Notes from February 14, 2017
Posted by Kelly Salwei
ETHAN ARONSON: SHINING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS FOR AT RISK TEENS
After working in Alaska and Hawaii Ethan settled in Minnesota working for TreeHouse (https://www.treehouseyouth.org/). Fred Peterson founded TreeHouse in 1979, leaving a teaching position in Robbinsdale to reach out and help at-risk children. The vision and mission of TreeHouse is “to reach every at-risk teen so they are loved, feel hope and realize life transformation. To accomplish this vision we seek to fulfill our mission to bring living hope to hurting youth and families leading to life transformation.”
The four primary goals are-
1. Reduce at-risk behavior.
2. Build healthy relationships with God, self and others.
3. Graduate from high school.
4. Pursue post-secondary education of some kind.
After working in Alaska and Hawaii Ethan settled in Minnesota working for TreeHouse (https://www.treehouseyouth.org/). Fred Peterson founded TreeHouse in 1979, leaving a teaching position in Robbinsdale to reach out and help at-risk children. The vision and mission of TreeHouse is “to reach every at-risk teen so they are loved, feel hope and realize life transformation. To accomplish this vision we seek to fulfill our mission to bring living hope to hurting youth and families leading to life transformation.”The four primary goals are-
1. Reduce at-risk behavior.
2. Build healthy relationships with God, self and others.
3. Graduate from high school.
4. Pursue post-secondary education of some kind.
A significant number of the youth who come to TreeHouse shared one or more common characteristics. They may have had thoughts of suicide, resorted to cutting themselves, came from single parent homes. Ethan shared an impactful video with the kids sharing what TreeHouse means to them and the positive impact it has made on their lives.
There are 9 core locations in the Twin Cities and in the past couple of years they have expanded to partner with churches and other non-profits to help them provide similar programs within their organizations. The organization is funded primarily through donations and puts on a golf event (Golf for Hope) each summer to raise funds.
Announcements
- 2/21 – Feed My Starving Children in Chanhassen (don’t come to Bearpath).
- 2/21 – PROP Empty Bowls 11 to 1:30 and 4-7 at St Andrews.
- Ale thanked the members for assisting in raising money for her trip.
Spotlight on Bruce Hutchins
Bruce celebrated his 50th year as a Rotarian at five different clubs and he was the President at two clubs. He was born and raised in Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota. As a senior in HS he attended a Rotary sponsored youth conference. DG Mark Hegstrom presented Bruce with a pin and a framed letter from RI President John Germ congratulating him for his 50 years.From 1952 to 2006 Bruce worked for four different employers. Bruce has served and continues serving on several non-profit board of directors. Bruce and his wife have four children and seven grandchildren.
Happy Fines
- Irene Kelly is thankful for the contributions for her mission trip and for Bailey coordinating an effort through DECA at EPHS.
- Roger Jorgensen shared his experience at a steak dinner purchased at Vino Classico last year and the new people he and his wife had the opportunity to meet.
- Dan O’Brien enjoyed the weekend with two grandsons.
- Jeanne Zetah is heading off to California for the weekend for a wine festival and sightseeing.
- Mark Hegstrom said it was great to be back in EP and encouraged us to attend District Conference in Edina (Westin)
- Bruce Hutchins enjoyed swallowship at Axel’s in Chanhassen and catching up with Janet (Biaggi’s).
Visitors
John Georgen - Prospective Member
Mark Hegstrom - District 5950 Governor
Jack Kuehn - Burnsville Club Member
Cathy Mason - Guest of Carter Mason
Greg Olson - Prospective Member
Ale Pena Gonzalez - Exchange Student
Stella Lindbergh and Carter Mason- Student Interns