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Central Lakes College (91�Թ���) is proud to announce it has received a grant from��Age-Friendly Minnesota��to support two key initiatives designed to engage and connect older adults in the Brainerd Lakes region. The grant award of��$52,229��will fund a series of four community-based Listening Sessions for adults aged 55 and older, as well as the expansion of��Chatty Hour, a structured social program that reduces isolation and strengthens community ties.

Listening Sessions for Adults 55+
This new initiative will invite older adults to participate in four Listening Sessions across the region. These gatherings will create a welcoming space for participants to share their experiences, needs and ideas related to 91�Թ��� and the broader community. Each meeting will be facilitated by 91�Թ��� Dean of Students, Wellness and Equity Mary Sam and 91�Թ��� Performing Arts Center Director Joey Yow, along with Ken Thomas, recently retired long-time radio host of Hubbard Radio and WJJY’s Community Focus. Insights gathered from these sessions will be compiled into a publicly shared summary report, complete with recommendations for enhancing 91�Թ���’s services, programming and campus environment to better support older adult learners and community members.

Chatty Hour Expansion
An extension of a successful pilot supported by the Central MN Council on Aging, Crow Wing County, and Essentia Health,��Chatty Hour��will continue at 91�Թ��� and expand to include a second weekly gathering at a local community location. Guided by 91�Թ��� Performing Arts Center Director Joey Yow and trained staff, Chatty Hour offers a structured, welcoming environment for conversation and connection, helping to combat social isolation among participants of all ages—particularly those aged 55 and older.

Creator Riaz Patel shared his excitement for the program’s growth in Brainerd:

“It took us seven years to cultivate the structure and spirit of our ‘Chatty Hours,’ with the aim of making in-person connection as effortless and enjoyable as possible. We are thrilled to announce our longest ‘Chatty Hour’ activation yet, offering weekly events for an entire year to the Brainerd��community. In a world where screens are making people of all ages feel more isolated and hopeless, we are excited to create new connections, host dynamic intergenerational conversations, and revitalize a much-needed sense of community for everyone.”

“These projects reflect Central Lakes College’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, community well-being, and lifelong learning,” said Yow. “We’re honored to be part of the Age-Friendly Minnesota initiative and grateful for their help in bringing these vital conversations to more people in our region.”

Both initiatives will launch this spring and continue through the 2025-2026 academic year.

About Age-Friendly Minnesota

��(AFMN)��is a statewide initiative dedicated to ensuring that older adults are valued, supported, and able to thrive in their communities.��$1.3 million in Age-Friendly Minnesota Community Grants were awarded to 35 entities across the state. The Age-Friendly Minnesota Council, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, launched the AFMN Grants Program in 2022 to help communities initiate or advance age-friendly efforts.