Monday night meetings feature informative and entertaining speakers.
The PUBLIC is INVITED
January 6th -- Our speakers for our January 6th membership meeting will be Jane Hansen, Youth Services Coordinator at Champlin Park High School. School advisor for Lions Leo program. Joining Jane will be Leo Club youth leader and Leo 5M5 President Eleanor Martenson. With strong interest demonstrated by our club. Jane and Eleanor will share information regarding the Lions Leo Club initiative. The growth and success models of a Leo clubs. Challenges and successes of the Champlin Park High School Leo Club. With several 5M5 Lion Clubs successfully supporting a Leo club through their high school. Champlin Park and their noted successes serve as a success role model.
February 6th -- Mark your calendars as the Eden Prairie Lioness Lions Club will host a joint meeting with the Eden Prairie Lions on Thursday February 6th. We will receive updates from the Eden Prairie Lions Clubs Foundation, Inc. The speaker will be Dennis Rusinko of the Viking Age Club and The sons of Norway. Great topic as we honor our Minnesota guys in purple enjoying a winning season. Dennis speaks about and does Viking battle reenactments. His presentation will be about tools, weapons, battle techniques, way of life and women’s role in the village and home (about 700 Ad – 1200 AD.)
March 3rd -- Eden Prairie city manager Rick Getschow will be our March 3rd membership meeting speaker. Always a fun filled presentation on what is happening in Eden Prairie. Rick will give his “state of the city” address. Rick has a Bachelor Degree in Political Science from Mami University (Ohio.) A Masters Degree in Public Administration from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
April 7th -- Here is a speaker you do not want to miss. Our speaker will be CEO and Executive Chairman of Canterbury Park Randy Sampson. Randy will share information on the past, present and future of the park. He will bring us behind the curtain to look at the many challenges of running a successful race track. Canterbury Park was founded by Randy’s father Curtis in 1994. Known today as a premier horse racing track and events center in Minnesota.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
November 4th .. Our featured speakers at our next Eden Prairie Lions membership meeting will be founder of the Hamel professional rodeo Rowdy Dorweiler and our own Lion Gary Stevens. The Hamel rodeo is over 40 years old. The rodeo started by a few Hamel community leaders in the parking lot of the Medina Ballroom. Today is well recognized as a premier rodeo event in the Midwest. PRA sanctioned and serving as a 501 3 C entity in support of Lions. Eden Prairie Lion Gary Stevens serves as vice chair of the Minnesota Childhood Cancer Foundation and serves in a leadership capacity to coordinate event volunteers. Come hear about the success of the rodeo and the partnership with Minnesota Lions Childhood Cancer. Below is a link representing a 3-minute overview on Rowdy. Childhood cancer serves as one of our Lions Global causes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGCYT-HyiOs
Sept 9th -- We start the membership meeting year with a great speaker event and venue. Many Lions have asked about Camp Eden Wood and what is up the hill from the dining room. What have Lions efforts helped accomplish over the years in support of the Camp. Our own Eden Prairie Lions member and True Friends executive John LeBlance will lead a guided tour of the camp on the hill. We ask that Lions come early to the 5:30 PM social. Lion John will gather Lions interested in the walking tour around 5:40 PM for a 30-minute walk. Our speakers for the evening represent two families that use the Eden Wood respite camp to share with you their real time experiences. Cassiday Dorr and her son Tristan. Kelly Polk and her son Charlie. Both participate in weekday respite program at Eden Wood.
July 15th - Guest speaker will be Lion past international president Brian Sheehan. How big of a deal is this? I'll start with showing you a photo of Brian and wife Lori with someone who most of us recognize regardless of your religious beliefs. Just 1 of the many international leaders he met with during his tenure.
This is an extraordinary occasion for our club, and I wanted to take a moment to share how significant his presence will be for all of us. Brian Sheehan's dedication and service to Lions Clubs International has left an indelible mark on our organization. His leadership, vision, and commitment have inspired countless Lions worldwide. His attendance at our meeting is not only a great honor but also a unique opportunity for each of us to engage with a truly remarkable leader. I would certainly encourage all our members to attend this meeting and make the most of this incredible opportunity.
Tuesday May 21st - Speaker is Gary Smith. Trainer for the 1980 Olympic Mircle on Ice team. Beat Russia as underdog for Gold Medal. Herb Brooks right hand man.
(Note: Tuesday meeting) Special meeting night change due to Edenwood dining hall availability.
Monday May 6th - Steak Fry. --
Monday April 15th - EP Lions Club awards and recognition. Planned visit by 5M5 District Governor Dick Kentzelman. Dick will share several updates and project success stories at the district level. He will award some well-earned 5M5 District Lion recognition awards to EP Lions Club members. The club honors this year’s Lion of the Year, New Lion of the Year. Melvin Jones recipients and other notable recognition.
April 9, 2024 - Mystery Night: MOA/Rainforest cafe/Sea Life
March 18, 2024
Founded in 2009, the Bond Between connects people and animals. Have rescued over 29,000 dogs and cats. They provide several needed services that improve bonds that exist between people and pets.The EP Lions have donated a number of times to Second Hand Hounds. Their facility is located on Baker Road, a block north of the Crosstown.
March 4, 2024
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Eden Prairie Prop Shop Executive Director Cindy Eddy was our guest speaker. Cindy talked about the Increasing need to the Prop Shop services from with in and around the community. Cindy shared the Prop Shop progress to keep pace with the various needs of customers.
February 5, 2024-
Back by demand. Our own Eden Prairie City administrator and EP Lions supporter Rick Getschow. Rick will bring to us his “state of the city” presentation and a look at what is ahead and happening in our great city. This will be a joint meeting with the Eden Prairie Lioness Lions Club. Eden Prairie Lions Foundation will be updating the clubs.
January 8, 2024 –
Our speaker was new Eden Prairie High School activity director Joe Perkl. Joe shared with us his background and leadership role in leading the student activities at Eden Prairie Schools. Heard about the program profile and various challenges to it's success. Joe shared various student volunteer opportunities and resources.
November 6, 2023 - David Yorks
Our speaker was historian research expert David Yorks. David is a life-long resident of Lake Minnetonka and graduate of the University of Minnesota with a History Degree and a Masters Degree in American History, and a fifty five-year interest in the presidency of John Kennedy. David has completed extensive research regarding the assignation theories regarding John F. Kenndy. Davids’s talk is titled, “The Warren Commission: Fact or Fiction.” David has spent time interviewing several witnesses that were present in Dealy Plaza as well as discussing the assassination with several doctors who were present at Parkland Hospital, where they attempted to save the Presidents life. The presentation will focus on the conclusions reached by, first the Warren Commission which investigated the assignation for ten months and published their conclusions in September 1964, against the conclusions reached more than twelve years later by the House of Representatives Select Committee. Look forward to a good Q&A session following his presentation. David has given his presentation to many Lion Clubs across Minnesota as well as various industry conferences. Great program as we reflect on this dreadful moment on this 60th year anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination, national attention will surely be heightened as the date approaches.
October 2, 2023 - Larry Frisvold, Liz Holt & Lynn Kloeckner
Our own Eden Prairie Lion Larry Frisvold and stroke care team from Methodist Hospital will be sharing with us the work they do in support of stroke survivors. Presenting with Larry will be Liz Holt RN. Systems stroke manager for Health Partners and Park Nicollet. Lynn Kloeckner. Occupational Therapy specialist as well as Spire program leader. You do not want to miss this important presentation that focuses on stroke survivors.
September 11, 2023 - Bill Strusinke & Jerry Miron
EP Lion and veteran Tim Sather arranged two outstanding speakers to talk about the Vietnam war. Bill Strusinske served as an Army Medic and Jerry Miron served as an Army Scout Dog Handler in Vietnam war. Both shared their experiences, issues and lessons learned centered on the Vietnam war. Bill Strusinski has authored a book and a member of the Scandia Lions club.
May 15, 2023 - Randy Thompson
Randy Thompson, Eden Prairie Police Youth Diversion Coordinator will be our guest speaker. A timely presentation and a chance for Q&A from you. Randy has been in the coordinator role for Eden Prairie Police Department Juvenile Diversion program since 2005. During the past 17 years more than 1300 youth have gone through Eden Prairie Diversion Program. Diversion is a way young, first-time offenders avoid the Juvenile Justice System. Police officers responding to minor offenses committed by a juvenile have the option of sending that young person through the diversion program other than court appearance. Randy will explain how the program works and share the importance this innovative program has had on area youth. In 2021, the program received the Innovative Police Protective Award from the MN Chief of Police Association.
May 1, 2023 - Steak Fry Dinner
Jerry Hammer. General Manager Minnesota State Fair.
Our guest speaker will be Jerry Hammer. Jerry has served over 27 years as CEO of The Great Minnesota get together: The Minnesota State Fair. He has spent all of his working life at the 12-day epic end-of-summer celebration. Hammer will retire from his CEO position later this spring after 50 years of driving the success of our Minnesota State Fair into one of the largest and best attended events in the world. The pre-pandemic attendance reaching more than 2 million visitors annually. Hammer has been involved with fairs and agriculture shows around the world and is a recipient of a number of industry and community awards including The International Association of Fairs & Expositions Hall of Fame and the Minnesota FFA Fall of Fame. Listen to Jerry share his experiences of the past. Discuss the present and the future of our great get together ongoing success.
April 3, 2023
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We learned more about the many extraordinary efforts and services of hospice. Certainly, many of us have been touched by hospice and their efforts. We learned what is new in this area of personal care services.
March 6, 2023 - Rick Getschow
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Eden Prairie city manager Rick Getschow - back by popular demand. Rick updated us on Eden Prairie's many 2022 accomplishments and walked through some exciting things happening in 2023.
February 6, 2023 - Dan Gladden
Dan Gladden, Twins Hall of Fame Left-fielder and current radio broadcaster. Dan served as an EP Lions Schooner Days bingo caller this past year. Dan shared many sports stories, experiences of the past and stories of great fun.
January 9, 2023 - Eric Schuman
The speaker was Eric Schuman, SW Transit Customer Service Supervisor. With the growth of Eden Prairie and demand for their services, Eric talked about the past, present, and future of SW Transit. SW Transit offers many helpful services for very reasonable fares. This was a very interesting and informing conversation. Brittany Martin, also from SW Transit, provide all attendees with SW Transit goodies.
November 7, 2022 - Gary Watkins
Our speaker was Lion Gary Watkins. His presentation was entitled "A Need for Speed, the Evolution of a Gear-head". Gary traced his competition & track experiences from his 1929 Model A Ford days getting kicked out of the Model A Ford Club for aggressive driving at age 20, early Corvette track experience including an "awakening" on his first lap at Donnybrook (BIR) in the early 70's, a bare frame '66 Corvette restoration, some motorcycles, more Corvettes, through track days at Brainard & Road America this summer. A short class in "High Speed Cornering 101" was also included.
October 3, 2022 - Laurie Carlson
Our speaker was Laurie Carlson from Can Do Canines. As a club we have contributed money to support this service several times. Can Do Canines is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. We heard updates & learned more about past, present and future events & plans.
September 12, 2022 - Ellie Romnes
Tyler Torell and Ellie Romnes representing Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge brought first-hand knowledge focused on the current fentanyl epidemic and the front-line efforts to assist others to overcome addiction. They shared alarming statistics and trends of fentanyl that is affecting our community and taking many lives. 1,286 Minnesotans died of overdose in 2021, most due to not knowing of the presence of fentanyl in what they took. Tyler is a former Police Officer who developed an alcohol addiction that led him to seek help at MnTC. He has been thriving in sobriety, is passionate about education, and helping others overcome addiction. Ellie is a recovery counselor.
May 16, 2022 - Dr. Josh Swanson
Our speaker was Dr. Josh Swanson, Superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools. Josh gave a “State of the District” update and discussed the various challenges the district has faced over the last couple years in light of the Covid responses; followed by Q&A.
May 2, 2022 (Steak fry night) - Chris Egert
Our speaker will be none other than Channel 5 KSTP TV Personality, Chris Egert. Chris is an EDWARD R. MURROW Award winning reporter who has also received multiple Emmy Awards for his work. At KSTP, Chris moved from co-host of the “Twin Cities Live” program to anchor the KSTP morning news. Chris spent over 20 years covering newsworthy events and telling people’s stories all around the country before finally settling here in Minneapolis. Chris and his wife, Kate, have a son with Type 1 Diabetes. Chris and Kate work hard for local organizations like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund to help find a cure.
April 18, 2022 - Robert Hed & Larry Frisvold
Our speakers will be our own EP Lions eye glass collection chair Lion Larry Frisvold and Past District Governor Lion Robert Hed representing the Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation. Larry will talk about the club’s great success in collecting eyeglasses through our Lions donation boxes across the city of Eden Prairie. Larry will share some astonishing statistics of this EP Lions project. Lion Rob will share with us the journey of these glasses take once Larry and wife Sherri drop them off at the central collection site. This project has become a very successful project with many of our Lions actively working the streets to care for their collection boxes.
This is one of those Lion projects that fly under the most of our radar. The story of these glasses traveling around the world & improving the lives of thousands of people living in poverty is truly amazing
April 5, 2022 -- Mystery night at Victoria Burrow
(click the picture below to see the individual pictures)
March 21, 2022 - Eden Prairie Fire Department Chief Scott Gerber
Keith Anderson - March 7, 2022
Keith is a certified Master Diver. Keith shared his experiences and knowledge regarding his expertise on cave diving, underwater welding, deep dive, etc. Keith shared many pictures of his various experiences.
Dr. Sadak & Kenna Dooley – February 21, 2022
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Dr. Sadak will present to us updates on progress and research to Childhood Cancer. 300,000 children aged 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer each year. Childhood cancer has become an important Lions service pillar internationally.
Dr. Karim Sadak MD, MPH, MSE. Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota.
Rick Getschow – February 7, 2022
Back by popular demand. Eden Prairie city manager. Always a highlight to the program year. Come hear about the state of the city. What is new, happening in Eden Prairie. 2022 outlook.
Blaine Peterson – December 20, 2021
MSP Mac. Blaine oversees several Minneapolis regional airports. Blaine spoke of what is happening at Flying Cloud Airport. The past, present, and future.
George Adzick – December 4, 2021
George Adzick grew up in Eden Prairie, played high school football here, as well as at the U of Minnesota, and then professionally in Seattle. He retired a couple of years ago as director of the M Club at the University of Minnesota. George shared meaningful memories of the impact the Eden Prairie Lions had on him while growing up. He also paid a wonderful tribute to our own Lion Curt Connaughty, who was the first EP high school football coach and is a charter member of the EP Lions Club.
Paul Douglas – November 15, 2021
Paul is a Penn State meteorologist with 45 years of television and radio experience. A serial entrepreneur, Douglas has launched 7 businesses, including Praedictix (consulting), AerisWeather (weather data) and Climatrends (climate scenario analysis). With a daily Star Tribune weather column and a talk show on WCCO Radio, Douglas has authored 4 books, including “Caring for Creation, the Evangelical’s Guide to Climate Change and a Healthy Environment" and “A Kid’s Guide to Saving the Planet”. Paul will talk about the various weather trends. His presentation “the time for environmental stewardship is NOW” Aligns with our Lions International service pillar of environment.
Dave Thoen – November 1, 2021
Dave was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 23 at the prime time of his life. The diagnosis was a big surprise that brought many changes to his life. Over the years Dave did not let the disease control his life, as a husband, father, coach, and community volunteer. He runs close to 30 marathons. Dave became a Lion through Bloomington and serves as a trustee on the Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation. Dave qualified for a clinical trial at Schulz diabetes Institute in 2006, 2008 and 2009. Dave was the recipient of two islet transplants that have change his life as he now lives without diabetes. Tribute to the hard work that the Lions do in efforts to end this disease. Diabetes is a pillar to our mission.
5M5 District Governor Kristine Morin - October 18, 2021
Kristine has been a Brooklyn Center Lioness member for 10 years, currently Brooklyn Park Lady’s Lioness. She has served on Lions vision foundation four years and cabinet for ten years. Come hear what is happening within 5M5. Kristine will share her vision and induct our new 2020-21 EP Lions members. A club visit from our District Governor an important highlight of our club year.
Mutual UFO Network, Minnesota Director Tom Maher - October 4, 2021
Tom Maher recently appeared on KARE 11. Recent Pentagon report admitting UAP’s has people talking. What is in the sky? Last year MUFON investigators completed 103 UFO sightings case files in Minnesota. Explained or unexplained. Inside Minnesota’s recent UFO activity. Discuss recent MN sightings and related phenomena.
Eden Prairie Police Chief Matt Sackett - September 27, 2021
Police Chief Sackett was hired by EPPD in 2002 after serving as an officer for the city of Hopkins for five years. During his tenure at Eden Prairie, he has worked as officer, patrol sergeant, investigation sergeant, support lieutenant and patrol lieutenant. He received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Minnesota and master’s degree in public safety administration from St. Mary’s University.
