Recent Speakers

Insightful Presentations
At each meeting, we feature insightful presentations from community members who share their expertise, experiences, and visions. Dive into the highlights of these engaging talks and stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping our community. Here are the summaries of the last few meetings.
 
October 3
Dennis Kim, Solar Energy Production & Storage
We welcomed and heard from Dennis Kim of EVS. He shared insights into the rapidly growing and expanding industry of solar energy and storage, and shared how his company has been on the cutting edge of innovative technology enabling this cost effective energy option to grow in the US. We are grateful for his leadership and excellence in this industry!
 
 
 
September 19
Ann Platt, Pets Are Inn
We welcomed Ann Platt from Pets Are Inn and learned about the rapidly growing pet industry and the unique services of Pets Are Inn: "Pets Are Inn provides a unique pet lodging alternative for those who may feel uncomfortable leaving their furry family member at a kennel or with friends or relatives. Your pet is cared for in a prescreened private home — a 'Host Family'. The convenience of round-trip pickup and delivery is provided."
 
You may have a pet, or know someone who has a pet, that needs this service!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
August 15
Leading the Rotary Initiative to Stop Human Trafficking in Minnesota
Karen Walkowski
 
We welcomed Karen Walkowski who updated us on Rotary's initiative to stop human trafficking.
 
The presentation was insightful and challenging. She shared that:
  • Human trafficking is the fastest growing and most widespread human rights violation.
  • Globally impacting 49.6 million people (2021 numbers); 10 million news slaves/year; with $238 billion in annual profits.
  • In the US there are 1 million victims/year (half are children, 80-90% are females, 80% are exploited sexually).
  • In Minnesota 8,000-14,000 are trafficked annually (2017 numbers); Factors enabling trafficking include: Duluth as a port of entry, being a border state, intersection of interstates 35, 90 & 94.
  • Follow Rotary Club of Community Action Against Human Trafficking for more information and to learn how to respond to this issue.
  • Learn more: https://ragas.online/
 
 
August 8
Honoring End of Life
Michael Sala
 
Mike Sala has worked for over 2 decades as a social worker including 3.5 of those years as a social worker in the area of hospice care.  He will present on his current work helping people and their families honor and plan for the end of life.  Serving as a "Death Midwife" he works in that space between the medical profession and the funeral industry.  Mike strives to serve and facilitate, not to judge or fix. Working regardless of the faith of those involved his work can involve assistance in advanced directives, helping those involved to define what a good death could look like and providing a compassionate space as an individual makes their final transition.
 
August 1: Sharon Bloodworth
District Governor Update
We welcomed our District Governor, Sharon Bloodworth, to our meeting. Her enthusiasm and excitement for the work of Rotary is contagious!  She reminded us that we are part of 1.4 million Rotarians around the world seeking to make a difference in their local communities and internationally!  Sharon:
  • affirmed our club's generosity to the Rotary International Foundation (approaching $500,000 since our club began).
  • encouraged us to grow by welcoming new members and by creating a sub group.
  • reminded us of the district wide gathering at the Minnesota State Fair on August 24th.
  • raised up our district's "polio vaccination trip" to India early next year.
  • reminded us that the Rotary International convention in 2029 will be in Minneapolis!
We are thankful for Sharon's leadership!
 
 
June 20: Bill Falk
Water Filtration in Columbia and Liver Cancer Project in Egypt
Bill Falk is one of EP Noon Rotarians and he will share updates about two Rotary international projects funded in part by the Eden Prairie Noon Rotary Club.  Bill visited both projects in person this spring.  He will show how our club’s generosity is helping to save and change lives.
 
 
 
June 13
MN Clean Energy
Keely Rau is the Sustainability Project Coordinator for Metro CERT at Great Plains Institute and works on projects that reduce energy burden for underserved communities, including equitable solar access for underserved businesses, and supporting manufactured home park communities with energy efficiency resources. 
 

Keely has a business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with time spent in environmental studies coursework. She recently worked in the food cooperative space at Linden Hills Co-op and the Wedge Co-op. She's curious about clean energy initiatives and looks forward to building networks within the community. Her goal is to find a career path that "allows her strengths to shine and is involved within the community."

 
June 6: Cindy Eddy
Executive Director of The PROP Shop of Eden Prairie
 
Cindy shared several client's letters and cards that expressed deep thankfulness and gratitude for the difference that The PROP Shop makes in people's lives.  She shared how providing basic home items (beds, furniture, clothing, etc.) to support people going through tough times has impacted families.  Cindy thanked our Noon Rotary Club for supporting the work of The PROP Shop.