Community Focus

Darcy Walkowiak, Executive Director of The Center in Brainerd, joins to preview several upcoming events. Darcy shares details on the Ageless Expo, the Fall Harvest Craft Show and an upcoming Lunch ’n Learn focused on de-cluttering and simplifying your space.

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Laura Cook, President of the Vacationland Figure Skating Club, and VFSC Coach Mackenzie Papillon-Renford join Community Focus to unveil details for the club’s upcoming Learn to Skate season, beginning in early October. They discuss what new and returning skaters can expect, who can participate and how to get involved. Laura also reveals the dates for VFSC’s annual Holiday Ice Show and shares a preview of what’s ahead for the club this season.

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Is flying first class really worth the upgrade? Plus, Janet is getting ready to go under the knife, and if your budget could use a little trimming too, BBay has plenty of great local savings to help you keep more money in your pocket!

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Matt Kilian, President of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, and Ali Beste, Marketing & Programs Manager, join to highlight two Chamber initiatives. Matt discusses LakesArea.vote, an online resource designed to help area voters learn more about local candidates and the issues ahead of Election Day. Then, Ali introduces The Collective, a new professional women’s network focused on building courage, confidence and connection while creating opportunities for women across the Lakes Area to grow and connect. She also previews the group’s launch event, Fueled by Courage, happening Wednesday, September 30 from 1–3 p.m. at Brainerd International Raceway.

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Brainerd Activities Director Jack Freeman joins Student Council President Presley Glynn and Vice President Nolan Jendro to preview Brainerd Homecoming Week! They run through the schedule of festivities, including student dress-up days, the Homecoming parade, tailgating and other activities planned to bring Warrior pride to the community. Then, Dr. Tammy Stellmach shares details about the upcoming Choose Kindness event at Forestview Middle School on Thursday, October 8, and how the event encourages students and the community to make kindness a priority.

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Julie Meister, Pequot Lakes Deputy Clerk, Mayor Tyler Gardner and Joe Klatt, co-owner of Snarky Loon Brewing Company, join to preview the inaugural Okbobberfest coming to Pequot Lakes on Saturday, September 26. They share how the idea for the new fall celebration came together and what visitors can expect at South Trailside Park. The day runs from noon to 9 p.m. and features live music from Norman’s Bait & Tackle and Third Wheel, beer and food vendors, a Stein Hoist Contest, kids’ activities, adult games, a 50/50 raffle and more. Admission is free as Pequot Lakes looks to kick off a brand-new fall tradition in the Lakes Area.

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Kelli Johnson, SHIP Health Educator with Crow Wing County Public Health and Crow Wing Energized, along with Talia Brodhead, Community Engagement Manager and Program Coordinator with the BLADE Coalition, join to highlight two important local efforts. Kelli shares details about the Crow Wing County Food Drive and how the community can help support local families facing food insecurity, while Talia previews the annual Walk for Recovery, an event bringing the community together to celebrate recovery, raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding substance use and addiction.

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Tedi Russell, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at Bridges of Hope, joins Community Focus to highlight several ways the organization is helping local families. Tedi discusses Operation Sandwich and the effort to make sure kids have access to meals during the upcoming MEA break. She also shares details on the Thanksgiving Basket Program, with applications opening soon for families who could use a little extra help this holiday season. Plus, Tedi reminds the community that the Bridge on 7th is open year-round, providing a safe place and important resources for those experiencing homelessness in the Lakes Area.

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Crosslake Chamber of Commerce members Heather Jones and Brittany Rohwer talk about the upcoming Crosslake Days celebration. The event showcases the businesses and organizations in Crosslake as they celebrate fall and offer discounts and deals to shoppers and guests. They talked about the Chili Cookoff, the Loon Calling Contest, and a number of events that are happening during the three-day event and encouraged listeners to come to Crosslake with their family and friends to enjoy some time together.

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Tiffany Stenglein, Coats for Kids Coordinator with the Brainerd Family YMCA, and Carla Bahr, owner of Anderson Cleaners, join Community Focus to preview the 2026 Coats for Kids drive. They discuss what new and gently used winter gear is needed, where donations can be dropped off throughout the Lakes Area, and how Anderson Cleaners helps prepare donated items for local children. They also share the date of distribution, which will be held Saturday, October 17 at the Westgate Mall in Brainerd. 

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