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
STATE OF THE NORTHFIELD HOSPITAL + CLINICS
Thursday, June 25
1:30-2:30pm
Presenter: Zander Abbott
Capacity: 60
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
Join us for a discussion of the State of Northfield Hospital + Clinics and the purchase of the Northfield Allina Clinic.
Learn:
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why this is important for the future of the hospital & community
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why this makes financial sense
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what’s staying the same and what is changing
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what else is happening NH+C
Most importantly – Be able to ask the questions you or your neighbor has and share what you are hearing in the community.
This is an opportunity to hear and spread factual information and expand understanding among community members about the business of providing quality and accessible healthcare in and around Northfield.
COFFEE WITH A NURSE – TOPIC FOR THE HOUR: DIFFERENT WAYS GRIEF SHOWS UP
Tuesday, June 30
10:00-11:00am
Instructor: Shelby Miller
Capacity: 4 minimum, 12 maximum
In the event we don’t meet minimum capacity the class may be cancelled.
Cost: Free
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: June 23
What is Grief? Is it possible that your feeling is grief and you didn’t even notice it? People associate grief with the death of a loved one or a pet. But, it is more than that. Come and unpack the emotional impact grief has on us. Together we can explore the many ways that grief shows up. Maybe it was a big life altering decision that you made, or a relationship that seems to be unraveling or it could be a sudden loss of something special in your life. Come and have coffee and learn with me about what grief is and how important it is to embrace this emotion during a difficult time in your life.
AUTHOR TALK: FINDING GOD IN UNEXPECTED WAYS by Tari Atchison
Saturday, July 25
10:00-11:00am
Location: Room 103
Join local author and speaker Tari Atchison for the launch of her inspiring new book, Finding God in Unexpected Ways: 5 Surprising Places God May Be Found.
What if God is closer than you think—present not only in life’s victories, but also in the questions, disappointments, relationships, and everyday moments we often overlook?
Drawing from personal experiences and heartfelt stories, Tari shares how she discovered God’s fingerprints in unexpected places and invites readers to recognize His presence in their own lives.
The event will feature an engaging author talk, audience Q&A, and an opportunity to meet Tari and purchase a signed copy of the book.
To learn more about Tari and download the first chapter of the book for free, visit TariAtchison.com.
This free community event is open to all.
MINNESOTA COUNTY TOUR ON DEMENTIA AND DEMENTIA CARE
Thursday, August 13
10:00-11:30am
Presenter: Joseph E. Gaugler, PhD – Distinguished McKnight University Professor and Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in Long-Term Care and Aging, School of Public Health
Capacity: 70
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103/105
Please pre-register. Limited seating.
Learn the facts about Alzheimer’s disease- what it is, how it differs from normal aging, ways to reduce risk, current treatment options, and the importance of early detection and active care management. This engaging session led by Dr. Joseph Gaugler from the University of Minnesota offers both clinical insights and practical advice for individuals, caregivers, and professionals.
About the presenter: Dr. Gaugler is on a statewide tour with the goal of visiting all of Minnesota’s 87 counties. Dr. Gaugler’s research examines the sources and effectiveness of long-term care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions. An applied gerontologist, Dr. Gaugler’s interests include Alzheimer’s disease and long-term care, the longitudinal ramifications of family care for persons with dementia and other chronic conditions, and the effectiveness of community-based and psychosocial services for older adults with dementia and their caregiving families. Underpinning these substantive areas, Dr. Gaugler also has interests in mixed methods and implementation science.
SOUTH AFRICAN TRAVEL TALK
Wednesday, September 16
1:00-3:00pm
Instructor: David Johnston
Capacity: 40
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: September 14
David Johnston, from Jeanie’s Journeys Tours & Travel, will share videos, pictures, history & cultural insights from a tour he and his wife led to South Africa in January 2026. Brenda Bultman & Darla DeLong will also share their experiences and pictures from the tour.
*Advanced registration is requested to assist us with preparation of seating.
A NECESSARY WRITING TASK – AN OBITUARY
Monday & Thursday, October 26 & 29
9:00-11:00am
Capacity: 12 maximum
Space: Room 102
Cost: $40 nonmember, $32 member, $0 Platinum
When a death is reported in the newspaper, accompanied by an obituary for the deceased, how does that obituary happen? In many cases, stressed family members scramble to meet a deadline set by a funeral home or other site for a service, hoping to capture the essence of the deceased person as well as important information about memorials. Much of the anguish associated with this task can be eliminated by advance planning. This two-session course will give participants a chance to determine the key elements of an obituary and prepare a draft. We will meet on a Monday morning from 9-11 to map out the necessary features of an obituary and resume on Thursday at the same time to hear from a local funeral director on some of the pre-service and burial details and to work in pairs on provisional drafts. The goal: preparation of a reasonable draft for someone, perhaps yourself, as well as appreciating the details of this written form.
Instructor: Carol Rutz
