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Marti Stevens Interactive Improvisational Theater (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Engaging residents in vibrant public places
└ Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Older adults in Central Maine face barriers to aging in place, from transportation to food insecurity, often hidden from public view. The project staged interactive performances based on real scenarios, inviting audiences to question actors and suggest solutions. Ideas like volunteer driver programs emerged, and feedback was shared with partners and media. "I learned how important community support is to the 50-plus community," one participant said, noting the emotional impact of seeing these struggles portrayed. Plans include training older adults to lead future performances, extending the dialogue.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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West Baton Rouge, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge has been involved in community art and arts education for many years. The Council engaged professional writing instructors to hold two workshops for older adults in creative writing, poetry, self-publication and basic editing. They then invited participants to share their writing with the public at an open mic night. Project organizers also created a post-workshop online forum, allowing the cohort to continue writing together and receiving feedback on their work.
Bozeman, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: A mobile “listening bench” will rotate among parks, libraries and gathering spots for older adults. Trained volunteers will host scheduled bench hours to offer conversation and companionship, with QR codes linking users to local resources, to help reduce social isolation among adults age 50 and older.
Brattleboro, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: After catastrophic flooding exposed gaps in river access and safety, Brattleboro residents-many age 50-plus-joined the Face the River initiative to shape a new riverside park and learn floodplain science. The project delivered bird walks, river ecology workshops and mindfulness sessions, along with tours of restoration sites that engaged over 100 participants. Their insights are guiding permanent projects with ADA trails and amenities, underscoring the need for trails near downtown. The effort sparked lasting momentum for inclusive recreation and resilience planning.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Chelsea, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults in Chelsea had few accessible spaces for social connection or healthy activities, leaving many isolated. The project transformed a schoolyard into an intergenerational garden with eight wheelchair-accessible raised beds, a convertible bench and a canopy. Residents and students planted, harvested and shared produce, which supplied the local food bank and monthly luncheons. Donations and repeat visits showed strong community engagement. Future plans include expanding raised beds and adding a permanent structure for year-round use.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hallowell, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Transportation Other
Description: The city will install flashing stop signs at key intersections and rotate portable speed feedback signs at village entrances. These measures will slow traffic and make crossings safer downtown and in surrounding residential areas.
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