"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is time for home." — Edith Sitwell
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in December.
Happy Birthday! Wishing a wonderful year of good health, happiness, and success to our members:
Greg Bonk
Jackson Bubolz
Lydia Miller
Bill Petterson
ERC also recognizes the following membership anniversaries:
On Tuesday evening, November 21, 2023, the Rotary Club of Nanaimo North (Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, in RI District 5020) assisted ERC Rotarian Larry Myers in recognizing two Ukrainian refugees with Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) awards. Assistant Governor Ken Hammer of RI District 5020 made the presentations with the assistance of Nanaimo North President Bill Grace.
Nadiya Tykhovod and Dr. Liudmyla Tykhovod
are presented with Paul Harris Fellow awards
by RI District 5020 Assistant Governor Ken Hammer.
The new PHF recipients are Dr. Liudmyla Tykhovod and her daughter, Nadiya Tykhovod. Nadiya served as Myers' Russian-language translator and classroom assistant at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in Odesa, Ukraine, in 2018. Dr. Tykhovod spent a lifetime of service in the medical profession. The family lost everything when the Russian military occupied their home city of Berdyansk on the Sea of Azov. The family eventually found their way out of Ukraine, through Lithuania, to Vancouver Island in Canada under auspices of the CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel). Read the story of this family and their community service in the PHF citations (by clicking here).
The entire Ukrainian family celebrated the event.
L to R: Dr. Liudmyla Tykhovod, Nadiya Tykhovod,
daughter/sister Anya Dmytriienko, and her sons
Vladyslav & Ivan
Rotarian Myers provided these two RPF award recognitions through use of his "Foundation Recognition Points." Foundation Recognition Points (sometimes just referred to as Points) are awarded to donors who contribute to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) through the Annual Fund/SHARE or PolioPlus or a Rotary Foundation grant. Donors receive one recognition point for every U.S. dollar contributed to these funds. Points can be transferred to other individuals to help them qualify as a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) or multiple Paul Harris Fellow. To understand the nature, purpose, use, and transfer of Foundation Recognition Points, read the attached document.
“Located in the heart of Southeastern Wisconsin, the City of Brookfield is a community of choice for families and businesses and a premier sustainable place to live, work, shop and play.”
Elmbrook Rotarian Steve Ponto, Mayor of the City of Brookfield gave the members an update on developments, projects, and city news at the Sunrise Meeting. In 1990, as a practicing corporate attorney, Steve moved to Brookfield with his family. From 1998-2010 he served as an Alderman and then President of the City Council. In 2010 he became Mayor and has since served three consecutive terms.
What makes the City of Brookfield the great community that it is?
One shining star and a “major asset” for the community, is the outstanding educational system of public and private schools. The recent recognition of Brookfield East Principal Andrew Farley for National Secondary School Principal of the Year and Superintendent Mark Hanson for Wisconsin Superintendent of the year, speaks to the high quality public educational system the district provides Elmbrook families. Asked about this recognition, Principal Farley said, it is “deeply humbling and honoring”. Congratulations Andy and Mark!
Mayor Ponto reviewed several newly completed business development projects within the 66 acres of the old Ruby Farm property now called The Corridor, and other projects across the city including the Conference Center, Lifetime Fitness, Hilton Garden Inn, Landmark Credit Union Headquarters, Hydrite Chemical Co. Headquarters, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Orthopedic Associates, Holiday Inn Express, and the Ruby Apartments to name a few.
What is the cities vision?
“The strategic vision of the city manifests itself in many ways – taking steps to maintain safe and stable neighborhoods, revitalization of business districts, preservation of environmental corridors, repair of roadways, building of new or improved recreation facilities, or the marketing of the community within and outside the state.” He addressed potential plans for Brookfield Square and the development of a state of the art playground at Wirth Park. This park will be disability accessible “so everyone can enjoy it”.
Thank you Mayor Ponto for the update and sharing of the future plans for the City of Brookfield!
Dan and Christine have co-founded two non-profit organizations. The first, The Beat Goes On Foundation, is focused on children’s heart health (supporting heart transplants). They are also the architects of a successful, rapidly growing full-service design/build construction company, R-Five Construction in Brookfield. They are outstanding in their support and commitment to this community.
Through their non-profit, they have raised well over $100,000 for...
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and the Herma Heart Institute. Each year, they hold a “Heart 2 Heart” fundraising benefit within Brookfield (most recently at the Brookfield Conference Center), and they provide grant funding to like-minded organizations.
Natalie Fairbanks, who nominated the Roehlings, states: “These are wonderful people who are devoted to Brookfield and in making this a special community in which to live and work”. Christine and Dan have built a business that gives back generously to their community. They have also given back to Elmbrook Schools by volunteering for High Interest Day and sharing fun construction activities with students.
The Elmbrook Rotary, in the name of Natalie Fairbanks, is donating $200 to The Beat Goes On Foundation in recognition of the foundations work with children with heart disease.
Dan thanked the members on behalf of Chritine and himself… “We take this award as a badge of honor and are humbled “.
To learn more about how and why Dan and Christine created The Beat Goes On Foundation and how you can make a difference, please visit www.thebeatfoundation.com for their story of love, and commitment with the “Mission to improve the quality of life for children diagnosed with heart disease and defects. This is accomplished by increasing awareness, raising funds, and investing in impactful research”.
The Paul Harris award recognizes individuals who contribute or who have contributions made in their name to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
Joann and Walt were presented Paul Harris Award certificates for contributions made by Ralph Gould and Wally Smanski. Thank you, Ralph and Wally!
As part of the new member Red Badge Program, Jack Russell shared a few of his life experiences and professional background with the club. His goal is to become a contributing member providing, “Service to Others” and enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship of our organization.
Jack, it is great that you are part of our Rotary International family.
On a Fall Saturday morning, 7 hearty souls gathered for our annual End Polio Now Triathlon. The ride consists of breakfast at Zisters restaurant in Elm Grove, a 10-mile ride from there to the V.A. on the Hank Aaron Trail, and back to O’ Donahue’s for lunch, beverages, and socializing. Additional members met the bikers for lunch… thank you for joining this event.
This ride was to raise funds for the Rotary Worldwide Mission to end polio. Since 1988 we have reduced Wild Polio cases from 350,000 to just 9 today. The goal is to completely eradicate it from planet earth.
Thank you Mark Zalewski for organizing and spearheading this outing and all those members who supported this great cause.
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in November.
"The thinnest yellow light of November is more warming and exhilarating than any wine they tell of. The mite which November contributes becomes equal in value to the bounty of July." - Henry David Thoreau.
Happy Birthday! Wishing a wonderful year of good health, happiness, and success to our members:
Raul Arredondo
Donald Black
Jim Dunn
Fred Gettelman
Bill Selzer
Ted Wentzel
ERC also recognizes the following membership anniversaries:
On October 29, Elmbrook Rotarian Larry Myers and son Christoph enjoyed the results of winning a set of tickets in the annual Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) Green Bay Packers Raffle.
Their comments say it all:
"The pre-game and half-time performances by the University of Wisconsin Marching Band were phenomenal. Likewise inspiring was the National Anthem flyover by F-35 fighter jets assigned to the 62d Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, AZ."
Noticably absent from their comments is anything about the playing performance of the Packers in the 24-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. They did note that, once the stadium was filled to capacity, there were as many if not more purple, white, and gold in the seats than there were Green and Gold. Perhaps other raffle ticket winners will bring home a win.
Most importantly, the proceeds from the annual raffle will be used to assist community-based charities in meeting their mission goals and objectives. Thanks to all who participated by purchasing and selling tickets!
This year's Elmbrook Rotary Club's (ERC) magazine and book drive was a huge success.
Club members collected 88 magazines and 531 books. The magazines were donated to the Brookfield Library's free magazine rack. The books were donated to Literacy Services of Wisconsin (LSW), which is an adult literacy center located in Milwaukee. Their students will have the opportunity to select reading, recipe and decorating books to read, share with friends and family, and to start their own home libraries.
The picture shows part of the donated books along with staff from LSW and ERC's Ian Smith.
First Row - Madison Olig, LSW's Manager of Development & Volunteer Engagement - Holly McCoy, LSW's Executive Director. Second Row - Aaron Goyette, LSW's Associate Director - Chad Knezel, LSW's Director of Development and Volunteer Engagement - Dustin Slane, LSW's Director of Marketing and IT - Ian Smith, ERC's Community Service Committee Chairman.
After the Greenfield Ave. highway clean-up, several Rotarians join the project in progress at the Potawatomi Area Council Service Center.
Mulch was donated and spread around the Center’s surrounding area plantings. Downspout extensions were also added to improve drainage. The project ended with a great lunch provided by Troop 159 of hot dogs, brats, chips, and condiments rounded out the event.
Thank you, Scouts, Council Members and Rotarians, for your time and labor.
As the 2023 growing season is coming to a close, the Wellpoint Team is already planning for 2024.
This past year, Welpoint Care Network officially opened its Community Garden for the summer. The vision is to transform our campus into a vibrant neighborhood anchor where children and families can thrive. The addition of the community garden space is another way we can “plant seeds” to grow together in connection and care.
“Gardening offers fresh food, beautiful flowers and an energy that builds a strong community and thriving citizens” says Ann Leinfelder Grove, President and CEO.
The goal is to create a space where everyone in the neighborhood has a chance to learn, grow and “experience these triumphs along side us”. Providing...
mindfulness sessions through yoga and regulation, teaching healthy growing, cooking classes, and convenient community potlucks, are just a few ideas for a welcoming gathering place for all.
“Gardening teaches responsibility, patience, and can help relieve stress and increase wellness through movement and exercise. It creates the opportunity to slow down, be one with nature and connect with others.” Another positive outcome of a community garden is giving neighbors access to healthy fresh fruits and vegetables.
Looking towards 2024, the team is excited and planning to expand community involvement, offer accessibility beds for wheelchair and walker easy access, along with flower and herb gardens.
Elmbrook Rotary, thank you for your past support of the gardening and other project.
On Saturday October 21, 2023, 10 of you walked my right-of-way for Barker Rd. to Hwy 164, picking up discarded and unwanted items. You filled 10 bags making me the clean stretch of road I should be.
RAG AP – Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention was formed to address the nation’s addiction crisis. President of the Union Grove Rotary Club, Dr. Ken Kurt a retired osteopathic physician and surgeon gave a presentation on the addiction epidemic our country faces today. He currently serves as the Chairman of Smart Recovery Action Group Addiction Prevention. The group is engaged in school education, medication and drug disposal, awareness, recovery, and treatment programs.
“Addiction is a disease; it is a behavior or physical need – not a moral problem.”
“Addiction is complicated.”
“Addiction is associated with dysfunctional reward pathways in the brain."
Repeated use of a drug...
changes the wiring of the brain, leading to impaired judgement, decision-making, and impulse control. Addiction can be understood as a three-stage cycle involving binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation. Addiction involves craving for something intensely, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences.
Dr. Kurt shared his experience and knowledge with highly addictive drugs like oxycontin and fentanyl. Over the past two decades abuse of these drugs has led to addiction, overdose, and early death. His brother died at 58 years old from heart failure due to cardiovascular disease and complications brought on by his brother’s use of cocaine. Effects of drug abuse can surface in later years causing a poor quality of life and premature death.
The Rotarian S.M.A.R.T program is a multi-prong approach of:
School education – start educating children on the effects of addiction.
Medication and Drug Disposal – assist communities in conducting disposal programs.
Awareness – assist in bringing awareness programs to all.
Recovery – help support community-based programs.
Treatment – become aware of programs and available treatment information that can be shared in the education process.
Dr. Kurt would like to see the Elmbrook and other local clubs join together to sponsor a Rotarian S.M.A.R.T. program presentation to educate the clubs on addiction disorders and how to get involved in the process of eradicating this epidemic.
Thank you, Dr. Kurt, for sharing your experience and knowledge on this topic.
In 2006, a team of organizers and supporters visited Seligenstadt Germany, City of Brookfield’s Sister City with the goal of establishing a student exchange program. City of Brookfield Mayor Kate Bloomberg (Elmbrook Rotary member), and Elmbrook Schools Superintendent Matt Gibson led the campaign along with other supporters.
Agreement in hand, a partnership was created that has given students...
from each city opportunities to live in another country, experience new cultures and develop lifelong connections to students from a different part of the world.
Guest presenters Dr. Kelsie Pattillo and Hans Schegelmilch outlined the exchange program that gives students two weeks with a host family, experiencing life as an American or Germany student. Kelsie and Hans are the lead counterparts for this program. This past summer Dr. Pattillo and 18 Elmbrook students visited Selgenstadt where they received a warm host city welcome. During their stay, they spent time touring the city sites, meeting with the mayor, and running into visiting City of Brookfield Mayor, Steve Ponto. “They all had a fantastic time.” This was the first exchange since 2019 when the program was delayed by Covid.”
In October of this year, 20 German students arrived to be part of the Elmbrook High School experience and immerse themselves in what the Milwaukee metro area has to offer. When not in school, they visited police and fire stations, the lakefront, Madison, and Chicago.
Hans described the program as a “people exchange where students learn the other cultures and where lifelong friends arise from this”. He has been involved in the partnership since 2007 and is impressed with the “hospitality and generosity of everyone involved”.
Kelsie and Hans, thank you for your dedication to this great program.
Cub Scout Pack 55 presented the colors to begin the Elmbrook Rotary Sunrise Meeting this past Friday, followed by a presentation by Paul Schwartz.
Paul is the Executive Director of the Potawatomi Area Scout USA Council; he shared the history and current challenges of scouting today. For the past 113 years, the twelve principals of the Scout Law; a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent have been the foundation of the program.
The Potawatomi Area Council is...
one of 248 Councils divided into 16 territories, with 14 councils in our area. Our council is tied for first for youth protection standards, number 2 in density served, and is seventh in having a 80% retention rate.
Through his 27 years of being a member of scouting, Paul has witnessed many changes, especially the impact and challenges Covid 19 has had on the program. Pre-Covid the council had 6,104 scouts with a post-covid loss of 2,626 scouts. Today the council has 4,134 scouts in the program. In time, the hope is that the program will return to pre-Covid numbers.
Inflation is impacting the Long Lake Summer Camp program with:
Food costs up 36% - $38,673.
Insurance 27% - $12,134.
Fuel costs - $9279.
National BSA Fee Increases 32% - $42,000.
Council Contributions to the National BSA Bankruptcy Victim’s Fund - $561,000.
For a grand total of $102,086 expenses annually.
One big change within the last few years is the addition of girls into the Boy Scouting Program. In recognition of this change, the program name was changed to Scouts BSA in 2019. Today girls have the same great program opportunities as the boys serving within their own troops.
Thank you, Scouts, for posting the colors, and Paul for an excellent presentation. For more information on Scouting and how to join, volunteer, or donate to this worthy organization, visit www.pacbsa.org
Erik Moeser has enjoyed the world of photography since he was a young boy, when his parents gave him a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera. At the morning Sunrise Meeting, he shared his love of photography and adventures with drone videography of the City of Milwaukee and the lake front.
The views from the sky over Milwaukee were stunning and gave the members a different perspective of Milwaukee.
Erik, thank you for presenting and for your...
“Service to Others” over the past 43 years as a Rotarian, and 16 years as a member of the Elmbook Rotary Club. Erik’s Rotary involvement includes being the liaison for the annual trip to Guatemala, where members build homes and provide other services. This work is truly appreciated by the club members.
Janie Jacobson, sponsored by Jeanne Allen, was inducted into Rotary by President Chris Spresser. The club welcomes Janie as she joins her husband Doug in fellowship. Doug has been a member for the past 12 years.
Please join the Elmbrook Rotary Club in celebrating our esteemed member Birthdays and Anniversaries in October.
"My beloved October has returned—with its brilliant colors, cool temperatures and sunny, cloudless, azure skies, and I must enjoy it before it escapes for another year." — Peggy Toney Horton, Somewhere in Heaven My Mother Is Smiling
Happy Birthday! Wishing a wonderful year of good health, happiness, and success to our members:
Gary Gilmore
David Irwin
Emily Jones
Paul Langer
Erik Moeser
Yusuf Quereshi
Kerri Richlen
Noaman Sharief
ERC also recognizes the following membership anniversaries:
WellPoint reports that their Second Annual Back-to-School Bash was a record-breaking success, with more than 2,000 children and families attending and more than 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies distributed!
Additionally, nearly 40 community partners were in attendance to provide invaluable resources.
Nicci Sternitsky and Deb Baesemann are members of the Elm Grove Sustainability Committee and Green Team. They shared their mission of preserving resources for future generations with the Elmbrook Rotary. In their presentation, they shared their vision and traction in assisting residents, businesses, and government in embracing best practices for sustainable living, business growth, and development.
How can the village residents and businesses reduce the 1,700 tons of trash/garbage collected each year through recycling and other sustainable means?
To understand the...
type and quantity of items that end up in the trash, the Green Team conducted a trash audit at John’s Disposal in April, 2023. The twelve Team members sorted through 1,300 pounds of garbage separating it into nine groups by weight and percentages. The objectives were “to improve recycling efficiency, decrease solid waste ending up in the landfill, and ultimately, save the community money by reducing landfill fees and improving recycling accuracy”.
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%
What can we do to help reduce the amount of trash going into landfills?
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.
Items to recycle:
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.
Please do not recycle:
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.
Batteries: rechargeable batteries should never go into the trash or recycling containers. Single use alkaline batteries can be placed in the trash. For more information visit: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Recycling/batteries.html
To learn more about Elm Grove’s mission and vision on sustainability, visit www.elmgrovewi.org and search for sustainability.
Thank you Nicci and Deb for sharing the Elm Grove Green Team’s initiative for sustainability.
Rob Bassett, the District 6270 PolioPlus Committee Chair, delivered an update to the Elmbrook Rotary Club in September. Rob thanked the members for being one of the district leaders, on a per capita basis, for contributions to PolioPlus and the Rotary Foundation. World Polio Day will be recognized on October 24th.
Rick Roszkowski from Bloom MKE was introduced by Ian Smith at the weekly meeting. Bloom MKE is a non-profit organization with the mission to “promote community enrichment for residents of low-income housing and public housing in Milwaukee. Rick and his wife Linda are using community gardens as resources for "Engagement, education, and relationship building”. In 2012, the first community garden beds were constructed by the SET Ministry, an organization where Rick and his wife Lisa were volunteers. In 2016 they were honored as “Volunteers of the Year” by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee. A few years later, they...
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.
It's that time of the year when a "Final Report" is due for each Mini-Grant awarded in 2022-2023. In fact, a new Mini-Grant cannot be awarded to an organization unless a Final Report has been received.
One of the first Final Reports already received came from the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative (MHVI). Its "Bikes for Stripes" program was awarded a $3,000 Mini-Grant in 2022-2023 from the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation.
Debbie Buchanan, MHVI's leader and executive director, included the following in her Final Report:
"Thus far in 2023, 101 bikes have been distributed. The program truly makes a difference. For example, we had a veteran scheduled for a job interview and reached out to us for transportation assistance. His dilemma was that the job was located on a bus route, but the route ends 1 ½ miles before reaching his destination. We were able to provide him with a reliable bicycle that he could take on the bus and then ride the rest of the way. The veteran reported to staff that he was hired and is working full-time. It will take him several months to save enough money to purchase a vehicle, but how grateful he was for the Bikes for Stripes Program – not only was he able to get to the interview, he got the job!"
A fillable PDF for the Mini-Grant "Final Report" can be accessed by clicking here.
Rotary International District 6270 is pleased to announce the availability of a Global Grant Scholarship for matriculation in the fall of 2024 or spring of 2025.
The amount of the scholarship is USD $30,000 and must be used for graduate school studies outside the United States. NOTE: Applicant cannot be a Rotarian or be related to a Rotarian but can be a member of Rotaract. To be eligible, applicant must be a resident in the geographical area of District 6270, or be a student at a college/university in the geographical area of District 6270, or have strong ties to Southeast Wisconsin (see District 6270 map). Experience (professional or volunteer) in the field of study is required. All fellowship/scholarship/stipend funding opportunities must relate to one of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus.
Deadlines are as follow:
September 1, 2023 – Application form available (online)
January 15, 2024 – Complete Application Deadline (submit via email only)
February 10, 2024 - In-Person or Zoom Interviews scheduled. An in-person interview is preferred.
February 19, 2024 – Successful Scholar Notified (for matriculation in 2024-2025 academic year.)
Click Here to access the “Scholarships” page on the RI D-6270 website for detailed information, the application form, and other supporting documents. Address any inquiries to Larry Myers, Chair of the D-6270 Scholarships Subcommittee (Email:scholarshipchair@rotary6270.org OR Larry Myers).
At Friday’s Elmbrook Rotary Club's meeting, President Chris Spresser welcomed David Urban into membership of the “Elmbrook Rotary Club and Rotary International throughout the world”. Kate Bloomberg proudly presented her stepson with the Rotary emblem.
The Ideal of Rotary is “Service above Self".
“The object of this club and all Rotary Clubs is to encourage and foster this ideal as a basis of worthy enterprise.”
David looks forward to being involved in community service. If you think you might want to be involved with more community service, please join a meeting of ours and find out if the Elmbrook Rotary is the right fit for you!
The Elmbrook Rotary Club recently received the Rotary 2022 -2023 Citation for "Helping Imagine Rotary in the Lives of People All Over the World”.
Chris Spresser shared that “this is the most significant award a club can receive”. The club “demonstrated a commitment to achieve its goals, with power and impact”.
Thank you, Harry, for your leadership this past year.
Raghav Patel is this year’s Elmbrook Rotary Youth Exchange Student. He recently traveled from India and was met at the airport by several club members.
Raghav gave the club a brief synopsis of his travels from India, meeting his great host family Karen and John Selkey, and his first adventure……a trip to Green Bay for a Packer preseason game. He will give the club weekly updates on his experiences at Brookfield Central and his life journeys this school year.
If anyone has an outing, event, or experience they feel would add value to Raghav's time in Wisconsin, please reach out so the Elmbrook Rotary Club can help organize.
Ever wonder when the next Rotary volunteer event is? Check Club Runner
Curious who our speaker is next week? Check Club Runner
Want to invite a friend to the next Rotary social? Check Club Runner
If you aren't that familiar, please use this link to learn what's all available to you on Club Runner: https://elmbrookrotary.org/
The value of this tool is enormous. Our webmaster Larry Meyers has graciously set time aside to teach our members how to both better use the website to learn about upcoming events, and also how to submit your own content, or send your own email message to the group.
If you have events, communications, or recaps and pictures of completed volunteer projects, please use this link to see an On-Demand recording of Larry covering the most commonly used functions on and in the site: Link
Thank you Larry for your 3 years of service to the Elm Brook Rotary Club, and the training provided to keep this well oiled public relations team moving.
Kurt Stanich, Airport Manager of the Waukesha County Airport, provided the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) an excellent presentation. It began with the history of aviation dating back before the Wright Brothers December 17, 1903, flight at Kitty Hawk, as well as highlighting the development of aviation through the years, including the beginning and growth of the Waukesha County Airport/Crites Field located at 2525 Aviation Drive, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Did you know, the first flight in Wisconsin took place in Beloit on November 9th, 1909.
“Since its humble beginnings in 1935, the Waukesha County Airport/Crites Field has evolved into a state-of-the-art facility meeting the unique aviation needs of both enthusiasts and area businesses, while greatly contributing to the local economy.”...
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.
Bruce Korus has spent his career in numerous healthcare related positions, including hospital administration and physician group management. He joined the Elmbrook Rotary meeting to share his insight on the mental health crisis in colleges today and offer suggestions on how to “help your kids survive and thrive through their college years”.Today, anxiety is the most common challenge for students, with almost 1/3 of college students feeling so depressed that they...
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.
At the Friday breakfast meeting, Rotarian Ralph Gould introduced his grandson Alex Seaborg, a Rotary exchange student who spent 11 months in Hat Yai Thailand experiencing the culture, volunteering his time, and traveling.
After graduating from Middleton High School, Alex applied through Rotary District 6250 to participate in the student exchange program. His parents were part of similar exchange programs; Dad went to Japan and Mom to London. Their experiences inspired Alex to follow in their footsteps.The Rotary International student exchange program has sent young people around the globe to experience new cultures. Currently, about 9,000 students are...
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.
Brookfield, WI – The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) is seeking nominations for its 7th annual Business Person of the Year Award. ERC will present the award to a majority owner and/or operating head of a successful for profit business or non-profit organization. Additionally, applicants must be living in and/or have a business located in the City/Town of Brookfield or Village of Elm Grove.
“ERC presents the Business Person of the Year Award to honor a strong local leader who has entrepreneurial skills and strategic vision,” said Award Program Co-Chair, Ralph Gould. “This award helps ERC shine a spotlight on a successful business owner or non-profit director who is making a difference in our community.” Prior winners include Lisabeth Passalis-Bain of the Elm Grove News-Independent, Mark Mirsberger, of Dana Investment Advisors, Jamie O’Donough, of O’Donough’s Irish Pub, Bill Selzer, retired Elm Grove Fire Chief, Phil Landry, Owner of C3E Geomatics, LLC and Neil Palmer, retired mayor of Elm Grove Village.
Award nominations will be accepted on-line only through Saturday, October 14, 2023 via the Elmbrook Rotary Club website:ElmbrookRotary.org A selection committee of ERC members and local government officials will review all nominations and select the award recepient. ERC members are not eligible for the award. The 2023 Business Person of the Year award winner will be honored Friday morning, October 27th at the Elmbrook Rotary Club meeting. ERC will also make a $200 donation to a charity specified by and in the name of the person who has nominated the award winner.
Established in 1983, the Elmbrook Rotary Club has been active in our community for 40 years. We are a part of Rotary International, founded in 1905. ERC is an energetic group of more that 80 individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, from business professionals to community leaders to those dedicated to public service. The Rotary International official motto is “Service above Self” and our Club slogan is “We rise & Shine” referencing our being the first breakfast club in our Rotary District 6270.
Hebron House, the largest and oldest non-profit organization in Waukesha County, is celebrating 40 years of service to unhoused men, women, and children. The mission is restoring hope and dignity to those still facing a crisis of homelessness and not turn anyone away in need of immediate help or a long-term solution to housing. Hebron House provides two shelters and two affordable housing developments. The goal is to help 6-8 families per month find permanent housing.Kathleen Christianson Fischer, Executive Director and Addy Fahrenkrug, Fund Development Manager, addressed the Sunrise Meeting of the Elmbrook Rotary on August 4th. They reviewed the organizational goals, new programs, and services Hebron House provides to those in need of shelter, stable housing, or...
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.
Although not an official Rotary event, 4 of the 6 members of the #ElevateWI Habitat build were current Elmbrook Rotary members.
Thank you to Paul Sawicki, Tom Curl, Jackson Bubolz and Kerri Richlen (who quite literally jumped in the morning of!). Thank you to everyone who donated a day of their time to building sustainable housing in Milwaukee.
Apologies for the lapse of a group photo, but there are a few action shots around trimming drywall to the window opening, and learning more about Habitat during our lunch break:
If you feel you've missed out on an opportunity, please let Jackson Bubolz know you'd be interested in being a part of a Habitat build. There are lots of projects this Fall and Winter that do not require ladders or lifting walls, so if there is demand from the club, we should be able to staff one or more builds in 2023.
Ann Marie Hess, Director of Sales, and Dustin Hicks from the City of Brookfield Travel and Tourism Visitor’s Bureau joined the July 28th Elmbrook Rotary Sunrise meeting to share the opportunities available to travelers, and the impact tourism has on the city.
Currently, the City of Brookfield makes up 40% of all tourism, spending, taxes, and employment of Waukesha County and 3% of State visitor spending. This equates to visitor spending of $308.8 million, employment from tourism of 4,076 and $33 million in tourism state and local taxes. During the months of June, July and August, the number of guests visiting Brookfield is greater than the City population of 41,000.
This not-for-profit organization is funded entirely by...
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.
On Friday July 21st, the Elmbrook Rotary Club received the Bridge to Turkiye Fund (BTF) “Spirit of Humanity Award for Global Kindness in Support of the 2023 Turkish Earthquake and Service Above Self Representing the Very Best of Human Spirit”. BTF, a volunteer organization, has delivered to date:
$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.
A Classification Talk is one component for a newly inducted member in the Red Badge Program. This program is part of the orientation process for becoming a member of the Elmbrook Rotary Club. Red Badge has...
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!
Elmbrook Rotary Club will celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a Reunion of members on Friday, July 21. All members, past and present, and their guests were invited.
Venue is the Starry Nights Concert at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center's beautiful Gerlach/Haack Outdoor Theater. One of the most popular Wilson Center summertime traditions, all Starry Nights outdoor concerts are free and open to the public of all ages. Dress was casual attire. The music of the Rocking' Robins were featured on Friday, July 21.
After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Paul Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. He envisioned a place where professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. After years of service, Harris died on 27 January 1947 in Chicago at age 78 after a prolonged illness.
Continuing the legacy of the founder, the Paul Harris Fellow program was established in 1957 to show appreciation for financial contributions by members that support the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.
“Rotary Foundation is the economic engine for the good work that we do in the district and around the world.” It is through consistent giving to the foundation that allows us to provide service locally and internationally.
At Fridays Sun Rise meeting, 5 members of the Elmbrook Rotary Club were recognized by Don Griffing, the Rotary District 6270 Governor...
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.
On July 7, 2023, Francis Vogel, Executive Director of the World Affairs Seminar was accompanied by Ava Gomez, a Senior at Brookfield East, and her mother, to share highlights and experiences from the 2023 World Affairs Seminar at Carroll University in Waukesha. Francis reviewed how the seminar provides a unique forum for future international leaders to address urgent global issues. Student delegates from around the world gather to hear renown speakers, take interesting and fun field trips, and interact in challenging small group learning and projects. The academic approach of critical reflection, interactive learning, and hearing others’ opinions, in a delegate-centric environment allows delegates to develop their own ideas and strategies, and present and defend their ideas and approaches.
Beginning in 1977....
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.
On July 4th, 2023, our newly appointed President Chris Spresser rode the convertible down Calhoun wishing everyone a wonderful 4th of July.
The weather was hot, the parade route was packed, and our 57lbs of candy made it almost to the end of the route.
Chris was joined by Phyllis Blodgett, Paul Sawicki, Kemal & Visile Yilmaz, Tom Hochuli, & Jackson Bubolz and family.
If you know anyone who wants more of this type of camaraderie and goodwill in their life, bring them to a meeting! We're always welcoming new members wanting to make a difference at home or far away.
On the last Wednesday of June, 2023, the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) met at the Elm Grove Woman's Club. As the club does the last Wednesday of every June, we celebrated the closing of the 2022/2023 Rotary year, and welcomed the 2023/2024 year.
We heard from exiting President Harry Farchmin about our effectiveness in updating our club's bi-laws and addressing venue challenges throughout the year. Harry is proud to have moved our club forward as he served as our President. We also heard from our incoming President Chris Spresser and her intentions to focus on fun, mentorship, and having a club of Rotarians, not just people signed up for Rotary.
We'd also like to welcome...
Dr. Thomas Steinbach to the Vice President role, Dr. David Engle as Secretary, & Bill Petterson as Sargent at Arms. Other members moving into leadership roles are Lydia Miller & Mark Zalewski as the 2026 Class of Board Members, and Charley Shirley as Past President Member of the Board. John Allen will serve as Foundation Treasurer while Mark Zalewski handles Club Treasurer.
A thank you to Jackson Bubolz who is rolling off the Board of Directors as the class of 2023 and Harry Farchmin as he completes his time as our 2022/2023 President.
Thank you everyone for stepping up to fulfill the roles that allow our club to operate so well. Good luck to all of you, and may the 4 Way Test assist you in leading our club build goodwill, better friendships, and a better world.
Rotary is consistently meeting with people considering becoming a Rotarian. If you're curious about what being in a club like this is like, or if you know someone you feel would be a good fit, please connect them with us.
On June 29, 2023, Jack Nelson, Harry Farchmin, John Allen, Doug Jacobson, & Jackson Bubolz took the World Affairs Seminar (WAS) up on their offer see a few presentations.
The seminar is a 4 day event where students from all over Wisconsin, the United States, and the world come to learn about important world issues and how to have an impact on them. This year's topic was on Climate Change and Sustainability. Throughout the day, over 600 high school students will listen to world renowned thought leaders, do group research on a specific challenge, or what we did, hear our current Rotary International President Gordon McInally speak (pictured).
The Elmbrook Rotary Club sponsors...
1-3 students for this event each year, and the experience can have a profound impact on the students. An example being that I (Jackson Bubolz) attended this event in Whitewater in 2003 as a high school Junior. I was blown away by the breadth of topics and how informed the speakers were. Being from a very small rural area, the diversity of both people and opinions was something I'd never experienced prior. When I returned to Valders, WI that Summer, I visited my local Rotary Club to thank them for sending me.
Here is a photo of the Veterans in Focus group in front of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I got there a bit early and found the brick with my name on it given to me a few years ago by John and Jeanne Allen.
We spent about 25 minutes there doing some flying and then went to a conference room in the War Memorial building to view aerial photographs and videos, and discuss picture taking from a remote platform.
Veterans in Focus provides equipment and instruction for Veterans to leverage the art of photography to find peace and joy in their days removed from military service.
On our June 23 meeting, Elmbrook Rotary introduced another new member to our Club: Member Jack Russel.
Jack is currently a commercial real estate agent with Judson Realty. He is married with a baby at home and another on the way...
Jack is an alum of UW Madison and is looking forward to being a bigger part of his community via Rotary.
Please help Jack feel welcome this Summer as you see him at meetings, socials, and volunteer events.
If you know anyone who might be considering joining the Elmbrook Rotary Club, please connect them with Lucas Severson, Mark Thurner, or simply bring them to a meeting!
On Friday morning, Pardeep Kaleka shared his story of loss and “forgiveness after hate”. On August 5th, 2012, his religious community was attacked when a white supremacist opened fire on a crowd of worshippers, murdering 7 and wounding four. That day at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Pardeep lost his father in a terror attack.
The loss robbed his family of a loving father and husband who will “never come home”. In a quest to heal...
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.
We had strong planning, wonderful weather, and a SPIKES! Event that really stands out as we're only a few years removed from a global pandemic.
Attendance and food sales were both up. We're waiting for all donations to be tallied, but based on the volume of people and the excitement of Spikes participants, this year could be a template for fundraising and "day of" activities moving forward.
Here are more pictures of FUN from the 2023 SPIKES! gallery:
At the Friday Sunrise meeting, Anna Zack, Executive Director of the WI State Fairs Park Foundation, provided a history and overview of the Foundation’s activities, highlighting changes and projects underway at the Fairgrounds.
The Foundation’s Mission is to preserve and enhance the WI State Fair and help it to grow for generations to come! Through the support of:
· 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!
As you can see, the Elmbrook Rotary Club has supported Veterans in Focus for quite some time.
In addition to providing funds to purchase photography equipment and software, the Elmbrook Rotary has a tradition of donating the June edition of the Rotary magazine.
One you have finished with the June 2023 edition of the Rotary magazine (which is the photography award edition), please bring it in so Veterans can expand photography creativity.
On Thursday, 8 June, a handful or Rotarians got together at the Ronald McDonald house to cook and serve a meal to the worn out families of patients at Milwaukee's Children's Hospital.
Volunteers were:
Ian Smith – Coordinator and Cook
Thomas Steinbach – Shopping for Groceries
Emily Jones – Cook & Recipes
Paul Sawicki, Harry Farchmin, Dan Roads, Anne Klug - Cooks
Participants report that it was fun, rewarding, and they are open to organizing another one.
If this project looks interesting, please reach out to Ian Smith or any of the other participants. As with all of our projects, the more interest we have, the more effort we can direct toward that cause.
Larry Myers, Chair of the Rotary International District 6270's Scholarships Subcommittee, meets some of the most outstanding young people who are making a difference in the world. While introducing our speaker, Myers stated how amazed he is at what the recipients of Global Grant Scholarships are doing worldwide.
One of those outstanding recipients is Brigitte Potter, the District 6270 2023-2024 Rotary Global Scholar, and graduate from Brookfield East High School. At the Friday morning meeting, Brigitte presented her goals, dreams, and journey to becoming one that can make a difference in this world through peace building and conflict prevention.
She attended UWM and received an undergraduate degree in English Second Education with the thought of becoming a teacher. Her experiences since have provided clarity for her mission in life, drawing her in another direction. After UWM, Brigitte spent a semester abroad at the Universidad De Granada in Spain...
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.
2023 was slated as the year to revitalize Spikes and find more ways to draw in both community members and community businesses.
With teams up 40% over last year and donation seeds being replanted, this event looks to yield fruit for years to come.
We are still waiting for the final tally on 505/50 raffle, food & bev sales, and donations before totaling a final number for donations generated. More to come...
Rest assured, with the excitement of J.K. Lee, face painting, and a bounce house, this Spikes event is likely to only gain momentum in the "First Saturday of June's" ahead.
Thank you for everyone who donated time, talents, and treasure. This event takes a village, and hopefully we've positioned out club in a great space to serve more people the next 12 months.
If you've ever enjoyed a breeze over the Elmbrook Rotary's newsletter or liked a Facebook post, that's thanks to the PR Team.
If you've needed to see who the speaker was the next meeting, or when the shoot clays event is, that can be found thanks to the PR Team.
If you've needed to find a link for Spikes, or a grant form, or wanted to share how to become a member... that's right... PR Team...
The PR Team makes a weekly impact on our members and is
split into only 5-7 small monthly tasks. For the last years, Larry Myers was running this entire arm of our club by himself. Thank you for your huge contribution Larry! (especially because of the consistent nature of your efforts)
The last year I've kept most of Larry's processes going with help from Bill Selzer, Mark Zalewski, and Chris Salani, yet there are still too many pieces for our team to consistently do a great job for the club.
The PR team is looking for help to:
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
Any single bullet point will be a very small amount of effort/ responsibility, yet having a couple of members work on all of them will likely lead to a decrease in the quality of the end products.
Please reach out to me, Jackson Bubolz, if you think you may have interest in the PR Team. Thank you for your consideration in being a bigger part of "Getting the word out" about Elmbrook Rotary!
The Bridge to Turkiye Fund (BTF) has a culture of giving and civic involvement as a part of their heritage. It was founded in 2003 by a few like-minded Turkish Americans and Friends of Türkiye with the simple desire to Give-Back. Based in the Triangle region of North Carolina, BTF quickly grew all across the US with many regional grassroots Giving Circles, and today has individual donors and supporting communities in all parts of the globe.”
Emin Pamucak, President of the Bridge to Turkiye Fund, presented a program highlighting the great work this organization provides to Turkiye including the recent earthquake response and the Child Amputee program.
“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.”
Joining our Friday morning meeting, School Counselor Jason Lippold, Principal Andy Farley and School Psychologist Aimee Schneidewent from Brookfield East High School. They presented the Hope Squad, a school-based peer to peer suicide prevention program, with a mission to reduce youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention. In its sixth year at East, the Squad is comprise of 50 students representing each grade.
Hope Squad members are nominated by their classmates as...
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.
On May 27, our fearless new leader Chris Spresser landed in Melbourne, Australia. Over the next few days, she will take in dozens of Rotary presentations, meet hundreds of Rotarians from around the world, and hopefully bring back a few new ideas to keep our club moving forward.
Here are a few more of the early pictures that have come from the other side of the world:
May 29 is when Elmbrook's Memorial Day Parade took place in 2023.
The parade, and the entire holiday, is meant to commemorate the brave women and men who have served our country. We specifically recognize those who gave everything, including their life, for our great country. In addition to marching bands and service professional like fire and safety professionals, the Elmbrook Rotarians were out in full force.
Harry Farchmin, our Club's president, was honored with the role of waving from the convertible as he wraps up his tenure as leader with the club. He wasn't the only Elmbrook Rotarian though. Dozens of Club members were relaxing at the Allen's home, enjoying a cookout and drinks. Others were handing out candy and/ or spreading the word about Rotary.
If you are looking for this type of community within your community, please join us for a 7a Friday meeting or a service project throughout the month to better understand if you too are an Elmbrook Rotarian.
The Elmbrook Rotary's May 19th Sunrise Meeting saw Sandy Wysocki, Executive Director of the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center, be inducted into membership of the Elmbrook Rotary. Sandy is now part of our community of “Fellowship of Rotary around the world" with the ideal of “Service Above Self”.
Linda Edelstein, Sandy’s sponsor, presented her with the Rotary pin.
Sandy, welcome to the Elmbrook Rotary Club. Please join us in wearing the Rotary pin with pride.
Thank you all who were willing to part with your unwanted or unneeded tools for a great cause. Some Rotarians even purchased tools for the Wellpoint Community Garden Project. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated by the gardeners.
The collection is on-going...
If any of you have a shovel, hoe, rake, wheelbarrow, hand trowel, hand cultivator or any gardening tools you do not need or will be replacing, Wellpoint would appreciate them for their Community Gardeners.
Below you will find a picture from the Opening Ceremony on May 9th and of the garden tools donated………what a wonderful response.
The gardening team will be meeting in the near future to discuss the new planned location and timeline for the 2023 season. We will keep you posted for volunteer opportunities as things progress.
2023 is shaping up to be a memorable year for the Elmbrook Rotary Club.
We've resumed our annual service trip to Guatemala and refreshed SPIKES, our largest fundraiser. With all of that, plus all the other nice things we're doing in the community, the PR team needs reinforcements. The PR Team wants to do a great job sharing what the Elmbrook Rotary Club is doing to be part of the solution, and we could use some help telling the stories.
Opportunities are:
- Assembling our weekly newsletter
- Posting on our social media pages
- Maintaining content and accuracy of website
- Writing submissions to the Elm Grove News Independent
- Creating new media relationships to help attract more members
- Helping Rotarians remember to take pictures and send stories of their service projects
All of these create stronger bonds between us as members, and build trust with the community to gain members, projects, and goodwill.
If you feel you'd enjoy any of these above tasks, please connect with Jackson Bubolz to learn more about the role and decide if you'd like to help.
We had a real treat at our May 19, 2023 Elmbrook Rotary Club breakfast meeting.
Two new members gave their Classification Talks, John Schindler and Michael Arndorfer. Both members were inducted into Rotary in February of this year.
John was sponsored by Jackson Bubolz and mentored by Jack Nelson, while Michael was sponsored by Julie Craig and mentored by Wally Smanski. John and Michael gave a brief life history and why they were drawn to and joined the Elmbrook Rotary.
We also were able to hear from Mike Schmeling, long time member and past president. Thank you all for sharing your journey.
What our members share about their career, families, and philanthropic interests help us to get to know each other better, yet that content isn't designed to share via a newsletter. If you're curious what motivates these folks to volunteer, network, and give, join us for a 7a meeting. We'd love to hear your classification talk someday :)
MILWAUKEE, WI—Rotary International District 6270 is awarding a Global Grant Scholarship in the amount of $30,000 to Brigitte N. Potter of Glendale, Wisc. The grant has been approved by The Rotary Foundation with an 80% match of District Designated Funds (DDF) provided by the district.
Ms. Potter will use the grant to obtain a Master of Science degree in International Migration and Public Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the United Kingdom. She intends to focus on the issues surrounding refugees and forced migration. Her Rotary Area of Focus is “Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution.”
Ms. Potter is a graduate of UW-Milwaukee and has studied abroad at the University of Granada in Spain. She has also worked in refugee camps in Greece and for a maternal health organization in Uganda. In Milwaukee she continues to volunteer among the refugee population. She states, “I’m eager to learn what can be done from a social and political perspective to prevent forced migration at its root and as a result keep people safe within their communities.”
Her graduate program is a 12-month program and will end in September 2024. She is married to Dan Scholz, also a Milwaukee native, whom she describes as “a wonderfully supportive husband."
Ms. Potter will be the featured speaker at Elmbrook Rotary on Friday, June 9. A breakfast buffet is served at 06:45 a.m.
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.
May 9th, 15 Rotarians and friends saw UWM squeak by Northwestern. Final score 3 -2 on an eighth inning inside the park home run.
The victory was sealed...
in the ninth when an NU runner, streaking to third on a UWM throwing error, missed second base and was called out. Northwestern alums John Allen and Wally Smanski left disappointed but at least not hungry, after partaking of the Brats and giant Burgers at the Dog Haus Pub.
A good time had by all. Please jump in when Rotary excursions arise... or start one that interests you!
Rotarian John Schindler, Village of Elm Grove Trustee, shared with the Elmbrook Rotary Club his involvement in the Underwood Creek Daylighting Project. On 12 May he also discussed other duties and village related projects including the Chair of the Public Works Committee...
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.
Rotary is a multi-faceted group, and whom better to show that off than some of our longest tenured members?
In addition to reading to kids, donating to Haiti and building homes, Rotarians sometimes need to cut loose and jam. Find many of the members of our Elmbrook Rotary Club playing "air guitar" (literally) and other goofiness at the Les Paul exhibit at the Waukesha Historical Society.
Rotarians join each other outside of meetings and volunteer projects for scenic drives, socials with dinner or drinks, baseball games, shooting sporting clays, live music, and parade viewing parties... just to name a few. Rotary is a great fit for anyone looking to make new friends in our community, as well as give back too.
Please reach out to learn more about being a part of our wonderful club!
Senior Living Specialist Katrina Keene presented an overview and history of St. Camillus at the Friday weekly meeting. The order of St. Camillus (International body) has provided Covid, hurricane, and disaster relief to 22 countries as well as living communities in the United States.Locally, St. Camillus is a faith based, not for profit Life Plan Community. They offer
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.
On April 28th, the Elmbrook Rotary Club held one of its most important meetings of the year. We talked about what's going well as we prepare for our largest fundraiser, Spikes, what needs attention, and activities still pending.
With many Spikes event leaders out of town at a Rotary event in LaCrosse or elsewhere, one might be concerned with how our planning session would go. But fear not...
The Spikes Pit Crew was ready to drive our meeting forward.
Linda Wickstrom walked the group through our progress as a Club and forecasted what's up next for communicating to potential sponsors. She was passionate in motivating club members to help reach toward our $80,000 fundraising goal. She also succinctly described the size of a volleyball team: 6-11 players.
Karl Schulz gave an update on the progress for each of our club fundraising teams, and shared how important it is for each team to actively ask their employers, their favorite places to shop, and their friends to consider sponsoring a team, or even sponsoring the event. Don Down walked us through a proposed site plan of Mitchell Park, explaining that since this event will be significantly larger than last year's, with Non-Profit booths, bouncy house, face painting, beer service along with our ever-popular food service offerings, we need to plan accordingly to fit all of our attractions.
Chris Spresser oversaw the meeting, making sure we started and ended on time while giving each speaker the time they needed.
It is great to see so much leadership in so many areas of our club. From continuing to learn from and network with other Rotarians, to laying the groundwork for a successful fundraiser, each Rotarian is doing their part to keep our club energized and focused on the goal -- to financially support all the worthy causes we're committed to.
SPIKES: June 3rd - Mitchell Park - tell your friends, and folks that might want to sponsor a community service event!
On April 21, 2023, the Elmbrook Rotary Club was reunited with Dr. Catherine Wolf of Friends for Health in Haiti. The Elmbrook Rotary has partnered with Health for Haiti for several years, providing funds that continue to grow after the donation is spent. Thank you Phyllis Blodgett for the introduction to this organization. In our 2022 campaign, Elmbrook Rotary donated funds for beans, which once grown,
could be planted, with the harvest yielding beans to plant, eat, and sell. The cycle continues.
Health for Haiti has built a hospital for Haitians on the West side of the island, yet Dr. Wolf talked about physical health not being the only health program. Heath for Haiti attempts to improve water and organized sanitation systems. In addition, in a project considered completed, they built dozens and dozens of latrines to ward off illness. Livelihood training helps to improve employment, and ministries speak to spiritual health.
Dr. Wolf also chronicled the multiday trips people make to the hospital to receive diabetes care and heart help. Sometimes people will travel 8+ hours, sleep outside the hospital, and wake up to be seen before heading home. They are provided the best available care in that part of the country, and it's in part because of people in other areas of the world supporting the effort.
“The International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians was formed in 1965, focusing on fellowship and service by providing volunteer pilots to help with medical related transports.”
Rotarian Mark Hanson updated the Elmbrook Rotary on the newly formed partnership between the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians and Air Care Alliance (ACA). In partnership they are providing private volunteer pilots in their own aircraft for medical and emergency missions, at no cost.
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 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.
Charitable grants distributed by the Elmbrook Rotary Foundation through FYE 6/30/22 are now categorized by service areas and alphabetized by organizations.
See the Contributions flyer to view Elmbrook Rotary's priority areas, from local to international causes.
Click here to download Grant Contributions listing
Please share this information with anyone who may be interested in sponsoring a Spikes team, joining the club, or making a donation.
Mary Madden, Executive Director of NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, presented an overview of how NAMI serves individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. At no cost, NAMI provides services to Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Jefferson County residents. Mary was accompanied by Angela Reilly Director of Development and Marketing.
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.
Caroline Martini is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Milwaukee Habitat construction sites. Since 1984, Habitat's small staff of 8, volunteers and new homeowners have built over 600 homes. These homes create significant improvements for the immediate area.
Milwaukee Habitat revitalizes entire neighborhoods, block by block, with the goal of decreasing crime, increasing community engagement, and creating a vibrant sustainable neighborhood “where everyone has a decent place to live”.
Offering a hand up versus a handout, Habitat homeowners help build their own homes and pay an affordable $600-$900 per month mortgage, that fosters housing longevity.
Did you know that:
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.
Volunteer and Support Opportunities:
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.
Since 2011 the Embrook Rotary Club has sent 11 Vision Teams to Guatemala. They have partnered with Common Hope, whose mission is “Promoting hope and opportunity in Guatemala. Partnering with children, families, and communities who want to participate in a process of development to improve their lives through education, healthcare, and housing”.
Did you know that:
· 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.
On March 3, 2023 Ann Leinfelder Grove, President, and CEO of Wellpoint Care Network visited the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC). Leinfelder Grove reviewed the history, growth, and goals of Wellpoint Care Network, which serves 5,000 individuals daily in southeastern Wisconsin. Through the practice of Trauma Informed Care, the Wellpoint staff and volunteers help children and families thrive by restoring connections that promote equity, learning, healing, and wellness.
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.
We've had a busy few weeks at the Elmbrook Rotary Club, initiating a new member and celebrating 3 Red Badge recipients.
The Red Badge is recognition of new members completing their training to be a strong Rotarian. This involves joining a board meeting, being involved in a service project, and taking part in a Fireside chat, etc. etc.
Ian Smith, Don Black, and Rick Chabot have all completed their requirements, and will hopefully soon find a committee that speaks to them. Mark Thurner & John Allen are seen aiding in the graduation.
The Elmbrook Rotary also inducted John Schindler, referred by Jackson Bubolz, into our club. John has been a land surveyor, a flight EMT, and currently focuses on residential realty. He is married to Jean, and currently holds office on the board of trustees in Elm Grove.
Our club also took time to discuss our areas for growth as we continue to grow membership and put more energy into Spikes. Those conversations are kept to our breakfast meetings, but the exciting part is we're all working together to consistently have a positive impact on our community and our world.
Welcome to our new member, and our Red Badge graduates!
This Winter, John Cormana presented to the Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) an update on the growth, services and volunteer opportunities at the Ronald McDonald House. A volunteer since 2011, John shared stories of how volunteer services have provided families with comfort during challenging time in their lives. “We are just there to minimize the families worries.” John stated.
The Ronald McDonald House provides a no cost, clean, & safe place to stay while their child receives treatment. Families receive lodging and meals when a child is in the hospital. This provides parents the ability to focus their full attention on their child. “Hope in healing is provided through strength and support from families, staff, and volunteers. By keeping families together, stories are shared, and memories are made”. Since 1984, over 50,000 families have benefitted from the Ronald McDonald House.
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.
Our club has big volunteer commitments like building homes in Guatemala, small commitments like collecting produce after the farmer's markets, and everything in between. This opportunity is much closer to the smaller end.
The Elmbrook Rotary Club (ERC) is looking for (2) people willing to each organize (1) Adopt A Highway clean up a year. This project is ideal for the person who wants to contribute their time, but is not able to commit to an ongoing project with lots of meetings and follow up.
Paul Langer will continue to oversee our Adopt A Highway effort and run one of the three cleanup dates per year. He can supply anyone interested with a complete checklist of things that need to be done for the half-day cleanup, and provide any coaching needed.
We provide a cleanup event 3 times per year, spring, mid-summer, and late fall. Again, this opportunity involves a limited, time specific commitment and is an easy effort.
Please chat with Paul Langer if you want additional information or are willing to manage an event. You can reach him at 202-595-4377.
Last week, Gordy Miller, 73, passed away. Gordon K. Miller (October 17, 1949 - December 4, 2022) Obituary
He had been our foundation treasurer and has been a very active member of our Club for 18 years. Please keep Jerri and Gordy's family and many close friends in your prayers.
For years the Elm Brook Rotary Club (ERC) has sponsored the Hay Ride at the Brookfield German Holiday Market. The tradition continued another year as Rotarians braved the cold to staff the attraction and share with others what Rotary is all about.
Do you know people that think standing in the cold for charity is a good deal? Bring them to a Rotary volunteer event!
Rotarian Mark Thurner introduced Steven Siodlarz and Emily Hiller from the Waukesha County Park System. Steven is a senior landscape architect who plans, designs, plus manages the construction and development of the System’s lands and facilities. The WCPS is a passive recreation nature-based system comprised of:
· 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.
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).