Brain Health, Aging and Dementia Research
Mar
10
to Mar 24

Brain Health, Aging and Dementia Research

A three-part series to learn about brain health, memory loss, and current research. There will be plenty of time for conversation and questions.

The following events and topics will be discussed. Please attend the events that work best for you. Sessions meet on Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m. in the Chatfield Center for the Arts Studio Room

FREE Register in advance by calling (507)867-4521 x. 5022 or lklevan@chatfieldschools.com

Session 1 (Mar. 10): Building a Better Brain Featuring Angela Lunde, MA • Understanding memory as we age • Reducing dementia risk • Everyday strategies for optimizing memory

Session 2 (Mar. 17): When Does Forgetfulness Signal Dementia Featuring Ryan Coburn, MD • Understanding normal aging • Memory concerns - when to see your doctor & the value of early diagnosis • Genetics, managing the disease, and new treatments

Session 3: Demystifying Aging & Dementia Research Featuring Liz Boots, PhD, LP ) • Overview of the types of research that are conducted at Mayo Clinic • Understand what it means to participate in a research study • What to consider when thinking about research

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Painting With Water-Mixable Oils; Series of 3, March 2026
Mar
14
to Mar 28

Painting With Water-Mixable Oils; Series of 3, March 2026

Instructor Artists: Paul & Rita LeDuc

Maximum class size: 12

Cost: Registrants are requested to bring with them a nonperishable food item or donation for the local food shelf.

Classes are open to both beginners and advancing artists and are progressively taught to help build new skills during each successive class. Three series of classes are planned, January (details noted above), followed by March 14, 21 and 28. Individualized help is provided by the instructors. Registrants will learn how to compose and develop a new landscape painting of personal choice during each monthly series and will have the opportunity to participate in a 2026 public reception and group gallery show featuring their artworks after the winter series of classes have ended.

Necessary painting materials are provided for use during classroom hours. Advancing artists are welcome to bring their own preferred color palette tubes of water-mixable oils, brushes, and painting supports, but should label them and take them home at the close of each class period. Interested beginning artists are requested to bring writing materials (paper or notebook, pencil, or pen) to class and will learn recommended supplies to purchase for use beyond the classroom.

Send an email to director@chatfieldcfa.com to register.

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Dodge County, Incorporated: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America part of the Lifelong Learning Series
Apr
9
3:00 PM15:00

Dodge County, Incorporated: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America part of the Lifelong Learning Series

Sonja Trom Eayrs, author of Dodge County, Incorporated: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America, is a farmer’s daughter, rural advocate, and attorney. She provides a riveting insider’s account detailing how American livestock farming has been wrestled from small family farmers and transformed into corporate control of meat production and pricing. Sonja is involved in several rural advocacy organizations, including the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project, Farm Action, Land Stewardship Project, and Dodge County Concerned Citizens. Trom Eayrs also serves as the business manager for the Trom family farm in Dodge County, Minnesota

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The Continuing Search for Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed L-10E part of the Lifelong Learning Series
Apr
16
3:00 PM15:00

The Continuing Search for Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed L-10E part of the Lifelong Learning Series

“The Continuing Search for Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed L-10E” by local resident Tom Vinson. This presentation will cover a brief background of Amelia Earhart; what she was attempting to accomplish; the events leading to her disappearance in 1937; as well as the role of Rockwell Collins and the Collins Amateur Radio Club has played in both engineering analysis of Earhart’s last communications and STEM support to Nauticos LLC’s deep ocean SONAR expeditions. Sea floor images from their SONAR expeditionswill also be shown. Tom worked as an engineer for Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace) for 33 years. After retirement Tom and his wife moved to Chatfield Minnesota in 2010. In 1999 Tom became the Team Lead for the Amelia Earhart discovery project for the Collins Amateur Radio Club. Rockwell Collins supported Tom on two deep water SONAR searches for the Nauticos Earhart Discovery Project. He has provided dozens of Earhart Search STEM presentations to local schools, civic and professional organizations, and numerous amateur radio clubs. Nauticos is in the process of fund raising for a fourth expedition to the Pacific. Tom is an avid amateur radio hobbyist and enjoys the outdoors through biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing, XC skiing, and snowshoeing.

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13,000 years of Adaptation: Precontact Native Americans in Southern Minnesota part of the Lifelong Learning Series
Apr
23
3:00 PM15:00

13,000 years of Adaptation: Precontact Native Americans in Southern Minnesota part of the Lifelong Learning Series

13,000 years of Adaptation: Precontact Native Americans in Southern Minnesota with a focus on Oneata cultures who lived in the Lacrosse Area. These tribes were part of the people visiting Grand Meadow Chert Quarry. Dr. Arzigian retired from University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse, where she was a professor of Archeology and Anthropology. She is a senior researcher at the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center.

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 ✨ Self-Love Sound Bath
Feb
21
10:00 AM10:00

✨ Self-Love Sound Bath

✨ Self-Love Sound Bath

Saturday, February 21 | 10:00–11:30 AM

📍 Chatfield Center for the Arts

🎟 $35 | All ticket sales are final

In a world that constantly asks you to do more, be more, and hold more…

this is your invitation to come back home to yourself.

Self-Love Sound Bath is a gentle, beginner-friendly experience designed to help you slow down, soften your body, and reconnect with the part of you that deserves care, compassion, and rest.

We’ll begin with a short, grounding check-in and a few simple self-love journaling prompts to help you reflect on where you’ve been, how you’ve been treating yourself, and what your heart truly needs right now. No writing experience needed — just a willingness to be honest and kind with yourself.

From there, you’ll settle in comfortably on your mat for a soul-nourishing sound bath.

Using crystal singing bowls, chimes, drum, and intuitive sound, you’ll be guided into a deeply relaxed state where the nervous system can unwind and the mind can quiet. Sound works gently but powerfully, helping to release stress, soften emotional tension, and create space for healing from the inside out.

This class is perfect if you are:

• New to sound healing and curious to try it

• Feeling emotionally tender or overwhelmed

• Wanting to cultivate more self-compassion

• Ready to slow down and care for yourself more intentionally

• Craving rest, clarity, and nervous system support

No experience is needed.

You don’t have to meditate perfectly.

You don’t have to “do” anything at all.

Just come as you are.

🧘‍♀️ What to bring:

Yoga mat, pillow, blanket, water, journal & pen.

Dress in comfortable layers — the body cools down during deep relaxation.

This is not about fixing yourself. This is about remembering you are already worthy of love, rest, and gentleness.

Reserve Your Spot today!

Pause. Breathe. Receive. You deserve it.

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Painting With Water-Mixable Oils; Series of 3, February
Feb
14
to Feb 28

Painting With Water-Mixable Oils; Series of 3, February

Instructor Artists: Paul & Rita LeDuc

Maximum class size: 12

Cost: Registrants are requested to bring with them a nonperishable food item or donation for the local food shelf.

Classes are open to both beginners and advancing artists and are progressively taught to help build new skills during each successive class. Three series of classes are planned, January (details noted above), followed by February 14, 21, 28. Individualized help is provided by the instructors. Registrants will learn how to compose and develop a new landscape painting of personal choice during each monthly series and will have the opportunity to participate in a 2026 public reception and group gallery show featuring their artworks after the winter series of classes have ended.

Necessary painting materials are provided for use during classroom hours. Advancing artists are welcome to bring their own preferred color palette tubes of water-mixable oils, brushes, and painting supports, but should label them and take them home at the close of each class period. Interested beginning artists are requested to bring writing materials (paper or notebook, pencil, or pen) to class and will learn recommended supplies to purchase for use beyond the classroom.

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Through My Eyes featuring George Thompson; part of the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series
Nov
6
3:00 PM15:00

Through My Eyes featuring George Thompson; part of the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series

George Thompson “Through My Eyes”

george grew up in saint louis and moved to rochester in 1968, during tumultuous years of the civil rights movement, to work at ibm. at the time, george was one of very few black men in the region. over 55 years later, george has many stories from decades of his life and leadership in southeastern minnesota, where he has alwayssought to serve and to create community.

george believes that when we understand each other and our differences, we have the best foundation for a strong community. His presentation, “an hour in my shoes”, will explore his experiences as a black husband, father, friend, businessman, and leader in southeastern minnesota. He will offer stories and perspectives as a truly remarkable family man, neighbor, and leader.

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Prioritizing and Preserving Prairies part of the Lifelong learning lecture serie
Oct
30
3:00 PM15:00

Prioritizing and Preserving Prairies part of the Lifelong learning lecture serie

Presented by Stephen Winter, a Certified Wildlife Biologist with The Wildlife Society and a board member of The Prairie Enthusiasts.

In 1908, Minnesota had 18 million acres of native prairie; approximately 1 percent of Minnesota’s native prairie remains. Why is this important? In this discussion, you will learn about remanent and reconstructed prairies and the importance of prairies relative to Southeastern Mn ecology and agricultural economy. You will learn how to plan and establish prairie plantings on your site and the importance of plant diversity in your prairie plan.

Following this presentation,  Carla Gallina will premier her metal art, Prairie Dances, at an Artists reception in the 1916 Gallery at the Chatfield Center for the Arts.   This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

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What Makes a Song? part of the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series
Oct
23
3:00 PM15:00

What Makes a Song? part of the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series

Oliver Books: What Makes a Song?

Communication through music is a tradition nearly as old as humanity, but just like having a conversation, there are guidelines to effective and meaningful expression through song. In this presentation, we’ll explore, in broad strokes, how music can create a meaningful framework for storytelling, and how lyricism can help (or hinder) communicating ideas and emotions. 

Oliver will stay and perform at the Ghost Light Lounge at 7 PM on 10/23/25

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 Sound Bath + Intention Setting for the New Moon
Oct
21
6:30 PM18:30

Sound Bath + Intention Setting for the New Moon

The New Moon is a powerful time for fresh starts, planting seeds, and calling in what you most desire for the month ahead. This is the moment to slow down, tune in, and align your energy with the new cycle that’s beginning.

In this special evening, we will:
Explore the energy and meaning of the October New Moon
Journal to clarify and set your personal intentions for this lunar cycle
Immerse in a beautiful, powerful sound bath with crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, drum, and other healing instruments—infusing your intentions with vibrational energy to help them take root

No prior experience is needed—just bring your open heart and your willingness to receive.

What to Bring:

  • Yoga mat, blanket, and pillow for comfort

  • Water

  • Your favorite journal and pen

  • dress comfy & in layers

Exchange: $30 in advance | $40 at the door
Reserve Your Spot: 

Come ready to release the old, welcome the new, and leave feeling grounded, inspired, and aligned. 

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Climate Change part of the Lifelong Learning Series
Oct
16
3:00 PM15:00

Climate Change part of the Lifelong Learning Series

Steve Troutman “ Climate Change “

This fact-based presentation describes the projected impacts of climate change, on the world, the us, and on minnesota. specific impacts on surface temperatures, weather, agriculture, and ecology are discussed. also addressed is why the public debate continues about climate change, despite the overwhelming evidence that global warming is real and accurately predicted by climate science.

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Trauma and Resilience in Education part of the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series
Oct
9
3:30 PM15:30

Trauma and Resilience in Education part of the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series

Noah Grant presents Trauma and Resilience in Education: Learn how trauma shapes behavior and learning, and discover strategies that help students and educators grow through adversity.

Note this talk starts at 330 PM

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Kick off to the Fall Lifelong Learning lecture series: Abolitionists of Southeast Minnesota
Oct
2
3:00 PM15:00

Kick off to the Fall Lifelong Learning lecture series: Abolitionists of Southeast Minnesota

Presented by Sara Grover:

In the decades leading up to the U.S. Civil War, abolitionists from eastern states migrated westward to thwart the expansion of slavery into the “free” territory. Abolitionists were among the early American settlers arriving in Minnesota in the 1850s. Some were considered radical for their time and had been involved in the Underground Railroad before settling here.

Sara Holger will share stories she has gathered through oral history interviews with descendants of abolitionists who called southeast Minnesota home before slavery was abolished in America. 

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Fall Solstice Sound Bath + Journaling
Sep
23
6:30 PM18:30

Fall Solstice Sound Bath + Journaling

The Fall Solstice marks a powerful turning point—a moment of balance between light and dark, summer’s energy and winter’s quiet. It’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set new intentions for the season ahead.

In this special evening, we’ll:
Explore the meaning and energy of the Fall Solstice
Journal on what we’re ready to release and what we wish to welcome in
Immerse ourselves in a soothing sound bath with crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, drum, and more—allowing the vibrations to help integrate and anchor our intentions

No experience is needed—just bring your open heart.
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, water, and your favorite journal and pen.

Exchange: $30 in advance | $40 at the door
Reserve your spot: 

Come as you are, leave lighter, clearer, and ready to move into the next season with intention.

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Sacred Flames: Release & Rise through a Fire Ceremony & Sound Healing
Aug
5
6:30 PM18:30

Sacred Flames: Release & Rise through a Fire Ceremony & Sound Healing

Under the illuminating energy of the Full Moon, we gather in sacred circle to release what no longer serves and rise into the next version of ourselves.

Join Maria with MVR Healing for a deeply healing evening that blends ancient ritual with the powerful medicine of sound. We’ll begin by exploring the energy of the Full Moon and how this lunar phase invites us to surrender, let go, and shed emotional and energetic layers. Through guided journaling, you’ll connect with what needs to be released—old stories, stuck emotions, or limiting beliefs. We’ll then move outside (weather permitting) for a fire ceremony, where you’ll safely burn your written intentions and offer them to the Sacred Flames as a symbol of your readiness to rise.
We’ll complete the evening with a restorative Sound Healing session to soothe your nervous system, integrate the shifts, and realign you with your highest path. The vibrations of crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, drum, and other instruments will support deep rest, clarity, and inner peace. 
Please bring: a yoga mat, pillow, blanket, journal, pen, and water. Dress in comfy layers.as our body tends to cool down after laying stil. Let this be your invitation to return to yourself—to clear the emotional clutter and make space for your soul to breathe again. 

Pre-registration is highly encouraged, these classes are selling out. Cost to pre-register is $30, cost at the Door or Day of is $40.00

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New Moon Magic: Intentional Healing through Journaling & Sound
Jul
22
6:30 PM18:30

New Moon Magic: Intentional Healing through Journaling & Sound

Join me for a beautiful evening of healing under the New Moon—a sacred time to plant seeds of intention and invite in fresh beginnings.

We'll begin by exploring the energy of the New Moon—what it means, how to align with its potential, and why this phase is so powerful for setting intentions. From there, we’ll drop into reflective journaling to clarify the goals, dreams, and inner shifts you want to call in.

Once your intentions are written, we’ll seal them in with a deeply restorative Sound Healing session using crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, chimes, drum, and more. Sound Healing helps relax the nervous system, balance the chakras, and elevate your vibration so your intentions can be received by the Universe with clarity and heart.

 Please bring: a yoga mat, pillow, blanket, journal, pen, and water. Dress in comfy layers so you can relax and fully drop in.

Let this New Moon be your reset—a night to slow down, realign, and step into your next chapter with intention and grace. 

About Your Guide:

Maria Voorhees-Reincke is an intuitive energy healer, certified sound healing practitioner, and Reiki Master with a heart for helping others reclaim their peace after trauma, burnout, or emotional overwhelm. Her work blends ancient sound healing practices with deep energetic intuition to create sacred spaces where transformation can gently unfold. Through her own journey of healing from abuse and trauma, Maria discovered the power of sound as a pathway back to safety, softness, and self-worth.

Tuesday, July 22nd | 6:30–8:00 PM Pre-registration is highly encouraged, cost for pre-registration is $30 Same day or at the door cost is $40 

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