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
WHAT IS AN E-BIKE?
Thursday, April 17
11:00-12:00pm
Let’s explore e-bikes! During this 1-hour talk, we’ll learn the basics of E-bikes:
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Explain the basic components of an e-bike (motor, battery, pedal assist).
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Demonstrate the different levels of pedal assist and how they work.
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Explain the difference between throttle and pedal assist.
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Show visuals of various e-bike styles (cruiser, step-through, folding).
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Address common misconceptions (e.g., “It’s cheating”).
Practical Advice for Safety Considerations
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Proper helmet use and fit.
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Safe riding practices (awareness of surroundings, signaling, etc.).
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E-bike maintenance basics (battery charging, tire pressure).
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Tips for starting and stopping safely.
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Importance of visibility (lights, reflective gear).
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Bike rack information for transporting E-bikes
Choosing the right E-Bike for you.
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Explain different e-bike styles and their suitability for various needs.
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Discuss factors to consider when purchasing an e-bike (range, battery life, weight, cost).
Presenters: Jim Mayr and Josh Bisel with Downtown Bicycles of Northfield
Capacity: 35
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
Minnesota’s Hooded History: The Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s in Minnesota
Tuesday, April 22
1:00-2:00pm
Local historian and librarian, Nancy Vaillancourt, has spent years researching the presence of the Ku Klux Klan in Southeast Minnesota. Join us to learn about this forgotten history and the organized traditions of prejudice and nativism in our region.
Instructor: Nancy Vaillancourt
Capacity: 30
Cost: $10 Non-member, $8 Member
Space: Room 103
Advance Care Planning Open House
Wednesday, April 30
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: Room 103
MEDICARE 101
Tuesday, May 6
1:30-2:00pm
Medicare can be complicated, but the Senior LinkAge Line is here to help. Whether you’ve been on Medicare for a few years and just need a refresher, or you’re brand new to Medicare, Medicare 101 will help you understand the basics so you can manage your health care options.
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
*The Senior LinkAge Line is a free, statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging in partnership with Minnesota’s area agencies on aging. The Senior LinkAge Line helps older Minnesotans and caregivers find answers and connect to the services and support they need.
Car-Fit Technician Classroom Training & Field Training
Monday, May 12
9:00-5:00pm
9:00 to 12:15 Classroom Training
1:30 to 4:30 Field Training during Car-Fit Event
To Register: Email or call Joan Somes at [email protected] – 952 432 0815
To become a trained Car-Fit Technician you must complete both classroom training and field training at an actual event. Technician Training in the classroom will give you an overview of the Car-Fit Program and the Car-Fit checklist, explaining how and why to adjust key safety features. When you complete the field training under the supervision of an Event Coordinator, you will get to practice what you learned in the classroom as you go through the checklist with actual drivers at an event. Technicians work in teams to review the 12-point Car-Fit Checklist with drivers. After completing the technician classroom training plus lab and a required Car-Fit event, you will be considered “trained as a technician”. Car-Fit’s success depends on the availability of trained Technicians to offer individualized outreach to drivers at Car-Fit events.
Lunch will be provided.
Instructor: Joan Somes
Capacity: Minimum 3: Maximum 8
Cost: Free
Space: Room 102, Parking Lot
Car-Fit Clinic
Monday, May 12
1:30-4:30pm
While older adults may be safer drivers who tend to self-limit their driving, many may still experience safety-related “fit” challenges with their cars including improper distance from the steering wheel, inadequate views from side mirrors, improper seat height, or improper restraint height.
The encouraging news is that after receiving a free, 30-minute Car-Fit check with a trained technician, many drivers learn how to adjust their vehicles to improve their fit, comfort and safety.
Pre-registration for a 30-minute time slot is required.
In the event of inclement weather the event may be cancelled.
Capacity: 12
Cost: Free
Space: Southwest parking lot at FiftyNorth
Japanese Culture and Language
Wednesday, May 14
1:00-2:30pm
Begin your journey of discovery into the culture of Japan and learn some basic Japanese language. Learn about traditional clothes, toys, and art that depict Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Explore, write, and practice common phrases such as hello, how are you, thank you, please, and good-bye.
Instructor: Sayaka Yamazaki
Capacity: 3 Minimum, 12 Maximum
Cost: $30 Nonmember, $15 Member
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: May 9
Sayaka Yamazaki Bio:
Sayaka Yamazaki was born and grew up in Tokyo, Japan. She graduated from a University in Japan and earned another bachelor degree in the United States. Her grandmother taught her how to make origami at the age of four and she taught her children the art of origami at home. The ancient practice of paper folding has been passed down through generations.
Sayaka learned calligraphy in elementary school in Japan and brought the calligraphy set from Japan to share Japanese art and writing.
She has taught Japanese language, art, culture, and more at Concordia Language Camp, Japanese school, charter and public schools, community centers, and in an assisted living care center. She also taught private Japanese classes, piano lessons and cooking classes at the Community Education Center.
Sayaka is looking forward to sharing her experiences about the beauty of Japan.
Doug Scholz-Carlson: Great River Festival Production Presentation
Friday, May 16
10:30-12:00pm
What can go wrong with two sets of identical twins in a Shakespeare comedy?
Doug Scholz-Carlson will maybe give us the answer as he again comes to FiftyNorth. For twenty years Doug has given us insight into the Great River Shakespeare Festival’s productions. As the Artistic Director of GRSF, he gives us a look at what goes into putting on a production. GRSF in its 22nd season is a resident company of 9 professional actors from all over the country that come together for a summer of Shakespeare in Winona. FiftyNorth has sponsored a trip every year, except during the COVID outbreak.
Doug grew up in Northfield, getting his start at the Northfield Arts Guild under Myrna Johnson. He has acted and directed at most Twin City theaters, and across the country. Most recently he is working with the Metropolitan Opera in New York and will be working with the Minnesota Opera this spring on ‘The Barber of Seville’.
Capacity: 30
Cost: Free and open the public
Space: Room 103
Veterans Telling Stories Reading
Saturday, May 17
2:00-3:30pm
Join us for an afternoon of storytelling as local writers from the Veteran and Veteran Family community share their work.
Capacity: 40
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
InHome Senior Care: Home Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Thursday, May 22
10:00-11:30am
Pre-registration required.
InHom Senior Care presents ‘Home Safety & Emergency Preparedness’, as part of their Caring for the Caregiver; Family Caregiver Education Series.
Here are the key components of the presentation:
Preparing for Emergencies: Learn how to create an emergency plan tailored to your loved one’s specific needs, including natural disasters or medical emergencies.
Home Safety Checks: Regular safety assessments to ensure the home environment is free of hazards that could lead to accidents or injuries.
Using Technology to Enhance Safety: Explore the use of medical alert systems, smart home devices, and other technologies that can provide peace of mind and quick access to emergency services.
Presenters: InHom Senior Care
Capacity: maximum 25, minimum 12
Cost: Free
Room: Room 103
MONEY SAVING PROGRAMS & SERVICES MN Senior Linkage Line
Tuesday, May 27
1:30-2:00pm
Learn about programs that can lower Medicare premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Find out about who qualifies, how to apply for assistance and learn about program benefits. We’ll also cover Medicare preventive services, like free screenings, vaccines and wellness visits.
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
*The Senior LinkAge Line is a free, statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging in partnership with Minnesota’s area agencies on aging. The Senior LinkAge Line helps older Minnesotans and caregivers find answers and connect to the services and support they need.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID): What does it do and why it’s important
Tuesday, June 3
1:00-2:00pm
Stephen Silcox, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and Retired Foreign Service Officer for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will present a brief history of USAID and its many programs over the years. He will show how American farmers, manufacturers, drug companies and non-profit organizations, as well as American consultants benefit from foreign assistance in addition to recipients of foreign aid. The current attempt to eliminate USAID will have many negative impacts on the United States and will encourage autocrats in Russia, China and elsewhere to gain allies in developing countries. He will make a 20 to 30-minute presentation followed by a question and answer period.
Presenter: Stephen Silcox
Capacity: 30
Cost: $10 Nonmbr, $8 Mbr
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: May 27
