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Fall 2008 Courses

Registration is required for all ALI classes. For registration after August 12, mail a registration form to Adult Learners Institute, 1163 South Main, Suite 255, Chelsea, MI 48118, with a check made out to ALI of Chelsea MI Inc. 

The only closed classes are “Rooms of Blooms Behind Seas of Trees”, “Underground Railroad”,  and “Writing Your Life Stories”.  When a class fills, you may add your name to a wait listIf enough openings do not occur the 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.

Themes in Poetry: Classical to Modern
Esther Hurwitz
Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13 [six Mondays]; 1:00—3:00 p.m.
Triplett Building, Chelsea Retirement Community, 809 W. Middle, Chelsea MI

Poetry is the art of using words to describe something for which there are no words, and it is the precise organization of these words that makes them come alive and connect with us. Each week we use modern and classical poetry to explore contemporary themes including love, war, and family. NOTE: The instructor requests that, prior to the first class meeting, participants purchase the book Good Poems for Hard Times [paperback], by Garrison Keillor [editor]. ISBN: 0143037676.

Flicks From the Mid-East
Susan Conley Weeks
Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9 [four Tuesdays]; 10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Dancey House, Chelsea Retirement Community, 801 W. Middle, Chelsea , MI.

Have you ever gone to a movie or watched a video and wondered what it was all about? Was there a message? If so, what was the message? What did I miss? The experience of viewing and discussing films is designed to engage viewers in the layers of meaning embedded in films. In addition to being entertained, films can offer values and meaning designed to enhance your viewing experience. After viewing together contemporary mid-eastern films, Susan Conley Weeks facilitates a discussion of religious and democratic values. Films we may view include: Children of Heaven, Lemon Tree, Syrian Bridge, and Kite Runner.

Historic South & Southwest Washtenaw County
Grace Shackman
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14 [six Tuesdays]; 1:00—3:00 p.m.
Triplett Building, Chelsea Retirement Community, 809 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.

Through lectures and walking tours, we explore the history and architecture of Saline
and Manchester. We’ll learn how and why these places were founded, their early settlement, the mill industry on the river, the impact of the arrival of the railroad, and he
importance of sheep farming to the economy. We’ll also learn about some of the smaller towns in the area, such as Bridgewater, Fredonia, and Raisin River, as
well as some of the historic bridges. The two walking tours take place in Saline and Manchester.

Rooms of Blooms Behind Seas of Trees
David Mastie
Sept. 10 (one Wednesday), 10:00 —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 some one to assist.

Growing a garden is more than growing plants. It’s the totality of the picture that
evolves over time: the garden rooms [eight containing over 20 minor gardens], trees [65 species, with some over 50 years old], shrubs [over 85 species], perennials [more
than 240 different species], hardscape [literally tons of rocks] and 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. Through an introductory slide presentation, you’ll see the evolution over years and seasons as these wonderful gardens took shape. Commentary accompanying the slides is enlivened with references to royal scandals, Bible stories, geographical routes, climate changes, cooking and poisons. Splendid views out into the garden from the sunroom are supplemented with a walking tour of the 8 major gardens, weather permitting. Photographs and questions are encouraged.  Course is full.

Underground Railroad 
Carol Mull
Sept. 11, 18, 25, and Oct 2 [Bus Tour] [four Thursdays]; 1:00—3:00 p.m.
Triplett Building, Chelsea Retirement Community, 809 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.

From the decades of settlement through the Civil War, there existed in Michigan a highly complex and adaptable network of people assisting freedom seekers out of slavery. Through presentations, you’ll hear stories of escape from enslavement and learn about the people and places in our community associated with the Underground Railroad. We’ll explore the myths and realities of slavery, abolition, and the Underground Railroad. Our final class includes a guided bus tour of documented sites. Course is full.
NOTE: There is a $5.00 charge for bus rental included in the course fee. 

Journeys Through Western Civilization: Revolution to Revolution [18th through 20th Centuries]
Nancy Nilsson
Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, Nov 7 [eight Fridays]; 10:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Maples I, Silver Maples, Old US 12, Chelsea, MI.

Art historian Nancy Nilsson, with her usual abundance of slides and enthusiasm, uses
the architecture, painting, and sculpture of Western culture to chronicle its changes.
This time the course moves from the industrial and political revolutions of both the 18th and 19th centuries to the artistic, scientific, and technological revolutions of
the 20th century. A journey full of surprises!

Learning More for Your Listening Pleasure
Ian Cumming
Sept. 26 [one Friday]; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Maples I, Silver Maples, Old US 12, Chelsea, MI.

This class is a pre-concert chat, throwing light on the music to be performed at the free Chelsea Chamber Players Concert on Sunday, September 28, at the Historic Chelsea Depot. The centerpiece of the concert is the Dvorak String Quintet in G, Op 77. All the works on the program are discussed in depth, and placed in the context of the time they were written. The discussion covers some aspects of musical form and construction, and ties these aspects of the music together with events going on in the lives of the composers. This makes all the more understandable and enjoyable the experience of listening to the actual performance two days later on September 28th.

More Monuments and Culture
Elisabeth Z. Thoburn
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 [five Wednesdays]; 10:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Maples 2, Silver Maples, Old US 12, Chelsea, MI.

Monuments such as the pyramids of Egypt, palaces, temples, or national monuments
have always expressed the essence of a people and their cultural identity. In this
course we highlight a few of those monuments from around the world and explore
the history, myths, ideas, religious beliefs, and the arts that find expression in
these monuments. From far to near, from known to unknown, this exploration is an adventurous undertaking, exposing students to a variety of media and thought and highlighting the best of human creativity. The instructor has traveled to these monuments and the class is enriched by a variety of original materials and experiences. More Monuments and Culture is a continuation of the exploration of monuments and covers different monuments than were presented last year.

Writing Your Life Stories
Nancy Schumann
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 [four Fridays]; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Triplett Building, Chelsea Retirement Community, 809 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.

Do you have interesting stories to tell but you just don’t know how to make them come
alive? Whether your stories are sensational or ordinary, once you find your unique voice, extraordinary stories are born. Through this workshop, participants can read excerpts from published memoirs, write several short memory stories, read these stories aloud in class, and offer support and comments to other class members. Bring a legal pad and pen to class and be prepared to write outside of class. Please plan to attend all four classes. Attendance is crucial because one class builds on another and students build trust by attending regularly and critiquing fellow students’ work.  Course is full.

The Relationship Between Islam and Democracy
Paul Kubicek
Oct. 6 [one Monday]; 6:30—8:30 p.m.
Chelsea Community Hospital, White Oak Center, Auditorium Room.

Professor Paul Kubicek discusses various debates regarding the relationship between Islam and democracy. Among questions to be considered: What guidance does the Koran give on political governance? Why are so few Muslim-majority states democratic? What do historical and contemporary Islamic scholars have to say about democracy? Does Islamic law conflict with democracy? Is “Islamic democracy” possible or an oxymoron? Besides Islam, what else might account for lack of democracy in the Middle East? This class is informative for anyone wishing to learn more about the Muslim world and prospects for democracy in the Middle East.

Sewing—How to Get a Husband in the 1800’s
Jean Lewis
Oct. 8 [one Wednesday]; 1:00—3:00 p.m.
The Pines, Community Room, 325 Wilkinson Street, Chelsea, MI.

This class tells how sewing affected the early years of our country through learning
about the history of sewing. In addition, samples of sewing and of sewing implements used from the 1800’s to the present day, are shared. Over 100 items are displayed and discussed.

This Old House: Restoring Your Historic House
John and Jackie Frank
Oct. 20, 27 [two Mondays]; 1:00—3:00 p.m.

Private home in Chelsea—address available at registration.The home is NOT handicap accessible.
Do you love historic houses? Do you know the difference between Preservation, Restoration, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction? This course provides an overview of Historic Preservation. John and Jackie Frank explore some of the dilemmas faced by owners of historic houses. They also describe the resources they utilized in researching their 19th Century home and explain the reasons for the choices they made during its rehabilitation. A tour of the restored rooms illustrates the results.

Michigan Townships—Who Drew Those Lines and Why?
Peter Flintoft
Oct. 28 [one Tuesday]; 1:00—3:00 p.m.
County Courthouse, Downtown Chelsea

The first part of this course explores the history and organization of Michigan Territory,
homesteading, and creation of local government. Topics include early Federal organic law of the Michigan Territory, history of local governments before statehood, geography, schools, transportation before the railroads, creation of roads, drain systems, historical measurements of land and bodies of water. This history remains relevant today to our society and our development. Mr Flintoft’s presentation includes a short guide to the Glazier Bank building and its transformation into the 14th District Court. The missing pieces of a still beautiful structure are described.

Your Vote and the Electoral College
Laura Lutz
Oct. 28 [one Tuesday] AND Nov. 10 [one Monday]; 4:30—6:30 p.m.
Chelsea Community Hospital, White Oak Center, Atrium Room.

Why do we have an Electoral College? How does the Electoral College elect the
President? Is my vote for President and Vice President meaningful in the Electoral
College? Is there still a need for an Electoral College? These questions and more are
answered to understand how the Electoral College works prior to Election Day,
November 4. Following the Election, the results are then viewed through the lens of the Electoral College process.

The Crusades and Their Relevance to the 21st Century
Bill Allen
Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20 [four Thursdays]; 1:00—3:00 p.m.
Triplett Building, Chelsea Retirement Community, 809 W. Middle, Chelsea, MI.

This course is an update/repeat of Bill’s popular course last Winter Term. Although
the last crusader died about 700 years ago, the Crusades remain alive and relevant in
the 21st Century. This course examines the nine Crusades as: a major cause of modern 21st Century Middle East friction; a fascinating, improbable adventure story filled with saints, sinners, heroes, villains, inspired leaders, and feckless losers; and the seminal event for Western Europe, which ended the Dark Ages and triggered the
Renaissance.

Growing and Using Garden and Wild Herbs
Pat Price
Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12 [four Wednesdays]; 1:00—3:30 p.m.
The Pines—Theater and Kitchen, 325 Wilkinson Street, Chelsea, MI.

Before there were cookbooks, there were herb books. Aromatic and delicious, herbs
have flavored foods, helped ward off diseases and assisted with household cleanliness for centuries.  Great pieces of literature have been created around the love of herbs. Myths and legends often include references to herbs. We start our own romance with herbs and you’ll leave with recipes and bundles of herbs to use in cooking and in teas. NOTE: there is an $8 charge for supplies included in the course
fee.

Exploring Musical Theater
Angelo Angelocci, Bob Southgate, and Chris Lenehan
Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 [four Mondays]; 1:00—4:00 p.m.
Maples I, Silver Maples, Old US 12, Chelsea, MI.

This program is a continuation of the popular course from last Fall for all those who like musical theater. The musicals we are going to see this time are: Showboat, The Mikado, Carmen Jones and Rent. For those of you who saw Carmen last session, you might enjoy the updated version Carmen Jones for comparison. Each of the movies are preceded by an introduction which includes a brief history of the production, information about the director, casting problems, location decisions, difficulties to overcome, perhaps some out-takes, and sometimes inconsistencies. After the showing, there is time for discussion and evaluation.

The Splendors of Southern India
Bob and Carolyn Collins
Nov. 20 [one Thursday]; 1:00—3:00 p.m.
Maples I, Silver Maples, Old US 12, Chelsea, MI.

Ancient spice ports, wild elephants, temple festivals, lavish maharajas’ palaces, tea
plantations, widely diverse people — what a colorful world India is! Roam the narrow
lanes from Bangalore to the Mysore Markets, Malabar Coast, Kerala backwaters
and magnificent temple architecture of Madurai and Thanjavur. This trip includes
the three most southerly states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

 

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.