Board Members
Mary Van Grinsven
President
Mary Van Grinsven, President
Mary and her husband, Greg, have been coming to the Boulder Junction area since the 70’s. In 2011 they retired, bought her family home, and became permanent residents. Professionally, Mary was an international gymnastic judge & clinician for 16 years and served on the U.S. National Board of Directors 12 years. A teacher by degree, Mary was always active in school systems wherever they lived.
Volunteering and helping others have always been a passion for Mary! The friendliness of the Boulder Junction community made it easy to join in and make new friends. Mary served on the Fundraising Committee and Color Workgroup for the new Community Center & Library, is currently the Vice President of the Library Board of Trustees, the Co-Chair of the UpShift Bike Group, and an active member of St. Anne Church.
Mary served as a Director of this Foundation for a total of 11 years and is currently the President. She also is a director on the board of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, representing the Boulder Junction Community Foundation.
In her free time, you can find Mary paddling her kayak, sewing in her studio, biking or skiing through the beautiful Northwoods, helping at church, or cooking up something tasty in the kitchen. Sons Marc & Matt and families consider Boulder Junction their “second home,” and being a grandma is the best!
Susan Govier
Vice President
Susan Govier, President
Susie is a born and bred local girl who retired from a hectic career as Director of Interior Design for one of the country’s premier hospitality design architectural firms and moved home to pursue other “northerly” interests.
She is the previous co-owner of The Aqualand Ale House, just on the edge of Boulder Junction, named for the zoo her father and grandfather operated for many years.
Pursuing her interest in painting, Susie started a small business, Frog Creative Studios, in 2023 selling regional nature themed paint by number kits. Her future plans include expanding beyond painting to conduct writing workshops, women’s retreats and other art and craft project classes. In addition, she plans to offer free-lance interior design.
Susie explains, “The Northwoods quiet is inspirational. When all the other voices are left behind, re-connecting with self through ‘right thinking’ helps us know ourselves, like ourselves a little more, and grow into who we want to be.” She enjoys serving the community. The Boulder Junction Community Foundation seems like the right way to plug into and enhance Boulder Junction, her childhood home.
Theresa Smith
Secretary
Theresa Smith, Director
Theresa's connection with Boulder Junction dates back to her childhood, where family vacations in the 70s and 80s became cherished traditions. Continuing this legacy, Theresa, along with her husband Dave and son, carried on the tradition through the 90s and into the early 2000s.
In 2005, the family made a pivotal move to the Northwoods, marking the beginning of Theresa's role as the Executive Director of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce, a position she held until 2022.
Transitioning into a new chapter, Theresa now serves as the Marketing Production and Client Relations Director for a marketing agency that specializes in destination marketing, representing the Boulder Junction Chamber and other tourism entities across the Northwoods as well as the state of Wisconsin.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Theresa's commitment to community shines through her involvement in various committees and boards, including the Boulder Junction Community Foundation since its inception in 2010, the North Creek Loop Bike Trail Project Fundraising Committee, the Boulder Junction Economic Development Committee, and the Vilas County Chamber of Commerce. Her dedication to the growth and success of Boulder Junction reflects a deep passion for the community and its residents, evident in her ongoing volunteer work.
Theresa finds comfort and rejuvenation in the serene beauty of the Northwoods, combining her love for nature with photography during hikes, and indulges in the joy of treasure hunting at flea markets, thrift stores, and antique shops.
WIlliam Spear
Treasurer
William Spear, Treasurer
Bill Spear fell in love with the Northwoods and Boulder Junction during various camping trips as a teenager. In 1974 he purchased a small cabin in Boulder Junction as a college student and spent the summers working at Long’s Hillbilly Market and the Department of Natural Resources. Bill and Bonnie were married in 1985 and purchased a lake property that they enjoy sharing with family and friends.
Bill has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s in financial services with a thirty-year career in insurance and investments. He was President of the Rotary Club of Wausau and served on the Boards of The Women’s Community Inc, Wausau, and the Wausau YWCA Foundation. Bill looks forward to the opportunity to participate and contribute to the Boulder Junction Community Foundation as it continues its mission to preserve and enhance Boulder Junction.
Craig Mason
Director
Craig Mason, Director
Craig Mason, along with his wife, Jane, are co-owners of Peeplelures, a jewelry store on Main Street in Boulder Junction. Craig became acquainted with Boulder Junction on family vacations from the Milwaukee area beginning in the early 1960’s. Craig and Jane relocated to Boulder Junction from Madison in 1995. Peeplelures was established in 1997. Craig has been active in the community by serving on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Lion’s Club.
Gary Plouff
Director
Gary Plouff, Director
Gary and his wife, Barbara, purchased land in the Boulder Junction area in 1995 as they fell in love with the area and wanted to eventually retire here. Their dream came true after building their home here in 2012 and then retiring. They have lived here on a permanent basis since October 2013. Prior to retirement, Gary managed the statistical modeling team at AT&T. Gary served as the Treasurer of the Boulder Junction Community Foundation from 2015 to 2018. Currently, Gary serves as the Secretary of the Frontier Lakes Owners Association, member of the Boulder Junction Lions Club, Presque Isle Broadband Committee and St. Anne Catholic Church. Gary enjoys snowshoeing, kayaking, biking and all the great Northwoods has to offer.
Dina Casso
Director
Breanna Miner
Director
Breanna Miner, Director
In 2021, Breanna Miner embarked on a life-altering journey, leaving her Illinois roots behind to seek solace and community in the charming town of Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. Her desire for a quieter life away from the city's chaos led her to this picturesque corner of the Northwoods, where she aimed to raise her child in the warmth of a close-knit community.
As the Manager of Aqualand Ale House, Breanna found her calling in serving her community with tasty beers and food, creating a welcoming space for locals. Her background as a former probation officer in Illinois highlighted her commitment to making a positive impact, which she now channels into the Boulder Junction community foundation.
In her free time, Breanna enjoys the natural beauty of the Northwoods, spending her days fishing, boating, and soaking in the serene lakeside landscapes with family. Her story exemplifies how a desire for a simpler life can lead to a profound sense of purpose and belonging in a tight-knit community.
Consultants
Tom Basting
Consultant
Tom Basting, Consultant
Thomas J. Basting Sr. Tom is a retired trial lawyer having practiced law in Janesville and then Madison for almost 50 years. Tom completed his undergraduate work at Marquette University and obtained his law degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He is Past President of the State Bar of Wisconsin; a past president of the Board of Camp Manito-wish. Tom served on the executive committee and Board of Directors of the UW Hospital in Madison and also was President of the Board of The Overture Center for the Arts in Madison.
Tom and his wife Sally have had a home on Wool Lake in Boulder Junction for over 20 years and after retirement have become residents of Boulder Junction spending their winters at their home in Saddlebrooke in Tucson Arizona.
Mark Hilgendorf
Consultant
Mark Hilgendorf, Consultant
Mark has been coming to the Boulder Junction area since the early 70’s. In 2004, Mark and his wife Lisa, along with his parents, purchased a vacation home in Boulder Junction. Their daughters Greta and Emma have grown up enjoying this beautiful part of God’s creation just like Mark was able to do. On many summer evenings you will find Mark and Emma musky fishing on Boulder Lake. Professionally, Mark has worked for Associated Bank in Green Bay for over 20 years and has 30 years of experience in the investment arena, specializing in the analysis of stocks. Mark is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, having earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in finance. Mark is very active in various leadership and teaching roles at his church in Green Bay and attends Trinity Lutheran Church in Boulder Junction when in town.
Jean Tehan
Consultant
Jean Tehan, Consultant
Jean Tehan has a life-long affinity for the Northwoods in general and Boulder Junction in particular. Early camping vacations with her family, and a decades-long membership at nearby Rainbo Lodge fueled this passion by creating a lifetime of great memories Jean was instrumental in the Boulder Junction Community Foundation since inception in her capacity of President and CEO of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin. Now retired with over three decades of foundation leadership experience, she continues in an advisory capacity for our foundation. Jean is a mother of two, and grandmother of three. She is a current homeowner in the Lakeland area, and resides with her husband in Wausau.