Finance, technology, writing and beer workshops in Petoskey‘s North Central Michigan College Corporate and Community Education department are being offered this winter. Here’s what to expect when you enroll this year:

New this winter are iLunches.  Bring your own lunch and they’ll provide coffee, cookies and great tips for ways to use your mobile devices at work, at home and on the go. Instructor Christopher Cerrudo is North Central’s assistant dean of instructional technology, an avid digital photographer and techie. Lunch sessions are from noon to 1:30 p.m. on February 13, March 13 and April 17.

In the Smart Talk workshops, you’ll practice the communication skills to prevent conflict, understand different personality types, develop a creative work environment and grow your business.  Join performance coach Anne Kirvan for all three workshops. Sessions are from 9 a.m. to noon on March 7, March 14 and March 21.

Interested in building financial security? Join Chad Owens, financial advisor, on Mondays, January 20 through February 10 from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. In this four-part series, participants learn the keys to sound financial planning and develop a personal plan for their future.

It’s all about Northern Michigan beer—here! Mondays, February 17 through April 21 at 6 p.m, Petoskey‘s Beards Brewery owner, Ben Slocum, will teach all about beer – the history, ingredients, equipment, brewing methods and business opportunities – and participants (must be 21 years old) can taste the results.

The food, farm and garden series kicks off on Tuesday, January 28 with a free showing of the film Nourish at 6 p.m. With beautiful visuals and inspiring stories, Nourish traces our relationship to food from a global perspective to personal actions.

Are you hungry for change?  On Tuesdays, February 4 through March 11, explore the deeper meaning of “you are what you eat.” Sessions begin at 6 p.m. Readings from Barbara Kingsolver, Michael Pollan, Anna Lappe, Barry Estabrook and other notable writers contribute to the depth of discussions on the impact of our food choices.

Put your plans into action with the Northern Michigan sustainable farming series, Tuesdays, March 18 through April 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Learn about planning and planting for the long term, how to control and manage weeds, insects and diseases using ecological methods, create an ecologically-minded insect and disease management plan and create your own organic systems plan.

Learn about the beauty of plant dyes in this monthly series, Wednesdays, January 22, February 12, March 19 and April 16 at 6 p.m. Get to know the plant-based dyes, the materials and processes to make beautiful naturally dyed fabric.  Practice using plants to dye t-shirts and silk scarves with Professor Shanna Robinson and artists Lee Brewbaker and Dawn Swain.

Write and publish your story in these special sessions. What’s Your Story?  Exploring the Elements of Story will be held on Wednesdays, February 5 through March 5 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Join North Central’s literature professor and published author Suzanne Shumway and creative writing graduate Dylan Taylor for a 6-week writing journey.  Through readings, discussions and focused writing with creative direction, you’ll practice the key elements in telling an unforgettable story – yours!

How to Get Your Book Published will be on Wednesday March 12 at 6 p.m. and How to Become a Children’s Book Author will be on Wednesday, March 19 at 6 p.m. Publishing consultant Jerrold Jenkins will explain the details.                      

All workshops will be held on the Petoskey campus. For more information or to register, visit ncmich.edu/cce2. CCE also offers customized workshops at your business.  They’ll tailor the content, materials, and schedule to your needs.  To learn more, please call 231-348-6613.

Want a peek at the gorgeous town of Petoskey? Sit back and watch.

Get more Northern Michigan events at the MyNorth Events Calendar