Today was the first meeting in our new space in the North Oaks Community room.  It's great to be able to meet in person again - especially in this comfortable spot.  It worked well that today's speaker happened to be our own John Suzukida.  John gave a very interesting presentation on "Electrification", and was patient and unrattled as our team worked through the inevitable technical challenges of running a hybrid meeting in a new spot.  John has a passion for energy conservation and is "walking the talk" by having spent the past 16 years incorporating very effective energy conservation strategies into both his Shoreview and Wisconsin homes.  Solar panels and heat pump technology are the drivers.  He pointed out that, while many think heat pump technology is new, it has in fact been around for decades.  While the upfront price tag is higher than standard gas or electricity, there is definitely a long term payoff in terms of cost (John averages $89/month in total energy costs).  There are significant environmental benefits as well. And safety advantages -- no need to worry about gas explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning!  John also drives an electric car and touts the fast acceleration and great handling in addition to the much lower cost per mile to operate.  Thanks, John, for this very timely and informative presentation!