The Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee is pleased to announce that the 2025 Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award Recipient is Cecilia (CC) Linstroth.
CC is the 42nd recipient of this prestigious award and will be honored on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, during the Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award Banquet at the Northfield Ballroom, one of the official kick-off events for the Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration.
In part, CC’s nomination reads, “CC has given to the Northfield community and contributed to its betterment through her dedication and involvement in local government and nonprofit organizations. She has provided leadership and valuable input during her continued years of service and active participation. CC is especially passionate about the issue of literacy and has worked to develop literacy curriculum for several years sharing her expertise and knowledge with educators and parents.”
CC is a retired teacher, having taught elementary education in the Northfield school district for many years before ending her career with the Burnsville school district. She is a former member of the Northfield City Council and temporarily served as the interim Northfield City Administrator. CC’s past community involvement has included, serving on the Northfield Library Board, the Hospital Board, the Park Board, the Hope Center Board, the Mill Towns Trail Joint Powers Board, and the League of Women Voters, just to name a few. She was an early member of the Women in Northfield Giving Support (WINGS) organization and chaired the DJJD Arts Fair. CC currently chairs the Northfield Hospital Foundation. She is a member of the Charter Commission for the City of Northfield, and a board member of The Friends of Downtown Northfield and Age Friendly Northfield, a city initiative.
“As we look ahead to the 2025 Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration, we are thrilled to honor CC and her many contributions to the Northfield community,” said Galen Malecha, current DJJD General Chairperson. “CC is someone who often works behind the scenes, and we’re thrilled to be able to shine a light on the incredible work she has been a part of. She is a positive force in our community, and we cannot wait to formally honor her this September.”
For those who wish to attend the Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award Banquet in September, details can be found at djjd.org – RSVPs are appreciated.
The Defeat of Jesse James Days Heywood Selection Committee is always looking for new nominations. The form along with submission instructions can be found at djjd.org
Mission Statement of the Heywood Committee:
To honor a Northfield citizen who we feel exemplifies the commitment to public service, which Heywood lived. It is an award that reminds us of our past and our promise to improve ourselves and our community for the future. An award that each of us would someday hope to be considered worthy of receiving.