation and not the remainder of the club meeting.
Three former Rotary Youth Exchange students joined Elmbrook Rotary via Zoom on Friday, July 17, and provided an update of their lives and activities.
Joining the ERC weekly meeting were:
Otto Mattila, from Finland, 2013-2014, Brookfield East H.S.
Caroline (Carly) Hetzel, from Germany, 2011-2012, Brookfield East H.S.
Giovanna (Gi) Rezende, from Brazil, 2016-2017, Brookfield East H.S.
Fuka Sunagawa, from Japan, 2019-2020, Brookfield Central H.S.
To view/hear their greetings and updates, simply click here or on the photo above. The video file also contains the remainder of the July 17th meeting.
Elmbrook Rotary continues to conduct "virtual meetings" but is making plans for in-person (or "hybrid") meetings to begin soon. Stay tuned!
The recordings for each breakout session of the recently completed RI Virtual Convention can be accessed by clicking here or clicking on the image below.
Click the title of each breakout and you should be taken to the recording. If you are prompted to ‘sign up’ for the convention again, there should be a selection to check indicating that you have already signed up. In view of the current ERC survey concerning the format of our future meetings, especially recommended for viewing is "Using Virtual Tools To Engage Members" originally live streamed on Monday, June 22, at 08:00 a.m.
The RI Convention team is also in the process of transitioning the recordings to a digital asset management portal. The recordings will be accessible in that location after the end of July. Do take advantage of these resources.
Holger Knaack, member of the Rotary Club of Herzogtum-Lauenburg-Möln, Germany, is Rotary International President for 2020-2021.
A Rotary member since 1992, Knaack has served Rotary as treasurer, director, moderator, member and chair of several committees, representative for the Council on Legislation, zone coordinator, training leader, and district governor. He is an endowment/major gifts adviser and was co-chair of the Host Organization Committee for the 2019 Rotary International Convention in Hamburg. Knaack and his wife, Susanne, are Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation and members of the Bequest Society.
Rotary Opens Opportunities is the theme chosen by President Knaack for 2020-2021. At the International Assembly in San Diego in January 2020, he had the following to say about his theme: "So as you can see, Rotary is not just a club that you join. It is an invitation to endless opportunities. It opens opportunities to serve in a project as big and historic as End Polio Now and also in a small community project, where you just plant a tree. And it opens opportunities for you to live a richer, more meaningful life, with friends around the world, based on our core values. As Rotarians, we are very blessed to take on leadership roles at this wonderful moment for our organization. Everything we do opens another opportunity for someone, somewhere. Therefore, the theme for our year is: Rotary Opens Opportunities."
Rotary Creates Opportunities is the Rotary International theme for this year. RI President Holger Knaack recently said: “Don’t be afraid of change; continue to use new tools and adapt to change.”
I look forward to serving as President of the Elmbrook Rotary Club for the coming year. Our meetings will continue to be on Friday mornings at 7:00 a.m. via Zoom technology until it is appropriate to resume in-person meetings. Then, those meetings will likely be in a hybrid format with the option of attending via Zoom. Rotary International does not want members to feel compelled to attend any meeting or activities where they do not feel safe and comfortable. It will be our challenge to be open to opportunities to adapt to change while maintaining the traditions of fellowship and service that are the fabric of our club.
To help guide us, a survey will go out soon to learn of each member’s comfort levels. I am confident that, as a club, we will embrace the challenges ahead in this uncertain period as we find new ways to continue our mission.
In its Zoom-enabled virtual meeting on Friday, June 26, Elmbrook Rotary Club & Foundation installed its 2020-2021 Officers and Directors.
The names and positions are listed in the following JPEG images.
In addition, the entire Zoom session was recorded. Click on either JPEG image to view the 50-minute ERC meeting.
The club's sincere gratitude is offered to outgoing President Mike Schmeling and his fellow Officers/Directors for their faithful service during a most challenging year! And, best wishes go to incoming President Tom Hochuli and his administration for this next Rotary Year, which begins on July 1.
Installation of 2020-2021 Officers & Directors
The Elmbrook Rotary Club's "Straight Shooters" observed "June Is Rotary Fellowships Month" with an outing.
Harry Farchmin, the "Straight Shooters" coordinator, provides the following report: "The Rotary Straight Shooters (our local fellowship group of International Shooting Sports Rotarians) enjoyed a Sporting Clays outing at the Waukesha Gun Club on June 18, 2020. We had 13 Rotarians and guests join together to enjoy shooting on wonderful summer evening. Our group included five new shooters who all did very well and enjoyed the outing. The Rotary Straight Shooters have regular outings on the third Thursday of every month. Outings and registration information are posted on the Elm Brook Rotary Club and D-6270 Calendars."
Also, visit the RI Fellowships web page to learn more about the many opportunities for worldwide fellowships. Chances are that at least one group exists that will match your personal interests.
ERC member Linda Wickstrom has discontinued her "Hat Challenge" for ERC's weekly Zoom meetings and has issued a new challenge for finding and using the best Zoom Virtual Background.
To make use of the Virtual Background function in Zoom, one must have a computer or mobile phone that supports this function. Read a full-length "Zoom Support" article that discusses the required settings and the applicable settings within Zoom itself.
In addition, there is a big difference between using the Virtual Background function with or without a "green screen." And, one needs to scour the Internet to find the best still images and/or videos for incorporating into the Zoom meeting experience.
View the following YouTube videos for step-by-step instructions:
Rotary International also provides custom virtual background images for use on Zoom. Check out this YouTube video that explains how to find/download the images and how to install them within the Zoom software.
Happy hunting, learning, and experimenting! [If you need personal assistance, contact ERC member Larry Myers or ERC member Jackie Radomski.]
Ciara McHugh was the District 6270 Global Grant Scholar for 2018-2019. She is approaching her third year of a Ph.D. research program and has been instrumental in establishing a new Rotaract Club at her graduate school, Queen’s University Belfast. Following is her report.
" Early in the year, a group came together with the intention of creating a Rotaract chapter in Belfast, Northern Ireland. We were from a variety of disciplines, a range of countries, and each were introduced to Rotary in different ways. After a number of late-night brainstorming sessions at QUB's [Queen’s University Belfast’s] cafe (pre-lockdown, of course), we allocated board positions and made plans to get a Queen's University Belfast Rotaract Club off the ground.
"Theo, a Belfast native and active Interactor, was chosen as president; Veja, who is from Slovakia, volunteered her experiences from her Scottish Rotaract days as Outreach chair; Anna, a Global Grant scholar from Wisconsin, became secretary; and I volunteered as treasurer.
"Over the last few months, we've had to adjust our approaches and strategies to adapt to pandemic conditions. But, with ongoing support from the Belfast Rotary Club, our bi-weekly Zoom calls are full of the same energy and enthusiasm as those first brainstorming sessions. I'm pleased to say that our members have kept busy: with social distanced volunteering at Age-NI, donating energy bars to frontline and hospital workers, engaging with local racial-justice organizations, and organizing an online charity quiz to raise money for local pandemic efforts.
"I'm honored to be a part of such an encouraging and engaged group of Rotaractors, and I look forward to expanding our outreach in the years to come."
Anna DeWitt (the 2019-2020 GG Scholar from RI District 6220) is from Appleton, WI, and is shown in the photo holding the Appleton Rotary Club banner (mirror image on their Zoom meeting). Ciara McHugh, for whom Elmbrook Rotary served as local Rotary liaison during her 2018-2019 GG Scholarship, is holding a Whitnall Park Rotary Club banner. Clearly, the RI Global Grant Scholarship program, the Interact clubs, and Rotary clubs throughout the world are having an impact in these days of COVID-19 (and beyond).
Interestingly, Ciara's Ph.D. research is focusing on "how to ameliorate strained relationships between police and minority communities, specifically through visual technologies, and the ways in which gender paradigms can help overcome barriers between the two groups."
Congratulations, Ciara, on your continued involvement in Rotary! Keep on keeping on!
Michael Gosman, President & Chief Executive Officer of Acts Housing, was the featured speaker at Elmbrook Rotary Club's "virtual meeting" (via Zoom) on Friday, June 12.
Acts Housing provides one-on-one and online, HUD-approved homebuyer and financial counseling for individuals and families to help them become ready to buy.
As a real estate brokerage, Acts represents families in the purchase of homes, for owner occupancy, in Milwaukee and Beloit. Acts then helps families plan and execute home rehabilitation, with a focus on reclaiming vacant foreclosures. Their affiliated nonprofit partner, Acts Lending, Inc., provides mortgage loans for rehabilitation projects.
Acts serves diverse families throughout Milwaukee and Beloit. Many families purchase formerly vacant, vandalized foreclosures. Usually, rehab costs are less than demolition, and new owners save hundreds on their monthly housing costs.
Elmbrook Rotary has quite a few members who participate in "Straight Shooters," the local gathering of the Rotary "Shooting sport" Fellowship. Other ERC members belong to the "Beer" Rotary Fellowship.
ERC member and Club Treasurer Mark Zalewsky writes the following about his involvement in two Rotary Fellowships:
"If you haven't seen it yet, this month's [June edition of The] Rotarian has a small piece on Rotary Fellowships [p. 60]. Fellowships can be a way to extend the Rotarian spirit beyond just the Club level to the World beyond - through common interests or professional affiliations. Many of the Fellowships organize events that coincide with the International and Regional conferences. And, many events support Rotary causes while being fun in their own right.
"I am a member of the Cycling Fellowship (Cycling2Serve) and the Surfing Fellowship (long story). I've participated with over 200 Rotarians from all over the world - including RI Executive Secretary John Hewko and the RI staff - in the annual El Tour de Tucson and helped raise in excess of $7 million for End Polio Now. And, before COVID derailed the RI convention, the Surfing Fellowship had planned to have 500 surfers "Hang Ten" at Waikiki. Also, through social media we can stay connected with each other's activities.
An RI District 6270 member has been awarded with Rotary International's "Service Above Self" award! Nancy Rhodes of the West Allis Rotary Club is the honored recipient.
Rotary’s highest honor recognizes Rotarians who demonstrate Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, by volunteering their time and talents to help others. The award is internationally competitive and is granted to no more than 150 Rotarians worldwide, and no more than one from each district, each year.
Nancy Rhodes is a DYNAMO! She is a strong, determined, compassionate, tireless, & effective leader, in & out of Rotary. Since joining Rotary in 1988 -just one year after the Supreme Court ruled Rotary clubs may not exclude women based on gender- Nancy has held leadership positions at all levels of Rotary - from Club to International. Her husband, Don Drecktrah, is also a Rotarian.
Nancy personifies what the Service Above Self award is all about. She is extremely dedicated to Rotary, and particularly to The Rotary Foundation, where she works diligently to identify prospective donors. As one member/donor put it, “She may be little, but Nancy can pick you up and shake you until every last nickel falls out of your pockets. And… she does it with a smile.”
She is generous with her time, talents, & knowledge; her calendar is always full of Rotary meetings, events, & projects. Nancy never expects from others what she herself does not give, often many times over. What many aren’t aware of is her accomplishments behind the scenes: advocating & promoting support of people, ideas, & projects; quietly inspiring others to give money for causes; identifying people’s talents/capabilities & getting them involved in areas where they can make an impact. It is work with many hours of organizing, directing & being on one’s feet, the results of which many take for granted.
Nancy was one of the first women to join a Rotary club. After decades of service at the local, district, zone, and international levels, she is now duly recognized. Congratulations, Nancy!
Bill Tobin, Rotary Relations Manager and ShelterBox Ambassador for ShelterBoxUSA, provided an update briefing to Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) on Friday, May 29. You can view his entire slide show briefing by clicking here. As a result of his briefing, ERC member Doug Jacobson began a donation challenge that has produced more than $2,000 for ShelterBox USA.
Right now, more than 88 million people around the world have been made homeless by natural disaster and conflict. ShelterBox is working to change this. View this video that traces 20 years of ShelterBox impact.
By providing emergency shelter and tools for families robbed of their homes by disaster, Shelter Box is transforming despair into hope. ShelterBox teams work with disaster-hit families around the world, offering emergency shelter and other essential items to support them in rebuilding their lives.
Every disaster is different and so is every community; so ShelterBox spends time with those affected to make sure they can offer the right support at the right time to help them recover.
See the following resources for learning more about, and following, the efforts of ShelterBox:
On Friday, May 22, ERC member and TRF (The Rotary Foundation) rep for the club, Tom Curl, provided a motivational report to Elmbrook Rotary Club that encouraged support of TRF.
Usually, when "Foundation" is mentioned, ERC members think of the Elmbrook Rotary Club Foundation, which annually provides approximately $70,000 to charitable organizations both nationally and internationally. Click here or on the image below to read about the ERC Foundation work during the 2018-2019 Rotary Year.
However, Tom's emphasis was on The Rotary Foundation globally and how to donate. A handful of other ERC members provided testimonies of how they have made commitments to TRF through personal wills, family estate trusts, IRA distributions, and outright gifts. Emphasis was also given to the "Million Dollar Journey" of RI District 6270. Joining the meeting was Nancy Rhodes, a Past District Governor of District 6270 and current Endowment/Major Gifts Advisor for Zone 29.
ERC members who shared their stories nearly unanimously made mention of ERC's own international efforts at the Common Hope school in Guatemala and credited that involvement as an incentive for their own commitments to The Rotary Foundation.
Dr. Jeffrey Reed was the featured speaker at Elmbrook Rotary Club's "virtual meeting" on Friday, May 15. Jeff is a Past District Governor of RI District 6270 and has made numerous trips to India in support of club projects and polio immunization efforts in that country. He provided an excellent overview of Polio Eradication efforts in India as well as examples of "Indian Rotary Clubs' Commitment to Service Above Self."
Prior to his current role as Dean of the School of Business at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Dr. Reed served as Director of the Management Program, Director of the Honors Program, Interim Director of Institutional Research, Faculty Senate President, and Co-Executive Director of the Center for Spirituality and Leadership. He received the Underkofler Award for excellence in undergraduate teaching, and he was a visiting professor at Harlaxton College in 2006.
Indian Rotary Clubs Commitment to Service Above Self
After two unsuccessful Friday morning connections with Dr. Jane Baker Koons in India, several members of Elmbrook Rotary Club were able to effect and record a Zoom video conference with her.
Dr. Jane Baker Koons has been an Educational Consultant to Schools in India since 2007. She was instrumental in an Elmbrook Rotary Club TRF Global Grant several years ago.
View her 29-minute update by clicking here or on the image below.
You can access more information about Dr. Koons and her work by clicking here.
Elmbrook Rotary Club "virtual meetings" continued on Friday, May 8, at 7:00 a.m. (via Zoom) with special guests from Serenity Inns: Ellen Blathers and Virginia Zignego.
Serenity Inns works with men who are the fringes of society – men who are estranged from friends and family, homeless, recently released from prison, addicted to drugs or alcohol – and engages them in a structured, long-term rehab program, which includes housing for alumni. Serenity Inns recently was awarded “Best in Milwaukee” by the Shepherd Express in the Alcohol & Drug Rehab Center category. Ellen Blathers is the co-founder and Executive Director of Serenity Inns. Ms. Blathers received a Black Excellence Award from the Milwaukee Times in 2019; she was also runner-up for the Nonprofit Executive of the Year Award in 2017. Virginia Zignego is the Director of Development & Administration.
Quality Transitional Living Program for Recovering Persons
Like many Rotary Clubs in the United States, the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) has a tradition of opening our meetings with “Happy Fines ($).” The “Happy Fine” has a storied place in Rotary history and in our local club as a way to get members talking beyond their immediate table about what’s new in their lives, family, jobs, and the community. Members typically contribute a dollar or several dollars for their “happiness/news,” and all of us enjoy hearing about what’s going on in one another’s lives.
Since the onset of COVID-19, we’ve suspended in-person meetings and now have virtual meetings via Zoom. This past Friday’s meeting ran long due to our speaker and an update on coronavirus stats & responses in Waukesha County. We had to cut short our day-in-review, the joke of the day, and our “Happy” discussion. Not to be deterred, a number of ERC members turned to the ERC WhatsApp group to share their “Happy” news and to offer contributions in support of COVID-19 relief. Bill Severson kicked it off with a contribution, a match, and a poker challenge. Then we were off and running. Several members responded to the challenge. We had commitments for several hundred dollars when Kathy Becker “upped the ante,” and commitments really took off. We crossed the $1,000 mark, and the momentum continued. After a few hours, we surpassed our self-made $2,000 goal with contributions from 20 members. The ERC Foundation Board of Directors will determine the specific organizations to which the funds will be sent.
Special thanks and shout-outs to: Jeanne Allen, John Allen, Pati Allen-Brickman, Kathy Becker, Bonnie Bertram, Phyllis Blodgett, Sue Cerletty, Tom Curl, Linda Edelstein, Harry Farchmin, Ralph Gould, Tom Hochuli, Doug Jacobson, Andy McCully, Larry Myers, Kevin Roche, Chris Salani, Bill Severson, Noaman Sharief, & Mark Thurner. Way to go, ERC!!!
NEWS FLASH: The ERC Foundation has offered a matching grant, U.S. $1 per $1, up to $12,000 (which includes the $2,150 already raised) for COVID-19 support to three local organizations. More details will be forthcoming.
Wisconsin State Senator Dale Kooyenga was the featured speaker at the "virtual meeting" of the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) on Friday, April 17. Attendance totaled some 60 ERC members and guests, continuing to outpace the average attendance at in-person meetings.
Senator Kooyenga addressed the impact of COVID-19 on the State of Wisconsin and the state's response to it. He also fielded many questions from ERC membership, provoking much discussion.
ERC virtual meetings continue to provide top-quality topics and speakers. Don't miss them - every Friday online at 7:00 a.m. via the Zoom application.
ERC's second virtual meeting occurred on Friday, April 10, with 53 members and guests in attendance. Brett R. Bennett of the SKYGEN USA organization was the featured speaker. Brett has been on three separate humanitarian missions to Tanzania, Africa, as part of a team to establish mobile vision clinics, train local staff, and provide much needed vision testing and eyeglasses to tens of thousands of local Tanzanians in need. In addition to his briefing, he spoke of an RI Global Grant that is being written in order to benefit those whom SKYGEN assists.
Rotary International's new monthly theme for April is Maternal and Child Health!
Every day mothers risk their lives giving birth, and millions of children die each year from treatable, preventable causes. At least 7 million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. To help reduce this rate, Rotary provides immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improves access to essential medical services, and supports trained health care providers for mothers and their children. Rotary’s projects ensure sustainability by empowering the local community to take ownership of health care training programs.
Maternal and Child Health Care is also recognized as one of Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus.
To get more information and read news about Rotary's work to promote maternal and child health can be found at the link below:
Linda Wickstrom, a member of Elmbrook Rotary Club, is the Public Information Officer for the Waukesha County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). She offers the following report:
"We are living in a time that none of us could have anticipated. And though our public health professionals in Waukesha County have been tracking the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for months, its far-reaching impact is unprecedented. I can assure you that Waukesha County has mounted an organized, proactive, coordinated response to this pandemic.
"As of March 18, the Waukesha County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) fully activated to its highest level. I was deployed as Public Information Officer, a role that I’ve been training for through Homeland Security and FEMA for three years. The EOC is the County’s coordinated center of emergency management for Waukesha County municipalities, hospitals, EMS, law enforcement, and other agencies to actively work together to share resources and make decisions quickly as this situation develops.
"While almost all of the County’s non-essential employees are working virtually, we remain open for business, though how services are provided has changed to ensure the safety of residents and employees.
"There are a couple ways you can stay well informed about the County’s response:
"Thank you for following the guidelines to wash your hands, practice social distancing, and stay at home when you can. Stay safe. Slow the spread. Flatten the curve."
Elmbrook Rotary Club's first "virtual meeting" occurred on Friday, April 3. It was a rip-roaring success with 63 participants!
ERC's own, Dr. Mark Bruce, was the featured speaker. He again related his personal story and personal communications with Jackie Kennedy when she was the nation's First Lady. Dr. Bruce's story appears in his book entitled, Jackie, a Boy, and a Dog: A Warm Cold War Story (now in its second printing). His web site (www.JackieBoyDog.com) contains a composite of his meaningful and motivational personal story, including video clips and how to purchase the book. His 39-minute ERC presentation can be accessed by clicking here or on the image below.
Dr. Bruce, an emergency medicine physician who has led multiple international medical mercy trips, also used the occasion to speak about COVID-19 and his own personal involvement here in the State of Wisconsin. He insisted that God provides skills and grace to each individual and that the current global pandemic is an opportunity to put those skills and grace to good use for the sake of our neighbor.
Elmbrook Rotary Club intends to schedule regular online "virtual meetings." ERC leadership will provide notices and instructions concerning when, what, and how to participate.
Because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, both the District 6270 "Celebrate 2020" Conference (scheduled for May 1-2 in Oshkosh, WI) and the Rotary International Convention (scheduled for June 6-10 in Honolulu, Oahu, HI) have been canceled.
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Hotel reservations in Oshkosh have been automatically canceled, and District Conference registrants will be contacted for a full refund. Likewise, the RI committee is working diligently to inform convention registrants and to issue refunds for the International Convention. Detailed information regarding the RI Convention can be accessed here.
Canceled: District 6270 Conference & RI Convention
Pres. Michael Schmeling, on behalf of Elmbrook Rotary Club, inducted and welcomed its newest member, Carol Stearns, on Friday, March 13. John Allen, ERC Membership Chair, serves as Carol's sponsor.
Carol is a Family Risk Advisor for Mil-Town Associates American Family Insurance, with offices in Elm Grove. Carol’s role as a Family Risk Advisor II allows her to help her clients protect what matters most to them and help them realize their dreams. Carol has resided in Elm Grove, Wisconsin, since 1996. Her husband John is a Senior Mortgage Loan Originator for American Fidelity Mortgage Services, Inc. Grown sons, Christian and Evan, are currently studying to become a pastor and a teacher, respectively. The family enjoys ping pong, concerts, time spent in a small log cabin in the north woods, as well as traveling to other new and familiar places. Carol is an avid runner and serves on the Altar Guild at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
Dr. Mark Hansen, Superintendent of the Elmbrook School District since 2012, was welcomed at Elmbrook Rotary Club on Friday, March 13.
He presented a most informative update on the school district, including impending actions in an attempt to control the spread of COVID-19. Elmbrook School District continues to excel in every aspect under his leadership, embracing the motto, "Every Student, Every Time, All the Time." The marks of excellence are everywhere, from the restraints on property taxation and referendums to the achievements of students.
Elmbrook Rotary was among the first to learn of the move of the school district to online virtual learning on March 16. Dr. Hanson's presentation is a great example of the benefits of membership at Elmbrook Rotary Club. Join us on Friday mornings, 7:00 a.m., at the Western Racket Club in Elm Grove. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO MEETING ON MARCH 20 & MARCH 27! We too are sensitive to defeating the menace of the coronavirus.
Mark Hansen, Elmbrook School District Superintendent, at ERC
Due to the increasing severity of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the State of Wisconsin has issued "Emergency Order #12 Safer at Home Order." This order became effective at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, and will remain in effect until 8:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020, or until a superseding order is issued.
Therefore, the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) will NOT MEET in person until further notice. ERC members are encouraged to stay in touch via the "Elmbrook Rotary Club" group chat room that has been established on WhatsApp. In addition, the ERC leadership has arranged for "virtual meetings." The Zoom application will be used for these "virtual meetings." Notification and instructions for each "virtual meeting" are sent to club membership.
Sunagawa Fuka ("Fuka") is the ERC's Rotary Youth Exchange student for 2019-2020. She attends Brookfield Central High School. Hailing from Japan (southwest of Tokyo), she had the opportunity to share the highlights of her year with Elmbrook Rotary at its breakfast meeting on Friday, March 6. Her presentation was enthusiastically received by all in attendance, including her two host families for this academic year who joined the club for breakfast.
ERC learned from Fuka that she shares the birthday of our nation (July 4). Club members in attendance also learned much about her family in Japan, various Japanese cultural traditions, and her own school and extracurricular activities in Japan.
ERC is exceedingly proud of this "brave" young lady and looked forward to her remaining months in our midst. Unfortunately, COVID-19 removed those remaining months. Fuka left Wisconsin early on the morning of Tuesday, March 24. Online schooling prevented the cultural and language learning of the student exchange program, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe mandated a two-week quarantine for anyone (citizen & non-citizen) arriving in Japan after midnight on Wednesday, March 25. Therefore, Fuka avoided the 14-day quarantine by traveling to her home before the mandate took effect. We will miss her!
Tom Hochuli, President Elect of Elmbrook Rotary Club, participated in the 2020 Midwest PETS in Itaska, IL, during the weekend of March 6-8 and was commissioned for his year of service that begins on July 1. This year's training seminar was privileged to welcome Holger Knaack, RI President 2020-2021, who is from the Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Mölln, Germany.
Tom Hochuli, President of ERC for 2020-2021,
is commissioned for his year of service.
The Rotary Midwest President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) is one of the largest multi-district PETS in the United States. It was formed in 2012 with a view to becoming a premier training event with the atmosphere of a mini Rotary International Convention by leveraging the expertise and buying power of seven Rotary Districts from Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin: Districts 6220, 6250, 6270, 6420, 6440, 6450, & 6460. Larry Myers, ERC member and an Assistant Governor (Area E) for RI District 6270, also attended the 2020 PETS.
Holger Knaack, RI President for 2020-2021, addresses the 2020 Midwest PETS
With the ability to host exceptional speakers, informative workshops, detailed district training sessions, fellowship and networking, the basic purpose of the Midwest PETS is to motivate the 500+ attendees—including club presidents-elect, presidents-elect nominees, and assistant governors—to ensure they are extremely well prepared for their year of service.
LAUNCH is a program within the Elmbrook School District that is supported by Elmbrook Rotary Club. Instructors develop real-world, project-based learning strategies through collaborations with business and community partners. These interactions enhance the learning experience, preparing students for college and career. Many ERC members have assisted in this effort.
The March 2020 newsletter of LAUNCH is available for your reading and interest. Simply click on the image below.
It has been a month since our team returned from a week in Guatemala. These were not beach-goers but rather workers partnering with Common Hope, an NGO based in St. Paul, MN. In the colonial city of Antigua, at 5,000 feet in the highlands, they had brisk mornings followed by temperatures in the high 70s during the day, and unfailing sunshine.
This year’s team was the 10th we have sent since our first full team traveled in 2012. It was unique in that this time we had Rotarians and spouses from four neighboring Rotary clubs: Mukwonago, Mequon-Thiensville Sunrise, Mitchell Field, and Oconomowoc. There was an amazing vibe as the 11 people got to know each other well very early in the week, working side by side on the house construction project, and all the other activities that typify the week of service way above self. Team Leader Wally Smanski wrote the following, describing the activity of implementating the District Grant which we received for the purchase of medical supplies and prescription drugs for the health center:
“Our Vision team visit to Common Hope in Guatemala included the following activities in support of our District Grant. Our initial task included counting and sorting pills for the pharmacy at the clinic. Availability of basic meds is critical to healthy families. We then participated in eyeglass distribution to 35 children who had eye exams and required corrective lens. The process was a celebration event for the children and their parents. An ice-breaker activity reinforced the value of good eyesight in everyday life. In a classroom setting, proper eyecare and eyeglass care were explained during a presentation by a clinic nurse. The actual eyeglass distribution ceremony was amazing. The doctor read each child's name, and our team members presented them with their eyeglasses and took a photo to remember this special event. Sandwiches and juice completed a wonderful experience.”
Part of our support of Common Hope is the sponsoring of Guatemalan children to enable them to remain in school. The “model” adopted is to expose our team members to families and children, and that has automagically led to more than 35 sponsorships over the years. This time, Matt and Lynn Zach of the Oconomowoc Rotary Club “adopted” a little girl, and the heartwarming photos below provide a sense of the joy on both sides. It is not necessary to travel to Guatemala to become a sponsor, and we can help arrange a match for anyone who is interested.
Beyond that, there are plans for trip #11 in February of 2021, and Elmbrook Rotarians new and old are encouraged to inquire about it. We will need to have a strong level of interest by May 31 in order to be able to proceed with making the arrangements. It is first come, first served, with a few spots reserved for “first timers.” In early 2011, an intrepid ERC foursome traveled to several places in Guatemala, at their own expense, to research possibilities for “boots on the ground” participation in an international project (a major charge to the International Committee by ERC President Charley Shirley). Since then, we have had 23 additional Elmbrook Rotarians, 10 guest Rotarians representing 8 other clubs, 16 spouses, 12 family members, and 12 friends make the trip, almost half of them multiple times. Team sizes have ranged from 10 to 17, each having a slightly different dynamic, and as in many things, the more the merrier.
So consider joining us. It is a “life changing” experience as anyone who has been part of a team will tell you. Not one person has come back without being an enthusiastic supporter of the program and the fundamental concept of helping create an environment where literacy and education can take the place of agricultural child labor. Activities in health, housing, and family development are all components of reaching that goal.
You can view the team's entire photo album on the ERC web site by clicking here.
R.J. Hottovy, CFA, is a director of equity analysis with Morningstar. On Friday, February 28, he provided a most interesting presentation to Elmbrook Rotary Club that contained his reasons for why Amazon is a great investment, both now and especially in the future.
Mr. Hottovy makes the following observations: "Our analysis suggests that Amazon Web Services and Amazon Advertising are not receiving the credit they deserve from the market, and we still identify multiple paths to margin expansion for the company's online and physical retail segments in the years to come, even against an uncertain global economic backdrop."
Do visit Elmbrook Rotary on any Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast and for other thought-challenging presentations.
Elmbrook Rotary was treated to a thorough briefing about the structure and activities of WI's Department of Natural Resources on Friday, February 21, by Joseph Liebau, Jr.
Joe Liebau has worked with the WI DNR for many years and has served in multiple positions during his career. He was named southeast secretary's director in September 2016. Before coming to the DNR, Joe worked for WasteCap Resource Solutions for eight years. Previous to that Joe worked for Brown County in their Hazardous Waste Department.
DNR's secretary's directors serve as the department's eyes, ears, and voice throughout the state, ensuring prompt attention to local issues and improved responsiveness to opportunities. The secretary's five directors act with the full authority of DNR Secretary Preston D. Cole to build relationships, resolve challenges for DNR customers, and integrate citizen feedback to improve service. The secretary's directors have offices in northern, northeastern, west central, south central, and southeastern Wisconsin.
This presentation is just one of many excellent learning opportunities provided by Elmbrook Rotary every Friday morning (7:00 a.m.) at the Western Racket Club in Elm Grove. Join us some Friday for breakfast and, at the same time, increase your knowledge about the community and about the worldwide work of Rotary.
Chosen, a Christian-based foster-care and adoption support non-profit organization, exists to Foster Forever Families so that all children can experience a safe and loving home.
Amalie Bowling, Co-Founder (with husband Jason) and Executive Director, explained the mission and activities of Chosen to Elmbrook Rotary Club on Friday, February 14.
"Equip, Encourage, Engage" aspires to help with items or experiences that can directly benefit foster children with special needs. "Community Outreach" wishes to educate and inform the wider community about foster care, adoption topics, and the unique needs of foster and adoptive families. "The Family Closet" utilizes community donations to help foster and adoptive families to shop for clothing, baby items, school supplies, toys, and other new items needed for children in out-of-home care. "Boxes of Blessing" is a program that give churches and other organizations a chance to sponsor a donation box to collect "new" items for "The Family Closet."
More information on Chosen can be accessed on their web site (www.choseninlove.org) or their Facebook page (@ourchosenfamily).
Drew Burgoyne of Channel 58 Ready Weather provided a most informative and interesting briefing to Elmbrook Rotary on Friday, February 7.
Primary topic was severe weather in the United States and especially in Wisconsin. He engaged the ERC membership actively in understanding the risks and preparatory actions in dealing with severe weather situations. Wisconsin averages more than 20 tornadoes each year, but in 2005 there were more than 60 tornadoes in our state. He highly recommended that each family own, and use, a weather radio in their home.
This presentation is one of many highly interesting topics that are covered weekly at Elmbrook Rotary Club. We meet at 07:00 a.m. at the Western Racket Club in Elm Grove, WI, and would be pleased to have you join us, not only to enjoy the breakfast and speaker but also to learn about the work of Rotary throughout the world.
Millions of people all over the world are currently displaced by armed conflict or persecution. In fact, 90% of casualties in armed conflicts are civilians, half of which are children. Through service projects and Rotary programs, the Rotary family is committed to pursuing projects that address the structural causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
Rotarians train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, and aid refugees who have fled dangerous areas. During February, Rotary Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month, we’re celebrating our commitment to build peace and mitigate conflict.
Elmbrook Rotary Club welcomed back a twice-former member and long-time Rotarian, Dr. Sridhar Vasudevan, on Friday, January 31.
Dr. Vasudevan addressed the membership on the topic of "pain." He has done much research and writing on the topic of pain management, having remained a practitioner in the field to this very day. One of his publications is entitled Multidisciplinary Management of Chronic Pain. The monograph can be purchased and downloaded as an eBook by clicking here. Dr. Vasudevan briefed the club membership on two of the prominent theories of pain and how to manage it.
This presentation is a great example of what ERC members profit from each week at the Western Racket Club in Elm Grove, WI. Join us any Friday for breakfast at 07:00 a.m. and enjoy both the fellowship and the presentations.
WHAT DOES THE ROTARY FOUNDATION DO WITH ITS MONEY?
The Rotary Foundation spends charitable contributions on multiple programs - from the eradication of polio, to scholarships, vocational training teams, Rotary Peace Centers, and humanitarian projects. The funds are used for programs and projects Rotarians feel passionate about. With a four-star rating by Charity Navigator for ten years in a row and over 1.2 million Rotarians overseeing the funds at a grassroots level, you have all the confidence in the world that your funds through Rotary are in amazing hands doing amazing work here and abroad.
Stacie Estrada, a Wisconsin artist currently living in Menomonee Falls,WI, provided a presentation to Elmbrook Rotary on Friday, January 17, concerning the values of art in the world.
Self-taught with high school and WCTC classes behind her, she insists that it's the experience and working with other artists that has helped her grow. Her works include more than 30 murals and 50+ paintings. She has sold and customized over 40 commissioned pieces locally in parade of homes, businesses, and homes. It's seeing the customers' reactions she loves the best.
Her latest custom art business is a joint effort with her daughter and husband. Called "Believe Custom Art and Design," they offer live wedding paintings as well as custom pieces for individuals. You can view their work and business offerings at: www.believecustomart.com
She has also owned Uptown Art studio in Sussex since 2013. She prides herself on helping others explore the art world and helping kids and adults value and admire art through the studio.
ERC members enjoy presentations like this every week on Fridays (7:00 a.m.) at the Western Racket Club in Elm Grove. Drop by for breakfast, enjoy the speaker, and consider joining the world of Rotary.
John "Jack" Melloh died on January 8, 2020. A former, longtime member of Elmbrook Rotary Club, he was well-known, much loved, and highly respected by ERC members.
Also a formerly ordained Roman Catholic priest, he spent some 10 years in the priesthood before meeting and marrying Mary Ann (Gautsch), who was known as "Sister Jeremy" in her own religious order and who preceded him in death. Together they had one son, Michael. A complete obituary can be read at: https://www.beckerritter.com/tributes/John-Melloh. A donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Habitat for Humanity is encouraged.
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in January.
“JANUARY, The first month of the year, A perfect time to start all over again, Changing energies and deserting old moods, New beginnings, new attitudes” ― Charmaine J Forde
Adherence to and promotion of the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including fair treatment of employers, employees, associates, competitors, and the public.
The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, not just those that are pursued by Rotarians.
The contribution of your vocational talents to solving the problems of society and meeting the needs of the community.
During January, Rotarians are encouraged to focus on this important avenue of Rotary service. Discussions on vocational service can lead to projects that not only develop the ethical consciousness and vocational skills of Rotarians but also the talents within their communities. Vocational Service Month is an opportunity to begin year-long vocational service activities, ranging from Rotary discussions to awards to community projects.
Guest speaker at ERC on Friday, January 3, was Susan K. Wehrley, founder and owner of BIZremedies. Her focus is to ALIGN individuals and companies to their best selves as they reach their vision, values, and goals. She accomplishes this through the ALIGN program, which is an accumulation of the best practices from Susan’s Leadership, Teamwork, and Customer Service programs. In addition to the more traditional development practices, the ALIGN program also increases mindfulness and effective decision-making by increasing Gut Intelligence.
During her presentation, Susan taught ERC members the S.T.O.P Technique in order to Slow down, Tune in within, Observe what is happening around oneself and within oneself, and to Perceive the best possibility. The hoped-for result is the making of decisions from a clear, calm, and confident self in the new year!
Approximately 25 ERC Rotarians and family members gathered at the new Outback Steakhouse facility in Brookfield on New Year's Day to cheer on the UW-Madison Badgers football team in the Rose Bowl. It was also a chance to celebrate the New Year's Day birthday of Evonne Zalewski, spouse of ERC Treasurer, Mark Zalewski.
Unfortunately, the Badgers fell one point short of Oregon in this 108th Rose Bowl. This was the 10th appearance of the Badgers in a Rose Bowl. They have won three times (having lost to Oregon twice). The loss did not dampen the enthusiasm of the ERC cheerleaders.
ERC Rotarian Tom Curl and spouse Lynda had the unique opportunity to assist in preparing flowers for the floats in the 2020 Rose Bowl Parade. Tom shares the following:
"We are part of a tour group. Worked one day preparing roses to be put on floats. We did thousands of pink roses and younger, more nimble volunteers scrambled over the scaffolding and planks to put the roses on the surfaces. Today, we had close-up bleacher seats for the parade. The floral displays were amazing!"
The Rotary International float won the "Tournament Volunteer Trophy." Congrats to all Rotarians worldwide!
Elmbrook Rotary Club was a major sponsor for the Brookfield German Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7, 2019, by providing the hayride and by assisting with other events in addition.
Members of the ERC-sponsored Brookfield Central and Brookfield East Interact Clubs also assisted with a raffle that garnered approximately $600 for the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation.
Thanks to all ERC and Interact members who helped make the afternoon a most enjoyable experience for all who came!
Rachel Greenhow, Major Gifts Coordinator for The Rotary Foundation (TRF), briefed the ERC on Friday, December 13, regarding the various ways to support the worldwide work of Rotary through providing major gifts to TRF.
Ms. Greenhow centered her presentation on explaining the following categories of gifts: Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member, Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society, Bequest Society, and Major Donor. Details of these various recognitions, including the Arch Klumph Society and the Legacy Society, can be examined in detail at: https://www.rotary.org/en/donate/recognition
Tom Curl, ERC representative for TRF, also briefly explained "The Million Dollar Journey," a recently launched combined effort of RI Districts 6270 & 6220. Details of this effort can be read by clicking here.
On Saint Lucy's Day (December 13), two ERC Rotarians were presented with Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
Tom Curl was recognized with his 9th Paul Harris Fellow award, and Kate Bloomberg presented Paul Harris Fellow recognition to Scott Dryburgh.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is achieved when you give $1,000 or more to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant. To recognize someone else as a Paul Harris Fellow, you can give that amount in their name. Learn more about Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
Patrick Kris Klepacz, an Elmbrook Rotary Club member since June 2019, died suddenly on Sunday, December 8, 2019.
Born in Poland, Patrick was brought to the United States as an immigrant at the age of six months. A graduate of Franklin H.S. and UW-Milwaukee, he met his spouse Weronika (also from Poland) in Sheboygan. For the past number of years the couple had been living in Milwaukee, where Patrick engaged in nonprofit work.
The annual meetings of both Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) and the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation (ERF) occurred on Friday morning, December 6, 2019, at the Western Racket Club in Elm Grove, WI.
All active members of the ERC are automatically members of the ERF. In addition to approving minutes of last year’s annual meeting, the members of the ERC took the following election actions pertaining to its Board of Directors and Officers (effective July 1, 2020):
Jackson Bubolz, Director, Three-Year Term, Class of 2023 Jim Dunn, Director, Two-Year Term, Class of 2022 Tom Curl, Director-Past President, One-Year Term, Class of 2021 Mark Zalewski, Treasurer, Three-Year Term Christine Spresser, Sergeant-at-Arms, One-Year Term (succeeding to Secretary, Vice President, and President in successive years).
Convening as the ERF, members also approved last year’s annual meeting minutes and took the following election actions pertaining to ERF Board of Directors and Officers (effective July 1, 2020):
Jackson Bubolz, Director, Three-Year Term, Class of 2023 Jim Dunn, Director, Two-Year Term, Class of 2022 Tom Curl, Director-Past President, One-Year Term, Class of 2021 Gordy Miller, Treasurer, Three-Year Term.
December is Rotary Disease Prevention and Treatment month. Rotary is dedicated to fighting and preventing disease. Disease Prevention and Treatment is one of Rotary’s Six Area of Focus. Disease and illness result in pain and injury. Prolonged severe illness may result in loss of employment and income. It affects families. It affects quality of life.
Rotary and Rotarians are committed to helping people to live healthy lives. Our signature project in this area is Polio Eradication. But polio is not the only disease or aspect of healthy living on which Rotarians have expended energies.
Elmbrook Rotary Club has been awarded a 2018-2019 Rotary Citation with Presidential Distinction. Award of the basic citation required meeting at least nine (9) goals established by Rotary International. However, ERC went above and beyond by accomplishing 2/3 goals established by the 2018-2019 RI President. This resulted in a "Gold Distinction" in addition to the basic citation. Congratulations to all!
RI District 6270 Assistant Governor Larry Myers
presents a "2018-2019 Rotary Citation with Gold Distinction"
We welcome Karyn Gimbel Youso as the newest member of Elmbrook Rotary Club. Karyn lives in Elm Grove and is a divorce attorney and mediator. She owns and operates First Look Family Law in Brookfield.
ERC President Michael Schmeling and sponsor, Pati Allen Brickman,
The Rotary Foundation (TRF) has received the highest rating - four stars - from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S. More Rotarians, and others, see the wonderful results of our projects and scholarships worldwide, and they are using TRF as their “Charity of Choice” in their annual giving and their estate plans.
So, in cooperation with District 6220 to our North, District 6270 has decided to have a little fun and, together, we have set out on a Million Dollar Journey. The goal for our two districts together is to find and recognize NEW Major gifts to the Foundation.
For a number of years Elmbrook Rotary Club has financially sponsored a program entitled, "Veterans in Focus." The intent is to provide Veterans with the opportunity for self-exploration and self-discovery through photography-based interventions that promote personal healing, recovery, and overall health and wellbeing. Two sessions per year are offered.
The photo exhibit this year is at the Humphreys Memorial Chapel Narthex and is available for viewing during November 11-22.
A slide show is also available for viewing on YouTube. If unable to view below, simply navigate to the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=584a2BF87JE&feature=youtu.be. The background music is by Tim Clausen of Jazz Helping, and the photography venues this year include Brady Street, North Point Lighthouse and Sunrise, Jones Island, Tripoli Shrine, Pabst Mansion, and Harley Davidson Museum.
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in November.
“Don't wait until the fourth Thursday in November, to sit with family and friends to give thanks. Make every day a day of Thanksgiving!” - Charmaine J. Forde
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary International, we tap into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.
Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating, and a unique funding model mean that we make the very most of your contribution. Give and become a part of Rotary’s life-changing work!
The collective leadership and expertise of our 1.2 million members helps us tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, locally and globally. We are united by common values and vision for the future as we sharpen our focus with targeted specific causes that will reach communities most in need.
The LAUNCH program at Elmbrook schools is still in need of mentors with business experience to assist students with their LAUNCH projects! Over 400 students and only 35 mentors to this point. LAUNCH is hoping to reach 70 mentors.
Please consider spending one hour, or one hour a week, for as many weeks as you feel comfortable with, helping the Students at LAUNCH as they develop their LAUNCH projects.
On Friday morning, October 11, Elmbrook Rotary conducted an off-site meeting in the Simulation Center at Froedtert & The Medical Center of Wisconsin. Dr. Jon Gould, Chief, Division of General Surgery, and other staff members provided an overview and tour of the two-year-old Simulation Center.
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in October.
“October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the enduring constellations above them once again.” — Hal Borland
World Polio Day is celebrated on October 24. World Polio Day was established by Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. Use of this inactivated poliovirus vaccine and subsequent widespread use of the oral poliovirus vaccine, developed by Albert Sabin, led to the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Mark your calendar to tune in for Rotary International’s World Polio Day Online Global Update on Thursday, October 24, streamed on Facebook in multiple time zones and languages around the world. This year’s program will highlight the heroes of polio eradication, with stories from polio-endemic and recently impacted areas. Tune in at: https://endpol.io/wpdev
Mark and Evonne Zalewski, together with Larry Winkelhake and his wife Jean Guzetta, will represent Elmbrook Rotary Club in Antigua, Guatemala, at the high school graduation of their sponsored students (Monica Rivera & Carlos de Leon, respectively). They will also visit our own club student (Sergio Cuc), who is finishing 11th grade.
Representatives from Kathy’s House visited the Elmbrook Rotary Club on Friday, September 13.
Staff volunteer rep Mona Theobald explained how Kathy’s House provides a true “home away from home” for patients and/or their caregivers. It is a caring place where guests can eat, sleep, and be with others when they want – or be alone when they need time, introspection, and quiet healing. The house provides a place where mutual support thrives, which is one of the great strengths of Kathy’s House.
Cindy Warner (Professional Executive Coaching, LLC) visited the Elmbrook Rotary Club on Friday, September 6, to discuss logic, emotion, and "horse sense." The full title of her presentation was "Emotional Intelligence and Character: Lessons in Leadership."
A Rotarian from Fond du Lac, she explained that our hearts create an emotional field that is 50x larger than our heads. She also shared that a horse's heart is 12x larger than a human heart; therefore, our equine friends understand emotional connections much quicker and better than we humans do. In fact, her own horse Echo often imitates her very movements and can sense her emotions. Applied to human relationships, this means that understanding and responding to emotions is just as important as is the intellect (mind).
And, visit Elmbrook Rotary any Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. (Western Racket Club in Elm Grove, WI) to hear more interesting presentations and learn more about Rotary.
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.
Ciara McHugh continues her Ph.D. program in research at the Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security, and Justice at The Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. This is the second year for this Global Grant Scholar, for whom Elmbrook Rotary Club has served as local liaison in RI District 6270.
Through the support of LINCS (Leverhulme Interdisciplinary Network for Cyber Security) and The Rotary Foundation's Global Grant Scholarship, Ciara is exploring how police and communities interact around the world. She is especially interested in looking at tensions between minority groups and police forces, and how we might rethink relationships between the two. When not researching, she is out hiking in the Mournes, sailing in Belfast Harbour, playing her ukelele at the Sunflower, and trying new vegan recipes.
The Queen's University of Belfast recently awarded her with a scholarship that will enable her to do some of her research in North America. This means that we'll see Ciara from time to time during the coming year. In the meantime, do enjoy her blog (https://ciarajmchugh.weebly.com), which details her adventures and progress in her studies.
Basic education and literacy is one of The Rotary Foundation’s six areas of focus. We know that basic education and literacy are essential for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace. The month of September annually emphasizes this focus.
Susie Coakley, student at Pilgrim Park Middle School, visited Elmbrook Rotary on August 30 to thank the club for its support of the Magnum Bonum ("A Great Good") team of Destination Imagination.
The team was financially supported this past year by the ERC Foundation. The students were able to participate in the Global Finals of Destination Imagination and also accomplished several service projects.
See the embedded JPEG for a summary of their activities.
On Friday, August 30, Dr. Robert Hall provided an overview of the LAUNCH program in the Elmbrook School District. He is the Executive Director of this program opportunity that began in September 2017 for Elmbrook junior and senior high school students. The Wauwatosa School District high schools will also join the program in the current academic year. LAUNCH seeks to connect rigorous learning with real-world, hands-on projects provided by area business and industry. LAUNCH is built on the principles of profession-based learning, professional skills development, self-discovery and exploration, entrepreneurial mindsets, and responsiveness to the needs of students and businesses. The program now includes 400+ students and multiple strands. LAUNCH needs assistance from the business community for: (1) sharing professional stories & experience; (2) providing project feedback for 75+ projects; and (3) offering mentorship to students. An appeal to ERC members will be forthcoming.
On Friday evening, August 23, Elmbrook Rotary welcomed its newest Rotary Youth Exchange student, Fuka Sunagawa, from Japan. Five ERC members, together with their families, welcomed Fuka as she arrived at Billy Michtell IAP.
The Jeffrey Griffin family is serving once again as host family for the first months of Fuka's junior year at Elmbrook Central H.S. In addition to father Jeff, the Griffin family includes spouse Sherrie and their adult children, Mackenzie and Patrick. This is the third Rotary Youth Exchange student whom they have hosted.
Fuka was immediately immersed in ERC activities when she and the Griffin family visited the Brookfield Farmers' Market the very next day and got to meet Packers legend Bob Long at the ERC tent. Fuka will be seen frequently at ERC breakfast meetings, beginning on Friday, August 30.
Year 3 of Elmbrook Rotary Club's "Business Person of the Year" award was launched on August 5 with press releases to a number of local print and digital media as well as an "e-blast" to hundreds of Brookfield and Elm Grove businesses.
This award is a way for ERC to recognize individuals in our community who are service-minded and doing outstanding work. Additionally, this award is a means of making the public aware of ERC and its contributions to the local, regional, national, and international communities.
Elmbrook Rotary Club is a group of professionals and community leaders (movers & shakers) who are in an ideal position to sponsor/lead this event. ERC members are not eligible for this award; however, anyone is encouraged to nominate a candidate who you personally know would be "worthy" of this award. Last year's winner, Mark Mirsberger, CEO of Dana Investment Advisors, was nominated by Noaman Sharief.
The deadline for receipt of nominations is October 5, and the winner will be honored at the ERC meeting on Friday, October 25. For more program information and details on making a nomination, please visit:
Dates are June 6-10, 2020. It is NOT too early to register! In fact, Rotary International advises registering as soon as possible to ensure a place. They anticipate having to close registration prior to the December 15th deadline for early registration. Register at riconvention.org.
Sarah Perkins and two other reps from the Wisconsin Leadership Seminars (WILS) visited Elmbrook Rotary on Friday, August 2, and provided an update on their organization. For many years Elmbrook Rotary has provided the registration fee for three students from Elmbrook Central H.S. and Elmbrook East H.S. to participate in the WILS program. Click here to see the recipients of the $68,415 charitable amounts provided by ERC during the 2018-2019 Rotary Year.
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).
Looking for a chance to WIN tickets to a Green Bay home game during the 2019 season - and help needy organizations and causes at the same time? Club President Mike Schmeling is urging everyone to do their part in buying and selling Packer raffle tickets during our 5th Annual Green Bay Packer Raffle Ticket Fundraiser from now through August 30! Donations will go to the programs and organizations we support in Brookfield, Elm Grove, and around the world!
At the ERC breakfast meeting on July 26, Dr. Mora Anderson provided an update on the Capitol West Academy (CWA).
Dr. Anderson is the Executive Director of CWA and possesses a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from UW-Milwaukee. The Elmbrook Rotary Club has been involved in the tutoring of students at CWA for many years. Capitol West Academy, a tuition-free public school, provides a safe, nurturing, educational environment where children, with the support of their families and community, learn and grow to be successful lifelong learners and productive citizens. Join ERC any Friday for a delicious breakfast and to hear about CWA and other community service projects in which ERC is involved.
It has been announced that the new Assistant Governor (AG) for Area E of RI District 6270 during 2019-2022 is Elmbrook's own Larry Myers. A relatively new member of Elmbrook Rotary, Myers has 21 years of perfect attendance at Whitnall Park Rotary and Elmbrook Rotary. He twice served as President of Whitnall Park Rotary and has been a member of District 6270's Scholarships Committee for four years.
Area E of District 6270 comprises three local clubs: Elmbrook, Mukwonago, & Oconomowoc. There are currently 53 local clubs in District 6270. The previous Assistant Governor for Area E was also another Elmbrook Rotarian, Wally Smanski.
After a break of two weeks, Elmbrook Rotary resumed its Friday morning breakfast schedule on Friday, July 12.
Guest speaker was Thomas Fehring. An engineer by trade, Mr. Fehring has penned a number of books, including "The Magnificent Machines of Milwaukee and the Engineers Who Created Them." A 2017 JSOnline article describes his passion: "Ferhing wants to preserve Milwaukee's history and to tell others about the significant engineering accomplishments. He established some sites as engineering landmarks in the city. Most recently, a landmark was devoted to the Sholes & Glidden typewriter, the first commercially successful machine sold to the public." (https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/books/2017/07/14/magnificent-machines-milwaukee-recalls-inventions-engineering-innovations/453491001). Fehring shared the insights about Milwaukee's machine innovations which he gleaned in writing this monograph. His books are available for sale online at www.amazon.com. Profits from "The Magnificent Machines of Milwaukee" go to the Milwaukee County Historical Society, whose Board of Directors includes two ERC Rotarians, Fred Gettelman and Mark Zalewski.
Join ERC any Friday, 7:00 a.m., at the Western Racket Club in Elm Grove for breakfast, a most interesting presentation, and the opportunity to meet community Rotarians.
Elmbrook Rotary Club once again this year sponsored a unit in the Brookfield 4th of July Parade.
The unit featured 2019-2020 ERC President Michael Schmeling. The convertible was driven by 2018-2019 President Kevin Roche. Other ERC Rotarians and family members also participated and distributed approximately 90 lbs of candy along the parade route. Weather was perfect; patriotism was abundant. Thanks to all!
A new Rotary year began on July 1. The Rotary International Presidential Theme for 2019-2020 is "Rotary Connects the World."
Mark Daniel Maloney (Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, USA) is RI President for 2019-2020 and believes that connection is at the heart of the Rotary experience. “(Rotary) allows us to connect with each other, in deep and meaningful ways, across our differences,” Maloney says. “It connects us to people we would never otherwise have met, who are more like us than we ever could have known. It connects us to our communities, to professional opportunities, and to the people who need our help.”
Rotarians in RI District 3350 (Thailand) have produced an interesting song & video that connects the 2019-2020 Presidential Theme with the work and impact of Rotary worldwide. Click here or on the image below to view and hear the production. It is only 3 min. 29 sec. in length.
Concurrent with the 2019 "Changing of the Guard" event on June 26, there occurred additional fundraising opportunities for the 123 members and guests (a record #!) in attendance. Three opportunities presented themselves: Silent Auction, 50/50 Raffle, & a Cork Pull.
The Silent Auction netted a total of $10,288. The 50/50 Raffle brought in an additional $1,000, and the Cork Pull netted $500. [The recipient of the 50/50 Raffle donated the $500 winnings back to the overall effort.] The grand total, to be added to the "Spikes for Types" proceeds, is therefore $11,788. The Elmbrook Rotary Foundation's Board of Directors is responsible for distribution of these monies via grant requests and other community charity involvement.
Sincere thanks to all ERC members (especially committee members) and guests for a wonderful gala evening and successful fundraising efforts!
The June 26th "Changing of the Guard" event included installation of the 2019-2020 Officers of Elmbrook Rotary Club.
The 2019-2020 Officers are:
President, Mike Schmeling
President-Elect, Tom Hochuli
Secretary, Thom Arndt
Sergeant-at-Arms, Harry Farchmin
Treasurer, Mark Zalewski
Immediate Past President, Kevin Roche
2018-2019 ERC President Kevin Roche and his team were given well-deserved gratitude for their leadership during the past year. It was also announced that the Elmbrook Rotary Club will receive a Rotary Citation with Gold Presidential Distinction for the club's successes during 2018-2019. Well done!
In his acceptance speech, 2019-2020 President Mike Schmeling lauded the past successes of Elmbrook Rotary and appealed for continued support throughout the next Rotary year. The Rotary International Presidential Theme for 2019-2020 is "Rotary Connects the World." Mark Daniel Maloney (Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, USA) is RI President for 2019-2020 and believes that connection is at the heart of the Rotary experience. “(Rotary) allows us to connect with each other, in deep and meaningful ways, across our differences,” Maloney says. “It connects us to people we would never otherwise have met, who are more like us than we ever could have known. It connects us to our communities, to professional opportunities, and to the people who need our help.”
After a rather long hiatus, the Fireside Chat has resumed at Elmbrook Rotary. The fireside chat is a tradition that has endured as a fun, welcoming social activity that provides new members with a history of Rotary and an explanation of the various opportunities for involvement. This is an informal way to learn about community and international projects and find common interests.
The first renewed Fireside Chat occurred in the home of Mark Thurner on Wednesday evening, June 19. Several more have occurred since that date. Participants learn much about the programs and activities of Elmbrook Rotary Club in addition to those of District 6270, Rotary International, and The Rotary Foundation.
Fireside Chats are scheduled periodically. If you have never attended a Fireside Chat, please contact ERC member John Allen to add your name to the guest list. You won't regret it.
Elmbrook Rotary Club participated in supporting the Elm Grove Family Fun Fest (which included the Fun Run) on July 4. All activities occurred at Elm Grove Village Park.
ERC volunteers assisted with the annual Fun Run. They also sold Sprecher products (provided by Sprecher), sodas & water (provided by Sendik's), and glo sticks at the Family Fun Fest.
Thanks to all who assisted in another successful event that impacted the community!
June happens to be "Rotary Fellowships Month." Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.
Locally, a number of Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) members belong to a Rotary Fellowship called "Shooting Sport." The International Fellowship of Shooting Sport Rotarians was established in November of 2005. Since then a Spring Clays Shoot has taken place annually in NE Florida in various locations over the years.
ERC members of this fellowship call themselves the "Elmbrook Straight Shooters" and engage in several shooting events throughout the year. Both handgun and long gun events are held. All ERC members and guests are welcome to participate. Contact Harry Farchmin or Gary Gilmore for more information.
Jae-Kyu Lee, founder of J.K. Lee Blackbelt Academy, and son Chan Lee provided the program at Elmbrook Rotary on Friday, June 7. Please see the entire story by clicking "Read more ..." so that you don't miss the video clips.
Recipients of the 2019 ERC AVID Scholarships have been announced. There are two four-year awards and one two-year award. To be eligible, students have to be actively involved in the AVID program at Brookfield Central H.S. or Brookfield East H.S.
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a school-wide approach to curriculum and rigor adopted by more than 4,000 schools in 45 states and 15 countries over 28 years. It is a research-based program that equips students to meet the challenges of rigorous coursework in high school and college.
The recipients at Brookfield Central are Anita Ayala (four-year winner), who intends to major in Criminal Justice at UWM, and Emily Metzinger (two-year winner), who will pursue a Business associate degree at WCTC. The Brookfield East recipient is Mariana Brown (four-year winner), who intends to study Business at Arizona State University.
ERC President Kevin Roche with Mariana Brown
2019 AVID Scholarship Winner at Brookfield East H.S.
Elmbrook Rotary extends hearty congratulations to the scholarship recipients and wishes much success for them in their college endeavors!
On Friday, May 24, representatives of ERC's two Interact clubs visited Elmbrook Rotary and provided a briefing of their 2018-2019 activities.
Elmbrook Central H.S. Interact Club Representatives
During the past academic year, the Central H.S. Interact Club assisted with the German Holiday Fest, the Ekal Vidyalaya Milwaukee Fundraiser, Hope Center Clothing Sorting, and tutoring. They are currently helping to locate a host family for a 2019-2010 Rotary exchange student coming from Japan.
Elmbrook East H.S. Interact Club Representatives
The East H.S. Interact Club set a new record this year with 86 members. With such a large membership, they excelled in the number and quality of service projects. Their support included the following projects and organizations: Turkey Trot, Fight for Air, Santa Hustle, German Holiday Market, the MYSO, Sunset Playhouse, Open Door, House of Peace, CareAge, Raising Readers, tree and brush clearing at the Brookfield East Nature Center, river bank clean-up at Underwood Park, fund raising for the Humane Society, and an end-of-the-year locker clean out to gather school supplies to donate to the Capitol West Academy.
Congratulations and thanks to both Interact clubs in demonstrating Rotary's emphasis on "Service Above Self"!
On May 27, 2019, Elmbrook Rotary Club participated in the 72nd annual Elm Grove Memorial Day Parade. ERC President Kevin Roche led the parade unit, which included Tom Hochuli, Larry Myers, Chris & Carina Salani, Matt Smanski, & Mark Thurner. In addition to receiving good exercise by walking the parade route, they distributed 75 lbs of candy to children (and children-at-heart) who observed this annual tradition alongside the streets. Thanks to all who assisted! Special thanks go to Jeanne & John Allen, who offered their yard and home before, during, and after the parade for before-parade treats, a great view of the parade itself, and an after-parade cookout. Approximately 40 ERC Rotarians, including family members and guests, enjoyed the hospitality of the Allen's.
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.
Classification talks are a chance to know the people you meet with on Friday mornings, and serve with throughout the year, a little better. Several meetings a year, we take time to learn more about members, their life stories and ambitions, and what brings us all together via Rotary.
In the past several months six ERC members provided classification talks. Click on "Read more..." to learn more about them.
Remember to join ERC each Friday morning at the Western Racquet Club if you're looking for a powerful group of people with whom to network.
On Saturday, June 1, Elmbrook Rotary Club sponsors the 32nd annual “Spikes For Tykes Volleyball Spiketacular” at Mitchell Park in Brookfield. The day is sure to be filled with a whole lot of fun, with lots of food and drink and Rotary fellowship!
Spikes has been a big success for over 31 years because of the generosity and involvement of businesses, individuals, students, and Rotarians that have helped raise over $750,000 since it began. Last year, we had over 40 playing teams and over 100 sponsors who donated their time, talents, and athleticism.
If you intend to donate or take part in Spikes this year, please note that only a few days remain for you to help this one-day event make an impact for a lifetime.
Ciara McHugh, the 2018-2019 Global Grant Scholar from RI District 6270, began her PhD. program at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in September 2018. She describes her program with these words: "Over the next few years, through the support of LINCS (Leverhulme Interdisiplinary Network for Cyber Security) and The Rotary Foundation's Global Grant Scholarship, I'll be exploring how police and communities interact around the world. I'm interested in looking at tensions between minority groups and police forces, and how we might rethink relationships between the two." ERC is the local Rotary liaison for Ciara during her Global Grant Scholarship, and ERC member Marie Owens is her contact. In addition, ERC member Larry Myers is on the RI District 6270 Scholarships Committee and guided Ciara through the TRF application process. She maintains a most interesting blog. Follow Ciara's progress and adventures via her blog: https://ciarajmchugh.weebly.com
The annual ERC Changing of the Guard Dinner & Silent Auction is scheduled for June 26 at the Western Racquet Club in Elm Grove. Deadline to register was Wednesday, June 19, 12:00 p.m. If you missed the deadline, contact Linda Edelstein immediately to see if you can be added to the 124 persons already registered for this gala event. This Friday, June 21, is the deadline for submitting donations for the Silent Auction.
The Elmbrook Rotary Club Vision Team for 2019 returned from Antigua, Guatemala a few weeks ago after a week of service with Common Hope, Inc., a St. Paul, MN based Non-Profit organization which has spent the last 30 years improving lives with education, healthcare, housing, and social services.
The Western Racquet Club has recently increased the breakfast fee to $16 USD per person, up from $15 USD. This is due to increase costs associated with the food and the preparation of it.
As such, the Rotary Club of Elmbrook will increase the cost of breakfast to $16 USD per person. This new cost will be implemented on the 1st of April, 2019.
Kevin Roche, Kate Bloomberg, Tom Hochuli, Dan Roads, Wally Smanksi and Mark Thurner met RI President Barry Rassin at Milwaukee Downtown Rotary Club as he spoke about the impact Rotarians service is having around the world.
Join Brookfield area residents and Elmbrook Rotarians this Saturday as we support this year's German Holiday Market at Brookfield Civic Plaza on December 1st. Take the family on a hayride, enjoy authentic German food and music, beverages from the Schwabenhoff, plus visit a number of vendors selling holiday gifts!
At our meeting last week, we announced that Mark Mirsberger, CEO of Dana Investment Advisors is the recipient of our Business Person of the Year Award. The program recognizes the leadership and accomplishments of a successful Brookfield or Elm Grove individual.
2019 GO FOR THE GREEN & GOLD: The Green Bay Packer Ticket Raffle fundraiser ended on Friday, August 30, and the winners were selected at our morning meeting. Club President Michael Schmeling drew the winners. Click "More" to see the list of winners.
The Elmbrook Rotary Club recently announced its 2nd Business Person of the Year Award that will recognize the accomplishments of a successful Brookfield or Elm Grove individual. The program kicked off this month with nominations being requested online and will run through October 6th.
Looking for a chance to WIN tickets to a Green Bay home game during the 2018 season - and help needy organizations and causes at the same time? Club President Kevin Roche is urging everyone to do their part in buying and selling Packer raffle tickets during our 4th Annual Green Bay Packer Raffle Ticket Fundraiser from now through August 31st. Donations will go to the programs and organizations we support in Brookfield, Elm Grove, and around the world!
We held our annual Changing of the Guard on June 20, at Western Racquet Club and swore in our newest Officers for the 2018-2019 Rotary year. Last years President, Linda Edelstein gave her final remarks as she welcomed in Elmbrook Rotary's new President Kevin Roche.
Congratulations to all Elmbrook Rotarians on another Great Spikes Extravaganza! The weatherman co-operated and over 40 Teams had a great time playing Volleyball highlighted by the first ever Brookfield Central vs Brookfield East All Star Game which was won by East 25-18.
Club member Gary Zwirlein recently announced that as part of RI President Ian Riseley’s challenge to plant a tree for every Rotarian during this 2017-2018 year the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation made a $1,200 donation to Simple Hope for 60 trees.
For the past 3 weeks, we had our Annual Spring food drive to benefit the Waukesha Food Pantry which was lead by club members Gary Zwirlein and Greg Bonk. The club collected a total of 99 items weighing 130 pounds. In addition, the club contributed $1,449 in total cash donations which included a $500 match from the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation. Thanks to everyone for helping those in need!
Now in it's eight year, the Guatemala Vision Team is finding time to enjoy the beautiful Guatemalan countryside while working on various projects. This years teams consists of eight Elmbrook Rotarians including John and Jeanne Allen, Pati Allen Brickman, Doug Jacobson, Erik Moeser, Wally Smanski, Kathy Becker, and Jim Finn.
Join Brookfield area residents and Elmbrook Rotarians this Saturday as we support this year's German Holiday Market at Brookfield Civic Plaza on December 2nd from 1 pm to 7 pm. Take the family on a hayride, enjoy authentic German food and music, plus visit a number of vendors selling holiday gifts!
Several months ago, honorary Elmbrook Rotary member Jane Koons visited our Club and gave updates on the success of the E-Learning program in India. The following is a report from Jane about the growing interest and the positive impact that the E-Learning program we helped initiate is having on the students in India.
Last month, many of you contributed to the Capitol West Academy School Supplies Drive initiated by Jan Constable and the Community Service Committee. This used to be a once a year event but with the increased demand, our club rose to the occasion and donated the following supplies.
Our 2017 GO FOR THE GREEN & GOLD - Green Bay Packer Ticket Raffle fundraiser ended on Friday, September 1 and the winners were selected at our morning meeting. Steve Stocker helped draw the winners and Gary Zwirlein reported that we met our goal of $5,000 raised after expenses!
Our 3rd Annual Green Bay Packer Ticket Raffle Fundraiser will come to an end tomorrow when we draw winning pairs of tickets to each of the 8 Green Bay home games during the 2017 season! We are close to reaching our goal of $5,000 and looking for one final push before tomorrow's drawing. So, if you haven't already sold or purchased raffle tickets, you have one last chance today and early tomorrow to GO FOR THE GREEN & GOLD!
The Elmbrook Rotary Club announced this week the creation of a Business Person of the Year Award that will recognize the accomplishments of a successful Brookfield or Elm Grove individual. The program kicks off this month with nominations being requested online and will run through September 22nd.
On Saturday June 3rd, we held our 30th Annual “Spikes for Tykes” Volleyball Fundraiser at Mitchell Park in Brookfield on a day that was suited more for ducks, with rain throughout the morning. Despite the foul weather, the event was a huge success with over 50 teams showing up to play. Combined with with over 50 Elmbrook Rotarians, their spouses, friends and guests, everyone pitched in and made it a fun event.
It's less than one week until our 30th Annual Spikes for Tykes Volleyball Spectacular - our biggest fundraiser of the year that will be held this coming Saturdaym June 3 at Mitchell Park in Brookfield. Are all your teams registered and sponsors signed-up?! Find out more about Spikes here!
It's Almost Here - Spikes for Tykes This Saturday!
Thanks to all Rotarians who contributed $825.00 to the Boston Store Community Day coupon book fundraiser. $740.00 will go to the Veteran's start-up photography class, enabling the Recreation Therapist to purchase 5 digital cameras and framing supplies.
The balance of $85.00 plus a $165.00 allocation from our SaintA Christmas party budget will enable ERC to make a $250.00 gift to SaintA residence/school, from their Wish List, in addition to the pizza and magician entertainment for the resident boy's Christmas party on 12/8. Thank you for your support and generosity!
Thanks for Donating! - Community Days Fundraiser Results
Elmbrook Rotarians came out on a chilly Wednesday night in October to enjoy the China Lights Exhibit at the Whitnall Park Boerner Botanical Gardens. Over a dozen Rotarians and friends enjoyed the numerous lighted sculptures, whimsical animals, Chinese jugglers and acrobats.
Over the past several weeks, President Mike Hogan has inducted two new members to the club. They include Daniel Zomchek, who was sponsored by John Allen and
Our speaker last Friday was Mame McCully, Executive Director of the Milwaukee County Historical Society – and also coincidentally is the wife of Elmbrook Rotary member Andy McCully. Two club members, Fred Gettelman and Mark Zalewski also serve as Directors of the Society.
Several weeks ago, we had four talented and smart young women attend our club meeting who we have sponsored with scholarships and at recent youth seminars throughout the state. Their talks were inspiring and each of them exemplifies the spirit of Rotary.
Our 2016 GO FOR THE GREEN & GOLD - Green Bay Packer Ticket Raffle fundraiser ended on Friday, August 5 and the winners were selected at our morning meeting. Club President Mike Hogan pulled each ticket out of the raffle drum and Chairperson Gary Zwirlein reported that we exceeded our goal of $5,000 and raised $5,720 after expenses that will go towards the programs and organizations we support in the coming year!
The last several weeks has seen a flurry of activity for Elmbrook Rotary as we ended one Rotary year and began another along with celebrating activities on July 4th. Last week, on June 29th we had our annual Changing of the Guard where we celebrated our achievements from the past year and swore in of our new Officers and Directors. We also thanked outgoing Club President Mark Zalewski for his dedicated year of service.
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The Elmbrook Rotary Club Vision Team for 2019 returned from Antigua, Guatemala a few weeks ago after a week of service with Common Hope, Inc., a St. Paul, MN based Non-Profit organization which has spent the last 30 years improving lives with education, healthcare, housing, and social services. 
At our meeting last week, we announced that Mark Mirsberger, CEO of Dana Investment Advisors is the recipient of our Business Person of the Year Award. The program recognizes the leadership and accomplishments of a successful Brookfield or Elm Grove individual.
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For the past 3 weeks, we had our Annual Spring food drive to benefit the Waukesha Food Pantry which was lead by club members Gary Zwirlein and Greg Bonk. The club collected a total of 99 items weighing 130 pounds. In addition, the club contributed $1,449 in total cash donations which included a $500 match from the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation. Thanks to everyone for helping those in need!
Last month, many of you contributed to the Capitol West Academy School Supplies Drive initiated by Jan Constable and the Community Service Committee. This used to be a once a year event but with the increased demand, our club rose to the occasion and donated the following supplies..jpg)
On Saturday June 3rd, we held our 30th Annual “Spikes for Tykes” Volleyball Fundraiser at Mitchell Park in Brookfield on a day that was suited more for ducks, with rain throughout the morning. Despite the foul weather, the event was a huge success with over 50 teams showing up to play. Combined with with over 50 Elmbrook Rotarians, their spouses, friends and guests, everyone pitched in and made it a fun event.
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Thanks to all Rotarians who contributed $825.00 to the Boston Store Community Day coupon book fundraiser. $740.00 will go to the Veteran's start-up photography class, enabling the Recreation Therapist to purchase 5 digital cameras and framing supplies.
Elmbrook Rotarians came out on a chilly Wednesday night in October to enjoy the China Lights Exhibit at the Whitnall Park Boerner Botanical Gardens. Over a dozen Rotarians and friends enjoyed the numerous lighted sculptures, whimsical animals, Chinese jugglers and acrobats.
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