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
VIEW CANDIDATE FORUM AT FIFTYNORTH
Northfield Mayor and City Council (At Large and Ward 2) Candidate Forum from June 27 will be recorded and shown at FiftyNorth before the Primary.
Viewers may come and go during the viewing. Mayor Forum approx. 1 hour followed by Council approx. 1 hour
SHOWING:
Thursday, July 25 — 12-2:00pm
Room 103
It’s election season, and the League of Women Voters Northfield Cannon Falls, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization devoted to upholding democracy, is here to help!
The next election is the Primary Election on August 13, 2024 where voters choose their preferred candidates who will move forward to the General Election on November 5. Here are some important deadlines and reminders:
The voter pre-registration date for the August Primary is July 23, 2024. All community members who are eligible to vote are encouraged to register to vote or double check that their registration is up to date. Voters not registered by this date can still register on Election Day.
Early voting for the August Primary began June 28 at the Northfield City Hall (801 Washington St.) and will continue through August 12.
Voters can enter their address to find what is on their ballot and their polling location.
Voters can visit Vote411.org for more information on candidates or watch recordings of the June 27 Candidate Forums for the Northfield Mayor and Northfield City Council Ward 2 races.
Want to get involved? Consider serving as an Election Judge (poll worker) or visiting the League’s website!
CPR and First Aid
Tuesday, July 23
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 102
Bike Laws, Bike Safety & Bike Lanes
Wednesday, July 24
1:00-1:45pm
In this presentation, Officer Murphy-Smith will be covering some basic Bike Laws, Bike Safety and Safety around bike lanes from the perspective of someone using the bike lanes, as well as, from the aspect of a motorist and right of ways. Officer Murphy-Smith will welcome any questions you have pertaining to bikes and any other questions you may have regarding policing in Northfield.
Instructor: Officer Murphy-Smith
Capacity: 30
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
All Aboard! Discover the Joy of Train Travel
Friday, July 26
1:00-2:00pm
Calling all adventurous seniors! Ditch the car keys and join us for an exciting exploration of train travel. In this fun and informative class, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about embarking on unforgettable journeys by rail. Join us for an informative presentation designed specifically for seniors curious about train travel. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the different types of trips available to what to expect on board. Learn about exciting destinations you can reach by train, and discover the ease and comfort of rail travel.
Join us and:
- Ask all your questions: Travel With Us agents will be happy to answer your questions.
- Get inspired: Discover exciting destinations you can reach by train.
- Share your travel stories: Connect with other like-minded seniors who love to explore.
*Watch a train travel video from Rocky Mountaineer Experience HERE
Don’t miss out on this chance to learn, be inspired, and embark on your next train adventure! TravelWithUs.vacations Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
Presenters: Leah and Shanna from Travel With Us
Capacity: 40
Cost: $9 nonmbr, $7 mbr, $0 platinum
Space: Room 102
Noontime Organ Recital & Cemetery Stroll at Valley Grove Church
Wednesday, August 7
11:45-2:00pm
We’ll start the afternoon enjoying an organ recital performed by Noah Klein. Noah graduated from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University with a BM in Organ Performance, studying under Dr. Janette Fishell. He was the Musical Intern for Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Back home in Northfield, Minnesota, Noah plays for local churches in the area as well as organ recital series throughout southern Minnesota.
Join local historian, author, and FiftyNorth member Jeff Sauve as he takes participants on a 40-minute stroll through the historic Valley Grove Cemetery. Stops along the way will feature history of the two church buildings, explanations of headstone symbolism and stories of interesting people from the past.
*Meet at 11:45 in the FiftyNorth parking lot. We will carpool to Valley Grove Church. Please eat lunch before you come.
*There is a port-a-potty on the premises.
Leader: Jeff Sauve
Cost: $9 Nonmbr, $7 Mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: Valley Grove Church
Northfield Public Schools upcoming Referendum Information Session
Wednesday, August 14
6:00-7:00pm
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: Room 103
Note: Dr. Hillman will present this information again on Thursday, October 17,1pm.
James & Younger Gang: Why did they come to Northfield?
Tuesday, September 3
10:30am-12:00pm
If you are living in or near Northfield you know September is Defeat of Jesse James month. To celebrate, local James & Younger Gang expert and tour guide of 32 years, Earl Weinmann will lead two classes centered around the James & Younger gang and their exploits in Northfield. If you have houseguests that week, what a terrific way to introduce them to our story.
If you only saw the local re-enactment or you wonder what the big deal is around the James & Younger Gang in Northfield, this class is for you. This class will give a brief background of the gang and why they came to Northfield? It will answer why the raid failed so spectacularly and what became of the gang afterward. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to Northfield, you will enjoy the details of one of the most defining moments of Northfield.
Attend one or both; either way, with your attendance, you will become somewhat of an expert yourself.
Presenter: Earl Weinmann
Capacity: 30
Cost: $9 nonmbr, $7 mbr, $0 platinum
Space: Room 103
James & Younger Gang: Uncovering Myths & Misconceptions
Wednesday, September 4
10:30am-12:00pm
If you are living in or near Northfield you know September is Defeat of Jesse James month. To celebrate, local James & Younger Gang expert and tour guide of 32 years, Earl Weinmann will lead two classes centered around the James & Younger gang and their exploits in Northfield. If you have houseguests that week, what a terrific way to introduce them to our story.
This class is a continuation of the September 3rd class but will also stand on its own for those who cannot make the previous class. This class takes a deep dive surrounding the James & Younger Gang to uncover myths, expose fallacies, and dispute some of the misconceptions that seemingly refuse to go away. Was Jesse the leader of the gang? How do we know who shot the teller, J.L. Heywood? Was Northfield suspicious of the gang that morning? What did Cole Younger’s last words reveal about the Northfield raid? And many more
Attend one or both; either way, with your attendance, you will become somewhat of an expert yourself.
Presenter: Earl Weinmann
Capacity: 30
Cost: $9 nonmbr, $7 mbr, $0 platinum
Space: Room 103
Spanish I
Mondays & Thursdays
September 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30,
October 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 24, 28, 31 *No class on October 17
November 4, 7, 11, 14
10:00-11:00am
This class is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish. The Spanish 1st year textbook Realidades will be used and will be available for purchase at the first class for $25. Students will also receive a link to the workbook and answer key (if requested, FiftyNorth can print copies for those that would like a physical copy). Students will progress from learning the alphabet, basic greetings, numbers, colors, etc. to acquiring the vocabulary and grammar skills to form simple sentences in the present tense and to talk about daily activities and interests. Culture points from the Spanish-speaking world will also be presented and discussed. This class is the first in a series of three 10-week “trimesters” and will meet Mondays and Thursdays from 10a.m. – 11a.m.
Instructor: Chris Kauffeld
Capacity: 15
Cost: $171 Nonmbr, $133 Mbr
Space: Room 106
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