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
Muus vs. Muus
Wednesday, October 22
1:00-2:00pm
Muus vs. Muus: The Scandal that Shook Norwegian-America chronicles the dramatic marital conflict between Ms. Oline Muus and her husband, Bernt Julius Muus, founder of St. Olaf College, and the first pastor called to Holden Church in Goodhue County. It became a public media storm in both America and in Norway when Oline filed a lawsuit against her husband after she learned that her father’s estate had been settled years earlier and Pastor Muus had withheld her inheritance.
The legal battle that ensued sparked intense debate on both sides of the Atlantic. Muus vs. Muus is a unique study of religion, gender, and power in Norwegian-American immigrant communities.
The book recounts the lengthy and dramatic church trials, where members of the congregation (a number of descendants are still members of Holden) openly discussed details of the couple’s private life, the civil proceedings, which were appealed all the way to the Minnesota State Supreme Court, and how the court of public opinion made the case into a news frenzy in both America and in Norway.
Muus vs. Muus reads like an Ibsenesque drama on the prairie; an enigmatic love story, an exploration of social and religious conflicts, and a fascinating and rare portrait of a Norwegian-American milieu, at a time when Minnesota was still the frontier.
Torild Homstad is a translator and retired Norwegian teacher and administrator at the University of Oslo International Summer School. She will talk about Muus vs. Muus, and her work as co-translator from the original Norwegian edition.
Presenter: Torild Homstad
Capacity: 50
Cost: $10 Nonmember, $8 Member, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: October 17
AUTHOR TALK: The Tilted Palace by Paul Alenous Kluge
Saturday, October 25
10:00-11:00am
“The Tilted Palace is the big one, my purpose in writing the Vietnam Re-Visits trilogy,” author Paul Kluge tells us. “As a novel, the characters’ story is the sugar that helps the medicine, the truth, be consumed. Veteran brothers and sisters can find a certain peace here and others an understanding.”
Ken Welch, author and seven-year Vietnam War intelligence officer puts it this way. It is “… the real history of the Vietnam War and its lasting effects on Vietnam veterans … how the enemy was destroyed but the communists got the country anyway.”
Join author and FiftyNorth member, Paul Kluge on Saturday, October 25.
Books with be available following the Talk for $15, cash or check.
Presenter: Paul Alenous Kluge
Capacity: 25
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
Advance Care Planning Open House
Tuesday, October 28
1:30-3:00pm
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? Contact: Mary Carlsen, mscarlsen1@gmail.com or Barbara Krause, barbara@inthethickofthings.com
Presenters: End of Life Choices Collective (EOLCC)
Capacity: 25
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
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, $0 platinum
Space: room 104
UTAH’S WILDERNESS AND ROCK TREASURES
Wednesday, November 12
1:00-2:00pm
Have you ever driven on the pony express, walked on desert sands or climbed a slippery slope with a rattle snake? When you’re out rockhounding you find many adventures! Join me to relive my adventures in Utah. Come see wildfire flame opal, red beryl, Picasso jasper and much more. Learn where this rocks and minerals come from and how to find them.
Presenter: Sandra Dockstader
Capacity: 30
Cost: $10 Nonmember $8 Member $0 Platinum
Space: Room 103
5 KEYS TO RETIRING FEARLESSLY
Tuesday, November 18
1:00-2:00pm
Are you wondering if you’ll have enough saved for your retirement? Join this dynamic workshop packed with strategies to help secure your financial future. Learn how you can retire with confidence by addressing your biggest financial concerns and sharing practical strategies for a secure future.
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Build guaranteed income and protect your savings from market volatility.
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Optimize your retirement plan for tax efficiency and long-term growth.
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Safeguard your finances and loved ones from life’s “what ifs.”
Presenter: Jason LaVoi – Thrivent Financial
Capacity: 20
Space: Room 102
Cost: Free
“When My Time Comes” with Diane Rehm Film and discussion on Medical Aid in Dying
Tuesday, November 18
1:30-3:00pm
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 group (Mary Carlsen, Karen Mader, Brynda McCoy and Anne Meyer Ruppel) 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.
Presenters: Representatives of the Medical Aid in Dying group
Capacity: 25
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
Advance Care Planning Open House
Tuesday, November 25
1:30-3:00pm
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? Contact: Mary Carlsen, mscarlsen1@gmail.com or Barbara Krause, barbara@inthethickofthings.com
Presenters: End of Life Choices Collective (EOLCC)
Capacity: 25
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103