Adult Learners Institute of Chelsea, Michigan


Home Fall Courses Winter/Spring Courses Fall Instructors Winter/Spring Instructors Gallery Committees Press Directions Contact Us Calendar	Winter/Spring 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. John Hanifan is the City Manager of Chelsea. John has worked for local governments for more than a decade as a project manager, economic developer, and municipal manager. He has a degree in Resource Development from Michigan State University. His professional boards and affiliations include the Michigan Economic Development Association, Michigan Local Government Management Association, Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Chelsea Rotary. John and Ann Feeney will teach Chelsea City Government: It Belongs to You! Ann Feeney has been a resident ofChelsea for 35 years and Mayor of Chelsea since March 2004. She served on the Board of Education for 14 years, was Executive Director of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce from 1987 to 1997, and was Executive Director of the Chelsea Downtown Development Authority from 1998 to 2004. Nancy Booth Nilsson returns to continue Journeys Through Western Civilization: The Renaissance to Romanticism. 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. Barbara Cherem taught adult learners for eight years at the college level and presently works with graduate students at the University of Michigan, Flint Campus. She has been active in socially responsible investing (SRI) since her first child was born 28 years ago. Subsequent to investing in an SRI for this child and also her second one, Barb has maintained a strong avocational interest in this topic. She has a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Adult and Community Education/Educational Administration. With Heather Palmer and Cynthia Edwards, Barb will explain why Where You Spend Your Money Matters. Heather Palmer, an Ann Arbor native, spent 12 years developing and delivering business training programs for a local, publicly traded company before joining Wright Wealth Management in 2005 as a licensed advisor. Heather and senior partner Lynne Wright specialize in educating clients and communities on the fundamentals of socially responsible investing. The Wright Wealth Management Group has over 22 years of experience in the investing and financial advising industry. Cynthia Edwards has experience in third-world sustainable development; marketing and public relations; public speaking; volunteer training and supervision; and networking, grant writing, and fundraising through past positions at The People’s Food Coop in Ann Arbor and the Wastewater Environmental Treatment and Watershed Protection Project. In Nepal, Cynthia worked with sustainable rural development for 11 years. She is currently a Sales Associate at The Mission Marketplace, a fair trade store in Chelsea. Helen Welford: A love of 19th and early 20th century ballroom dancing set Helen on a path to acquiring the gowns to dance in. Because vintage gowns are pretty delicate (and much too small for most of us), it meant she needed to construct her own. Helen’s background is in the arts with a focus in fiberarts, so it was a natural move for her to study, design, and build gowns. Her library has grown, as has her collection of source materials, as people seem to bring her their fascinating “finds” or decide she would be the best repository for that ancient piece of family clothing they have. She is delighted by this and enjoys gaining insight and inspiration as she continues to research original materials and sources. Helen has adapted her previous course on women's dress to give us Fashion and Dress Over the Generations. 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 (W)rites anthology. Esther has published a collection of poems, Soft as a Beagle’s Ears (thewordsmithpress.com). One of her current gigs is writing the “Toolbox” column for Washtenaw Community College’s “CareerFocus” magazine. Esther is her mother’s favorite poet, although her father favored Shakespeare. Esther taught "Pleasures of Poetry" and returns now to teach Creative Writing: Sharing Our Stories. Angelo Angelocci is a retired professor from Eastern Michigan University. He is a widower, father of four children, grandfather of eleven. He received his B.S. from Eastern Michigan University, his M.A. from the University of Michigan, and his Ph.D. from Wayne State University. His first teaching position was at Birmingham, where he taught public speaking and was responsible for dramatic and musical productions. From there he moved to Western Washington State University, where he performed in musical productions of Three Penny Opera and Little Mary Sunshine. Returning to Michigan, he has been involved in producing, directing, and performing in musicals produced by the Dexter Community Players. These include Oklahoma, Pippin, Oliver, Jesus Christ Super Star, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, and Hello, Dolly. Angelo's course is Enjoying Musical Theater. Bob Southgate is retired from the Plymouth-Canton School system. In his early years there, he was a teacher of English, speech, and drama. After receiving an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling, he was a school counselor and then director of Counseling and Guidance until his retirement. Bob has been a member of Elderwise, in Ann Arbor, since 1994 and has been chair of Curriculum and Council for that organization. He has been a tutor with the Washtenaw Literacy program. He and his wife, Shirley, also a retired teacher, enjoy their summer home near Saugatuck and their home and garden in Ann Arbor. They are the parents of three grown children and the grandparents of seven. In addition to serving in several capacities in Elderwise, Bob has been a presenter for Exploring Musical Theater programs there. Bob will help teach Enjoying Musical Theater. Chris Lenehan is happy to reside in Chelsea with her husband, Peter, and their three children, Colin (20), Ryan (17), and Marielle (7). Multiple pets also share their home, inside and out. She loves being a mom, and in no way aspires to be a “supermom.” Chris enjoys the arts, especially music and dance, and loves to sing, play cello, and serve on the board of the Chelsea Chamber Players. She also loves horses and volunteers with a specialized program linking horses and children with special needs. Chris will teach the opera section of Enjoying Musical Theater. Paul Terpstra, who taught Shakespeare, Lord of the Flies, and The Great Gatsby for ALI, is returning to answer the question "Why Study Huckleberry Finn?". Paul has a Bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology from Hope College and a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. He taught English and Psychology at Chelsea High School for 36½ years. He was named Teacher of the Year in 1997 and selected as most influential educator by a Cum Laude graduate for each of the 34 years of the award. Paul retired in January 2005. He and his wife Cheryl now live in Kalamazoo. James Mays, a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and a retired supervisor from Ford Motor Company, will teach Buffalo Soldiers: The Untold Stories. Involved with the Buffalo Soldiers since 1995, he has spoken to various groups in schools and organizations locally and beyond, devoting many hours to sharing what he has learned about the dedication and courage of African Americans in the 9th and 10th Cavalry. Community service has always been a part of James’ life. His church involvement has been local and at the state level; he volunteers in a local feeding program; he is an active member of the Optimist Club, where he participates in their youth-oriented programs; and he spends time each year at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation helping with home repairs and improvements. In choosing to devote much of his time to the Buffalo Soldiers, James hopes to inform others of the contributions of African Americans and “fill in the blanks” that are often skimmed over in our history books. The picture shows James Mays (standing) with the Chief of the Lakota Indians on Pine Ridge. Betty Lester says, “Music has always been a big part of my life.” She began to sing and take piano lessons at an early age and graduated from high school with a music major. With a Bachelor’s in Music Education - Vocal from college, Betty taught music in all grades for four years in public schools in Iowa. While getting her Master’s in Music - Theory degree at the University of Michigan, she met and married her husband, Jim. She had expected to teach in college after her Master’s degree, but being married to a UofM student kept her from doing so because there was no opportunity in this area at that time. Betty has sung in various choral groups; has played piano and accompanied; has played the recorder, harpsichord, and organ; and has done some directing and arranging. Her course is Enjoying Music Through the Ages. 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 Washtenaw County, this time Grace will teach Historic Eastern Washtenaw County: Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, and Ypsilanti. Kenneth Phifer is Senior Minister Emeritus of the First United Universalist Congregation in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has a Bachelor’s in History from Harvard University and a Master’s and Doctorate from the University of Chicago Divinity School. He has written many articles and books and has taught a course on Women in the Bible at Washtenaw Community College. His course for ALI will focus on Women in the Bible: Genesis to Deuteronomy. John Gibney is Director of the Monroe Historical Museum and the River Raisin Battlefield. He is also an instructor in the Historic Preservation Program at Eastern Michigan University. He participated in the filming of the movies Dances with Wolves, Last of the Mohicans, Gettysburg, Glory, and Gods & Generals, as well as numerous radio & TV specials. John’s expertise in diorama-making has won several national awards and his exhibit of Peeble’s Farm was selected for permanent display in the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing. John was the 1999 Michigan Adult and Community Education Association Staff Member of the Year. He received the National Citizenship Education Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2000 and was recognized as the VFW’s Michigan State Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2000–2001. In 2005, the Michigan legislature voted John a Special Tribute in recognition of his preservation activities. John will talk about The Civil War: The Years Asunder. Jack Lousma: During 17 years at NASA, Jack was the Pilot of the two-month mission aboard the Skylab Space Station in 1973, the Commander of the third orbital test flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1982, and the backup Docking Module Pilot for the joint US-Soviet ApoIIo-Soyuz spaceflight in 1975, amply preparing him to share Perspectives From Space. He left NASA in 1983 and also resigned from the Marine Corps with the rank of Colonel after 25 years of service. He returned to Ann Arbor, where he has been engaged in research and development in aerospace and in other projects on the leading edge of technology. Jack has a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. His four honorary doctorate degrees include one in Astronautical Science from the University of Michigan, where he is an Adjunct Professor of Aerospace Engineering. Among his other awards are four Distinguished Service Medals, NASA Space Medal, Collier Trophy, and Goddard Memorial Trophy. He has been inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame and the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame.
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

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Winter/Spring 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, William Allen 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.

John Hanifan is the City Manager of Chelsea. John has worked for local governments for more than a decade as a project manager, economic developer, and municipal manager. He has a degree in Resource Development from Michigan State University. His professional boards and affiliations include the Michigan Economic Development Association, Michigan Local Government Management Association, Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Chelsea Rotary. John and Ann Feeney will teach Chelsea City Government: It Belongs to You!
Ann Feeney has been a resident ofChelsea for 35 years and Mayor of Chelsea since March 2004. She served on the Board of Education for 14 years, was Executive Director of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce from 1987 to 1997, and was Executive Director of the Chelsea Downtown Development Authority from 1998 to 2004.

Nancy Booth Nilsson returns to continue Journeys Through Western Civilization: The Renaissance to Romanticism. 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.

Barbara Cherem taught adult learners for eight years at the college level and presently works with graduate students at the University of Michigan, Flint Campus. She has been active in socially responsible investing (SRI) since her first child was born 28 years ago. Subsequent to investing in an SRI for this child and also her second one, Barb has maintained a strong avocational interest in this topic. She has a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Adult and Community Education/Educational Administration. With Heather Palmer and Cynthia Edwards, Barb will explain why Where You Spend Your Money Matters.
Heather Palmer, an Ann Arbor native, spent 12 years developing and delivering business training programs for a local, publicly traded company before joining Wright Wealth Management in 2005 as a licensed advisor. Heather and senior partner Lynne Wright specialize in educating clients and communities on the fundamentals of socially responsible investing. The Wright Wealth Management Group has over 22 years of experience in the investing and financial advising industry.
Cynthia Edwards has experience in third-world sustainable development; marketing and public relations; public speaking; volunteer training and supervision; and networking, grant writing, and fundraising through past positions at The People’s Food Coop in Ann Arbor and the Wastewater Environmental Treatment and Watershed Protection Project. In Nepal, Cynthia worked with sustainable rural development for 11 years. She is currently a Sales Associate at The Mission Marketplace, a fair trade store in Chelsea.

Helen Welford: A love of 19th and early 20th century ballroom dancing set Helen on a path to acquiring the gowns to dance in. Because vintage gowns are pretty delicate (and much too small for most of us), it meant she needed to construct her own. Helen’s background is in the arts with a focus in fiberarts, so it was a natural move for her to study, design, and build gowns. Her library has grown, as has her collection of source materials, as people seem to bring her their fascinating “finds” or decide she would be the best repository for that ancient piece of family clothing they have. She is delighted by this and enjoys gaining insight and inspiration as she continues to research original materials and sources. Helen has adapted her previous course on women's dress to give us Fashion and Dress Over the Generations.

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 (W)rites anthology. Esther has published a collection of poems, Soft as a Beagle’s Ears (thewordsmithpress.com). One of her current gigs is writing the “Toolbox” column for Washtenaw Community College’s “CareerFocus” magazine. Esther is her mother’s favorite poet, although her father favored Shakespeare. Esther taught "Pleasures of Poetry" and returns now to teach Creative Writing: Sharing Our Stories.

Angelo Angelocci is a retired professor from Eastern Michigan University. He is a widower, father of four children, grandfather of eleven. He received his B.S. from Eastern Michigan University, his M.A. from the University of Michigan, and his Ph.D. from Wayne State University. His first teaching position was at Birmingham, where he taught public speaking and was responsible for dramatic and musical productions. From there he moved to Western Washington State University, where he performed in musical productions of Three Penny Opera and Little Mary Sunshine. Returning to Michigan, he has been involved in producing, directing, and performing in musicals produced by the Dexter Community Players. These include Oklahoma, Pippin, Oliver, Jesus Christ Super Star, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, and Hello, Dolly. Angelo's course is Enjoying Musical Theater.
Bob Southgate is retired from the Plymouth-Canton School system. In his early years there, he was a teacher of English, speech, and drama. After receiving an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling, he was a school counselor and then director of Counseling and Guidance until his retirement. Bob has been a member of Elderwise, in Ann Arbor, since 1994 and has been chair of Curriculum and Council for that organization. He has been a tutor with the Washtenaw Literacy program. He and his wife, Shirley, also a retired teacher, enjoy their summer home near Saugatuck and their home and garden in Ann Arbor. They are the parents of three grown children and the grandparents of seven. In addition to serving in several capacities in Elderwise, Bob has been a presenter for Exploring Musical Theater programs there. Bob will help teach Enjoying Musical Theater.
Chris Lenehan is happy to reside in Chelsea with her husband, Peter, and their three children, Colin (20), Ryan (17), and Marielle (7). Multiple pets also share their home, inside and out. She loves being a mom, and in no way aspires to be a “supermom.” Chris enjoys the arts, especially music and dance, and loves to sing, play cello, and serve on the board of the Chelsea Chamber Players. She also loves horses and volunteers with a specialized program linking horses and children with special needs. Chris will teach the opera section of Enjoying Musical Theater.

Paul Terpstra, who taught Shakespeare, Lord of the Flies, and The Great Gatsby for ALI, is returning to answer the question "Why Study Huckleberry Finn?". Paul has a Bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology from Hope College and a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. He taught English and Psychology at Chelsea High School for 36½ years. He was named Teacher of the Year in 1997 and selected as most influential educator by a Cum Laude graduate for each of the 34 years of the award. Paul retired in January 2005. He and his wife Cheryl now live in Kalamazoo.

James Mays, a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and a retired supervisor from Ford Motor Company, will teach Buffalo Soldiers: The Untold Stories. Involved with the Buffalo Soldiers since 1995, he has spoken to various groups in schools and organizations locally and beyond, devoting many hours to sharing what he has learned about the dedication and courage of African Americans in the 9th and 10th Cavalry. James Mays (standing) with the Chief of the Lakota Indians on Pine Ridge Community service has always been a part of James’ life. His church involvement has been local and at the state level; he volunteers in a local feeding program; he is an active member of the Optimist Club, where he participates in their youth-oriented programs; and he spends time each year at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation helping with home repairs and improvements. In choosing to devote much of his time to the Buffalo Soldiers, James hopes to inform others of the contributions of African Americans and “fill in the blanks” that are often skimmed over in our history books. The picture shows James Mays (standing) with the Chief of the Lakota Indians on Pine Ridge.

Betty Lester says, “Music has always been a big part of my life.” She began to sing and take piano lessons at an early age and graduated from high school with a music major. With a Bachelor’s in Music Education - Vocal from college, Betty taught music in all grades for four years in public schools in Iowa. While getting her Master’s in Music - Theory degree at the University of Michigan, she met and married her husband, Jim. She had expected to teach in college after her Master’s degree, but being married to a UofM student kept her from doing so because there was no opportunity in this area at that time. Betty has sung in various choral groups; has played piano and accompanied; has played the recorder, harpsichord, and organ; and has done some directing and arranging. Her course is Enjoying Music Through the Ages.

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 Washtenaw County, this time Grace will teach Historic Eastern Washtenaw County: Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, and Ypsilanti.

Ken Phifer

Kenneth Phifer is Senior Minister Emeritus of the First United Universalist Congregation in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has a Bachelor’s in History from Harvard University and a Master’s and Doctorate from the University of Chicago Divinity School. He has written many articles and books and has taught a course on Women in the Bible at Washtenaw Community College. His course for ALI will focus on Women in the Bible: Genesis to Deuteronomy.

John Gibney is Director of the Monroe Historical Museum and the River Raisin Battlefield. John Gibney He is also an instructor in the Historic Preservation Program at Eastern Michigan University. He participated in the filming of the movies Dances with Wolves, Last of the Mohicans, Gettysburg, Glory, and Gods & Generals, as well as numerous radio & TV specials. John’s expertise in diorama-making has won several national awards and his exhibit of Peeble’s Farm was selected for permanent display in the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing. John was the 1999 Michigan Adult and Community Education Association Staff Member of the Year. He received the National Citizenship Education Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2000 and was recognized as the VFW’s Michigan State Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2000–2001. In 2005, the Michigan legislature voted John a Special Tribute in recognition of his preservation activities. John will talk about The Civil War: The Years Asunder.

Jack Lousma: During 17 years at NASA, Jack was the Pilot of the two-month mission aboard the Skylab Space Station in 1973, the Commander of the third orbital test flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1982, and the backup Docking Module Pilot for the joint US-Soviet ApoIIo-Soyuz spaceflight in 1975, amply preparing him to share Perspectives From Space. He left NASA in 1983 and also resigned from the Marine Corps with the rank of Colonel after 25 years of service. He returned to Ann Arbor, where he has been engaged in research and development in aerospace and in other projects on the leading edge of technology. Jack has a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. His four honorary doctorate degrees include one in Astronautical Science from the University of Michigan, where he is an Adjunct Professor of Aerospace Engineering. Among his other awards are four Distinguished Service Medals, NASA Space Medal, Collier Trophy, and Goddard Memorial Trophy. He has been inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame and the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame.

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.