Adult Learners Institute of Chelsea, Michigan


Home Fall Courses Winter/Spring Courses Fall Instructors Winter/Spring Instructors Gallery Committees Press Directions Contact Us Calendar	Fall 2008 Instructors William Allen is a recently retired attorney and a history buff. He is past president, treasurer, and director of the Jackson County Historical Society, where he has presented papers on such subjects as “The Origins of the Republican Party,” “Billy Durant and General Motors,” “Coins Our Ancestors Used,” “George Armstrong Custer and Little Big Horn,” and “Paper Money Our Ancestors Used.” Bill holds A.B. and J.D. degrees from the University of Michigan and a CPA certificate from the University of Illinois. He will teach The Crusades and Their Relevance to the 21st Century. Ian Cumming studied violin and viola at the Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne, Australia, and became a regular member of the Elizabethan Melbourne Orchestra. He subsequently moved into free-lance work which included filling the position of Principal Viola in many orchestras, numerous recording engagements, and casual work with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, which he later joined as a permanent member. Ian currently teaches in Chelsea and is a founding member of the Chelsea Chamber Players. He will teach Learning More for Your Listening Pleasure. Bob Collins recently retired after 40 years as a biology professor at St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron where he taught biology, zoology, botany, environmental issues, and a field ecology course. His studies have taken him to all 50 States and to Bermuda, Costa Rica, and Belize. Carolyn Collins taught in Port Huron for 31 years, primarily with three-to-five-year old children considered at high risk educationally. She taught in special and regular education and was an adjunct instructor at the college level in early Childhood Education. Travel has been a passion that Carolyn and Bob have pursued all their married life. With empty nest, foreign travel has refueled their passion. They have been humbled by lifestyles Americans might regard as primitive, but in actuality are rich and diverse. Each trip makes them appreciate our own country’s geographical diversity. The people they have met have always been welcoming and interested in learning about the USA. They will present The Splendors of Southern India. Peter Flintoft graduated with his J.D. degree from the University of Michigan and was admitted to the Federal and Michigan Bars in 1968. Mr. Flintoft’s experience in real estate and municipal law is best judged by reference to the published appellate decisions in which he has participated. In 1968, the Glazier Bank building was given to Washtenaw County by the Chelsea State Bank as a home for the newly created Michigan 14th District Court. Peter was chairman of a local committee that worked with Washtenaw County to restore the building’s interior. He will present Michigan Townships—Who Drew Those Lines and Why? John Frank is a retired physicist and management consultant and served on the Board of Directors of the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation during the preservation of the nationally important Latrobe house in Lexington, Kentucky. Jackie Frank is a retired social worker who has worked as a Realtor® specializing in old and historic houses. They will present This Old House: Restoring Your Historic House. Paul Kubicek is Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at Oakland University, where he teaches Politics of the Middle East. He also taught in Turkey, Ukraine, Austria and Slovenia. Paul conducts research and publishes works on Turkish politics and his most recent work focuses on Turkey’s prospects to join the European Union. He will present The Relationship Between Islam and Democracy. Jean Lewis was born in Michigan and graduated from Eastern Michigan University. In addition to being an avid seamstress, Jean was an antiques dealer for over thirty years. In the course, Sewing—How to Get a Husband in the 1800’s, she is delighted to share her knowledge and collection with others! Laura Lutz graduated from the University of Minnesota in History and Economics and earned her MA in Education from the University of Michigan. Laura is in her sixth year as the Social Studies teacher at Chelsea High School. Along with teaching, she is the faculty advisor for the Interact Youth Service Club, a co-adviser of the Student Council, and a middle school track and field coach. She will be presenting Your Vote and the Electoral College. David Mastie, a retired science teacher, brings to his gardens his extensive knowledge of plants, soils, and climate. Starting from the lovely “bones” created by two gardeners before him, he has built the three acres surrounding his Chelsea home into over 20 unique gardens. He will be sharing his garden with us in Rooms of Blooms Behind Seas of Trees. Carol Mull’s Underground Railroad work includes research, writing, re-enacting [Laura Haviland], exhibit creation, tour and video scripting, and lecturing. Carol is a founding member of the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission, where she serves as the Chairperson of the Site Identification and Preservation Committee. Her course is Underground Railroad. Nancy Booth Nilsson returns to continue Journeys Through Western Civilization: Revolution to Revolution [18th through 20th Centuries]. Nancy earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in art history from the University of Michigan and has been teaching the arts and humanities for nearly 40 years. Her diverse audiences range from public school first graders through high school seniors, college undergraduate and graduate students to senior citizens, church groups to business organizations. Twice nominated for Michigan Teacher of the Year and a guest lecturer for the Detroit Institute of Arts, Nancy has traveled widely in Europe, including Italy, France, England, mainland Greece, and the island of Crete. Esther Hurwitz is a poet and writer who was once voted “Ms. Underappreciated” at a regional poetry slam. She has appeared in venues throughout the Midwest and on public radio, and her poems have appeared in many places, including Exquisite Corpse, The Huron River Review, and the Ann Arbor Writes Anthology. Esther taught " Creative Writing: Sharing Our Stories" and now returns to teach Themes in Poetry: Classical to Modern. Angelo Angelocci is a retired professor from Eastern Michigan University. He first taught public speaking and was responsible for dramatic and musical productions. He moved to Western Washington State University and performed in Three Penny Opera and Little Mary Sunshine. Upon returning to Michigan, he became involved in producing, directing and performing in musicals produced by the Dexter Community Players; Oklahoma, Pippin, and Oliver and Hello Dolly. His course is Exploring Musical Theater. Bob Southgate is retired from the Plymouth-Canton School District where he taught English, speech and drama and later became Director of Counseling and Guidance. He is a member of Elderwise in Ann Arbor, serving as Chair of both Curriculum and Council as well as presenting musical theater programs there. Bob will help teach Exploring Musical Theater. Chris Lenehan is happy to reside in Chelsea with her husband, Peter, their three children and multiple pets. Chris enjoys the arts—especially music and dance. She loves to sing, play the cello, and serve on the Board of the Chelsea Chamber Players. Chris will help teach the Exploring Musical Theater. Patricia Price has been studying herb lore for over 20 years. She is especially interested in culinary and medicinal uses of herbs through the centuries. She has been a public speaker for most of her life and has published a set of herb cards with recipes for home use. Her course is Growing and Using Garden and Wild Herbs. Nancy Seligmann Schumann is teaching our popular Writing Your Life Stories again. She is English Department Chair at Siena Heights University in Adrian where she teaches composition, journalism, creative writing, and literature. She has authored short stories, articles, and a book “Homesteading in the City”. Nancy’s current work, “My Dear Helen”, published in 2007, is a memoir about the 73-year correspondence between Helen Heindel Schumann and her Sudeten cousin Josef Naar. Susan Conley Weeks, a Siena Heights University Professor Emerita, has been teaching a very popular film course for 24 years. Susan is a new retiree and resident of Chelsea and her passions include teaching [minus the grading process], genealogy, and gardening. Her course is Flicks From the Mid-East. Elisabeth Z. Thoburn grew up in Dresden, former Eastern Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1985. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Art History. Since 1994, she has been teaching at Washtenaw Community College. Elisabeth has received various teaching awards and scholarships allowing her research trips to China and Peru. She has also traveled Europe, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Turkey and India. Her latest trip in 2007 was to Pakistan. Elisabeth has given public talks on topics as far-ranging as “The Middle Ages, Step Child of History”, “The Medicis—400 Years of Influence”, “Rise and Fall of the Aztecs”, and “A Journey to China”. She will teach More Monuments and Culture. Grace Shackman is a history columnist for the Ann Arbor Observer, the Community Observer, and the Old West Side News. She is the author of three books: Ann Arbor in the 19th Century, Ann Arbor in the 20th Century, and Ann Arbor Observed. From 1986 to 1988 she was a staff writer for the Chelsea Standard/Dexter Leader. Grace served eight years as a Washtenaw County Commissioner. She has been teaching local history at Washtenaw Community College for the past seven years. After leading us on tours of Western/Eastern Washtenaw County, this time Grace will teach Historic South & Southwest Washtenaw County.
Who We Are Based in Chelsea, Michigan, the Adult Learners Institute (ALI) provides a diverse selection of quality community-based learning experiences and camaraderie for adults in western Washtenaw County. ALI is a Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) affiliated with the Elderhostel Institute Network (EIN), a group of 320 similar organizations. We conduct our programs in cooperation with Washtenaw Community College. Fall Courses ~ Winter/Spring Courses ~ Fall Instructors ~ Winter/Spring Instructors Gallery ~ Committees ~ Press ~ Directions ~ Contact Us ~ Calendar ~ Home

Home

Fall Courses

Winter/Spring Courses

Fall Instructors

Winter/Spring Instructors

Fall 2008 Instructors

William Allen is a recently retired attorney and a history buff. He is past president, William Allen treasurer, and director of the Jackson County Historical Society, where he has presented papers on such subjects as “The Origins of the Republican Party,” “Billy Durant and General Motors,” “Coins Our Ancestors Used,” “George Armstrong Custer and Little Big Horn,” and “Paper Money Our Ancestors Used.” Bill holds A.B. and J.D. degrees from the University of Michigan and a CPA certificate from the University of Illinois. He will teach The Crusades and Their Relevance to the 21st Century.

Ian Cumming studied violin and viola at the Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne, Australia, and became a regular member of the Elizabethan Melbourne Orchestra. He subsequently moved into free-lance work which included filling the position of Principal Viola in many orchestras, numerous recording engagements, and casual work with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, which he later joined as a permanent member. Ian currently teaches in Chelsea and is a founding member of the Chelsea Chamber Players. He will teach Learning More for Your Listening Pleasure.

Bob Collins recently retired after 40 years as a biology professor at St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron where he taught biology, zoology, botany, environmental issues, and a field ecology course. His studies have taken him to all 50 States and to Bermuda, Costa Rica, and Belize.
Carolyn Collins taught in Port Huron for 31 years, primarily with three-to-five-year old children considered at high risk educationally. She taught in special and regular education and was an adjunct instructor at the college level in early Childhood Education. Travel has been a passion that Carolyn and Bob have pursued all their married life. With empty nest, foreign travel has refueled their passion. They have been humbled by lifestyles Americans might regard as primitive, but in actuality are rich and diverse. Each trip makes them appreciate our own country’s geographical diversity. The people they have met have always been welcoming and interested in learning about the USA. They will present The Splendors of Southern India.

Peter Flintoft graduated with his J.D. degree from the University of Michigan and was admitted to the Federal and Michigan Bars in 1968. Mr. Flintoft’s experience in real estate and municipal law is best judged by reference to the published appellate decisions in which he has participated. In 1968, the Glazier Bank building was given to Washtenaw County by the Chelsea State Bank as a home for the newly created Michigan 14th District Court. Peter was chairman of a local committee that worked with Washtenaw County to restore the building’s interior. He will present Michigan Townships—Who Drew Those Lines and Why?

John Frank is a retired physicist and management consultant and served on the Board of Directors of the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation during the preservation of the nationally important Latrobe house in Lexington, Kentucky.
Jackie Frank is a retired social worker who has worked as a Realtor® specializing in old and historic houses. They will present This Old House: Restoring Your Historic House.

Paul Kubicek is Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at Oakland University, where he teaches Politics of the Middle East. He also taught in Turkey, Ukraine, Austria and Slovenia. Paul conducts research and publishes works on Turkish politics and his most recent work focuses on Turkey’s prospects to join the European Union. He will present The Relationship Between Islam and Democracy.

Jean Lewis was born in Michigan and graduated from Eastern Michigan University. In addition to being an avid seamstress, Jean was an antiques dealer for over thirty years. In the course, Sewing—How to Get a Husband in the 1800’s, she is delighted to share her knowledge and collection with others!

Laura Lutz graduated from the University of Minnesota in History and Economics and earned her MA in Education from the University of Michigan. Laura is in her sixth year as the Social Studies teacher at Chelsea High School. Along with teaching, she is the faculty advisor for the Interact Youth Service Club, a co-adviser of the Student Council, and a middle school track and field coach. She will be presenting Your Vote and the Electoral College.

David Mastie, a retired science teacher, brings to his gardens his extensive knowledge of plants, soils, and climate. Starting from the lovely “bones” created by two gardeners before him, he has built the three acres surrounding his Chelsea home into over 20 unique gardens. He will be sharing his garden with us in Rooms of Blooms Behind Seas of Trees.

Carol Mull’s Underground Railroad work includes research, writing, re-enacting [Laura Haviland], exhibit creation, tour and video scripting, and lecturing. Carol is a founding member of the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission, where she serves as the Chairperson of the Site Identification and Preservation Committee. Her course is Underground Railroad.

Nancy Nilsson Nancy Booth Nilsson returns to continue Journeys Through Western Civilization: Revolution to Revolution [18th through 20th Centuries]. Nancy earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in art history from the University of Michigan and has been teaching the arts and humanities for nearly 40 years. Her diverse audiences range from public school first graders through high school seniors, college undergraduate and graduate students to senior citizens, church groups to business organizations. Twice nominated for Michigan Teacher of the Year and a guest lecturer for the Detroit Institute of Arts, Nancy has traveled widely in Europe, including Italy, France, England, mainland Greece, and the island of Crete.

Esther Hurwitz is a poet and writer who was once voted “Ms. Underappreciated” at a regional poetry slam. She has appeared in venues throughout the Midwest and on public radio, and her poems have appeared in many places, including Exquisite Corpse, The Huron River Review, and the Ann Arbor Writes Anthology. Esther taught " Creative Writing: Sharing Our Stories" and now returns to teach Themes in Poetry: Classical to Modern.

Angelo Angelocci

Angelo Angelocci is a retired professor from Eastern Michigan University. He first taught public speaking and was responsible for dramatic and musical productions. He moved to Western Washington State University and performed in Three Penny Opera and Little Mary Sunshine. Upon returning to Michigan, he became involved in producing, directing and performing in musicals produced by the Dexter Community Players; Oklahoma, Pippin, and Oliver and Hello Dolly. His course is Exploring Musical Theater.
Bob Southgate is retired from the Plymouth-Canton School District where he
taught English, speech and drama and later became Director of Counseling and
Guidance. He is a member of Elderwise in Ann Arbor, serving as Chair of both Curriculum and Council as well as presenting musical theater programs there. Bob will help teach Exploring Musical Theater.
Chris Lenehan is happy to reside in Chelsea with her husband, Peter, their three
children and multiple pets. Chris enjoys the arts—especially music and dance. She
loves to sing, play the cello, and serve on the Board of the Chelsea Chamber Players. Chris will help teach the Exploring Musical Theater.

Patricia Price has been studying herb lore for over 20 years. She is especially interested in culinary and medicinal uses of herbs through the centuries. She has been a public speaker for most of her life and has published a set of herb cards with recipes for home use. Her course is Growing and Using Garden and Wild Herbs.

Nancy Seligmann Schumann is teaching our popular Writing Your Life Stories again. She is English Department Chair at Siena Heights University in Adrian where she teaches composition, journalism, creative writing, and literature. She has authored short stories, articles, and a book “Homesteading in the City”. Nancy’s current work, “My Dear Helen”, published in 2007, is a memoir about the 73-year correspondence between Helen Heindel Schumann and her Sudeten cousin Josef Naar.

Susan Conley Weeks, a Siena Heights University Professor Emerita, has been teaching a very popular film course for 24 years. Susan is a new retiree and resident of Chelsea and her passions include teaching [minus the grading process], genealogy, and gardening. Her course is Flicks From the Mid-East.

Elisabeth Z. Thoburn grew up in Dresden, former Eastern Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1985. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Art History. Since 1994, she has been teaching at Washtenaw Community College. Elisabeth has received various teaching awards and scholarships allowing her research trips to China and Peru. She has also traveled Europe, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Turkey and India. Her latest trip in 2007 was to Pakistan. Elisabeth has given public talks on topics as far-ranging as “The Middle Ages, Step Child of History”, “The Medicis—400 Years of Influence”, “Rise and Fall of the Aztecs”, and “A Journey to China”. She will teach More Monuments and Culture.

Grace Shackman is a history columnist for the Ann Arbor Observer, the Community Observer, and the Old West Side News. She is the author of three books: Ann Arbor in the 19th Century, Ann Arbor in the 20th Century, and Ann Arbor Observed. From 1986 to 1988 she was a staff writer for the Chelsea Standard/Dexter Leader. Grace served eight years as a Washtenaw County Commissioner. She has been teaching local history at Washtenaw Community College for the past seven years. After leading us on tours of Western/Eastern Washtenaw County, this time Grace will teach Historic South & Southwest Washtenaw County.

Who We Are

Based in Chelsea, Michigan, the Adult Learners Institute (ALI) provides a diverse selection of quality community-based learning experiences and camaraderie for adults in western Washtenaw County. ALI is a Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) affiliated with the Elderhostel Institute Network (EIN), a group of 320 similar organizations. We conduct our programs in cooperation with Washtenaw Community College.