Winter/Spring 2009 Courses
Registration is required for all ALI classes. For registration after January 13, mail a registration form to Adult Learners Institute, 1163 South Main Street, Suite 255, Chelsea, MI 48118, with a check made out to ALI of Chelsea, MI Inc. Registration continues as long as space is available. Click here for a registration form which lists the fees for each course.
Several classes are already filled and are marked as closed below. However, you can still sign up on the wait list for these classes. If enough openings do not occur or course cancelled, the sign up names will be kept and if the class is offered again in a later semester those people will have the opportunity to pre-register for the class.
If you have questions or want to sign up on the wait list for a class, please send an e-mail to info@adultlearnersinstitute.org or see phone number (with note) on Contact Us page.
Writing: How and Why (Closed)
Sarah Taggart
Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 & March 2, 9, 16, 23 [eight Mondays]; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Maples I, Silver Maples, Old US 12, Chelsea, MI.
Every person’s life is worth a story, and every person is unique. Writing about one’s life can take many forms and have many purposes, but there are some principles that make writing easier and more fun, and some outcomes that make sharing one’s writing easy and inexpensive. In this course we’ll consider how to find your own unique voice, types of writing, goals [for self only, for publication, and for family, etc.] and modern forms of “publication”. We’ll consider tips and traps, and eventually try out some simple writing exercises to get our juices flowing, although students don’t need to bring writing materials to the first sessions.
Brain Health and Fitness
Bruno Giordani, Helen Kales, plus additional faculty.
Feb 5, 12 & 19 [three Thursdays]; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Triplett Building, Chelsea Retirement Community, 809 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.
This three-session course includes topics on brain health research and the benefits of mental activity, physical exercise, diet/nutrition and socialization. The goal of this course is to provide practical, hands-on information that helps support a healthy life-style as we age. Dr. Bruno Giordani, Director of the Clinical Core at the University of Michigan’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, is joined by Dr. Helen Kales, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan and other healthcare professionals who share their expertise on brain health strategies. Please join us and learn how to “keep your brain fit!”
Calligraphy: Write On!
Janice Beatty
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 & March 4 [five Wednesdays]; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Triplett Building, Chelsea Retirement Community, 809 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.
Calligraphy means beautiful writing. It’s easy to do. We’ll learn the Chancery Cursive and Chancery Formal hands and create decorative envelopes, cards for all occasions, invitations, certificates, and lots of other applications that you can take home. This is an art form that is fun. Note: There is a $14 charge for pen and supplies included in the course fee.
Journeys through Western Civilization:
Nancy Nilsson
Feb 6, 13, 20 [SKIP Feb 27], March 6, 13, 20, 27 & April 3. (eight Fridays), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Maples I, Silver Maples, Old US 12, Chelsea, MI.
Let’s start from the very beginning [a good place to start ..]. From caves with paintings of astonishing beauty to the city that deemed the human being, “the highest entity pro-duced in nature”. This survey course travels from prehistoric Europe to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, examines the “lost civilizations” of the Minoans and Mycenaeans, and arrives in the 5th century B.C. Athens. Nancy is your conductor with her usual abundance of slides and enthusiasm.
How a Bill Becomes Law in Michigan
Pam Byrnes
February 6 [one Friday]; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Dancey House, Chelsea Retirement Comm., 801 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.
This course describes the process by which laws are made in Michigan, including the progression of proposed legislation from drafting to committee hearings to being debated and given a vote. It is informative for anyone wishing to know more about the legislative process.
Good Food from Around the World (Closed)
Francisca Fernandez, Dima Tawakkol, Stephanie Schaefer & Cecilia Pozo Fileti
Feb 10, March 10, April 21 & May 12 [four Tuesdays]; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Pines, Kitchen & Community Room, 325 Wilkinson Street, Chelsea, MI.
For well over a decade, Americans have been counting fat grams, carbs, calories and “points”. Yet we are heavier than ever. Come learn that food is good for you [in moderation] and some fun ways to cook it. You get to taste some really good food. This is a four-part series presenting dishes from around the world. From Tabbouleh Salad, Hummus, Falafel to Lentil Soup, Barley Mushroom Soup, and a wonderful Salsa Verde to enhance your fish dishes. The environment is fun and informal. Our guests can ask questions, make comments and be the final judges on the ultimate food taste. Note: there is a $6 per person charge for food supplies included in the course fee.
Women in the Bible: The Prophets
Ken Phifer
Feb 11, 18, 25, March 4 & 11
[five Wednesdays]; 10:00 a.m.—12:00 noon.
Triplett Building, Chelsea Retirement Community, 809 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.
This is part two of a three-part course on women in the Bible. It is not necessary to have attended Part I in order to enjoy and learn from this course. This time we’ll be looking at the following books: Joshua, Judges I and II, Samuel I and II, and Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the 12 so-called Minor Prophets. This course explores the roles of women in the texts and the way those roles have been interpreted by traditional and modern readers. The course involves reading the texts, lectures, and discussion as we seek to understand better the place of women in these books.
Afghanistan Invaded! Twice!
Tom Collier
Feb 17, 24 and March 3 [three Tuesdays]; 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Maples I, Silver Maples, Old US 12, Chelsea, MI.
Afghanistan has been invaded twice in the last thirty years by different nations for very different reasons, in different ways, and with different results. This course compares the two invasions and looks at the linkage between them, AKA “Charlie Wilson’s War”.
Old Salem Witch Trials (Closed)
Judy Williston
Feb 27 [one Friday]; 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Dancey House, Chelsea Retirement Comm., 801 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.
This is the story of my grandmother in the 1692 Salem witch trials. We begin with the English families of Roger Conant [1592-1679], founder of Salem, MA, and John Putnam [1579-1662], a resident of Salem. I am directly related to both families. John Putnam and his wife are the great grandparents of Ann Putnam Jr., one of the teenagers who started the accusations. What really happened in Salem? Why were so many people charged with witchcraft, convicted and hanged? What happened to create these frenzies? How did it end? Participants of this course will view segments of the video “Three Sovereigns for Sarah”.
Stained Glass
Barbara Krueger
March 3, 10, 17 [walking tour] and 24 [four Tuesdays]; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Maples I, Silver Maples, Old US 12, Chelsea, MI.
This course will first introduce the art and craft of stained glass through focusing on early and European stained glass. A discussion of the Michigan Stained Glass Census and a slide presentation of the US/Michigan stained glass repairs and restoration situation prepares participants for a walking tour of the two local churches. The final session will consider the Tiffany Studio.
Our Wonderful Honey Bees (Cancelled)
Jan Sevde
March 12, 19 & 26 [three Thursdays]; 6:30-8:00 p.m.
The Pines, Community Room, 325 Wilkinson Street, Chelsea, MI.
This course teaches you about honey bees and how they conduct business in their hives. You will learn about the life cycle of the honey bee, pollination and why the bees are so vital, how a hive is set up and what is involved in being a beekeeper. We explore Colony Collapse and other pests and diseases that affect bees. In our last session we will show you all the wonderful things you can make from the honey, wax and propolis.
Rites, Rituals and Ceremonies
Chrisa Craig
March 16 [one Monday]; 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Mission Marketplace, 117 S. Main, Chelsea, MI.
Rites, rituals and ceremonies are the very “glue” of all societies. Throughout human history, elaborate and extraordinary objects have been created in the service of belief systems that ex-press themselves through events that reinforce shared mythologies. We look at a variety of artisan craft objects found at The Mission Marketplace, which come from traditional cultures around the world, and discuss their primacy in societal structure and stability.
Gettysburg
John Gibney
March 30, April 6, 13, 20 & 27 & May 4 [six Mondays]; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Maples I, Silver Maples, Old US 12, Chelsea, MI.
America at the Crossroads—if you are a real Civil War buff—this is the class for you! The Battle of Gettysburg is actually a series of battles that added up to the turning point of the Civil War. In Week One, we discuss the causes of the war and the events that led to this battle. Week Two looks at the men and their leaders and the first day’s fight. Week Three examines “Day Two”, now considered the most important day of the conflict. Week Four investigates Pickett’s Charge and Custer’s First Stand. Week Five discusses the aftermath of the battle and the Gettysburg Address. Week Six addresses the legacies of Gettysburg, re-enacting, and “the movie” aka “Killer Angels”.
Exploring Sport Through Artifacts (Cancelled)
Erik J. Pedersen
March 30 [one Monday]; 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Triplett Building, Chelsea Retirement Community, 809 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.
How and why did the many sports we enjoy today evolve? Who were the creative indi-viduals who developed the rules and equip-ment for these activities? For what purpose were these games created? Artifacts for the following sports are reviewed, discussed, and on display: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Racquet Ball, Golf, Skating, Field Hockey, Track & Field, Swedish, German & Danish Gymnastics, Boxing, Fitness Equipment, and Skiing. Many will say, “I had one of those”, or “I used to play with that”. So come, bring your stories and reminisce.
Historic Washtenaw County: Chelsea, Dexter and the Lakes
Grace Shackman
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & May 7 [six Thursdays]; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Triplett Building, Chelsea Retirement Community, 809 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.
This new class in the Historic Washtenaw County series provides an opportunity to explore Chelsea, Dexter and the lakes north of them. Enjoy a mix of slide shows and field trips to learn about the history and architecture of these two towns, plus the fascinating development of the lakes as they morphed from practical to recreational uses to permanent residences. Class will include walks in Chelsea and Dexter and one field trip to be determined. NOTE: Class members should be mobile enough to participate easily in walking tours.
Global Economics
Alan V. Deardorf, Paulette Stenzel, Bradley Farnsworth & Catherine Badgley
April 7, 14 [SKIP April 21], April 28, May 5 [four Tuesdays]; 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Maples I, Silver Maples, Old US 12, Chelsea, MI.
The economy of the USA is connected with economies of other countries. We have only to read the papers or listen to the news to know this has been evolving some time now. This course provides an in-depth view of our economy as part of the global economy. Three UM professors and one MSU professor share their areas of expertise and insights on the implications of the current economic reality.Four sessions focus on: Implications of Trade Agreements for Developed and Developing Countries, Fair Trade, Free Trade, & Sustainable Development Through the Lens of the Triple Bottom Line: Mexico, Nicaragua & Ecuador; The New Administration & the Global Economy; Changing Paradigms in the Economics of Food & Agriculture Comparison of the USA to Chiapas, Mexico and Cuba.
Scattered Families
Judy Williston
April 16 [one Thursday]; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Dancey House, Chelsea Retirement Comm., 801 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.
This course tells the story of English children evacuated during WWII, focusing on children sent from London, Plymouth & Bristol, Eng-land, to the countryside to live with strangers until the end of the war. The effects of their arrival on the people who accepted them and the consequences of leaving their own families behind is discussed. Evacuee interviews illustrates the sadness and happiness.
“Jiffy” Embracing the Future
Howdy S. Holmes
April 29 [one Wed.]; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Dancey House, Chelsea Retirement Comm., 801 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.
Chelsea Milling was a successful company for many years, then fell behind the changing marketplace. How do you upgrade facilities, systems and people to remain competitive without offending everyone, or instill change while trying to keep the family together?
Today, known for quality and value, “Jiffy” Mixes are uniquely positioned for the 21st Century. “Jiffy” is the market-share leader in retail prepared baking mixes. Chelsea Milling is a privately held, family-owned business.
Rooms of Blooms: Spring Edition (Closed)
David Mastie
May 6 [one Wed.]; 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Private Home in Chelsea—address available at registration.
NOTE: abundant parking on site. Individuals with handicaps have frequently toured the gardens which are navigable on foot, with canes and walkers, or in a wheelchair with assistance.
Even if you toured these wonderful gardens with us last Fall, the Spring Tour is an amazing discovery of thousands of daffodils that should be blooming during early May! The 8 garden rooms [including over 20 minor gardens] contain 65 species of trees, 85 species of shrubs, 240 species of perennials, tons of rock [hard scape], plus man-made structural elements [pergolas, fences, decks and a chessboard]. Hidden behind trees, these “secret gardens” are largely unknown to Chelsea residents and passers-by alike. An introductory slide presentation shows the evolution over years and seasons, as well as how these wonderful gardens took shape. Slides are enlivened by references to royal scandals, Bible stories, geographical routes, climate changes, cooking and poisons. Splendid views from the sunroom are supplemented with a walking tour of the eight major gardens, weather permitting.
Photographs and questions are encouraged.
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.