Summer Classes
600: Discover and Explore NMU’s Lydia Olson Library
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 12, 10-11:30 am
Location: Northern Michigan University Lydia Olson Library
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter: Emera Bridger Wilson, Director/Dept. Head
Event Size: 20
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
The Lydia Olson Library on the campus of NMU is not just for students! Join us for a tour of the newly remodeled library and learn about the many resources available to the community and you.
601: American Sign Language, Part 1
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 13, 2-4pm
Location: Whitman Hall, Room 122, NMU Campus
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter: Rebecca Estelle, M.A./AET, ASL Senior Instructor
Event Size: 45
Liaison: Susan Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
Early in the 1800’s, there were only a few thousand deaf Americans. No standard signed language existed at this time, but various signing systems were created and practiced in the deaf communities. These sign systems are now known as Old American Sign Language. The American Sign Language of today is actually related to this language and really started in 1814 when deaf education was introduced to the United States. In this two part series, Rebecca Estelle will take us on the fascinating history and journey of the evolution of American Sign Language and the prejudicial attitudes and barriers often encountered by the hearing disabled and deaf. She will identify key factors and milestones on this journey toward the creation and standardization of this new language! You’ll also be surprised how many famous people who have, or are now, depending on American Sign Language.
602: Spring into Spring! Make a Paper Wreath
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 20, 10am-1pm
Location: Heritage Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member, plus a $5 materials fee due on class day
Presenter: Lisa Stasiuk, NCLL member & crafter
Event Size: 12
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
If you can glue strips of paper around a wreath form, you can successfully make a beautiful spring/summer wreath worthy of display. Come join us for some crafty fun! Want to join but it’s the wrong date? Please see below.
603: Spring into Spring! Make A Paper Wreath
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 26, 10am-1pm
Location: Heritage, PWPL
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member, plus a $5 materials fee due on class day
Presenter: Lisa Stasiuk, NCLL member & crafter
Event Size: 12
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
This is a second alternative date to the above class. Please choose one date!
604: American Sign Language, Part 2
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 27, 2-4pm
Location: Whitman Hall, Room 122, NMU Campus
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter: Rebecca Estelle, M.A./AET ASL Senior Instructor
Event Size: 45
Liaison: Susan Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
After a short review of Part One’s History of American Sign Language, we’ll continue our journey by expanding into practicing ASL essentials including fingerspelling and everyday conversational phrases. This class is perfect for those interested in Deaf Culture and ASL skills. Learn the basics so you can say hello to a hearing disabled person!
605: They Had to Go Out – The Men of the U.S. Life Saving Service
Date/Time: Monday, June 1, 3-4:30pm
Location: Heritage Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter: Fred Stonehouse is a maritime historian, author, and lecturer who has written more than thirty books on Great Lakes maritime history. His book, Wreck Ashore: The U.S. Life Saving Service on the Great Lakes, won a national publishing award and remains the definitive work on the subject. Fred serves as President of the Board of the Marquette Maritime Museum and sits on the National Board of Directors of the U.S. Life Saving Service Heritage Association.
Event Size: 40
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
From 1874 until 1915, when it became the U.S. Coast Guard, the men of the U.S. Life Saving Service displayed incredible courage and bravery in rescuing over 55,000 people from potential death on the Great Lakes. Despite personal danger or difficulty, the life savers invariably accomplished the mission and rescued these people. Their unofficial motto was, “Regulations say we have to go out, they say nothing about coming back.” It was a motto they lived, and in some cases, died by.
606: Around the World in 37 Years
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 2, 10:30am-1pm
Location: Heritage Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter: Karen Ogle
Event Size: 40
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
Retired diplomat, Karen Ogle, will speak about her 37-year career with the U.S. Department of State. During her tenure, Karen served in 14 separate diplomatic assignments throughout the world. She will present a short overview of how the State Department operates, and how that agency coordinates foreign policy abroad and domestically. Karen will speak on the successes and challenges of representing America in diverse parts of the world, and share some of the joys and tragedies she experienced in nearly 4 decades of diplomatic service.
607: Zombies and Puddles Not Allowed
Date/Time: Thursday, June 11, 1:30-3pm
Location: Heritage Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter: Deb Smith, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher who co-founded Meditate Marquette.
Event Size: 40
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
How do we manage our minds and emotions when the world around us is falling apart? Whether we are experiencing individual, local, or global chaos, we can learn to attend to our hearts and minds with kindness and compassion. We do not need to become numb zombies, nor do we need to drown in our feelings. There is a middle way where we can tend to ourselves and the world without getting lost. This session will include simple and mindful practices that can be used anytime and anywhere.
608: I Grew Up in a Detention Home, Then Went to Jail, and Then Went to Prison!
Date/Time: Thursday, June 18, 1-3pm
Location: Heritage Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter: Blaine Betts
Event Size: 40
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
Blaine Betts was the son of the director of the Juvenile Division of Marquette County Probate Court. Join us for a riveting account of events during his 21 years of residence in the county detention home. Following the death of his father, Blaine’s mother married the sheriff, thus becoming the ‘matron’ of the county jail. He’ll recall stories from those years, as well as stories from teaching classes in the maximum-security facility of Marquette Branch Prison. From detention home, to jail, to prison, Blaine has done it all!
609: Exploring the Seney Wildlife Refuge
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 23, 9:30am-5pm
Location: Seney Wildlife Refuge, Visitors Center
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter: Jennifer Wycoff, Park Ranger-Visitors Center
Event Size: 20
Liaison: Susan Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
We’ll begin the approximately 1½ hour drive to the Visitors Center in Germfask, Michigan, by meeting in the parking lot at LaFaro’s at 9:30am to carpool. Upon arrival at the Visitors Center, we’ll be issued binoculars and birding guides to aid our discoveries of wildlife in the wetlands. (We may, or may not, have a talking guide to accompany us. This will be determined by staffing issues and is unknown at this time.) The Seney Wildlife Refuge takes approximately 2 hours to explore; this includes stops and points of interest along the way.
Please pack a picnic lunch, camera, bug dope, sunscreen if needed, a hat, and appropriate footwear and clothing. NOTE: In the event of boggy, rutted roads, heavy rainfall, and high winds, we will cancel this trip for another date to be determined. Please be kind and contribute for gas costs to your host driver!
610: Grand Island Bus Tour
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 30, 10:45am-5pm
Location: Grand Island
Cost: $35 Members, $65 Non-member
Event Size: 30
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
Grand Island, located ½ mile off the mainland near Munising, MI, has been occupied for over 3,000 years, serving as a seasonal home to the Objiwa people before European fur traders arrived in the early 1800s.
This 4-hour tour allows visitors to enjoy Grand Island’s many attractions from the convenience and comfort of a bus with a tour guide narrating the excursion and sharing the rich history of the island. With 10 different points of interest, visitors are sure to have a delightful and educational experience and you just might spot black bear, white-tailed deer or sandhill cranes. Scenic vistas, pristine beaches, and historic sites await!
We’ll carpool from LaFaro’s Market leaving promptly at 10:40am and drive to the Ferry landing where we’ll catch the 12pm ferry to the island and board the bus. Please pack a picnic lunch and snacks and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. In the event of inclement weather or rough waters through the channel, we’ll have to cancel and try for another date. Registration for this event must be finalized by June 9, 2026 so please do not wait to sign up!
611: Italian Cooking Made Fresh and Easy
Date/Time: Friday, July 10, 11am-1:30pm
Location: Marquette Food Co-op, Marquette
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter: Amanda Latvala, Culinary Instructor
Event Size: Minimum of 6, Maximum of 12
Liaison: Susan Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
Let’s prepare some Italian food favorites! We’ll begin with Chicken Scaloppini, lightly sauteed and layered with bright and balanced flavors, accompanied by a creamy northern Italian risotto. We’ll also be making elegant prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and the perfect oven roasted tomatoes seasoned to highlight the natural sweetness of the Mediterranean ingredients. To finish, we’ll bake an almond cake, an Italian classic inspired by traditional Italian desserts. Almond cakes are rich, tender, and perfect with a cup of coffee! Approachable techniques and a deeper appreciation for Italian cooking will be emphasized, along with practical knowledge to recreate these delicious recipes at home.
Register with NCLL and pay for this class by going online to: https://events.humanitix.com/ncll-italian-cuisine A $30 per person payment due by July 3rd must be made at this website. Remember, you cannot pay at the Marquette Food Co-op! Also, we cannot accommodate any drop-ins.
612: Fix Your Plate – Fix Your Health
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 14, 1:30-3pm
Location: Heritage Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter: Dr. Ryan Brang is a physician and certified culinary medicine specialist. He founded NorthCountry Health Direct Primary Care in Marquette. Dr. Brang is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Chief of Staff at UPHS, and the Upper Peninsula representative to the Michigan State Medical Society.
Event Size: 40
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
In this class, we’ll describe and explore a dynamic and practical program designed to cut through nutrition confusion and bring clarity back to your plate. Grounded in evidence and real-world experience, it empowers individuals to focus on whole foods, portion awareness, and a plant-forward approach that’s sustainable – not extreme! With pragmatic strategies, motivational interviewing, and actionable tools, this program transforms “eat better” from vague advice into meaningful, lasting change that improves health, longevity, and quality of life.
613: Pair-of-Docs Transform Midlife with Alpacas!
Date/Time: Thursday, July 16, 10am-12pm
Location: Heritage Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter: Carol Van House Ed.D, retired licensed psychologist and the late Donna Pearre Ed.D, retired NMU Vice President.
Event Size: 45
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
Carol and Donna wanted to create a new life for themselves, so they bought a 200-acre farm 15 miles south of Marquette and began to research what they wanted on that farm. They discovered Alpacas, a South American Camelid raised for its luxury fiber. They poured themselves into learning all they could about these wonderful creatures. AVALON FARM ALPACAS was born, became their life focus for 23 years, and was everything in life they’d hoped for! Come listen as Carol shares stories and strategies from this remarkable and successful midlife journey.
614: Relational Mindfulness: The Interconnected Healing of Self, Others, & Earth
Date/Time: Thursday, Aug 6, 1:30-3pm
Location: Heritage Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter: Angela Miller-Porter Ed.D is an environmental educator and certified meditation teacher who is the director of the Great Start Collaborative for Marquette and Alger Counties.
Event Size: 45
Liaison: Margi Licht-Mallo, 906-250-3883, mlichtmallo@charter.net
In an era of increasing fragmentation and digital isolation, we often treat mindfulness as a solitary pursuit, something practiced on a cushion, alone. However, the true transformative power of presence is found not only in how we relate to ourselves, but also how we relate to humanity and the world around us.
This experiential workshop moves beyond individual wellness to explore Relational Mindfulness; a holistic framework for healing that honors the unbreakable threads between our internal landscape (self), our interpersonal connections (relationships with others), and our ecological home (environment), the earth. This will involve guided meditation and group dialogue.
615: Iron and Silk: An Introduction to Tai Chi and Qi Gong
Date/Time: Wednesday, Aug 12, 1:30-3:00pm
Location: Community Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
Presenter(s): Jon and Diana Magnusun have been instructing Tai Chi classes for 25 years in the Marquette Community. They have studied under numerous teachers across North America including William Chem, Jesse Tsau, Chungliang Al Huang and Yang Zen Do.
Event Size: 40
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
Tai Chi and Qi Gong are mind/body practices that originated in China by Buddhist monks centuries ago. They are evidence-based gentle exercises that increase flexibility, deepen self-awareness, and assist in regulating the immune system.
This workshop is a playful, gentle introduction to a health practice that is now being incorporated in major medical centers and recovery communities around the world and has applications for daily life. No prior experience needed!
616: Introduction to Asahi (Finnish Yoga)
Date/Time: Tuesday, Aug 18, 3-6pm
Location: Community Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member plus $5 due on class day
Presenter: Diane Tschirig, A1 Asahi Instructor
Event Size: 40
Liaison: Sue Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
Asahi is a gentle health exercise from Finland that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. The movements are simple, slow, and are combined with relaxed breathing to support both physical and mental well-being. Based on modern medical and sports science, Asahi focuses on improving overall health through safe and natural movement. The exercises can be done standing or sitting, no floor mats or work required, and are easily adapted to individual ability. In this seminar, you’ll learn the history of Asahi and the basic principles behind the movements. Participants will also receive a handout to help continue practicing at home. Whether you are a senior looking to stay mobile, an athlete seeking recovery, someone wanting stress relief, or simply curious, come discover the benefits of Asahi.
617: Dahlia Flowers in Bloom
Date/Time: Tuesday, Aug 25, 2-5pm
Location: Hot Plate Pottery, 130 W Washington, Suite L
Cost: $5 Member, $10 Non-member plus $42 on class day for studio and materials fee
Presenter: Melissa Sprout, Owner of HotPlate and Instructor
Event Size: 15
Liaison: Sue Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
A dahlia is a flowering plant from Central America and Mexico, known for its’ large, showy blooms that come in a vast array of colors. We’ll learn how to make beautiful, clay Dahlia flowers in this 3-hour presentation. Clay is a wonderful and forgiving medium to explore as we work through this learning process and watch as Dahlia flowers emerge from our efforts. After painting your creation in many bright colors like the actual flowers, the pieces will be fired in a kiln and available for pick up later. A $42 material and studio fee are due on the day of class to HotPlate Pottery.