Adult Learners Institute announces its May classes

submitted by Joan Gaughan

Even if you are a lifelong resident of Manchester and a diehard Dutch fan who doesn’t get out much, your appreciation of our own history would have been enhanced if you had attended Grace Shackman’s lectures on the history of Dexter and Saline on March 9 and 16 here at the Village Room.

HOWEVER, you have another chance to stimulate your mind locally on Thursday, May 15, when John Hauger will describe the many attractions of the St. Louis World’s Fair 0f 1904, an exposition that featured advances in the fields of science, technology, agriculture, and foreign relations and attracted over 19 million people from around the world. His In-Person class at the Manchester District Library is filling rapidly so you might want to register for it soon.

What was once a source of shame is now something the younger generation is speaking up about. Join us on Friday, May 9, when Kathy Sano Bernard will present an In-Person class in the Chelsea Senior Center, Japanese Incarceration During WWII: An Inside Look, in which she will share personal stories of her parents’ and grandparents’ experiences in relocation camps in the U.S. and Canada.

Spotlighting the work of female artists who propelled the arts from academic traditions to the 20th century, art historian Edwin Hoffman will continue his series on women artists with Women Artists of the 20th Century, held on three Fridays, May 16, 30, and June 6, at the Cedars of Dexter. This class is both In-Person and ZOOM.

ZOOM classes are not just for incurable introverts. If you register for a Zoomer, you don’t have to get dressed up and drive anywhere. You can “go” to the class in pajamas and eat chocolate bon-bons while listening to interesting lectures and even ask questions and make comments yourself — all without leaving your rocking chair or even putting on shoes if you don’t want to.

These are the final classes of ALI’s winter/spring term. Look for the ALI Fall Kick-off event in August when we announce the fall 2025 classes and introduce their instructors.

In addition to ALI catalogs’ availability at various locations in the area, more information can be accessed at ALI’s website, at info@ALIMichigan.org, or by using the QR code below. You may also call 734-292-5540 and leave a message.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.