Events

Jewelie Grape has been a member of the Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club since 2005 and is also an associate member of the Rotary eClub of Global Travelers. Jewelie is honored to be the 2023-24 District Governor for Rotary District 5950. She loves being a Rotarian because it gives her the opportunity to travel, develop friendships, and make a difference in the world.

Jewelie is an employment and employee benefits attorney with several decades of experience working in Fortune 100 companies, large law firms, and a large nonprofit organization. In 2019 (right before COVID – not the best timing) Jewelie opened her own law firm and provides practical legal and business advice to companies and nonprofit organizations. When not working or doing Rotary stuff, Jewelie loves to read, spend time with family and friends, and travel – her most exciting trips have been hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro and cruising to Antarctica.

Highway 55 Cleanup
Tuesday, September 26, 5:00 p.m.
NE Corner of Hwy 55 and Winnetka Ave.

SIGN UP HERE

The Golden Valley Rotary Club is in its 27th year of caring for our stretch of Highway 55; our work continues on Tuesday, September 26! Community members are welcome to join us in this fun and easy project.

Meet at the NE Corner of Hwy 55 and Winnetka Ave.

Please bring and wear your own gloves.

SIGN UP HERE

Dinner at Doolittle's to follow the service project.

https://goldenvalleyrotary.com/event/highway-55-cleanup/ 

David Kuball grew up on a dairy farm near Faribault with his parents and seven brothers and sisters. After high school, David went to the University of Minnesota a degree in Journalism. He works with technology for Optum Health. David has been married to his wife, Jan, since 1988 and has a daughter, Kristin. David has a love for history which has been a hobby for most of his life. He has been on the board of the Golden Valley Historical Society since 2017 and treasurer since 2018.

As Vice President of Member Services with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Megan Krohn serves as the bridge between member needs and quality programming. She is responsible for engaging with the business community, regardless of their membership status, to better understand the challenges they face and innovate on how the Chamber can best support them. In her two and a half years with the Chamber, Megan has built lasting relationships with an array of communities and businesses, small and large, building bridges across our community and creating opportunities for small businesses. Some of her proudest moments include speaking at ribbon cutting ceremonies for local businesses such as Spire Credit Union this summer and the Franklin Center last year.
 
Prior to working at the Chamber, Megan had 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience at Youth Frontiers. She was responsible for producing high quality events, building culture and community, and developing strategies to promote effective business operations and growth opportunities. As Director of Programs, Megan oversaw the successful facilitation of over 800 programs that impacted 125,000 students and educators annually.
 
While born and raised in the City of Minneapolis, Megan also expanded her horizons when she lived in New York City, shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College. Her diverse background in music, theatre, and public policy has helped strengthen her ability to connect with a variety of people. Megan understands the value of collaboration, promotion of diverse voices, and being a civically engaged leader.
 
When not speaking with business leaders and community members, Megan enjoys her time watching her stepsons George and Isaac on the basketball court or in the baseball/soccer/lacrosse/football (you name the sport!) fields with her wife, Sarah.

Dr. Krystle E. Lieberman Wall DC, RD, LD is the daughter of Dr. Arlen Lieberman; they both practice at Advanced Medical of Twin Cities. Krystle graduated in 2006 from North Dakota State with her B.S. degree in Dietetics. She then attended Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington where she obtained her Doctorate in Chiropractic in November 2009. Dr. Krystle is not only a chiropractor and dietitian, but she also received her acupuncture certification. Acupuncture can help with pain relief, muscle spasms, relaxation, cravings, and much more! In 2021 she obtained her Certified Breastfeeding Specialist-Lactation Consultant certification and is so excited to help families even more with this service! She currently resides in Maple Grove, MN with her husband Tommy, son Charlie, daughters Aniela and Sophia, and Border Collie Willa. She enjoys dancing, singing, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Michael Thomas Osterholm, Ph.D., is an American epidemiologist, Regents Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. On November 9, 2020, Osterholm was named to President Joe Biden's COVID-19 Advisory Board.

This meeting takes place at Westwood Hills in St. Louis Park in combination with the St. Louis Park Sunrise Club and St. Louis Park Noon Club.

We request that all attendees confirm in advance if you are to attend in-person so the space has enough chairs. You are highly encouraged to invite a guest. Attendance and meal preferences can be indicated on this brief form.

October is Rotary International Economic and Community Development Month. The Golden Valley Rotary Club celebrates by naming a local Business of the Year to honor. The 2023 selection is Help At Your Door. They will receive their award at the October 31st meeting.

PAST ANNUAL BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS OF THE YEAR

Armstrong, Torseth, Skold and Rydeen (ATS&R) 2006
Courage Center 2007
General Mills 2008
Golden Valley Golf and Country Club 2009
Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery 2010
Golden Valley American Legion, Post 523 2012
Winkley Orthotics and Prosthetics 2013
PRISM 2014
My Music Store 2015
Culver’s of Golden Valley 2016
Animal Humane Society 2017
Tennant Company 2018
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis 2019
Best Wishes Floral 2020
J-HAP and Cornerstone Creek 2021
Bergstrom Studio 2022

For 45 years, Marshall H. Tanick has represented clients in a wide variety of legal matters, with emphasis on employment law; constitutional law, including defamation, privacy, and other communications; education law; animal law; pet law; land law; and business disputes. Tanick was named “Attorney of the Year” by Minnesota Lawyer magazine in 2019.

As much a student of law as a practitioner of it, Marshall stays abreast of legal trends and the latest case law by teaching at area law schools, conducting continuing legal education classes, and writing extensively for law and business publications. He also welcomes the opportunity to take on difficult cases.

Marshall will present on the topic of “60 years ago: The JFK Assassination & Minnesota”

Judge LaJune Lange began her legal career with the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office as a trial lawyer until appointed by the governor to the trial court in 1985. Judge Lange served as a Fourth Judicial District Court Judge for the State of Minnesota, handling complex civil and criminal cases until her recent retirement. Judge Lange now serves as Senior Fellow with the Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She is a founding member of the Minnesota Minority Lawyers Association and has served on the Minnesota State Bar Association Board of Governors, Minnesota Women Lawyers, Minnesota Public Interest Research Foundation, American Bar Association, National Bar Association, Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers, and Minnesota Supreme Court Racial Bias Task Force. Judge Lange is an internationally recognized expert in human rights and the rule of law in developing nations.

No Meeting for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis is a social service agency that has been around locally for 113 years and serves 13,000 people of all ages and backgrounds each year. The JFCS staff will provide the Golden Valley Rotary Club with an introduction to the work they do in the Jewish and broader communities and how you can engage with the organization. Majority of the time will be sent providing attendees with an important and educational session on becoming Dementia Friends.

Dana Shapiro is the Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager at Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis. She wears a lot of hats in her current role working with volunteers and promoting JFCS in the community. She has worked at JFCS for 13.5 years holding roles in Development, Career Services, Intake & Resource Connection, and Community Services.

Clare Gravon is a Case Manager in Senior Services at Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis. In that role she helps clients and their families connect with the resources they need to live their best lives. Previously, Clare worked at JFCS in food security, helping people access food resources and benefits.

Jennifer Koontz is a Case Manager in Senior Services at Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis. In this position, she works with senior clients and their families to establish goals, locate resources, and establish a variety of services so that clients can stay independent and thrive. Previously, Jennifer worked as an Academic Coach at Capella University and at Goodwill/Easter Seals, removing barriers and coordinating job skills/ training for people so that they could prepare to go to work.

Amanda Kabage, M.S., joined the Microbiota Research and Therapeutics team in 2014 after battling a 14 month illness with C. difficile. She was ultimately cured with an intestinal microbiota transplant in September 2013, performed by Dr. Alexander Khoruts. It was a no-brainer to join this team, as Amanda already worked in research at the University of Minnesota, and went through a firsthand experience with C. difficile and IMT treatment.

Prior to joining the Microbiota Therapeutics team, Amanda worked in Pediatric Epidemiology at the University of Minnesota for 8 years, studying the genetics of pediatric cancer. She took an interdisciplinary approach to her education, with undergraduate studies focused on Biology and Ethics. She went on to receive a Master of Science in Science, Technology & Environmental Policy with a minor in Bioethics.  

When Amanda’s not working, she’s most likely traveling somewhere in the world. Even though she had never been on an airplane until she was 20 years old, she has visited over 30 countries and most states in the U.S. Amanda enjoys lifting weights and running, reading history of science books, seeing live music, dining at all the restaurants around town, and hanging with her dogs, Rocky and Wally.

Complaining to God about God is a Jewish tradition that begins with Abraham, the biblical prophets, and the psalmist poets and has continued to this day. We will sample a few modern Hebrew poems that reflect on the Holocaust and beliefs about God. 

Dr. Jonathan Paradise received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania where he specialized in Ancient Near Eastern Studies and Biblical Studies. His doctoral research dealt with family law documents, written on clay tablets in the cuneiform script.

Jonathan established the program in Hebrew studies at the University of Minnesota where he taught courses on the Bible in the context of the Ancient Near East, Hebrew language and literature, and occasionally courses on Judaism. He retired from the University of Minnesota in 2003.

From 1989 to 2014 Jonathan travelled once a week to the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire to serve as the L.E. Phillips visiting professor of Jewish Studies in the Philosophy & Religion Department, teaching courses on the Holocaust, the Bible, and Judaism.

During his retirement he spends his time doing voluntary teaching, translating Hebrew poetry, and writing software to support his Hebrew textbook, The Key to Modern Hebrew.

No Meeting - Winter Break

Happy Holidays!

No Meeting - Winter Break

Happy Holidays!

JudyAnn and Paul Mork completed five years of Tai Ji in August, 2023. Paul received his certification from a senior trainer for Enhanced Training of Tai Ji Quan: Movement for Better Balance on March 21, 2023. His level-1 Instructor Certification was completed in March 4, 2020 in Mankato. In addition, this required 48 hours of teaching all class sessions. This Tai Ji introduction session will include movements that are designed for all ages and strengths. To learn more about this practice and its benefits, click here.

Jasna Burza is an internationally-recognized certified Life Coach and a spiritual advisor to CEOs, entrepreneurs, and dreamers. Having lived in a refugee camp during the war in native Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jasna teaches about resilience, life purpose, and connecting to a deeper meaning of life. She holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and is a sought-after motivational speaker and is a regular guest expert on various news & TV shows. Learn more at www.jasnaburza.com

Kylie Cooper joined Rise Early Learning Center in March 2023. Kylie previously served as the Assistant Director of Education Quality for Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington (CAPRW), and the Workforce Development Coordinator for Child Care Aware of Minnesota. Kylie holds an MA Ed in Early Childhood Education and is driven to shine a light on the impact that high-quality early childhood education can have on society as a whole. 

In 2018, Kylie was recognized as an “Exchange Leader” by Child Care Exchange magazine. She has served as Co-President for the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC) and has been a Master Trainer certified through the Minnesota Center for Professional Development since 2015 (MNCPD). Kylie is a member of the Sunrise SLP Rotary Club.

Not a meeting to be missed! The Golden Valley Rotary Club members will have a discussion on membership, dues, public relations, leadership opportunities, grants, and future projects, etc. You'll definitely want to attend this Rotary meeting to contribute to the important Club conversations.

Sharon is the incoming District 5950 Governor for 2024/2025 year from Minneapolis Rotary Club #9. She just celebrated her 20th anniversary in Rotary last year!

Sharon owns one of the largest private investment firms wholly owned by a woman in Minnesota and Florida. She says she attributes much of this success to Rotary. This is where she learned her public speaking and leadership skills, and her fellow Rotarians mentored her and welcomed her into this community. She is committed to giving back to Rotary. Last year she completed the largest ever fundraiser for our Rotary District – raising $3 million on top of the usual annual $1 million as District Foundation Chair.

For fun she coaches the top 150 women in global tennis on financial behaviors. She is a five-time MN State Fair blue ribbon winning flower arranger, and she collects shoes of very famous women including Margaret Thatcher and Audrey Hepburn.

Leah Persky is an experienced educator with an expertise in public health, political science, family well-being, and conflict resolution. She has experience in the university and non-profit settings. Persky completed her PhD in political science and has her master’s degree in conflict resolution, is a Certified Family Life Educator, and is training to become a certified life coach. Leah has a passion for running, reading, fitness, being outside, and gardening. She has two kids, two cats, and one puppy. She works to support families and the community in her role as the Manager of Professional and Community Education & Addiction and Recovery Services at Jewish Family and Children Services of Minneapolis.

As Vice President of Member Services with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Megan Krohn serves as the bridge between member needs and quality programming. She is responsible for engaging with the business community, regardless of their membership status, to better understand the challenges they face and innovate on how the Chamber can best support them. In her two and a half years with the Chamber, Megan has built lasting relationships with an array of communities and businesses, small and large, building bridges across our community and creating opportunities for small businesses. Some of her proudest moments include speaking at ribbon cutting ceremonies for local businesses such as Spire Credit Union this summer and the Franklin Center last year.
 
Prior to working at the Chamber, Megan had 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience at Youth Frontiers. She was responsible for producing high quality events, building culture and community, and developing strategies to promote effective business operations and growth opportunities. As Director of Programs, Megan oversaw the successful facilitation of over 800 programs that impacted 125,000 students and educators annually.
 
While born and raised in the City of Minneapolis, Megan also expanded her horizons when she lived in New York City, shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College. Her diverse background in music, theatre, and public policy has helped strengthen her ability to connect with a variety of people. Megan understands the value of collaboration, promotion of diverse voices, and being a civically engaged leader.
 
When not speaking with business leaders and community members, Megan enjoys her time watching her stepsons George and Isaac on the basketball court or in the baseball/soccer/lacrosse/football (you name the sport!) fields with her wife, Sarah.

Golden Valley Police Chief Virgil L. Green Sr. was sworn in as the new police chief of Golden Valley on September 6, 2022. Green’s over 38-year law enforcement career started with the Lea County Sheriff’s Department in Lovington, New Mexico and includes time as a patrol officer with the Oklahoma City Housing Authority Enforcement Division and as police chief with the jurisdictions of Boley, Oklahoma; Spencer, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City; and Helena West Helena, Arkansas. In 2018 he became the deputy police chief/major for the Tulsa, Oklahoma school district’s campus police department. Green has a bachelor's degree in police administration from the American Military University. Read Green's full bio here. One of his goals is to implement "21st century policing" by focusing on six pillars, including officer wellness and safety as well as community outreach.

Roll up your sleeves and start thinking creatively! We will be painting bowls at PRISM to support Empty Bowls.

WHAT IS EMPTY BOWLS? A grass-roots effort to raise money for local food shelves. The event in March is open to the public and raises money through sponsorships and donations. At the event, they feature handmade ceramic bowls which are created by the community and local artists. Entertainment by musical groups and a light soup dinner are enjoyed as we come together to raise awareness and funds for local hunger.

PRISM will fire the bowls, so save the date for Empty Bowls on Tuesday, March 19, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Cooper High School. Find and purchase your beautifully painted bowls, supporting a great cause. Don’t miss out on this fun-for-all event that lets you unleash your inner artist while making a meaningful impact. https://ced.rdale.org/community/empty-bowls

Culver's lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m.

John R. Crippen has been Executive Director of Hennepin History Museum since 2019. John has an extensive career in museum management having worked at the Minnesota Historical Society for 30 years, including serving as Director of the Mill City Museum and, more recently, as Director of Historic Sites and Museums. A native of Minnesota, John earned his B.A. in History at the University of Minnesota and received his M.A. in History Museum Studies from Cooperstown Graduate Program at SUNY-Oneonta.

John uses creative program leadership and strategic partnerships to bring diverse communities together and seeks ways to find new, sustainable operating models for the places that make history relevant to people in the 21st Century.

Hennepin History Museum brings the diverse history of people in Hennepin County to life and helps visitors understand the world through an exploration of local history with exhibits, collections, public programs, a magazine, and a research library.