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October 29, 2019 Meeting Preview

Kevin Burkart

Overcoming Adversity/ Embracing Change/ Inspiring Innovation

A dynamic public speaker, Kevin will be a treat to hear from Kevin.

Duty Roster 9/24/19 - 10/8/19
 Sept. 24Oct. 1Oct. 8
GREETERSJay SimpsonBob SolohubBob Starr
 Rick GetschowJohn GoergenCaryl Hansen
INSPIRATIONBill GaddisRick GetschowJohn Goergen
CHECK-INCraig BlixrudCarol BombenDick Ward
 Patrick DonohueJanet EianGeorge Esbensen
BULLETINKelly SalweiJenifer LoonMark Weber
DOOR PRIZEPG NarayananDan O'BrienGlenn Olson
VOCATIONALPG NarayananGlenn OlsonLaurie Pryor
If you cannot be there, please find a sub and notify Aaron Casper
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Notes from September 16, 2019

George Esbensen: The Minnesota Fire Fighter Initiative (MnFire)

George Esbensen may have stepped down as Eden Prairie’s fire chief at the end of 2018, but he’s still advocating for firefighters in a big way.
 
Speaking to the Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club on Sept. 17, Esbensen shared information on the nonprofit he helped found: the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative, also known as MnFIRE.
 
Esbensen has transitioned to the private sector and a director position with Superior Product Handling Solutions, but he’s volunteering plenty of time on evenings and weekends to improve the health and wellness of firefighters through MnFIRE.
 
 
The former fire chief noted that Minnesota ranks 45 th in the nation in per-capita fire service spending, despite being the 21 st most populous state. Meanwhile, he added, firefighters are suffering from cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges associated with the job. Imagine if your vocation, day in and day out, was to serve people who are having their worst possible day. “It’s not normal,” he said.
 
But that’s the life of Minnesota firefighters, so MnFIRE is working in areas including education, prevention, support, and research to make sure firefighters, their families, and health-care providers are attuned to critical information about firefighting and its hazards. For example, because they are exposed to carcinogens in their everyday routine, firefighters have a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14 percent higher risk of dying from cancer.
 
The nonprofit MnFIRE has also established a telephone hotline, where the most common call is about firefighting’s emotional trauma, which can lead to sleep disorders, depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more.
 
Local legislators are on board by supporting bills that will help, Esbensen said, including creation of an employee assistance program for all Minnesota firefighters that would target emotional trauma unique to fire service. But the legislation stalled last session, and so public help in reaching other lawmakers is needed, according to Esbensen. Or, folks can give financial support to MnFIRE, which is a 501(c)3 that can be found at www.mnfireinitiative.com.
 
“We need people’s time,” Esbensen said. “We need their energy and their expertise. And Minnesota can afford to make a lot more investments than they have.”
 

Announcements

We have some great programs ahead, including Dr. Paul Sperduto of Minneapolis Radiation Oncology on Sept. 24, Senior Wealth Manager Nathan Faith of Boulay on Oct. 1, and international business speaker David McNally on Oct. 8. A special joint Swallowship program with the Eden Prairie Noon Rotary Club and Edina Rotary will be held 5-7 p.m. Sept. 26 at Tavern 4 & 5 in Eden Prairie and features Drs. Willy and Sophia Menendez, who are being honored for their pre-natal care effort – supported by Rotary – at the La Escuintla Hospital in Guatemala. Watch for exchange student Clementine in the upcoming high school production of “Guys and Dolls.” Turn in your club engagement form to Holly Link if you haven’t already done so. Same with the Be the Bridge pledge forms as the club, led by Aaron Casper, tries to reach a $25,000 goal. Contact Adam Sienkowski if you have a project or event that would benefit from club intern help. Members are encouraged to get out and meet local business people and introduce sponsorships as an opportunity. Work continues on a replacement fundraiser or fundraisers, now that Vino Classico has ended. Leaders are needed! 
 

Happy Fives

We’re happy and we’ll happily pay to share our stories. Glenn Olson is happy to be alive after being attacked by hornets at his farm. Dennis Kim is happy about his company’s 40 th anniversary celebration on Sept. 19. Josh Swanson is happy to be gathering with his administrative team to implement a new school year. Steve Cwodzinski is happy about Sept. 17 being Constitution and Citizenship Day. 
 

Visitors

Todd Bollig - Rotarian
Polly Bowles - Prospective Member
Jack Kuehn - Rotarian
Clementine - Exchange Student
Mrinalni Iyer and Nicki Kunz - Student Interns
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Notes from September 23, 2019

Dr. Paul Sperduto, MD, MPP: Minneapolis Radiology Oncology (MRO)

Dr Sperduto is the Director of Minneapolis Radiation Oncology at MRO Regional Therapy Center in Waconia. He joined MRO in 1993. Dr Sperduto is the author of over 60 peer-reviewed articles and 10 textbook chapters. He is the son of a Presbyterian Minister who will turn 94 this month. He shares his time for international humanitarian benefits. He indicated that one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, 3,000 this year in Minnesota and 90% of those diagnosed are over 55 years old. Dr Sperduto’s message is, “Get tested, get treated and get on with your life”. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. However, nearly 100% of men treated in early stages are around in five years. Treatment options are surgery and/or radiation therapy and surveillance. For more information, visit https://mropa.com/our-story/mro-story/https://mropa.com/our-story/mro-story/.
 
 

Announcements

  • 10/09 – EPAM Rotary Women’s Meeting at Holly Link’s house. 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • 10/10 – Rotary Club of Minnesota Veterans Charter Meeting at Edina Country Club 5 p.m.
  • Be a part of Be the Bridge and add to the $12,300 pledged to date. See Aaron Casper with any questions
  • Roger Jorgensen looking for assistance in seeking out sponsors for Rotary
  • Bev Aho is spearheading a potential Wellness fundraiser. Please see her to join committee.
 

Spotlight on PG Narayanan

PG came to the U.S. from India 47 years ago with $8 in his pocket. He even lived in his car for two weeks in 1973. PG attended a couple of Community Colleges in Massachusetts before transferring to Northeastern University earning bachelors and master’s degrees in electrical engineering. PG came to EP for a job at ADC Communications. PG has taken a startup to IPO and ran a marathon in three hours and forty-seven minutes. PG is very proud of his two sons and is the self-proclaimed “luckiest man in Minnesota”.
 

Happy Fives

Patrick Donohoe – terrific Court of Honor last night. Looking for forward to Scout o Rama 10/5. Lyndon Moquist proud of oldest daughter who became registered dietician. Robb Hiller very impressed with Human Trafficking event last week. Jay Simpson had great Ontario fishing trip. Roger Jorgensen recognized John Estall for making connection with Scheels and PROP. John Crudele congratulated Bill Gaddis on upcoming nuptials.
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Speakers
Nov 12, 2019
Club Assembly/ vision, roles, updates, free flow communication.
Nov 19, 2019
Reg. Bearpath breakfast meeting
Nov 26, 2019
"You Are Worth It, What's Holding You Back"?
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Upcoming Events
Veterans' Day Luncheon
Edina Country Club
Nov 11, 2019
11:00 AM – 1:15 PM
 
EPAM Rotary Night Out-EPHS Fall Musical
Eden Prairie High School Performing Arts Center
Nov 14, 2019 5:30 PM
 
Swallowship
To be announced
Nov 21, 2019 5:30 PM
 
View entire list
Bulletin Editor
Adam Sienkowski
Russell Hampton
ClubRunner
ClubRunner Mobile

Eden Prairie AM Rotary Club meets on Tues. mornings from 7:30-8:30 a.m.
at Bearpath Golf and Country Club, 18100 Bearpath Trail, Eden Prairie MN 55347

Website: www.epamrotary.org     Email: info@epamrotary.org     Mail: P.O. Box 44603, Eden Prairie, MN 55344