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January 2026
Delegate Profile: Margaret Rog
1/10/26 - Adam Suomala
We are pleased to introduce our newest Delegate, Margaret Rog,
Advocacy Manager at the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter.
With over 30 years of experience helping nonprofit organizations strategize and grow, she joined the Alzheimer's Association team last year to help build trusted relationships between elected officials and the advocates whose lived experience can create real policy change.
She also represents the city of St. Louis Park as a twice-elected city council member, holds a B.A. in English from Augsburg University and a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Minnesota.
Now Open: AARP Community Challenge Grants
1/7/26 - Adam Suomala
AARP has officially launched the 10th year of its Community Challenge grant program, which funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable for all ages, and spark long-term change.
Follow the link to learn about the program's history, the achievements of past grantees — and how to apply for a grant.
- Application Deadline: March 4, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CT
- Submission site: AARP.org/CommunityChallenge
- Project Completion Deadline: December 15, 2026
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations, government entities, and others on a case-by-case basis.
Aging Dementia Grant RFP Opens
1/6/26 - Adam Suomala
Minnesota Board on Aging Dementia Grant RFP is open and has a responders conference January 7 at 1 p.m. to share more about this competitive grant program focusing on the impact dementia has on family, friends and caregivers. Grants should:
- Increase awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
- Increase the rate of cognitive testing
- Promote the benefits of early identification
- Connect family, friends and neighbors who are caregiving with education, support and resources.
Grants should stimulate collaboration and coordination and strengthen community relationships and partnerships that promote the benefit of physician consultation for all people who may have a memory or cognitive concern.
You're Invited: Vital Voices
1/2/26 - Adam Suomala
Our members at the Vital Aging Network are doing something new, and hope you'll join in. Vital Voices provides an opportunity to share your views, listen to others, and support each other in taking action. "Together we’ll find ways to use our influence - in big ways and small ways - to make a better world." The first session is January 26, from 1-3 pm at HealthPartners Neuroscience Center in St. Paul followed by monthly meetings.
MGS 50th Annual Conference - Call for Speakers
1/2/26 - Adam Suomala
Our members at the
Minnesota Gerontological Society extended thier
Call for Speakers to Friday, January 8. They invite proposals from educators, researchers, thought leaders, practitioners, and more on a wide range of topics related to aging and the lives of older adults for the 50th anniversary conference:
Learning, Leading, Embracing Our Future.
Welcome Our New Accountant:
1/1/26 - Adam Suomala
With the start of the New Year, we also welcomed a new team member to serve as our Accountant. Vanesa Arreola Rodríguez comes to us as part of our contract with Studio501, which focuses on our accounting systems, reporting, internal controls structure, and compliance. She is responsible for our bookkeeping, financial reports, and other services.
From owning her own restaurant to her experience across corporate and nonprofit accounting, her focus today is "giving back to the community behind the curtain" and she believes "we can make a difference in our communities through accounting." Rodríguez holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Accounting from Rasmussen University.
Delegate Profile: Jill Kozberg
1/1/26 - Adam Suomala
We are pleased to introduce our newest Delegate, Jill Kozberg. She serves as Mental Health and Senior Services Director for Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minnesota.
Effective January 1, Jewish Family Service of St. Paul and Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis now operate as one organization, providing 30+ programs and services for our state.
Jill is also a Licensed Psychologist with 25+ years of experience. She believes everyone has their own answers, and works collaboratively to offer support, feedback and perspective. She holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Minnesota.
"I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody."
Lily Tomlin
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