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
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, April 1
4:30-6:00pm
Capacity: 25
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
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)
AUTHOR TALK: REAL-WORLD THREATS TO PAGE-TURNING FICTION: Bringing The High-Stakes World Of National Security To Life Through Fiction
Thursday, April 2
1:00-2:30pm
Cost: Free
Room 103
Presenters: Olson and Bruns
Tomorrow’s headlines today is how reviewers often describe the military thrillers of US Navy veterans and co-authors David Bruns and J.R. Olson. This former submarine officer and retired naval intelligence officer co-write novels that take on the national security threats of our modern world.
Their thrillers have sold over a quarter-million copies and garnered over 25,000 reviews.
During the course of their decade-long writing partnership, they have published with a Big Five traditional publishing house, released a series through a mid-sized press, crowdfunded novels, and independently published their work.
Ten years is a long time in the world of writing and publishing. If there’s a mistake to be made, they’ve probably made it. A success to be savored, they’ve celebrated it.
Join the Bruns-Olson writing team for an insider’s view into: • The joys and minefields of co-writing • How they research and plot their national security thrillers • The many publishing options available to the modern writer • Managing a creative business partnership for the long-term
If time allows, they might even dip into their bottomless supply of sea stories from their combined three decades of active duty service in the United States Navy.
SPANISH 1: SECOND YEAR SPRING SESSION
Mondays, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4
10:00-11:00am
Capacity: 6 minimum, 15 maximum
Cost: $75 nonmember, $50 member
Space: Room 106
Registration deadline: March 30
Students will continue to work their way through the Realidades 1 text, with a focus on stem-changing verbs and command formation. 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.
(5 sessions)
Instructor: Chris Kauffeld
VALLEY GROVE STORIES WOVEN IN WOOL & ALEX LAURENCE HARDANGER FIDDLE PLAYER EXTRAORDINAIRE
Tuesday, April 7
1:00-2:30pm
Capacity: 30 maximum
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
Alex Laurence, St. Olaf student and Hardanger fiddle player extraordinaire, will play for 20 minutes as a “prelude” to the tapestry presentation. He will speak briefly about the tradition of Hardanger music and the instrument.
The Norwegian immigrant church buildings at Valley Grove are filled with stories. They began in 1862 when the stone church was built. In 1894 the congregation grew into a larger wooden church that faces the stone church on the same hilltop overlooking the settlers’ farms, Nerstrand to the east, and Northfield to the northwest.
In 2021 the Valley Grove Preservation Society commissioned Minneapolis weaver Robbie LaFleur to tell some of the Valley Grove stories in weavings known as billedvev, or Norwegian picture tapestries. Preservation Society board member Margit Johnson will share some of those stories depicted in the weavings and answer your questions about Valley Grove.
The Valley Grove tapestries will be on display at Fifty North through April 30.
Presenter: Margit Johnson, Valley Grove Preservation Society board member
“When My Time Comes” with Diane Rehm – Film and discussion on Medical Aid in Dying
Wednesday, April 8
1:30-3:00pm
Capacity: 25
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
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)
WHAT IS AN E-BIKE?
Tuesday, April 21
1:30-2:30pm
Capacity: 35
Cost: $10 Nonmember, $8 Member, $0 platinum
Space: Room 103
Let’s explore e-bikes! During this 1-hour talk, we’ll learn the basics of E-bikes:
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Explain the basic components of an e-bike (motor, battery, pedal assist).
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Demonstrate the different levels of pedal assist and how they work.
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Explain the difference between throttle and pedal assist.
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Show visuals of various e-bike styles (cruiser, step-through, folding).
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Address common misconceptions (e.g., “It’s cheating”).
Practical Advice for Safety Considerations
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Proper helmet use and fit.
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Safe riding practices (awareness of surroundings, signaling, etc.).
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E-bike maintenance basics (battery charging, tire pressure).
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Tips for starting and stopping safely.
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Importance of visibility (lights, reflective gear).
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Bike rack information for transporting E-bikes
Choosing the right E-Bike for you.
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Explain different e-bike styles and their suitability for various needs.
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Discuss factors to consider when purchasing an e-bike (range, battery life, weight, cost).
Presenters: Jim Mayr and Josh Bisel with Downtown Bicycles of Northfield
FRAUD, SCAMS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AWARENESS
Wednesday, April 22
1:00-2:30pm
Capacity: 40 maximum
Cost: $10 nonmember, $8 member, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: April 17
Have you heard stories from family members or friends that have been taken advantage of in a scam? Concerned about the risk of identity theft? Join us as we uncover common types of scams, dive into how Artificial Intelligence is aiding fraudsters, and talk through steps to keep yourself and your finances safe!
Instructor: Melissa Kuhl & Tuan Phan from Hometown Credit Union
“When My Time Comes” with Diane Rehm – Film and discussion on Medical Aid in Dying
Tuesday, May 5
1:30-3:00pm
Capacity: 25
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
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)
DOUG SCHOLZ-CARLSON: GREAT RIVER FESTIVAL PRESENTATION
Monday, June 1
10:30am-12:00pm
Capacity: 30
Cost: Free and open the public
Space: Room 103
What can go wrong when magic takes place in the forest outside of Athens in a Shakespeare comedy?
Doug will maybe give us the answer as he again comes to FiftyNorth to present early insight into this year’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For over 20 years he has given us insight into the Great River Shakespeare Festival’s productions. As the Artistic Director of GRSF, he gives us a look at what goes into putting on a production. In its 23rd season, is a resident company of 9 professional actors from all over the country that come together for a summer of Shakespeare in Winona. FiftyNorth has sponsored a trip every year, except during the COVID outbreak.
Doug grew up in Northfield, getting his start at the Northfield Arts Guild under Myrna Johnson. He has acted and directed at most Twin City theaters, and across the country. Midsummer will be directed by Doug Scholz-Carlson, the artistic director of the Great River Shakespeare Festival, where he has directed many productions and played more than 20 roles. Doug was the first intimacy director at the Metropolitan Opera (New York) where he has worked on more than 14 productions. In addition to the Met, he has worked on productions for Minnesota Opera, San Diego Opera, and San Antonio Opera.
Presenter: Doug Scholz-Carlson, Artistic Director of GRSF
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
