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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
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Venue Map
Upcoming Events
Weekly Meeting (Zoom Only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Jun 04, 2021
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
 
Elmbrook Rotary - Walk for Hope - Mitchell Park
Mitchell Park
Jun 05, 2021
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom Only)
Normally Western Racquet Club
Jun 11, 2021
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
 
Rotary Straight Shooters - June Shotgun Outing
Waukesha Gun Club
Jun 17, 2021
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
 
June Social: Raised Grain Pop-up Beer Garden
Fox Brook Park
Jun 17, 2021
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom Only)
Western Racquet Club
Jun 18, 2021
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting (Zoom Only)
Western Racquet Club
Jun 25, 2021
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
 
Elmbrook Rotary Changing of The Guard
Brookfield Mitchell Park Pavillion
Jun 30, 2021
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
 
Weekly Meeting Cancelled (Independence Day Observance)
Jul 02, 2021
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting
Western Racquet Club
Jul 09, 2021 7:00 AM
 
View entire list
Speakers
Jun 04, 2021
Internal Rotary Communications
Jun 11, 2021
The Associated Press
Jun 18, 2021
Center for Veterans Issues
Jun 25, 2021
Ascent - 25-story mass timber building at 700 E. Kilbourn Ave.
Jul 16, 2021
Tree and Plant Disease
View entire list
RSS Feed

Fellowship has created a global home for LGBT members and friends

 

Common Ground: Rotary Magazine 2021 Photo AwardsIn a time of separation, our winning photographers used their cameras to make

 

“We Stop COVID” initiative draws on volunteers’ diverse skills to support vaccination campaign in Italy’s Verona region.

 

By building on a proven concept — such as efforts to stamp out malaria in Zambia — Rotary’s new multimillion-dollar Programs of Scale grants help make good better.

 

The Otto and Fran Walter Foundation has pledged $15.5 million to The Rotary Foundation to start a Rotary Peace Center in the Middle East or North Africa.

 
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
Walk for Hope on June 5

Join Elmbrook Rotary as we "Walk for Hope," supporting Common Hope's programs in Guatemala.

We walk because less than 20% of kids graduate from high school in Guatemala. We walk to support education for students living in poverty, so that they can graduate and help end generational poverty for their family. We walk for the kids just starting school, where they will likely hold a book for the first time. We walk so that families have access to quality health care. We walk to help young people dream, grow, and succeed.

Now more than ever, all of us appreciate the Power of Healthcare, Community, and Hope. Let's walk the Extra Mile to fight poverty with diplomas!

Each $1,200 we raise will sponsor a student and their family for one year.

Support our team by going to our fundraising/registration page (click here).

ERC in EGNI June 2021 Edition
The June 2021 edition of the Elm Grove News - Independent is available by clicking here.
 
A major article on the June 5th ERC "Walk for Hope" is located on p. 7. The June 2021 ERC meetings (with program speaker information) are listed in the "Calendar of Events" on p. 5.
 
Do support our local newspaper!
June Birthdays & Anniversaries
 
 
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in June.
 
 
“Far up in the deep blue sky, Great white clouds are floating by; All the world is dressed in green; Many happy birds are seen, Roses bright and sunshine clear Show that lovely June is here.”
— F. G. Sanders
 
Happy Birthday! Wishing a wonderful year of good health, happiness, and success to our members:
 
  • Kathy Becker
  • Kate Bloomberg
  • Susan Cerletty
  • Andrew McCully
  • Jackie Radomski
  • Larry Rovens
  • Bill Severson
  • Christine Spresser
  • Gary Zwirlein
 
ERC also recognizes the following membership anniversaries:
 
  • Jennifer Cagle, 2 year
  • Raul Arredondo, 4 years 
  • Dan Roads, 8 years
  • Mark Zalewski, 13 years
  • Steven Stocker, 17 years
  • Larry Myers, 23 years
 
Read more...
District Conference Videos Available
The Rotary Western Great Lakes District Conference successfully held its first virtual conference during May 1-6.  To help Rotarians to be inspired, to become engaged, and to be change makers, the Conference Committee has provided:
  • 5.5 hours of General Sessions
  • 11.7 hour of Breakouts covering Membership, Engaging Youth & Young Adults, Leadership, and Fundraising
  • 3 hours of House of Friendship
RWGLDC is pleased to announce the launch of its YouTube channel with Rotary International President Holger Knaack's Opening Remarks, https://youtu.be/KhrDqGJs3uQ, Past District Governor Bill Gormont’s Magic of Rotary, https://youtu.be/Sz8DVgHlqWA, and more.
 
 
This new channel enables you to share a video of how you were inspired.  Perhaps there was a breakout session held at the same time as the one you attended. You have the opportunity to see what you missed and grow in Rotary.  By subscribing to the Rotary Western Great Lakes District Conference YouTube channel, you will be alerted as more conference videos are posted in the coming days. 
 
So, please subscribe today by going to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtVqm9kQe93t0dNv88Hcx4g and pressing the red SUBSCRIBE button.
 
"Rest in Peace," Barry James!
Barry Nelson James, Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) member since 1984, died on Tuesday, May 25. He was 87 years old.
 
A memorial service occurred at the Becker Ritter Funeral Home, Brookfield, WI, on Wednesday, June 2. The full "Tribute" (obituary) on the funeral home's web site can be read by clicking here.
 
Barry was an avid, devoted Rotarian whose own maternal grandfather, Canadian John Nelson, served as Rotary International President during 1933-34. Barry himself served terms on Rotary International District 6270's District Grant Committee and Global Grant Committee. In the local club he served as ERC President during 1990-91. He also initiated "Diane's Dictionaries," one of ERC's many projects which was named after his first wife. Information about this charitable effort can be read by clicking here. He was also the Primary Contact (driving agent) for ERC's Global Grant initiative for an e-learning project in India during 2014-15.
ERC President Tom Hochuli remembers about him, "Barry was generally the first person to arrive at our meetings each week and during this past pandemic year has been in attendance for the majority of meetings on Zoom." Indeed, he will be missed.
 
The Elmbrook Rotary Club's Board of Directors has acted to rename the ERC annual golf outing to the "Barry James Memorial Golf Outing" and to designate any proceeds from the outing for use by the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation. As the official "Tribute" notes, "It never mattered what his score was as long as he got the round in within 2 ½ hours."
 
 
Requiescat in pace!
 
If desired, memorials can be given (by family request) either to "Elmbrook Rotary Club" or to "Living Hope Presbyterian Church."
2021 ERC Scholarships Awarded
ERC President Tom Hochuli presented scholarships to the following students from Brookfield East (on May 19) and Brookfield Central (May 25):
 
 
Brookfield East:
 
Christian Stiyer—4-year scholarship to attend Ohio University and pursue degrees in Wildlife Biology and Film Production.
 
Brookfield Central:
 
Hannah Heun—4-year scholarship to pursue a nursing degree at Saint Louis University.
 
Seth Olski—2-year scholarship to attend UW Milwaukee in pursuit of an Associate Degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science (or Pre-Physical Therapy).
 
   
 
Congratulations and best wishes
to these aspiring post-secondary scholars!
 
 
You'll Be Back!
"You'll be back!" We've been saying that for many months now. However, in July it's finally coming true for the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC)!
 
In-person meetings will resume on Friday, July 9.  Meetings  will also be available via Zoom. ERC is investigating technology that will provide optimum video and audio performance for those attending via Zoom.
 
The desire is to have the majority of members attending in person although Zoom will be available for those who require it and for remote program speakers when appropriate. The Board will evaluate the success of this arrangement in January 2022.
 
There will not be a meeting on Friday, July 2, due to the Independence Day holiday weekend.
 
Changing of the Guard will consist of a more casual event and will be held on Wednesday, June 30, at Mitchell Park in Brookfield from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Dinner will be catered by Bunzel's. Club members are asked to bring their own alcoholic beverages and chairs. Immediate Past President Mike Schmeling will be sending out the club event invitation in the coming weeks.
2021 Annual Fundraising Event
The annual Elmbrook Rotary Club’s fundraising campaign kicked off on Friday, April 2. Or, perhaps we should say “moved into the starting gate.”
 
ERC has returned to a horse racing theme for 2021.  But no horse race can start until we have owners register their horse and jockeys to mount their charges!  Owner Tom Curl had already claimed Galloping Ghosts as his team name.  Here are a few other suggestions
Lame Excuses
Lumbering Laggards
Baroquen Downs (say it out loud, you music lovers)
 
It will be a short two-month season with mid-season competitions.  Our race announcer, Zippy Zalewski, has set the race line-up.  Here are the major horse races and dates:
 
Apple Blossom Handicap – April 17, 2021
Kentucky Derby – May 1, 2021
Preakness Stakes – May 15, 2021
Belmont Stakes – June 5, 2021
 
A team can win one or all of the races. The next race starts the clock over and is another chance to win.  But we’ll also keep a running total for each team to have an overall winner.  Thus, there are four (4) chances to win – plus the overall winning team.  There will be awards for each of the race stages and, of course, the final crown to the champion.
 
Now it is all up to ERC members to get into the starting gate!
New Fond du Lac Afterhours Satellite Club
Rotary District 6270 has welcomed a new satellite club in Fond du Lac. New clubs make it possible for current members, past members, and new members of Rotary to create more opportunity for service in their community and in the world. A special thanks to Barb Senn and the Board of Directors of the Fond du Lac Morning Rotary Club for spearheading this effort. It is wonderful to see how Rotary can renew itself and adjust to new times and circumstances. The new club is currently meeting virtually once a month but is looking to change to hybrid meetings in the coming months. With ten (10) active members, the club is set for growth.
 
A satellite club offers current members of a club the opportunity to meet a changing schedule or circumstance, past members to rejoin Rotary, and new members to join at a time and place that fit their work hours or family schedule better.
 
A few comments from club members to illustrate some of the many reasons for clubs to offer an alternative to a traditional Rotary experience:
 
    “We used to be Interact members and wanted to rejoin the Rotary World, but a morning club did not make that possible.”
    “We now spend several months out of state and the time difference makes it difficult to participate in a morning meeting.”
    “I am commuting to work at 7:00 AM and an afterhours club makes it possible to join Rotary.” 

Congratulations to Fond du Lac Afterhours. Four growing, active Satellite Clubs are now part of Rotary District 6270.
Recruitment for Guatemala 2022

The planned 11th trip to Guatemala did not happen in 2021 because of the global pandemic. However, we were able to receive and utilize a District Grant which enabled the new Resource Center at the Common Hope school in Guatemala. We did not get to participate on site, but we did manage to help kick off this new program involving distance learning and counseling with 10 new tablet computers.

We are now planning on traveling next February, with fly to/from dates of February 6 and 13. As in the past, we are taking names of those interested to establish a priority list in case you wish to join us. So far, we have three ERC members and spouses expressing interest, and our team should be 12 to 17 in size.

Obviously, there is no guarantee that the trip will happen, since it depends on a variety of factors relative to COVID-19 issues. Common Hope is very conservative in its reopening strategies. Even if Guatemala is “open," Common Hope may decide that it is not possible to host teams. On the other hand, they are optimistic, as we all should try to be.

We need to have an expression of interest by June 20. In August we will need to “sharpen the saw” and get more definitive commitments. We hope by then to have a clearer view of the future.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Erik Moeser,  an International Committee member, or any previously involved ERC members.

May Birthdays & Anniversaries
 
 
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in May.
 
 
"You are as welcome as the flowers in May." – Charles Macklin
 
Happy Birthday! Wishing a wonderful year of good health, happiness, and success to our members:
 
  • Pati Allen Brickman
  • Tony Consiglio
  • Jim Finn
  • Tom Hochuli
  • Doug Jacobson
  • Jack Nelson
  • Marie Owens
  • Joe Pottebaum
  • Daniel Zomchek
ERC also recognizes the following membership anniversaries:
  • Phyllis Blodgett, 5 years
  • Doug Jacobson, 10 years
  • Dean Johnson, 13 years
  • Kevin Roche, 13 years
  • Wally Smanski,18 years
  • Bill Petterson, 20 years
  • Bonnie Bertram, 21 years
  • Jan Constable, 32 years
  • Barry James, 37 years
  • Dave Engle, 37 years
  • Mike Lauer, 38 years
  • Chuck Steinbach, 38 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 been meeting in-person with very limited numbers. ERC Director Jackson Bubolz is leading the effort.
 
The small group gathers 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 mezzanine area which accommodates a small group. Face masks and social distancing are utilized. The kiosk (lower level) offers coffee, espresso, cappuccino, tea, and baked goods (or anything else in the grocery store) for purchase.
 
Please arrive no later than 7:00 a.m. on Friday mornings to make your purchases and to socialize. Sendik's does not open its doors until 7:00 a.m., and the online Zoom meeting begins at 7:00 a.m. For purposes of the ERC weekly Zoom meeting, you need to bring along a smart phone, laptop, or tablet. The hope is to maintain safe practices as we defeat the menacing coronavirus, yet interact live once again. Come check it out!
EGNI May 2021 Edition
The May 2021 edition of Elm Grove News - Independent is accessible by clicking here or on the image below.
 
 ERC's monthly meetings in May are listed in the "Calendar of Events" on p. 5. A major story, written by ERC member Erik Moeser and concerning the use of monies received this year from a District Grant, appears on p. 6. Copies are also available for pick up at the Elm Grove & Brookfield libraries, Sendik's & Ace hardware in Elm Grove, etc.
 
 
The photo depicts Linda Garcia (center) and her parents when they joined former Brookfield Mayor Kate Bloomberg and her daughter Amy Sandlass in Antigua, Guatemala, a few years ago to celebrate Linda’s high school graduation at the Common Hope school. Linda’s concentration was Business Administration, one of a handful of specialties open to high school students, as studies are heavily “trade” oriented.  
 
Happy reading!
"Million Dollar Journey" Update & Continuation

Rotary Million Dollar Journey Reaches its Goal… and Continues

After reaching a $1,000,000 fundraising goal early, Rotary International Districts 6220 & 6270 extended the goal deadline and dollar amount to support the Rotary Foundation during trying times.
 
A joint effort between the Wisconsin & Michigan Rotarians of districts 6220 and 6270 to raise $1,000,000 for the Rotary Foundation by October, 2020, reached its goal four months early. With that success, and with even greater need, the districts will continue the journey by raising more funds. The campaign ends on June 30, 2021
 
A bit over one year ago, on the recommendation of Rotary International District Governors Steve Handrick and Steen Sanderhoff, their respective districts embarked on a path to collectively raise one million dollars of new gifts to the Rotary Foundation; a Million Dollar Journey. With many generous gifts – each in excess of $10,000 – from both districts, the goal was reached early, in July of 2020.

 

As with the first part of the Journey, the minimum amount of gifts within the journey is $10,000 to qualify for attendance at the celebratory dinner. Gifts may be made in a number of ways:

  1. Outright gifts of cash or appreciated securities
  2. A three-year pledge of cash or appreciated securities
  3. A Life income agreement funded with cash, appreciated securities or real estate, including charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, or pooled income funds.
  4. A bequest commitment via a will, life insurance policy, revocable trust, or a retirement plan
Each district has a team of Rotarians who stand ready to discuss the continuing campaign. At Elmbrook Rotary, if you have any interest in joining this group of committed Rotarians, give Tom Curl a call (# accessible in the Club Directory after signing in). If you visit with Tom but decide this is not the time for you to participate, that's fine. At least you'll know more about The Rotary Foundation when opportunities arise in future years.
 
Rotarians and others are encouraged to join in this important Journey at a time when it is truly needed.
Read more...
World Immunization Week
During World Immunization Week, April 24-30, Elmbrook Rotary joined with Rotary International and the other 150+ Wisconsin Rotary clubs to help combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation by spreading the facts about why #VaccinesWork.
 
With decades of experience fighting polio, Rotary has played, and will continue to play, a key role in informing people about the power and effectiveness of vaccines. As COVID-19 vaccines become more available, Rotary members are using our experience in fighting polio to help communities with their vaccination education and organization efforts. Today, because we and our partners have worked so hard, wild poliovirus remains endemic in only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Yet to eradicate it there, and to prevent a resurgence in other parts of the world, we must continue to build trust in vaccines.
 
Rotary International has produced a new two-minute video, "Rotary Inspires Leaders in Global Health." In it, global health leaders like U.S. infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Co-Chair Bill Gates, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore, and World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus talk about what Rotary has achieved in the fight to end polio.
 
Click here or on the URL above, or on the image below to access and view the video.
 
 
Together, we can be just a starting place in helping our local community members to understand the value of vaccinations for themselves and their community.
Rotary Zone 25B/29 Monthly Update
Emily Tucker, RI Regional Membership Officer (RMO) for Zones 25B & 29, has provided a monthly newsletter (the RMO April Membership Update) that contains several most interesting and helpful documents.
 
 
In this month’s newsletter, she shares a resource on club models and membership types, stories from Rotaractors who have become Rotarians, an update on membership leads, and our District 6270 membership progress to goal reports.
ERC & D-6270 District Grant 2020

Elmbrook Rotary Club was not able to send a team of members, along with “friends and family,” to Guatemala this past February as it has done since 2012 because of COVID-19 issues. Instead, the club applied for a District Grant from Rotary International District 6270, representing 54 clubs in southeastern Wisconsin, to provide help for 7th grade students who are at risk of dropping out of school (now particularly difficult to deal with due to the pandemic).

Elmbrook Rotary was able to provide ten (10) LG tablets, loaded with software and internet capability, to a new “Resource Center” in a remote village. The center was designed in cooperation with Common Hope, an NGO based in the World Heritage City of Antigua. Common Hope promotes literacy and school attendance through work in housing, health, nutrition, and social services. The tablets are being used to enable contactless interventions, enabling staff to encourage students to remain in school. The technology enables working with the families to improve their circumstances and to make decisions, without the risk of in-person visits. Once the family decisions are made, the tablets can then be provided to another student, and so forth.

The issue is, and has been, economic in nature. A school-age child can be seen as an “asset” in third world areas in a country like Guatemala, being forced to work in fields to increase the family income. That leads to a cycle of poverty, which Common Hope tries to break by its efforts. Since Common Hope’s inception in Guatemala, those efforts have resulted in more than 3,000 high school graduates. The average level of school completion is roughly five years, and illiteracy in some remotely indigenous villages can be 60% or more.

For more information on how you can help, contact Elmbrook Rotarian Erik Moeser.

Go, Brewers, Go!
On Friday, April 16, 2021, the members of Elmbrook Rotary Club were privileged to be entertained, informed, and delighted by Lande Grindle, one of the broadcasters for the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
 
Lane shared with the club his own background that led him to his dream job, broadcasting for the Brewers and working side-by-side with the legendary Bob Uecker, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
 
 
The Zoom recording of Mr. Grindle's presentation can be accessed by clicking on the image above or by clicking here. He predicted that the St. Louis Cardinals would be the Brewers' end-of-season competitor this year but that the Brewers would prevail.
 
Go, Brewers, Go!
ERC & Veterans in Focus

The Elmbrook Rotary Club and Foundation have been honored to support the Veterans in Focus Photography Group at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center since its inception in 2017.

The idea for the photography group came from visits that Courtney Zeller, HUD VASH Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist, had with veterans in their homes. Since many veterans had challenges finding stable housing in the past, Courtney took note that their living environments were “relatively stark."   A photography group class could potentially enable Veterans to experience the health benefits of camaraderie and self-exploration while additionally creating personal framed photographs to display at their home.

Veterans in Focus has been very successful and has evolved over the past five years, with two sessions offered annually in the spring and in the fall.  Together with three talented community volunteers, the veterans learn the technical skills of using the camera and photography along with skills that can be applied to improve their mental health. Then they explore various places in the community to practice their skills.  Some of these places have included the Milwaukee Lakefront, the Milwaukee Urban Ecology Center, the Water Tower, and the Harley Davidson Museum, to name a few.  Each session is concluded with a  photography exhibit open to the public for the veterans to display and share their work. The past community venues which have offered their sites for exhibits have included The Wilson Center, Northwestern Mutual, Carroll University, Milwaukee County Library-Central Branch, and the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center.

The exhibits are accompanied by an online slideshow which proved to be especially helpful in 2020 due to the pandemic. The most recent slide show, dated October 14, 2020, can be viewed online at  www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAbD6RAKq6g . The 10 minute slideshow demonstrates the stunning photographs taken by the Veterans during the  Fall 2020 session, and takes one to the rich venues visited, including the Sculpture Gardens, Havenwoods State Forest, Mitchell Domes, 3 Bridges Park, MKE Urban Stables, and the War Memorial! One of these photographs (taken during the fall session by Jeffry Peterson) is exhibited in this article.  

 
The following quote is from a veteran who was a participant in the fall session which encapsulates the benefits of the program:  “I gained inner growth, patience, and more awareness of my surroundings.” Another surprising outcome of the program has been that two of the past veteran participants are pursuing a future interest photography and are taking college education courses in photography related fields of study. 

If you or your company would like to learn more about the Veterans in Focus photography program, please contact Courtney Zeller (Courtney.zeller@va.gov).
ERC Supports Serenity Inns
Serenity Inns addresses an unmet community need for residential treatment for men who are recovering from addiction and who have no insurance or funds to pay for treatment. The organization provides support for mind, body and spirit. 
 
Their goal is to provide the men with the support and accountability they need to rebuild their lives and to become self-sufficient, contributing members of the community. The need for this program is demonstrated by statistics attesting to the rising rate of opioid addiction along with an ever-present and growing waiting list.
 
All of the men served by Serenity Inns are battling addictions. They are typically between the ages of 18 and 55; they have an addiction to heroin/opiates, cocaine, or alcohol; and they are without the ability to pay for treatment. They must complete detox before arriving at Serenity Inns due to the possible medical complications that detox entails. Nearly 100% of the men served at Serenity Inns have a history of incarceration.
 
Serenity Inns’ main program is the residential Recovery Program, which is supplemented by the Alumni House independent living program (see photo) and the Outpatient Program. Together the programs served approximately 100 people annually.
 
 
For the second year in a row, Serenity Inns recently was awarded “Best in Milwaukee” by the Shepherd Express in the Alcohol & Drug Rehab Center category.
 
Elmbrook Rotary Club and the ERC Foundation are pleased to support Serenity Inns through our Mini-Grant program.
ERC & Civic Music Association
 
 
The Civic Music Association, Milwaukee, is one of many charitable organizations that are sponsored by the Mini-Grant program of the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) and the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation (ERF).
 
The CMA was founded in 1918. It has served many hundreds of young musicians and music educators over the years through educational experiences, scholarship programs, performance opportunities, and award recognition. In recent years, the emphasis has increased on private music lessons based on financial need and other factors. Elmbrook Rotary Foundation donations have in the past been recognition of that effort.
 
 
Civic Music’s Board of Directors is made up of musicians, MPS music teachers and community leaders. CMA has maintained an association with MYSO (Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra) and the Steinway Society of Milwaukee. It has had to re-invent itself in the past year, and on-line lessons and recitals have been substituted for live participation due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Some programs have been pushed back pending the return of normal health considerations, which all hope for in the not-too-distant future.
RI District 6270 Global Grant Scholarship Recipient
The April 2021 edition of the Elm Grove News - Independent carries a major article on Rotary International (RI) District 6270's announcement of the selection of Alaina Eckert, Sussex, WI, as its Global Grant Scholarship applicant for 2021-2022. Ms. Eckert was referred to the D-6270 selection committee by Elmbrook Rotary Club leadership. Click here or on the image below to access the article.
 
 
Ms. Eckert is a graduate of Sussex Hamilton H.S. and of The University of Wisconsin—Madison. She has already begun a dual degree, Master of Science/Master of International Nature Conservation, in a cooperative program of the Georg-August Universität in Göttingen, Germany, and Lincoln University in Lincoln, New Zealand. Since her Area of Focus is "Environment," the Global Grant will be one of the first in this newest emphasis of Rotary International, which takes effect on July 1, 2021.
 
The practical approach of Ms. Eckert's study program is to preserve the integrity of nature, in combination with the assessment of risk management and conservation strategy, and offers an invaluable experience in the education of international conservation. The four-semester program offers new perspectives to maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems that allow local communities to be resilient to future ecological changes, maintain economic stability and growth, use adaptive conservation management strategies for both the betterment of the community and the ecosystem, and preserve critical ecological systems. Thus, Ms. Eckert’s program of studies aligns closely with RI’s newest Area of Focus, the "Environment."
 
The amount of the Global Grant Scholarship is U.S. $30,000. RI District 6270 is providing $16,667 of that amount, and The Rotary Foundation is matching it at an 80% level with another $13,333. The Rotary Foundation, RI districts, and Rotary clubs invest in our future leaders and philanthropists by funding scholarships for graduate study through the Global Grant Scholarship program. Information about Rotary’s other scholarship programs can be accessed at:  https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships.
Changes to TRF Global Grants
The Rotary Foundation (TRF) has announced additional changes to its Global Grants program. The first major change occurred last year when TRF decided that World fund resources will be used to match only District Designated Fund (DDF) contributions, and the match remained at 100%. This change was because, due to COVID-19 distributions, TRF fully expended the Global Grant budget.
 
 
The most recent change takes effect on July 1, 2021, and includes the following:
 
1. DDF contributions transferred to Polio Plus will be matched at 50% (instead of 100%)
2. The World Fund match of DDF will be reduced from 100% to 80% when being used for Global Grants.
3. 5% of the current year’s Annual fund-SHARE contributions will be taken equally from the World Fund and DDF to help fund operating expenses. (i.e., for every $100 contribution, $5 will go to operating expenses, $47.50 to DDF, and $47.50 to the World Fund).
4. The ability to roll over unused DDF will be limited to five years. The first DDF rollover redirection will take place on 1 July 2026. Currently there is $48.8 million DDF being carried by various districts throughout the world, and TRF desires to put those monies to work. [NOTE:  RI District 6270, in which Elmbrook Rotary is located, does NOT carry over large amounts of DDF from one year to the next. Rather, a rollover occurs only when the amount is already designated for a particular purpose.]
 
Puzzles and Paradoxes in Economics & Finance
Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) was both educated and entertained by a world-renowned economist, Dr. Mark Skousen, in its weekly Zoom virtual meeting on Friday, March 12.
 
Mark Skousen, Ph. D., editor of Forecasts & Strategies, is a nationally known investment expert, economist, university professor, and author of more than 25 books. In July 2018 Dr Skousen was awarded the inaugural Triple Crown in Economics for his work in economic theory, history, and education, and has been identified as one of the 20 most influential living economists.
 
In his presentation to ERC, Dr. Skousen challenged members to solve some of the world's most interesting puzzles and paradoxes in economics and finances. Keeping the audience completely engaged, he won more than a few "converts" to his economic theories. A PDF copy of his presentation slides can be accessed here.
 
 
A limited number of Dr. Skousen's book, The Maxims of Wall Street, were made available on the ERC's online auction site, and proceeds were given to The FOOD Pantry of Waukesha County. Additional copies are available for purchase on Amazon.com. Access by clicking here or on the image above.
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.
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.