• Trash - 686 lbs. – 51.2%
• Recyclables - 270 lbs. – 20.1%
• Food waste - 240 lbs. – 17.9%
• Plastic bags – all types – 51.6 lbs. – 3.9%
• Clothing – 44.9 lbs. – 3.4%
• Yard waste – 32.1 lbs. – 2.4%
• Home delivery packaging – 11.8 lbs. - .09%
• Styrofoam – 3.6 lbs. - .03%
• Batteries – 3.5% - .03%

• Recycle and follow suggested guidelines.
• Compost appropriate food items or consider a compost service.
• Use your own bags for bagging at the grocery store.
• Reduce the number of items purchased in plastic containers.

• Cans: aluminum, tin, steel, and aerosol cans. Please empty and rinse.
• Cartons: food and beverage cartons. Please empty and replace the cap. Milk cartons and juices boxes.
• Glass: bottles and jars. Please empty and rinse.
• Paper: Cereal and shoe boxes, newspaper, magazines, mail and flatten cardboard and paper tubes. Brown paper bags, and shredded paper placed in clear plastic bags.
• Plastic: bottles and containers numbered 1,2, and 5. Please empty and replace cap. Plastics can only be recycled 2-3 times before it then must go to the landfill.

• Scrap metal: no car parts or scrap metal.
• Plastic bags: do not bag recyclables; return plastic bags and wrap to retail stores.
• Hazards: no flammables, compressed cylinders, batteries, electronics, or sharps.
• Garbage: Empty all containers, no food, liquids, diapers, or garbage.
• Tanglers: no hoses, wires, or chains.
• Construction items.
• Styrofoam, yard waste and clothing.

helped establish another garden at the Riverview apartment building.

In 2019, a small non-profit named Bloom MKE was started by Rick and Lisa Roszkowski. Cherry Street Community Garden is their first venture. Their vision is to use gardens to build communities and have the gardens to act as the canvas and platform to bring people together.

The program they developed includes:

· Garden Clubs which combine a variety of personal development workshops with gardening and nutrition education activities. One 4ft. by 8ft. garden plot can produce $100 worth of fresh food in a season.

· Youth education programs introduce local children to gardening basics and healthy eating habits. Access to healthy food and good nutrition is on key component of a healthy life.

· Collaboration with local university connects Bloom MKE with students seeking research opportunities in urban studies, urban infrastructure, food justice and artistic ventures.

· Little Free Library book drives

· The weekly club meetings provide a means of getting together in fellowship, building communication skills, self-esteem, teamwork, and problem solving.

· Between the garden sites, Bloom MKE supports more than 50 families and engages more than 100 youth each year.

If you would like to learn more about the mission and the community gardens Bloom MKE provides, visit www.BloomMke.org.

Rick and Lisa, thank you for all your selfless volunteer work for the Milwaukee community.

Today the airport is a full-service airport: open 24/7 serving the needs of both corporate and recreational pilots. The airport provices flight support, aircraft management, maintenance and more.

Today Wisconsin has 97 airports, supporting 90,900 jobs equating to 3.5 billion dollars in income. At Waukesha County Airport there are 31 jets, 24 multi-engine and 178 single-engine aircraft on campus. Service provided include business transport, recreational flights, medical/medivac, maintenance, military operations, and flight training.

Over the past decade, there has become an increasing gap between the number of pilots retiring and pilots needed to meet the forecast needs of aviation. The need is for both pilots and mechanics. If interested in a career in aviation, give Kurt a call for a tour or an opportunity to talk with pilots and mechanics. Stop by to learn more or view the website for opportunities. “The entire staff is standing by to help.”

Throughout the year there are many opportunities for aviation enthusiasts to attend events like Food Truck Fridays, airplane rides, Young Eagle free flights, safety seminars, air shows, and the Airtoberfest Steins for Scouting event.

To learn more about the history, operations, and aviation opportunities, visit the www.waukeshacounty.gov/airporthome/ , call 262-521-5250, or email the staff.

Thank you, Kurt.

have had trouble functioning over the last twelve months. More than 80% of students feel overwhelmed and 50% feel things are hopeless. This can lead to deadly consequences; suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. College is a stressful period for our young adults’ lives.

What can we as parents, primary care providers and colleges do to address this crisis?

· Expand the number of college mental health counselors available to address mental health issues on a timely basis.

· Provide the whole person health, body, mind, and spirit care at the primary care service level.

· Educate ourselves on how to help our kids through these stressful years of their lives.

One publication option is “The Stressed Years of Their Lives – Helping Your Kid Survive and Thrive During Their College Years”. This book is a guide for the parents of every college and college-bound student who want to know what’s normal mental health and behavior, what’s not, and how to intervene before it’s too late.

The whole person’s health approach of body, mind, spirit and social are key to a happy fulfilled life and longevity. Exercise alone can extend one’s life from 3-5 years and provide 5-10 years of improved quality of life. Just walking on a regular basis provides these benefits.

Bruce feels that organizations outside of healthcare will lead the transformation in improving health in Americans. Colleges, businesses, and other organizations will be key in this transformation. A positive organization example he referred to is the Rotary Four Way Test.

In closing, Bruce reviewed the Four Way Test - of things we think, say, or do.

· Is it the Truth?

· Is it Fair to all Concerned?

· Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?

· Will It be Beneficial to all concerned?

For more information regarding Bruce’s company, Korus Health Innovation, you can contact him here.

sponsored by Rotary Clubs every year. This program “inspires young leaders to serve as catalysts for peace and social justice in their local communities and throughout the world, long after their exchanges end. This program is possible because of the dedication, leadership, and passion of the tens of thousands of volunteers – Rotary members and nonmembers alike – who make this unique program so successful.”

The city of Hat Yai was home where Alex lived and shared experiences with three wonderful exchange host families. During his stay he had the opportunities to teach piano, English, and anti-drowning swim classes to young children. Through Rotary he helped fit people in need of glasses. He also had a great opportunity to visit a local veterinary school. His passion for animals will be his focus in fall when he attends UW Madison looking to major in Zoology.

As part of his presentation, Alex shared pictures of his host families, friends, and adventures of visiting regions of Thailand, Singapore, Hanoi Vietnam, Malaysian and Melbourne Australia. Other activities included hiking through the jungle, visiting beautiful waterfalls, surfing, and kayaking.

At the end of his stay, Alex’s family joined him and his three host families in a celebration of his time in Thailand, the experience of a lifetime.

Alex, thank you for the excellent presentation and best wishes in following your dreams.

youth services.

Being a non-profit, this organization is partially funded through donations, fundraising events and is always looking for volunteers to provide help and services. Volunteers are always needed to keep the houses running smoothly. Opportunities include painting, preparing meals, helping with homework, shoveling snow, or raking leaves in fall. Volunteering is a great way to get to “know the individuals and families who are guests of our shelters and find out how one person can make a huge difference” by being a volunteer.

Kathleen reviewed two new programs; one aimed at housing for unsheltered youths 18-24, and a recovery voucher service program providing services to those who were homeless with mental health issues. The goal is to build a relationship with these individuals to assist in paying their rent. Case Managers are available to assist in working with the residents to develop a housing stability plan.

Addy reviewed the ways one can assist such as donations, volunteering, or supporting one of the fund-raising events, like the Annual Gala to be held Nov. 4th.

If you are interested in volunteering, use SignUpGenius on the website www.hebronhouse.org to learn about current volunteer opportunities and list of needs for the facilities. The website provides a “Donate Now” section where monetary gift levels are accessed with an explanation of what gifts that donation level may provide. Information on the Annual Gala can also be found on the website.

Thank you, Kathleen and Addy for sharing the mission, operations and volunteer opportunities offered at Hebron House.

City of Brookfield room tax, with the mission of promoting the image and name recognition of Brookfield. Being reliant on a room tax, hotel stays provide the funding for promoting this great city. That drives the internal slogan of “Heads in Beds”.

“Visit Brookfield is tasked with advancing the interest of all visitors to Brookfield; be it business travelers, families, conference-goers, or leisure travelers. In doing so, they advance the economic climate for all those who reside or do business in Brookfield.”

What does the City of Brookfield have to offer visitors? There are:

· Over 1840 hotel rooms within 11 locations with various amenities including extended stay, single rooms, complimentary breakfast options, workout facilities and more.

· 104 Food offerings range from fast food to fine dining.

· 213 shopping opportunities.

· Entertainment venues; Whirly Ball, Marcus Movie Tavern, Sharon Lynn Wilson Center.

· Other opportunities to explore include the Saturday Farmer’s Market, along with the drivable Fiserv Forum, Marcus Center, Milwaukee Zoo and Museum to name a few popular destinations. 

· A golf course and driving range, plus several fitness centers and spas.

The new Conference Center, south of the Brookfield Square Shopping Center, provides state of the art technology and amenities for productive business functions. Meetings, conferences, banquets and other social events can be held in this beautiful venue.

To learn more about what the City of Brookfield has to offer, visit www.visitbrookfield.com. The website provides the ability to view accommodations and restaurants through website links, as well as search for entertainment and activities on the site calendar.

$7,276,653 to the earthquake relief response fund with donations being focused both on immediate and long-term sustainable solutions to affected communities in the aftermath of the earthquake.

President Chris Spresser and member Kemal Yilmaz shared this award with the Club. Rotarians, thank you for your generosity and support of BTF.

If you would like information on becoming a Elmbrook Rotarian, visit our website at www.elmbrookrotary.org.

eight tasks that provide information and guidance regarding the Rotary mission and club activities of service. As part of the program, a new member prepares and gives a Classification Talk at one of the general meetings. These talks are meant to provide a brief history of your life experiences, what drew you to the club, what you hope to gain and what you feel you can contribute.

This Summer, two new members, Sandy Wysocki, left and Kerri Richlen, right shared their life journeys highlighting family, work history, training, education, hobbies, and special interests.

Sandy and Kerri, thank you for sharing, and Welcome to the Club! 

for their financial donation level to the foundation attained this year. Awards were presented to: (the + number represents the accumulated donation level)

· Greg Bonk + 2

· Rick Chabot + 3

· Thomas Steinbach + 3

· Tom Hochuli + 3

· Don Black + 5

Members, thank you for your continued support for our Club and the Foundation. Elmbrook Rotary is the 7th largest club in the district and per capita gives twice the district average.

After the award presentations, Don updated the membership on the events planned for the remainder of 2023 and 2024 within District 6270 and for Rotary International. The list included a Leadership Development Academy Workshop in Sept., the Annual District Dinner in November, Tricon in April, and the International Convention in Singapore next year.

Don reviewed the Vision Statement of “together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe in our communities and in ourselves”.

The Action Plan to increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance our service, and adapt to changing times was also shared. He referenced the need for members to take care of oneself, per a quote from Dr. Brene Brown,

“No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough”, encouraging us to be kind and give ourselves the same grace.

A quote from Nikki Banas,

“You never really know the true impact of what you have on those around you.

You never know how much someone needed that smile you gave them.

You never know how much your kindness turned some one’s life around.

You never know how much someone needed that long hug or deep talk.

So, don’t wait to be kind.

Don’t wait for someone to be kind first.

Don’t wait for better circumstances or for someone to change.

Just be kind, because you never know how much someone needs it.”

Thank you, Don and Marjorie, for attending and sharing the district plans and vision for 2023-2024.

Prior to the presentation, Membership Committee Chair Lucas Severson recognized Kemal and Vesile Yilmaz for completing the new member, Red Badge Program. Congratulations!

If you would like to learn more about the Elmbrook Rotary Club and opportunities to serve others, visit www.elmbrookrotary.org.

as an international youth program of Rotary District 6270, the seminar has grown with the times with a focus on “Peace Through Understanding”. Today’s mission is to build strong international leaders and foster peace and understanding among participants, staff, and speakers in an environment of open dialogue where innovative, rigorous academics are offered through programs that focus on global issues.

Through this one-week global issues summer camp, the vision is to enrich high school students with better understanding of world problems through:

· Exposure to current issues from diverse perspectives

· Discussion and problem-solving

· Interactions with youth from other countries

· Opportunities to develop solutions

· Platforms from which to present and defend ideas

The 2023 seminar theme was Climate Change: Youth Action. Ava shared her experience of being part of this 300-delegate seminar with representatives from 30 countries. The students were presented with a challenging project: A Fresh Water Crisis. They worked  throughout the week researching and preparing to present. The crisis was between two countries. One was building a dam that would cut off the water supply to the other's water needs, impacting the eco system, including the crane population. Ava’s team represented the avian resource group. Her group was immersed in taking on these roles in the simulation. The goal was to develop solutions for the presented project ending in a resolution of compromise.

Her Capstone presentation was researched and presented by a small group of students regarding climate change issues, the effect on endangered animals and whole ecosystems, i.e., the cranes in the freshwater project.

Ava thanked Rotary for their sponsorship and the wonderful experience of hearing excellent speakers, thought provoking discussions, and the opportunity for this “amazing experience” of meeting people and developing friends from around the world.

To be part of this incredible experience, students can apply for scholarships to attend through area services clubs like Rotary, high school guidance counselors, or may attend at their own expense.

To learn more about the initiative of Rotary International District 6270 World Affairs Seminar, please visit www.worldaffairsseminar.org or call (414) 453-4984.

Pardeep reached out to an unlikely person in the community, Arno Michaelis. As part of his presentation, Pardeep shared a video he made with Arno, a founding member of one of the largest white supremacists hate groups in the country, located in Milwaukee, WI.

At sixteen Arno was an angry and violent alcoholic who “wanted to make people angry”. His White Supremacist ideology was rooted in “that white people were different than everybody else, superior to everybody else, but at the same time threatened by the presence of everyone else”. At one point he realized the flaws in his thinking, and in 1994 he “renounced white supremacy”.

Arno was devastated to see the news of the shooting, feeling he had something to do with it. In many ways, he felt he “set the stage for this man to come into being.”

Pardeep and Arno met at a local restaurant to start the conversation and share their life stories. From this meeting Pardeep and Arno decided that they were going to “Help Heal”. Since, they have shared the message of togetherness through the Serve 2 Unite program.

Serve 2 Unite “Makes the practice of peace an attractive and valuable way of life, transforming schools and communities via fearless creativity and compassion, in interdependent partnership with local & global peace efforts”. Pardeep is also involved in The Forgiveness Project, where collections of “shared stories from both victims/survivors and perpetrators of crime and conflict who have rebuilt their lives following hurt and trauma”.

If you would like more information on either of these two programs, search Pardeep Kaleka on the web or YouTube.

Pardeep and Arno thank you for sharing your stories and mission to making this a more loving peaceful world.

· Capital Improvements.

· Art, Agriculture, and Education programs.

· Park Beautification.

· Visitor Experience.

Did you know the very first State Fair was held in 1851 on the banks of the Rock River in Janesville, followed by being held at several different locations. In 1892 the Wisconsin State Fair moved to Steven’s farm in West Allis.

This year the Fair will be celebrating 172 years of providing fun and education to Wisconsinites and guests from other states.

In 1948 the Fair ran for 23 days with an attendance of 1,786,818. In 1979 the duration was reduced to the 11 day format of today, with this past year’s attendance topping at 1,003,450.

The Foundation is comprised of a cross section of community leaders with the priorities of:

· Keeping educational programs at the forefront.

· Enhancing agricultural programs and facilities.

· Improving the fair park environment to be welcoming for all.

· Expanding arts and culture programs.

Some of the recent foundation projects are:

· 97K Central Mall Reconstruction

· 100K Central Park Foundation Renovation

· 20K Ag Education and Youth Programs

· 100K Dairy Lane Exhibit Construction

· 250K Milwaukee Mile Improvements

If you are interested in supporting the Foundation there are several giving opportunities; by becoming a Foundation member, sponsor, event participant, volunteer, giving an in-kind contribution, serving on the Board of Directors, or donating to the adopt-a-bench program.

For more information about the Foundation and opportunities to become involved, visit www. wsfpfoundation.org or info@wsfpfoundation.org. This year’s Fair Aug. 3-13.

Come visit the Fair and see all the great changes and maybe a pig race or two!

then returning to the US to finish her degree. Post graduation, Brigitte moved to Greece where her passion for working with the refugee population brought her to a remote refugee camp, where she lived and worked for three months. Many of these refugees from the Middle East and Northern Africa had fled their countries due to war and violence. The camp was comprised mainly of mothers with children. To combat the challenges of isolation, the volunteers taught the children English and math, plus provided them with sports and art activities, trying to make life as normal as possible.

“Greece changed everything for me,” said Brigitte, who felt she was “doing what she is supposed to be doing.”

The multi-year process and challenges of seeking asylum can be long, comprised of dangerous travels, a long asylum claiming process, followed by the granting of the request and placement within a UN member country. During this process, many refugees are in limbo for five or more years.

After returning from Greece, Brigitte set out to spend a month in Uganda with a maternal health organization, followed by one year with the international institute of Wisconsin. Currently she is volunteering remotely for Cribs, an Athens, Greece, based organization serving mothers with children.

Her next venture is to pursue a degree in the “Master of Science in International Migration and Public Policy” program at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is interested in studying preventative work, exploring what is the root cause why people feel the need to come to another country and what we can do socially and politically to keep people in their home communities. This dovetails with her Rotary Area of Focus on "Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution."

The LSE's Atrocity and Conflict Prevention program looks at the fragility of a country’s political and economic state to determine whether they at risk of a major event. What are the early warning signs of violence and what mitigation strategies can be employed to defuse an event, preventing violence while building strong political structures and empowering local communities? The other component is how to prepare for the potential of increasing refugee numbers.

Brigitte, Congratulations on receiving the 2023-2024 Rotary D-6270 Global Grant Scholarship!

Thank you for your service to those in need who are seeking a safe life for themselves and their families where they can prosper and thrive.

• Post stories to the website & organize the newsletter
• Keep the changing of roles up to date on the website
• Take stories from our website and post them to social media
• Convert a story each month to be an article with the Elm Grove News Independent 
• Capture pictures of outing and  provide a brief write up 

“Our simple and shared vision is to unite people and give back as a community. It is an organized attempt to leverage individual resources of those who believe in the power of investing together for education, and for building better futures for under-served youth in Türkiye.”

Amin reviewed the size and scope of the area impacted including the devastation the earthquake brought upon the country, and assistance the BTF provided during the different stages of response, recovery, protect, rebuild, and sustain. During the various stages BTF provided funding for temporary shelters, laptops for students, temporary classrooms, an early education school, prefabricated school buildings and housing for disabled children.

Pamucak also shared information and the successes of the new fundraiser called CATE (Child Amputees of Turkiye Earthquake) Project. Its goal is to give kids who have suffered the loss of a limb due to the earthquake, “a second lease on life”. Other BTF programs provide educational projects to empower student's learning in the classroom, award scholarships creating opportunities, and fund enablement and projects enriching students educational experiences.

Emin thanked the Elmbrook Rotary for our generous donation to the earthquake relief fund.

100% of the funds collected by BTF for the earthquake relief are disbursed to AHBAP and other local worthy partners.

“We thank each and every one of the individuals, organizations, volunteers, and leaders contributing to this endeavor.”

If you would like to learn more about BTF, visit www.bridge to turkiye.org

trustworthy peers and trained by advisors. This program empowers students to build meaningful connections with their peers and to create a culture of caring and support within school, community and within themselves.

Why Start a Hope Squad?

· Train staff and community members in youth suicide prevention through evidence-based training.

· Empower the natural helpers in your school through peer-to-peer suicide prevention training.

· Raise awareness of mental health and youth suicide prevention resources.

· Educate students on how to recognize suicide warning signs and respectfully report concerns.

· Train students how to support fellow students who may be struggling.

· Increase connectedness, inclusion, and social-emotional learning skills.

· Increase help-seeking behaviors.

· Reduce suicide attempts.

This program values education, taking initiative, openness, self-care, and community. There is a heavy focus on safety, connectedness, bully prevention, mental wellness, reducing stigma and substance abuse prevention.

Congratulations to Counselor Jason Lippold who received honorary membership into the Elmbrook Rotary and to Principal Andy Farley for receiving the “2023 Secondary Principal of the Year” for the State of Wisconsin.

If you would like more information regarding the Hope Squad, visit www.hopesquad.com.

Rotary International District 6270 consists of 53 Rotary clubs and two Rotaract clubs in southeastern Wisconsin. Rotary International is a global network with 530 districts and 1.4 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs.

The Rotary Foundation transforms gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

John attended the University of Wisconsin where he studied Hydrogeology. Upon graduation, he was hired by the US Geological Survey and served in the Survey Water Resource Division. The Division researched water energy, how nutrients and energy in water are stored, and how they move through a watershed. He worked at the Trout Lake Station in Boulder Junction, WI, focusing on stream and groundwater interaction. John was also a member of the Antarctica Team tasked with studying glacial melt water streams, the most pristine streams in the world.

In 1997 and 1998, the Village experienced 100- year and 300-year floods causing loss of life and major property damage. Looking to the future, the Village pursued a major multi-year flood mitigation project. After completion in 2005, the Wisconsin DNR advised that the current creek tunnel flowing through downtown could not be repaired, and mandated that the Underwood Creek be daylighted for additional flood retention. After 18 years and a partial grant funding 725K for engineering/design, property acquisition, and stream restoration/development, the project will commence in 2024. The daylighting should be completed in approximately one year.

John’s presentation highlighted the benefits of daylighting as well as the design considerations and engineering plans. He reviewed the ecological makeup of a healthy, thriving waterway and how the food chain provided by the various strata in an open creeks. This allows for a variety of microorganisms and small and large fish to thrive. One goal is to have northern pike and salmon from Lake Michigan inhabit the creek.

The plan is to start construction in 2024 with a one-year timetable for completion. The project will feature open green spaces along each side of the creek, walking paths and seating areas. The former creek tunnel will be utilized for surrounding buildings and some parking lot storm water runoff.

Thank you, John. For more information regarding the project, visit the Village of Elm Grove website, www.elmgrove.org.

a total of 717 living units, including independent living, assisted living, specialized memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation. Units are available in various sizes ranging from 450 –2,000 square feet for independent living, and 1 – 2 person assisted living accommodations. Additional care or services are available with a full continuum of home health and hospice.

Residents are availed to on-site wellness nurses, Silver Sneakers organized activities, state of art exercise equipment, yoga studios, fitness and educational wellness classes, and an on-site medical clinic. Coming soon, a dedicated therapy space will be added.

Life Enrichment opportunities are offered through a varied, changing monthly activity book featuring cultural classes, outings, creativity classes and movies.

On the culinary side, St. Camillus is very proud of Executive Chef Giuseppe Asciutto, former Chef of Mima’s restaurant who provides fine to casual dining in 4 venues.

One program that has been great fun for the residents is their cultural integration program. The offering gives 3 Marquette University students accommodations in independent living at a reduced rent in exchange for 12 hours per week of their time spent with the residents. The plan is to expand the program next year to have 7 students in this program.

All faiths are welcome. The campus offers daily Mass and weekly Ecumenical services in any of the 3 chapels. The Pastoral Care Team is available 24 hours, 7 days a week to meet with residents, families or provide any support needed.

St. Camillus provides benevolent care if residents funds were to run out, giving residents security and stability of knowing the “what ifs” of the future are covered and they can remain as a resident.

If you would like additional information or a tour, contact St. Camillus at 414-800-0021, or www.stcam.com.

Through all-level organization training, employees from different responsibilities within an organization learn to speak the same critical language when faced with a potentially violent situation, preventing an increase in the risk level. Through situational awareness and using non-verbal and verbal techniques employees can de-escalate a situation, reducing the likelihood and severity of a workplace violence incident resulting in reduced injuries. Through this training, staff members learn the “power of the voice”, how to recognize anxiety when faced with a potentially escalating situation, resulting in a higher level of Staff confidence.

Programs Offered:

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) provides the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations. NCI training complies with all current legislation and is evidence-based and fully accredited. This program is recommended for First responders, security personnel, Healthcare, Education and Human service professionals.

The Nonviolent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical Skills equips staff with the decision-making skills needed to confidently assess and address risk. It combines verbal intervention strategies and restrictive interventions with advanced physical skills for high-risk scenarios such as those that require floor intervention. This program includes the skills for the NCI recommended audience plus corrections/juvenile facility staff, security teams and, mental health professionals.

The combined programs provide:

· Prevention and verbal de-escalation skills.

· Disengagement safety techniques.

· Trauma-informed training.

· Risk assessment framework.

· Physical intervention techniques.

· Disengagement safety techniques.

· Physical intervention techniques.

· Skills for high-risk scenarios.

If you would like more information regarding workplace violence prevention, visit the CPI website at www.insittue.crisisprevention.com.

The ACA was founded in 1990 as a small group of volunteer pilot organizations wishing to work together in mutual support. “For more than three decades, we’ve made great strides for the world of charitable aviation.” The work of ACA has protected public benefit flying, promoted the work of volunteer pilots, and has increased access to free air transportation for patients and others in need.

Free Flights for those in need. This is how it works!

· A family in need to travel to a facility contacts the ACA www.aircarealliance.org

· Available flights are reviewed by the family.

· A flight is requested via the ACA, who refers the request to the best fit Public Benefit Flight Organization/s.

· The Best Fit Flight Organization/s validates the eligibility of the request.

· The request is approved, the pilot is notified, and the flight is scheduled.

Rotarians Spread the word!

Rotary Volunteer Outreach help is needed. Let friends, relatives, special service medical facilities, rural medical facilities, social workers, and veteran support groups know of this incredible service provided by this joint effort of volunteers.

Thank you Mark for sharing this important information and your service.

Mark Hanson has of donated or flown 400+ mission hours, serving 700 passengers and has covered 200,000+ miles since 2012.

Nami “Inspires the hope of recovery, and deepens the understanding of mental health conditions for individuals, families, and communities” With a vision that “Individuals and families affected by mental health conditions thrive in communities that encourage recovery and where stigma does not exist”.

What makes NAMI unique is that everything comes from a “lived experience perspective”. The staff is comprised of individuals who have family members or are living with their own mental conditions.

The following classes are offered to individuals and families:

· NAMI Basics – 6-week group education for parents and family caregivers for children and teens who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or who have already been diagnosed.

· Family to Family – 8-session education program for families, significant others, and friends of people living with mental illness.

· NAMI Peer-to-Peer – 8-session program for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understanding their condition and get help in their journey toward recovery.

· NAMI Family and Friends – seminar that informs people who have loved ones with a mental health condition how to best support them.

· Compassion Tool Kit – is a class for parents and caregivers feeling stressed out with strategies on how to take care of themselves.

· Ending Silence – an outreach program presented to high school freshmen and sophomores addressing how they can help themselves and others when confronted with mental health issues as individuals, friends, and family members.

· In Our Own Voice – a presentation where two individuals talk about their own stories of recovery.

· Crisis Intervention Team Training – a program that teaches police officers how to help someone in a psychiatric crisis with the goal of keeping the officer, community and individual safe.

Unfortunately, “Stigma, Shame and Fear of mental health conditions are very much alive today”. Currently there is a myriad of treatments and strategies available, ranging from therapy and medications to meditation, acupuncture, and Reiki. Education and programs like those offered by NAMI are key to understanding and addressing mental healthcare needs.

If you would like to learn more about NAMI and how you can support this vital organization, visit www.namisoutheastwi.org.

• Habitat homes have a 35% increase in graduation rates versus the average MPS student.
• Nearly 60% of Milwaukee renters are currently living in unaffordable housing paying up to 70% of their income just to cover the rent, leaving little left over for education, savings, or even basic needs.
• Milwaukee Habitat combats the city’s affordable housing crisis by providing families with an affordable path to safe and stable housing.
• Studies show: Safe, affordable housing leads to improved health, education, and financial stability.
• Homes are not a gift. Perspective homeowners are required to meet the criteria of being a first-time homeowner, spending more than 50% of their income on rent. Homeowners must be able to afford the mortgage and are willing to put in 300 hours of "sweat equity" on their home.
• Crime rate in Habitat neighborhoods have a 46% reduction and a 25% increase in home value.
• Homeowners are provided with classes on finances, budgeting, and home maintenance.
• Volunteers provide 60,000 hours building homes and volunteering at the three Restore facilities.

• The plan for 2023 is to build 30 homes. In 2022 the Elmbrook Rotary was involved in three builds. The build sites have a construction team member who will provide tools, construction materials, safety items and instruction for the day’s tasks. The day starts at 8:00am and ends at 3:00pm. Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty and bring your own lunch and folding chair
• Jackson Bubolz has been an active leader along with other Rotarians in volunteering. Keep an ear out for more projects in Fall when ladders aren't required
• Another way to support Habitat is to donate items to one of three Restore sites, or volunteer Tuesday thru Sat. 10am to 2pm or 2pm to 6pm. 100% of the $3.5 million proceeds go directly to the construction of the homes
• Habitat has a donation program consisting of one-time employer match or a legacy gift giving

If you are interested in learning more about this great organization, visit www.milwaukeehabitat.org to see the many opportunities to volunteer, donate or give support.

Thank you, Elmbrook Rotary, for your years of support in giving freely of your time and labor.

· More than 50% of Guatemalans live in poverty.

· More than 25% of Guatemalans live on less than $2/day.

· There are explosive rates of poverty, alcoholism, violence, mistrust, and unemployment.

There is a great educational need:

· On average adults have completed 3.5 years of education.

· 30% of the children fail first grade at least once.

· 7th grade school attendance drops as children go to work to supplement their family income.

· 18.6% of students graduate from high school.

The need for Housing is high:

· 67% of families live in homes without roofs and sufficient living space.

· Homes with cornstalk walls and dirt floors are unsafe and unsanitary.

· Families often live without basic electricity.

This year, the 9 person Elmbrook Rotary Vision Team assisted in preparing a school for the return of students by cleaning and organizing the school. The Team also constructed a house in three days! They started with building prefab panels, delivered them to the site, and created a home for a family in need. A great accomplishment by the Vision Team and a housing upgrade for the family.

Vision Team, thank you for your selfless contribution of time and labor in assisting the Common Hope organization in their mission of “helping poor people out of poverty”.

If you are wondering, how you can be a contributing member to the Elmbrook Rotary and Common Hope’s great Guatemalan mission? You can:

· Be a member of the Annual Vision Team that builds homes, works with students, and assists in healthcare.

· Sponsor a student – currently Elmbrook Rotary sponsors 2 students and 16 are sponsored by individuals associated with the Rotary.

To learn more about Common Hope, visit www.commonhope.org.

To view the great presentation created by Harry Farchmin, use this link: https://1drv.ms/u/s!As3J6helL0FqwG0wqvGavpXJtJ8V?e=PfOqfE

The vision is to transform the “historic 18-acre campus on Milwaukee’s northwest side into a vibrant neighborhood anchor where families, trauma-informed social services, mental health resources have a place to connect, collaborate, and care for themselves and one another”.

Ann thanked Jack Nelson and the Elmbrook Rotarians for their years of volunteer support, compassion and kindness providing a positive impact on those served, and she looks forward to many more years of partnering and working together.

The Goals of the Campaign are to:

· Prevent childhood and family adversity

· Heal individual, family and community trauma

· Support strong families and thriving communities

With the Vision to:

· Expand, renovate, and share our campus as an innovative model for community healing and wellness with community gardens, walking paths and a peace garden providing “a quiet natural space for contemplation and healing open to neighbors, staff, and our mental health clients and therapists”.

· Embed principals of Trauma Informed Care into the very design of our buildings and grounds with a mental health clinic, modern workspaces for therapists, social workers, and other team members to work in partnership and coordinate care. A community social hall will include multiple indoor and outdoor gathering spaces open to the public for “connection, collaboration, and creation”.

· Engage local families, center their voices, and leverage their wisdom and resilience for future growth.

Thank you Ann for your 33 years of service to this long standing, care providing institution, that is vital in offering Mental Health Services, Child, and Family Wellbeing along with Training and Consultation to Milwaukee’s children and families.

If you would like more information regarding Wellpoint and its mission, or how you can volunteer and be of support, visit www.wellpoint.org.

Over the years the House has expanded through major renovations, from under 30 rooms to 70 and other amenities, i.e. a family room area where families can spend the day while their child is receiving outpatient therapy at Rogers Memorial Hospital in Oconomowoc.

Serving Wisconsin and beyond, this RMHC provides pet, music, and art therapy, along with family garden education and Kids Can Cook programs. A stocked hospitality cart is even wheeled through the halls of the hospital, providing nourishment to the patients and families.

Financial support is provided by the following:

· Pop Tab Program – 400K of recycled tabs per year

· Annual Golf Event – held each year at the Ironwood Golf Course in Sussex

· Annual Gala – Guests enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a large silent auction before heading into the main ballroom for a delicious dinner. Guest speakers, including past guest families, share what the House means to them and how others can support the RMHC® mission.

· Coin Boxes at 30 Local McDonald restaurants – 150-200K annually

· Chefs Dinner – provides delectable dishes from around the world by six local chefs.

· Third Party Events – local groups or individuals provide some sort of fundraising event.

Since the pandemic the volunteer staff has diminished from 550 down to 330. Rebuilding the volunteer staff is a current mission.

Available Volunteer Opportunities

· Family Room Volunteers help to create a warm welcoming environment.

· Hospitality Volunteers perform light housekeeping, organizational duties, welcoming guests and assisting with check-outs.

· Kitchen Keeper Volunteers ensure the kitchens are clean, well-organized, and stocked.

· Office Assistance Volunteers answer phones, greet and welcome guests, and office work.

· Van Driver Volunteers transport guests to and from the hospital, grocery stores and other local errands.

If you are interested in supporting the Ronald McDonald House through one or more of their volunteer programs, or just want to learn more about this great place, login to www.rmhc-easternwi.org to view the opportunities and sign-up to serve families in need during a difficult time.

The three programs available are:

Money Path – The most complete academic, career and financial app for teens and young adults. Money Path “opens student’s eyes” to the reality of how academic and career choices they make now impact their life and long-term financial wellbeing. This plug and play program gives the students a look into their financial future based on earnings and debt if they go into the workplace, a 2 year, or a 4 year school so they can make informed planning decisions.

Money Coach – Is the only financial mentoring program of its kind. Focusing on under resourced communities, Money Coach empowers teens through one-on-one small group mentorship to build strong money management habits for long-term financial capability. This program is a semester long and allows mentors to help students in numerous way as they build their coaching relationship. 

Money Sense – Teaches teens money management essentials with a flexible program that introduces teens to financial basics like banking, creating a savings plan, managing a budget, and maintaining healthy credit.

By getting involved you can change a teen’s life. “Volunteers are a critical component of these programs. Your unique life and professional experience allow you to bring our financial literacy programs to life, connecting teens where they are and sharing real-world examples of how money management works.”

Volunteers are down from 1,200 pre-pandemic to about 250 today. If you are interested in volunteering for any of these programs, visit www.securefutures.org to explore details of the various programs and available opportunities. Or contact Brenda Campbell at brenda@securefurues.org 414-310-5920

“Bringing college into the high schools” gives students access to 30 college credits before they graduate. This allows students to explore career option in High School vs. a more expensive evaluation while away at college. 

· Dual Credit Options allows students to simultaneously earn college and high school credits through several college sponsored on or off campus locations.

· Another introduction to different careers is the Launch program. Launch is a professional based learning experience providing students with real world business experiences.

· Internship/Mentorship programs help both partners and students with real-world challenges in fields of student's interests. Local businesses are helping to strengthen our local education. 

Dr. Hansen proudly shared the success of the different sports teams, and performing art programs the students are involved in.

Elmbrook has an AAA bond rating, being one of three school districts in Wisconsin with that distinction. Due to a well-managed and unique capital investment program, funding for projects and facilities maintenance is not reliant on a referendum or bond. Due to controlled costs the tax mil rate has gone from $13.60 to $7.47 over the past thirty-one years while academic performance has gone up.

With healthcare costs rising 8-12% annually, the district became a self-insured entity. An Acute Care Clinic located within the heart of the district provides service to staff members during the workday. With this offering there is less disruption on the educational side by staff being able to visit the clinic during class prep time. This program has saved 34 million dollars in healthcare costs over the past five years.

If you are interested in volunteering your expertise for Launch, please talk with Jack Nelson, vocational chair. 

• Fire and CO alarms should be installed on every level. Smoke alarms should also be in front of and inside sleeping areas. Basements need them too. 
• Test alarms monthly
• Replace unit every 10 years or at manufacturer recommendation 
• Keep 10 ft + from stove
• When starting a vehicle, pull it out of the garage immediately to avoid CO build up
• Clear dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace vents during/ after a heavy snow
• Some of the symptoms of CO poisoning are: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. If you suspect CO poisoning, move to a fresh air location and call the fire department. 

Depending on the CO levels, the effects can develop over time or have sudden onset within minutes. Victims of CO poisoning may require the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to increase the concentration of oxygen in the blood stream, replacing the carbon monoxide. Depending on CO levels this may take 4-5 hours in the chamber.

Your fire department has the tools to identify hidden fires using thermal imaging and CO levels via a multi-gas meter.

· 9 Fee-Based Parks – 3000 + acres

· 12 Greenways/Park Land – 4000 +

· 4 Bike and Pedestrian recreation trails for hiking and nature watching – 41 miles

· 2 Golf Courses

· 2 Ice Arenas

· Retzer Nature Center – 477 acres

· 5 Lake Access Sites

· Expo Center for special events

Steven gave an overview of the facilities and recreation opportunities offered at each location. During the pandemic, the parks remained open and experienced an increase in attendance that has been sustained post pandemic. One of the most recent projects is the 3-mile Fox River Trail. The plan is to connect many of the trails, providing a continuum network through the county and beyond.

Emily is the Public Communication Coordinator for the System. She shared information on their collaborative Partnership Engagement Program with partners, stakeholders, sponsors, and volunteers. Emily explained the importance of communication between these partners to maintain a viable sustainable program where everyone involved is an “owner of the end result”. Volunteers are a key component in providing the parks with:

· The Adopt-a-Trail program

· General Park maintenance

· Tree planting at various sites

· Citizen Science Programs

· The Adopt-a-Drain program

· Habitat restoration workdays

· Special events assistance

· The Retzer Teaching Naturalist program

Emily thanked the Elmbrook Rotary Club for their 2023 Adopt-a-Trail Commitment, and the recent planting of 30 trees by Rotarians along the Fox River Trial.

For more information about the Waukesha County Park System, visit their website at www.waukeshacounty.gov to learn more about the recreational and volunteer opportunities available.

This past August, Linda spent 4 days at the National Information Officer Association Convention, which she is a member. Four hundred PIO’s from across the country, shared their experiences with “the good, bad, and the ugly”, with Lessons Learned from incidents, as members of the Response Team.

Linda shared two events that were presented and critiqued at the convention. One of many challenges for the PIO is to be transparent providing, timely and accurate information to the public.

On August 29th, 2021, Hurricane Ida, a major Category 4, hit Louisiana as a “Life Altering Storm”. With that terminology from the PIO, along with a mandatory evacuation order, residents understood the severity of the situation. As a result, there were no deaths associated with this incident.

The storm knocked out all power and internet service, delaying the first news conference by 4 days. Social Media became a means for the PIO and Team to view and track postings of the storm damage and needs of the community.

Some of the PIO Lessons Learned:

· Debris from an event like a hurricane, can cause flat tires on various first responder vehicles. Dedicated maintenance and repair units are needed to help keep the first responder mobile.

· As soon as possible, have a news media conference. At that conference, identify reputable charities the people can contribute to, and warn residents and business owners of potential contractor fraud.

· Due to the possible occurrence of the internet being down, have paper maps available for (EOC) Emergency Operations Center and response teams.

On January 22nd, 2021 a county in a southern state was a victim that brought their operation to a grinding halt for weeks by a cyber-attack that entered their system via a spearfishing fake emailed invoice with a macros enabled attachment. Once opened, the malware entered the county network system of 60 independent servers that were not backed-up. The attackers demanded a $500,000 bitcoin ransom. In the end, the county did not pay the ransom.

As a result:

· Emails were down for one month and communications were by phone

· 3,000 of the county computers needed to be scrubbed. The costs to scrub the computers and upgrade the system was significant.

· The county was unable to cut payroll checks

· They lost two days of data that could not be recovered

· Most of the system was down for 4-5 months

Take aways for business owners:

· Have your system backed up

· Have a cyber security insurance policy

· Make sure the insurance company will monitor the dark web if an attack occurs to see if the attackers have posted anything regarding the cyber attack

· Have a Crisis Business Continuity Plan in place in the event there is a complete loss of power

· Have an attack plan to keep operational

Linda, thank you for sharing the role of the Public Information Officer, your experiences, and thoughts with the Elmbrook Rotary.

For 21 years, Neal was employed by Wisconsin Electric. In 1994, he started the consulting firm Neal Palmer and Associates. His company was founded “to assist clients with efforts to evaluate, site, permit and construct major projects”.

Over the past 31 years, Neal has volunteered and served as a Trustee on the Village of Elm Grove Board for 14 years followed by 17 years as Board President. During his tenure, he served on numerous village committees and as President, lead the Village Board in the following:

· Due to the extensive damage in the 1998 flood, a multi-year village wide storm water management plan was developed, resulting in the Village Park and other sites being reimagined and redeveloped. This was a successful regional and state flood mitigation project.

· Keeping Tonawanda Elementary School open

· Funding a sidewalk on Juneau Blvd. west of the railroad tracks, that provides a safe pedestrian access to the Village Park

· The Preservation of the Old St. Mary’s Church on the corner of Watertown Plank and Juneau Blvd.

· The addition of the Watermark Condominium project

· Development of a Master Plan for the revitalization of the downtown area

· Daylighting of the creek through the business district

· The Sisters of Notre Dame campus redevelopment project

As this year’s recipient, Neal thanked the Rotary members for this honor and their service. He recognized and thanked his wife for her support. He also thanked Jill Varick and Jennifer Morales from the Audubon Society, who also attended the event.

Neal’s philosophy, echoes that of his grandfather’s, “You don’t have the right to complain about anything if you are not willing to try and change it”.

Over the years he has embraced the belief, as a leader, that “Everybody brings knowledge. If you come into the room with the understanding, we all have the same goal, lets try to figure out how we get from here to there and best way possible.”

Neal said, "As president, you layout the issues that need to be addressed, keep at them until you get them solved, and try to bring people together”.

He credited the success of many village projects to the talents of those board members, resident volunteers, and professionals he served with through the years.

In closing, Neal emphasized the importance of public service, and encouraged residents to “get involved in your local government”.

And if you, a loved one, or friend want to be more connected to our community, please check out a 7a Friday morning meeting with the Elmbrook Rotary Club!