Events

“History of Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and Rotary International’s Role in Eradicating Polio”

Golden Valley Historical Society’s Thursday, November 13 program, partnering with Golden Valley Rotary Club, will explore how two remarkable organizations— Golden Valley’s Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and Rotary
International—played and continue to play vital roles in the fight against polio. 

The “History of Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and Rotary International’s Role in Eradicating Polio” program will be from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Golden Valley Historical Society, 6731 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley. It is free, open to all, and no pre-registration is required.

Learn how local Golden Valley institutions helped shape international progress toward ending one of the most devastating diseases of the 20th century. Come with questions or stories to share about your experiences with polio for the moderated question and answer part of the program.

The program will feature two guest speakers:

Erika Schuld, Director, Post-Acute & Community Services from Allina Courage Center–Sister Kenny Institute, will share the history of the organization from its beginnings in 1928 as well as the groundbreaking rehabilitation work that began in Minnesota and transformed care for those affected by polio. In her current position, Erika supports recovery, independence, and quality of life for patients. Her background includes work in mental health, geriatrics, hospice, and palliative care. Outside of work, Erika “enjoys life with her husband, their three young kids, and three furry family members.”

Tim Mulcrone, Polio Eradication Chair for Rotary District 5950, will share Rotary International’s mission to eradicate the disease and how Rotary Clubs continue to make a difference around the world. A colleague said: “Tim can always be counted on for the latest data and progress on Rotary’s flagship initiative, the worldwide eradication of polio.” He is the last remaining charter member of Chanhassen Rotary founded in 1987, serving three times as President and on numerous Club and District committees. Since 2012, he has served as the Polio Eradication Chair for Rotary District 5950 which encompasses 71 Rotary Clubs in Minneapolis and Central Minnesota. Tim shared: “I retired from a career in law enforcement and reside with my wife, Ginger, in Savage where we hand-built our home on the Credit River.”

Following the presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to make a donation that would go towards polio vaccinations around the world via Rotary International and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Golden Valley Rotary Club has pledged to match all contributions up to $2,000 so that those in attendance can make even more of a difference.

Ethelind Kaba is the Executive Director of the Ann Bancroft Foundation, which provides life-changing opportunities for girls across Minnesota. She leads the organization’s strategy, partnerships, and fundraising to expand access and amplify girls’ voices.

Previously, she founded The StarGirl Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering teen and tween girls, for which she was recognized as a Changemaker by Minnesota Women’s Press. She has also been named to the Twin Cities Business 100: People to Know list and recognized as one of Minnesota’s 50 Black Leaders to Know.

A passionate advocate for advancing human dignity and potential, Ethelind serves on the Augsburg University Board of Regents and previously served on the National Governing Board of the Jeremiah Program, focused on advancing economic mobility for single mothers.

An immigrant from Ghana, she lives in Edina with her family, where she’s still learning to love road trips.

Thumbs Up is a mental health nonprofit founded in 2014 to honor Bob Schmit and Chuck Dahlheimer, who died by suicide. Our mission is to raise awareness and provide support and resources for all. We run nine programs, including bereavement support, suicide prevention, after-school initiatives, and teen outreach in schools. Learn more at thumbsupformentalhealth.org.

Kate Simonet is the development manager of Thumbs Up and has her own mental health story. She had a mental health crisis and survived a suicide attempt in 2013, as a senior in high school. She truly believes in the mission at Thumbs Up and believes that if Thumbs Up was around when she was in high school, her journey would have been a lot different.

Minnesota State Representative Jess Hanson represents District 55A for Savage and NW Burnsville in the south metro. She has served in the Minnesota Legislature since 2021.

She grew up in Lakeville in poverty, and she always says she was never supposed to become a politician. Her life has brought her on a journey from being a high school drop out and teen mom to a first-generation college graduate, a solo parent and homeowner, an experienced professional and educator, and a three-term state legislator. Hanson earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from St. Catherine University and a Master of Arts in Advocacy and Political Leadership (MAPL) from Metropolitan State University.

Hanson serves as co-vice chair of the Children and Families Finance and Policy. She is serving her third term on the Higher Education Finance and Policy and is in her first term on the Taxes Committees. She co-teaches the Model Legislature course at Metropolitan State University in the MAPL program where she brings young people to St. Paul for a 2-day mini session where they perform as legislators by electing leaders, participating in committees, and debating and voting on bills.

She believes that politics is how we care about each other, that we deserve a responsible government, and that we can and must do the most good for the most people by working together.

Ember Reichgott Junge, former Minnesota state senator (for New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale, and a small part of Golden Valley), journalist, and nonprofit executive, is an attorney and broadcast political analyst. She is an alumna of the international cast of Up with People and a late-blooming ballroom dancer. Her first book, "Zero Chance of Passage", won the 2013 Grand Prize for Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards and was cited as an expert resource in a 2025 U.S. Supreme Court case. Ember is a graduate of St. Olaf College, Duke University Law School, and University of St. Thomas (MBA). She and her husband, Michael Junge, commute between their Hutchinson and Minneapolis, Minnesota, homes with their miniature schnauzer, Maya. Ember's new book, "The Dance of Resilience: Transforming Lives and Staying Vibrant Through Partner Dance", will be published in January, 2026.