community classes
FiftyNorth offers a diversity of classes to foster connection, learning, growth and joy
Our classes promote wellbeing through shared experiences and personal growth. From classes in the arts or crafts and handiwork, to tech training, retirement planning or grief support, our community classes provide opportunities to build skills and foster friendship.
We offer nearly 100 classes a year, and many are free to members. Some materials-based classes require an additional nominal fee. Scholarships are always available to offset costs. We want everyone to enjoy our Community Classes.
click below to jump to specific class interests
Arts
WHIMSICAL BIRD AND SNOWFLAKE WOOD SLICES
Tuesday, November 3
10:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Kay Marosi
Capacity: 4 minimum, 12 maximum
In the event we do not meet minimum capacity we may have to cancel this class
Cost: $40 Nonmember, $34 Member, $10 Platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: October 29
Let’s get together monthly for some crafting fun! I am open for suggestions on upcoming projects and ready to have some fun!
For our first creation, we will make some sweet, wooden bird medallions. This easy craft will get us in the spirit of the season, with some light snowflakes and snow birds! Great gift idea or a cute, whimsical hanging for yourself.
I look so forward to creating with you!
All supplies will be provided. You will make 3 wood slices.
WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING
Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17, 24
4:00-5:00pm
Instructor: David Miller
Capacity: 5 minimum, 10 maximum
Space: Room 102
Cost: $48 nonmember, $40 member, $0 Platinum
Registration deadline: October 27
Join David Miller in exploring the rhythms of West Africa! You will learn some common drum patterns (and maybe a song!) from the nations of Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Guinea, played on djembes and other West African percussion instruments. Instruments will be provided.
BOW MAKING CLASS
Wednesday, December 2
1:00-3:00pm
Instructor: Kay Marosi
Capacity: 4 minimum, 8 maximum
In the event we do not meet minimum capacity we may have to cancel this class
Space: Room 105
Cost: $20 Nonmember, $18 Member, $10 Platinum
Registration deadline: November 25
Let’s wrap it up!!!
Please join me and some friends in learning how to make gift wrapped packages look extra special.
It’s coming up to the holiday season and that means GIFT GIVING! Who doesn’t love a gift that looks too pretty to open?!
We will make 3 different kinds of bows while sharing stories of our favorite gift ideas, gifts we’ve received or given.
TEA BAG ORNAMENTS
Thursday, December 3
9:00-11:00am
Instructor: Cheryl Ramette
Capacity: 4 minimum, 12 maximum
In the event we do not meet minimum capacity we may have to cancel this class
Cost: $40 Nonmember, $34 Member, $10 Platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: November 25
Create a few unique ornaments for the tree or just because. Used tea bags provide a fun sturdy surface with a built-in hanger. Using a variety of decorative materials available with which to collage, paint, bead, cut, and draw you'll be able to embellish your ornaments as simply or elaborately as your heart desires! Tea bags and decorative materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring additional items you'd like to incorporate.
HANDMADE BOOK BINDING BONANZA
Tuesday, January 19
1:00-3:00pm
Instructor: Pat Jorstad
Capacity: 5 minimum, 12 maximum
In the event we do not meet minimum capacity we may have to cancel this class
Space: Room 105
Cost: $35
Registration deadline: January 12
Making a journal or book is easier than you think and it’s fun too. We’ll briefly talk about materials and go over the terms you need to know. But 99% of your time will be hands-on creating four or more books. This class covers the fundamentals of four bookmaking techniques:
Basic 3 hole and 5-hole pamphlet binding
Piano Hinge with Skewers
Slot and Tab
Exposed Stitch
As a bonus, if there is time, Pat show you how to make a “Snake Book.”
This is a class for people of all skill levels. No experience in making handmade books is needed.
All materials are provided including the book binding kit. Each kit includes a bone folder, thread, needles, awl, little ruler, clips and small thread snipper.
NOTE: In this class, we concentrate on binding and structure. We won’t be filling the books, no painting or pasting. You can do that when you get home.
wellness
Lifelong Learning / Talks
LEARNING IMPROV COMEDY WORKSHOP
Wednesday, November 11
4:00-6:00pm
Instructor: Buddy Ricker
Capacity: 5 minimum, 15 maximum
Cost: $40 nonmember, $36 member, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 4
In this two-hour intensive course, learn the foundation of improv comedy Short Form. We will learn the underlying concepts of improv, play a ton of fun brain bender games, and learn a couple of games for the stage. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into the world of improv, laugh, and get your brain working. You create the laughs as you learn the ways of lmprov.
grading papers to grilling wieners: a retirement with a purpose
Thursday, November 12
1:00-2:30pm
Instructor: Earl Weinmann
Capacity: 4 minimum, 40 maximum
Space: Room 103
Cost: $10 nonmember, $8 member, $0 Platinum
Registration deadline: November 6
Former Northfield Middle School teacher, Earl Weinmann, will share stories as he journeyed down a unique road, from teaching 7th grade social studies for thirty years to selling hot dogs for charity. He will discuss what brought him to Northfield, the humorous adventure of teaching middle school students, and how Jack Nicholson enabled him to sell hot dogs to benefit the community.
the savvy traveler with linda dorn
Saturday, November 14
10:00 - 11:00am
Presenter: Linda Dorn, Owner of Northstar Journeys by Linda
Capacity: 35
Cost: FREE
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: Saturday, November 7
Travel is changing, but planning your next great adventure doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you are a seasoned explorer updating your travel strategy, or dreaming up a major bucket-list journey, this engaging 60-minutes class is designed to help you travel with confidence, comfort, and ease. Join local travel advisor (and FiftyNorth member) Linda Dorn, founder of Northstar Journeys by Linda, for an insider’s look at modern travel. Together, we’ll demystify new entry requirements and explore how AI tools can spark destination inspiration, and share practical strategies for navigating the “New Shoulder Season” to avoid crowds and save money! We will also compare popular ways to see the world—from the intimate charm of boutique river cruises to grand ocean voyages, luxury rail, and multi-generational family trips. Drawing on her travel experience—including accessible and mobility-conscious travel—Linda will share actionable tips to ensure your next journey to Alaska, Europe, or beyond is seamless, comfortable, and unforgettable.
the physics of vision and seeing presentation by carleton college students
Monday, November 16
3:00-4:00pm
Presenters: Foster, Precious and Zhuokai
Capacity: 4 minimum, 20 maximum
Space: Room 102
Cost: Free
Registration deadline: November 9
The physics of vision and seeing is a session presented by Carleton College students where attendees will explore how vision works. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how the human eye functions for vision, how the eye changes throughout aging, and how corrective lenses support vision. The session will go beyond just seeing through the human eye and explore topics in cameras. How is a camera lens different from a human eye lens? Why do your eyes get worse with time and cameras only get better? The session will feature demos and a Q&A for further conversations about vision.
MEXICAN DINNER FIESTA - COOKING CLASS
Tuesday, November 17
4:00-6:00pm
Instructor: Nancy Veverka
Capacity: 4 minimum, 8 maximum
In the event we do not meet minimum capacity we may have to cancel this class
Cost: $50 nonmember, $40 member, $15 Platinum
Space: Kitchen and Room 105
Registration deadline: November 10
Join us to learn how to make some delicious and healthy Mexican dishes that will expand your recipe repertoire! We'll have a dinner of chicken tinga tostadas, black beans, esquites (a fried corn dish), and a surprise dessert. ¡Provecho!
spanish 1
January 4th - March 3rd (Mondays & Wednesdays)
10:00 - 11:00am
Instructor: Chris Kauffeld
Space: Room 106
Cost: $180
Registration Opens December 1
(18 sessions)
Students will continue to work their way through the Realidades 1 Spanish textbook (available for $20 from the instructor or can be ordered on-line). The course will start with a quick review of unit 6A and then continue on from there, covering commands, the present progressive, the simple past and more step-changing and irregular verbs in the present. Vocabulary will focus on chores, dwelling unites, shopping, vacations and recycling.
THE SAVVY TRAVELER:
MODERN TIPS, TRENDS & TRAVEL STRATEGIES
Wednesday, January 13
1:00-2:00pm
Presenter: Linda Dorn, Travel Agent and Owner of Northstar Journeys by Linda
Capacity: minimum 4, maximum 40
Cost: Free
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: January 8
Travel is back in a big way, but the rules of the road are changing fast! Whether you're planning a trip of a lifetime, organizing a multi-generational family getaway, or looking to explore a simple stress-free vacation, join Linda for a fun, fast-paced 50-minute course on navigating today’s travel landscape.
What You’ll Learn:
New Rules & Easy Entry: Clear up the confusion surrounding new international requirements like EES, ETIAS, Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and how TSA Cares can make airport security seamless.
Finding Your Ideal Travel Style: Discover key differences between river cruises, ocean cruises, and guided land tours to find the perfect fit for your style and pace.
The Rise of Multi-Generational Travel: How to plan unforgettable trips that keep everyone—from grandchildren to adult kids—happy and engaged.
Smart Travel Tech & Safety: Essential apps and basic safety strategies for smooth sailing, touring, and flying!
Bring your travel questions for a live 10-minute Q&A at the end!
NATIONAL EAGLE CENTER PRESENTATION
Tuesday, January 26
1:00-2:30pm
Presenter: National Eagle Center
Capacity: 20 minimum, 50 maximum
Cost: $15
*Grandkids accompanied by a paid adult are free
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: January 19
“Have you ever wondered “How much does an eagle weigh?” How big is their wingspan?” The answers await you in an engaging and entertaining live eagle program! Come learn all about eagles from the National Eagle Center, the world’s premier resource for impactful eagle education and experiences You will also have the chance to meet one of the resident eagle ambassadors. This event is great for all ages and photographs are welcome!” This could be a wonderful experience to share with your grandchildren. There is no school on that date. Registered adults may bring children with no additional cost.
AARP Smart Driving
AARP 4 Hour Smart Driving Classes
Location: Room 103
Fees: $32 non-AARP Members, $27 AARP Members;
AARP Members please register in person or by phone (you will need your AARP member number)
Various instructors
Capacity: 30
These courses are designed for the driver over age 50 to help discover how roads, cars, and you may have changed since you started driving. Learn eight driving strategies to make you a safer driver. Completion of this AARP Driver Safety course qualifies each student over age 55 (sometimes 50) a certificate redeemable for a discount on auto insurance premiums. Once you take this first-time course, you will then need to take a refresher course every 3 years to continue the discount. Please check with your insurance agent for age qualifications and renewal details. The cost of this class includes fees paid to AARP for the course.
NOTE:
*Please arrive at class 10-15 minutes early to complete registration forms before class starts
Please pre-register and check-in for all classes no matter your membership levels. It is also important to check-in at the front desk when you arrive for your class. We use attendance data for grant applications, insurance reimbursement, space planning and determining whether or not to cancel a class.
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Friday, November 13
9:00am-1:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Monday, December 7
9:00am-1:00pm
Room: 102
Capacity: 15
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Monday, January 11
9:00am-1:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Wednesday, February 10
1:00-5:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Tuesday, March 16
9:00am-1:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Thursday, April 15
1:00-5:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Monday, May 10
9:00am-1:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Wednesday, June 9
1:00-5:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Monday, July 12
9:00am-1:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Thursday, August 19
1:00-5:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Monday, September 13
9:00am-1:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Wednesday, October 13
1:00-5:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Tuesday, November 16
9:00am-1:00pm
AARP Smart Driving 4-hour Course
Friday, December 10
9:00am-1:00pm
AARP Smart DriverTEK Classes
These free, 90-minute Smart DriverTEK Workshops will help you understand current and evolving vehicle safety technologies and how to use them. You will learn how the benefits of these technologies may enhance your driving safety and extend your safe driving years. You will receive a vehicle technology checklist and learn to identify the safety technologies that best suit your needs when purchasing a new vehicle.
Smart DriverTEK is offering Virtual Workshops
Technology is changing the driving experience. The new free, AARP Smart DriverTEK workshop will keep you in the know about the latest high-tech safety features in your current or future car. Learn about what new technologies are available, how they work, and how they can make driving safer and more enjoyable.
This interactive 90-minute workshop will help you understand:
Blind-spot detection systems
Forward-collision warning systems
Lane-departure warning systems
And much more!
PLEASE NOTE: ALL TIMES LISTED ARE IN EASTERN TIME.
Follow the link below to register for one of the workshop dates.