Brooklyn Park Woman Honored in AARP’s MN “50 Over 50”

Mary Ellen Vetter, who has been a longtime resident of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, continues to volunteer into her mid-90s. Vetter has been named as one of AARP and Pollen’s Minnesota “50 Over 50” list for her community service.

“50 Over 50 is a way to not only break down outdated beliefs about aging but build better connected communities as well. This list will recognize and celebrate the contributions being made by the 50+ community all across the state of Minnesota,” said Will Phillips, state director of AARP Minnesota, in a press release. 

The 50 honorees are chosen in five categories: nonprofit, arts, business, community and disruption.

Mary Ellen Vetter has given back mostly in the environmental science and conservation fields. She serves on the development and charter school committees of the Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone, a nonprofit that provides experiential and environmental education to 30+ Minnesota charter schools.

There’s four charter schools in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center who have benefited from her work. She’s also an active member of the Audubon Society and membership chair of the Isaak Walton – Walter J Breckenridge Chapter in Brooklyn Park. In addition, for more than 25 years, she’s been a weekly volunteer at North Side Life Care Center in Minneapolis..

“The world needs more Mary Ellens,” wrote Diane Sannes,  the volunteer who nominated Vetter.

Vetter’s nomination form also listed the environmental issues that she championed in the 1970s and 1980s, which included founding the Brooklyn Center Conservation Commission, creating the Palmer Lake Environmental Preserve and creating a local recycling program too.

“Her vision and hard work as a volunteer made a huge lasting mark on our environment for generations to follow,” said Sannes.

To see the entire list of 50 Over 50 honorees, click here.

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