08/13/2025 

Part 2 of the two-part presentation by Rich Wisland about his return trip to Viet Nam. This week's presentation will focus on Rich's personal insights and reflections (plus significant photos). 

08/20/2025 

[rescheduled from an earlier date] Scott Nelson, from AARP of Minnesota, will speak about financial crimes including scams, identity theft and consumer fraud which are the most frequently attempted crimes every day in the United States. In the presentation, Scott will share an inside look at how scammers think, how to safeguard yourself against identity theft and fraud, some first-hand accounts from victims, and what to do if you or someone you know has been a victim of this type of crime.   Host:  Jim Utt

08/27/2025 

Angela Denker is a local journalist, ELCA pastor, contributing columnist to the Minnesota Star Tribune, and author. She will be discussing her most recent book, Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood, which Club members will have the opportunity to read in advance to better facilitate interactive discussion. The Club now has copies of this book for pre-reading. If you haven't already done so, pick up a copy when at a meeting in early August.    Host: Jim Utt

09/03/2025 

Cody Zoschak is a Senior Manager at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue where he focuses on Islamic extremism, accelerationist terrorism, and the migration of online speech to offline violence. He graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and prior to joining IS served as a Policy Advisor at the Department of State focused on foreign terrorist fighters, the Defeat-ISIS Coalition, and northeast Syria. He was previously an Intelligence Research Specialist with the NYPD Intelligence Bureau where he supported terrorism investigations. Cody Zoschak has been closely involved in that organization's ongoing research into the internet-based causes of teen violence. The title of his talk is “Nihilism, extremism, and youth violence."  Host: David Porter

09/10/2025 

Marshall Tanick, a prominent Minneapolis attorney who focuses on Constitutional law as well as employment, labor, and business law will present an overview of the highlights of the US Supreme Court's cases and decisions during its 2024-25 session and also a preview of the major cases expected to come before the Court during its 2025-26 session. Our host this week is Barry Kelner. 

09/17/2025 

Dr. Joel Farley, Professor & Interim Department Chair of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, will review and demystify many of the key contributing factors behind prescription drug pricing in the USA. If you wonder why your prescription drugs cost so darn much, be sure to attend this presentation.  Host: Jim Utt

09/24/2025 

At the risk of "overdosing" on pharmacy-related topics (considering Dr. Farley's presentation on prescription drug pricing on 9/17), Jim Utt will be the speaker this week. He will share with the Club some of the highlights of his rather atypical career as a pharmacist. [Hint: It involved little in the way of preparing and dispensing prescription drugs.] He will also describe some of the major changes in focus that have occurred in pharmacy education and practice over the last 50+ years. 

10/01/2025 

Mike Augustyniak, Director of Meteorology for WCCO in Minneapolis, will present a review of the latest advances in weather forecasting, how commercial and government meteorology services interface with each other in a symbiotic way, and the near-, intermediate-, and long-term impacts to be expected from global climate warming with an emphasis on how a warming climate affects our seasons and day-to-day weather forecasts.   Host:   Jim Utt

10/08/2025 

Kaylor Nicolson, a National Park Service Ranger from Isle Royale National Park, will present an overview of the distinct ecosystem that makes up this large, remote wild island in the northwestern portion of Lake Superior. Isle Royale is one of the least-visited national parks in the lower 48 states. Even if you've lived in the general vicinity of Lake Superior for much or all of your life, have you ever ventured to Isle Royale? A hoped-for geographical trivia bonus will be an explanation of why Isle Royale is a part of Michigan rather than Minnesota (or Ontario for that matter). Because of the remoteness of Isle Royale, Ranger Nicolson will be presenting to us via Zoom connection. Host: Darrell Bertelson. 

10/15/2025 

Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa, CEO, and Dan Mogelson of Lifeworks will present an overview of that organization's extensive work and innovative services to advance inclusive opportunities for the disabled within society.  Host: Bruce Lillehei 

10/22/2025 

Marilaurice [ ], spokesperson for Land Conservation and Natural Burial of Minnesota, will educate us about the emerging concept of "green" or natural burials and its availability in Minnesota and the Twin Cities area. Host: Dave Anderson. 

10/29/2025 

Tom Horner will moderate a general member discussion reflecting on the prevailing impressions of the ups and downs, opportunities and threats associated with the second Trump administration, having just passed the 9-month mark since his inauguration and close to the one-year anniversary of the 2024 election. Nobody has no opinion about this President. Come ready to share your ideas, opinions, assessments, and suggestions. 

11/05/2025 

Our own Mark Stageberg returns as speaker to share some more interesting "war stories" from his long career as a trial attorney. This week's anecdotes are warranted by Mark to be different from previous tales he has told (at least as far as he can recall). 

11/12/2025 

Managing your presciption medication regimen properly is often a challenging task. Routines are sometimes hard to establish. Potentially problematic drug interactions and intolerances are sometimes overlooked. Finding ways to afford many prescription drugs can be difficult. Questions sometimes go unanswered, unasked, or even unrecogized. Dr. Sarah Westberg, the Associate Dean for Professional Affairs and a Professor at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy (with a long list of certifications, awards, and accomplishments to boot) will open our eyes to the wide range of assistance that pharmacists can provide patients in achieving more effective, efficient, and affordable drug therapy regimens. She'll also offer important tips on achieving optimal interface with your pharmacist and some insights on how to find a pharmacist who is a good fit for you.  Host: Jim Utt (hosting remotely).

[For a sneak preview of some of Dr. Westberg's work, see https://www.youtube.com/embed/n9U7rdNru7Q?width=640&height=380&iframe=true&autoplay=1&rel=0.]  

11/19/2025 

Jane Horn will be our featured speaker. Her topic is, “Is it My Memory? Am I losing it?”. Ms. Horn will explore the intricacies of memory and offer an empowering message: It’s never too early to start training your brain to change your brain. Be sure to attend this meeting to gain valuable knowledge and practical strategies for enhancing your cognitive well-being.  Host:  Darrell Bertelson. 

11/26/2025 -- No meeting (day before Thanksgiving). Enjoy your holiday!

12/03/2025 

Denny Morrow, Executive Director and Board Member of The End in Mind Project, will educate us about the mission, goals, programs, and accomplishments of that non-profit organization (founded by well-known Twin Cities radio and television personality, Cathy Wurzer, who is still an important active force within End in Mind). For more information, see https://www.endinmindproject.org.  Host: Jim Utt

12/10/2025 -- Open

12/17/2025 -- Open

12/24/2025 -- No meeting (Christmas Eve). Enjoy your holiday!

12/31/2025 -- No meeting (New Year's Eve). Enjoy your holiday!

01/07/2026 -- Open

01/14/2026 -- Open

01/21/2026 -- Open

01/28/2026 -- Open

02/04/2026 -- Open

02/11/2026 -- Open

02/18/2026 -- Open

02/25/2026 -- Open