Speakers

In response to racial unrest, Rose McGee of Golden Valley created Sweet Potato Comfort Pies. Since 2014, the idea has developed into a full-blown community project and shows no signs of slowing down. Rose will speak about the program and what is in store for the future.

Rose McGee, M.Ed. is founder of McGee Circle Series, a storyteller, educator, entrepreneur, and facilitator who uses the art of story circle when convening. Rose resides in Golden Valley, Minnesota where in 2017 she was named Golden Valley Rotary's Citizen of the Year.

No Meeting for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Dean Carol Strohecker studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she received her Ph.D. in media arts and sciences and a master of science in visual studies. She has published and presented widely on topics related to learning theory and the development of environments in which people can learn through creative processes. Her portfolio includes creative works in various media, as well as collaborative work in interactive media tools and methods that have resulted in four U.S. patents. Strohecker brings a wealth of experience to The University of Minnesota and has worked to advance interdisciplinary research, education, and creative work in a wide range of settings. Most recently, she was vice provost for academic affairs at the Rhode Island School of Design from 2013 to 2016. She was a member of Rotary Club of Winston-Salem, North Carolina from 2007 to 2013 and became a Paul Harris Fellow in 2013.

When Amira Adawe emigrated from Somalia to Minnesota in 2000, she brought a life-long interest in serving her community. Today Amira, who has a bachelor’s degree in family social science and a master’s in public health, is the manager of Governor Mark Dayton’s Children’s Cabinet. That’s just her day job, however – her work on skin-lightening practices and chemical exposure in the immigrant and refugee communities has attracted national attention. Amira has raised awareness of the dangers of skin-lightening creams, both from the harmful ingredients such as mercury and from their negative impact on women’s self esteem. Amira hosts a weekly radio show in Somali that reaches 80,000 people worldwide, and her personal outreach and connections have made her a valuable consultant for cities across the U.S.

The arts high school music program is designed for dedicated music students with a broad range of musical interests. Across the musical spectrum - in jazz, folk, popular, rock, and classical genres - students focus on developing fluency in musical language, performance, and compositional artistry and technique.

Perpich Arts High School opened its doors in 1989 and graduated its first class in 1991. It is a tuition-free, public, residential high school for students in 11th and 12th grades. The school is part of Perpich Center for Arts Education, a state agency funded by the Minnesota legislature. Students who wish to attend Perpich Arts High School must go through a competitive application and review process. Those accepted have shown artistic promise and a strong commitment to serious study in the arts and academics. The school stresses arts and academics equally and emphasizes creative and analytical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making.

No Meeting - Christmas Day

No Meeting - New Year's Day

The mission of Engineers Without Borders – University of Minnesota is to partner with communities around the world and to improve their quality of life through implementation of engineered projects that prove environmentally and economically sustainable. Their goals are achieved through cooperation, fellow institutions, communities, and mentors on the basis of commitment, persistence, and concern for the recipients of their efforts. They strive to uphold and advance principles for international responsibility and look forward to applying the experience in their future careers.

Jason Sturgis has been Golden Valley's Chief of Police since Jan 1, 2016. He joined the Golden Valley Police Department in 2004, starting as a patrol officer and serving as a firearms and use of force instructor, field training officer, and a member of both the West Metro SWAT Team and the Hennepin County Weapons of Mass Destruction Tactical Team. In 2009 he was promoted to patrol sergeant, and in 2012 he was appointed detective sergeant. He was promoted to patrol lieutenant in 2012 and to police commander in 2014.

Before coming to Golden Valley, Sturgis was a patrol officer with the Minneapolis Police Department from 1996-2004. He served as an infantryman in the US Army from 1992-1995, assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. He holds a BA in business administration from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, IA, a MA in criminal justice leadership from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN, and completed the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

A renowned figure in his field, Mr. Peterson has amassed 55 years of professional excellence in his area of expertise. The president of Peterson Engineering, Inc., since 1985, he provides engineering services to individuals and corporations in need of implementation, maintenance, and repair. He served as president and principal of Don Peterson and Associates Real Estate/Auctions from 1971 to 1985, a systems engineer of the aviation group with General Electric from 1963 to 1970, and an advanced engineering courses student with General Electric from 1963 to 1966.

In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Peterson has accrued several accolades during his career, including being named Rotarian of the Year by the Rotary Club of Brainerd in 1992, 2005, and 2013.

Community Service meeting

Camp Enterprise 2018 was November 1 - 3, 2018. Golden Valley Rotary Club sponsored one student, Charlie Kelley-Pegg, to attend. Charlie will report on their experience at Camp Enterprise.

Camp Enterprise is sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of District 5950 and 5960. The extensive three-day camp offers students the opportunity to participate in leadership activities focusing on the free enterprise system. Camp Enterprise provides high school students with mentoring from today's business leaders.