2026 MCEA Fall Conference: Full Schedule

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11:15am CDT

Wheels Up Wednesday: Bridging the Gap for Our 55+ Neighbors

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Jordan Public Schools’ Community Education and Recreation department launched "Wheels Up Wednesday" 3 years ago to meet the consistent transportation needs of community members ages 55 and older. This free weekly transportation program helps residents stay active, independent, and engaged. Each Wednesday, seniors enjoy opportunities to run errands, attend appointments, and spend time with friends—while forming new connections and rediscovering old ones along the way. The program has quickly become a bright spot in the community, fostering friendship, laughter, and a renewed sense of togetherness among its riders.

Come join us on a ride through our senior programming as we give back to a generation who has done so much for us!

Possible Outcomes:
-Strengthen Community Engagement: Discover strategies for fostering social connectivity and independence among seniors, effectively turning a basic service into a "bright spot" for resident interaction.
-Foster Deep Social Connectivity: Discover strategies to move beyond simple logistics, transforming each Wednesday into a "bright spot" that reduces senior isolation and builds lasting community friendships.

Speakers

Cullen Bahn

Director of Community Education & Recreation, ISD 717 - Jordan Public Schools

Cullen Bahn is the Director of Jordan Community Education & Recreation and is entering his fourth year in the role. He oversees the Jordan Community Center (CERC) and a wide range of community education programming that serves the Jordan community—from early childhood education... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 111 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult Programming

1:30pm CDT

Bus Tour Basics

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Suite 111 - Lower Level

Bus tours are a fun and unique way to build community among your participants. That being said, planning and executing a successful bus tour is no small task. Join CE coordinators as they share top tips from ideation, program development, spreadsheet planning strategies, and communications through trip execution. You will leave with tools and connections to begin exploring your adult and senior enrichment bus tour journey!

Key Takeaways:
* Checklist for Managing a Successful Bus Tour
* Spreadsheet Financial Organization Tips
* Collaborate and Connect with Peers across the State

Speakers

Katherine Bodger

Coordinator - Trips, Tours & Special Events, Minneapolis Community Education

Kathy has worked for Minneapolis Community Education for over 20 years. In Fall 2018 she thought there are so many opportunities to learn from place - outside the classroom, so decided to offer a bus tour. Over the past 8 years, Kathy has developed and hosted over 900 trips, tours... Read More →

Lori Murphy

Coordinator, Bloomington Public Schools

Robert Halberg

Adult Services Coordinator, Hastings Public Schools

Amanda Shadoin

Adult Enrichment and Sports Camps Coordinator, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Community Education

I have worked in Community Education for 13 years and have coordinated trips for School-Age Care participants, Youth Enrichment and now Adult Enrichment! I have been scheduling adult field trips for almost a year, and have found a high interest amongst our community for these outings... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Suite 111 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult Programming

2:45pm CDT

Community Voices, Shared Solutions: A Collaborative Path to Substance Use Education

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Suite 111 - Lower Level

This session outlines the development, implementation, and community impact of a multidisciplinary education series on substance use and addiction. Presenters will share planning strategies, session themes, participant feedback, and lessons learned, highlighting how strong cross‑sector collaboration and community engagement can strengthen understanding, support, and local response to substance use challenges.

Key Takeaways:
• Understand how to build and coordinate a multidisciplinary team for community education.
• Learn effective strategies for engaging community members and promoting evidence‑based resources like naloxone.
• Identify practical lessons and evaluation insights to inform future substance use–related programming.

Speakers

Abby Tricker

Lead Population Health Specialist, Olmsted County Public Health Services

Abby Tricker is a Population Health Specialist with Olmsted County Public Health Services, where she has served for more than 18 years. Her career has been rooted in substance use and injury prevention, with extensive experience leading community-based initiatives and cross‑sector... Read More →

Gayle Olsen, MS, APRN, CNP

Professor Emerita, Winona State University and President, Board of Directors, Community Pathways to Family Health and Recovery

Gayle is a pediatric nurse practitioner with more than 50 years of experience in clinical care, education, and research. She has held faculty positions at several institutions, including the University of Minnesota, the University of Mississippi, Boston College, and most recently... Read More →

Benjamin Lai

Assistant Professor & Consultant of Family Medicine; Chair of Mayo Clinic’s Opioid Stewardship Program, Mayo Clinic

Dual board-certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Benjamin Lai has served as Chair of Mayo Clinic’s Opioid Stewardship Program since 2023, following his role as Co-Chair from 2021–2022. He has led quality improvement initiatives, developed institutional opioid... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Suite 111 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult Programming

2:45pm CDT

Designing Affordable and Impactful Older Adult Programs: Inspiration, Solutions, and Collaborative Ideas

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Suite 109 - Lower Level

In 2023, Mounds View Public Schools Community Education expanded its older adult programming in partnership with the City of New Brighton. This session shares successful offerings like day trips, bingo & breakfast, and award-winning senior lunches. Learn how low-barrier programs can reduce social isolation, improve well-being, and strengthen community ties.
The second half features a collaborative workshop to help you brainstorm ways to grow older adult programs in your own community, regardless of budget. Topics include partnership strategies, marketing, funding sources, and more.

Key Takeaways:
• Build strong partnerships with cities, businesses, and organizations
• Explore sponsorship ideas to support meals, entertainment, and giveaways
• Leave with proven formats and new ideas to adapt in your community

Speakers

Erin Matteson

Community Education Coordinator, Mounds View Public Schools

With more than 18 years of experience in adult, family and youth programming and seven years with Mounds View Public Schools, Erin Matteson is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities that help people learn, connect, and grow. As a Community Education Coordinator, she enjoys... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Suite 109 - Lower Level

Adult Programming

2:45pm CDT

Twin Cities PBS Viewers Like Us Club: Building Community Through Media

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Suite 101 - Lower Level

Learn how the Viewers Like Us Club, a free program from Twin Cities PBS, uses PBS documentaries and series to spark conversation and strengthen community connections. This session will share implementation ideas, facilitation strategies, and real-world examples to help participants launch a media-based discussion program in their own community setting.

Outcomes

Identify ways to use media-based discussion programs to build community engagement and dialogue.
Explore practical strategies for launching and facilitating a Viewers Like Us Club in different settings.
Leave with adaptable digital resources to pilot a club in your own organization or community.

Speakers

Kalia Vue

General Audience Engagement Specialist, Twin Cities PBS

Kalia Vue, Ph.D., is the General Audience Engagement Specialist at the Center for Lifelong Learning at Twin Cities PBS. In this role, she supports educational programs for adult learners and contributes to the development of viewing guides and curriculum resources. Her research and... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Suite 101 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult Programming

11:15am CDT

1:30pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

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