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
SPANISH 1: SECOND YEAR
Mondays, January 5, 12, 26,
February 2, 9, 16, 23,
March 2, 9, 16 (no class January 19)
10:00-11:00am
Capacity: 6 minimum, 15 maximum
Cost: $150 nonmember, $100 member
This class has an emphasis on speaking and using the language. The present tense, with a focus on irregular verbs, is the core of this session. Students will also learn how to form commands. The vocabulary will cover terms related to houses and apartments, household objects, physical descriptions and family members.
The text Realidades 1 will be used. A copy can be purchased for $25 from the instructor if we are notified 2 weeks before the start of class. Students will be provided with a workbook, an answer key and grammar and vocabulary resources. Contact Michelle Brant at 507-664-3707 if you need a textbook.
(10 sessions)
Instructor: Chris Kauffeld
Space: Room 106
Registration deadline: January 2
FRONTIERS IN AGING: From Cells to Society at St. Olaf College
Begins Wednesday, January 7-29
10:30-12:30pm unless noted
Capacity: 20
Cost: $0
Location: Off Site – See details below
Frontiers In Aging: ‘From Cells to Society’ at St. Olaf College
*Pre-registration is required. Please check your calendar as you are asked to attend all classes if at all possible.
Questions about this program? Contact Patty Ciernia, FiftyNorth Lifelong Learning coordinator at (507) 664-3709 or patty.ciernia@fiftynorth.org
Over the month of January, Professor Jessica Petok from St. Olaf College will be engaging her students on the topic of aging, surveying what is known about the aging mind and brain, and the implications for individuals and societies. What’s more, you are invited to take part in this course experience!
Why does Jess Petok teach a seminar course on aging? As of 2025, the global population aged 65 and older is estimated at approximately 857 million. According to the World Health Organization, this number is projected to more than double by 2050, reaching 2.1 billion, driven in part by the aging of the baby boom generation and increased life expectancy. Within the next 10 years, elderly adults will comprise about 21% of the U.S. population. Indeed, in Minnesota alone, we will see more people turn 65 this decade than in the past four decades combined! The number of people aged 65+ will likely increase by more than 170,000 people to 1.23 million, or about 20% of the state’s population. As we consider this transformation, many are reflecting on what life will be like as we grow older, for ourselves, our families, our nation, and the world. This “silver tsunami” might be a burden, or an opportunity, for society; it all depends on the extent to which we can understand this developmental process and promote healthy and independent living.
Come talk with St. Olaf college students and learn more about the multidisciplinary issues, methods and theories in the study of the aging mind and brain. This course may challenge your ideas of aging and give you some insight into how you can influence your own future!
Course details: You will have access to the same readings and viewing materials as the St. Olaf college students and engage them in lively discussion. Classes will take place on St. Olaf’s campus (or perhaps by zoom if there’s a snow emergency, its January after all!). You must be able to provide your own transportation to campus. Classes will take place from 10:30am to 12:30pm, and there is one documentary showing between 2 and 4pm. If possible, please commit to all classes (see dates below). Up to 20 seniors are invited to participate. If you’ve participated before, you are welcome to come again! Though some of the content may be similar, the conversations and students will certainly be different.
Please call St. Olaf for directions if needed (507-786-2222)
(6 sessions – see details below)
Wednesday, January 7 (10:30am to 12:30pm)
Topic: Our Aging World (What is global, rapid aging? What do we do?)
Location: Valhalla ROOM – 2ND FLOOR, Buntrock Commons
Wednesday, January 14 (10:30am to 12:30pm)
Topic: Ethics and Policies (Can we “undo” aging? Should we?)
Location: Valhalla ROOM – 2ND FLOOR, Buntrock Commons
Thursday, January 22 (10:30am to 12:30pm)
Topic: Social Cognition & Wisdom (How does cognition change as we grow older? Does ‘older’ really mean ‘wiser’?)
Location: Valhalla ROOM – 2ND FLOOR, Buntrock Commons
Tuesday, January 27 (2pm to 4pm)
Topic: Alzheimer’s: Movie Screening, HBO’s “The Memory Tapes”
•Seven people living through various stages of Alzheimer’s disease are profiled in this verity documentary.
Please note: this is a very moving and also very challenging movie to watch! Though it is not easy viewing, it’s goal is to raise public awareness of the slow and painful erosion of one’s mind while those in the caregiving role are helplessly incapable of easing the symptoms or the suffering involved.
*Location: Thomas Hall Auditorium 280
This movie is open to all members and friends to attend.
Wednesday, January 28 (10:30am to 12:30pm)
Topic: Pathological Aging (What does less successful aging look like?)
Location: Valhalla ROOM – 2ND FLOOR, Buntrock Commons
Thursday, January 29 (10:30am to 12:30pm)
Topic: Final debriefing – what does this all mean? (Topic: Reflections, Wrap-up)
Location: Valhalla ROOM – 2ND FLOOR, Buntrock Commons
Instructor: Jessica Petok, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program
CPR and FIRST AID
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
9:00-12:00pm
Capacity: 10
Cost: $72 non-member, $65 member, $0 platinum
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
Space: room 104
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
4:30-6:00pm
Capacity: 25
Cost: Free
Don’t leave anything to chance! Planning is key. Who will advocate for you if you become physically or mentally unable to speak or make healthcare decisions? Do something now! Start, review, complete, and distribute your Advance Care Directive.
Join Barbara Krause and other trained facilitators in community service from the End of Life Choices Collective (EOLCC) as they answer your questions and offer confidential assistance with this legal document. There is no formal presentation. Drop in @ FiftyNorth any time during our 90-minute Open House. Bring a friend! Materials available on-site. Free and open to all.
Questions? Email us at eolchoices@gmail.com
Presenters: End of Life Choices Collective (EOLCC)
Space: Room 103
“WHEN MY TIME COMES” with Diane Rehm – Film and discussion on Medical Aid in Dying
Thursday, February 5, 2026
1:30-3:00pm
Capacity: 25
Cost: Free
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 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.
Questions? Email us at eolchoices@gmail.com
Presenters: End of Life Choices Collective (EOLCC)
Space: Room 103
