Home Time

The First Amendment: Free Speech and Religion (Face to Face)

The First Amendment to the Constitution states that ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.’ But what does that mean, exactly? Where does the free speech of one person or group conflict with the sensibilities or protections of another? What about hate speech? Antiwar protests? When does the free exercise of religious beliefs effectively constitute the establishment of religion? We know that debates and controversy rage on issues that touch our deeply held religious and/or philosophical beliefs, such as abortion, war, sexual preferences, vaccinations, whether to preserve certain war memorials, etc. Together, we will discuss the scope of these First Amendment freedoms and cover some of the key U.S. Supreme court decisions on these issues. There will be some reading materials and be prepared for lively class discussions. 4 Tues., Oct. 12-Nov. 2 2-4 p.m. University Center Rm. 204 Instructor: Eleanor Lynn, J.D. $99 China: Friend or Foe? (Face to Face)

Over the past several years, we have been encouraged to believe that China is a current and/or potential threat to our way of life. Is this true, false, or somewhere in between? This will be the focus question after discussing the past, present and possible future of China and its relationship to the U.S. There will be readings prior to each session, which will be used to begin our discussions. 4 Thurs., Oct. 28-Nov. 18 2-4 p.m. University Center Rm. 209 Instructor: Fred Curow $75

Pruning Young Shade Trees and Small Ornamentals (Face to Face)

Discover how tree pruning improves the health, beauty and contribution of the smaller trees in your landscape. You will learn a variety of pruning methods aimed at promoting good form and reducing the risk of failure. ISA Certified Arborist Bo Burke provides demonstrations, so you can learn what it takes to make safe and effective cuts and reduce mistakes. Fri., Oct. 1 10 a.m.-Noon Meets at Zimmerman Landscaping 9910 E. Traverse Hwy. (West M-72) Traverse City, MI 49684 Instructor: Bo Burke $49

Global Warming: Ecology and Commerce (Face to Face)

This new look at global warming includes discussion of renewable energy sources, low embodied energy materials, worldwide commerce, and ecology. Learn about the essential construction techniques that promote healthy and efficient buildings. Whether you are a professional contractor or planning to build your own home, you’ll get information on how to build in a way that helps halt and reverse climate change. Helping to restore our environment while planning and building a new home can be a rewarding experience. 5 Tues., Oct. 5-Nov. 2 10 a.m.-Noon Aero Park Labs Bldg., Rm. 102 Instructor: Gary Cook $149

Retirement Secrets— Your Best Is Yet to Come (Face to Face)

Nearing retirement? Already retired? Many things can threaten your ability to outlive your assets and retire well – the big three being healthcare, inflation and income taxes. Learn to navigate the critical issues that a retiree must deal with. You will learn how to plan for a predictable and sustainable income, minimize taxes on your IRAs, maximize social security benefits, and avoid estate planning mistakes. We will also discuss long-term care concerns and what investments are appropriate in different situations. Materials provided. Your spouse or guest attends free. 2 Wed., Nov. 10 & 17, 6-9 p.m. Great Lakes Campus, Rm. 101 Instructor: Larry Flynn $69 Saving Stuff: Preserving the Past for Future Generations (Face to Face)

All of us have family treasures that we have inherited or collected over the years. In this live workshop, learn how museum professionals take care of a wide range of artworks and objects, from sculptures and paintings to photographs and precious news clippings. Discuss the different ways in which objects deteriorate, tips for mitigating loss, and what you can do to protect your precious belongings. Part lecture, part workshop, and part behind-the-scenes at the Dennos Museum Center. Craig Hadley, Executive Director and Chief Curator at the Museum, will pique the interest of budding historians, preservationists, art historians - and anyone interested in learning something new. Bring your questions! Class meets at Dennos Museum Center; admission is included with your course registration. Thurs., Nov. 4 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dennos Museum Center Instructor: Craig Hadley $39

Creative Google Workspace Projects

Fall is a great time to reset your plans and get ahead with project organization; write that holiday letter, create your bucket list, and start a bullet journal. Join us and you’ll understand all the hype you’ve been hearing about Google Workspace from your peers, kids and grandkids – and why so many people are utilizing these free applications. These fun livestream classes are led by NMC staff member Alison Thornton, Google Certified Trainer. Gain a foundational understanding of the tools available in each program by creating your own compilations that are relevant to you. Choose all of the options below for an overview of Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, or choose only the ones you want. Learn new skills with fun Google Workspace projects

Begin Your Holiday Letter in Google Docs (Livestream)

Make your holiday letter top-notch this year by using great formatting tools in Google Docs. Have available a short sample text and a few pictures on your hard drive, a Flash Drive, or in Google Drive, so you can begin a draft letter. Learn how to access this document from any device that connects to the internet, and how to share it for suggestions and editing. Mon., Oct. 11 6-8 p.m. Instructor: Alison Thornton $39

Organize Your Bucket List in Google Sheets (Livestream)

Have you been collecting ideas for when you are ready to travel and visit with others again? Do you have lots of ideas of what you want to do (travel, garden, or hobby)? We can help you organize those ideas! Come create a bucket list complete with organization, pictures, and links to the things you’d like to do or the information you’ve collected. Have some of your ideas ready and we’ll create the bucket list of your dreams! Mon., Oct. 18 6-8 p.m. Instructor: Alison Thornton $39

Creating a Digital Bullet Journal (Livestream)

Have you seen those fantastic creative Bullet Journals, but thought that you lacked the creativity to start your own? With a digital Bullet Journal the creative opportunities are endless—and EASY! Create exercise journals, reflection journals, mind maps, budget trackers and more using Google Slides that you can complete digitally or print out and color as you progress. Learn the digital techniques to create a couple pages in a bullet journal, then have class time to practice these new methods on your own page. Mon., Oct. 25 6-9 p.m. Instructor: Alison Thornton $49

Google Workspace’s free applications are yours to explore!