community classes
FiftyNorth offers a diversity of classes to foster connection, learning, growth and joy
Our classes promote wellbeing through shared experiences and personal growth. From classes in the arts or crafts and handiwork, to tech training, retirement planning or grief support, our community classes provide opportunities to build skills and foster friendship.
We offer nearly 100 classes a year, and many are free to members. Some materials-based classes require an additional nominal fee. Scholarships are always available to offset costs. We want everyone to enjoy our Community Classes.
click below to jump to specific class interests
Arts
KNIT A COZY COWL
ALL SKILL LEVELS ARE WELCOME
Wednesdays, October 7, 14
10:00-12:00pm
Instructor: Diane Pearsall
Capacity: 4 minimum, 10 maximum
In the event we do not meet minimum capacity we may have to cancel this class
Cost: $70 nonmember, $60 member, $20 Platinum
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: September 30
Winter is coming sooner than you think. Will you be warm enough? Does your neck ache when it’s cold out? Knit a cozy, soft, snuggly cowl to keep you warm!
This class is for beginners, those wanting to renew their skills, and experienced knitters looking for a quick project. There will be homework! You’ll knit the cowl in the round with 2 colors of Cielo Yarn, a blend of Alpaca and Merino that is unbelievably soft against your skin. There are 3 pattern variations to choose from according to your skill level. Even though the cowl may look complicated, this class is appropriate for real beginners.
In the 1st class, beginners will learn the knit stitch and how to knit in the round. But you will spend most of the class knitting the actual cowl! More experienced knitters will choose their pattern and get started.
In the 2nd class you’ll finish the cowl, model it, and celebrate.
What do you need for the classes? Just bring a small scissors, some scrap paper and something to write with. The instructor will supply the yarn, needles, and stitch markers. She will even cast on for you to get you started!
(2 sessions)
THE NATURE OF WRITING
Tuesdays, October 13, 20, 27
3:30-5:00pm
Instructor: Marlais Brand
Capacity: 15
Cost: This class is free.
I invite folks with the means to donate $35 to FiftyNorth in lieu of a class fee, and in honor of our terrific volunteers.
Space: Room 105
Love to write? Always wanted to start? Never thought about it? This offering is for you– no writing experience necessary!
I’m leading a mini series this fall that uses nature to catalyze your creativity and celebrate abundance. We’ll meet weekly for an interactive workshop to:
celebrate the season & natural world
connect with each other & our bodies
live in the present
experiment with writing for self-expression
We’ll poke around our FiftyNorth backyard for a few minutes of each session, so dress for success.
About Me
I’m a published author, and in a previous life I taught fiction, poetry, rhetoric and art history at the University of Maryland, and The Field School. My book, The Hungry Coast, won the Midwest Book award, and, as a youngster I was featured in Scribner’s Best of the Fiction Workshops a few times. I hold BA, MA and MFA degrees in Literature and Writing. I’m also a certified trauma-informed coach and a Reiki master, and I love to bring mindfulness and somatic practices into teaching.
CZECH GLASS JEWELRY DESIGN WORKSHOP
Thursday, October 15
1:00-3:00pm
Instructor: Andrea Turini
Capacity: 6 minimum, 12 maximum
Cost: Nonmember $75, Member $60, Platinum $30
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: October 8
A hands-on jewelry-making experience with artist Andrea Turini.
Following a short presentation on the history and craft of Czech glassmaking, participants enjoy a one-hour hands-on jewelry design session. Each person designs a coordinating set, either:
Earrings + Bracelet or
Earrings + Necklace
*Please specify your choice when registering
Participants select from Andrea’s curated collection of authentic Czech glass beads to create their designs. Andrea demonstrates design concepts and assists with selection, then completes the technical finishing (wrapping, crimping, and assembly) during class.
FROM THRIFTED TO HAUNTED:
HALLOWEEN ART
Friday, October 23
1:00-3:30pm
Instructor: Allison Albright
Capacity: 4 minimum, 10 maximum
In the event we do not meet minimum capacity we may have to cancel this class
Cost: $45 nonmember, $28 member, $10 platinum
*The cost of the thrifted artwork is on your own.
Space: Used A Bit Shoppe
624 Water St. S
Northfield, MN 55057
Registration deadline: October 16
Give an old painting a playful new life! Bring a thrifted painting from FiftyNorth’s Used-a-Bit Shoppe to class and transform the painting into one-of-a-kind Halloween artwork by painting charming ghosts, bats, tombstones, and more right into the existing scene.
Imagine friendly spirits wandering through an autumn landscape, peeking from behind a tree, floating beside an old cottage, or gathering mysteriously in the distance. You’ll learn simple painting techniques for adding ghosts and other subtle Halloween touches while working with the colors, composition, and character of the original artwork.
No painting experience is necessary. This class is all about creativity, imagination, and fun! Each participant will leave with a delightfully spooky piece of upcycled art to enjoy throughout the Halloween season.
Before Class: Find Your Painting!
Before coming to class, visit FiftyNorth’s Used-a-Bit Shoppe and purchase a thrifted painting or framed art print to transform. Please purchase your painting in advance and bring it with you to class. When purchasing your painting at the Used-a-Bit Shoppe, please inform the Used-a-Bit Shoppe attendant that you are registered for this class to receive a 50% discount on your chosen thrifted painting! The attendant will have a list of class registrants.
When choosing your artwork, look for a scene with room to add a little Halloween mischief. Landscapes, country scenes, cottages, forests, farms, streets, gardens, lakes and other scenic artwork work especially well. Look for open spaces, pathways, doorways, trees, windows or other places where a little ghost might naturally appear.
Choose something inexpensive that you’re comfortable painting over. You do not need to find a valuable or original work of art! Older framed prints and decorative artwork can be perfect for this project.
If your artwork is behind glass, please choose a piece that can be easily removed from its frame so that we can paint directly on the artwork rather than on the glass. A small- to medium-sized piece will be easiest to complete during class.
Painting supplies and materials for altering your artwork will be provided. Bring your chosen treasure to class and we’ll give it a delightfully spooky second life!
WHIMSICAL BIRD AND SNOWFLAKE WOOD SLICES
Tuesday, November 3
10:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Kay Marosi
Capacity: 4 minimum, 12 maximum
In the event we do not meet minimum capacity we may have to cancel this class
Cost: $40 Nonmember, $34 Member, $10 Platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: October 29
Let’s get together monthly for some crafting fun! I am open for suggestions on upcoming projects and ready to have some fun!
For our first creation, we will make some sweet, wooden bird medallions. This easy craft will get us in the spirit of the season, with some light snowflakes and snow birds! Great gift idea or a cute, whimsical hanging for yourself.
I look so forward to creating with you!
All supplies will be provided. You will make 3 wood slices.
WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING
Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17, 24
4:00-5:00pm
Instructor: David Miller
Capacity: 5 minimum, 10 maximum
Space: Room 102
Cost: $48 nonmember, $40 member, $0 Platinum
Registration deadline: October 27
Join David Miller in exploring the rhythms of West Africa! You will learn some common drum patterns (and maybe a song!) from the nations of Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Guinea, played on djembes and other West African percussion instruments. Instruments will be provided.
grading papers to grilling wieners: a retirement with a purpose
Thursday, November 12th
1:00-2:30pm
Instructor: Earl Weinmann
Capacity: 4 minimum, 40 maximum
Space: Room 103
Cost: $10 nonmember, $8 member, $0 Platinum
Registration deadline: November 6th
Former Northfield Middle School teacher, Earl Weinmann, will share stories as he journeyed down a unique road, from teaching 7th grade social studies for thirty years to selling hot dogs for charity. He will discuss what brought him to Northfield, the humorous adventure of teaching middle school students, and how Jack Nicholson enabled him to sell hot dogs to benefit the community.
TEA BAG ORNAMENTS
Thursday, December 3
9:00-11:00am
Instructor: Cheryl Ramette
Capacity: 4 minimum, 12 maximum
In the event we do not meet minimum capacity we may have to cancel this class
Cost: $40 Nonmember, $34 Member, $10 Platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: November 25
Create a few unique ornaments for the tree or just because. Used tea bags provide a fun sturdy surface with a built-in hanger. Using a variety of decorative materials available with which to collage, paint, bead, cut, and draw you'll be able to embellish your ornaments as simply or elaborately as your heart desires! Tea bags and decorative materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring additional items you'd like to incorporate.
HANDMADE BOOK BINDING BONANZA
Tuesday, January 19
1:00-3:00pm
Instructor: Pat Jorstad
Capacity: 5 minimum, 12 maximum
In the event we do not meet minimum capacity we may have to cancel this class
Space: Room 105
Cost: $35
Registration deadline: January 12
Making a journal or book is easier than you think and it’s fun too. We’ll briefly talk about materials and go over the terms you need to know. But 99% of your time will be hands-on creating four or more books. This class covers the fundamentals of four bookmaking techniques:
Basic 3 hole and 5-hole pamphlet binding
Piano Hinge with Skewers
Slot and Tab
Exposed Stitch
As a bonus, if there is time, Pat show you how to make a “Snake Book.”
This is a class for people of all skill levels. No experience in making handmade books is needed.
All materials are provided including the book binding kit. Each kit includes a bone folder, thread, needles, awl, little ruler, clips and small thread snipper.
NOTE: In this class, we concentrate on binding and structure. We won’t be filling the books, no painting or pasting. You can do that when you get home.
wellness
BALANCE SCREENING THROUGH NH+C
Monday, October 19
9:00-11:00am
Capacity: 6 – 1 for each time slot
Cost: FREE
Space: Room 104
Provider: NH+C
Appointment times to choose from:
9:00am
9:20am
9:40am
10:00am
10:20am
10:40am
(If you register online, your appointment time is chosen when you click on check out)
One on One screening with a Northfield Hospital + Clinics physical therapist to check your balance and risk of falls. A 5-10 minute session using professional screening tools.
Lifelong Learning / Talks
TOUR OFSHARING OUR ROOTS FARM followed by a COOKING CLASS AT FIFTYNORTH
Tuesday, October 13
2:00-5:00pm
Instructors: Nicole Westlund - Tour guide at Sharing Our Roots
Nancy Veverka – Cooking instructor
Capacity: 4 minimum, 8 maximum
In the event we do not meet minimum capacity we may have to cancel this class
Cost: $48 Nonmember, $42Member, $18 Platinum
Space: The cooking class will be in the kitchen at FiftyNorth
Registration deadline: Friday, October 9
Join us for an excursion to Sharing our Roots Farm, where, "on 100+ acres of previously degraded farmland in Dakota County, immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and emerging farmers and community gardeners work together to produce nourishing food and restore ecosystem health." We will tour the farm and bring back some of the seasonal crops to the FiftyNorth kitchen to cook them up for dinner! We will make butternut squash soup, an autumn-inspired kale salad, and charred tomatillo salsa with quesadillas.
Sharing Our Roots is located at: 4905 315th St. W, Northfield. The farm is 5 miles from FiftyNorth. About 3 miles north on HWY 3, then west on 315th St. Transportation is on your own.
SOUTH AFRICAN TRAVEL TALK
Wednesday, October 14
1:00-3:00pm
Instructor: David Johnston
Capacity: 40
Cost: Free
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: October 12
David Johnston, from Jeanie’s Journeys Tours & Travel, will share videos, pictures, history & cultural insights from a tour he and his wife led to South Africa in January 2026. Brenda Bultman & Darla DeLong will also share their experiences and pictures from the tour.
*Advanced registration is requested to assist us with preparation of seating.
COFFEE WITH MAYOR ZWIEFEL
Friday, October 16
10:00-11:00am
Space: Room 105
Cost: Free
Join us for coffee and pastries as we welcome in the Mayor of Northfield. Erica Zwiefel will update us on what’s happening in Northfield. This is your chance to get to know her and ask her any questions you may have.
2027 MEDIARE CHANGES/UPDATES
Tuesday, October 20
1:00-2:00pm
Medicare can be complicated, and it seems to change from year to year. Come learn about what’s new in Medicare for 2027, so you can choose the best plan for your needs. This presentation is offered in the fall of each year during Medicare Open Enrollment.
TRAVEL TOGETHER, TRAVEL BETTER: UNDERSTANDING TODAY’S GUIDED TRAVEL OPTIONS
Thursday, October 22
1:00-2:00pm
Instructor: Leah Baker
Capacity: 40
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: October 19
Some of life’s best memories are made while exploring the world together. Learn about the many styles of guided travel available today, including large-group tours, small-group journeys, and private driver experiences. Whether you’re checking off a bucket-list destination, planning a family legacy trip, or simply looking for a stress-free way to travel, this session will help you understand your options. Includes Q&A and a door prize drawing.
Pre-registration is requested.
A NECESSARY WRITING TASK – AN OBITUARY
Monday & Thursday, October 26 & 29
9:00-11:00am
Capacity: 12 maximum
Space: Room 102
Cost: $40 nonmember, $32 member, $0 Platinum
When a death is reported in the newspaper, accompanied by an obituary for the deceased, how does that obituary happen? In many cases, stressed family members scramble to meet a deadline set by a funeral home or other site for a service, hoping to capture the essence of the deceased person as well as important information about memorials. Much of the anguish associated with this task can be eliminated by advance planning. This two-session course will give participants a chance to determine the key elements of an obituary and prepare a draft. We will meet on a Monday morning from 9-11 to map out the necessary features of an obituary and resume on Thursday at the same time to hear from a local funeral director on some of the pre-service and burial details and to work in pairs on provisional drafts. The goal: preparation of a reasonable draft for someone, perhaps yourself, as well as appreciating the details of this written form.
Instructor: Carol Rutz
the savvy traveler with linda dorn
Saturday, November 14
10:00 - 11:00am
Presenter: Linda Dorn, Owner of Northstar Journeys by Linda Capacity: 35
Cost: FREE
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: Saturday, November 7
Travel is changing, but planning your next great adventure doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you are a seasoned explorer updating your travel strategy, or dreaming up a major bucket-list journey, this engaging 60-minutes class is designed to help you travel with confidence, comfort, and ease. Join local travel advisor (and FiftyNorth member) Linda Dorn, founder of Northstar Journeys by Linda, for an insider’s look at modern travel. Together, we’ll demystify new entry requirements and explore how AI tools can spark destination inspiration, and share practical strategies for navigating the “New Shoulder Season” to avoid crowds and save money! We will also compare popular ways to see the world—from the intimate charm of boutique river cruises to grand ocean voyages, luxury rail, and multi-generational family trips. Drawing on her travel experience—including accessible and mobility-conscious travel—Linda will share actionable tips to ensure your next journey to Alaska, Europe, or beyond is seamless, comfortable, and unforgettable.
LEARNING IMPROV COMEDY WORKSHOP
Wednesday, November 11
4:00-6:00pm
Instructor: Buddy Ricker
Capacity: 5 minimum, 15 maximum
Cost: $40 nonmember, $36 member, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 4
In this two-hour intensive course, learn the foundation of improv comedy Short Form. We will learn the underlying concepts of improv, play a ton of fun brain bender games, and learn a couple of games for the stage. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into the world of improv, laugh, and get your brain working. You create the laughs as you learn the ways of lmprov.
AARP Smart Driving
AARP 4 Hour Smart Driving Classes
Location: Room 103
Fees: $32 non-AARP Members, $27 AARP Members;
AARP Members please register in person or by phone (you will need your AARP member number)
Various instructors
Capacity: 30
These courses are designed for the driver over age 50 to help discover how roads, cars, and you may have changed since you started driving. Learn eight driving strategies to make you a safer driver. Completion of this AARP Driver Safety course qualifies each student over age 55 (sometimes 50) a certificate redeemable for a discount on auto insurance premiums. Once you take this first-time course, you will then need to take a refresher course every 3 years to continue the discount. Please check with your insurance agent for age qualifications and renewal details. The cost of this class includes fees paid to AARP for the course.
NOTE:
*Please arrive at class 10-15 minutes early to complete registration forms before class starts
Please pre-register and check-in for all classes no matter your membership levels. It is also important to check-in at the front desk when you arrive for your class. We use attendance data for grant applications, insurance reimbursement, space planning and determining whether or not to cancel a class.
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Thursday, October 15
1:00-5:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Friday, November 13
9:00am-1:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Monday, December 7
9:00am-1:00pm
AARP Smart DriverTEK Classes
These free, 90-minute Smart DriverTEK Workshops will help you understand current and evolving vehicle safety technologies and how to use them. You will learn how the benefits of these technologies may enhance your driving safety and extend your safe driving years. You will receive a vehicle technology checklist and learn to identify the safety technologies that best suit your needs when purchasing a new vehicle.
Smart DriverTEK is offering Virtual Workshops
Technology is changing the driving experience. The new free, AARP Smart DriverTEK workshop will keep you in the know about the latest high-tech safety features in your current or future car. Learn about what new technologies are available, how they work, and how they can make driving safer and more enjoyable.
This interactive 90-minute workshop will help you understand:
Blind-spot detection systems
Forward-collision warning systems
Lane-departure warning systems
And much more!
PLEASE NOTE: ALL TIMES LISTED ARE IN EASTERN TIME.
Follow the link below to register for one of the workshop dates.