The Adult Learners Institute (ALI Michigan) supports lifelong learning by offering a diverse array of online and in-person enrichment classes for adults. ALI’s fall 2026 catalogs have been mailed out and can also be found at various sites in the 5 Healthy Towns area. ALI’s fall 2026 term continues with 12 classes in October. Since the list is lengthy, it’s been divided into two parts. This is Part 1, with classes held from early to mid-October.
Embark on a culinary journey from 1950s Naples to 2026 Brooklyn as Mary Joan Nastri shares stories of her funny, lively family in Food Traditions from Italy to Brooklyn, NY. Participants will learn how her cooking was shaped by these traditions. This class will be held Friday, Oct. 2, at the Chelsea State Bank (Downtown Office), and is both in-person and via Zoom.
Come to Heydlauf’s Appliances on Saturday, Oct. 3, to learn about the secrets to successful barbecuing at Phil Tolliver’s Smokehouse 101 — BBQ Basics. Owner of the award-winning Smokehouse 52 in Chelsea, Tolliver has had a life-long passion for barbecuing. He will show smoking techniques, seasoning, and how to produce tender, flavorful meat. This class is in-person.
Nothing is certain but death and — learn how to prepare for those pesky taxes in Income Tax Planning 101. Susan Jacobs, CPA, will show how to plan for tax brackets, income thresholds and other options to reduce taxes. This class will be held Monday, Oct. 5, at the Chelsea State Bank (Downtown Office) and is both in-person and via Zoom.
Handicrafters will enjoy Making Felt Flowers, led by Barbara Schutzgruber on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Chelsea State Bank (Downtown Office). Schutzgruber will demonstrate how to change raw wool into felt using ancient felting techniques such as compression and moist heat, and participants will create a flower pin. This class is in-person.
Remember the old-time movie theaters and black-and-white TV, with only one or two channels? Musical theater enthusiast and collector of records and movies Hank Muir will explain how long-forgotten movies and early TV shows helped create a common culture in That Was Entertainment. This class meets on two Thursdays, Oct. 8 and 15, at the Chelsea State Bank (Downtown Office), and is in-person.
Using an approach that combines neuroscience, psychology and philosophy, Charlie Taylor will present Biology of Consciousness — What Is It, and How Does the Brain Create It? The class will explore how the brain informs perceptions of reality, the passage of time, and consciousness. This in-person class will be held on two Tuesdays, Oct. 13 and 20, at the Chelsea State Bank (Downtown Office).
Perhaps you thought all pirates operated on the high seas? Discover the story of Lake Michigan pirate Dan Seavey. Todd Marlatt will explain how he became interested in this character and will discuss resources and materials used in his research. This in-person class will be held Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Chelsea State Bank (Downtown Office).
Look for ALI’s table at the Chelsea Senior Center’s annual Wellness Fair on Friday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ALI’s representatives will provide more information and answer questions about ALI.
At ALI’s website, alimichigan.org, visitors will find more detailed information about each class, and can register online or download mail-in registration forms. For more information, email [email protected] or write to ALI Michigan, P.O. Box 134, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Source: Adult Learners Institute (ALI Michigan)
