Events

The Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP) is a collaborative effort between Hennepin County and the cities of Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Robbinsdale, Crystal, New Hope, Hopkins, Edina, Minnetonka, and Richfield. Their mission is to enhance communication and understanding between law enforcement and the multicultural residents of these cities. By building trust and communication between police departments and community members, they aim to improve the safety and livability of their communities.

Rotary Summer Family Picnic at Brookview

Brookview Park Large Pavilion

(Families/Partners invited!)

200 Brookview Parkway N
Golden Valley, MN

https://www.goldenvalleymn.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Large-Pavilion-6

RSVP HERE

Join us for lunch at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday at Brookview to go over the final details for our 9th Annual Taste & Tour of Golden Valley!

Then join us on Thursday for the actual event!
Thursday, July 24th
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. – Community Check-in to receive your passport under the Golden Valley Water Tower by City Hall. FREE to attendees and open to all. Passports distributed until 6:30 p.m. or until they're gone, whichever is first. Also at this location: play games, face painting station, and shuttle stop.
5:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. – Community members tour participating businesses, enjoying fare and/or activities provided by the businesses. Validate your visit on your passport. Hop on the shuttle to explore more businesses.
7:45 p.m. - Closing Reception with Raffle and Prize Drawings

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER AT THE EVENT HERE

REMINDER: Club members are asked to be selling raffle tickets for Taste & Tour! Every ticket we sell contributes to the 50/50 pot for our Club's charitable giving. Bring all tickets to lunch on Tuesday OR, at the latest, to the event on Thursday.

Join us under the Water Tower on Thursday, July 24th, for the 9th Annual Taste & Tour of Golden Valley!

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. – Community Check-in to receive your passport under the Golden Valley Water Tower by City Hall. FREE to attendees and open to all. Passports distributed until 6:30 p.m. or until they're gone, whichever is first. Also at this location: play games, face painting station, and shuttle stop.

5:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. – Community members tour participating businesses, enjoying fare and/or activities provided by the businesses. Validate your visit on your passport. Hop on the shuttle to explore more businesses.

7:45 p.m. - Closing Reception with Raffle and Prize Drawings

Thank you to our sponsors!

Madison Alcázar is a new member of the Golden Valley Rotary Club. She graduated from Michigan State University and recently moved to the Twin Cities area to work as a Research and Development Packaging Engineer at General Mills. Madison’s Rotary journey began in 2018, when she spent a life-changing year in Turkey as a Rotary Youth Exchange student.

Her exchange experience opened her eyes to new cultures, languages, and perspectives, and inspired a passion for global connection and service. Madison credits that year abroad with shaping who she is today and bringing her back to Rotary. She’s excited to share highlights from her exchange and why she believes Rotary Youth Exchange is one of Rotary’s most powerful programs.

Madison lives in Plymouth with her husband, Enrique, and two cats. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors and play her violin in the Linden Hills Chamber Orchestra.

Following Madison's presentation, we will discuss the 2025 Taste & Tour event.

• Pastor at St. Peter’s - Edina, a Lutheran Church and Family Education Center for 25-years
• Passionate about supporting families with children who have intellectual or developmental disabilities
• A NASCAR chaplain for the Cup Series nationally and for Elko Speedway here in Minnesota
• Married to Joann for 40 years with three adult daughters with families in the Twin Cities Metro area
• Blessed with five grandchildren
• Together, they own a family business, "Memories of Home" a faith and family gift store in Eden Prairie
• A member of the Rotary Club of Minnesota Veterans
• Privileged to have served in many Rotary roles at the club, district, and zone levels

Mike Kibat from the Minnesota Astronomical Society will be our speaker. Mike Kibat has been interested in the stars since his childhood 60+ years ago. He is currently a member of the Minnesota Astronomical Society, and served in the past as president of the organization for four years. Mike has been active in the Society's public outreach and education for over three decades and is currently an active volunteer at the organization's facility in western Carver County, the Eagle Lake Observatory. He is retired from a 40-year career in healthcare information technology. The Minnesota Astronomical Society has been sharing the joys of amateur astronomy with the public and their dedicated membership since 1972.

https://www.mnastro.org/

Born in Haiti, Saintanne Tipton grew up in an orphanage, where she lived until she was adopted by a local Minneapolis businessman, Thomas Tipton. Because of his generosity, she is here today and grateful to God for saving her and giving her a chance for a better life. This is the same opportunity that she now desires to make available for the homeless children of Haiti.

Saintanne is the president/CEO of The Lighthouse. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and an Associate Degree in Theology. Currently, she is the Assistant Director for Studio 4 Enterprises, a subsidiary management company for the High School for Recording Arts, since 2003. She is also the Chairperson for Mission Outreach Ministry at Faith Tabernacle Gospel Fellowship International Church. She actively volunteers in the community and with Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Christian Operation for Health Education and Development, COFHED.

The mission of The Lighthouse is to bring about a positive change in the lives of at-risk children and families through support services that directly impact their spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing. The Lighthouse serves children, young people, and families who are homeless, vulnerable, and/or orphaned, and in need of activities, programs, and wrap-around services, in the areas of: Food & Nutrition, Residential Shelter, Education, Vocational Training, and Sports & Recreation.

https://www.thelighthousehaiti.org

Please invite friends, coworkers, spouses, prospective members, etc. Julie has a game-friendly lunch planned so we can eat and play :)
We have the Lawn Bowling lanes reserved from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.; come when you can!

Margaret Ganyo has served as the Executive Director of the nonprofit Children First since February, 2020. The organization’s North Star is for all people and organizations in St. Louis Park and Hopkins, MN and the surrounding communities to be knowledgeable, strategically aligned, and actively involved in increasing positive outcomes for children and youth, ensuring that kids feel included, valued, and deeply connected to our caring community. Its current priorities include Kindergarten Readiness, Youth Mental Wellness, and Post-Secondary Readiness.

Under Margaret’s leadership, Children First launched a StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network partnership, one of 68 in the country working to close the race, ethnicity, gender, and poverty opportunity gaps so that all young people can realize their brilliance. Last year, the Network was awarded the Schwab Global Social Innovation Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, for its work putting 4 million more young people on the path to economic mobility by the year 2030. Children First was also accepted as one of nine Minnesota Education Partnership Coalition members.

Prior to joining Children First, Margaret served as CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Idaho for fifteen years where she managed two regional Early Learning Opportunity Act grants totaling nearly $2mm that improved Kindergarten readiness by more than 51%. Her team founded imPACT East Idaho, a StriveTogether Network partnership, and she led a policy advocacy effort to secure Idaho’s first-ever state funding for pre-K in 2019 as she was transitioning to living in Minnesota full-time to care for her mom.

Before her tenure at United Way, Margaret worked in Community Development, helping NeighborWorks Pocatello achieve Community Development Financial Institution status and secure millions of dollars in new investment. She also served as Director of Pro Bono Services for Utah Legal Services and practiced law for the six years prior to moving into Community Development work.

Margaret grew up in rural West Central Minnesota and received her Bachelor of Arts degree Magna Cum Laude from Central College in Pella, Iowa. She received her Juris Doctor degree Cum Laude from Santa Clara (California) University.

https://children-first.org/

Seth Thompson joined Freshwater in January of 2025 with a decade of experience designing and delivering programs that sit at the intersection of science and societal impact. He earned his PhD in limnology and oceanography in the Water Resource Sciences program at the University of Minnesota in 2019, where he studied the links between phosphorus and carbon cycling in lake systems. Seth is passionate about connecting people with opportunities to improve the world around them and believes that science is a powerful tool for public good. He lives in Brooklyn Park with his wife and two sons and loves to spend time gardening, exploring local nature areas with family, or engaging in an exciting evening of board games with the kids.

https://freshwater.org/

Attorney Marshall H. Tanick of the Twin Cities law firm of Meyer Njus Tanick will make his annual presentation to the Rotary Club. As the U.S. Supreme Court begins its 2025-26 Term, Tanick will provide a look back at major rulings of the Court during the past year and a glance ahead at upcoming cases.

Lois Norrgard serves as the National Field Organizer for the Alaska Wilderness League. In this position, she leads strategic grassroots outreach efforts for the organization’s campaigns focused on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska, and the Tongass National Forest.

Lois has dedicated many years to protecting public lands, beginning her work in the late 1990s. Motivated by growing concern over the degradation and loss of natural ecosystems she was witnessing firsthand, she made the pivotal decision to leave her role as a co-owner of a small graphic design business to focus on conservation and biodiversity protection.

Lois will show a short documentary, "THE ARCTIC: Our Last Great Wilderness". This film provides an immersive, inspiring centerpiece for an array of discussions ranging from wildlife conservation to climate action, and from American public lands to Indigenous culture and subsistence. America has had a tumultuous tradition of protecting this treasure for over 50 years. Recently threats have been greater than they have ever been from oil exploration and leasing – come learn about the history, the place and its values, and the ongoing work to protect this national treasure.

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.

Jenny joined the Crescent Cove staff in 2022 as the Engagement and Communications Manager after a decade of frequently volunteering her talents to the organization. Before Crescent Cove was a physical space it was an idea that needed funding and support - Jenny was instrumental in building both of those with a team of passionate volunteers.

Jenny has an embarrassingly large number of years of experience first as an agency partner helping nonprofits raise money via direct mail, then switching to working at nonprofits in fundraising roles. She worked at Gillette Children's in St. Paul, then at Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. She then opened a consulting business for a time, helping small- to mid-sized nonprofits with their fundraising strategy, copywriting, data, and audience needs before heeding the call to arrive back at Crescent Cove. 

Jenny resides in the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities with her husband, youngest daughter, and their pitbull rescue, Beauty. In the summer, you can find her skating around the lakes, training for her next inline skating marathon. You'll recognize her car in the parking lot when you visit our Home.

Anne Tyler is a certified Canfield Success Principles trainer, speaker, and coach based in Minneapolis, MN. She recently became a #1 international bestselling author, featured in the book: "Believe Beyond: Discover the Power of Unwavering Belief". The book debuted on a New York City Times Square billboard earlier this year.

Anne is on a mission to help people shake off doubt, step into their most courageous selves, and claim the bold, authentic lives they deserve—one “baby brave” step at a time. With a passion for helping others feel seen, heard, and understood, she guides audiences in uncovering the clarity, confidence, and purpose they need to create the fulfilling lives they are meant to lead. Her message is simple yet powerful: courage doesn’t have to be loud to be life-changing.

Ann Staloch serves as the Volunteer Women’s Associate Coordinator for The Redemption Project (TRP). TRP is built on the Power of Partnership, bringing together Community Partners, Employment Partners, and Support Service Partners to walk alongside our Associates as they reenter society. Their goal is to provide partnership, employment opportunities, and community support so that transformation can last in perpetuity.

As a Rotarian and an Exchangite, she knows the strength of service organizations and the impact they can have when working together. At The Redemption Project, they welcome partners who are willing to guide, hire, or support their Associates so that, together, we can change lives and strengthen our communities.

Highway 55 Clean-Up
Thursday, October 23,  5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
NE Corner of Hwy 55 and Winnetka Ave.

SIGN UP HERE

The Golden Valley Rotary Club is in its 29th year of caring for our stretch of Highway 55; our work continues on Thursday, May 22! Community members are welcome to join us in this fun and easy project. Dinner at Doolittle's to follow the service project.

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

• Please bring and wear your own gloves.

SIGN UP HERE

October is Rotary International Community Economic Development Month. The Golden Valley Rotary Club celebrates by naming a local Business of the Year to honor. The 2025 selection is Golden Valley Historical Society. They will receive their award at the October 28th 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
Help At Your Door 2023
Lunds & Byerlys Golden Valley 2024

Scott Mueller is the Deputy Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Mueller previously supervised the BCA’s Force Investigation Unit, Metro Regional Office, and was also the Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force Commander. Mueller has more than 24 years of law enforcement experience in patrol operations, general investigations, use of deadly force investigations, financial crimes, crime scenes, missing persons, abductions, and homicides. He has led and participated in numerous homicides, officer-involved use of deadly force, and missing persons investigations. Mueller has been instructing law enforcement in areas such as defensive tactics, firearms, crime scene, missing persons, interview and interrogation, officer use of deadly force, death investigations, and law enforcement leadership. Mueller holds a Master’s degree and is an FBI N/A graduate. Mueller has testified as an expert witness in the areas of police use of force, force investigations, and firearms-related cases. He will speak on the topic of violent crime trends in Minnesota.

“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.