Register for these programs: by phone (507-664-3700), in person at FiftyNorth, or by clicking on the title of the class
Lifelong Learning Classes
Tour Maggie Lee Exhibit with FiftyNorth Members
Friday, April 19
10:30-11:30am
Maggie Lee is iconic to Northfield. She broke barriers for women in journalism, she was one of our community’s biggest cheerleaders and she was just a great person. Come to the Northfield History Museum for a tour of the new exhibit dedicated to one of the Northfield Historical Societies founding members.
NOTE: Meet at Northfield Historical Society or carpool with others from FiftyNorth.
Tour Guide: Mark Thornton
Capacity: 20
Cost: Free; donations at the Historical Society are welcomed.
Location: Northfield Historical Society, 408 Division St S, Northfield, MN 55057
Registration deadline: April 17
AUTHOR TALK – Dan Van Tassel: Beyond Barron
Saturday, April 20
10:00-11:30am
Beyond Barron, the second volume of a memoir initiated by the publication of Back to Barron (in 2008), encompasses captivating humor and telling detail to narrate the story of author Van Tassel and his wife’s life together and their kindred careers. It focuses on schools and colleges and universities attended, taught at, and visited; homes purchased, built, modified, and redecorated; vehicles and pets acquired; and travels and forms of recreation that served as accompaniments to their academic careers and enhancements of family life. Following the saga of attending three very different high schools, a chunk of time at St. Olaf College culminates in Van Tassel’s earning a BA degree and his meeting a girl at a Fourth of July festival whom he falls in love with and marries that fall. Upon completing a grad degree at the University of Iowa, he takes an instructorship at Concordia College, while Rhoda becomes a “Cobber” and earns two more years toward her BA degree prior to the couple’s moving to California, and Chapman College for a year, where he teaches and she finishes her BA. Between colleges and squeezed in during the summer, they indulge in a grand tour of Europe, chronicled in the author’s Journey by the Book (2022). He with a PhD and she an MA, they move to Pacific Lutheran University, during which eleven-year tenure they have two children and build a house. In vignettes, anecdotes, catalogs and annotated lists reminiscent of an epic, and as scenes in a drama, the book traces in bas-relief the Van Tassels’ scholarly, administrative, and pedagogical achievements, additional moves (to Muskingum College, in Ohio, later to Cal State San Marcos, and, upon retirement, back to Minnesota), and recreational activities, including acting in plays, u-picking fruit and harvesting organically-grown vegetables, skiing, swimming, and boating as well as numerous trips and adventures within the US and beyond.
Author: Dan Van Tassel
Capacity: 50
Cost: Free
Space: room 103
Advanced Care Planning Open House
Saturday, April 20
9:00-10:30am
Come and work in the presence of others to put your wishes and values into words. Start, complete, or revise your Advance Care Directive with the assistance of trained facilitators. Gain peace of mind and a thumbs up from family and healthcare.
QUESTIONS: Contact: Mary Carlsen, [email protected] or Barbara Krause [email protected]
Presenters: Northfield Advanced Care Planning Group
Capacity: 25
Cost: Free
Space: Rooms 104 & 106
“When My Time Comes” with Diane Rehm Film and discussion on Medical Aid in Dying
Monday, April 22
1:00-2:00pm
Spurred on by the death of her husband, the Peabody-award-winning journalist crosses the country to take an in-depth look at medical aid in dying. She speaks to people on all sides of the issue, uncovering the pros and cons, the facts and the misinformation surrounding this controversial practice that is now legal in nine states and the District of Columbia. The result is both moving and informative – an eye-opening documentary that is sure to provoke strong reactions and thoughtful conversations among viewers of all ages and backgrounds (https://whenmytimecomesmovie.com/).
Join some members of the informal Northfield Medical Aid in Dying group (Mary Carlsen, Karen Mader, Brynda McCoy and Anne Meyer Ruppel) to watch this documentary and participate in discussion after the film. We will include current information on the status of Medical Aid in Dying legislation in Minnesota and answer questions about the topic. People of all backgrounds can be found in support of – and in opposition to – this option for end of life planning. We hope this presentation will help you to become better informed and motivated to have a conversation with loved ones and perhaps even with your legislators.
Presenters: Representatives of the Medical Aid in Dying group
Capacity: 25
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
Exploring The Spectrum Of Fluorescent Rocks
Monday, May 13
1:00-2:30pm
Prepare to be dazzled as we delve into the mesmerizing world of rocks that emit vibrant colors when exposed to ultraviolet light. Throughout this presentation, we’ll explore the fascinating array of hues and wavelengths exhibited by various types of fluorescent rocks. From the cool blues of sodalite to the fiery oranges of calcite, each rock offers a unique spectacle, unveiling the hidden beauty of the mineral kingdom under UV illumination. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery through the radiant spectrum of fluorescent rocks. The presentation will be at 1pm on May 13th. Join us at 10:00 that morning for the FiftyNorth Rock Talk Group ($1 group fee) and share your love of rocks.
Presenter: Sandy Dockstader
Capacity: 25
Cost: $9 nonmbr, $7 mbr, $0 platinum
Space: Room 103
CPR and First Aid
Tuesday, May 14
9:00-12:00pm
Students will receive expert training in First Aid and Basic Life Support CPR (adult) including Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). This 3-hour class includes instruction, demonstrations and hands-on activities and culminates in the students earning an American Heart Card. It is appropriate training for Certified Nurse Assistants, healthcare workers, childcare workers, teachers, instructors, and volunteers. Many health care facilities require this training of their employees.
Instructor: Jon Bolster
Capacity: 10
Cost: $72 nonmbr, $65 mbr, $0 platinum
Space: room 106
Northfield Public Schools upcoming Referendum Information Session
Monday, May 20
10:30-11:30am
The Northfield Public School District has been seeking the right pathway to address the facility problems at Northfield High School since 2017. On March 11, 2024, the Northfield Board of Education directed district administration to prepare a three-question bond referendum to be held in conjunction with the general election on Nov. 5, 2024. This referendum will address these problems which include safety, academic and music learning spaces, athletic programs and spaces, and antiquated equipment and building systems.
Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann will recap the board’s process, explain how the bond referendum can solve these problems, and provide an opportunity to ask questions.
Presenter: Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann
Capacity: 35
Cost: Free
Space: Room103
Note: Dr. Hillman will present this information again on Wednesday, August 14, 6pm and Thursday, October 17, 1pm.
CPR and First Aid
Tuesday, September 10
9:00-12:00pm
Students will receive expert training in First Aid and Basic Life Support CPR (adult) including Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). This 3-hour class includes instruction, demonstrations and hands-on activities and culminates in the students earning an American Heart Card. It is appropriate training for Certified Nurse Assistants, healthcare workers, childcare workers, teachers, instructors, and volunteers. Many health care facilities require this training of their employees.
Instructor: Jon Bolster
Capacity: 10
Cost: $72 nonmbr, $65 mbr, $0 platinum
Space: room 106