Home Page | Rotary Club of Elmbrook (Brookfield)

Common Hope Partnership & Walk

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Sep 19, 2022

On September 16th, 2022 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) was visited virtually by Krista Rivard of Common Hope.

She shared with us that the ERC's donations go toward covid relief, daily living personal goods, and their school. The donations from club members cover the tuition of 20 students, who are all pictured above. When students graduate and begin in a profession, their wage is usually able to raise their family out of poverty.

The Common Hope presentation was coordinated with the ERC's Common Hope walk which happened the following day (9/17) at Mitchell Park. The walk not only raises funds, but also raises awareness of ERC's annual trip to Guatemala which will happen February 5th-12th. If anyone is interested in joining the group of 9 Rotarians and spouses already enrolled, please talk with Erik Moser to learn more about the trip.

If you think learning and contributing to international issues sounds interesting, check out a 7a Friday meeting. If you'd like to do more international volunteer work, the Elmbrook Rotary Club may be just what you are looking for.

Global Grant Scholarship Opportunity

Posted by Larry Myers on Sep 21, 2022

Rotary District 6270 is pleased to announce the availability of a Global Grant Scholarship for matriculation in the fall of 2023 or spring of 2024.

The amount of the scholarship is USD $30,000 and must be used for graduate school studies outside the United States. NOTE: Applicant cannot be a Rotarian or be related to a Rotarian but can be a member of Rotaract. To be eligible, applicant must be a resident in the geographical area of District 6270, be a student at a college/university in the geographical area of District 6270, or have strong ties to Southeast Wisconsin (see District 6270 map). Experience (professional or volunteer) in the field of study is required. All fellowship/scholarship/stipend funding opportunities must relate to one of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus.

Deadlines are as follow:

September 1, 2022 – Application form available

January 13, 2023 – Complete Application Deadline (submit online only)

February 4, 2023 - In-Person or Zoom Interviews scheduled. An in-person interview is preferred.

February 13, 2023 – Successful Scholar Notified (for matriculation in 2023-2024 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).

Updates From the District 6270 Website

Posted by Mark Zalewski on Sep 22, 2022

Here are some updated from the District 6270 website https://rotary6270.org/ that you might enjoy:

Info Session Scheduled for Rotary Youth Exchange

Our fall Virtual Information Night for the Rotary Youth Exchange program is scheduled for 7pm on Tuesday, September 27th. This is meant to be an info night for students who are interested in the program. Rotarians and others who would like to learn more about the program are welcome to attend as well.

Please share with youth who may be interested in a study abroad experience, local high schools, newspapers, friends, and others. Please contact Kristine Bantz, Outbound RYE Coordinator with any questions.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwufuygqDksHdRRXwYCqng07uHi5651Wr47

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First Case of Polio in US in Nearly a Decade

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has been informed of a case of paralytic polio in an unvaccinated individual in Rockland County, New York, United States.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are coordinating with New York State health authorities on their investigation. Initial sequencing confirmed by CDC indicates that the case is type 2 VDPV.

Any form of poliovirus anywhere is a threat to children everywhere. It is critical that the GPEI Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2026 is fully resourced and fully implemented everywhere, to ensure a world free of all forms of poliovirus can be achieved.

We are calling on every single Rotarian to take action and be a part of the fight to end polio, helping to raise $50 million per year for polio eradication.

New PolioPlus Society in Rotary District 6270

Rotary District 6270 is excited to announce the start of the PolioPlus Society in our district. This is a district program to recognize those Rotarians, Rotaractors, and friends of Rotary, who have pledged to give at least $100 annually to the PolioPlus Fund of The Rotary Foundation, until the wild poliovirus is no longer endemic around the world. The goal of this PolioPlus Society is to raise awareness and provide recognition for Rotary’s goal of eliminating the disease from the planet.

We would like to invite you to consider and join the Rotary District 6270 PolioPlus Society by completing the pledge form on the PolioPlus Society page, https://rotary6270.org/sitepage/polioplus-society. Members of the Rotary District 6270 PolioPlus Society will receive a certificate and a specially designed PolioPlus Society lapel pin.

Stay up to date with all things Rotary at: https://rotary6270.org/

Many Ways to Engage Rotary

Posted by Bill Selzer on Sep 19, 2022

Rotary can look like a Friday morning breakfast meeting. It can be reading to children, building a home in Guatemala, or remembering to bring in your plastic bags or a few cans of food.

Rotarians and their friends spent time on the 10th biking for a great cause:

Please watch the website, check your newsletter, and talk to fellow Rotarians before meetings to find the best way for you to be involved with the Elm Brook Rotary Club!

Rotary "Cleans Up" at the Brookfield Farmer's Market

Posted by Mike Groth on Sep 12, 2022

The ERC likes to split our giving between time and treasure.

Since July 2nd, various Rotarians from our club have been volunteering each Saturday late morning to collect excess produce from vendors to donate to the Salvation Army.

Last Saturday Bill & Fe Petterson collected 251 pounds of produce bringing our 2022 summer (to-date) total to 2,137 pounds! This is a tremendous outcome that came about from a handful of people being creative around saving food, and putting in the effort to make it happen.

Thank you to everyone who spent a Saturday morning at the Farmer's Market this Summer. We'll be back again in December for the Brookfield German Holiday Market.

the passing of Chuck Steinbach

Posted by Harry Farchmin on Sep 08, 2022

It is with a heavy heart that I'm writing that Chuck Steinbach, Charter and Honorary Member of the Elmbrook Rotary Club, passed away this week. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in November 2021 and succumbed to the cancer August 28, 2022.

A gathering will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin, on Friday, September 9, 2022, 4:00 PM – 6:45 PM. Sharing of Memories at 7:00 PM.

For more information visit the Krause Funeral Home website at https://www.krausefuneralhome.com/obituary/charles-w-steinbach/

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation, PO Box 1014, Brookfield, WI 53008-1014 or National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel Street Suite 006, Newton, MA 02458.

Upending Alzheimer's Disease

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Sep 12, 2022

On September 9, Tim Harrington & Anne Marie Pilot (virtual) form the Alzheimers Association stopped by the Machine Shed to share some news and updates around Alzheimer's disease.

Tim shared that both of his parents lived with the disorder which got him active in both awareness and also fundraising to find a cure.

A few takeaways are:

Dementia is a "blanket term". As there are many kinds of cancer, there are different types of Dementia like Vascular Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia.
The disorder affects the Hippocampus first, which is the region of the brain responsible for "higher thought"
There was a 16% increase in death by Alzheimer's during the pandemic, showing a strong correlation with socialization and keeping "sharp"

There wasn't a happy, uplifting end to the talk. There is still no "cure" for Alzheimer disease, yet on-going research provides potential hints to moving this disorder from incurable to treatable. Alz.org provides more information on research, fundraising, and stories of hope.

Wellpoint Community Garden Grand Opening

Posted by Bill Selzer on Sep 09, 2022

At 11:00am on August 16^th, members of the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) attended a Community Garden Grand Opening Celebration, held at Wellpoint.

Program Director Starlet Hayes welcomed the attendees to the event and introduced staff members. Wellpoint President Ann Leinfelder Grove talked about the mission of Wellpoint and vision for the Community Gardens. She acknowledged the Community Garden Committee, Volunteer Staff , Elmbrook Rotary and those who have been instrumental in the garden project; Tony, Jodi and Zachery Consiglio for rototilling the garden plot and for their continued project support.

Jack Nelson, a key member of the Wellpoint Board of Directors and member of the garden planning team, received a beautiful piece of art created by children from the community representing the garden project. Jack addressed the attendees, explaining how the project has and continues to develop with the input from the team. He encouraged community members to share any ideas they have for the project.

The ceremony was concluded with the unveiling of the Community Garden sign and community children along with Jack and Ann ceremonially turning the first shovels and raking of the soil. Refreshments were served after the ceremony.

Wanting to be a larger part of your community? Consider joining the ERC for a 7a breakfast meeting and learning about this and other opportunities to literally and figuratively get our hands dirty serving others.

2022 Packer Raffle Winners Drawn

Posted on Sep 09, 2022

The winners of the 2022 Packer Ticket Raffle have been drawn.

Thank you everyone who participated. This raffle raised thousands of dollars which will go directly back into the Elmbrook and surrounding communities via grants, donations, and raising awareness of great causes local and internationally.

Winners of 2 tickets for each game are as follows:

Date	Opponent	Winner
18-Sep	Bears	Mark Zalewski
2-Oct	Patriots	Tom Michalski
16-Oct	Jets	Becky Kirchen
13-Nov	Cowboys	Ralph Gould
17-Nov	Titans	Dustin Schilz
19-Dec	Rams	Tim Nethery
1-Jan	Vikings	Ted Blum
8-Jan	Lions	Alexa Zastrow

If you have not been contacted by a Rotary member or the Club itself, please reach out to David Irwin: dwi2020@outlook.com to solidify the pick up of your prize.

Show Your Elmbrook Rotary Pride

Posted by Mark Zalewski on Sep 06, 2022

Display your Elmbrook Rotary Pride on the golf course, in the office on Casual Friday, working with fellow Rotarians on a Project, at a Club meeting, or just around the neighborhood.

We are now taking orders for Elmbrook Rotary Club Logo Wear - many colors and sizes to choose from:

Club Logo Cotton Twill shirts - Long and Short sleeve
Long and Short sleeve Polo/Golf Shirts
Baseball Caps - both Men's and Women's style - Blue only

Shirts come in many colors and you can mix and match colors. Sizes up to 6X

Prices will depend on the quantity ordered and are expected to be between $33 and $37 each.

For more information see the below links to the Russell Hampton Web page.

Caps are Men or Women's style but come only in Blue and will be about $14

And display your Elmbrook Rotary Pride on the road - with a Elmbrook Rotary Club License Plate Frame

Why drive around in your BMW or Lexus with a cheap plastic frame advertising for some sleazy car dealer, when you can impress your friends and display your "Rotary Pride" with a classy Elmbrook Rotary Club Frame?

The frame style will be as shown - but you can choose from a variety of color themes to compliment the look of your car. Cost will be about $25 The attached link below has more information.

Questions - or to order any of these items - email Mark Zalewski with the number of items you wish to buy, with sizes & colors.

We will be accumulating the orders over the next few weeks with a target order date of October 1.

If you wish you can elect to be billed on your next Club dues invoice for your items.

Your final cost will depend on the quantities of items we order as a Club - plus shipping and taxes which will be allocated among the orders.

Long Sleeve Polo: https://www.bestclubsupplies.com/custom-RP96.asp

Classic Polo: https://www.bestclubsupplies.com/custom-RP98.asp

Cotton Twill Shirts: https://www.bestclubsupplies.com/custom-RT99C.asp

Men’s Baseball Cap: https://www.bestclubsupplies.com/Navy-Cap-withRotary-Masterbrand-Signature-Logo/productinfo/RC1M/

Ladies Baseball Cap: https://www.bestclubsupplies.com/Ladies-Navy-Cap-withRotary-Masterbrand-Signature-Logo/productinfo/RFC5M/

Elmbrook Rotary: Club License Plate Frame https://www.bestclubsupplies.com/Customized-Rotary-Item/productinfo/R67492C

Nature in our backyard

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Sep 08, 2022

On September 2, 2022 Eddee Daniel of A Wealth Of Nature visited the Elmbook Rotary Club (ERC) to share how this program is promoting the outdoors in our communities.

Eddee is on a 2+ year project to capture pictures, write ups, and park information for all of the county and state parks, preserves and sanctuaries in South Eastern Wisconsin. He shared stories of exploring and talked at length about some of our more storied treasures like the Ice Age trail and Lapham's Peak.

If you'd like to plan your next adventure in a S.E. Wisconsin park, please use this website to begin your research: https://awealthofnature.org/

If you'd like to spend more time with people wanting to keep S.E. Wisconsin a great place to live, join us for a 7a Friday breakfast meeting!

Bringing some Class to the ERC

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Aug 23, 2022

On August 19, 2022 the Elm Grove Rotary (ERC) was introduced to the Carolyn Korona & Anne Harberg of the Elm Grove Lifelong Learning.

Aging is a combination of staying active mentally, as well as social, physically and spiritually. The lifelong learners aim to provide opportunities to exercise many of those aspects at once.

The wide ranging class topics include everything from wildflowers to Nazi POW, home cooking to chair yoga, Antarctic expedition to Civil War nursing... here is the link to learn more and sign up for a discussion:
https://www.egs4ll.org/

Classes run October 3 - November 8 2022. $10/ class or $65 unlimited classes

Thanks for stepping up!

Posted by Jackson Bubolz

The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) is a vibrant group.

A big reason this club is so impactful is we are so active. Our meetings are well attended, our donations are notable, and we organize volunteer projects locally and internationally.

The reason we're able to do all of this so effectively is we have lots of different people leading and supporting different projects.

Mark Zalewski and Mike Hogan have taken lead on Spikes for Tykes for years. Gordy Miller, Paul Langer, John & Jeanne Allen are staples at board meetings and past presidents continue to serve in new capacities. The list of people who really put in time for the club is long, sorry I missed so many of you.

It's important to note, the same folks can't do it all... forever.

A great example of getting more members involved is Steve Stocker running the raffle since inception, and diligently transitioning it. Larry Meyers has made a wonderful contribution to our club with an effective newsletter and website. When he started training me, I realized how much work he was putting in every week. I asked for help and had several people reach out. Thank you.

Special thank you to Emily Jones who has gracefully accepted the role of social media manager, and a few others have voiced interest in sharing what the ERC is up too.

As we've seen so many people step up and into new roles, I wanted to take a moment to thank them. These commitments help to make our club fun, enriching, and a source for good.

Thank you to our Club Chairs Mike Groth, Erik Moser, Tom Curl, & Jack Nelson.

If you don't have your hands in a project with the ERC, please get them dirty. You will enjoy your time with the club even more and you will have proof you're part of helping to make our world a better place.

If you don't have a project you are active in, please ask a Club Chair what projects they have available. PR will be posting any upcoming activities we're notified of and posting pictures and recaps of events we're sent.

Thank you to everyone for making the Elmbrook Rotary Club a great club to be a part of.

Bridge Builders Inc - Transforming Neighborhoods Block by Block

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Aug 17, 2022

On August 12, 2022 the Elmbook Rotary Club (ERC) was visited by Kurt Owens of Bridge Buiders Inc.

Kurt talked about the ground up approach Bridge Builders uses to empower the people of the communities they serve block by block vs. relying solely on governance. The ways they are empowering the communities they serve is by keeping good housing stock, leveraging the available workforce, dovetailing efforts with other non-profits, create full time neighbors, and revive community owned businesses.

Their current project is raising funds to buy 20 homes and make them "Lighthouse" properties, or properties where a full time neighbor who is dedicated to the community lives.

To learn more, please visit their website: https://bridgebuildersmke.org/ and to learn more about Rotary, please join us for a 7a meeting.

Adopt A Highway

Posted by Paul Langer on Aug 07, 2022

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

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

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

Elmbrook Rotary Club Assembly

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Aug 07, 2022

On August 5, 2022 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) held an assembly to reflect on how the club is upholding the 4 way test of what we think, and do. We looked for ways we can provide a better Rotary experience for everyone, and enjoy our own time with Rotary all the more.

The common themes were finding more ways to get to know Rotarians, both in meetings and outside of them. We also had calls for better communication on upcoming service projects and working professional programing our presentations.

Our breakout sessions allowed us to identify opportunities to grow as a club, as well as offer solutions to our concerns.

Please stay tuned for meeting time and place where all ERC members are encouraged to help us Image a 2022-2023 Rotary year. Members will work though these and other items, and work to be intentional in making this Rotary year one to remember.

ERC Awards Scholarships

Posted by Dan Roads on Aug 02, 2022

The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) is active in many different areas of our community. Sometimes there are projects at the Women’s Center we can help with. Other times Rotarians will commit to weekly volunteering and helping students with their literacy skills. Today’s report is on seeds (scholarships), that we hope will bloom into impactful careers. The ERC awarded 3 scholarships to worthy recipients.

A $1000 scholarship paid each year for four years went to Sarah Astley from Brookfield Central High School who will attend UW- Stevens Point.A $1000 scholarship paid each year for four years went to Adriga Bhattacharyya from Brookfield East who will attend UW- Milwaukee.A $1000 scholarship paid each year for two years went to Charles Benjamin Fleming who will attend Waukesha County Technical College. This scholarship is specific to a student entering a two year program in a field that relates to a First Responder status. The scholarship is funded by Elmbrook Rotary Club to honor the 40+ years of service that retired Fire Chief William (Bill) Selzer gave to the Elmbrook Community.Dr. Thomas Arndt, President of the Elmbrook Rotary Club presented all three scholarships at the respective school’s Senior Honors Night at the end of the school year.

If getting involved with any area of our community is of interest, please reach out us via our website: https://elmbrookrotary.org/. Membership info is under the join tab.

ERC Announces Total Charitable Contributions 2021 - 2022

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Aug 02, 2022

The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) ended it's 2021-2022 fiscal year on June 30th, 2022. This was the completion of a year where we saw in- person meetings return, favorite projects and events renewed, and new service opportunities surface. This year has pulled our club together, and we had lots to celebrate.

Service projects are a big part of what the ERC does each year. The other facet is the charitable contributions our members and community leaders make. These donations are raised by a mixture of fundraising events such as Spikes for Tykes, a silent auction, and our upcoming fundraiser, and the upcoming raffle for Packers tickets to home games in 2022.

In 2021 - 2022 the ERC had one of the largest donation totals in recent memory. The $154,514.62 reflects both the efficacy of fundraising efforts, and also the size of the club's heart. The club often added several hundred more dollars to a donation when the "hat gots passed" to help out.

The ERC is grateful for the opportunity to strengthen those around us, both with service effort, and with intentional donation.

If you are interested in connecting with our local Rotarians, getting involved in a service project, or donating to a cause that is special to you, please connect with our membership chair John Allen at jallen@jallengroup.com.

Sargent Shakedown Spotted

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Aug 02, 2022

There's a new Sheriff, I mean, a new Sargent in town, and he means business.

On July 29, 2022, it appears Sargent at Arms Dave Engle delivered back to back to back to back fines to unsuspecting Rotarians. Some were the variety that we expect (late fines, pin fines) and some were blatant money grabs (like accusing and fining a member for not wearing their name badge... while that member wore their name badge...) Either way, another few dozen dollars were raised because we lacked some attention to detail.

A note to newer members. The Sargent at Arms has special authority to hand out fines to members who are not keeping Rotary as crisp as it could be. Those fines could be for:

Forgetting to wear your Rotary pin
Not having a name badge on
Being late
Leaving early
Not completing a "full" happy table

This list is not inclusive, and some have been fined for something off the wall.

The spirit idea behind the fines is keeping everyone focused on taking pride in being a Rotarian, respecting the time of the other members, and maybe get Happy fines going if it's a slow start.

Please keep an eye out for Sargent Shakedown... and wear your pin!

Discovering the Town of Brookfield

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Jul 27, 2022

On July 22, the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) welcomed Anna Antoine, Town of Brookfield Tourism Director.

Anna outlines the areas where City of Brookfield & Town of Brookfield meet, and let us know of the coming accommodations to the area. Wimmer Properties is extending their luxury apartments on the corner of Barker & Bluemound and on that same intersection a Tribute by Marriot will be completed by 2024.

Ms. Antoine also updated us on upcoming events at the Corners like their food truck festival and Brooktoberfest.

If you would like to get the Town of Brookfield newsletter, click here.

If you would like to learn all of this information first hand, please join us for a Friday morning meeting.

Classification talks July 8, 2022

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Jul 15, 2022

Classification talks are among Rotarian's favorite meeting outlines. A member of the club shares a bit about their past, what drew them to Rotary, and what they are looking forward to accomplishing. On July 8 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) was fortunate to learn more about Julie Couden & Emily Jones.

Julie grew up in New Berlin, traveled the world, and has circled back to where she started. She's always been inquisitive, and she's allowed that curiosity lead her the Wartburg College to pursue a degree in social work. Curiosity then led her to Africa to study health, water, and disease, and then to China to work in tech before landing in her newest adventure... sales.

Emily Jones is used to having to think on the fly. As a mom, a teacher, and a black belt, she has to be ready for anything at all times. When she needed to be at work vs. in person for her talk, she flipped over to Zoom and didn't miss a step.

Emily studied Spanish abroad in Salamanca, Spain and loves teaching Spanish. She works at Tosa East as a Spanish teacher and enjoys volunteering locally with her church and Rotary, as well donating her time as far away as Costa Rica. A fun fact about Emily is she is the youngest of 11 siblings.

Addressing Anger with Serenity

On July 15, the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) welcomed Kenneth Ginlack, CEO of Serenity Inns of Milwaukee.

Ken shared that being in long term and active recovery himself, his experiences have allowed him to connect personally with the men at Serenity Inns. As he's counseled hundreds of recovering addicts, he's found that pain and anger are the triggers which lead most people to relapse. He's also noticed that so much of their anger and pain are tied to early childhood episodes of abuse. Although what happened can't be changed, the staff at Serenity Inns works to help the men to use different coping mechanisms to work though the hurt.

The work Serenity Inns does is emotional and frustrating at times, but it is also leading people back to a productive life and a hopeful future.

If you are interested in getting involved, the men's evening meal is completely dependent on donations. People will make a meal, come to the home and have dinner with the staff and men in recovery. If you are interested in learning more, please connect with them at: http://serenityinns.org/

Avalanche of Paul Harris Award Winners

Posted by Gordy Miller on Jul 05, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

2022-2023 Changing of the Guard

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Jul 01, 2022

On June 29, 2022, the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) held it's annual celebration, the Changing of the Guards. This ceremony offers thanks and gratitude to the resigning president, and promotes current members to move up the leadership ranks.

This year we celebrated Thom Arndt as he wrapped his 4 years of service, the last presiding as president. Thom's goals were to bring more hands-on projects to our club. That led to a highway clean up commitment, several Habitat for Humanity builds, and an in person Spikes event this Spring. Thank you Thom for your leadership.

Moving up through our leadership ranks, Harry Farchmin will serve as our president in the 2022/2023 Rotary campaign. Chris Spresser will be our Vice President, and Tom Steinbach will act as our Secretary. Joining the leadership seats this year is Dave Engel at Sargent-at-Arms.

A big thank you also to Mark Zalewski and Gordy Miller for overseeing the responsibilities of club treasurer and foundation treasurer respectively.

Rotary is a collection of people who understand that change starts with us. By following the 4 Way Test, we all work to build our community in the way that best fits our skills and interests. Please consider joining us for a breakfast meeting in our 2022-2023 Rotary year.

2022-2023 Rotary President Jennifer Jones Takes Office

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Jul 01, 2022

On July 1, 2022, Rotary Clubs all over the world turned over leadership to the next round of leaders. The 2022 transition is especially notable as Rotary International President Jennifer Jones is the first woman to lead Rotary as President.

In Jennifer's "Imagine" speech from January 2022, she channels John Lennon's famous declaration:

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one"

(click for video)

She says it's a challenge to all of us to imagine, and also act. Rotarians have imagined a world without polio, a world with clean water, and a world with peace.

This Rotary year, imagine what big outcomes we'll realize in the future, from the seemingly small actions, done consistently.

Best of fortunes to President Jennifer Jones, and all the new presidents in our 2022-2023 Rotary year!

Ukrainian Relief updates

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Jul 01, 2022

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

How we are taking action: (click for video)

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

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

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

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

An International Focus

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Jun 28, 2022

The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) welcomed two speakers with focus abroad to our June 24th breakfast meeting.

Jennifer Demar of the NGO Guatemala Service Project shared the challenges the Guatemalans have confronted. Recognized as the "Poorest Country in the Western Hemisphere," this developing country has daily challenges many Americans never contemplate. Examples are malnutrition, contaminated water, and lack of access to diapers and other hygiene resources.

The Guatemala Service Project is helping to address these needs with awareness, the collection of donations, and helping anyone who wants to get more involved, do so.

The second speaker was Rotarian Dick Debe, member of the Mukwonago Rotary Club and former District Governor of Rotary International District 6270. He shared how his club's involvement with Guatemala has led to even more involvement. The Mukwonago RotaryClub has sponsored projects and earned grants to deliver seeds and create farming programs. They've had chickens delivered to Guatemalan communities to create food, or revenue, or both. Rick has gotten the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) involved in clean water initiatives, getting water purification tools to remote communities so they can drink water with confidence.

The ERC shares its focus among many local and several international organizations. ERC donates volunteer time, financial gifts, and insight to programs. The overarching intention is to be a catalyst for positive change.

ERC is always welcoming new members and meets weekly on Fridays at 7:00 a.m. at the Western Racquet Club in Elm Grove. Let a member know if you're curious about joining.

Pop up Habitat Project

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Jun 28, 2022

On June 23, 2022 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) helped staff a Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity project. Rotarians Mark Zalewski and spouse Evonne Zalelewski joined Jackson Bubolz to round out a group of seven volunteers. They lifted pre-built walls to the second story of a new Habitat home and raised three walls on the second level.

Habitat for Humanity is an avenue to give time or treasure for aiding housing issues in Milwaukee. Housing is often the "lead domino" which causes many additional challenges for families such as education, crime, and employment. Habitat works to provide families with affordable housing to help stabilize their expenses for shelter and to stabilize neighborhoods by increasing home ownership.

Please connect with Jackson Bubolz if you are interested in taking part of a Habitat build this year. There is high demand for volunteers; so this is a unique way to be active, be involved, and also learn some construction skills!

Thanks for Making "Spikes" a Success

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Jun 08, 2022

Prep and Tear down

No event can be a success without lots of working planning ahead of time and dedicated people on site early to prep and make sure the day gets started well.

We also needed volunteers willing to stay afterward to clean up, pack up, and keep going after everyone had their fun . . .

and last but not least... friends & neighbors to come celebrate a great Rotary year and a strong Spikes for Tykes event!

Thank you to all the Rotarians and their families for the effort that went into this year's event. It was great to be back among our members and our Elmbrook community!

Don't forget the online "Silent Auction," which begins on June 22, as part of the annual "Spikes for Tykes" fundraising effort.

Shoot to Thrill

Posted by Harry Farchmin on Jun 20, 2022

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

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

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

Richard Barnhouse & WCTC

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Jun 20, 2022

On June 16, 2022, Dr. Richard Barnhouse came to the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) to share the foundation that Waukesha County Technical College WCTC has established as a powerful educational resource in our community and where he sees WCTC's future programming.

Dr. Barnhouse spoke about the two-year applied science degrees offered by WCTC as well as their one-year technical degrees. He explained that nursing and protective services (fire, police, EMT) are still some of their most popular programs, but there are other programs such as cosmetology that are quietly growing . Dental hygienists are in very high demand, if one is looking for a carer, and there are are many open seats in those classrooms.

WCTC is used both by individuals in our community and by employers, who provide on-going training for their employees. Dr. Barnhouse insists that WCTC stands among the top two-year schools in the country, and he is excited to continue to build the programs which people in our county need.

If you are interested in taking a class, the enrollment periods are now every four months since WCTC switched from the semester academic system.

Rotary offers engaging speakers, fellowship, and opportunities to give back to our community. Please join us at a 7:00 a.m. Friday breakfast meeting at the Western Racquet Club in Elm Grove.

Spikes for Tykes 2022

Posted on Jun 07, 2022

The Elmbrook Rotary Club's "Spikes for Tikes" annual fundraising drive experienced one of its culminating events on Saturday, June 4.

The June 4th in-person wrap-up was a volleyball event held at Mitchell Park in Brookfield. Approximately 20 teams from the community played an hour of volleyball and learned more about Rotary. Each playing team received six (6) long-sleeve commemorative T-shirts. A cash raffle added to the funds raised, and both food and drinks were available for purchase.

Enjoy the photos from the June 4th wrap-up, snapped by ERC member Erik Moeser, by clicking here.

"Spikes for Tikes" is the club's largest fundraising event and is the main way the club creates funds to donate into our community. If you wonder about where the money goes, check out this PDF which lists the 2020-2021 charitable donations of Elmbrook Rotary Club and its Foundation. It's impressive!

If your school, company, or place of worship missed the event this year, please reach out to one of the Elmbrook Rotarians. We'd love to get you involved in "Spikes '23" and also introduce you to the ways we're serving our community through Rotary.

The fundraising effort continues through the club's "Changing of the Guard" event at the same location (Mitchell Field, Brookfield) on June 29. Connected with that event will also be a "Silent Auction," proceeds of which will be added to the "Spikes for Tykes" totals. The online portion of the "Silent Auction" will begin on June 22—lots of treasures, goodies, and experiences to win (for the right bid)!

Purposeful Higher Ed - LAUNCH of Elmbrook

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Jun 01, 2022

The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) has consistently focused on enhancing the opportunities of the students in our community. The LAUNCH program of Elmbrook has been a wonderful way to focus time and resources back into the high schools in our immediate school districts.

On 31 May, the ERC sponsored a large conference room block for the LAUNCH program's "Watch It Live" so their students could showcase what their semester's efforts had created.

The LAUNCH program represents over 400 sophomores, juniors, and seniors from the Elmbrook and Wauwatosa School Districts. Student are grouped into interest "strands" such as global business, future teachers, business analytics, media solution, IT, engineering, healthcare solutions, manufacturing, and several other options. Student groups are paired up with mentors from related industries to receive insight and training from beyond the school's walls. Each mentor brings a real life "problem statement" from their business to the project. The student's job is to solve the problem through their own resources and rely on the mentor for guidance during challenges or confusion.

Friends for Health in Haiti Update

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on May 25, 2022

On May 6 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) welcomed Dr. Catherine Wolfe, Founder, Executive Director, and Clinical Director for Friends for Health in Haiti. Dr. Wolfe shared how gang violence is intensifying challenges of the pandemic and recent earthquakes. Inflation is leading to hunger being increasingly prevalent.

It's not all bad news though. Through programs like Friends for Health in Haiti, communities are able to get organized and work toward solutions. Leveraging repeatable farming techniques, having consistent education for children, and building solutions for clean drinking water and sanitary latrines are all ways Rotary clubs like ours can help boost the wellbeing of others.

Other recent breakthroughs include installing solar panels at the hospital to deliver days of reliable power. Friends for Health in Haiti is also realizing the superior ability of cinderblock structures to weather storms and earthquakes vs. using rocks or tin materials. They are looking to implement stronger materials whenever possible.

There are also opportunities within the ERC to have donations go further. $2,000 has been matched by an anonymous donor to help Friends for Health in Haiti, making a total USD $4,000+ that was raised to support the agricultural seed project of Friends for Health in Haiti.

New Hope School Guatemala Project

Posted by Erik Moeser on May 02, 2022

Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) has sent teams to Guatemala in February of every year since 2012 to work with Common Hope. Common Hope is a St. Paul-based NGO, offering housing, medical, social, and educational services. In 2021 and 2022 the trips were cancelled due to the global pandemic. Because the clients whom Common Hope serves are largely unvaccinated, one way to continue helping has been remotely via Zoom and email.

In 2021 Elmbrook Rotary (assisted by a grant from Rotary International District 6270) provided books, supplemental materials, desks, and supplies for students in the remote village of San Miguel Milpas Altas. The school was experiencing high failure rates. This year the aid was focused on the New Hope community near Guatemala CIty, founded 21 years ago by Common Hope after a disastrous mudslide. The school was built five years later. It was a from-the-ground-up effort to create a model to be emulated in other places over the ensuing years. Teachers were provided with six Dell PCs and peripheral equipment, replacing obsolete technology and enabling them to provide enhanced online learning experiences. This will continue until the Ministry of Education in Guatemala authorizes a return to in-person school attendance.

Elmbrook Rotary Club members will again travel to Guatemala in February of 2023 to catch up with onsite work related to the two remotely-provided projects, return to the usual home building, and participate in other program elements to aid families. Contact ERC member Erik Moeser for more information and for details on the February 2023 trip.

Blogging with Alaina Eckert

Posted on May 02, 2022

Alaina Eckert is the current RI District 6270 Global Grant Scholar.

These days she is in Panama, doing her internship at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. After completing the internship, she still has a semester of study at Lincoln University New Zealand and a master's thesis to write. Alaina is the first Global Grant Scholar of The Rotary Foundation with the Environment as the Area of Focus.

She has created a website, which includes a weekly "blog." Follow her adventures at the following URL: https://eckeala.wixsite.com/missadventures

Getting Kids Fit - Physically & Scholastically

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on May 03, 2022

On April 29 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) was visited virtually by Marcellus Dawson of Fit Club MKE.

Marcellus shared how their programming teaches children the rules and details of sports like baseball and golf, and to be added soon, soccer and yoga.

The players receive a baseball glove when they begin the program together with opportunities to study school and sports on campus. On top of sports training, Fit Club MKE also provides children's books for members to take home, building their literacy along with their home library.

Marcellus shared that the best part of the program is seeing kids come in with apprehension and uncertainty and leave knowing they can play a game well and be part of this sports and education club.

Fit Club MKE is currently in a growth and transition stage, adding programming while also seeking out donations to build a new facility. They are wanting to bring these types of education / athletics / community engagement directly to the players' neighborhoods. The link above provides an opportunity to donate to this organization if so moved.

Bikes for Stripes

Posted on Apr 27, 2022

Last year Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) embarked on sponsoring a new local endeavor by providing a Mini-Grant to the "Bikes for Stripes" program of the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative (MHVI).

On Friday, April 25, the club received a briefing about this program by MHVI Executive Director Debbie Buchanan in its Zoom-only meeting (necessitated by installation of a new HVAC system at the Western Racquet Club). She was joined by West Allis Rotarian Dan Kasun, who coordinates the "Bikes for Stripes" effort.

Ms. Buchanan also shared the mission and purpose objectives of MHVI, and Dan Kasun not only described the details of "Bikes for Stripes" but also provided information on how to get involved. For example, the Rotary Club of West Allis will hold a volunteer opportunity on May 7 to support the Bikes for Stripes program.

Check out the follow URLs to glean more information and to volunteer:

Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative

MHVI Bikes for Stripes

ERC Helps Build

Posted on Apr 13, 2022

Habitat for Humanity is another example of how Elmbrook Rotary Club members give back to the community.

On Thursday, April 7, seven ERC Rotarians and one guest Rotarian joined a Habitat for Humanity team to build a new home located at 3466 N. 2nd Street, Milwaukee, WI.

This build entailed framing the home and moving prebuilt walls from ground level to the second story. The volunteers measured, raised, and secured walls on the second story. The home is now ready for trusses and a roof before work on the interior begins.

Thanks to ERC members Mark Thurner, Lucas Severson, Tom Curl, guest Rotarian Paul Turner, John & Pati Allen, Patti Allen Brickman, & Mike Groth for a job well done!

If you have interest in participating but haven't yet, please reach out to the ERC Community Service group so that they can determine interest in a third build in as many months.

Elmbrook Rotary Fieldtrip

Posted by Jackson Bubolz on Mar 29, 2022

Because the Western Racquet Club was under maintenance, the Elmbrook Rotary club visited the Sharon Lynn Wilson Center for the Arts on Friday March 25.

We heard about the upcoming theater season, including plans for Starry Nights, and we received a tour of the facility.

We also received a surprise! The Sharon Lynn Wilson Center wanted to make a special gesture to our club, a driving force in fund raising before, during, and after the Center's 1994 opening. They revealed a large inscription, "Elmbrook Rotary Fireside Lounge," appearing between the northern etched windows in the lobby and honoring the club's efforts in making the Center a reality.

Upcoming "Starry Nights" events on the Center's outdoor grounds are sure to be a staple of our club's social events this summer.

Classification Talks 3.18.2022

Posted on Mar 20, 2022

A recurring theme in the Elmbrook Rotary Club is how much we love classification talks. Rotarians love these presentations because we're able to hear a 5-10 minute talk from a member about their life.

We hear antidotes, ah ha moments, and some really funny stories. Our trio of presenters at the 3/18/22 meeting were a great example of why.

Rick Chabot shared with us the differences in cost of commonly purchased items from the year he was born to share some of the change he's seen. He's been very involved in Boy Scouts and Rotary, and his advice from 32 years in Rotary is to visit other clubs and engage in international programs.

David Irwin is a new member with a history of travel. He spent some time growing up in Europe and travels often for work. Business and the affairs of the world are a few of his leisure activities. He has two high schoolers at Brookfield East.

Yusuf Quereshi is another new member, and wanted to get involved with a service group because of the example his parents and grandparents set. Yusuf likes spending time at local parks all the way up to the National parks. He also really likes numbers and enjoys his role as an actuarial accountant.

2022 Book Drive

Posted by Jan Constable on Mar 08, 2022

Elmbrook Rotary Club had a great response to its 2022 Book Drive and collected 276 reading books. The books were donated to Literacy Services of Wisconsin (LSW).

LSW is an adult literacy center located on the corner of Plankinton Avenue and Michigan Street in downtown Milwaukee. LSW will make the books available to their students for their reading pleasure. Any books not selected will be sold to a second-hand bookstore, with the funds raised going into LSW's operational account.

Mike Groth, Chairman of the Elmbrook Rotary Club's Community Service Committee, recently delivered the books to LSW. The above photos shows (left to right): Holly McCoy, LSW Executive Director; Dustin Slane, LSW Director of Marketing and IT; Mike Groth; and Chad Knezel, LSW Director of Development & Volunteer Engagement.

Thank you, ERC Rotarians, for supporting the 2022 Book Drive

ERC/ERF International Service Projects

Posted on Feb 16, 2022

The International Service Committee of Elmbrook Rotary Club has recommended the following distribution of funds for international projects:

$1,200—Andean Health Development—supporting the physician residency training program at Hesburgh Hospital in Santo Domingo, Ecuador.
$1,280—Common Hope—sponsoring a Common Hope high school student (to be assigned, including funds for gifts as allowed by Common Hope policy and periodic food bags for the student's family) in Guatemala.
$1,200—Friends for Health in Haiti—supporting a new Agriculture Program which will purchase seeds for crops to provide a sustainable food source.
$1,200—Giraffe Children’s Charity—helping some of the poorest children in Nairobi, Kenya, receive an education, thereby continuing ERC sponsorship of two primary school age children per year through eighth grade.
$1,200—Caserio El Tesoro Water Project—helping purchase materials to capture and provide fresh water for El Tesoro, Guatemala, a community of about 324 people located one hour north of the municipality of San Martín Jilotepeque, department of Chimaltenango, Guatemala. This is in connection with TRF Global Grant Application #2232182, in which the Marquette University Chapter, Engineers without Borders USA, is serving as a cooperating organization.
$1,100—Rotary Water Initiative—helping to deliver a minimum of 50 TivaWater filters to families in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. This is an international project of the Rotary Club of Mukwonago, Wisconsin.

Elmbrook Rotary Takes First Place

Posted on Jan 23, 2022

Elmbrook Rotary Club has been informed that it was the TOP Individual Fundraising Club for the Rotary Cycling2Serve (C2S) 2021 Indoor Ride to End Polio.

Yes, a group of ERC Rotarians did ride outside, but the "Indoor Ride" is the C2S way of classifying riders who did not ride in Tucson on November 20. Elmbrook Rotary's effort involved some 25 Rotarian contributions and raised a total of $12,647.53! After the Gates Foundation 2-for-1 match, that's $37.941.99—enough to inoculate 250,000 kids against polio. The Ride to End Polio 2021 raised USD $2,996,868 in total and has now raised over $56 Million to vaccinate children against polio.

What is the Indoor Ride to End Polio? The Indoor Ride to End Polio is a ready-made polio fundraising event open to every Rotary Club, Rotary District, and Rotarian in the world. The Indoor Ride is a complement to the Ride to End Polio, a bicycling fundraiser held each November in Tucson, Arizona, USA, in conjunction with El Tour de Tucson, one of the largest perimeter bicycling events in the US. El Tour, organized by Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, annually attracts more than 8,000 cyclists. The Indoor Ride allows riders across the country and around the world to participate without coming to Tucson.

The name of "Rotary Club of Elmbrook" will now be engraved on the trophy at Rotary International headquarters in Evanston, Ill. Congrats to all who participated and/or contributed! We "Serve to Change Lives"!

Members of the 2019 Guatemala Vision Team stand in front of the house they built in February along with the Ventura family who will be living there!

Elmbrook Rotary Club was founded by 26 Brookfield and Elm Grove, Wisconsin, USA business leaders to promote fellowship as a foundation for community service, ethical ideals and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace. Elmbrook Rotary Club is also proud to sponsor The Brookfield East High School Interact Club, a service oriented group of high school students. Our mailing address is: Elmbrook Rotary, P.O. Box 1014, Brookfield WI 53008-1014.

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