For more local adult education opportunities, please visit the Bay View Association website.

Upcoming events

  • Rock & Roll Through The Decades: History With A Soundtrack!

    • Tue, October 28, 2025
    • Tue, November 25, 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • BLC Rm 122 (Lecture Hall)
    • 32
    Register


    Starting with the 1950's, History With A Soundtrack! presents an overview of rock & roll music one decade at a time, defining "rock and roll" broadly as a family of musical styles. In addition, we will examine the historical origins and evolution of rock and roll music within the context of cultural, social, political, and economic history, elaborating on the pervasiveness and persuasiveness of rock and roll in modern society.

    Beginning with the Blues and proceeding to Rock 'n Roll and some of its roots (R&B, Gospel, Doo-Wop, Country, Rockabilly), we will survey, among others, styles from Soul, Motown, the many "rocks" of the 1960s and 70s (Folk, Psychedelic, Art/Progressive, Heavy, Glam, Punk), Funk and Disco, to more recent trends (Rap, Hip-Hop, Techno). Along the way we will discuss influential "imports" such as Reggae and British Punk and look more closely at a few exceptional artists.

    Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of this event.


    Erick Haight
    After a brief tenure as an adjunct professor at Kirtland Community College, Erick Haight was hired as the full-time Psychology professor at North Central in the fall of 1998, earning a Master's degree in Experimental Social Psychology from Central Michigan University. In 2004, Erick earned a Master's degree in General Humanities from CMU, which sparked the opportunity to teach courses in film, music, and history for North Central.

    A former high school choir boy, Erick worked as a bar/club DJ and at various record stores around Michigan for over 15 years; in addition, Erick wrote record reviews and artist features for the magazines Alternative Press and Bust. His father and grandfather taught in the Roscommon K-12 systems for decades, and his step-father taught science at KCC for around 30 years, so one could say that teaching remains the family business.

    Show details

  • The Basics of Improv

    • Mon, November 03, 2025
    • Mon, December 15, 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • NCMC Library Conference Room
    • 14
    • 6 registrants
    Register

    In partnership with




    Theatre


    Come join the fun in this popular class!!

    Whether you have 10 years of improv experience or are completely new to the art form, this class is for you! Over the course of 6 weeks, you’ll dive into the core concepts of improvisational theater, with a focus on foundational skills like “Yes, and...”  and  “Follow the Follower.”  These principles won’t just stay in the classroom—they’ll become part of your everyday life!

    Improv is all about connecting with your intuitive self, helping you get out of your head and into the present moment. You won’t be sitting through long lectures; instead, you’ll immerse yourself in the experience through interactive games and exercises.

    In addition to being a ton of fun, improv has been shown to activate the language and creativity centers of the brain, improve brain connectivity, reduce social anxiety, increase confidence, and help manage stress. It’s the perfect way to boost your creativity and embrace the uncertainty of life with confidence and joy.

    Dean Tahtinen has been immersed in the world of improv for the past 20 years, performing with groups such as Second Sundays and the Petoskey Improv Troupe (P.I.T.). His mission is to share the transformative power of improv with as many people as possible. While Dean humbly admits that he may never be the "best" teacher, but he is committed to continuously improving his teaching skills through workshops and attending improv performances around the world.
    *NOTE: No class on Nov. 24th.

      Scholarships to cover class fees are available. To inquire, please call Sarah Hartley (231) 348-6661



      Dean Tahtinen

      In 2002 Dean was introduced to theatre as a co-leading man in play “The Best Man.” Since then, he has been onstage, backstage, and next to the stage as an actor, stage manager, assistant director, and light and sound technician for 15 or more productions. He began his improv journey with the Second Sunday Improv troop that preformed for 7 years on the second Sunday of the month raising funds for non-profit organizations. As the members of Second Sunday left the area, Dean took a couple of years off before forming the Petoskey Improv Troop or PIT that performed for 2 ½ years. He has lead improv after school classes with elementary schools in Petoskey, Alanson and East Jordan. He has provided the basics of improv: "don’t say no....make everyone look better and listen", to various organizations thru staff in-services. Dean's formal training consists of an intensive workshop at Second City Improv in Chicago, and informal training includes hours of research and visiting improv troops in Chicago, Toronto, Denver, Boston, and Melbourne Australia. Dean has a love for bringing the joy and creativity of improv to adults and children.


      Show details

    • Conversational Guitar

      • Mon, November 03, 2025
      • Mon, December 15, 2025
      • 6 sessions
      • NCMC - Iron Horse Cafe Conf. Rm 4
      • 0
      Join waitlist


      This 6-week course is for guitarists seeking an introduction to, and exploration of, the acoustic guitar’s most common role: that of accompaniment to song. Participants will learn basic chords, a variety of strumming styles, and some finger style patterns, using familiar songs as course material, with the goal of achieving a wide enough core knowledge of chords and styles to be able to learn songs quickly and to play them reliably in a group, social, or solo setting. Acoustic guitars are preferred, but electric guitars are welcome. Electric guitarists must provide their own amplifiers. There is a six student minimum and twelve student maximum for this course. Minimum 16 years of age. Note: No class on November 24th.


      Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of this event.



      Owen James is a vocalist, guitarist, pianist and music instructor, with over 30 years of performing and teaching experience. In addition to performing in cafés, clubs and concert halls across the U.S., he has offered private and group lessons in voice, guitar and jazz improvisation. No matter the setting, his chief goals are to educate and inspire those around him, to share the love of music and to create opportunities, through music, for personal growth, self-expression and communication.
      Show details

    • The Fool’s Journey: A Deeper Dive Tarot Workshop

      • Tue, November 04, 2025
      • Tue, December 02, 2025
      • 5 sessions
      • NCMC Borra Learning Center - Room 49B (downstairs)
      • 4


      One of the beautiful aspects of Tarot is that cards can be interpreted singly or as part of a larger story. As the first card of the Tarot, the Fool begins from ground zero and sets out on a journey through life, meeting key individuals and navigating encounters, trials, and lessons along the way to grow in experience and wisdom. The twenty-one remaining cards of the Major Arcana are the key signposts of that life journey; as signposts, they offer us an opportunity to explore deeper storytelling connections between the cards and their applicability to situations we may experience in our own lives.

      Please join us for a series of five interactive, applied workshops that explore in-depth the Fool’s Journey of the Tarot. Folks newer to Tarot are very welcome, though prior exposure to the cards is helpful; at the end of the day, you only need a deck and desire to explore the interpretive possibilities of the Fool’s Journey and their relevance for you.

      Topics explored include symbolic elements of the individual Major Arcana cards and the journey progression between cards; overarching journey stages and transition points; the role of companion cards; and alternate journey structures to expand storytelling possibilities. The workshops are experiential, with plenty of activities to help deepen your comfort with the cards and understanding of this journey through the Major Arcana. While the workshops cover basic principles, comfort comes with practice. For this, optional resources and activities are also offered to help as you independently practice and refine your skills.

      NOTE: You will need access to a Tarot deck for these workshops. Please feel free to bring a deck you have; if you need to acquire one, Inspired Living (Boyne City) and Poetess and Stranger (Petoskey) have a variety of great options.

      Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of this event.

      Sara Glasgow, Ph.D., Dean of Arts and Sciences, NCMC

      Sara has been practicing and sharing her love of Tarot for over thirty years and Norse runes for fifteen years. Through workshops and consultations, she aims to raise awareness of the diverse ways that these systems nurture creativity, meditation, and personal empowerment. She is also a teacher, scholar, and administrator, and has served as the Dean of Arts and Sciences at North Central Michigan College since 2014.

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    • Improv II

      • Wed, November 05, 2025
      • Wed, December 17, 2025
      • 6 sessions
      • NCMC Library Conference Rm; 12th will be in Portable C (Outside of Library)
      • 10
      Register

      In partnership with


      Improv is the form of theatre, often comedy, in which most or all of what is performed is unplanned.  This fun Level 2 improv course is the perfect course for those with some improv experience or for those wanting to refresh their improv fundamentals. The course will explore “long form” improv, more complex settings and solo improv skill. If you want to take your improv skills to the next level this is the class for you.

      By the end of this course, you will have learned the fundamental tools of long form improv through engaging exercises and group game play designed to bolster your soft skills (agreement, active listening, being supportive, etc.) and lay the foundation that will allow you to create without self-judgment.

      A Level 2 course provides a safe environment to explore your creative potential and experience the freedom and joy of improvisational play. It is open to students 16 years or older. NOTE: No class on Nov. 26th.

      Scholarships to cover class fees are available. To inquire, please call Sarah Hartley (231) 348-6661



      Dean Tahtinen

      In 2002 Dean was introduced to theatre as a co-leading man in play “The Best Man.” Since then, he has been onstage, backstage, and next to the stage as an actor, stage manager, assistant director, and light and sound technician for 15 or more productions. He began his improv journey with the Second Sunday Improv troop that preformed for 7 years on the second Sunday of the month raising funds for non-profit organizations. As the members of Second Sunday left the area, Dean took a couple of years off before forming the Petoskey Improv Troop or PIT that performed for 2 ½ years. He has lead improv after school classes with elementary schools in Petoskey, Alanson and East Jordan. He has provided the basics of improv: "don’t say no....make everyone look better and listen", to various organizations thru staff in-services.  Dean's formal training consists of an intensive workshop at Second City Improv in Chicago, and informal training includes hours of research and visiting improv troops in Chicago, Toronto, Denver, Boston, and Melbourne Australia. Dean has a love for bringing the joy and creativity of improv to adults and children.

      Show details

    • Intermediate Crochet

      • Thu, November 06, 2025
      • Thu, November 20, 2025
      • 3 sessions
      • NCMC Library
      • 20

      PLEASE NOTICE:

      Due to unforeseen circumstances, crochet classes have been canceled until further notice. Please read our newsletter and watch for updates.

      Woman hands knitting crochet.Crochet hook

      Ready to level up your crochet game? Welcome to double crocHEY, where we take your basic crochet skills and give them a double dose of fun! If you’ve mastered the slip knot, chain stitch, single crochet, and double crochet (no sweat, right?), then it’s time to move beyond the basics and get your hands into something a little more exciting.

      In this class, you will learn how to:

      • Work in the round
      • Increase and decrease stitches
      • Read those "mystical" patterns that once made you want to scream into your yarn stash
      • Change yarn colors
      • Explore specialty stitches like the shell – no, not the kind you find at the beach, but the ones that will make your projects pop!

      Get ready to challenge yourself, laugh a lot, and maybe even shed a few happy tears when you finally conquer that tricky stitch. So, grab your yarn, your hook, and let’s get crocheting – it's time for double crocHEY!

      Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of this event.


      Hello! I am Holly Kotz, a proud wife & mother of two adult children. I am overjoyed that a little person calls me Grammie. Originally from the Detroit area, I spent many years in Grand Rapids before relocating to Petoskey in 2020, following the path of so many seeking the beauty of northern Michigan. In my leisure time, I indulge in the  art of crochet, am an avid reader, and find peace in cultivating my flower gardens.


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    • Fluent Guitar

      • Thu, November 06, 2025
      • Thu, December 18, 2025
      • 6 sessions
      • NCMC - Iron Horse Cafe Conf. Rm 4
      • 0
      Join waitlist

      This 6-week course is for guitarists seeking to expand on their core guitar knowledge by adding advanced chords and more complex finger style patterns, as well as pertinent scales for single-note melody playing and improvisation. By applying these acquired skills to familiar songs in a variety of genres, attendees will develop further knowledge of the fretboard, expand their known repertoire, and improve their ability to read music—both standard notation and tablature—enabling them to play with confidence in new settings and situations. Acoustic guitars are preferred, but electric guitars are welcome. Electric guitarists must provide their own amplifiers. There is a six student minimum and twelve student maximum for this course. Minimum 16 years of age.


      Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of this event.



      Owen James is a vocalist, guitarist, pianist and music instructor, with over 30 years of performing and teaching experience. In addition to performing in cafés, clubs and concert halls across the U.S., he has offered private and group lessons in voice, guitar and jazz improvisation. No matter the setting, his chief goals are to educate and inspire those around him, to share the love of music and to create opportunities, through music, for personal growth, self-expression and communication.
      Show details

    • Creative Writing: Northern Michigan as Muse

      • Fri, November 07, 2025
      • Fri, December 19, 2025
      • 6 sessions
      • NCMC Borra Bldg Rm 49A
      • 0
      Registration is closed


      Northern Michigan is a strong and steady presence in all manner of creative writing, from poetry to drama to fiction and more.

      In this six week course, we will read models from notable writers in different genres to learn how Northern Michigan has inspired creative writing, as well as work on our own contributions to the literature of the region.

      We’ll read folks like Jack Driscoll, Jim Harrison, Ellen Airgood, Angelina Boulley, and others as we make sense of how the landscape and the inhabitants of this region we call home shape the writing of others. From the flora and fauna to the dialects of the many corners of both the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, as well as the Upper Peninsula we’ll dive into how settings and characters are shaped by our woods, our waters, and our challenges.

      This class is designed for anyone with an interest in reading and writing, but especially those who wish to examine how the landscape and the people of this region impact writers across a spectrum of genres.

      Students should plan to read widely, but also to practice their own ways of infusing the particular sights and sounds of Northern Michigan into creative writing of a variety of genres.

      Students should have a copy of Jack Driscoll’s The Goat Fish and the Lover’s Knot for use in class. We will also share other texts most weeks.

      Please note: There will be no class Thanksgiving week

      **Refunds are unavailable for cancellations made within 48 hours of the class**


      Glen Young is the author, most recently, of "Four Seasons of Mackinac Island," in addition to more than 500 essays on books and reading. He is Associate Editor of Walloon Writers Review, as well as a co-director of Top of the Mitt Writing Project. His poetry and essays have appeared in regional and national publications. He holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Marygrove College. He is a National Writing Project fellow, and has earned grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, as well as the IREX/Fulbright International Teacher Exchange Program. He is a ski instructor and a kayak guide, and divides his time between Petoskey and Mackinac Island.

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    • French Conversation and Culture II

      • Thu, November 13, 2025
      • Thu, December 18, 2025
      • 5 sessions
      • NCMC Borra Learning Center Bldg Rm# 49B
      • 15


      French Conversation and Culture II continues where the first class left off. The class will refocus on themes but through varying verb tenses, based upon given vocabulary lists and topics. Each tense will be explained and practiced, applied through simple conversations/activities/short readings, It is suggested that students bring a laptop to visit some practice sites in class that will help enrich their experiences.

      If you hope to travel to a French speaking country sometime soon, this class will be a fun way to practice conversational French.

      Week One: Present tense encompassing pillar iregular verbs, using the Olympics in Paris as our vocabulary base.

      Week Two: Future and future simple tenses. Activity based upon speaking of our futures as we may best predict.

      Week Three: Using learned information from the previous weeks classes to apply to free questioning and responding. We will treat this class as a time to mingle along with wine samples/cheese/and various other treats.

      Week Four: Past tense with avoir and etre - storytelling.

      Week Five: Examined through poetry, past tense with imperfect uses/and special applications.

      **Refunds are unavailable for cancellations made within 48 hours of the class**


      Susan Baker-Smith is an instructor who has been differentiating the learning of French for all ages for over 30 years, and has completed expansive travel in France (and many other countries throughout the world) with students and adults alike.


      Show details

    • Latin Dance Series

      • Thu, November 13, 2025
      • Thu, April 09, 2026
      • 6 sessions
      • NCMC Iron Horse Cafe
      • 0
      Join waitlist


      Join us each month for an exciting opportunity to dance to vibrant Latin rhythms! Each session kicks off with a fun, easy-to-follow lesson, followed by plenty of music to dance to, including Merengue, Salsa, and Bachata. It’s the perfect chance to dress up, learn some fresh moves, and enjoy a night of dancing. These are partner dances, so we recommend signing up with a dance partner.


      Refunds are unavailable within 48hrs of this class.

      Instructors Dirk and Megan Esterline have been dance partners for over 15 years. Dirk is a Spanish professor at North Central Michigan College, with more than 30 years of teaching experience. He honed his dance skills while studying in the Dominican Republic and Chile. Megan is a massage therapist who learned her Salsa while traveling through Mexico and Spain.

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    • Indoor Tai Chi in the Morning

      • Wed, November 19, 2025
      • Wed, December 17, 2025
      • 5 sessions
      • NCMC Library Conference Room
      • 0
      Join waitlist


      Tai Chi originated as an ancient martial art in China. Over the years, it has become more focused on health promotion and rehabilitation.  It is a practice that involves a series of slow gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. 


      Tai Chi and chronic pain:

      Research shows that Tai Chi can help with chronic pain, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and tension headaches. Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that can improve muscle strength and joint flexibility.

      Tai Chi and memory:

      Studies have shown Tai Chi improves memory and brain health. The Internation Institute of Tai Chi Health has merged medical research and traditional Chinese medicine to create this program. Tai Chi for Memory is especially useful for people with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and similar conditions. It is also designed to prevent these conditions.

      Caring for people with memory loss is challenging for family: the mind body program engages everyone for a quality time together. It will improve most aspects of health including balance, immunity and relaxation and can be practiced and enjoyed by anyone.

      Tai Chi and Diabetes:

      The Tai Chi for Diabetes program was developed to prevent and improve the control of diabetes. It incorporates medical research and traditional Chinese medicine to make Tai Chi sager, more effective and accessible.

      The program has helped many people with and without diabetes gain better health, improve balance, immunity, relation and quality of life.

      Refunds are unavailable within 48hrs of this class.

      Gretchen Stelter:  Instructor

      Gretchen Stelter is a certified Tai Chi for Health Instructor. Her certification is through the Tai Chi for Health Institute in Australia and the Dr Paul Lam, (MD) program which began in 2005 ( taichiforhealthinstitute.org ). She has been certified since 2012 and recertified every other year, to teach the classes all over the United States and abroad.

      Gretchen teaches classes to those that might be suffering from arthritis, balance issues, Parkinsons, Muscular Dystrophy and for those that want to increase their strength, coordination and over all well-being (mentally and physically).

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    • Indoor Tai Chi in the Morning

      • Wed, November 19, 2025
      • 11:30 AM
      • Wed, December 17, 2025
      • 12:30 PM
      • NCMC Library Conference Room
      • 19
      Register


      Tai Chi originated as an ancient martial art in China. Over the years, it has become more focused on health promotion and rehabilitation.  It is a practice that involves a series of slow gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. 


      Tai Chi and chronic pain:

      Research shows that Tai Chi can help with chronic pain, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and tension headaches. Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that can improve muscle strength and joint flexibility.

      Tai Chi and memory:

      Studies have shown Tai Chi improves memory and brain health. The Internation Institute of Tai Chi Health has merged medical research and traditional Chinese medicine to create this program. Tai Chi for Memory is especially useful for people with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and similar conditions. It is also designed to prevent these conditions.

      Caring for people with memory loss is challenging for family: the mind body program engages everyone for a quality time together. It will improve most aspects of health including balance, immunity and relaxation and can be practiced and enjoyed by anyone.

      Tai Chi and Diabetes:

      The Tai Chi for Diabetes program was developed to prevent and improve the control of diabetes. It incorporates medical research and traditional Chinese medicine to make Tai Chi sager, more effective and accessible.

      The program has helped many people with and without diabetes gain better health, improve balance, immunity, relation and quality of life.

      Refunds are unavailable within 48hrs of this class.

      Gretchen Stelter:  Instructor

      Gretchen Stelter is a certified Tai Chi for Health Instructor. Her certification is through the Tai Chi for Health Institute in Australia and the Dr Paul Lam, (MD) program which began in 2005 ( taichiforhealthinstitute.org ). She has been certified since 2012 and recertified every other year, to teach the classes all over the United States and abroad.

      Gretchen teaches classes to those that might be suffering from arthritis, balance issues, Parkinsons, Muscular Dystrophy and for those that want to increase their strength, coordination and over all well-being (mentally and physically).

      Show details

    • Luncheon Lecture - Human Trafficking

      • Fri, November 21, 2025
      • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
      • NCMC Library Conference Center
      • 10
      Register

      For the past 12 years Keely Frye has been a community outreach educator and advocate for survivors of crime at the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Previously she was a victim witness coordinator for Charlevoix County prosecutor’s office and a foster care specialist. She will review the realities of human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault in our world today. She will also recount the terrible persecution of indigenous people that went on for a century to “kill the Indian to save the man.”

      Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of this event.


      Keely Frye

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    • Expressive Painting for Adults

      • Tue, December 02, 2025
      • Thu, January 15, 2026
      • 6 sessions
      • NCMC - Borra (main building) Rms 18B and 18C
      • 12
      Register


      Unlock your creativity and discover the joy of painting in this relaxed, exploratory class for adults. Students will learn to use color, texture, and composition as tools for personal expression rather than strict realism. Through playful exercises and guided projects, participants will experiment with brushwork, layering, and abstract or impressionistic approaches to create paintings that reflect their unique vision. No experience required—just an open mind and a love of color!

      All levels welcome.

      Supply list: Acrylics, oils or water colors (colors are students choice), Canvas boards/paper, Brushes (small to extra large), palette knives, Rags, spray bottle, palette, sketchbook 

      Optional: mixed media (charcoal, pastel, collage elements)

      There will be no class the week between Christmas and New Year's

      Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of this event.


      Patrick Wise is a full-time painter based in Northern Michigan. 

      He holds a Master’s degree in Painting from Wayne State University and has taught drawing and painting at several colleges in the Detroit area. 

      Inspired by the beauty of Northern Michigan, he encourages creativity and personal expression in his classes.

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    • Gentle Yoga on Tuesday Evenings

      • Tue, December 02, 2025
      • Tue, December 16, 2025
      • 3 sessions
      • Borra Bldg Student Commons
      • 0
      Join waitlist


      Gentle yoga relieves stress, increases flexibility, calms the mind, and strengthens the body. It's performed at a slower pace, with less extreme positions. This one-day a week, 3-week class is designed with gentle floor-based sequences with some standing positions helping you relax the muscles fully, integrating mind, body, and spirit, bringing ease to the breath, and tuning into the nervous system's healing capacity. Yoga is for every BODY - tall, small, big, tiny, young, old, and gender fluid. It truly is a way to move your body for every person on this planet. The purpose of the class is to create a space for all ages, abilities, and body types to move their bodies in a healthy and safe environment. This practice is open to all levels.


      What to bring:  Yoga mat and water bottle


      Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of the start of this class

      Jennifer Lovely

      Jennifer is a recovering healthcare professional. It wasn't until she had her own health issues that she realized the "care" in Healthcare was missing. After 20 years in the industry, Jennifer decided to take the leap into Wellness Coaching. To her it's been the most rewarding career. Seeing people change their lives and experience freedom from within has been a beautiful thing for Jennifer to witness. She's learned a lot throughout her time caring for people this way, learning one consistent thing is that people want to be seen, heard, and truly cared for. As part of overall wellness, knowing that exercise needs to be a key component and that it takes a lot of work to get started from ground zero. If exercise is already part of your life, you are one step closer to having the puzzle pieces fit together for overall health. Yoga offers nurturing, kindness, and compassion for the body, no matter what stage you are at when beginning the practice. Yoga is for every BODY-tall, small, big, tiny, young, old, and gender fluid. It truly is a way to move your body for every person on this planet. Jennifer wants to create a space for all ages, abilities, and body types to move their bodies in a healthy and safe environment. The wonderful thing about changing careers later in life is that Jennifer CHOOSE to be here and help people find their peace and freedom from within.

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    • The Epic Story of the Beach Hotel in Charlevoix

      • Tue, December 02, 2025
      • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
      • Online
      Register


      This program will concentrate on one of Charlevoix’s big three resort hostelries, The Beach Hotel, that was here from 1899 to 1967.  It’s quite an epic story. The Beach quickly grew into one of the most successful businesses ever to be launched in Charlevoix, and by a woman at that, way ahead of her time.  The hotel gained a sterling reputation from coast to coast under her guidance, until it commenced its slow downfall beginning in the 1920s under other hands, which led to foreclosure in the late 1930s. There were several attempts at resuscitation over the following years, until death by demolition and fire in1967, the last of its kind that will never be seen again in Charlevoix.  Plus several good stories along the way. 

      David L. Miles, curator of the Charlevoix Historical Society’s Museum at Harsha House, will be presenting a history of the town’s hotels on Wednesday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. The virtual program includes practically every hotel /major motel that has contributed to Charlevoix’s hospitality industry, with remarkable images from the Historical Society’s collections starting with the Fountain City House, then the first resort association clubhouse days, and up to today. Included will be stories both humorous and hair-raising from an era that vanished in the 1960s, but one that really put Charlevoix on the map over a century.

      Mr. Miles is the recent recipient of two awards from the State of Michigan for his 2020 book Boulders: The Life and Creations of Earl A. Young in Charlevoix, Michigan, a complete illustrated history of Charlevoix’s world-renowned Mushroom Houses, motels, and the Weathervane Inn restaurant building. The Library of Michigan selected it as one of its twenty Michigan-themed Notable Books of the Year, and the Historical Society of Michigan recently granted Boulders a State History Award 2021 in the Books: Private Printing category.


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    • Winter Wellness with Herbs

      • Wed, December 03, 2025
      • Wed, December 17, 2025
      • 3 sessions
      • Health Education and Science Center, Rm 333
      • 4
      Register

      Herbs are the friend of the physician and the pride of cooks ~ Charlemagne

      This three-part series will address some of the biggest challenges of getting through winter and how we can support ourselves and our families through the shortened and colder days, with the help of herbal remedies.

      Week 1:  Exploring herbs for mood and mental wellness

      Week 2:   Covering remedies for immune support

      Week 3:    Uncovering herb and lifestyle hacks for pain and inflammation.

      Participants will learn easy recipes and practices they can incorporate into their lives and will gain clarity on the effectiveness and safety of some of the current popular herbs like St. John’s Wort, Elderberry and Turmeric. 

      Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of this event.


      Growing up in Northern Michigan, Sierra LaRose spent most of her youth in nature exploring, building, tasting and smelling. She developed a deep relationship with the wild and it's many dwellers and by age seven she was determined to move into the forest full time. At sixteen she finally found a way and finished high school a year early to move out into the subtropical forest of Kauai, Hawaii where she spent the majority of the next four years. Every day living out there was truly human for Sierra. Gathering wood and water, plants for food and medicine, and greeting other feral beings were daily events. Sierra's passion for plants and herbalism deepened as she lived closely with the land and learned indigenous ways. Over the years She volunteered on farms and in botanical gardens, and read every plant book she could get her hands on. In 2012 after the birth of her son, Sierra moved back to her home of Northern Michigan and knew it was her destiny to pursue a life in herbal medicine. While starting an eco-friendly cleaning business and working full time cleaning houses, Sierra worked hard to pursue her true passion. She became a certified herbalist and started to develop a product line. By 2015 she transitioned fully from house cleaning to attending five farmers markets a week. Sierra now teaches classes, holds workshops, experiments with techniques in growing and harvesting herbs, develops herbal products, and spreads the word to everyone and anyone willing to learn, hoping to ignite the same passion in others and keep the ancient tradition of herbalism alive. 

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    • Gentle Yoga on Thursday Evenings

      • Thu, December 04, 2025
      • Thu, December 18, 2025
      • 3 sessions
      • Borra Bldg Student Commons
      • 9
      Register


      Gentle yoga relieves stress, increases flexibility, calms the mind, and strengthens the body. It's performed at a slower pace, with less extreme positions. This one-day a week, 3-week class is designed with gentle floor-based sequences with some standing positions helping you relax the muscles fully, integrating mind, body, and spirit, bringing ease to the breath, and tuning into the nervous system's healing capacity. Yoga is for every BODY - tall, small, big, tiny, young, old, and gender fluid. It truly is a way to move your body for every person on this planet. The purpose of the class is to create a space for all ages, abilities, and body types to move their bodies in a healthy and safe environment. This practice is open to all levels.


      What to bring:  Yoga mat and water bottle


      Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of the start of this class

      Jennifer Lovely

      Jennifer is a recovering healthcare professional. It wasn't until she had her own health issues that she realized the "care" in Healthcare was missing. After 20 years in the industry, Jennifer decided to take the leap into Wellness Coaching. To her it's been the most rewarding career. Seeing people change their lives and experience freedom from within has been a beautiful thing for Jennifer to witness. She's learned a lot throughout her time caring for people this way, learning one consistent thing is that people want to be seen, heard, and truly cared for. As part of overall wellness, knowing that exercise needs to be a key component and that it takes a lot of work to get started from ground zero. If exercise is already part of your life, you are one step closer to having the puzzle pieces fit together for overall health. Yoga offers nurturing, kindness, and compassion for the body, no matter what stage you are at when beginning the practice. Yoga is for every BODY-tall, small, big, tiny, young, old, and gender fluid. It truly is a way to move your body for every person on this planet. Jennifer wants to create a space for all ages, abilities, and body types to move their bodies in a healthy and safe environment. The wonderful thing about changing careers later in life is that Jennifer CHOOSE to be here and help people find their peace and freedom from within.

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    • Pause Breathe Proceed: Stress Reduction for Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime

      • Thu, December 04, 2025
      • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
      • NCMC Borra Learning Center Bld - Rm 122
      • 48
      Register

      Three Words, One Habit = Freedom.

      Stress isn’t going anywhere but how you respond to it can change everything.

      In this powerful and interactive session, you’ll learn a simple, science-backed habit that stops stress in its tracks and resets your body and mind in just seconds. Whether you’re a student, parent, leader, or teacher, Pause Breathe Proceed gives you a way to shift from chaos to calm, reaction to response, and burnout to balance, anytime, anywhere.

      You will learn 3 secrets:
      1.  Freedom from Stress, the silent epidemic
      2.  Freedom from the subconscious program that is running your life
      3.  The Freedom solution, three words, one habit.

      This is a tool you can use right after the talk; at work, in class, at home, or in the middle of a heated conversation.

      Join Karen Wright and Kecia Freed for an energizing hour that will leave you clearer, calmer, and more in control of your life than you’ve felt in years. Three words, one habit. A new way of living with a new way of thinking.

      Refunds are unavailable within 48 hours of this class.


      Karen Wright, founder of Pause Breathe Proceed, brings a rare combination of corporate consulting, bodywork, and mindfulness expertise. Her career spans program management at Delco Systems Operations, corporate consulting for Fortune 500 companies, and years of hands-on experience as a licensed massage therapist. Driven by a lifelong desire to help people navigate life’s transitions.


      Kecia Freed  As a seasoned designer and consultant with over 40 years of experience with major brands such as General Mills and Cracker Jack, Kecia brings Pause Breathe Proceed to life. Her passion for creating meaningful strategies and her deep understanding of well-being make her a key partner of the movement. Kecia’s own experience with mindfulness and emotional intelligence, especially how they can positively influence young learners, fuels her dedication to helping others thrive. 

      Together, Karen and Kecia combine business insight, emotional intelligence, and real-world wisdom to make stress reduction simple, practical, and transformative. Their mission is clear: to create a world where we all slow down long enough to choose peace over pressure, compassion over chaos, and intention over reaction.
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    • Storytelling: A Tarot Workshop

      • Tue, December 09, 2025
      • 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
      • NCMC Borra Learning Center - Room 49B (downstairs)
      • 14
      Register


      As we gain comfort with our Tarot cards, one of the ways to put that comfort into practice is through reading. For ourselves, this may involve perhaps a daily card for meditation, or more focused readings to help us problem solve, explore creativity, and the like. Consistent reading also helps us develop even more our comfort with the cards. One of the ways this happens is moving from applying keywords for individual cards we find in books or websites to telling stories across them through their symbols, figures, and scenes—and, as always, with our intuition guiding the way. But how do we make that leap from memorized terms to more fluid storytelling? Join us for an interactive Tarot workshop that offers both strategies and interactive practice to develop those skills. Some basic familiarity with Tarot cards is helpful but is not required. All experience levels are welcome.

      NOTE: You will need access to a Tarot deck for these workshops; a second deck can be helpful but is not necessary. Please feel free to bring a deck you have; if you need to acquire one, Inspired Living (Boyne City) and Poetess and Stranger (Petoskey) have a variety of great options.

      Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of this event.

      Sara Glasgow, Ph.D., Dean of Arts and Sciences, NCMC

      Sara has been practicing and sharing her love of Tarot for over thirty years and Norse runes for fifteen years. Through workshops and consultations, she aims to raise awareness of the diverse ways that these systems nurture creativity, meditation, and personal empowerment. She is also a teacher, scholar, and administrator, and has served as the Dean of Liberal Arts at North Central Michigan College since 2014.

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    • Core Ingredients for Preventing Depression and Depression Relapse

      • Tue, December 09, 2025
      • 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
      • Online Zoom Presentation
      Register


      As the holidays approach and the days grow shorter, many people find themselves bracing for the emotional toll of the season. Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges worldwide, and for those who have experienced it before, the fear of relapse can feel overwhelming.

      In this timely online presentation, clinical psychologist Dr. Lilah Clevey will guide you through practical, evidence-based strategies to help prevent depression and reduce the risk of relapse after depression remission has been achieved.

      Whether you've struggled with depression in the past, are supporting someone who has, or simply want to take a proactive approach to your mental health, this session offers tools, insights, and hope. Learn how to take control of both the biological and behavioral components of depression in order to take control back over your life.


      Dr. Lilah Clevey completed her doctoral training at Eastern Michigan University. As a therapist, she works with adults across the lifespan specializing in trauma, OCD, anxiety, LGBTQ issues, and relationship concerns. She has completed research projects examining the impact of mentors across the lifespan, along with multiple projects examining perceptions of sexual assault survivors. She is passionate about empowering vulnerable populations and improving the ways in which we communicate. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and is passionate about the therapeutic impact of nature.

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    • Luncheon Lecture - Affordable Housing

      • Fri, December 12, 2025
      • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
      • NCMC Library Conference Center
      • 65
      Register

      There is good news in the long search for affordable housing in Emmet County. The 60-unit Lofts at Lumber Square in Petoskey for middle-income workers is nearing completion. The Meadowlands, a 38-unit mixed-income subdivision of modular homes near Alanson, is filling up with new homeowners committed to adding “sweat equity” to their investments. Two other major projects are also well underway: Pine Pond in Bear Creek Township and The Block at Petoskey on the Bear River. David “DJ” Jones, executive director of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation will explain the foundation’s long journey to bring success to the Lofts. Kyle Ulrich of Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity will explain his organization’s strategy to bring affordable new homes to the Meadowlands.

      Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of this event.


      David Jones and Kyle Ulrich

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    • Nationally Certified Wilderness First Aid (SOLO) Course

      • Sat, December 13, 2025
      • 9:00 AM
      • Sun, December 14, 2025
      • 5:00 PM
      • NCMC 1515 Howard St., Petoskey, Athletic Center bldg - main entrance
      • 17
      Register

      WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA)

      This 16-hour Nationally certified wilderness first aid course is open to any outdoor enthusiast in preparation to provide essential first aid in outdoor settings prior to emergency services arrival. This is a SOLO course with a national certification that lasts 2 years. SOLO is a world leader in wilderness medicine,  and this course is designed to prepare participants for the skills and mental preparedness needed to perform first aid in the wilderness.

      The WFA course is an entry-level first aid course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader, avid campers, fishers, hunters, boaters, hikers, Boy Scouts and their leaders, Park Rangers, people involved in missionary work, or anyone who wants to be prepared for time in the wilderness.

      The agenda for this course includes:

      • The approach to the sick or injured patient
      • Patient assessment in the backcountry
      • Managing major blood loss
      • Caring for open wounds
      • Musculoskeletal injuries
      • Major trauma
      • All sorts of commonly seen medical emergencies
      Minimum age: 14 years

      COST: $325*
      *14 day cancellation notice required for refund. Read all policies here.

      INSTRUCTOR: Steve J. Huisman, BAS, NRP, WP-C, Paramedic I/C

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    • Gentle Yoga on Tuesday Evenings

      • Tue, January 06, 2026
      • Tue, January 20, 2026
      • 3 sessions
      • Borra Bldg Student Commons
      • 11
      Register


      Gentle yoga relieves stress, increases flexibility, calms the mind, and strengthens the body. It's performed at a slower pace, with less extreme positions. This one-day a week, 3-week class is designed with gentle floor-based sequences with some standing positions helping you relax the muscles fully, integrating mind, body, and spirit, bringing ease to the breath, and tuning into the nervous system's healing capacity. Yoga is for every BODY - tall, small, big, tiny, young, old, and gender fluid. It truly is a way to move your body for every person on this planet. The purpose of the class is to create a space for all ages, abilities, and body types to move their bodies in a healthy and safe environment. This practice is open to all levels.


      What to bring:  Yoga mat and water bottle


      Cancellations are non-refundable within 48 hours of the start of this class