Election season can be stressful

Election season can be stressful. Over the past few weeks, we have heard from many of you in our NMC community about the emotional and mental strain you are feeling. While there are issues dividing people today, at NMC we are united by our shared values of Learning, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect, Inclusion, Innovation, Stewardship and Excellence.

In our NMC community we also support one another. We have access to a resource with our Employee Assistance Program where we can connect and receive individualized support. Simply call Ulliance at (800) 448-8326. They have also provided a great read on Emotional Agility, and tips for Taking a Mindful Break which you may find helpful.

If you need help any time of year, NMC Human Resources is here for you. Please reach out to us if you need support and we will help connect you to available resources.

Kudos!

Paul Martin: Paul has worked hard the past few months getting internet access set up for the students who live in the Front Street Flats.


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!

    • Kylie Gibson, supplemental employee – Banquet Server
    • Libby Louvar, supplemental employee – Banquet Cook

NMC holiday closure reminder

With Thanksgiving break and the winter closure fast approaching, it’s a good time to make sure you’re subscribed to NMC’s Holiday Calendar! Click here to add the calendar (you must be signed into your employee account).

If you want your own calendar to display as busy, click the three dots in the right-hand corner of the appointment and then select the “Copy to…” feature.

NMC holiday calendar

New additions to Library of Things collection

Library of Things collectionWhether you’re hosting a “Friendsgiving”, snowed in, home for the holidays, or just plain bored over break—the NMC Library has plenty of options to make this winter amazing, including many exciting NEW arrivals to the collection!

Play a board game to get the holiday party started with some friendly competition! We’ve added over 20 new games to the collection this semester, from classics like Battleship, Scrabble, and Trouble, to new favorites like Wavelength, Azul, and Monikers. We’ve even added some RPGs like Mausritter and The Quiet Year for those looking for a more immersive experience!

Learn an instrument, because nothing beats cabin fever like picking up a new hobby! This semester, we’ve added bongo drums for percussion and a headphone amplifier for quieter practice sessions!

Piece together a puzzle and relax while also boosting your mental agility! We recommend the Women in Art puzzle, featuring a diverse array of fifteen accomplished artists, from well-known figures such as Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keefe to lesser-known trailblazers including nineteenth-century African American sculptor Mary Edmonia Lewis and Hopi-Tewa ceramic artist Nampeyo!

Try your hand at crafting and create a truly unique, handmade gift for your loved one! This semester, we’ve added an art projector, calligraphy set AND weaving loom to the collection!

Browse our full collection of Library of Things in the online catalog

Registration open for winter/spring community classes at NMC

EES winter spring 2025 catalogNorthwestern Michigan College (NMC) Extended Education & Training announces the release of its winter/spring catalog, offering more than 180 diverse classes for personal and professional growth. The catalog is now available online at www.nmc.edu/ees and registration is open for all learners.

This season, NMC is offering a wide range of in-person, livestream and online courses in both life enrichment and career-focused areas. Community members can explore topics such as cooking, painting, fitness, gardening, global cultures, technology and more. New courses this winter include DIY Bath Products, Healthy Ukrainian Cooking, Quilt As You Go and Crochet: The Very Beginning.

For a unique holiday gift, the Learn Together program offers a variety of classes designed for couples, families and friends. Whether it’s a date night or adult & child format, participants can bond while learning new skills in areas like furniture making, cooking, wine tasting, partner dancing and more.

In addition to individual courses, NMC Extended Education & Training also supports local businesses with custom training programs and corporate retreats tailored to meet specific organizational needs. For more information, businesses can contact NMC at ees@nmc.edu.

To explore the full catalog and secure your spot, visit nmc.edu/ees. To request a printed catalog, email ees@nmc.edu.

About Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education & Training
Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education & Training is a leading provider of lifelong and professional learning opportunities in the region. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, NMC Extended Education & Training strives to empower individuals and businesses to achieve their goals through high-quality educational programs and customized training solutions.

Mobile Food Pantry Nov. 25

NMC Mobile Food Pantry

NMC is hosting a mobile food pantry in partnership with Feeding America from 3-5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25 in the Maple Lot of the Front Street campus. 

The tentative list of menu items includes carrots, apples, cheese, potatoes, squash, rice, peppers, grapes and juice. College caffeine fiends rejoice: we anticipate we will also have a donation of 1000 bottles of mountain dew. 

Walk or drive-thru options exist. Come over and drive-thru OR bring a backpack or reusable bag and take what you and your household can use in the next 7-10 days.

This program is specifically designed to support NMC students [and their households] by supplementing their diets with fresh, healthy produce while helping to free up financial resources to cover other household expenses. Everyone is welcome. Take as little or as much as you need for your household.

One additional distribution will be offered this later semester on Monday, December 2. Seven additional pantries will be held during the spring semester.

 

Success Story: Registered apprenticeships expand regionally

November 20, 2024

Mike MorefieldMike Morefield, a maintenance apprentice at LearUpdated for the modern economy, apprenticeships are flourishing at NMC in traditional as well as new fields, helping create a workforce equipped for the 21st century.

“There are so many wins,” said Zoe Lilly, manager at Lear Corp. in Traverse City, which has had 16 apprenticeships with NMC, for tool and die and maintenance positions. From her employer perspective, the chief win is a reliable pipeline of staff in an era when it’s difficult to hire externally.

“It’s easier to train from within. The partnership with NMC has been great,” Lilly said.

Apprenticeships, which are being recognized this week as National Apprenticeship Week, have spread beyond traditional trade and manufacturing fields, too.

“There’s a national shortage in surgical technologists. We were struggling with getting applicants, period,” said Amy Verburg, director of surgical services at Munson Medical Center. That has started to shift since the hospital started a surgical technologist apprenticeship with NMC in 2023.

“It looks like it’s gaining momentum,” Verburg said.

From the student/ employee perspective, it’s a way to cover their educational costs — flipping the historical script. Apprenticeships originated in the Middle Ages as unpaid labor exchanged for the opportunity to learn from a skilled trades or craftsman.

“As soon as an opening came up, I went for it,” said Mike Morefield, who started as an assembly worker at Lear in 2020, entered the manufacturing apprenticeship program in 2021 and earned his certificate in 2023. Lear paid for his tuition, books, and basic tools. Other companies reimburse for tuition.

As an apprentice Morefield started at 74% of the journey worker wage of $33 per hour. Within four years he reached the full journey worker wage.

“All of the teachers were very supportive,” said Morefield, 36, who had last been in a classroom in 2006.

Surgical Technology student Danielle Ellis, 30, is enthusiastic about her career path, which includes an apprenticeship at Munson.

“I’m getting paid to learn,” said Ellis. Her tuition is paid through Michigan Reconnect. She has the added incentive of a $10,000 signing bonus after she completes her one-year program.

“I’m already guaranteed a job,” she said. “I totally think I made the right move.”

Surgical Technology coordinator Breana Goodell said the attraction of the apprenticeship has boosted enrollment, too.

“This is really helping get more students to come in. Our numbers have gone up significantly,” she said.

2024 Apprentice of the Year named

Derek Councilor 2024 Apprentice of the YearDerek Councilor
(high resolution image)
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has named Derek Councilor, an apprentice at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery as its 2024 Apprentice of the Year for his exceptional work ethic.

Councilor, 38, of Traverse City, has been completing his apprenticeship since 2022. He works full-time in the maintenance department on second shift at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery while taking courses toward four different certificates. The first three are from NMC.

  • Manufacturing Apprenticeship
  • Engineering Technology – Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
  • Construction Technology – HVAC/R Technology
  • Apprenticeship Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship

Councilor’s colleagues praised his abilities at a ceremony held Wednesday at NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building in conjunction with National Apprenticeship Week. He was commended for his high-quality on-time work, friendliness, knowledgeability and leadership among his peers, and attendance and early arrival.

“He is a multi-team player,” said Dan Wallington, maintenance department manager, adding that Councilor works with the operations team as well as maintenance and helps train more junior employees. “Derek helps continue the confidence we have in the apprenticeships.”

Sara Lee currently has three active apprentices and two who have graduated from NMC’s program. Senior Human Resources generalist Caitlin Zielinski said apprentices accelerate through the company’s skill grid at a doubled pace.

“It’s twice the speed of anyone doing on the job training,” Zielinski said. “It is so beneficial and I hope it continues to grow.”

Councilor said he likes the opportunity to advance quickly, too, which he’s seen modeled with previous apprentices.

“I like the classes. It’s all stuff I’m interested in,” he said. “Our last apprentice is now our lead electrician.”

Find out more at nmc.edu/apprenticeships 

Release date: NOVEMBER 19, 2024

For more information:

Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE

Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination

The NMC Community Report is here!

To the faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members who shared their stories in NMC’s 2024 Community Report. Arriving in the mailboxes of Grand Traverse County residents this week, this new publication shares real stories of student success and community impact, showing how NMC is dedicated to making Grand Traverse a better place to live, work and grow.


Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!

Media mentions for November 18, 2024

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.

Annual student-led Thanksgiving food drive continues
Record-Eagle, Nov. 17
(more…)

On the menu: Hawk Owl Café specials for Nov. 18–22

The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.

Monday, November 18

Lamb Gyros with pita bread
served with lemon rice and Greek orzo salad

Falafel Gyros with pita bread (V)
served with lemon rice and Greek orzo salad

Tuesday, November 19

Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
served with basmati rice and egg rolls

Sesame Tofu Stir Fry (V)
served with basmati rice and egg rolls

Wednesday, November 20

Thanksgiving Meal Special ($9.99 per meal)

    • Turkey or Tofurky (V)
    • Mashed potatoes with gravy
    • Green bean casserole
    • Fresh rolls with butter
    • Pumpkin pie with whipped cream

Thursday, November 21

Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni with Italian sausage
served with garlic bread and broccoli

Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni with roasted vegetables (V)
served with garlic bread and broccoli

Friday, November 22

Hawk Owl Café smashburger with bacon and onion straws
served with garlic aioli, sweet potato fries and asparagus

Impossible Burger with cheese & onion straws on brioche (V)
served with garlic aioli, sweet potato fries and asparagus

Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees – Nov. 18

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 upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.

Wilderness First Aid Certification
Combining guided presentations with hands-on practice, this interactive class equips you with the skills, knowledge, and abilities to care for an ill or injured person until you can reach qualified care.
2 sessions; Saturday. & Sunday., Dec. 7 & 8; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: $49 (Public price: $299)

 

How to Play Piano By Ear
Learn one of music’s deepest mysteries: how to play songs without relying on sheet music. Join a practical presentation of music theory that includes predicting chord progressions, learning from recordings, and transposing — all expressed in everyday language.
Saturday., Nov. 23; 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Price: $22 (Public price: $89)

 

Cookie Decorating with Kids (For Adult & Child Age 8+)
Looking for a sweet activity to share with your kids this holiday season? You and a child can learn how to decorate beautiful, professional-looking cookies using royal icing.
Saturday, Dec. 14; 1–3:30 p.m.
Price: $54 for adult plus child (originally $125)

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
EES Help Desk