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
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
Aesthetic Impressions of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Turkey
Thursday, June 26
1:00-2:00pm
Since 2017 I’ve traveled to Thailand 8 times, spending between 4-8 weeks per visit, mostly in Bangkok visiting family but with side trips to a variety of other areas of the country. Most memorable were Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai where I stayed on a riverboat hotel, and Surin where silk for the royal family is woven using huge bamboo looms. Two years ago, I met a friend in Vietnam and we traveled around together there and in Cambodia for about 10 days, exploring small towns, the countryside, and visiting the temples of Angkor Wat. This past winter I met up with two friends in Turkey where we explored the endless wonders of Istanbul, Cappadocia with its natural stone structures known as fairy chimneys which to this day are used as cave dwelling (and cave hotels!) As an artist I’ve been smitten by the visual and sensual aspects of these places: the food which in all these locations is abundant, beautifully prepared, and often surprisingly luxurious; the creative and shopping culture including traditional craft markets, food markets, fashion, and innovation; the differences in how work is done on the streets and how the towns are set up to function even with overwhelming populations. Bangkok is home to 8 million people, Istanbul to 18 million people. I’d like to share some of my favorite moments – not necessarily the typical tourist attractions although some of those are spectacular – but the things that most impress me day by day about the people and the places, and the way art and culture are integrated in daily living through food, relationship, and environment. Please join me a casual conversation, with some photos and relics, and a selection of interesting desserts popular in Thailand and Turkey.
Presenter: Cheryl Ramette
Capacity: Minimum 5 Maximum 15
Cost: $35 Nonmbr, $20 Mbr
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: June 19
CPR and First Aid
Tuesday, September 9
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 non-member, $65 member
Space: room 105
CPR and First Aid
Tuesday, November 4
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 non-member, $65 member
Space: room 104