News

Learn about stained glass, gardening and native bee populations during Montcalm Community College’s August noncredit courses. 

Advance registration is required for all courses. Some courses may have a list of materials, or a textbook may be required. Visit montcalm.edu/noncredit for course details or a link to register online or call MCC’s Greenville campus at 989-328-1012 for more information. 

In our stained-glass class, students will learn how to: score and break glass, use a wet grinder, foil using copper foil, solder and finish off the window with cleaning techniques. Attendees of the Sunflower Suncatcher class will use a small round plate for the center of the sunflower or use a pre-cut circle in the traditional brown color. There will be prolonged standing and protective eyewear (provided) must be worn at all times. Please wear closed-toe shoes. This class will take place on Aug. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. on MCC’s Greenville campus. The cost is $55. 

Recent data shows that the increase in honeybee hives is raising concerns for native bee populations. This phenomenon will be examined in our upcoming class — Are Honeybees Outcompeting our Native Bees? The two-hour class will end with a walking tour of the All That Flutters Garden on MCC’s Sidney campus for those who wish to participate. As part of the class, Wild Ones River City will be selling books on native plants, gardening to increase biodiversity and pollinators. Books will be available for purchase from 2:15 to 3 p.m. on Aug. 8, with the class beginning at 3 p.m. The cost is free, but advanced registration is required. 

Our From the Garden classes are specifically designed for beginners eager to explore the joys of home gardening and DIY projects. The three classes, taking place on Aug. 9, can be taken all together for a cost of $85, or taken individually. 

In the Macrame Market Bag class, students will create their very own stylish market bag. This beginner-level course will guide students through the fundamentals of macrame, focusing on the square knot technique. All materials are included. This two-hour class begins at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 9. The cost is $30. 

In our Home Canning Ketchup class, participants will learn how to turn tomatoes, peppers, onions and produce into ketchup. Home canning safety will be the focus during the class and each participant will go home with a sample jar of the product. This two-hour class begins at 10:45 a.m. on Aug. 9. The cost is $35. 

In the Stained Glass Plant Stake class, students will learn the essential techniques of foiling edges and tacking pieces together with solder to create a plant stake. Students will keep their stained glass plant stake at the conclusion of the class. The class will take place from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 9. The cost is $40.