Public invited to 10th annual Walk for Health & Housing

TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join NMC students on Wednesday, Nov. 19 for the tenth annual Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them.

Ryan Hannon, leader of Central Outreach, will lead participants on the 90-minute walk departing from the rear entrance of Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., at 6 p.m. Nov. 19. Central Outreach is a hub of services for people without housing in the area. Tour stops will highlight service and volunteering opportunities, including the Government Center, where participants will learn ways citizens can provide input and get involved.

Free parking will be available beginning at 5 p.m. in Municipal Parking Lot B on North Cass Street.

The walk is a part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, happening Nov. 16-20. Led by NMC faculty Lisa Blackford, Brandon Everest, and Melissa Sprenkle, students in NMC social work, sociology and English classes have collaborated on projects to support the week since 2015.

In addition to the walk, this year’s activities include individual and group community service, an underwear/sock drive, development of awareness posters and engagement with community leaders in a series of panel discussions on understanding homelessness, housing insecurity and food insecurity. All activities are examples of Experiential Learning at NMC. EL actively engages the learner through relevant and ongoing experiences, critical problem solving and reflective practices. 

In addition to NMC and CUMC, the walk is sponsored by the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness.

Release date: November 5, 2025

For more information:

Lisa Blackford
Faculty, Social Sciences Area
lblackford@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1294

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

Media mentions for November 2, 2026

The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.

Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.

NMC campus to see new blooms next spring after student-led bulb planting
UpNorthLive, Nov.1
(more…)

11th annual Walk for Health & Housing

The community is invited to join NMC students on Wednesday, Nov. 18 for the eleventh annual Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them.

The 90-minute walk will depart from the rear entrance of Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., at 6 p.m. Nov. 18. Tour stops will highlight service and volunteering opportunities, including the Government Center, where participants will learn ways citizens can provide input and get involved.

Free parking will be available beginning at 5 p.m. in Municipal Parking Lot B on North Cass Street.

The walk is a part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, happening Nov. 15-22. Led by NMC faculty Lisa Blackford, Brandon Everest and Melissa Sprenkle, students in NMC social work, sociology and English classes have collaborated on projects to support the week since 2015.

In addition to NMC and CUMC, the walk is sponsored by the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness.

 

No Place To Grow Old film screening

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is November 15-22. The community is invited to attend a powerful documentary screening that explores the challenges and systemic barriers facing unhoused older adults.

No Place To Grow Old examines issues that contribute to housing insecurity, including the lack of affordable housing, predatory lending practices and societal stigmas surrounding unhoused seniors. Through powerful stories and perspectives, the film encourages viewers to look beyond common misconceptions and better understand the complex realities of homelessness among older adults.

Event Details

  • Date: Tuesday, November 17
  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Location: Scholars Hall, room 109

Following the screening, attendees are invited to participate in a facilitated discussion to reflect on the film.

Swingin’ for the Season with the NMC Jazz Bands

The NMC Jazz Bands are partnering with Toys for Tots for our Swingin’ For The Season concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. We’ll be Swingin’ For The Season with special guest vocalists Kristi Fish, Rheanna Gilzene, and Kevin LaRose! We’re also continuing our partnership with Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Both the Lab Band and Big Band will be playing great holiday and seasonal Jazz, including music from Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and more!

NMC Jazz Bands Swingin' for the Season

Each TOY DONATION for Toys for Tots gives you one free admission to the concert. You don’t need to purchase a ticket with a toy donation, and it’s a great opportunity to spread some holiday cheer for those less fortunate! Your new, unwrapped toy can be donated at the door, and we will have people collecting those toys in the lobby. Our event will take place in the magnificent Milliken Auditorium. Known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and comfortable seating, the Milliken Auditorium provides the perfect backdrop for this musical extravaganza. The NMC Jazz Bands, a conglomerate of talented NMC students and community musicians, are all set to dazzle the audience with their musical prowess.

NO TOY? NO PROBLEM!

Tickets are available in advance for a discount at . Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors/students. Exact change cash purchases at the door are appreciated! Contact the NMC Box Office line at (231) 995-1340 for questions or assistance purchasing tickets.

OIE Pitch Coaching Workshop Nov. 2

Join us for an interactive Pitch Coaching Workshop led by Nick Beadleston, Executive Director of the Grove Community Incubator. Learn how to speak with confidence, handle spontaneous questions under pressure and pitch ideas successfully.

When: Monday, November 2, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Scholars Hall, room 209

On the menu: Hawk Owl Café specials for November 2–6

Hawk Owl Cafe logoThe Hawk Owl Café serves specials during the fall and spring semesters from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and from 4:30–6 p.m. The protein option is $10.99, and the vegetarian option (V) is $9.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.

 

Menu

Monday, November 2

Chicken Fettuccine w/ Pesto Cream Sauce w/ Garlic Crostini & Broccoli

Roasted Veg (V) w/ Pesto Cream Sauce w/ Garlic Crostini & Broccoli

Tuesday, November 3

Beef BarbacoaTacos w/ Spanish Rice & Refried Beans

Jackfruit (V) w/ Spanish Rice & Refried Beans

Wednesday, November 4

Steak Stir Fry w/ Peppers & Onions & Jasmine Rice & Egg Roll

Tofu Stir Fry (V) w/ Peppers & Onions & Jasmine Rice & Egg Roll

Thursday, November 5

Potato Gnocchi w/ Italian Sausage & Alfredo Sauce w/ Garlic Bread & Green Beans

Roasted Veg (V) w/ Alfredo Sauce w/ Garlic Bread & Green Beans

Friday, November 6

BBQ Pulled Pork on Brioche w/ Mac & Cheese & Asparagus

BBQ Jackfruit (V) on Brioche w/ Mac & Cheese & Asparagus

Extended Education Opportunities

Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these exclusive employee passes (remember, you must be logged into your student account to view) and browse classes for you and yours this spring!

Mini Bakery Magic (For Adult & Child Age 6+)Mini Bakery Magic (For Adult & Child Age 6+)

Big bakery fun comes in tiny, tasty packages! Measure, mix, scoop, and shape your way to adorable mini muffins, crisp apple crumbles, and fruit pies. These bite-sized bakes feature real fruit, oats, and whole grains, providing all the rich bakery flavor with less sugar. Read more about Mini Bakery Magic.

Saturday, November 7; 1–3 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $46 for two people (Public price: $149)

Brew Better Coffee at HomeBrew Better Coffee at Home

Do you ever wonder why your cup of coffee tastes amazing some days, and some days it’s just not quite right? Learn how to dial in your at-home brewing game to ensure a consistent cup every time, by understanding the variables impacting your coffee. Read more about Brew Better Coffee at Home.

Saturday, November 7; 12-1:30 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $30 per person (Public price: $65)

Understanding the 2026 Midterm ResultsUnderstanding the 2026 Midterm Results

When the dust settles on the 2026 midterms, this session will analyze results through a long lens. What do they reveal about the tectonic pressures fissuring American democracy? Will polarization keep hardening our schisms, or will the tension snap and reshape the terrain for 2028 and beyond? Read more about Understanding the 2026 Midterm Results.

Saturday, November 7; 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $22 per person (Public price: $49)

Share your talents

Human Resources is excited to connect with our talented employees and learn more about the unique skills and qualifications that make our college community so special! We invite you to share any professional credentials, organizational memberships or language skills that may not currently be reflected in your employee profile.

We are looking for the following information:

    • License or Certification: Any credential awarded by an official body that confers a level of authority and indicates that an individual’s ability meets certain standards. (e.g., Certified Public Accountant, Attorney, Registered Nurse, Certified Flight Instructor, Emergency Medical Technician, Master Auto Technician, etc.)
    • Membership: Status of belonging to any formal group or organization. This could include boards, committees, councils, commissions, task forces, trade or professional associations, and the like. (e.g., Rotary Club, Honors Committee, NMC Foundation Board, NMC Green Team, Father Fred Board of Directors, advisory boards/councils, etc.)
    • Language: Any language that you have any level of spoken or written proficiency in. (e.g., English, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Mandarin, etc.)

Please consider completing the Google Form for Employee’s ADP Talent Profile Update. This information will help us see the full range of talent and skills across the college, and will be stored in ADP’s Talent Profile. 

Note: Employees may complete this form more than once or email hr@nmc.edu to share more information. 

2027 Open Enrollment important dates

ADP will be open for elections November 11 through November 20, 2026.

Medical Plan Q&A Sessions via Zoom

    • October 26 at 3 p.m.
    • October 30 at 10 a.m.
    • November 3 at 10:30 a.m.

Open Enrollment Overview Meetings (all benefits) via Zoom
This session will be recorded if you can’t attend.

    • November 11 at 11 a.m.
    • November 11 at 2 p.m.

Open Computer Labs in TJNIC 123

    • November 18, 8 a.m.–Noon
    • November 19, Noon–3:30 p.m.

New Sick Leave Donation Policy

NMC is proud to offer a new benefit to employees who are eligible for Sick Leave. Focusing on our strategic driver of “People First”, this new offering allows NMC to emphasize our values of respect, inclusion, innovation, stewardship and excellence!

Please review the newly approved Sick Leave Donation Policy when you have time.

Highlights of the policy

    • Available to all employees who have a sick leave bank, with the exception of the SEIU contract members. The SEIU contract pays out unused sick leave at the end of the year and therefore is not eligible.
    •  Human Resources will email employees when a need is identified.
    • Recipients of the donated sick leave must have exhausted all sick and vacation time and be approved for FMLA leave.
    • You are not able to donate ahead of time, but in response to a specific need.
    • All donations are anonymous, and you will not know who is receiving the donation.
    • If the donation is not used, it will be returned to your bank.
    • Please reference the policy for specific limits on receiving and donating sick leave.

Kudos!

Kudos to Betsy Emdin! Betsy always helps Alex and the Foundation staff with IAF events at The Dennos. Betsy is exceedingly helpful, easy to work with, always kind and respectful, makes everyone feel welcome and is always willing to share ideas to make things easier.

Kudos to Betsy Boris! Betsy, along with one of her students, held an “alternative” Halloween party for Nursing students in the TJNIC. There were games, funny jokes, costumes and food! It was a nice opportunity for students to connect and have fun. They even included the Introduction to Teaching class and shared their food!


Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!

Welcome our newest hires!

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Savannah Hand, student employee – Parsons Stulen Welcome Desk
    • Emily Farrow, supplemental employee – Tutor
    • Adrian Parker, student employee – Purchasing and Receiving Assistant at Lobdell’s
    • James Mercéus-Collins – Student Life Office Manager!
    • Anton Teske, Staff – Student Health Services Office Manager
    • Benjamin Young-Pineiro, student employee – Health Occupations Office Assistant