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August 3, 2009

Speakers lined up for Lifelong Learners

By Robb Murray

MANKATO — Three diverse speakers will headline a series free public forums sponsored by Mankato Area Lifelong Learners.

Perhaps the best-known among them is Jim Klobuchar, former sports reporter and columnist for the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, who will talk about his experience raising a daughter who would one day become a U.S. senator.

Newly hired Mankato Area Public Schools Supt. Sheri Allen is also scheduled to speak. As is former Luther College professor John Christianson, who will show and discuss the film “The Moving Earth,” which was based on his book “On Tycho’s Island.”

Joe Hogan, president of Mankato Area Lifelong Learners, said he’s excited about the upcoming lectures, and he wants everyone to know they’re free and open to the public.

“This is not an age-related series,” Hogan said.

The first talk will be by Christianson, who Hogan says has been knighted by the king of Norway. It will be interesting to hear his discussion of science versus religion — what are the underpinnings, where do the two mesh, why are we here and what role does science play?

Klobuchar, to many in the group of mostly seniors, was a well-known writer from the Minneapolis paper. He’s a well-traveled speaker in the Minnesota, but he usually talks about his career and exploits. This time he’ll talk about his daughter, Amy Klobuchar, the popular senior senator who defeated Mark Kennedy in the 2006 elections.

And Sheri Allen, the plain-spoken replacement for longtime Supt. Ed Waltman, likely will focus on the ways the district is teaming up with seniors and the direction of the school district.

Mankato Area Lifelong Learners is the relatively new name for the group that used to be called MSU for Seniors. The group has about 500 names on its membership list, but about 350 of those actively participate.

The organization requires a $10 annual fee, and then a $25 fee per quarter to take courses — whether you sign up for one or five courses, the fee remains just $25. Mankato Area Lifelong Learners typically offers between 12 and 16 courses each quarter.

They also attend field trips throughout the year to such places as the Guthrie Theater, the Minnesota Zoo and symphonies in the Twin Cities.

These upcoming lectures were made possible in part by a $2,500 grant from the Mankato Area Foundation.

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