MANKATO —The Mankato Area Lifelong Learners 30th anniversary event brought familiar faces, intellectual dialogue and food for thought to its members Friday afternoon.
Lifelong Learners, an organization dedicated to bringing vitality to folks in their later years through social and learning events, celebrated its 30th anniversary at Pioneer bank. The event brought both current members and past founders together.
The organization kicked off with remarks from president Barbara Keating, who shined light on the founders who formed the Mankato group back in 1995. She said the organization’s connectedness to the community is what allows the group to thrive.
“Mankato is not only a great place to learn, it is also a good place to grow old,” Keating said.
Al Wartman, one of the founders who attended the event, said he is glad the group he helped create remains active.
“ I think it’s important that they’ve kept going,” Wartman said. “It’s important to learn for your whole life long.”
Wartman, 90, hasn’t been active in the group for quite some time. However, he still found time to swing by the anniversary event to take a walk down memory lane.
“I just came by to see old friends and see how the group is doing,” he said. “It’s alive and well.”
After the founders spotlight, James Fleming, former chief public defender for the Fifth Judicial District based in Mankato, delivered a presentation titled “A retelling of the Dakota Wars of 1862.”
Before he began, Fleming thanked the members for the opportunity to talk about his passion with them.
“There is a very special spot in my heart for Mankato and you all,” Fleming said.
The presentation about the country’s past inspired lively discussion among members. Some pressed Fleming directly for more details regarding the war, while others conversed amongst themselves.
The event attracted about 80 people, roughly one-third of the organization’s membership base. Even with about 220 members, Keating said the group still needs more to continue to exist.
“ We had 250 people before COVID, but we lost 100. We’re deficit spending,” Keating said. “ You can’t do that forever. When we run out of money, we close down.”
Even with a lower number of members, Keating said she is still happy with the opportunities Mankato Area Lifelong Learners provides to an older generation. She said she believes the original founders’ tradition of flexibility for members helps sustain the organization’s vigor.
“ I’m so proud of us,” she said. “ One of the things the founders really started is being adaptable.”