May 9, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
May 9, 2018
Traverse City’s Oleson family and the NMC Barbecue go together, well, like buffalo burgers and a nice spring day on campus. But many more community volunteers and groups help make the annual picnic under the pines happen every year. In advance of this year’s May 20 Barbecue, we look at a few:
Traverse City Noon Rotary
The noon Rotarians have handled the grill as far back as memory goes.
“I have flipped burgers for 25 years, 30 years, as long as I’ve been in Rotary,” said Sid Lammers. “It builds fellowship in the club.”
Lammers’ Barbecue attendance goes back even further, to when he moved to Traverse City as a boy in 1968. He attended NMC from 1971-72, then transferred to Central Michigan University. He returned to the community to raise a family and run a business. Now, between 15-20 extended family members make it a point to attend the Barbecue every year.
“The event is not to be missed in my family,” Lammers said. “I appreciate the college, I appreciate the Olesons and what they’ve done for it.”
U.S. Coast Guard
Command Master Chief Al Wiltse has only been stationed at Air Station Traverse City for three years, but his predecessor made sure he knew to set aside the third Sunday in May.
“We volunteer because Traverse City is a wonderful community to be stationed in,” Wiltse said. “This is a very highly desirable area for Coast Guard folks. The city treats us magnificently, and it our duty and obligation to give back to the community.”
Working the serving lines, as the Coasties usually do, is fun, too, Wiltse said.
“We always have a blast. It’s a lot of fun. Our spouses and our kids get involved,” he said. “We’re honored to be asked every year.”
Real Estate One
The company has been volunteering for 26 years, said Realtor Clint Wheeler.
“As a real estate company, it’s very important for us to give back to the community and help the community grow,” Wheeler said. “It couldn’t be for a better cause. It’s always been important to be part of it.”
This year, volunteer Realtors Leanne and Lyle Deeren have an extra reason to show up for serving line duty. Daughter Sierra, a Traverse City West High School senior, will enroll this fall in the nursing program.
“I just feel like I have a little bit closer connection to it now, now that my daughter’s going to be there,” Leanne Deeren said. “It’s fun to see so many people gathering to support a great school.”
Zonta
Sporting their signature yellow aprons, 18 Zontans will fill two shifts in the serving lines, dishing out coleslaw, potato salad and of course the buffalo burgers.
“We love seeing the people going through the line and all the happy faces,” said Zonta board member Nancy Brick.
She usually volunteers as a “runner,” notifying the kitchen crew when a serving line is running low.
“The runners all help each other’s lines,” Brick said. “We love participating with other fellow community organizations in line next to us.”
Other groups and clubs with longtime volunteer ties to the Barbecue include the Traverse City Optimists, Kiwanis, Elks, Newcomers, Traverse City State Bank, Hagerty Macy’s and the National Cherry Festival.
May 7, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
NMC’s Student Success Center will be holding two Math Bootcamp sessions this summer, June 18-22 and August 6-10, 9 a.m.-Noon. Math Bootcamp is a five-day intensive math refresher course taught by NMC faculty that helps prepare students for placement testing or their next math class. 70% of students who complete math bootcamp improve their placement an average of 1.5 levels!
Interested students can sign up by contacting the Student Success Center at (231) 995-2134 or studentsuccesscenter@nmc.edu.
May 1, 2018 | Intercom
Read about what our Training Services team is up to including upcoming classes that you may be able to take for free using the tuition reimbursement benefit: https://mailchi.mp/nmc/nmc-training-services-june-2017-newsletter
This month’s topics include the Michigan Lean Consortium’s 8th Annual Conference, connecting workers with autism to competitive jobs, two area companies on the “To Watch List,” upcoming workshops, and more!
Apr 30, 2018 | Intercom
Join Chris Barr Monday, May 7 for a brisk walk around your campus- only a 15 minute commitment!
- 10 a.m.- Parsons Stulen– meet in front of the main entrance to the building
- 12 p.m.- Main Front Street Campus– meet in the lawn in front of Founders Hall
- 1 p.m.- Great Lakes Campus– meet in front of the main entrance to the building
- 2 p.m.- University Center– meet at the front entrance door under the green sign (Business Office, Human Resources, Extended Ed)
Apr 30, 2018 | Intercom
5 Teams with the highest number of steps:
- Cold Cuts and Mayo
- Low Motivation 1 forward 2 back equals 3
- Johnnie Walker Black
- The Walkers
- Running Mammas
5 Individuals with the highest number of steps:
- Jason Smith
- Trisha Strahan
- Scott Herzberg
- Deb Pharo
- Caroline Schaefer-Hills
A shout out to all participants! Keep on stepping- the challenge wraps up on May 11, 2018!
Apr 30, 2018 | Intercom
KUDOS – (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com
Submit a Kudos here.
Kudos to Ryan Bernstein, Justin Guillard, Dennis Schultz, Kyle Morrison and Chris Hanna: The members of this team made something wonderful happen for my students. For our last few classes, with new panels of guest speakers, this team made sure that I was able to film/record the speakers. In the last year, important speakers to our class, have relocated out of the area or have died. Their important contributions have not been lost due to these recordings. This team had to run back and forth to their department to get the exact equipment the speakers needed and to problem solve a few technical issues. They did so with grace, speed, humor, willingness and skill. I’m so grateful for their support. The community member speakers and students were extremely impressed.
Apr 30, 2018 | Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
(more…)
Apr 27, 2018 | Intercom, President Updates
Thank you all for everything you do in pursuit of “Keeping Learning at the Center.”
Notable Accomplishments provided by Faculty and Staff
This section recognizes the good work being done and linkages to the Strategic Directions (SD) and Institutional Effectiveness Criteria (IE) are provided where possible. (more…)
Apr 25, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
April 25, 2018
Reporter Garret Ellison atop the Mackinac BridgeMLive environmental reporter Garret Ellison, a 2006 NMC graduate, has been named the 2017 Michigan Journalist of the Year by the Michigan Press Association.
Ellison, 35, was cited for his “watchdog work” on issues of water use and Great Lakes protection, which reaches a reported online audience of 11 million readers a month. MLive also feeds seven Michigan newspapers.
He says he found his career calling at NMC, after he started publishing photos in the White Pine Press. His writing was “good enough” but it was the timing that was perfect for the 2001 Traverse City West High School graduate, who found himself in the editor’s role when the rest of the staff graduated and longtime faculty advisers retired.
“We decided to redesign it and re-imagine some of the coverage scope,” Ellison said of himself and then new adviser Kim Schneider.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t had the opportunity to helm the White Pine Press in the way I did,” Ellison said. “The White Pine Press was where I learned to be a journalist.”
He still uses those lessons, particularly the instinct to follow his own initiative, on the environmental beat, where he transitioned from business in 2014.
“I always wanted to be an investigative reporter, and I didn’t see much of a path to doing that covering business,” Ellison said. “At the time I didn’t have much environment experience (but) nobody was tasked with covering environment from a statewide perspective.”
It made sense for him to try since he was based in Grand Rapids, MLive’s biggest city. The condition of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac was becoming a bigger issue, so Ellison started paying attention to that. At an editor’s suggestion, he started looking into Nestle’s groundwater withdrawals in northern Michigan. Then came legacy contamination, Superfund sites and more.
“You start looking for meatier angles to stuff,” said Ellison, who views investigation as his obligation. “We serve the public. As members of the press, we are uniquely resourced to hold power to account. That, I think is the ultimate point of having a free press.”
Ellison imparts that message to his own students, too. In addition to his daily reporting for MLive, Ellison is now an adjunct journalism instructor at Grand Valley State University.
“It’s a little weird. I’m not so far removed from being on the other side of the coin there,” said Ellison, who went on to Central Michigan University after NMC.
“I really feel a lot of value in the community college experience, and I’m grateful the institution was there for me,” he said.
Apr 23, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
Families Against Narcotics was formed in 2011 to help communities bring awareness and solutions to the opioid epidemic. Support group meetings for the growing number of persons and families struggling with addiction issues, and those who have already lost loved ones, include resources for treatment and prevention.
The event will take place June 21, at Traverse City’s Central United Methodist Church from 5:15 – 8:00 p.m. Our keynote speaker will be Judge Linda Davis, founder of F.A.N. She is also the Chair of Governor Snyder’s Opioid and Prescription Drug Task Force and has been called to the White House several times to consult with the President’s Commission on Opioid Abuse. She is a dynamic speaker and we are hoping that she will rally our community around F.A.N. and a new program she launched last year, Hope Not Handcuffs, which focuses on getting addicts into treatment. Our law enforcement agencies will be meeting separately with Judge Davis on Friday morning after the event to discuss Hope Not Handcuffs and how it can work in our community.
Apr 23, 2018 | Intercom
How does it work?
Blue Cross Online Visits is fast and convenient. There’s no cost to enroll and no monthly fee.
Here’s how you sign up:
- Mobile – Download the BCBSM Online VisitsSM app
- Web – Visit bcbsmonlinevisits.com
- Phone – Call 1-844-606-1608
Add your Blue Cross or Blue Care Network healthcare plan information.
What medical illnesses can be treated online?
When you can’t get to your doctor’s office, you can talk to an online doctor about minor illnesses such as:
- Sinus and respiratory infections
- Cold and flu
- Painful urination
- Eye irritation or redness
- Sore throat
If your life is at risk, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
What behavioral health concerns does online visits address?
You can speak with a therapist or psychiatrist if you’re struggling with challenges such as anxiety, depression and grief. Therapists use talk therapy, while psychiatrists manage medications.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Medical care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week without an appointment. Behavioral health visits are available by appointment only.
- Therapy is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. for adults and children 10 and over.
- Psychiatrists set their own hours and some may also offer evening or weekend appointments. Visits are for adults age 18 and over.
How much does it cost?
Medical visits are $49 or less, based on your cost share. If you have a plan with a copay, it’s generally equal to or less than what you pay for a primary care office visit. Costs for behavioral health visits vary depending on the type of provider and the services you receive. Your cost share is based on your existing outpatient behavioral health benefits.
What if I need help with my online visits account or an online visit?
If you have questions or need help with your Blue Cross Online Visits account or an online visit, please call 1-844-606-1608, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Apr 23, 2018 | Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
(more…)
Apr 20, 2018 | Intercom, Welcome to NMC
Please join us in welcoming this new addition to our NMC staff! (more…)
Apr 17, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Students interested in health care careers will have opportunity to learn more about about 20 different degree programs at a Health Care Programs Showcase Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m.-noon at NMC’s Health Sciences Building
Offered by NMC and Grand Valley State University, area practitioners, faculty members and advisors will be available to discuss specialized health degree programs offered in Traverse City. NMC’s programs include Nursing, Dental Assisting, Paramedic and Surgical Technology. Program demonstrations/simulations are scheduled as follows:
10:15-10:25 a.m. – Dental Assisting
10:30-10:40 a.m. – Surgical Technician
10:45-11:10 a.m. - Nursing
Participants should park in NMC’s Tamarack parking lot off Front Street rather than in lots off College Drive.
Release date: april 17, 2018
For more information:
Shannon Owen
Grand Valley State University
owensha@gvsu.edu
(231) 995-1785
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Apr 16, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
Thursday, April 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Presented by Student Green Team
Pick up a glove and a bag from the East Hall, West Hall, Biederman or Library lobbies to celebrate Earth Day 2018!
Take a selfie and post it with #NMCEarthDay to win a prize!
Apr 16, 2018 | Intercom
NMC’s catering services by Sodexo will be temporarily paused starting May 19th as construction begins on the new West Hall Innovation Center. We look forward to serving your catering needs again in August when we reopen in our temporary location in the Oleson Center.
We enjoy working with you, appreciate your patience during this transition and look forward to serving you fresh, high quality food again beginning fall semester. To schedule fall catering, please email catering@nmc.edu and we will contact you regarding your request.
If you have any questions please contact (231) 995-1403.
Thank you,
Robert, Roy and the entire Sodexo catering team
Apr 16, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Third Annual IT Academy Olympics will be held on Friday, May 4, 2018 at the Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) James J. Beckett Building in Traverse City, Michigan.
Sponsored by a variety of local businesses, the competition is designed to give teams of area career and technical education (CTE) students an opportunity to apply their information technology (IT) skills.
First offered in 2016 to infrastructure students at the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) Career-Tech Center (CTC), the competition was expanded in 2017 to include developer students. More than 80 students participated in the 2017 competition, which featured a new website design competition and a robot design course.
CTE students from the Charlevoix-Emmet and Wexford-Missaukee school districts have been invited to participate in this year’s competition.
Schedule:
- 8:30–9:15 a.m. – Registration
- 9:15–9:45 a.m. – Assign teams
- 9:45–10 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
- 10–11:30 a.m. – Session #1
- 11:30–12:15 p.m. – Lunch
- 12:15–1:45 p.m. – Session #2
- 1:50–2:10 p.m. – Group Photo
- 2:15–3:00 p.m. – Closing/Awards Ceremony
- 3 p.m.– Adjourn
COMPETITION FORMAT
The competition is designed to challenge students to apply both their soft and technical skills. Each team of four is comprised of infrastructure and developer students, selected at random from a master roster. During each of the 90-minute morning and afternoon sessions, teams will compete in two of the following four events:
- Build a website per specifications
- Assemble, configure and network a PC
- Prepare a presentation on an IT-related topic
- Program a virtual robot to complete tasks
Gift cards will be awarded to 1st through 5th place teams.
ORGANIZERS
- Colin OBrien, TBAISD Career-Tech Center, Instructor – Information Technology
- Bruce Provencher, TBAISD Career-Tech Center, Instructor – Web and Game Programming
- Scott Goethals, NMC, Faculty, NMC CIT Infrastructure Program
- Lisa Balbach, NMC, Faculty, NMC CIT Developer Program
- David Hosler, NMC, Faculty, NMC CIT Infrastructure Program
- John Velis, NMC, Faculty, NMC CIT Developer Program
Read more at nmc.edu/it-olympics.
Release date: April 16, 2018
For more information:
John Velis, CIT Instructor
Northwestern Michigan College (NMC)
jvelis@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1152
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Apr 16, 2018 | Intercom
The April Newsletter can be accessed here
Upcoming Wellness Walks with Chris Barr! Just 15 minutes of your break time!
April 23, 2018:
- 10 a.m.- University Center– meet at the front entrance door under the green sign (Business Office, Human Resources, Extended Ed)
- 12 p.m.- Main Front Street Campus– meet on the lawn in front of Founders Hall
- 1 p.m.- Great Lakes Campus– meet in front of the main entrance to the building
- 2 p.m.- Parsons Stulen– meet in front of the main entrance to the building
