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Finland’s going to celebrate its 100th birthday later this year, and what better present than to learn to speak their language? Or, how about learning a traditional Finnish handcraft or exploring modern-day Finland?
Answers to any or all of these questions can be found by enrolling in a community enrichment class through Finlandia University’s Finnish American Heritage Center. Classes get under way in early October, and provide folks with a casual and engaging atmosphere in which to develop new skills.
The enrollment fee for any class is $50 per student. Advance registration is encouraged, and can be accomplished by calling (906) 487-7549. First-day on-site registrations will be accepted. All classes will take place at the Finnish American Heritage Center.
Beginning Wednesday, October 4 at 5:30 p.m., Tiina Sakari of Atlantic Mine will lead a Finnish I course. The class will meet for eight weeks, for about an hour and a half each session. The class is appropriate for people with no Finnish language experience at all, or those with minimal background in Finnish.
Also on Wednesdays, beginning October 4 at 5:30 p.m.., Finland native and Copper Country resident Anna Leppanen will instruct the Finnish II course. Designed for people with some skill in the language, this class will enable participants to expand their vocabulary and work toward conversational skills. This course will also be eight weeks, for about an hour and a half each session.
There’s more than just language being taught at the Heritage Center this fall. For the first time ever, the FAHC will offer a Beginning Spinning course. Jeanne Medlyn, a longtime and well-versed fiber artist, will share her skills in classes that get under way at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3. Students do not need their own spindle or spinning wheel, though some other materials could require an additional fee.
The FAHC is also offering a seminar by Finlandia University adjunct English instructor Marlene Broemer. Titled “Finland in the 21st Century,” this seminar’s eight sessions will cover various aspects of the contemporary Finnish, including the economy, culture, sports, art and design, religion, education and more.
Each session will cover several of these areas. There will be a lecture or presentation of new materials with time for discussion. The seminars will be conducted in English, although some Finnish language will be presented.
For further information about these classes, or any FAHC programming, call 487-7549.
