MAKING SENSE OF ONE WAR

Thursday / Friday, February 26 & 27
1:00-2:30pm
Capacity: 15 minimum, 40 maximum
Cost: $30 nonmember, $24 member, $0 platinum
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: February 23
We might agree that war either makes little sense or absolutely no sense at all. To dig into one war, FiftyNorth offers one class over back-to-back days, Thursday and Friday, February 26 & 27, an hour and a half each day.

Paul Kluge, the award-winning author of the trilogy he calls Vietnam Re-Visits will be at the lectern. His first historical novel is Weeds of War which awakens us to the French-Indochina War when Vietnam was yet a discontented colony. Irish Weeds, the second of the trilogy speaks of the 1950s world, particularly Northern Ireland and the coming Troubles there. Essentially, The Troubles was a thirty-year war against colonization. The Tilted Palace, published recently, is the one novel that speaks to the reasoning and the emotional cost of war, particularly the Vietnam War. Much of the information Paul offers comes from these writings. Our two classes can’t make all things better, but we can address and even confront reasoning of the time, misconceptions, myths, and the perceived reality coming from this one war. For more than a decade our government’s engagement in Vietnam caused mayhem and bloodshed in the jungles of Indochina as well as the streets of America. “Why can’t we all just get along,” as Rodney King, the victim of police brutality in Los Angles asked in 1991?

Our class will take a quick peek at prehistoric Indochina, then place a bold stare on the American presidents of three decades. After that, a dig into North Vietnam leadership as well as their sponsors, the Soviet Union and Red China. Finally, we will look at the consequences of this war, a conflict in a country with which we now trade freely, and where Americans enthusiastically travel as safe and satisfied tourists. Was the war, the sacrifice, the cost and the mayhem all for naught? We will dig deeply and just maybe reveal a ray of light.
(2 sessions)
Presenter: Paul Kluge
 

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, February 4
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)
 

"When My Time Comes" with Diane Rehm - Film and discussion on Medical Aid in Dying

Thursday, February 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)