CASTLE members are shown attending the Fall 2019 Kickoff at the Peichel Farm with instructor Al Batt.

NEW ULM — CASTLE Lifelong Learning announces its Winter 2020 term of classes, beginning with:

50 Years of Minnesota Human Services with Tom Henderson on Jan. 20, 27, Feb 3 at 1:30 pm at the Community Center, 600 N German Street, Room 112. We’ll learn from the man himself about the changes, history, highs & lows and hero stories of Minnesota’s unique social service structure; a structure that equips people, regardless of financial aid, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability ‘for living a full and productive life in Brown County Minnesota’.

American Creed documentary with facilitator Dr. Timothy Grundmeier, MLC History Professor, on Jan. 16 at 1:30 p.m. will be at the New Ulm Library, 17 N Broadway. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy come together from remarkably different backgrounds, life experiences and points of view to explore the idea of a unifying American Creed. Their spirited inquiry frames the stories of a range of citizen-activists striving to realize their own visions of America’s promise across deep divides. This film and discussion is made possible from a National Endowment For The Humanities grant through the New Ulm Library and open to the public.

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at the SPCO with Professor Emeritus Wayne Wagner’s pre-concert lecture on the life and music of Vivaldi will be at the Community Center on Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m. Then on Jan. 31, join the 8 am carpool to Eden Prairie’s Wooddale for the SPCO concert at 11 a.m. ‘Back by popular demand, Ruggero Allifranchini performs Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, this time with artistic partner Richard Egarr directing from the harpsichord. The spontaneity and creativity of these two artists are sure to delight SPCO audiences. Egarr also explores lesser known Baroque works including an early 17th century sonata full of harmonic surprises by Italian composer Dario Castello and a beautiful sonata by German composer Georg Muffat from his Armonico tributo.’ Concert Ticket cost is $11 plus your cost of lunch. RSVP is required, thanks!

Here’s Science in Your Eye! with Dr. Rebecca Huisken will be at the Community Center Room 112 on Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. Eyes are designed to heal very quickly. Why? When the outer layer of cells on an eyeball are injured, cellular replacement takes place rapidly because the surface of an eyeball contains living cells. Come spend the afternoon with one of our favorite New Ulm eye doctors, Rebecca Huisken, and get the latest news and the fun facts on the science of our eyes.

Broadway Songs with Lowell Liedman will be Feb. 11, 18, 25, March 3 at 1:30 pm at the Community Center, Room 112. Broadway show tunes are recognized by so many people around the world and seem to be wonderfully long-lasting. We’ll see and hear opening numbers, love songs, dramatic/emotional numbers, and songs that are simply fun. The stories of the plays and songs will all be explained. Be sure to come and always remember, “Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow till you find your dream.!”

Virtual Reality Science with Tech Unlimited’s Chad Aukes wil be Feb. 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 112. Virtual Reality Science with Tech Unlimited owner Chad Aukes, Feb. 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 112. When was virtual reality created? What is it currently used for? Can we try it out? Yes, you can! Come to learn about this avant-garde technology. Let’s have some fun!

Indigenous Wild Medicine with Megan Schnitker will be on Feb. 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 112. Megan heads the Mahkato Revitalization project. The Project became an idea of creating educational services and opportunities after she was invited to be on the Mahkato Wacipi Committee. She saw the interest to learn from the community and wanted to provide her experience, lifestyle, and expertise to assist those that want to learn about Indigenous Culture from Indigenous people. Mahkato Revitalization Project focuses on preserving and sharing Lakota and Dakota Culture and Language by documenting and providing educational opportunities to the community. At CASTLE, Megan will share her knowledge of indigenous wild Lakota medicines, salves, tinctures, tea mixes and more.

Singing Through Change with Nancy Bos, Author/Speaker/Performer/Vocal Coach, will be on Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 112 and followed by a 6:30 p.m. presentation at the NU Library. Nancy will share findings from her new book, “Singing Through Change: Serving Women in Midlife & Beyond.” This is cutting edge information on the changes women’s voices go through during midlife and beyond. After teaching CASTLE four years ago, Nancy was inspired to see what new research has been done on the subject, so now she’s back with heartening new information for us. Come and help host Nancy for dinner at Plaza Garibaldi after class and then on to the New Ulm Library at 6:30 p.m. for a different presentation on ‘Finding Your Voice’.

Stay tuned for a book discussion this Spring with facilitator Dave Martinka, title yet to be determined.

Potential new CASTLE Lifelong Learning members are welcome any time. Anyone interested in supporting lifelong learning in the New Ulm area, by becoming a member, can phone CASTLE at 507-354-3212, email Director Kathy Austinson at castleLLI@newulmtel.net or connect on the web at http://newulmseniors.org/castle.html . CASTLE Lifelong Learning is a program of Community And Seniors Together, a non-profit supported by the United Way of Brown County. CASTLE is in its seventh year as a membership program that offers the opportunity for an adult to join a community of people who learn for the joy of learning without grades, tests, papers, or long-term classes. There are courses during fall, winter, and spring terms with special events that focus on fun, friendship, and learning.