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/Talks
AUTHOR TALK: FINDING GOD IN UNEXPECTED WAYS by Tari Atchison
Saturday, July 25
10:00-11:00am
Location: Room 103
Join local author and speaker Tari Atchison for the launch of her inspiring new book, Finding God in Unexpected Ways: 5 Surprising Places God May Be Found.
What if God is closer than you think—present not only in life’s victories, but also in the questions, disappointments, relationships, and everyday moments we often overlook?
Drawing from personal experiences and heartfelt stories, Tari shares how she discovered God’s fingerprints in unexpected places and invites readers to recognize His presence in their own lives.
The event will feature an engaging author talk, audience Q&A, and an opportunity to meet Tari and purchase a signed copy of the book.
To learn more about Tari and download the first chapter of the book for free, visit TariAtchison.com.
This free community event is open to all.
MINNESOTA COUNTY TOUR ON DEMENTIA AND DEMENTIA CARE
Thursday, August 13
10:00-11:30am
Presenter: Joseph E. Gaugler, PhD – Distinguished McKnight University Professor and Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in Long-Term Care and Aging, School of Public Health
Capacity: 70
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103/105
Please pre-register. Limited seating.
Learn the facts about Alzheimer’s disease- what it is, how it differs from normal aging, ways to reduce risk, current treatment options, and the importance of early detection and active care management. This engaging session led by Dr. Joseph Gaugler from the University of Minnesota offers both clinical insights and practical advice for individuals, caregivers, and professionals.
About the presenter: Dr. Gaugler is on a statewide tour with the goal of visiting all of Minnesota’s 87 counties. Dr. Gaugler’s research examines the sources and effectiveness of long-term care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions. An applied gerontologist, Dr. Gaugler’s interests include Alzheimer’s disease and long-term care, the longitudinal ramifications of family care for persons with dementia and other chronic conditions, and the effectiveness of community-based and psychosocial services for older adults with dementia and their caregiving families. Underpinning these substantive areas, Dr. Gaugler also has interests in mixed methods and implementation science.
“ON HORIZON’S BRIM” PRESENTATION
Thursday, August 20
1:00-2:00pm
Presenter: Mac Gimse
Capacity: 50
Space: Room 103
Cost: Free – *Mac and his wife Jackie will donate $10 to FiftyNorth for every person (up to 50 people) in attendance at the presentation.
Registration deadline: August 17
Join us for a delightful hour of conversation with Mac Gimse. He will be sharing his thoughts and inspiration behind the creation of “On Horizon’s Brim”. He crafted this massive sculpture and poetry with very mindful intention. He used his skills and creativity to send a message of kindness and tranquility. Those that wish to see the actual sculpture are welcome to visit the St. Olaf campus immediately following the presentation. We can carpool.
“On Horizon’s Brim” is truly the culmination of my artistic career…a dream that began way back in 1970 when I arrived on the HILL to teach Sculpture and the History of Architecture. I had more fun, truly FUN, teaching how to weld metal, cast bronze, fire ceramics, and explore visual cultures around the world by teaching “Monuments to Power and Faith.”
Now I’m looking forward…Mac
Those who come will be eligible for a drawing by putting their names in a bowl.
The prize will be Mac’s bronze sculpture of HORIZON (20 inches high on a rotating stand). The sculpture will be on display in the lobby 1 week prior to the presentation.
COFFEE WITH A NURSE – TOPIC FOR THE HOUR: TOPIC – MENOPAUSE
Tuesday, August 25
10:00-11:00am
Instructor: Shelby Miller
Capacity: 4 minimum, 12 maximum
In the event we don’t meet minimum capacity the class may be cancelled.
Cost: Free
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: August 21
Did you say Hot Flash and brain fog? I sure did. That feeling that someone is hiding your keys again or the feeling that you might burst into flames in the middle of the grocery store! It could be the M word, even better it comes in three different stages, perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause. Where the heck do we begin? Come on in, out of the heat and let’s talk about when perimenopause starts, what is menopause and what to expect on your journey to post-menopause. Find out what to expect and what you can do to master the M word.
NERSTRAND BIG WOODS STATE PARK ECOSYSTEM PRESENTATION
Wednesday, August 26
10:00-11:00am
Instructor: Andrew Wendt
Capacity: 5 minimum, 50 maximum
In the event we don’t meet minimum capacity we may cancel the class.
Cost: $10 nonmember, $8 member, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: August 19
Minnesota’s Big Woods ecosystem is a unique community of plants and animal life. Explore how this forest has changed with time and what makes it special as we listen to a presentation by Interpretive Naturalist, Andrew Wendt.
AUTHOR TALK AND BOOK LAUNCH: JEFF SAUVE
Friday, August 28
5:30-8:00pm
Capacity: 60
Space: Room 103/105
Cost: Free
*Pre-registration requested to assist us in preparation of seating and refreshments
Join us for an evening celebrating the launch of Jeffrey M. Sauve’s latest true‑crime book, Wheels of Murder: The 1896 Bank Robbery That Shocked a Small Prairie Town. The story follows the Kellihan brothers’ ill‑fated bank heist—the most notorious Minnesota robbery of its time, second only to the James‑Younger raid twenty years earlier. The Sherburn, Martin County, Minnesota, crime sparked a 150‑mile posse chase that was covered in newspapers nationwide.
Book signing and social time at 5:30 p.m.— an engaging program from 6:30–7:15; followed by giveaways and refreshments. This free community event is open to all (parental guidance is advised). Pre-register online at fiftynorth.org or call (507) 664-3700.
Note: Jeff Sauve is a member of FiftyNorth.
FiftyNorth and the Rice County Historical Society are co-sponsoring this event.
SOUTH AFRICAN TRAVEL TALK
Wednesday, September 16
1:00-3:00pm
Instructor: David Johnston
Capacity: 40
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: September 14
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.
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
