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
Extraordinary Adventures in Afghanistan
Thursday, September 19
1:00-2:00pm
Beyond the war-torn headlines lies an Afghanistan that few get to see: a land of breathtaking landscapes, ancient cities, and a rich tapestry of cultures. Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Afghanistan was once a vital crossroads of civilizations along the Silk Road, the historic trade route that bridged East and West. From Kabul to Kandahar, Khost, and Bamiyan, Dina Fesler will take you on an extraordinary armchair adventure through Afghanistan, drawing on her fifteen years of dedicated work to empower Afghan youth. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply curious about the stories the media doesn’t tell, this lecture offers a rare chance to connect with a part of the world sure to inspire and fill you with hope.
Presenter: Dina Fesler
Capacity: 30
Cost: $9 Nonmbr, $7 Mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 103
AUTHOR TALK: A PLACE CALLED HOME
Friday, September 20
10:30-11:30am
book sales & signing follows talk
The Story of German Immigrants from Cincinnati, Ohio to New Ulm, Minnesota 1856-1862
Follow the story of the fictional Beck family as they travel by steamboat from Cincinnati, Ohio to the new western frontier settlement of New Ulm, Minnesota in 1857. They and their neighbors face unexpected challenges. Constructing a house, growing a garden, hunting and fishing for food, and building a community while surviving sickness, prairie fires, weather extremes, and mosquitoes. In 1862, they defend their town against an attack by frustrated, starving and desperate Dakota warriors.
The Dakota gave up land they had lived on for generations in several treaties in the early 1800s. U.S. government policies tried to assimilate them into European farming methods and culture. The Dakota were left dependent on yearly payments of food, supplies and money that always seemed to be late and too little.
Inspired by memoirs, personal accounts and historical sources, fact and fiction blend in this novel of tragedy and survival in a place both the Dakota people and the settlers called home.
Author: Nancy Noyes Silcox; FiftyNorth Member
Capacity: 50
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
CPR and First Aid
Tuesday, September 24
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 104
ANNUAL STORY PARTNER PROGRAM Meet and Greet – A collaboration with St. Olaf
Thursday, September 26
2:30-3:00pm
Register to be a story partner!
The students will be here for a quick tour and then meet their Story Partner. From this point you will set your meeting schedule with your Story Partner.
Goals and Expectations:
Junior social work students are paired with an older adult from FiftyNorth. Students practice engagement, listening and generalist skills that they’ll use in social work practice while building relationships with older adults. Older adults build a relationship with college-aged students and are expected to share life stories and experiences as able and willing during the sessions.
You and your Story Partner will meet for at least 6 sessions between mid-September and mid-November for 30-60 minutes (more are encouraged if both participants are able and willing).
Location: in-person preferred. Zoom as needed/requested. Pairs may meet at FiftyNorth, on the St Olaf campus, or at an agreed upon local spot.
St Olaf Instructor: Hillary Lamberty
Capacity: 8
Cost: Free
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: September 12
*NOTE: Your email will be shared with the instructor
Questions: email program coordinator Patty Ciernia at [email protected]
AUTHOR TALK – PIONEER WOMEN: Voices of Northfield’s Frontier
Friday, September 27
10:30-12:00pm
Discover the unique personal stories of some of the pioneering women who settled in Northfield during the 19th century at a special presentation at FiftyNorth. We’re pleased to welcome local author and historian Jeff Sauve, whose book, “Pioneer Women: Voices of Northfield’s Frontier,” received high praise in 2010 when it was honored with the Minnesota History Award for best publication by the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums.
During his 45-minute presentation, Sauve will discuss the struggles and triumphs of four determined, adventuresome, and courageous individuals who played a role in shaping the town’s beginnings during the 1850s and 1860s. Following the presentation, Sauve will answer audience questions.
Copies of the booklet will be available for sale at $10 each. Proceeds will benefit the Northfield Historical Society.
Presenter: Jeff Sauve
Capacity: 30
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
The Exploits of An Expat: Living, Working & Benefitting from a Life Abroad
Thursday, October 3
1:00-2:00pm
When she wasn’t teaching Media Studies to Zayed University students in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates or teaching English as a Second Language to Vietnamese youth in Hanoi, Thompson was living the dream of enjoying the expat life to the fullest. Anyone with a zest for travel, a thirst for experiencing new activities and a desire to forge international friendships will appreciate her lively talk filled with scenic landscapes, arresting cityscapes and fun-filled adventures.
Presenter: Pamela S. Thompson, Editor of the Northfield News
Capacity: 30
Cost: $9 Nonmbr, $7 Mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 103
U.S. Policing Seminars
Joe Moravchik, J.D., a retired police officer, and lecturer on police and law topics, returns this October to Fifty North for four seminars with topics of discussion all shaped by requests from our membership.
More on the Instructor: Joe Moravchik has a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a J. D. from the William Mitchell College of Law. Holder of a State of Wisconsin DOJ Board of Standards Police Officer’s License, he did his training at the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s & Police Academy. Rising through the ranks of the Racine, WI Police Department, the third largest department in Wisconsin, he was a multi-time winner of the prestigious Exemplary Officer Award for high quality performance and professional dedication, ceremoniously presented by the Attorney General of Wisconsin. Additionally, Joe was a winner of the Cali Excellence for the Future Award and runner-up for the Student Award for Merit in law school. He brings exceptional police experience and the formal study of law to Fifty North.
Contact: [email protected]
Overview: We will examine current subjects related to policing in America in a discussion-based format. The goal of the seminars is to broaden understanding and provide needed context for the serious and important public policy discussions regarding policing that are underway at local diners, in the media, and at every level of government.
More about the Seminars, and the Class Schedule: Each of our four seminar classes will involve lectures guided by Google Slides, short videos, and partner work to set up our class discussions. The seminars are set up for question and answer, and discussion.
___________
US Policing Seminar #1
Monday, October 7
9:30-11:30am
Seminar #1 – In our first seminar this fall, we are going to discuss Crime Scene Investigation; what occurs when the police arrive to investigate a death under suspicious circumstances. Topics will include real Case Studies, Chain of Custody, Grid Searches, Biological Evidence, Digital Evidence, Latent Prints, and the Role of the Medical Examiner, among other related topics. Let’s see how television programming compares to what crime scene investigation is really like.
In preparation for our class, you may want to listen for context to the KYMN podcast Public Policy This Week August 18th, 2023 edition. Joe interviews Dr. Andrew Baker of the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office on the Role of the Medical Examiner.
Instructor: Joseph Moravchik
Capacity: Minimum: 7 Maximum: 30
Cost: $18 Nonmbr, $14 Mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 103
US Policing Seminar #2
Monday, October 14
9:30-11:30am
Seminar #2 – In our second seminar, we are going to discuss the high profile police officer failures in Minnesota that have affected police morale, performance, recruiting standards and objectives, and public trust – Jeronimo Yanez, Mohamed Noor, Derek Chauvin, and Kim Potter. Plus the case of Thomas Lane – wrongful political prosecution? You may have ideas for how to rebuild police-community trust, and on police reform.
To prepare for class, you may want to listen to the KYMN podcast Public Policy This Week, originally broadcast Sept. 30th, 2022. Joe and St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell (Ret.) discuss their police careers and the current state of U.S. policing.
https://kymnradio.net/2022/09/30/public-policy-this-week-chief-todd-axtell-ret-of-the-st-paul-police-dept/
Instructor: Joseph Moravchik
Capacity: Minimum: 7 Maximum: 20
Cost: $18 Nonmbr, $14 Mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 102
US Policing Seminar #3
Monday, October 21
9:30-11:30am
Seminar #3 – In our third seminar, we are going to discuss how the media played a significant role in undermining police service, analyzing the national cases of Louis Gates Jr., Michael Brown, and Freddie Gray. Police-community trust is founded in honest work, and also honest narratives. We will talk over how the media got these stories wrong, and the fallout from it.
Instructor: Joseph Moravchik
Capacity: Minimum: 7 Maximum 20
Cost: $18 Nonmbr, $14 Mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 104
US Policing Seminar #4
Monday, October 28
9:30-11:30am
Seminar #4 – In our fourth seminar, we are going to discuss police Use of Force; when, and for what reasons the police can put their hands on, or draw a weapon on, a citizen, guided by law. We’ll start with what is called the force option continuum, consider cases, and debate use of force and de-escalation.
Instructor: Joseph Moravchik
Capacity: Minimum: 7 Maximum: 30
Cost: $18 Nonmbr, $14 Mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 103
COMPETING FOR THE GOAT TROPHY: St. Olaf and Carleton Football
Tuesday, October 8
1:30-2:30pm
Longtime Carleton College football coach Bob Sullivan joins local history author Susan Hvistendahl at FiftyNorth to talk about the football rivalry between St. Olaf and Carleton colleges ahead of the upcoming game at St. Olaf at 1pm on Saturday, October 12. The talk will focus on the “Goat Trophy” which has been awarded to the winning team since 1931 and on Sullivan’s career as coach from 1979 to 2000, when he retired with a total record 102 wins, more than any Knights coach. On October 15, 2022, Carleton’s football field was named “Bob Sullivan Field” in his honor. Hvistendahl’s Historic Happenings books include research on Northfield football and will be available for purchase.
Presenters: Susan Hvistendahl and Bob Sullivan
Capacity: 50
Cost: Free
Room: Room 103
AUTHOR TALK: A PLACE CALLED HOME
Saturday, October 12
10:00-11:00am
book sales & signing follows
The Story of German Immigrants from Cincinnati, Ohio to New Ulm, Minnesota 1856-1862
Follow the story of the fictional Beck family as they travel by steamboat from Cincinnati, Ohio to the new western frontier settlement of New Ulm, Minnesota in 1857. They and their neighbors face unexpected challenges. Constructing a house, growing a garden, hunting and fishing for food, and building a community while surviving sickness, prairie fires, weather extremes, and mosquitoes. In 1862, they defend their town against an attack by frustrated, starving and desperate Dakota warriors.
The Dakota gave up land they had lived on for generations in several treaties in the early 1800s. U.S. government policies tried to assimilate them into European farming methods and culture. The Dakota were left dependent on yearly payments of food, supplies and money that always seemed to be late and too little.
Inspired by memoirs, personal accounts and historical sources, fact and fiction blend in this novel of tragedy and survival in a place both the Dakota people and the settlers called home.
Author: Nancy Noyes Silcox; FiftyNorth Member
Capacity: 50
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
Link to Trailer on YouTube:
THE REMEMBER PROJECT: Fortune Cookies
Monday, October 21
9:00-11:30am
Doors Open and Refreshments – 9:00am
Play and Community Conversation – 9:30-11:30am
FiftyNorth proudly presents “Fortune Cookies,” a community event that helps family members, caregivers, local businesses, and the broader community be in a conversation around the subject of dementia, as well as the most well-known form of memory loss which is Alzheimer’s Disease. All community members are welcome to attend these Remember Project events.
This program takes a unique approach to building awareness, sharing information, and inviting authentic community conversations. Audience members come together for a coffee and refreshments and then watch the play together, followed by a facilitated conversation.
“Fortune Cookies”: “Our ultimate goal,” said Danette McCarthy, founder and producer, “is to assist community members and leaders consider new ways to think about memory loss and to become aware of local resources that support families who are dealing with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.”
Written by Bonnie Dudovitz, “Fortune Cookies” is her first play. In it, the character of Mona is a high-energy entrepreneur who always has a project on the front burner. She is the life of the party and her enthusiasm is both funny and charming. Though at age 80, Mona’s memory is sharp, she fears memory loss and has seen too much of it among friends and neighbors. With Mona as the guide in this brisk 16-minute play, we learn that Mona has a plan to counter the effects of future memory loss and she is willing to go to great lengths to do so! As the audience gets to know Mona and her son, David, they find themselves with an opportunity to consider one of the biggest hurdles to creating a truly dementia-friendly Northfield: the need to understand how knowledge and compassion are essential to keeping families out of crisis.
This program is free, though registration is required and seating is limited.
Presenters: The Remember Project
Capacity: 75
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103/105
Cruise Ships & Riverboats – Lets Explore!
Tuesday, October 22
1:00-2:00pm
Are you ready to trade your car keys for a stateroom key? Today, we’re setting sail on a thrilling exploration of cruises, from cruise ships to riverboats—an incredible way to discover the world in comfort and style. Like our train adventure, these floating resorts offer a world of relaxation, excitement, and unforgettable experiences. Let’s embark on an exciting journey to explore the world.
Wondering what life onboard is like? We’ll spill the beans on everything from luxurious accommodations to exciting activities. Discover how to effortlessly board your ship, whether you are traveling solo, with a partner, or with the whole family. We’ll also navigate the waters of accessibility, ensuring everyone feels welcome and comfortable.
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds! We’ll explore the diverse dining options, from casual buffets to gourmet restaurants and special dietary needs. And let’s not forget the entertainment! From dazzling shows to live music, there’s something for everyone.
Just like our train adventures, we want to answer all your questions and hear about your adventures! The Travel With Us agents are here to guide you through the exciting world of cruise and riverboat travel. Get inspired by the incredible destinations you can visit, share your travel stories with fellow adventurers, and don’t miss this chance to embark on your next unforgettable journey!
Ready to set sail? Let’s explore the possibilities together! Visit TravelWithUs.vacations or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more information and inspiration!
Presenters: Leah and Shanna with Travel With Us
Capacity: 40
Cost: $9 nonbmbr, $7 mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 103
Information on Voting in the 2024 Election
Wednesday, October 23
2:30-3:30pm
The best ideas come from the people in Minnesota. The work of the Secretary of State’s office doesn’t just happen behind a desk in St. Paul. It happens throughout the states in places like Rice County.
That’s why Secretary Steve Simon travels to all 87 counties every year so he can meet with and listen to Minnesotans. Secretary Simon will visit the Northfield community on Wednesday, October 23.
All are welcome to attend this open community meeting. The meeting is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters-Northfield Cannon Falls and FiftyNorth.
This visit will highlight voting in the 2024 election, how and why you should participate. He will also outline some of the new laws governing Minnesota elections, including pre-registration of 16- and 17-year-olds and restoring the right to vote to those no longer incarcerated. Secretary Simon will also address threats to our elections, including dis/misinformation and AI technology. You’ll learn what the Secretary of State’s office is going to fight back and strengthen the trust we have in elections. The event will end with a Q&A.
Presenter: Steve Simon
Capacity: 40
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
Steve Simon BIO
Steve Simon is Minnesota’s 22nd Secretary of State. He was sworn into office on January 5, 2015, and as Minnesota’s chief elections administrator pledged in his inaugural address to “work with anyone, of any political affiliation, from any part of our state” to protect, defend, and strengthen the right to vote in Minnesota.
As Secretary of State, he partners with township, city, and county officials to organize elections on behalf of Minnesota’s nearly four million eligible voters, and to ensure that the election system is fair.
Simon also oversees a wide range of services for Minnesota businesses and administers the “Safe at Home” address confidentiality program for people whose personal safety is at risk, often due to physical abuse or threats.
His goals as Minnesota’s Secretary of State are straightforward: expand access to voting, remove barriers to voting, make business services as streamlined as possible, strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence and, most importantly, be a Secretary of State for all Minnesotans.
Before being elected Minnesota’s Secretary of State, Simon served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for ten years representing the communities of St. Louis Park and Hopkins.
Simon spent much of his time in the state legislature immersed in elections issues, including serving as the chair of the House Elections Committee in 2013 and 2014. He played a lead role in many of the election reforms that Minnesota has embraced over the last several years, including no-excuse absentee voting, online voter registration, and easier access to voting for Minnesotans overseas, including those in the military.
Simon also served as Assistant Attorney General of Minnesota and worked as a lawyer in private practice for several years. He was named a “Rising Star” four different times by Law & Politics magazine and has received many other recognitions for his work on behalf of Minnesotans, including the “Outstanding Legislator Award” from the Minnesota School Board Association and the “Civic Leadership Award” from the Citizens League.
Simon grew up in St. Louis Park and Hopkins. He graduated with a B.A in Political Science from Tufts University in Massachusetts in 1992, and earned a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1996. Simon and his wife Leia live in Hopkins with their two children, Hannah and Noah.
Link to Trailer on YouTube:
THE REMEMBER PROJECT: In the Garden
Monday, November 18
9:00-11:30am
Doors Open and Refreshments 9:00am
Play and Community Conversation 9:30-11:30am
FiftyNorth is pleased to announce upcoming screened performance of “In the Garden,” one of five plays that make up the Remember Project.
“Since 2015, the Remember Project has been touring in Wisconsin and Minnesota with their live productions of ‘Steering into the Skid,’ and ‘In the Garden,’” said Kerry Hjelmgren, FiftyNorth Director. “The combination of watching a play together followed by facilitated discussion is an excellent way to help create better understanding about the challenges facing those with memory loss as well as their families and friends. It is remarkable that the Remember Project artists have created a theatrical video format.”
The Remember Project is a special program that is designed to help family members, care partners, local businesses, and the broader community be in conversation around dementia and the most well-known form of memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease. All community members are encouraged to attend this program.
The play, “In the Garden,” was written by Matthew Widman and published in The MemoryCare Plays, a book of three one-act plays compiled and edited by Dr. Margaret A. Noel. “This play is dedicated to my father Harry Widman, a wonderful artist, teacher and parent,” said the playwright. “Although the characters in the play are fictional, my father’s aesthetic voice rings true through the persona of Arthur, a man who despite his illness, never loses his observant eye for the splendor and excitement of the world around him.”
The setting of “In the Garden” is the home of Arthur Monsetin where his three grown children have come together after the death of their mother to try and help decide a course of action for their beloved father who is struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. While Arthur may wander off at times, lash out in anger or forget the names of his grandchildren, at other times he is lucid, funny, and wise. Long ingrained familial tensions come to the surface when Peter, Karen, and Jamie struggle to treasure their father as they also come to terms with his limitations. Each of Arthur’s children has a very different view about what is best, yet one thing is clear: their love for their father will guide the way.
“This general scenario is taking place with thousands of families across America every day as adult children try their very best to chart a course for loved ones who are experiencing dementia,” said facilitator Danette McCarthy. “It can feel extremely isolating to face decisions about care and to navigate the journey of decision-making as a family. ‘In the Garden’ is a compassionate invitation to help families and friends support each other through the immense challenges and pressures placed on care partners.”
This program is free, though registration is required and seating is limited.
Presenters: The Remember Project
Capacity: 75
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103/105
