Posted by Kelly Salwei
 Lexi Reed-Holtum, Executive Director of the Steve Rummler Hope Foundation
Steve Rummler was a successful businessman and Lexi’s fiancée who tragically lost his life to an opioid overdose in 2011.  Steve was prescribed opioids for pain.  One-third of those prescribed opioids become addicted.  Steve went to treatment but it was not enough.
Opioids are the number one cause of death for people under 50 and, despite the efforts, the number of deaths is expected to remain constant until at least 2020.  In MN 3,536,939 opioid prescriptions dispensed.  One in five individuals are impacted by opioid addiction through friends or family.  Hennepin County experienced a 43% increase in opioid deaths in 2016.  A solution is needed to stop growth in deaths or the number of people who lose their life to addiction will reach 43,000 according to Harvard.
The foundation focuses its efforts in three areas-
  1. Prescriber education – Programs developed with U of M Medical School and Minnesota Medical Association.  Programs are used internationally and are open and free to users.
  2. Advocacy – involving legislative efforts.
  3. Overdose prevention – Working with Hospitals, 1st responders, etc.
Lexi thanked Rotary for its support in production of video which will be shown as part of the Twin Cities Film Festival on Sat. Oct. 21 as well as at its Gala Fundraiser on Sat., Oct. 27 (see announcements below).
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  • Twin Cities Film Festival's theme this year is Addiction. The DEA film Chasing the Dragon will be shown on Sat. Oct. 21 at 12:10 p.m. with our ROtary-funded film following it at Showplace ICON theaters at West End in St. Louis Park
  • Steve Rummler Foundation Gala Fundraiser, Unmasking Opioid Addiction 10/27/2017 at Westin in Edina.  See https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unmask-opioid-addiction-masquerade-gala-tickets-37140835238?aff=Webbanner
  • Milla Molsa (former exchange student from Finland) will be visiting club October 24th.
  • Body and Sold, a play about juvenile sex trafficking, will be performed on Oct. 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Eden Prairie City Center.
SPOTLIGHT ON AARON GLASS
Aaron was born in Detroit, MI the youngest of seven.  His father passed away while Aaron was attending college.  Married in 2003, Aaron and his wife have 5 children.  A graduate of Western Michigan, Aaron spent many years in the Telecom industry.  After receiving an introduction to flight at a local flying service Aaron was bit by the bug and became a licensed pilot and bought an airplane.  Enjoys travel, visiting Brazil last year.  Recently marked skydiving off his bucket list.
 
 
 
 
NEW MEMBER:  STEVE CWODZINSKI
Steve Cwodzinski was inducted as the newest EPAM Rotarian.  Steve currently serves as our State Senator and after being a teacher at Eden Prairie High School for many years. Teaching about government for all those years has helped Steve get up to speed with being a legislator.
 
 
 
HAPPY BUCKS
  • Dave Sundet shared picture of himself decked out in fire gear while he was visiting Lake Dillon and he brought back a Lake Dillon Fire and Rescue for George Esbensen.
  • Dennis Kim wearing Mary Brown’s name tag.
  • Dan O’Brien happy about successful Gala.  401 tickets sold.  Raffle and silent auction also set records.
  • Mark Weber invited interested parties to sign up for luncheon 10/23 at Bear Path recognizing the MN Vikings.  Mike Max emceeing, Chuck Foreman speaking and Wilf family members will attend.
  • Roy Terwilliger shared that Steve Rummler grew up next door to him in Edina.
  • Laurie Pryor happy about grandchild #6.
Visiting Rotarian (club)    
Susan Kutina (2nd visit, e-club)
Prospective Members and Guests
Holly Link (4th visit, submitted application today)  and David Marion - 1st visit
Students: 
Rekha Claus and Morgan Blixrud