Published: May 06, 2008 09:50 am         

Education in Brief: 05/06/2008

Morel hunting program offered

BENZONIA -- The Benzonia Public Library will offer a program on morel mushroom hunting this evening, May 6, at 7 p.m., presented by Peg Burman, Park Ranger Interpretation from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Learn the basics of morel hunting, locating mushroom habitat on public land, and the impact of invasive species in woodlots.

Call 882-4111.

Exchange program holds info night

TRAVERSE CITY -- Youth For Understanding Student Exchange will hold an Information Night this evening, May 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Horizon Books in Traverse City, lower level.

Exchange student profiles and hosting/exchange information will be available. Students come with their own spending money, health insurance, and the commitment to live according to the rules and values of the family and Youth for Understanding (www.yfu-usa.org).

Contact YFU Northland Field Director Barb Wisney at 421-1904 for details.

WSCC holds graduation Friday

SCOTTVILLE -- Nearly 120 West Shore Community College students are eligible to receive degrees and certificates at the college's commencement ceremonies May 9 at 7 p.m. in the College's Recreation Center Arena.

Speakers for the event will be student graduate Patricia Becker, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society; Professor of Humanities John Wolff; President Charles Dillon; and Michael Ennis, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The College will also honor Pamela Gockerman, a 1992 alumnus of WSCC, with the Alumni Achievement Award during the ceremonies.

Following the commencement ceremonies, a reception for the graduates and their families will be held in the Administrative and Conference Building.

NHS holds Mother's Day brunch

GLEN ARBOR -- The National Honor Society of the Glen Lake and Leelanau schools is hosting a Mother's Day Brunch May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Leelanau School Dining Hall in Glen Arbor. The cost is $15 for adults, $10 for students, under 6 free.

All proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity projects in Leelanau County. Sponsors include Art's Tavern and Cherry Republic.

Annual 'Campus Day' set at NMC

TRAVERSE CITY -- The LIFE Academy of Northwestern Michigan College is hosting the annual spring Kaleidoscope Campus Day May 14 from 9:45 a.m. at 2:30 p.m. for adults of all ages.

"An Emerging World" is the theme, featuring more than 30 topics. Participants create a day-long learning experience by selecting three sessions presented by local experts. Cost for the day is $18, plus a lunch option.

To receive a detailed flier or to register, contact NMC Extended Education at 995-1700 or (800) 748-0566, ext 1700.

MEA-R to meet at Career-Tech Center

TRAVERSE CITY -- Members of the Michigan Education Association-Retired will meet May 21 at the Traverse Bay Area Career-Tech Center, 800 Parsons Road, in Traverse City.

Social time begins at 11 a.m. The program, "The Role of TBA Career-Tech Center," begins at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. at a cost of $10.

Reservations are due by May 16. Call 947-7925.

NMC fundraising breaks records

TRAVERSE CITY -- The NMC Foundation's Annual Community Campaign has eclipsed previous records and passed its largest goal ever -- $330,000. The number of donors also set a record, increasing to 668 so far -- a 20 percent increase over last year. Last year's campaign goal, which also set a record, was $315,000.

The campaign, a major source of scholarships for NMC students, was co-chaired this year by Bruce Byl and Susan Sheldon.

The majority of gifts to the campaign fund annual and endowed scholarships. Gifts also can be designated to specific programs and projects.

Drake chosen for NSF workshop

TRAVERSE CITY -- Anne Drake, Museum Educator at the Great Lakes Children's Museum, has been chosen from hundreds of applicants to take part in the upcoming Astronomy from the Ground Up workshop this week in Seattle, funded by the National Science Foundation.

Representing the Great Lakes Children's Museum, as well as the Grass River Natural Area, during this development workshop, Drake will be trained in new astronomy education techniques and how to lead hands-on astronomy activities.

For details visit www.greatlakeskids.org or e-mail ehuntoon@glcm.org.