WJJY's "Community Focus" is the longest-running locally produced, community affairs program in the Brainerd area. Hosted by WJJY's program director, Ken Thomas and news director, Tess Taylor, Community Focus has covered everything from arts and entertainment to issues concerning health, public safet…

Joey Yow, Director of Central Lakes College Preforming Arts highlights the current performances of Dracula as well as their upcoming Prince tribute show as well as the 4 shows of Rudolph in December and the fan favorite Rock & Roll Christmas Spectacular.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kevin Denny, Director of Advancement discusses their upcoming Speaker Series at the Gichi Ziibi Center for the Arts on 10/29 as well as recapping last month's Inaugural Run for The Son. Kevin also talks about the progress of the expansion project at St. Francis church.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jennifer Lowe, Director of Foundation and Community Relations, and Allison Baker, Oncology Operations Coordinator at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, join the show to share details about the upcoming Kaleidoscope event on October 30th. The annual fundraiser supports the Courage Cabinet, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients during their treatment journey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jodi Kennedy, Principal at Garfield Elementary chats about their Parent Teacher Organization at Garfield as well as the activities they use title funds for. Also encouraging any volunteers to share their talents with any of the area schools.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Commander Wayne Harting and Second Vice/Gambling Manager Billy Lowe share mis-conceptions about the current American Legion as well as recruit people to become members of the Legion, Sons of the American Legion or Auxiliary members. Improvements to the Legion building and funds available for child related needs in the community specifically aimed at family of American Legion 255 members.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Talia Brodhead and Josh Nelson from the MN Recovery and Prevention Alliance share some information on their Know The Truth prevention program as well as updating on a grant they received in addition to explaining hoe community members get involved with their mission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Denise Laudenbach and Shawn Hansen visit about the history of Women Who Care as well as educate listeners on the history of the movement in addition to how women are interested can join the Brainerd Lakes chapter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Erickson, Brainerd Public Schools Archivist visits about the new exhibits that opened at Brainerd High School along with the current and future exhibits at the Washington Educational Services building.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Habighorst, Public Works Director for the City of Brainerd stops in to discuss the ongoing construction projects and their timelines, reminder on fall leaf cleanup and the latest public transit tool, their new scheduling app.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jana Shogren, Executive Director and Tedi Russell, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at Bridges of Hope discuss Operation Sandwich for MEA break as well as the Thanksgiving basket program being open for applicants and they remind the public about the Bridge on 7th open house on November 1st.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shane Riffle, CEO of the Brainerd Family YMCA about current happenings at the YMCA, including Youth Sports, Adult Activities and a number of Healthy Living initiatives, including Breast Cancer Awareness and Mental Health. They also talked about the upcoming Coats for Kids distribution drive at the mall and High Five Day. Shane also reminded listeners that the Annual Campaign Season is approaching as they ask for contributions to keep their programs up and running at the Y.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest is Executive Director, Darcy WalkowiakSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tracy Wallin, Marketing Coordinator for the Lakes Area United Way previews the 2025 United Way Chili Cookoff, dubbed the "Wild West Chili Fest" on October 15th at the Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alex Dominguez, Programs Manager and Kat Emard, Lead Domestic Violence Advocate discuss October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month as well as some upcoming events including October 16th as Purple Thursday in addition to their Pints for a Purpose event on November 19th.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hara Charlier, Central Lakes College President, visits about campus renovations, October being Manufacturing Month and all the options CLC offers, An update on the performing arts calendar and CLC Homecoming.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Debby Erickson, Crow Wing County Community Administrator visits about the fall online land sale, a new alert to residents warning them about property and mortgage fraud. Inviting the public to participate in the county Pick-A-Mile cleanup program and fall ATV riding restrictionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trevor Pumnea, Executive Director, Northland Arboretum, talks about the latest happenings at the Arboretum. Trevor gave an update on the new Bike Park that was installed last spring, he discussed the possibility of Forest Ice Skating coming this winter to the Arb, weather permitting. Trevor listed a number of classes and events that were taking place at the Arb that the public could take part in, and he invited the public to their annual fundraising Haunted Trail Weekend and Low Scare Trunk or Treat event. He also discussed memberships and volunteer opportunities available at the Arb.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joey Yow, Director of Performing Arts at Central Lakes College talks about the tribute shoes to the music of Billy Joel & Elton John, the PRINCE tribute coming in November and the upcoming presentation of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Savannah Winkler Jr/Sr Director at Vacationland Figure Skating Club unveils details to their Learn to Skate season beginning in early October as well as their Spooktacular fundraiser. Savannah also reveals the dates for their 51st Annual Ice Show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sue Galligan, Director of Special Events for the Brainerd Lakes Chamber discusses upcoming events including Business After Hours, classes on MN Paid Family Medical Leave, Celebrate Crosslake and the highly anticipated Celebration of Excellence Event in November.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Executive Director of Smiles For Jake, Sarah Smith previews the 3rd Annual Gravel Pit Golf Tournament benefiting Smiles For Jake happening on October 2nd, along with their involvement in the Choose Kindness even at Forestview Middle School on October 7th.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Executive Director of The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes previews the Fishing to End Hunger event as well as educating listeners on the mobile food distribution events and shares some statistics on their food distribution reach and effectiveness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Community Health Specialist Rena Bolt and Talia Brodhead- Program Coordinator for BLADE Coalition preview the 4th Annual Recovery Walk at Kiwanis Park. They also remind the public about the Crow Wing Energized Lunch Tours and their future planing workshop entitled "Got Plans!"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests are Nisswa Lions Members Dale Christensen and Joe LaudenbachSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest is Cindy Myogeto, Director of the Crosslake ChamberSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ISD 181 Early Childhood Principal Martha Smithson and ECFE parent Brooke Falk join to preview early childhood classes, upcoming family outings, hands-on experiences, and the Touch-A-Truck event happening Saturday, September 20th.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiffany Stenglein- Lunch Buddies Coordinator from the YMCA and Carla Bahr, Owner of Anderson Cleaners talk about the 2025 Coats for Kids drive including drop off locations, what is being asked for as well as an update on location for the distribution event.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CEO Shane Riffle discusses the Y's involvement in the upcoming Choose Kindness even on October 7th as well as an update on their fall sports programming. Shane recaps the Re-opening of Jaycees Park event and Coats for Kids.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tony Housey, Public Affairs of Fort Ripley talks about the latest vehicle and equipment upgrades at Camp Ripley as well as their upcoming open house on September 14th and an update on their end-of-summer training seasonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Baxter City Administrator, Brad Chapulis joined and discussed the progress on a city budget, an update on Clearwater Park as well as several road construction projects going on within the city of Baxter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Event Chair Sheila Avenson shared some of the history about the event held at the Miller- Black Bear Train in Ironton on September 27th and how funds are distributed. Business sponsorships are sought to help raise funds for the Zachary Johnson Kids with Cancer Fund. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests are Director, Nancy Waller and Actors Barb McColgan and Carrie WalkerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests Crow Wing County Administrator, Debby Erickson and Crow Wing County Attorney, Don RyanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests are Jon Aga, Associate VP of Advancement and Erich Heppner, Director of Student LifeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tracy Wallin, Marketing Coordinator for Lakes Area United Way recaps the recent Stuff-A-Bus event as well as the upcoming United Way Chili Cook-Off coming up in October.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lakes Area Yoga Association Board Members and Teachers Jane Peterson and Sandy Kaplan talk about the history of LAYA as well as their upcoming 30th Anniversary Celebration Workshop at the Franklin Arts Center on Saturday, September 6th.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Purva Watten joins and shares an update on the 52nd Annual Arts & Crafts Fair that will take over downtown Little Falls on September 6th and 7th.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests are Alex Dominguez and Cindy WestbergSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest is Sue Galligan, Director of Special EventsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Co-Founders Patrick Spradlin and Curtis Jendro discuss their upcoming "Buffet of Plays" featured next month.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest is Marissa Franzen, Ambassador Family for this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's Brainerd WalkSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests Rena Bolt, Community Health Specialist with Essentia Health and Kelli Johnson, the SHIP Coordinator with Crow Wing County talk about the upcoming Movement Challenge, Lunch and Learns as well as an Advance Care planning session being offered and the Recovery Walk in September. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
