Created: 09-11-17
Last Login: 11-03-26
Cook County Higher Education
Cook County Higher Education (CCHE):
Provides local access and support for college education and training on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Accredited classes, training, and degree programs.
Student Support: mentors, financial aid resources, and more.
College Prep۰ College Courses۰ Workforce Training۰ Lifelong Learning
Cook County Higher Education advertisements
Dance Workshop with Jane Shockley, Drop In Practice Guest Teacher
Description: Drop In Practice Guest Teacher Dance Workshop with Jane Shockley Saturday November 14th 11AM-12:30PM Colvill Town Hall (2963 E Hwy 61) donations accepted, cost is not a barrier to attending! LET’S MOVE A little dance with gravity A little play with space and time A little mystery Enjoy the surprisingly pleasant experience of being in motion Jane Shockley is a movement artist who relocated to Duluth after a 45 year career in the Twin Cities and beyond. Her artistic practice spans modern and jazz dance, Improvisation, Contact Improvisation, Somatics , and Internal Martial Arts with a particular interest in how movement can create connection, awareness and unexpected possibilities. questions? email dropinpractice@gmail.com
Publish Date: 11-03-26
Silent Book Club Grand Marais - November
Description: Silent Book Club Grand Marais November 11 | 6-8pm | At CCHE Facilitated by Carol Morgen At Silent Book Club Grand Marais, there’s no assigned reading and no homework! Bring whatever you’re currently reading (or meaning to read) and enjoy some dedicated reading time in the company of other book lovers. All readers and all kinds of reading are welcome: paperbacks, ebooks, audiobooks (bring your headphones!), comic books, textbooks if you need some study time, and more. It’s simply Bring Your Own Book. Come for the books, enjoy some snacks and conversation if you wish, and settle in for an hour of uninterrupted reading. Event Schedule 6:00–6:30 PM | Arrive & Mingle Grab some food and drinks (consider bringing something to share - but no pressure if you don't), get settled, and, if you’d like, share what you’re reading or something you’ve recently enjoyed. 6:30–7:30 PM | Quiet Reading Hour Find a comfortable spot, open your book, and enjoy a full hour of dedicated reading time. 7:30–8:00 PM | Optional Social Time Stick around to chat about books, keep reading, or head home early if your bedtime is calling. No assigned book. No discussion questions. No homework. Just books, reading time, snacks, and community. Upcoming Date: December 9
Publish Date: 10-28-26
Book Discussion: Talking Rocks Geology and 10,000 Years of Native American Tradition in the Lake Superior Region
Description: Book Discussion: Talking Rocks Geology and 10,000 Years of Native American Tradition in the Lake Superior Region November 9 | 6:30-7:30pm | Zoom Partner & Facilitator: Steve Kirhorn, Master Naturalist Talking Rock Geology and 10,000 Years of Native American Tradition in the Lake Superior Region By Ron Morton and Carl Gawboy (1999) This 1999 book, co-authored by geologist Ron Morton and Native American elder, author, and artist Carl Gawboy, brings together two individuals from different cultural and scientific traditions to explore the natural history of the Lake Superior region. Blending modern geological science with traditional Indigenous knowledge, stories, and teachings passed down through generations, Talking Rocks examines both the science and spirit of the land. Along the way, the book tells a story of mutual learning, understanding, and respect, highlighting two distinct yet complementary ways of knowing, honoring, and appreciating the land and its history. Join us for a thoughtful, community-centered discussion grounded in curiosity, observation, and connection to the natural world. Northshore Master Naturalists and Head of the Lakes Master Naturalists
Publish Date: 10-27-26
Protect Yourself Online: Simple Steps to Stay Safe in a Digital World
Description: Protect Yourself Online: Simple Steps to Stay Safe in a Digital World November 5 | Noon-1pm | Zoom Instructor: Ben Sondgeroth Cyber threats are constantly evolving, but protecting yourself doesn't have to be complicated. In this session, you'll learn practical strategies for creating and managing strong passwords, recognizing phishing emails, text scams, and fraudulent websites, protecting your personal information, and securing your devices and online accounts. You'll leave with easy-to-implement habits and tools that can help keep your digital life safer at home, at work, and on the go.
Publish Date: 10-27-26
Families Together: Supporting Kids with Special Education Needs at School & at Home - Support Group
Description: Families Together: Supporting Kids with Special Education Needs at School & at Home - Support Group Dates: October 29th November 3rd and 19th December 1st and 10th Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm Facilitator and Instructor: Judy Schmidt Families Together is a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and support one another through the joys, challenges, wins, and hard days of raising children and youth of all ages. Conversations include life at home, school, and beyond, what's working, what isn't, and everything in between. Parents, guardians, foster parents, kinship caregivers, and other primary caregivers of children and youth who have a 504 plan, IFSP, or IEP, receive support services, or are being evaluated are all welcome. Not sure if this group is for you? We hope you'll join us anyway! Come to ask questions, share experiences, listen, or simply connect with other families who may understand some of what you're navigating. A Little More About Families Together While conversations may include evaluations, school supports, IEPs, and navigating special education, this group is about so much more than what happens at school. Raising and supporting children and youth comes with many experiences, questions, decisions, celebrations, and challenges. Families Together offers a welcoming and confidential space to talk about those experiences, exchange ideas, share what's helping (and what isn't), and learn from one another. Conversations are shaped by the interests, experiences, and needs of participating families. Topics may include: Life at home, school, and beyond What's working, what's challenging, and ideas for support Understanding evaluations, 504 plans, IFSPs, and IEPs Communicating and collaborating with schools and support teams Emotional regulation, behavior, and social-emotional supports Autism, ADHD, learning differences, and other support needs Speech, language, and occupational therapy services Transitions through different ages and stages of life Community resources and opportunities Caregiver well-being and support Guest speakers and topics requested by families Join us when you can! We know family schedules are busy and ever-changing, and there's no expectation that you attend every gathering. We look forward to seeing you whenever it works for you. If you've registered and can't attend, please email programs@mycche.org in advance when possible so we can plan for the group size. Above all, Families Together is about building community, making connections, and creating a space where families feel comfortable sharing, listening, and supporting one another. Whether you're looking for information, ideas, encouragement, or simply time with other families, you're welcome here. Facilitator and Instructor: My name is Judy Schmidt, and I bring both professional and personal experience to this work. I am a Licensed Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, Licensed Academic Behavioral Strategist (K-12), and am Circle of Security trained. In addition to my professional experience supporting children and families within special education systems, I am also a parent who has personally navigated the IEP process with my own children. This combination of professional knowledge and lived experience allows me to understand the challenges families face from multiple perspectives
Publish Date: 10-21-26
Lunch & Learn: Understanding POLST (Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
Description: Lunch & Learn: Understanding POLST (Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) October 28 | Noon-1pm | At CCHE & Zoom Presenter & Partner: Dr. Kurt Farchmin & Care Partners of Cook County In this session, Dr. Kurt Farchmin, geriatrician and former Sawtooth Mountain Clinic provider, will help us understand one of the most frequently misunderstood Advance Planning documents – the POLST form. He’ll walk us through the form step by step, explain what it is, why it is important, and how to work with your medical provider to complete it. Dr. Farchmin will also touch on the crucial role of Advance Planning documents from a medical provider’s perspective. A light lunch will be provided for the first 20 guests who sign up for the in-person class. If you have any food sensitivities or preferences, please bring your own brown bag lunch.
Publish Date: 10-21-26
Small Engine Repair and Maintenance
Description: Small Engine Repair and Maintenance October 24 & 25 | 9am-5pm | At ISD 166 Industrial Tech Lab Instructor: Jordan Getty, Marine and Powersports Lab Instructor at Central Lakes College In this hands-on class, you will take apart and put back together a small engine, learning how the major components work together and gaining a better understanding of what is happening inside an engine. As you work through the engine, you will learn about four-stroke engine operation, carburetors, bearings, fuel and ignition systems, and other common components. Throughout the class, you will also discuss common small-engine problems and repairs, learn what to look for when equipment isn't running properly, and have opportunities to ask questions about troubleshooting and maintaining your own equipment. Preventative maintenance, basic adjustments, and ways to help keep equipment running reliably and extend its useful life will also be covered. The goal is to give you greater confidence when working with your own small-engine equipment. From getting snow blowers and chainsaws ready for fall and winter, to putting lawnmowers and trimmers away for the season, to already dreaming about the small-engine projects you want to tackle next spring, this class will help you learn how your equipment works, how to maintain it, what repairs you may be able to tackle yourself, and when it may be time to seek additional expertise. Four-stroke stages → teaches how the engine cycle works (intake, compression, power, exhaust). Bearings → covers types and functions, essential for understanding moving parts. Carburetor terms and systems → explains components, circuits, and adjustments needed for troubleshooting. Fuel system details (jets, bleeds, nozzles, throttle, etc.) → shows learners how air and fuel mix and how to diagnose issues. Tools will be supplied for practice, but you’re welcome to bring your own to learn with what you already have and explore what you may want to add in the future. * This class will be canceled if we have fewer than 4 people register.
Publish Date: 10-21-26
ServSafe Food Manager Certification Training & Exam
Description: ServSafe Food Manager Certification Training & Exam October 24 | 8am-5:30pm | At CCHE Instructor: Tom Nalezny Includes the ServSafe Coursebook (9th Edition), in-class learning, and 1 certification exam. This training is designed to fulfill requirements for Minnesota state and local health departments. We encourage picking up the book ahead of time to study. The textbook and exam are available in select additional languages. If this option would be beneficial, please reach out, and we'll be happy to see if we can provide the materials in your preferred language
Publish Date: 10-21-26
ServSafe Food Manager Certification Renewal
Description: ServSafe Food Manager Certification Renewal October 24 | 8am-Noon | At CCHE Instructor: Tom Nalezny This renewal training is designed to fulfill requirements for Minnesota state and local health departments. If you register for this date/time slot, you will be attending the 1st half of the full certification training. To renew your MN Certified Food Protection Manager: Attend ServSafe Food Manager Certification Renewal Training (4 Hours) Get a copy of your renewal certificate of completion from Kelsey at CCHE Email HEALTH.fmc@state.mn.us to request your claim code to your MN State Certified Food Protection Manager online account (this is new) - provide your First and Last name (and middle if your name may be more common) and your previous certificate id if you know it. (You can also attempt calling Phone: 651-201-4500 - they will require you to leave a VM and will call you back) Once you get your claim code and have access to your online account, login, complete the renewal application, pay the required amount by credit card, and submit the digital copy of your certificate to https://mn-mdh.portal.opengov.com/categories/1087/record-types/6498 Look up previous certification information: State of Minnesota Look-up - https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/food/cfpm/cfpmlookup.html ServSafe Certification Look-up - https://www.servsafe.com/access/SS/Certifications/Search
Publish Date: 10-20-26
Connecting with Compassion: When We Are Also Grieving
Description: Connecting with Compassion: When We Are Also Grieving Effective End-of-Life Conversations with Patients & Clients October 28 | 8:15-9:45am | At CCHE & Zoom Presenters & Partners: Dr. Farchmin & Care Partners of Cook County A free, four-part professional development series designed to help healthcare and social service professionals feel more confident in navigating effective, compassionate end-of-life conversations with their patients and clients in our unique Cook County setting. Session presenters include geriatrician and former Sawtooth Mountain Clinic provider Dr. Kurt Farchmin, retired United Church of Christ pastor and hospice chaplain, Rev. Anne Swallow Gillis and Grand Portage Ojibwe Spiritual Elder William Blackwell, Sr. All sessions will be held from 8:15-9:45am at Cook County Higher Education with the option to attend in person or online via Zoom. Please register for each session that you are able to attend. Session 4: When We Are Also Grieving Dr. Farchmin helps us explore the importance of acknowledging and supporting one another in our individual and communal grief.
Publish Date: 10-20-26