Events

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.

Karen Wojahn was raised in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Business with a degree in Accounting. She worked in government and public accounting and has actively volunteered with many non-profits, including the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. In her spare time, she enjoys embroidery, traveling, reading, golf, and cross-country skiing.

In March, 2025, Karen and 16 other Global Travelers shared an amazing experience in the Brazilian Amazon. They combined service and learned about grant opportunities with incredible sight-seeing.

Early Childhood Literacy Packets Assembly
Tuesday, January 6 and January 20, 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Brookview Golden Valley
Community volunteers will gather at Brookview on January 6th and January 20th to assemble a total of 400 literacy packets designed to support early childhood development for children ages 0–3. Each literacy packet includes a hardcover Dr. Seuss book, additional age-appropriate children’s books, and a Progress Wheel that helps parents understand key developmental milestones during the early years.
REGISTER HERE

Tony Loyd is a former Fortune 500 executive who knows what it means to endure. As a lifelong marathoner, he has raced across continents, pushing his limits in pursuit of something deeper than a finish line. But in 2025, everything changed. After undergoing cancer surgery that removed 25 percent of his lung capacity, Tony faced a new kind of challenge: learning how to keep going when the path forward looked nothing like the one behind him.

Now, he is training for the 2026 Age Group World Championship marathon. His goal is not just to compete, but to discover what it takes to get 100 percent out of 75 percent of his lungs. That journey, equal parts grit, humility, and science, mirrors the message he brings to leaders around the world.

Tony is the founder of Culture Shift Advisors and the architect of Endurance Leadership, a field-tested, science-backed framework for building resilient, high-integrity organizations. At its core are five Aid Stations: Calm, Clarify, Change, Connect, and Continue, each grounded in research from psychology, neuroscience, and organizational behavior. These pillars help leaders regulate stress, align with purpose, navigate change, foster trust, and sustain momentum at a sustainable, human-centered pace.

Tony’s work is shaped by decades of executive experience and a deep commitment to service. He is a TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and the host of Social Entrepreneur, a podcast ranked in the top 1 percent globally. Through keynotes, workshops, and executive coaching, he equips mission-driven leaders to endure, adapt, and make a lasting impact.

Tony’s message is not about bouncing back. It is about moving forward, deliberately, authentically, and together. His story is proof that resilience is not an individual trait. It is embedded in the company’s texture. That is The Endurance Advantage.

Rotarians and volunteers will gather to create Valentine’s Day cards for Senior Citizens. In partnership with One Good Deed, the cards will be given to campuses of senior assisted living facilities. Any remaining cards will be shared with Meals On Wheels, placed in meals delivered in the western and northwestern suburbs.

Long time employees Scott Farrell and Steven Williams recently purchased both Down In The Valley locations. The pair bought the locations from Brandon and Taryn Hyland, the adult children of late founder, Steve Hyland, who opened the business in 1972. 

Farrell has been working for the business for 25 years, and plans on continuing the store’s legacy for years to come. “Steve Hyland created and nurtured this shop, and it’s become a vital voice in the record store scene in Minneapolis and beyond," said Farrell in a press release. “We’re proud to continue his legacy by giving customers a great selection, outstanding customer service, exclusive merchandise, and cool events.”

Scott and Steven were leading the brand for more than a decade; Farrell as the general manager and Williams as its music buyer and assistant general manager. Now they add co-owners to their titles.

Voted Minnesota's Best Record Store from 2021 through 2025, Down in the Valley celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 and currently employs 25 people.

No Sew Fleece-Tie Blankets

Volunteers will make no-sew fleece tie blankets benefitting youth in crisis. Finished blankets will be distributed among The Ronald McDonald House, Foster Adopt MN (FAM), Hennepin Healthcare, Gillette's Children's Hospital, and Children's Minnesota organizations. All materials are supplied. In partnership with One Good Deed.

Chris has had a lifelong passion for environmental conservation, stemming from his childhood experiences of playing in lakes and streams and fishing. This interest led to a legal career where he practiced environmental law. His background in law combined with his love for the environment has shaped his career dedicated to preserving natural resources and advocating for conservation efforts. He has run the state office of a national, nonprofit land conservation organization and worked on Native American land conservation projects before becoming Executive Director of the Friends in 2017. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Chris is a graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Virginia School of Law. https://www.friends-bwca.org/

Sierra Lyon is the Manager of Corporate Partnerships at Make-A-Wish Minnesota, where she connects companies with opportunities to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Her presentation will highlight the lasting impact of a wish on children, families, and communities, as well as opportunities for Rotary members to support Make-A-Wish through volunteer engagement and community partnerships. A former member of the Rotary After Hours Club of La Crosse, Sierra is passionate about community engagement and continues to live out the Rotary value of “Service Above Self” through her work. She joined the Make-A-Wish Minnesota team in March, 2025. She is originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, and moved to Minnesota in 2024. Sierra got started in nonprofit fundraising when she started the organization Abilities in Harmony that provides show choir camps to individuals of all abilities. In her free time, she takes dance classes, travels, water skis, and golfs. Sierra has two brown tabby cats, Julian and Willoughby.

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.