OCTOBER 2025
Author and Musician Douglas Wood Headlines Annual Harvest Dinner
I’ve always thought of October in Minnesota as a “bridge” month between summer and the beginning of winter – not too hot and not too cold. And it’s the colorful month in which the great outdoors really shows off. This month the LIFE program has two wonderful events to take us away from our Zoom meetings and give us an opportunity to meet and eat together as part of the program.
First is the annual Harvest Dinner that will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23rd at the Empire Event Center. Enjoy a delicious meal, uplifting entertainment, and the company of fellow LIFE supporters – all while helping us kick off our annual fundraising campaign that is necessary to sustain the program that means so much to all of us.
We are honored to welcome Douglas Wood, author, illustrator, musician, naturalist and wilderness guide: “Minnesota’s renaissance man.” A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, Wood will share captivating stories and insights drawn from his rich life experiences that are sure to leave you inspired.
He is the creator of classic children’s books such as Old Turtle and A Quiet Place. He publishes critically acclaimed adult titles such as Deep Woods, Wild Waters and Paddle Whispers. Each year, he visits countless schools, motivating students and teachers alike with his story of going from the “worst reader in the class” who struggled with ADHD and dyslexia, to becoming an international best-selling author.
Doors will open at 5:30 pm with dinner served at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $59 for LIFE members or $69 for non-members and can be purchased online through the LIFE Program’s website. The Empire Event Center is conveniently attached to the Best Western Hotel at 1517 16th Street SW with ample parking in the adjacent lot. Registration deadline is October 14. Your attendance at this event will directly support our ability to continue offering the high-quality speakers and enriching experiences we have all come to value. Hope to see you there.
Pixy Russell LIFE Advisory Board Member