Events

Tim Reardon is a strategic and entrepreneurial leader who specializes identifying the core purpose and potential of individuals, organizations, and communities to inspire them to optimize their potential. He brings a wealth of experience in government, nonprofit, corporate, health care, and educational organizations as well as grass-roots community groups. Tim earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, as an Archibald Bush Leadership Fellow. He also completed a Masters Degree in Public Affairs at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. He is a licensed social worker. He holds a Masters Certificate in Leadership Development from Harvard University. His academic achievements include an undergraduate degree in psychology and economic/business administration from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN and international studies in Spanish and Liberation Theology from the Universidad Catolica in Lima, Peru. Tim is a member of the Roseville Rotary. He is the executive director and ex-officio board member of Rally to Read. https://cheassisi.com/

Tim Munkeby spent 13 years teaching junior and senior high school English and creative writing, directing theater productions, and coaching sports. He switched gears in the 1980s, founding Munkeby Financial, Inc., a financial services firm in Hopkins, Minnesota. He’s combined his two career paths by writing "If I Had a Million Dollars: How to Achieve Financial Independence Before Your Parents Do", and lecturing at colleges and universities on financial and career literacy. Munkeby has also written three novels: "Back to the Island", "Will", and most recently, "The Advocate". After years living in the Boundary Waters area (a region of wilderness straddling the Canada-United States border), Tim and his wife of nearly six decades, Mary, now reside on Minnehaha Creek in the Minneapolis suburb of Minnetonka. They’re the proud parents to six children and a dozen grands. https://www.timmunkeby.com

Joe Cavanaugh is a nationally-renowned speaker promoting timeless values and personal character to audiences of all ages. Whether it is at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, a commencement speech at his alma mater, a conference with business leaders, or in a room filled with 200 teenagers, Joe loves to be in front of a crowd sharing the message that character matters. His message is guided by the belief that character is the thread that will reweave the frayed fabric of our society.

In 1987, Joe founded Youth Frontiers (YF), a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that provides experiences that inspire character, civility, and community. YF has impacted more than 2 million youth, educators, and community members and has received national acclaim because of its powerful programs. Joe also leads YF’s newest division, Leadership Frontiers, which focuses on inspiring character-driven leaders in all sectors.

Joe has been featured on local, regional, and national media programs including a 90-minute PBS television special titled, “Respectfully, Joe Cavanaugh”. Additionally, he has been recognized by the late General Colin Powell of America’s Promise as being “a leader in our nation’s effort to rescue America’s young people.”

Joe received his B.A. degree in Humanities from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, MN, where he also was given an Honorary Doctorate in 2016. He was also named Social Entrepreneur of the Year by Saint John’s in 2012. Joe and his wife, Jane, live in Edina, MN. Their daughter, Tess, is attending the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, MN.

Golden Valley Rotary Club members will come together for a meaningful service project to support women in need. Feminine hygiene items are among the most requested products at PRISM but are not always readily available for purchase. Rotary members will package feminine hygiene products into Ziplock bags, each containing 10 pads. Golden Valley Rotary Club members will help ensure that women can maintain their dignity and well-being, no matter their circumstances.

Looking to make a bigger impact? PRISM is currently in need of pantry items for their “Dry Goods January” Drive. They are especially seeking items like peanut butter, canned proteins, and spices.

Noah Schuchman has been Golden Valley’s City Manager since July 1, 2024. Noah has more than 20 years of local government experience. He recently served as City administrator for the City of Duluth from 2018-2024 and director of regulatory services for the City of Minneapolis from 2015-2018.

Noah holds a master’s degree in public administration from Hamline University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Marquette University. He is a Credentialed Manager and member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota City/County Management Association. 

He will speak to the Golden Valley Rotary Club and guests about his priorities as City Manager and what he sees as some of Golden Valley’s advantages and challenges ahead.

Becky Amble is a seasoned marketing executive and AI expert with over 30 years of experience. She has:

• Led transformative projects for corporations from $100M to $30B
• Authored five books on AI, sharing insights on leveraging AI technologies
• Dedicated 1000+ hours in 2023 to studying and applying AI in business
• Teaches AI principles to diverse business audiences
• AI Certification candidate
• Created 150+ nationally published articles and 250+ YouTube videos

Becky's work in AI optimization and strategic marketing has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Who's Who Lifetime Achievement Award. She continues to drive innovation at the intersection of AI and business strategy.

Becky is an active volunteer. She is a mentor for the Minnesota Cup and is current president and past VP of the Bloomington Rotary Foundation. As a member of the Bloomington Rotary she also helps with programming and photography of meetings and events. As a Board member of the Eagle Group of MN Veterans she provides Board leadership and organizes monthly programs.

Becky and her husband live in Woodbury with their three cats. Their two sons are young adults. In her free time Becky enjoys reading, art, music, travel and walking the beach.

Golden Valley Rotary Club members will come together for a meaningful service project to support women in need. Feminine hygiene items are among the most requested products at PRISM but are not always readily available for purchase. Rotary members will package feminine hygiene products into Ziplock bags, each containing 10 pads. Golden Valley Rotary Club members will help ensure that women can maintain their dignity and well-being, no matter their circumstances.

February Food Shelf Request: Cooking Spices

Have you ever tried to cook without spices? Not even salt or pepper?

Spices bring meals to life, but many families and individuals with limited grocery budgets often go without. This month, donate your favorite spices to PRISM and help spread the flavor! Even a small jar can make a big difference.

Drop off your donation today and help make every meal more flavorful.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and Personal Development Coach, Juber Arteaga strives to share his knowledge and experiences with others. His journey of overcoming obstacles while growing up in a dictatorship in Venezuela and achieving success fuels his desire to help others realize their potential and manifest their grandest dreams and visions for themselves.

Juber firmly believes in the immense power of our minds, combined with the infinite support of a higher power, to create meaningful transformations in our lives. As a Personal Development Coach, he is dedicated to guiding people on their path of self-discovery, growth, and success. With empathy, understanding, and a sincere desire to uplift others, Juber supports people in their personal and professional goals, helping them reach their true potential.

Deborah L. Ruf earned a Ph.D. in the Psychological Foundations of Education with a focus on Tests & Measurement at the University of Minnesota. She worked as a private consultant and specialist in gifted assessment, test interpretation, and guidance for the gifted for 30 years. Having been a parent, classroom teacher, and administrator in elementary through graduate education, she continues to write and speak about school issues and social and emotional adjustment of gifted children and adults. She will tell you about her little book that gives you answers now about what to do next for your own family. Keys to Successfully Parenting the Gifted Child.

Jaime Belden is a dedicated teacher from Robbinsdale, Minnesota and co-founder of Future Roots Project. Starting in 2013 with the belief that all children deserve a high-quality education regardless of the situation in which they are born into. She has been dedicating herself to improving the quality of education in Central America by providing teacher trainings that promote literacy, critical thinking, creativity, and social and emotional development. While supporting the most impoverished schools, teachers, and students, she has been actively promoting peace in high conflict communities by investing in basic literacy education.

In 2018, Hamline University awarded her the First Decade Award for her outstanding accomplishments in the field of Global Studies. Her specialization in global education and in-depth cultural knowledge allows her to effectively analyze the transnational issues of education inequality and illiteracy. Putting into practice key concepts of cultural competency, awareness, and sensitivity, she is able to successfully collaborate with local leaders through powerful cross-cultural relationship building.

Golden Valley Rotary is teaming up to produce 150 snack packs for PRISM! We'll set up an assembly line and pack items into gallon-size Ziplock bags. Each pack will include kid-friendly snacks and a notecard with a positive affirmation to brighten their day. These packs ensure kids visiting the food shelf have a fun and uplifting experience. Thank you, Rotary, for spreading kindness!

An annual tradition! Bring your (Rotary appropriate) jokes for some good laughs in celebration of April Fool's Day. Can't find a joke? Never fear; Peggy Leppik has pre-approved jokes for sale.

Seth Kaempfer, Equity and Inclusion Manager, City of Golden Valley

Within the field of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, Seth Kaempfer (he/him/his) has been a practitioner for ten years in various roles, with most of his time in public higher education. Seth has engaged in both broad DEIA and identity-specific work, which includes supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and international students, staff, and faculty through enhancing services, increasing recruitment and retention efforts, and advancing intersectional inclusive policies and procedures. Seth has also worked to develop and support Employee Resource Groups and Equity Committees, expand DEIA programming, redevelop intercultural competency trainings and learning outcomes, and operationalize equity into divisional processes. Additionally, Seth has collaboratively integrated DEIA best practices and racial equity concepts into university, departmental, administrative, and city strategic plans such as the City of Golden Valley’s Equity Plan.

Carrie is a nonprofit leader and avid runner with over 15 years of experience in program management, community development, education, and nonprofit administration. Prior to joining Mile in My Shoes in July 2024, she was a Country Director with American Councils for International Education in Turkmenistan, where she oversaw 30 program staff over four office locations. Prior to that she worked in an administrative role at Alight’s (formerly American Refugee Committee) headquarters in Minneapolis. Carrie holds a BA in Anthropology and Psychology from Williams College and an MA in International and Intercultural Communications from the University of Denver.

Originally from Bemidji, MN, where she grew up swimming and playing hockey, Carrie began running in college as a way to unwind and stay in shape. After many years of running solo, Carrie joined the Mill City Running Race Team and discovered the vibrant running community in the Twin Cities. In her free time, Carrie serves on the board of Numaan, a Minnesota-based international nonprofit that implements community development projects in Ethiopia, and volunteers for Wiggle Your Toes, a local nonprofit that supports people following limb loss to get back to the life they want.

About Mile in My Shoes
Partnering with substance-use recovery programs, homeless shelters, veterans’ organizations, and reentry centers for people exiting incarceration, Mile in My Shoes sees running as a tool for both personal and collective transformation. By centering people and spaces historically excluded by the running community, our teams use movement as a catalyst for social justice. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, our Resident Members and Run Mentors not only find common ground, but learn from and reach out to one another for support. Learn more at https://www.mileinmyshoes.mn/

Jessica Petroske is the Outreach Coordinator and a Scientist Educator with the Minnesota office of Science from Scientists. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education with a minor in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Jessica has worked as an agriculture teacher at AFSA Middle School and Resource Specialist with Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom. She also held internships with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, USDA, and Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Jessica has a passion for bringing quality agriculture and science lessons to students. Jessica has been with SciSci since early 2025.

Bekki Hansen is the Director of Operations for the Minnesota office of Science from Scientists. She holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology and a master's degree in science education. Bekki worked as a molecular biologist at Vanderbilt University and at the Mayo Clinic before becoming a licensed science teacher. After a couple of years teaching in traditional classrooms, Bekki found her passion in informal science education, working as a program manager at The Bakken Museum for 16 years. Bekki has been with SciSci since 2023.

Science from Scientists - Stemming the STEM Crisis
In 2025, approximately 2.5 million STEM jobs will go unfilled because of a lack of candidates in the workforce pipeline. The number of STEM workers needed will continue to increase in years to come and it's anticipated that, long-term, the gap between open positions and interested/qualified candidates will widen. Science from Scientists is a 501(c)3 non- profit that aims to close the gap by inspiring the next generation of STEM workers, the elementary and middle school students of today.

Not a meeting to be missed! The Golden Valley Rotary Club members will have a discussion on membership and transition team, leadership opportunities, grants, and future projects, etc. You'll definitely want to attend this Rotary meeting to contribute to the important Club conversations. We'll also be discussing the 2025 Taste & Tour of Golden Valley event and our Annual Awards Luncheon scheduled for June 10th. Look forward to seeing you there!

Ellen Schreder started her practice at Carson, Clelland & Schreder doing criminal prosecution and family law. As her family law practice grew, her time as a prosecutor decreased. Ellen soon became a partner, and the law firm has since been known as Carson, Clelland & Schreder. Ellen now practices solely in the field of family law, and works with all types of family law cases, including but not limited to dissolution, custody and parenting time, post-Decree issues and modifications, third party custody, grandparent visitation, adoptions, and step-parent adoptions. Ellen spends the majority of her time away from the office working on all aspects of the sewing program which she runs in Cap-Haitian, Haiti. She recently applied for and received a Rotary Global Grant to further this work in Haiti, where women from two different villages are employed sewing items needed by and purchased by the Haitian people. Ellen also enjoys bicycling and all things outdoors, including spending time at her cabin. She is a longtime member of the Brooklyn Center Rotary Club.

A Haitian native, Gymps Sunel was raised by his grandmother after losing his parents at the age of two. He was educated in Haiti, Martinique, the Dominican Republic, and later on in the United States. Gymps works for the State of Minnesota's Department of Health and Human Services as a Behavioral Analyst when he is not working on various projects in Haiti. After Covid-19 hit in 2020, Gymps saw an increase in the number of children and people, that were already living in poverty and hunger, plunged to a deeper level, not knowing where their next meal would come from. More than half of Haiti’s total population is chronically food insecure, and 22% of children are chronically malnourished. People don't have the food they need to live a healthy and productive life. Hunger affects the ability of children to learn, and perpetuates the cycle of poverty. It was this realization that led Gymps to find a parcel of land in his home country and the vision of Mango Community Family Farm was born. It is their hope that Mango Farm will provide a safe space for families to grow their own food and be able to provide a sustainable, living wage from the proceeds of sales at the market.

The couple operate Days for Girls and Mango Community Family Farm in northern Haiti, and for over 20 years, have worked to provide opportunities for Haitians to help themselves and their families.

Meet at WorkAbilities at 12:00 p.m. for a Culver's lunch and presentation and tour of WorkAbilities.

7400 Laurel Ave., Golden Valley, MN 55426

Luana Ball, Executive Director, will speak. Luana has been employed with WorkAbilities since November of 1995. Prior to that, her work was in residential supports for people with developmental disabilities. Luana has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Southwest State University and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Psychological Services from St. Mary's College.

WorkAbilities is a day training and habilitation program that trains and supports clients with disabilities with an emphasis on volunteerism. Projects range from meal-packaging and local clean-ups to crafting and sewing projects. Clients have made leg warmers for micro-premature babies at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale; sensory pillows for seniors at Texas Terrace Care Center in St. Louis Park; and fleece blankets for animals awaiting adoption at humane societies.

https://www.workabilities.org/

Before retirement, Jelan Heidelberg had a long and varied career with IBM. In the late 70's and throughout the 80's, she worked as a systems engineer, supporting companies large and small throughout the Twin Cities. She then switched to working virtually long before it was popular and when the tools were much more primitive. She worked for IBM Rochester and then for headquarters. In her last dozen years at IBM, she managed several software products and had the opportunity to travel the world. She traveled just enough to whet her appetite for more -- more places and more time to meet the local people and learn. Since retirement, Jelan and her husband Jim have criss-crossed the globe. One of their latest adventures took them to Ethiopia. Jelan has been a member of the Golden Valley Rotary Club and now is a member of the Rotary Global Travelers E-Club.

Highway 55 Clean-Up
Thursday, May 22, 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

Eric Johnsrud, the Chair of North Star Rotary Youth Exchange, joined Rotary in 1985 and has been a member of Rotary Clubs in Winona and Northfield, Minnesota. He has served as a Club Youth Exchange Officer and, more recently, a North Star Country Officer for Spain. He practiced law in Winona, Minnesota for 36 years before retiring in 2021 and currently represents Region 11 on the Board of Directors of the North American Youth Exchange Network (NAYEN) and is its incoming President Nominee. https://northstarrotary.com/

The Golden Valley Rotary Club will gather with members of the community to celebrate all things Rotary during the 2024-2025 year. We will present the Citizen of the Year award and the Rotarian of the Year award. Our high school scholarship recipients will be honored. Bryan Rossi, Club President, will pass the gavel to incoming Club President, Alisha Weis. A great celebratory event in the fifty-two year history of the Golden Valley Rotary Club!