Maple Grove shines brightest through people who give of themselves. This November, we honor three individuals whose impact reaches far beyond our city. From building communities to advancing global health to turning loss into hope, their stories show what gratitude in action looks like.
Dr. S.K. Dash: Science, Service, and a Spirit of Giving
One individual whose work extends across the world is Dr. S.K. Dash. His journey, from a boy in India with a gift for leadership to a scientist shaping a global industry to a philanthropist whose generosity changes lives, shows how vision and compassion can transform communities.
A Vision for Global Health
Long before probiotics became mainstream, Dr. Dash recognized their potential. Trained in nutrition and biochemistry, he founded UAS Laboratories in 1979 to develop research-backed products accessible to the public. What began as a bold idea became an international industry. He published research, wrote books, and mentored scientists who continue his mission. More than an innovator, he bridged academic discovery and everyday families seeking healthier options.
For him, innovation was never just business. It was about improving lives, a value that guided every decision. His leadership inspired generations of scientists, and his company’s products reached millions worldwide. Today, his influence is still felt in labs, classrooms, and health stores across the globe.
A Legacy at Home and Abroad
Though his work spans continents, Dr. Dash and his wife, Kalpana, have long called Minnesota home. His support helped establish the Hindu Temple of Minnesota, the largest of its kind in the United States, a spiritual and cultural anchor for thousands of families. The temple also hosts music, language classes, and interfaith dialogue, drawing visitors from across the Midwest.
Beyond the temple, his generosity has strengthened many Minnesota organizations. From cultural festivals to Rotary youth leadership programs, he has invested deeply in the community he loves. He has sponsored concerts, exchanges, and initiatives that build bridges across generations and backgrounds, believing that diversity is one of Minnesota’s greatest strengths.
In India, his roots remain strong. As chairman of Kalinga Hospital, he helped transform it into a modern medical facility serving families across the region. The hospital combines advanced technology with affordable care, offering hope to those who once had little access. His foundation also supports rural health programs, schools, and scholarships, ensuring children in underserved areas have opportunities to thrive.
Dr. Dash has endowed professorships and research centers in both the United States and India, creating a legacy that fuels scientific discovery for decades. He often says, “Education is the greatest gift you can give,” and through scholarships and mentorship, he has helped countless young people pursue dreams once thought impossible.
Even now, he remains tireless, traveling frequently, checking on projects, meeting leaders, and encouraging the next generation. His guiding principle is simple: if you can help, you should. Here in Maple Grove, that compassion is visible every day. The temple that welcomes thousands, the students who receive scholarships, and the cultural programs that enrich our city all carry his mark. Around the world, hospitals, schools, and research institutions do the same.
As a community, we are thankful for Dr. Dash. Not only for his accomplishments, but for the example he sets. He shows us that true success is measured not by what we keep, but by what we give.
To learn more, visit drdashfoundation.com
Stronger Together Through Maria’s Voice
For Bill and Lissa Weimelt, grief became a mission that touches thousands. After losing their daughter, Maria Pew, they founded Maria’s Voice to create safe homes and stronger communities through education and prevention. Maria’s spirit, joyful, compassionate, and full of light, lives on in the work they do every day.
What began locally now reaches across Minnesota. In 2024 alone, nearly half a million people engaged with Maria’s Voice through trainings, outreach, and events. The focus is on recognizing early signs of unhealthy relationships and giving people tools to act before danger grows. For many, these simple lessons mean the difference between silence and survival.
Lissa and her team share their story in schools, businesses, and faith communities, and they train leaders from law enforcement to educators. One young woman said Maria’s Voice gave her the courage to leave an unsafe relationship. She believes it saved her life. Many others have echoed similar stories, proving that awareness truly changes outcomes.
Maria’s Voice also creates opportunities for survivors to share their own experiences, turning personal pain into education for others. This safe space has become a vital part of healing for families who once felt alone. Prevention, they remind us, is not only possible but powerful.
Maple Grove has supported this mission from the start. The city was the first to join the Prevention Network, and local partners such as Spavia, Thrivent, Old National Bank, Prime Advertising, Malones, and Nothing Bundt Cakes (Maria’s favorite) have offered their support. Civic groups such as the Lions and American Legion, as well as Osseo Area Schools, continue to keep prevention front and center.
Through their courage, optimism, and dedication, Maria’s Voice has become a beacon of education and hope. Maple Grove is stronger and safer because of them, and for that, we are truly grateful.
mariasvoice.org
Firefighter, Fundraiser, and True Friend to Maple Grove
When we asked who should be featured in our Thankful issue, one name came up again and again: Mike Kinnan of The Lookout Bar and Grill. To many people, Mike is more than a business owner. He is a neighbor, a friend, and someone who is always ready to step up when the community needs him.
The Lookout has been part of Maple Grove’s story for decades. When Bob’s Lookout first opened, it offered just 55 seats, 30 cent beers, and wide-open farmland. Over time it has grown into a full-service bar, grill, and catering business while keeping its home-style feel. For many families, celebrations, fundraisers, and reunions would not be complete without The Lookout.
Mike carries that same spirit of connection forward. For 37 years, he has served as Assistant Fire Chief for the Maple Grove Fire Department, responding to emergencies and mentoring young firefighters. His service extends beyond the firehouse. He sits on advisory boards, leads in community organizations, and joins efforts like the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, all with the same energy and generosity.
At the center of his giving is Bob’s Lookout Foundation, which organizes golf tournaments, 5K runs, and parking lot parties. These events raise thousands for families in need while also bringing the community together for laughter, music, and shared purpose. The 35th Annual Golf Tournament this year is just one example, combining fun with life-changing support.
Mike’s big heart shines through in the many ways he gives, from lending space to local nonprofits to donating food and resources at a moment’s notice. He is often described as someone who never says no when help is needed. His example shows that gratitude is something you live out.
In honoring Mike Kinnan, we also honor the generations who have made The Lookout part of Maple Grove’s story. Cheers to the past, the present, and the many more years of community and service still to come.
lookoutbarandgrill.com/bobs-lookout-foundation
We are honored that Delano artist LeAnna Wurzer accepted to paint our cover, portraying the three community-changing individuals in this article. She specializes in vibrant oil paintings, murals, and chalk art.
From probiotics to Maple Grove’s Hindu Temple to Kalinga Hospital, Dr. Dash’s impact inspires deep gratitude.
Maria’s Voice shines as a beacon of hope, turning education into stronger and safer communities.
When the community calls, Mike is always there to help.