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

Upcoming events

    • Sun, October 05, 2025
    • 12:01 AM
    • Sun, April 05, 2026
    • 11:59 PM
    • Hybrid, Online and in-person (TBD)
    • 17

    REGISTRATION FOR THIS CLASS HAS CLOSED.
    If you have any questions email the instructor, Dena Smith, at dsmith10@ncmich.edu

    Hybrid EMS Instructor-Coordinator Course

    Initial IC Course Admission Criteria:

    • 3 Years field experience at any level--EMR (MFR), EMT, Specialist (AEMT) or Paramedic (This is required to become licensed as a Michigan EMS IC.)
    • Two Letters of Support Are Required.  At least one must be from an active Michigan EMS IC.  The other may be from an EMS Instructor, IC or your public safety employer. (both to be emailed to dsmith10@ncmich.edu no later than OCTOBER 4, 2025)
    REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
      Course Format: Hybrid classroom with required weekly student online activity. Real time in-person online attendance requirement as described below:

      Virtual welcome meeting and learning platform overview (recommended, but optional) via “Zoom” on Wednesday, October 8th at 5 pm EST. Information on how to join will be provided to course registrants in their confirmation email when they register.

      Weekly online course activity (weekly student activity is required)

      • Coursework will include an online orientation to North Central Michigan College’s Learning Management System (Brightspace) and the course syllabus during Week 1. This will give access to future weeks’ information.
      • Weekly content will include learning and lecture material, quiz/exam, discussion and interaction with peers & course instructor(s) and online assignments per course schedule. Optional weekly in-person meetings will occur on Mondays at 4 pm via “Zoom.” (Day of the week may be adjusted based on student needs).

      Required "real time” sessions (online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams)

      • Wednesday, December 10th - 8:30 am - 3:00 pm (students will do a 7-10 minute practice presentation and evaluate peers)

      • Wednesday, January 7th - 8:30 am (tentative) Required MDHHS Presentation

      • Wednesday, January 21st - 8:30 am - 3:00 pm (students will do a 10-15 minute practice presentation and evaluate peers)

      Student Teaching: A minimum of 30 hours of student teaching will be completed by each IC candidate beginning mid-December (contingent on class progress) through April 5, 2026. Each IC Candidate will be responsible to arrange approved teaching experiences and submit paperwork for each session taught. Teaching experience must include both MDHHS-approved EMS CE programs AND Initial EMS Education programs.

      Class Course Dates: October 5, 2025 - April 5, 2026*

      *Course ends with student teaching experience.         

      Cost: $1,510.00 (your non-refundable $50 registration fee goes toward this total)    

      Questions about the program? Contact the instructor, Dena Smith at dsmith10@ncmich.edu

      Note: Your candidacy to take the EMS IC licensing exam to become licensed as a Michigan EMS IC is contingent on the successful completion of the coursework and student teaching in the time periods listed. As with your provider license, a criminal history could negatively affect your ability to obtain an IC license in the State of Michigan.

      • Tue, January 20, 2026
      • Sat, May 16, 2026
      • 40 sessions
      • NCMC Petoskey Campus, 1515 Howard St., Portable D
      • 10
      Registration is closed

      Registration deadline: Midnight • Tuesday, January 6, 2026


      This is a State of Michigan approved Firefighter Academy. At successful completion of this Academy recruits can take the test for State of Michigan certification as Firefighter I and II and Hazardous Materials Operation Responder. This is a non-credit course.

      Course includes:
      - Vehicle Extrication
      - ICS 100, 200, 700 & 800

      Click here for schedule (Subject to change)

      COURSE COST: $700 ($50 non-refundable registration fee will go toward tuition)

      ADDITIONAL COSTS: Student must purchase: Jones and Bartlet Firefighter Skills and Hazardous Materials Response Fifth Edition (PREMIER >Paperback+Premier package), ISBN: 9781284283051 • $119.95 (price is subject to change by supplier). Purchase here

      Questions? Contact instructor below.

      INSTRUCTOR:
      Brian Drayton, EMT-B I/C, Fire Instructor 1
      231-881-5379 • bdrayton1@ncmich.edu

      • Mon, January 26, 2026
      • Mon, March 16, 2026
      • 8 sessions
      • Library Conference rooms 1,2 Alternate location on two dates, please see below.
      • 8
      Register

      In partnership with




      Come join the fun in this popular class!!

      Do you want to help your brain work better?  Are you looking to improve your communication skills, sharpen your mental agility, boost creativity, become more decisive, and reduce stress while building confidence?  This class uses simple, fun, and effective improv games that anyone can play.

      Whether you are new to improv or have years of experience, this is your chance to explore the wonderful world of improvisation.  Learn new skills or strengthen those you already have - all while having fun.  Think of it as recess for adults!

      Dean Tahtinen will guide you through a lively, interactive experience rooted in the joy of "Yes, And."  Come laugh, connect, and discover new ways to think, listen, and play.

      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, he is committed to continuously improving his teaching skills through workshops and attending improv performances around the world.

      Refunds are unavailable within 48 hours of the start date.

        Scholarships to cover class fees are available. To inquire, please call Sarah Hartley at (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.


        • Wed, February 04, 2026
        • Wed, March 18, 2026
        • 7 sessions
        • Online via Zoom
        • 0
        Join waitlist

        Sorry, this class is full. But sign up for the waitlist to be notified of cancellations.

        Reviews from previous Non-Profit classes:

        • "The content was very meaningful and will be very useful in my position as an Executive Director. Scott did an excellent job presenting the information".
        • "Scott Herceg was a great teacher. He was very well prepared and had a lot of information as well as allowing time for questions and comments. Highly recommend this class".

        Are you part of a Board of Directors that has "challenges"?

        Are you a newly elected Board Member or newly hired Executive Director and you are not sure what you are supposed to do?

        Does your organization need to learn how to recruit new people for the future?

        Do you want to make your Non-Profit Organization or Association the best and most high functioning that it can be?

        If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then this class is for you!

        Join Certified Association Executive and Non-Profit Organizational Management Specialist, Scott Herceg, MSML, CAE, as he guides you through the best practices, industry standards and useful experience that have helped him successfully lead award winning, non-profits and membership based organizations for over 20 years.

        Whether you are brand-new to non-profit work, or if you are an experienced veteran, there is something in this series of classes for everyone to take back to their organization that will make it better.


        Sessions 1 & 2 - The 5 M’s of Association Management and Non-Profit Administration©

        Basic Training for anyone (Staff or Volunteer) involved with a Non-Profit Organization or Membership Based Association. Money, Membership, Management, Marketing, and Mission are the building blocks of any non-profit organization or association. Everything your organization does should be based on properly and effectively using these 5 key elements and the best practices that go with them. Understand the 5 M’s and your organization will be successful.


        Session 3 - Board Development and Governance

        Essential for any member of a Board of Directors or Staff of a Non-Profit Organization. Learn what it takes to be an outstanding Board Member or Executive Director of a High Functioning Board. Explore the Do’s and Don’ts of Board Operations and learn how to implement them for your board.


        Session 4 - Budget Development/Management/Growth

        If we are a non-profit organization, that means we aren’t supposed to make any money, right? WRONG! To help your organization and your mission be sustainable into the future, organization leaders need to learn how to build a healthy budget, keep it that way and then grow it. Topics explored include non-profit accounting basics, financial reporting that every board member can read, benchmarks for good budgeting, templates for profitable program and event production, how to plan for the future, and how to properly file your financial reports today


        Session 5 - Membership Growth/Management/Retention

        If your organization is not growing, you are dying! It’s as simple as that…well, sort of. Learn how to evaluate the health of your organization and your programing through membership trends. Explore techniques for gaining new members while engaging your current members in a positive way. It is always easier to keep a member than recruit a new one. This class will dive into the importance of good member relations and how to best keep them engaged and renewing year after year. Topics covered include: value propositions, why join statements, market penetration, quality “onboarding” procedures, new member’s 1st year or aka “I just joined, now what?," membership standards, and legal issues related to membership that could sink your organization if you are not careful.


        Session 6 - Everybody is an Asset

        How to properly use your nominating committee to grow your board strength and your organization's capacity for success. Learn how your organization can get the right people in the right positions, doing the right jobs for the right reasons. Topics include proper nominating committee procedures, how to encourage diversity in thoughts and demographics, why a good orientation for board members and new staff is so important, and the life cycle of a volunteer and staff… do they burn out, flame out, or heroically ride off into the sunset as the credits roll. Also, Staff, Board of Directors, or Committees...just who is responsible for each thing anyway?


        Session 7 - Executive Director & Board Chairperson Coaching

        Whatever the titles are: Executive Director, President, Board Chairperson, Executive Officer or just Leader. The top people, staff and volunteer need to fully understand their role in the organization and why the importance of that role functioning smoothly has a great influence on the rest of the organization's operations. Learn how the roles for the top staff person (Chief Staff Executive) and the top volunteer leader (Chief Elected Officer) work in tandem for the good of the organization but how they also have very different responsibilities. Other topics covered will include preparation for board meetings, agenda building, board management best practices, and how to conduct a smooth flowing board meeting that gets stuff done.

        Registrations are non-refundable within 48 hours of the first session.


        About Scott A. Herceg, MSML, CAE

        Certified Association Executive and Organizational Management Specialist with twenty years Managing and Directing award winning community non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, and membership based professional trade associations across three states.

        As the author of “The 5 M's of Non-Profit Administration and Association Management©”, Scott has used the “5 M’s” as a framework for success throughout his career, by leading organizations to develop the edge they need to take the next step and to bring under-performing or under-developed organizations back to a position of success. Now, with Northern Edge Consulting, he is looking to help many more organizations reach that same outcome.

        Scott’s specific areas of expertise include strategic planning, change management, goal setting and execution, board development, basic training for new professionals, volunteer recruitment and development, membership growth strategies, fundraising techniques, effective budgeting for growth and non-profit industry best practices.

        • Sun, March 01, 2026
        • Sun, March 22, 2026
        • 4 sessions
        • NCMC Campus Portable D
        • 3
        Register


        Turn favorite T-shirts into a meaningful, one-of-a-kind quilt!
        T-Shirt Quilting 101 is a course designed to guide the experienced sewist through the transformation of well-loved garments into a quilt top. You’ll learn how to select shirts, stabilize stretchy materials, design your layout, cut and assemble a quilt top.

        No prior quilting experience is required, however sewing experience is required, this is not a beginning sewing course. Each student must bring and know how to use a sewing machine and have a willingness to be creative. By the end of the course, and with some homework, students will walk away with a completed T-shirt quilt top.

        This class is perfect for: Sentimental stitchers, memory-makers, and anyone ready to upcycle old shirts into something beautiful and lasting.

        Each student will need to provide the following for the first class:

        • 12 T-shirts
        • Scissors & snips
        • Cutting mat, long quilting ruler and rotary cutter if available (instructor will supply several of these for use during class)
        • An apron is helpful to keep threads and string off clothing
        And these additional supplies for the remaining class periods:
        • Sewing machine with power cord and foot pedal
        • Quarter inch foot, if available
        • White or black sewing thread including filled bobbins
        • Iron
        • Pins/clips

        Interfacing and fabric for sashing will be provided and it should be brought to class each session after receiving them from the instructor.

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


         

        Barb Kaye is the owner of Stitches by Barb, LLC, where she offers longarm quilting, custom machine embroidery, and instruction in knitting, crocheting, and sewing. A lifelong crafter, she began exploring fiber arts in childhood and has carried that creative passion through every stage of life. Her teaching style is patient, encouraging, and practical. It is shaped by decades of experience helping others build confidence in new skills.

        Before dedicating herself to the fiber-arts community, Barb spent 40 years as a pediatric physical therapist, retiring in 2020. That background—rooted in precision, problem-solving, and compassionate support—translates naturally into her quilting and teaching approach.

        Barb began quilting five years ago and quickly fell in love with the blend of creativity and technique it offers. She has been longarming since 2022 and continues to expand her repertoire of patterns and styles. In addition to traditional quilts, she has created multiple T-shirt quilts in a variety of formats including classic grids, modern layouts, framed-block designs, and mixed-fabric compositions that preserve the character and memories behind each shirt.

        Through Stitches by Barb, LLC, Barb brings together artistry, craftsmanship, and a genuine love of handmade work—helping students, customers, and fellow crafters bring their ideas to life one stitch at a time.

        If you have questions specifically for the instructor, she can be reached at (313) 618-3445. Please still feel free to contact our department with questions at (231) 348-6613.

        • Tue, March 03, 2026
        • Tue, March 24, 2026
        • 4 sessions
        • NCMC Library
        • 0
        Join waitlist


        Join us for CrocHEY!.....a fun and engaging beginner’s crochet class where you’ll learn the basics of this timeless craft in a relaxed, social setting. Whether you’ve never picked up a hook before or need a refresher, this class will guide you through the essential stitches and techniques to get you started on your crochet journey.

        In this class, you will:

        • Get a grip on how to hold your hook and yarn comfortably
        • Learn the lingo of crochet & begin to read patterns
        • Conquer basic stitches like chain, single crochet, and double crochet
        • Create your first useable project (a dishcloth)
        • Get hands-on guidance and troubleshooting help
        • Connect with fellow beginners in a supportive, creative space

        No experience is necessary—just bring an H crochet hook, one skein (ball) of cotton yarn and one skein of light-colored acrylic yarn along with your enthusiasm and get ready to say, “Hey! I can crochet!”

        Let’s get hooked together at CrocHEY!

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


        Hello! I am Holly Kotz.  I am the owner of HollyDay Confections and 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, baking, reading while lying in my hammock, and find peace in cultivating my flower gardens.


        • Fri, March 06, 2026
        • 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
        • Bear River Trail Head on Lake Street in Petoskey
        • 0
        Join waitlist



        Observing the natural world after dark can be a truly magical experience, as many nocturnal creatures become more active and exhibit fascinating behaviors under the cover of darkness. To fully appreciate and explore this nighttime world, join Nocturnal Excursions, as they take a walking tour on the Bear River trail using night vision goggles. Enjoy a side of Petoskey you may never see with the naked eye. Please note, the goggles weigh approximately 5 pounds. 

        The walking tour will start at 7:30 pm at the Mineral Well picnic shelter on Lake St. across from Petoskey City Hall/Fire Dept. Each participant will be given binocular night vision headgear. The tour will last approximately 1 hour. 

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

        • Sat, March 07, 2026
        • 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
        • NCMC Athletics Ctr Bldg - EMS Room 536
        • 0
        Join waitlist

        Sorry, this class is full but you can join the waitlist to be notified of cancellations.

        BLS Full Provider Course

        The American Heart Association’s BLS course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate breaths and ventilations, and provide early use of an AED. The course reflects science and education from the 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).

        Who should take this course?

        The BLS Provider Course is designed for healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, EMTs, therapists) and first responders (police, firefighters) who need to know how to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in-hospital and out-of-hospital settings.

        Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion eCard, valid for two years. Please contact your employer to ensure that you are selecting the correct course.

        What does this course teach?

        • High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
        • BLS concepts from the Chain of Survival
        • Delivering effective breaths or ventilations
        • Importance of early use of and how to use an AED
        • Performance as an effective team member during multirescuer CPR
        • Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults, children, and infants

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


        Megan Mainland is an Adjunct Faculty member of North Central Michigan College that has been teaching CPR for over 15 years. She currently monitors other instructors to assure their skills are up to date.

        • Sat, March 07, 2026
        • Sat, May 09, 2026
        • 3 sessions
        • NCMC - Library Conference Center
        • 25
        Register

        Sponsored by the Little Traverse Bay Beekeepers Guild


        This is an introductory class suited for those interested in keeping bees or those just interested in honey and honey bees. Two in class and one field session

        March 7 topics will include;

        The historic and current state of the bee industry and what it is like to keep bees

        • A demonstration of various equipment types and materials used in beekeeping
        • Basic bee biology
        • How to maintain a bee colony

        March 14 topics will include;

        • Honey- tasting, benefits and myths, harvesting honey and other bee products
        • Overwintering bees in Northern Michigan
        • Making queens and growing your apiary

        May 9, 1-2:30 pm; Field experience at Forest Apiaries

        We will open and inspect various hives and demonstrate some management techniques. Protective bee wear is mandatory for this session.

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

        • Mon, March 09, 2026
        • Mon, March 30, 2026
        • 4 sessions
        • NCMC Library Teal Room
        • 7
        Register

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        Have you learned basic knitting, but now need help reading patterns, doing new stitches, or just want someone to hold your hand and guide you through the next steps of knitting?  This is the class for you!

        Bring whatever you are working on, or want to work on, and Kelly will help you in a low pressure, relaxed knitting class. Ages 13+

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


        A Petoskey native, Kelly Shively was born and raised on a farm east of town. Growing up with a knitting mother, she was introduced to the craft at an early age. It didn’t take. Later in life, when she became the mother of three lovely little girls, she picked up the needles again, and this time it was a success. Now a knitter and spinner of 30+ years, she finds great peace and fulfillment in these crafts. She loves to teach, and feels like teaching helps keep her own excitement and love of these crafts refreshed. Kelly has taught many northern Michigan women (and men!) to knit and spin, and hopes to continue doing so. Her philosophy tends more toward relaxation and enjoyment, rather than a black and white Strict Rules philosophy. “There are a lot of ways of doing this,” she’ll often say. “Find the way that fits you and brings you joy, and stick with it.

        • Mon, March 09, 2026
        • Mon, March 30, 2026
        • 4 sessions
        • NCMC Library Classroom Teal Room
        • 0
        Join waitlist


        This is a very low pressure beginning knitting class with an emphasis on relaxing and enjoying knitting. We will learn to cast on, and make the basic stitches. Then we will use these stitches to make an easy cowl (or scarf if preferred). Knitters-to-be should bring size 10.5 needles and a skein of Chunky weight yarn (120 yds for cowl and 300 yds if choosing the scarf option).


        If you’ve always wanted to learn to knit, now is your chance! Come learn with us! Ages 13+



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


        A Petoskey native, Kelly Shively was born and raised on a farm east of town. Growing up with a knitting mother, she was introduced to the craft at an early age. It didn’t take. Later in life, when she became the mother of three lovely little girls, she picked up the needles again, and this time it was a success. Now a knitter and spinner of 30+ years, she finds great peace and fulfillment in these crafts. She loves to teach, and feels like teaching helps keep her own excitement and love of these crafts refreshed. Kelly has taught many northern Michigan women (and men!) to knit and spin, and hopes to continue doing so. Her philosophy tends more toward relaxation and enjoyment, rather than a black and white Strict Rules philosophy. “There are a lot of ways of doing this,” she’ll often say. “Find the way that fits you and brings you joy, and stick with it.

        • Tue, March 10, 2026
        • Tue, March 24, 2026
        • 3 sessions
        • March 10 library conf 1&2, Borra Bldg Student Commons
        • 1
        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.

        • Thu, March 12, 2026
        • Thu, March 26, 2026
        • 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.

        • Thu, March 19, 2026
        • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
        • Online via Zoom
        Register


        They were women before their time, taking on the romantic, yet dangerous and physically demanding job of tending to the beacons that protected the shoreline. In all, some 40 women have been identified who excelled in this profession over the years — dating back as early as the 1840s and as recent as present day. Nearly 70 images of keepers, their families and their lights make up this presentation. The program includes readings from newspapers and autobiographies.


        Dianna Stampfler has been researching Michigan’s lighthouses for nearly 30 years, specifically inspired by the stories of the heroic and passionate keepers who dedicated their lives to keeping the beacons burning. In 2019, she published her first book – Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouse, followed by Death and Lighthouses on the Great Lakes in 2022. Dianna is a member of the Historical Society of Michigan, Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and Michigan Maritime Museum, among other noted organizations. She founded her company, Promote Michigan, in 2004 and sits on the board of the West Michigan Tourist Association (where she worked when she first discovered her love of lighthouses).

        • Fri, March 20, 2026
        • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
        • NCMC Library Conference Center
        • 2
        Register

        This lecture was rescheduled from an earlier date.

        Laurie and Jeff Dykehouse have tagged more than 2,000 migrating monarch butterflies at the Straits of Mackinac for the past six years using numbered tags provided by the Monarch Watch organization.  Each fall, they capture and tag monarchs that are beginning the long migration south to their winter habitat in the mountains of central Mexico. A few of their tagged butterflies have been recovered at the monarch overwintering preserves in Mexico. This presentation will cover the annual life cycles and fascinating migration of monarchs throughout North America, as well as the process of capturing and tagging monarchs at the Straits of Mackinac. 

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

        Jeff & Laurie Dykhouse

        Jeff worked for the Mackinac State Historic Parks for 36 years and retired in 2020 as their Curator of Natural History. Laurie was a science teacher in the Cheboygan Area Schools for 25 years.

        • Mon, March 23, 2026
        • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
        • Borra Learning Center Rm 122
        • 52
        Register


        Have you ever thought about becoming a weather spotter?
        SKYWARN is a volunteer program of storm spotters that relay real-time weather information to the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service (NWS) encourages anyone with an interest in public service to join the SKYWARN® program. Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned private citizens. Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches and nursing homes or who have a responsibility for protecting others are encouraged to become a spotter. Training is free and typically lasts about 2 hours.

        You'll learn:

        • Basics of thunderstorm development
        • Fundamentals of storm structure
        • Identifying potential severe weather features
        • Information to report
        • How to report information
        • Basic severe weather safety

        Click here for more information about SKYWARN


        This course is in affiliation with Emmet County Emergency Management.

        • Fri, March 27, 2026
        • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
        • NCMC Library Conference Center
        • 52
        Register

        The U. S. Air Force had a massive presence in Michigan's Upper Peninsula for five decades. B-52 bombers, refuelers, fighter-interceptors, surface-to-air missile sites and radar stations were all stationed there. Then, they were gone. Steven Keck will share the fascinating chain of Cold War events close to home that arose from America’s fear of a possible war with the Soviet Union. Steve served 16 years in the U.S. Coast Guard as chief of emergency management for the northern Great Lakes and 24 years in the Air Force involved with tactical air control, presidential airlift planning for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush, and many other duties around the world. He currently serves as the emergency planning and security officer for North Central Michigan College.

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


        Steven Keck

        • Mon, April 06, 2026
        • Fri, May 01, 2026
        • 20 sessions
        • Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office, 1000 Grant St., Charlevoix, MI 49720
        • 23
        Register

        Officers are in high demand.

        It's a great time to begin a new career!


        Classes begin Monday, Apr. 6, 2026

        Registration deadline Friday, March 20, 2026

        The Michigan Sheriffs’ Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC) approved one hundred sixty-hour (160-hour) Local Corrections Officer Academy for correctional personnel supervising inmates in county jails. The Academy is required within one year of hire or for new hires into Sheriff's Office Correctional facilities as a Local Corrections Officer. The Academy is being offered by North Central Michigan College, an approved educational partner. The Academies are conducted by instructors who are certified by the MSCTC.

        Topics covered:

        Booking and Intake
        Correctional Law
        Cultural Diversity
        Custody and Security
        Defensive Tactics
        Ethics
        Fire Safety
        First Aid/CPR/AED
        Interpersonal Communications
        Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
        Prisoner Mental Health, Suicide and Behavior Awareness
        Professionalism
        Report Writing
        Stress Management
        (Comprehensive) Final Examination

        Tuition: $ 1,500.00*

        Location:
        Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office, 1000 Grant St., Charlevoix, MI 49720

        Graduation: May 1, 2026 (same location as classes)

        *This program is eligible for Michigan Works! funding and does not require completion of FAFSA. Reach out to your local agency for assistance. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Rob at rscholey@ncmich.edu

        Questions? Contact:

        ​​Robert Scholey, 
        Corrections Academy Director, Adjunct Criminal Justice Professor
        North Central Michigan College
        1515 Howard St.
        Petoskey, MI 49770
        Phone: 888-298-6605
        rscholey@ncmich.edu

        • Mon, April 06, 2026
        • Sat, April 25, 2026
        • 4 sessions
        • NCMC -Portable D
        • 10
        Register


        In this 3-week music appreciation lecture series and  Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra’s “Violins of Hope” concert attendence, participants will survey the music of Jewish classical composers throughout history and explore the elements of Hebrew folk music traditions that have found their way into classical, popular and jazz styles.

        Each week's lecture will culminate in a discussion of the specific pieces of music to be featured in the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra’s “Violins of Hope” concert. Course registration will include tickets to the Orchestra’s concert on April 25th, 2026. Class will have reserved seats together.  To see concert description Click here.

        April 6th Lecture - A survey of Jewish composers in Western Music

        From Felix Mendelssohn to Gustav Mahler and Arnold Schoenberg; from George Gershwin to Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein; from Irving Berlin to Carole King and Paul Simon, some of our most beloved, innovative and inspirational music has been created by composers raised in the Jewish faith, and steeped in its musical traditions. Participants will listen to and discuss musical excerpts.


        April 13th Lecture - An exploration of Hebrew Musical Traits

        Many musical stylistic characteristics, as well as specific scales, structural forms and genres, such as Klezmer, have Hebraic origins. Course attendees will examine these characteristics through recorded excerpts.


        April 20th Lecture - Violins of Hope 

        The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra concert on April 25th will feature works by Dmitri Shostakovich, Marcus Paus, Noah Bendix-Balgley and John Williams. This lecture will include musical excerpts of the specific works to be performed, with emphasis and musical characteristics and historical context. Familiarity with these pieces’ style and substance will enhance participants’ experience of the upcoming concert, allowing them to more fully enter into the musical worlds conveyed.


        April 25th Performance night - "Violins of Hope"

        (Tickets included in course registration fee) 

        Time:  7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

        Location:

        Great Lakes Center for the Arts

        800 Bay Harbor Dr.

        Petoskey, Michigan

        ***Cancellations are non-refundable within 2 weeks of class start date***



        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.
        • Mon, April 06, 2026
        • Mon, May 04, 2026
        • 5 sessions
        • NCMC - Portable D (behind the Library)
        • 23
        Register


        Have you always wondered what actually happens to the recycling after it is picked up? Tired of defending recycling at the dinner table? This class is your chance to turn curiosity into confidence and impress at your next family gathering. Despite the national news claiming recycling is broken, the truth is in your backyard and at the curb. Recycling is a hyperlocal activity and is working well right here in our community. Find out how, why it matters and your role in its success.

        Emmet County Recycling is offering a FREE Master Recycler class in partnership with the Michigan Recycling Coalition to develop community recycling champions. This course will offer an opportunity to grow your recycling knowledge through classroom education, guest speakers, activities, site tours and volunteerism in your community.

        This course is ideal for community members interested in expansion of their knowledge of recycling, composting, waste reduction and sustainability and can include high schoolers, community members, businesses, and seasoned individuals. There will also be a tour of the Emmet County Pleasantview Drop-Off Center, date/time to be determined.

        Join your fellow community members who support the mission to reduce waste, reuse, recycle and properly dispose of materials to preserve the natural beauty of Northern Michigan.  Age 16+

        To receive your Master Recycler certification, 10 volunteer hours must be completed by September 30, 2026. These hours can come from administering surveys, adopt a drop-site cleanup, tabling events such as farmers markets, event recycling, community presentations, Recycle Village hours at Blissfest (bonus: weekend wristbands available!) or a pre-approved project.


        Noelle Behling joined Emmet County Recycling as Communication & Education Coordinator in 2022. For the ECR program, she manages the website, socials, educational materials, and annual school tours. She blends her knowledge in marketing, customer service experience and passion for recycling to engage her community in sustainable practices. Noelle took charge and learned all things battery recycling in her first year with ECR and began building relationships with community hosts. She is looking forward to what the future holds in technological advancements for battery identification and sorting.

        After graduating from the University of Michigan in 2025, Natalie Gibbons began her career with Emmet County Recycling as an intern. Just a few months later, she was brought on full time as Sustainability and Resources Coordinator and has been serving in that role for the past nine months. In her position, Natalie facilitates tote deliveries, coordinates battery recycling, manages data collection, and supports educational outreach efforts alongside Noelle. An avid home composter, Natalie is especially passionate about organics recycling, zero-waste initiatives, and expanding opportunities for reuse.

        • Tue, April 07, 2026
        • Tue, April 28, 2026
        • 4 sessions
        • Borra Bldg Student Commons
        • 4
        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, 4-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.

        • Tue, April 07, 2026
        • Tue, April 28, 2026
        • 4 sessions
        • NCMC Library
        • 5
        Register


        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

        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 favorite acrylic yarn, your H, I or J 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.  I am the owner of HollyDay Confections and 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, baking, reading while lying in my hammock, and find peace in cultivating my flower gardens.

        • Wed, April 08, 2026
        • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
        • NCMC Natural Area (behind College at the end of Howard St.)
        • 17
        Register


        Sierra LaRose, Certified Herbalist, Wild Harvester, and owner of Bear Earth Herbals, will lead a walk in the woods to learn about wild plants and their properties. This walk will cover plant identification, ethical harvesting, herbal remedy preparation and much more.  Bring a notebook and gear for possible changes in weather.


        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.

        • Thu, April 09, 2026
        • Thu, April 30, 2026
        • 4 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, 4-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