ALI Michigan announces its May 2026 classes

submitted by Mary Spann (ALI publicist)

The Adult Learners Institute (ALI Michigan) supports lifelong learning by offering online and in-person enrichment classes in the 5Healthy Towns area of Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge. The spring 2026 term concludes with these May classes.

It might not be too late to register for Charlie Taylor’s Technology Through the Ages series, which begins Wednesday, April 29, and continues through May 6, 13, and 20. These classes will be held from 10am to noon at the Chelsea State Bank (Downtown Office). There you will learn about the key insights, timing, and impact on society of both historical and modern technologies. This class is in-person.

Hats and other head coverings do more than protect us from the elements. Discover their various styles and social implications through the ages by attending Diane E. Hall’s History of Hats and Millinery on Monday, May 4, from 1 to 3pm, at the Chelsea Senior Center. Diane has a background in history and IT, and is a member of a vintage dance group. Experienced in costuming as well, she has an extensive vintage millinery collection, which she will model for the class! This class is in-person.

Dive into the story of a great American composer as John Hauger, a historian and devoted music lover, brings The Irving Berlin Story to life. Berlin wrote patriotic songs during both World Wars and his career spanned over 60 years. The class will be held on Saturday, May 9, from 12:30 to 2:30pm, at the Chelsea District Library, which is presenting it in partnership with ALI Michigan. The class is FREE, but you must register by calling CDL at 734-475-8732, ext. 219.

The concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an ancient one. The first neural networks for machine learning were built in the 1940s. In Artificial Intelligence & ChatGPT, Steve Daut will look at how computer programs and concepts have developed since then. He will explain how ChatGPT and other modern systems work to make AI-generated responses indistinguishable from human responses, and will address the potential benefits and dangers this poses. The class meets on two Thursdays, from 10am to noon, at the Chelsea State Bank (Downtown Office), both in-person and on Zoom. (This class repeats Thursdays, May 21 and 28, from 10am to noon, at the Manchester District Library, both in-person and on Zoom.)

When World War II began in Europe on September 1, 1939, the U.S. had great industrial capacity but virtually no armaments industry. In The Arsenal of Democracy: WWII Buildup, historian and author Jim Craft will explain how the U.S. transformed its industrial capacity into supplying arms for the Allied Victory. He will focus his talk on activities in Michigan. The class will be held on Monday, May 11, from 1 to 3pm, at the Chelsea Senior Center. This class is in-person and via Zoom.

Online registration is available through ALI Michigan’s website, www.alimichigan.org. There you will find complete class information and can register and make payment for classes. For further information, email info@alimichigan.org or write to ALI Michigan, PO Box 134, Chelsea, MI 48118.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.