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Russell Hampton
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Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Elmbrook (Brookfield)
We Rise & Shine
Fridays at 7:00 AM
Western Racquet Club
1800 Highland Drive
Elm Grove, WI 53122
United States of America
Currently meeting via Zoom.
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District Site
VenueMap
Venue Map
Upcoming Events
ERC & Foundation BoD meeting
Zoom
Jan 27, 2021
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Jan 29, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Feb 05, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Feb 12, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Feb 19, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Feb 26, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Mar 05, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Mar 12, 2021 7:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Mar 19, 2021 7:00 AM
 
ERC & Foundation BoD meeting
Zoom
Mar 24, 2021
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
 
View entire list
Speakers
Jan 29, 2021
Salvation Army
Feb 05, 2021
Good Friend, Inc
Feb 12, 2021
World Affairs Seminar
Feb 19, 2021
Andean Health & Development
Feb 26, 2021
Visit Milwaukee
Mar 05, 2021
SeaCadets
Mar 12, 2021
TBD
Mar 19, 2021
What does climate change mean for your local weather?
View entire list
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For patients who lack options, a virtual visit can mean the difference between going with or without care.

 

When Rotary members tried to bring toilets to a remote island, the population wasn’t ready.

 

As we stand at the threshold of the third decade of the 21st century, imagine where we’re

 

When clubs cultivate relationships with Rotary alumni, both sides benefit.

 

The people who fill the truly essential roles in society are often in short supply

 
Photo Albums
2019 Spikes for Tykes
Guatemala Team 2019
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
Immediate Past President
 
Director (Past President)
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Membership
 
Programs
 
Programs
 
Public Image Chair
 
The Rotary Foundation
 
 
Elmbrook Rotary Club is pleased to recognize the following . . .
 
Emeritus Director:
     William Isbister (deceased)
 
Honorary Members:
     Tom Ehrsam, Jane Koons,
     & Renato Westby
Stories
Puzzle Palooza
Elmbrook Rotary embarks on its second online auction fundraiser in February 2021.
 
Running from February 12 until February 19, the online auction will benefit the Waukesha Country Food Pantry (which is experiencing heightened use because of COVID-19).
 
 
The idea is to provide your "slightly used" puzzles for the online bidding. Email a photo of the puzzle box (be sure it shows how many pieces), retain the puzzle in your possession for now, and you will be notified who is the winning bidder and how to deliver it. Contact Bonnie Bertram or Mark Zalewski with your questions.
 
ERC Member Jim Dunn Continues to Support AHD
Even before celebrating Elmbrook Rotary's successful receipt of a $98,000 Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation (TRF), ERC member Jim Dunn continued his ongoing support of Andean Health & Development (AHD) by participating in its annual group bike ride in September 2021.
 
Because of the global pandemic, this annual fundraiser became "virtual" this year. Some 143 cyclists in 17 different states and four different countries participated. Generosity from 369 donors resulted in net contributions of $634,935 from the annual fundraiser.
 
Be sure to read the article in the February 2021 edition of Elm Grove News - Independent about ERC's Global Grant from TRF.
 
And, do join ERC's weekly meeting on Friday, February 19, when Dr. David Gaus (AHD Founder & CEO) will be the featured speaker.
 
 
January Birthdays & Anniversaries
 
 
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in January.
 
 
“"I'll never understand why everybody puts so much emphasis on January first. There are three hundred and sixty-four other days in the year that you can make a change." ―Elizabeth Eulberg
 
Happy Birthday! Wishing a wonderful year of good health, happiness, and success to our members:
 
  • Zach Augustin
  • Jan Constable
  • Jack Hill
  • Dean Johnson
  • Wally Smanski
  • Greg Smith
 
ERC also recognizes the following membership anniversaries:
 
  • Steven Merritt, 2 years
  • Jack Hill, 3 years
  • Pati Allen Brickman, 4 years
  • Carol White, 18 years
Read more...
Want to Meet In-Person?
Elmbrook Rotary Club is not yet "formally" meeting in person, nor does it intend to change the venue for its normal meeting space. However, some members have expressed the desire to try meeting in-person with very limited numbers. ERC Director Jackson Bubolz is organizing the effort.
 
The plan is to try meeting on Friday mornings at the Sendik's Food Market at The Corners of Brookfield. Address is 20222 Lower, Union Street. The market has a roomy area which accommodates a small group. They will have coffee prepared for sale, and baked goods (or anything else in the grocery store) will be able to be purchased.
 
Plan to arrive at no later than 6:50 a.m. on Friday mornings to make your purchases and to socialize. The online Zoom meeting will begin at 7:00 a.m., for which purpose you need to bring along a smart phone, laptop, or tablet. The hope is to maintain social distancing, yet interact live once again. Come check it out!
January is "Vocational Service" Month

Through vocational service, Rotarians contribute their professional expertise and skills to address societal problems and needs, and to promote high ethical standards in the workplace.
Rotarians have two benchmarks for promoting professional integrity:  the Rotary Code of Conduct and the Four-Way Test. Click on "Read more" to study these two benchmarks.

Rotarians can support vocational service by 

  • Strengthening the emphasis on professional diversity in member recruitment; 
  • Identifying ways to emphasize professions in club activities;
  • Placing a stronger emphasis on business networking with integrity at the club and district level -- which also is a means of attracting and mentoring the next generation; and
  • Emphasizing the connection between The Four-Way Test and the Rotary Code of Conduct and their importance to the values of Rotary.

Rotary Code of Conduct

• As a Rotarian, I will

1. Exemplify the core value of integrity in all behaviors and activities

2. Use my vocational experience and talents to serve in Rotary

3. Conduct all of my personal, business, and professional affairs ethically,

encouraging and fostering high ethical standards as an example to others

4. Be fair in all dealings with others and treat them with the respect due to them as

fellow human beings

5. Promote recognition and respect for all occupations which are useful to society

6. Offer my vocational talents: to provide opportunities for young people, to work

for the relief of the special needs of others, and to improve the quality of life in

my community

7. Honor the trust that Rotary and fellow Rotarians provide and not do anything

that will bring disfavor or reflect adversely on Rotary or fellow Rotarians

8. Not seek from a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded
others in a business or professional relationship

The Four-Way Test has been translated into more than 100 languages and asks the following questions:

Of the things we think, say or do . . .

1. Is it the TRUTH? 

2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Read more...
Bill Selzer's Thanks & Tips
In 2020 Elm Grove Fire Chief (Retired) William Selzer was named as the "Business Person of the Year" by Elmbrook Rotary in recognition of his 47 years of service. He recently provided the photo below, displaying the ERC recognition plaque alongside other memorabilia in his home office.
 
 
In addition, Chief Selzer sent a letter of gratitude intended for the entire club membership. Click here to read his letter, which also contains fire prevention tips that can be profitably put to use by all of us.
 
Congratulations again to Fire Chief (Retired) Bill Selzer!
NAMI Southeast Wisconsin
Sarah Pfeiffle of NAMI Southeast Wisconsin briefed Elmbrook Rotary on Friday, January 15, about the programs of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
 
She especially addressed the objectives, efforts, and results of the PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) program. PATH has been financially supported for the past several years by an Elmbrook Rotary Mini-Grant.
 
The NAMI Southeast Wisconsin website can be accessed by clicking here in order to learn more about NAMI and its program. Click on the image below to view Ms. Pfeiffle's most informative presentation.
 
The Future of Rotary
The Rotary Club of Troy, MI, and RI District 6380, (an international district that comprises parts of southeastern Michigan and also Canada) hosted an online presentation and Q&A on January 6 with John Hewko, Rotary International General Secretary. The program is most informative and provides Hewko's perspective on "The Future of Rotary." Enjoy the embedded YouTube video, or click here to access if trying to view from the Elmbrook Rotary Club's weekly eBulletin.
 
 
Meet Ana Ramirez
Ana V. Ramirez is the 8th student at the Common Hope School in Guatemala who has been sponsored by the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation.
 
 
Ana's family income is U.S. $364/month, and the six-member family lives in a small concrete-block home (10 meters by 10 meters). They obtain water and electricity from neighbors and must use an outhouse for a bathroom.
 
Ana is an 11th Grade student, enrolled in Marketing and Advertising Certification. Her anticipated graduation date is November 2022. Since 2014, six members of Elmbrook Rotary Club (accompanied by four family members) have made the trip to Guatemala for the graduation exercises, a weekend-long celebration with, and support for, our sponsored student and her/his family. Any club member can volunteer to represent the club. Contact Erik Moeser if interested.
ERC Global Grant Paid by TRF
On December 28 the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) was notified that The Rotary Foundation has paid out $47,300 from its World Fund in support of Global Grant 2099786, "Pediatric Ventilators Santo Domingo Ecuador." The amount includes $11,000 of District Designated Funds (DFF) from Rotary District 6270.
 
     
 
 
The grant provides for the purchase of two pediatric ventilators and one neonatal ventilator for Andean Health & Development's (AHD's) locally-staffed teaching hospital in Santo Domingo, Ecuador. The ventilators are for the hospital's neonatal ICU. While the equipment purchase will generate immediate impact for the community, it is actually part of a greater investment in a healthcare model for Ecuador and beyond. The objective of purchasing the ventilators is primarily to provide high quality care right now to some of the country's poorest people, those living on less than $4/day. The direct beneficiaries are the newborns and their very low-income families who cannot afford services and therefore must utilize the public system (with whom AHD partners). Children with COVID-19 will also benefit. As of December 11, 2020, Ecuador had reported 200,379 coronavirus cases (https://www.statista.com/statistics/1101643/latin-america-caribbean-coronavirus-cases)
 
The Rotary Area of Focus for the Global Grant is "Maternal and Child Health." Total cost of the project is $97,992. ERC provided $51,820 for the project [which includes direct support from the club and foundation (plus some extra funds to offset unforeseen expenses) and also donations from an ERC Rotarian and a number of non-Rotarians]. The Host Club, the Rotary Club of Tsachila de Santo Domingo, provided U.S. $1,500.
 
The project was spearheaded by ERC Rotarian Jim Dunn, who also serves on the Advisory Board of Andean Health & Development. The ERC "International Partner" committee included Mark Zalewksi, Harry Farchmin, Barry James, & Erik Moeser. Congratulations to those who worked so long and patiently on behalf of this worthwhile project, and thanks to Elmbrook Rotary Club & Foundation membership at large!
Read more...
2020 ERC "Holiday Party"
The ERC 2020 Christmas Program will never be forgotten! Not deterred by COVID-19 and the limitations of an online Zoom video conference, coordinator Gary Gilmore (with the assistance of Jim Finn, Steve Stocker, and others) put together a pre-recorded presentation. It is available on the YouTube platform and be accessed by clicking here or on the image below.
 
 
Thanks to all who contributed and participated!
ERC Provides Gifts to SaintA Families
On December 17, 2020, the Elmbrook Rotary Club presented a collection of 90 gifts to families currently being assisted by SaintA in Milwaukee. The mission of SaintA is "to facilitate equity, learning, healing and wellness by the restoring connections that help children and families thrive."
 
 
The families and staff at SaintA were overwhelmed by the generosity of ERC members who shopped for, purchased, and wrapped the gifts that brightened the holidays for many families. Thanks to ERC member Jack Nelson for coordinating the effort!
International Mini-Grants Approved
 
 
The Elmbrook Rotary Foundation (ERF) Board of Directors has approved the following mini-grants for international projects:
 
  • Common Hope Student Sponsorship—$1,200
  • Common Hope Vision Team Support—$2,500
  • India E-Learning—$4,800
  • Friends for Health in Haiti—$2,500
  • Marquette Univ. Engineers without Borders (EWB) in Guatemala—$3,500
  • Giraffe Children's Charity—$1,100
 
Keeping Rotarians Connected
If, on December 8, you missed Kristin Bock's special online presentation, fear not!
 
Entitled "Keeping Rotarians Connected: Using Nonverbal Communication in a Digital World," the presentation is now available on YouTube. Simply click here or on the image below.
 
Watch ShelterBox USA Virtual Event
Hundreds of supporters joined together "virtually" in celebrating ShelterBox USA's 20th Anniversary. You can now view the event after-the fact by clicking here or on the image below.
 
 
Thanks to ShelterBox, and to Rotarians worldwide, for the work done and still being done in countless countries throughout the world!
You'll Be Back
Yes, "You'll be back.!
 
So states the popular song in Hamilton, the broadway musical.
 
However, it appears that it won't be as quickly as we had hoped. In-person attendance on Friday mornings has not been what was originally projected, and The Western Racquet Club cannot financially justify the low numbers.
 
In-person meetings for Elmbrook Rotary Club are therefore suspended once again. We return to Zoom only.
 
But, "You'll be back!"
Rotary Opens Opportunities
Holger Knaack, member of the Rotary Club of Herzogtum-Lauenburg-Möln, Germany, is Rotary International President for 2020-2021.
 
A Rotary member since 1992, Knaack has served Rotary as treasurer, director, moderator, member and chair of several committees, representative for the Council on Legislation, zone coordinator, training leader, and district governor. He is an endowment/major gifts adviser and was co-chair of the Host Organization Committee for the 2019 Rotary International Convention in Hamburg. Knaack and his wife, Susanne, are Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation and members of the Bequest Society.
 
 
Rotary Opens Opportunities is the theme chosen by President Knaack for 2020-2021. At the International Assembly in San Diego in January 2020, he had the following to say about his theme: "So as you can see, Rotary is not just a club that you join. It is an invitation to endless opportunities. It opens opportunities to serve in a project as big and historic as End Polio Now and also in a small community project, where you just plant a tree. And it opens opportunities for you to live a richer, more meaningful life, with friends around the world, based on our core valuesAs Rotarians, we are very blessed to take on leadership roles at this wonderful moment for our organization. Everything we do opens another opportunity for someone, somewhere. Therefore, the theme for our year is: Rotary Opens Opportunities."
Online ERC & ERF Payments/Donations
It is now possible for members of Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) to make online payments and donations both to ERC and to the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation (ERF).
 
Two separate commercial merchant accounts have been activated which intend to keep transactions separated between ERC and ERF.
 
To make payments to ERC, simply follow the link provided in one's individual club account (and quarterly statements). A surcharge of 5% is billed to one's club account when utilizing a credit card or debit card.
 
To make donations or payments to ERF, simply click the "Donate" or "Donate Now" button that can be found on multiple pages on the ERC web site. Or, one can click the URL link that will be provided in ERF invoices to club members. Please ensure that donations or payments intended for the ERF account are not made to the ERC account. The opposite is also true. And, please remember that not all payments to the Foundation [a 501(c)(3) entity] are tax-deductible. IRS rules and policies must be followed.
 
 
Finally, one can always use the old-fashioned (and least expensive) way of payment/donation with an individual check or bank check via "Bill Pay" at one's bank.
ERC on Twitter
Did you know that Elmbrook Rotary Club has a Twitter account? It's true! Become a "Follower" (@ElmbrookRotary).
 
ClubRunner Mobile App

The ClubRunner Mobile App is your key to connect to your club on the go!

Completely free to download and use, this app will let you access the key info you need while you're on the go. Password protected just like the ERC website, the ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to to view the ERC member directory, contact your members and executives, read the latest articles posted to the ERC website, learn more about ERC upcoming events and speakers, view ERC meeting details, and track your attendance statistics—right from your smartphone or tablet! Download the ClubRunner Mobile App either from the App Store (for Apple products) or from Google Play (for Android devices).
What Is Elmbrook Rotary Club?
What is Elmbrook Rotary Club? What do we do? Who are we?
 
 
 
Watch our promotion video to learn about us. If accessing via our weekly eBulletin, click here to watch.
At ELMBROOK ROTARY - We Rise & Shine!
 
When we say "WE RISE & SHINE” to others, it means:
  • WE RISE to meet early every Friday.
  • WE RISE to the occasion by helping those in need.
  • WE RISE to make a difference in our community and the world.
     
  • WE SHINE by living the Rotary 4-way Test.
  • WE SHINE by staying positive and encouraging others.
  • WE SHINE by lighting the way for service above self in Brookfield, Elm Grove, and beyond.
The tagline appears on our Coffee Mugs, on our Web site, on club emails, and on other communications going out. Try using the tagline the next time you’re talking to someone about Elmbrook Rotary or Rotary in general. In fact, consider purchasing an Elmbrook Rotary Coffee Mug for $7.
What Is Rotary?
How do others perceive Rotary and what we do?
 
Enjoy this humorous video about what Rotary really is. Click me to view!
 
Filmed in 2017 in the Fargo-Moorhead area (North Dakota Minnesota border region), where there are five Rotary Clubs. Video was supported by Rotary District 5580.