The Adult Learners Institute (ALI Michigan) continues its Spring 2026 term with six March classes covering a wide range of topics: genealogy, fraud prevention, cooking, bagpipes, gardening, and beavers.
Dig into your family’s roots with experienced genealogist Bill O’Reilly in Uncovering Your Family History—With Fun! This in-person and Zoom class meets Monday, March 9, at the Chelsea Senior Center. Even if you think you know your family’s history, you may discover a few surprises using Bill’s research methods. He will share findings from research on some attendees’ family trees—and show exactly how he uncovered them.
Have you or someone you know been victimized by scammers? Nancy Zander, Risk Mitigation Officer at Chelsea State Bank, will present a repeat of last fall’s popular Financial Fraud Prevention class. Participants will gain skills to identify, investigate, and prevent fraud, as well as learn what steps to take if it occurs. This in-person class will be held Wednesday, March 11, at Chelsea State Bank’s downtown office.
Looking to liven up your meals? Culinary artist Tamara El-Khatib’s Wholesome International Side Dishes may be just the inspiration you need. Continuing her popular culinary explorations from last fall, Tamara will demonstrate how to prepare dishes such as Damascus lentils with pomegranate molasses. This in-person class, presented in cooperation with Washtenaw Community College, meets at Heydlauff’s Appliances on three Thursdays: March 12, 19, and 26.
Enjoy a musical journey through the history of the bagpipes—from ancient times to the present—with bagpiper Tom Kennedy in Bagpipes – The Music & the Mystique. Held Monday, March 23, at the Chelsea Senior Center, this in-person class explores the instrument’s evolution, its uses—from battle marches to dance music—and its mechanics and accoutrements. Tom will demonstrate on both Highland pipes and Irish uilleann pipes.
Wars were fought, empires were built, and fortunes were made and lost—all because of nature’s engineer, the beaver. On Monday, March 16, at the Chelsea Senior Center, award-winning storyteller Barbara Schutzgruber presents When Beaver Was King, a lively blend of factual information and spirited storytelling. Learn how beaver tail hats were made and how the beaver helped shape Michigan’s history. This class is in person.
Even indoor gardeners will find something useful in Carol Brodbeck’s Garden Myths Debunked. A Certified Advanced Master Gardener, Carol will discuss common myths about fertilizing, planting, moisture, and other gardening practices. This in-person and Zoom class will be held Wednesday, March 25, at the Dexter Senior Center in cooperation with Washtenaw Community College.
Watch for ALI Michigan catalogs in your mail and at various locations throughout the 5 Healthy Towns area. You are also invited to visit ALI Michigan’s table at the Saturday, March 7 Chelsea Expo at the Chelsea Senior Center. Additional catalogs, class information, and registration demonstrations will be available.
