The amazing programs and services at FiftyNorth would not be possible without the work contributed each week by more than 200 volunteers. Working at the center, at the Used-a-Bit Shoppe, the Popcorn Wagon, and elsewhere in the community, they are involved in everything from acting as pool monitors to selling popcorn and weeding our gardens, committing as much time as they wish. If you would like to volunteer for one of the activities listed here, please fill out and submit this form. 

For more information about an activity, contact the coordinator listed for the activity or volunteer coordinator Michelle Brant, 507.664.3707 / michelle.loken@fiftynorth.org. 

THE POPCORN WAGON AND USED-A-BIT SHOPPE 

FiftyNorth volunteers operate two fund- and friend-raising businesses in downtown Northfield.

The Popcorn Wagon 
From mid-May to mid-October, FiftyNorth’s iconic popcorn wagon provides a community gathering spot on Bridge Square in downtown Northfield. In a bright red wagon built in 1918, volunteers vend, to community members and visitors alike, the tastiest popcorn and cheapest soft drinks in town. They also offer information about Northfield, directions for newcomers, and warm greetings to all who stop by for a snack and a cool drink. Volunteers work 2-hour shifts during the week and slightly longer shifts on the weekend. To volunteer, contact Michelle Brant, 507.664.3707 / michelle.loken@fiftynorth.org. 

The Used-a-Bit Shoppe 
FiftyNorth's used home furnishings store encourages its senior membership and the community to recycle good quality household items, supplies affordable resources for individuals and families, and provides income ($87,098 in 2024) for the organization’s programs and services.

Volunteers help at the Used-a-Bit Shoppe by sorting, washing, and pricing donations, fixing donated items, assisting with light cleaning duties, and serving as cashiers. To volunteer:  Fermin Ponce, 507.645.1399 / fermin.ponce@fiftynorth.org or Michelle Brant, 507.664.3707 / michelle.loken@fiftynorth.org.

AT FIFTYNORTH 

Bakers for Events
Occasionally, we serve baked goods and other refreshments at events at FiftyNorth. If you enjoy sharing your culinary skills with others and would like to bake for an event, contact Michelle Brant, 507.664.3707 / michelle.loken@fiftynorth.org. 

Closing Buddies 
What is a closing buddy? He or she is someone who volunteers to accompany our receptionists for 15 minutes during end-of-day closing procedures, promoting the safety and security of our staff, our members, and the building. Pick an evening or Saturday afternoon that works for you. For further details or to sign up, please contact Michelle Brant, 507.664.3707 / michelle.loken@fiftynorth.org. 

Events Planning Committee
Throughout the year FiftyNorth hosts a variety of programs and events. An event volunteer would set up tables and chairs, decorate, take tickets, hand out programs… Join this crew of volunteers to make events more special and run smoothly. If you would like to be an event planning volunteer, please contact Michelle Brant, 507.664.3707 / michelle.loken@fiftynorth.org.

Events Volunteers 
When FiftyNorth hosts events at the center, volunteers help set up tables and chairs, decorate, hand out programs, serve food, and clean up. If you love to throw parties, this is the place for you. Contact Michelle Brant, 507.664.3707 / michelle.loken@fiftynorth.org. 

Gardeners 
Flower gardens grace our entrance and enliven an inner courtyard, which is also home to a raised vegetable garden. They are tended by a team of volunteer gardeners who plan them and tend them along with our indoor plants. Schedules vary. If you’d like to pitch in, contact Patty Ciernia, 507.664.3709 / patty.ciernia@fiftynorth.org. 

Group Coordinators 
Each of our group activities [link here to content in Groups section in top menu] has a leader who oversees the group. These groups include several card playing groups, needlework, book club, bike club, table tennis, photography club, art club, softball, scrabble, American Mahjongg, history group, theater, band, women’s choir, men's choir, Eclectic Strummers, and chimes group. If you are interested in leading a group when a vacancy occurs, contact Michelle Brant, 507.664.3707 / michelle.loken@fiftynorth.org. 

Instructors and Speakers 
Many of the people who teach our educational and art programs are volunteers. If you have an area of expertise that you would like to share by teaching a class or giving a talk, contact Patty Ciernia, 507.664.3709 / patty.ciernia@fiftynorth.org, or Michelle Brant, 507.664.3707 / michelle.loken@fiftynorth.org. 

Pool Monitors 
Pool monitors serve as an extra set of eyes in the pool area during open swim times. Trained to know how to call for assistance in an emergency, they volunteer in two-hour shifts and receive a pool or fitness pass for each hour of monitoring they do. If you are interested in serving as a pool monitor, contact Craig Swenson, 507.664.3702 / craig.swenson@fiftynorth.org. 

Travel Committee 
The travel committee plans and organizes day trips to a variety of events and places of interest. They plan an occasional overnight adventure. This entails securing reservations and transportation. If you have any interest in being part of this committee, contact Michelle Brant, 507.664.3707 / michelle.loken@fiftynorth.org. 

BOARD AND COMMITTEE WORK 

Board of Directors 

As a non-profit organization, FiftyNorth is governed by a Board of Directors. Our board is composed of up to 15 members chosen from the membership of FiftyNorth and elected at the annual meeting to serve three-year terms. In addition, the board has six standing committees, led by directors, that are composed of both members and non-members with related expertise. If you would be interested in serving on one of the committees or serving on the Board of Directors, contact Carla Johnson, 507.664.3701 / carla.johnson@fiftynorth.org. 

Standing Committees 

Development Committee
Purpose: Guide and execute fundraising efforts to meet the budget of the organization. 

Facilities Committee 
Purpose: Assure that the facility space is well maintained, equipped for member use, organized to provide the best use, and appears welcoming to users. 

Finance Committee 
Purpose: Review and manage FiftyNorth’s finances and investments, and recommend the annual operating budget to the Board of Directors. 

Marketing Committee 
Purpose: Support FiftyNorth’s staff and board in developing, implementing, and evaluating a marketing and communications strategy that advances FiftyNorth’s mission. Focus: external audiences. 

Membership Committee 
Purpose: Oversee and assure the stability and growth of the organization’s membership. Focus: internal audiences

Nominating Committee 
Purpose: Seek candidates for the Board of Directors with the experience and expertise needed to support the administration of the program and introduce them to the membership for consideration for election. Focus: FiftyNorth members.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH 

Community Events 
Northfield is known for its participation in special community events calendar throughout the year. At events where FiftyNorth can have a presence, we often need volunteers to share all that we do with the greater community! This might include staffing a table at an outdoor booth, walking or driving with the DJJD parade float, or providing information to passerby at the Riverwalk Market Fair. If you’re interested in representing FiftyNorth at a community event, contact Carla Johnson, 507.664.3701 / carla.johnson@fiftynorth.org. 

Meals on Wheels 
In collaboration with other organizations and individuals from the community, our volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels to community members in need of a meal. Meals are picked up at the Northfield Hospital, delivered, then the containers are returned to the hospital after completing the route. If you are willing to deliver meals, contact Michelle Brant, 507.664.3707 / michelle.loken@fiftynorth.org.