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In-Person Pre-Performance Class: Tuesday, April 7, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Elderwise Learning classroom at 2275 Platt Road
Presenter: Pirooz Aghssa
Matinee Live Performance: Sunday, April 19, 2:00 p.m., Legacy Theatre, EMU Campus.
Written by Thornton Wilder
Directed by Pirooz Aghssa
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Fees:
Members: $10 for the in-person pre-play class, plus a $14 ticket fee, added at checkout
Nonmembers: $20 for the in-person pre-play class, plus a $14 ticket, fee added at checkout
Emeritus Faculty: Members $10; Nonmembers $20
Includes two tickets to the performance and the in-person pre-play class.
Please contact the Elderwise Learning office to register for the Emeritus Faculty tickets and the in-person pre-play class,
you cannot do this yourself online.
Extra Tickets are $14 each.
Please contact the Elderwise Learning office to purchase extra tickets. These cannot be purchased online.
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This new edition of the play differs only slightly from previous acting editions, yet it presents Our Town as Thornton Wilder wished it to be performed. Described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,” Our Town presents the small town of Grover’s Corners in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, the play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually – in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre – die. Thornton Wilder's final word on how he wanted his play performed is an invaluable addition to the American stage and to the libraries of theatre lovers internationally. Pirooz Aghssa has been a Professor of Theatre at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) since 1992, where he has taught a vast range of courses, from Directing and Musical Theatre Performance to Theatre History and Dramaturgy. He has directed over 20 productions at EMU, ranging from Evita and Gypsy to contemporary plays such as Sweat. Pirooz has performed in two solo shows in New York City about his experiences in America as an immigrant from Iran. An avid opera fan, he travels to New York, San Francisco, and many other cities to watch opera. His last opera destination was Paris, France. Note: Additional information will be mailed to registrants a few days before the show.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Pirooz Aghssa
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Dates: 4/7/2026 - 4/7/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
In 1917, Gustav Holst, a mild-mannered music teacher, shocked the musical world with his composition The Planets. The work’s movements, such as “Mars, the Bringer of War” and “Neptune, the Mystic” evoke the mythological characteristics of each planet. This remarkable composition has influenced much 20th century music, including John Williams’ scores for his Star Wars films. During the first part of this class, Henry Aldridge will consider the career of Gustav Holst and discuss each section of The Planets. During the second hour we will screen a dazzling performance of Holst’s orchestral suite by the National Youth Orchestra of England. Henry Aldridge is an Eastern Michigan University Professor Emeritus of Electronic Media and Film Studies, and an avid music lover. He has served for many years as one of the organists at the Michigan Theater.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Henry B. Aldridge
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Dates: 4/7/2026 - 4/7/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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HYBRID: In the classroom and online. A Zoom link will be sent to all one day before class.
Some of the most majestic scenery in North America can be found in the Canadian Rockies and Alaska. Starting in Seattle, this travelogue includes a visit to the world-class flower show at Minter Gardens in British Columbia, river rafting for rookies on the Athabasca River near Jasper, and a thrilling helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies at Banff. This is followed by scenes from a 7-day cruise along Alaska’s Inside Passage, with stops at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay. The itinerary ends at Denali National Park and Preserve, with spectacular views of Mt. McKinley. We do not need to go to the distant ends of the earth to experience beautiful landscapes and the rewards of travel. They exist abundantly on our very own continent. George Jabol received his B.A. degree from Muskingum College in Ohio, and a Ph.D. in English language and literature from the University of Michigan. Fully retired now from a career with the federal government, George creates photographic slide shows as a way to remember his travels and share them with others.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): George Jabol
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Dates: 4/8/2026 - 4/8/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: Hybrid: In-Person and Online
Room: In the 2275 Platt Road Classroom and on Zoom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Ted Kaczynski (1942-2023) was considered a brilliant mathematician. He received a BS degree from Harvard and a Ph.D. in theoretical mathematics from the University of Michigan (1967). After two years with the faculty at the University of California-Berkeley, Ted moved to a primitive one-room cabin in Montana. In 1978, with no discernible motive, he began sending bombs to what appeared to be unrelated people at universities and in the airline industry, killing three and severely injuring several others. Without knowing his identity, the FBI and the press dubbed him the Unabomber. In 1995, at Ted’s request, a 35,000-word manifesto was published jointly by the New York Times and Washington Post, which ultimately led to his identity. Why did he leave a promising academic career to become a hermit and a notorious serial bomber? What does Ted Kaczynski’s case tell us about the connections between mental health and ideological extremism? While exploring these questions, we will discuss new material about Kaczynski’s anti-technology Luddite philosophy, his selection of targets, and how the FBI ultimately identified him. Greg Stejskal is a retired special agent of the FBI. He served from 1975-2006 and was the case agent on the bomb that was sent to James McConnell at the University of Michigan. He also participated in the 2020 Netflix documentary The Unabomber: In His Own Words, and recommends it.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Gregory Stejskal
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Dates: 4/9/2026 - 4/9/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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ONLINE: A Zoom invitation link will be sent one day before class begins.
Located five miles upriver from Windsor Castle, this 17th century Italianate mansion with its beautifully landscaped gardens has been home to a Prince of Wales, two Dukes, an Earl, and the Viscounts Astor. Through the biography of the house, we will uncover real-life stories which have peppered its history with scandal, intrigue, and controversy. Originally built for aristocratic hedonism during the Restoration, it has served as a counter-court for Hanoverian power struggles, a hub for political intellectuals and abolitionists, and home to the first female Member of Parliament to sit in the House of Commons. It gained notoriety in the 1960s for a political scandal that rocked the nation, leading to the downfall of the Conservative Party. Cliveden is currently a prestigious country hotel set in 360 acres of grounds. Pat Butler was the Elderwise Learning Administrator until retiring to Warwick England in 2017. She is now a tour guide at the National Trust’s Living History Museum in Birmingham U.K., and enjoys taking groups of visitors around this popular venue. Pat also presents history classes to the U.K.’s University of the Third Age.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Pat Butler
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Dates: 4/10/2026 - 4/10/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: F
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Building: Online Course
Room: Online via Zoom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
He knew what his neighbors knew. They (and he) knew the economy was bad, war was possible, the plague inevitable, contentious religious issues dangerous, and social unrest equally dangerous. They wondered if witchcraft was real, if eclipses were really portents, whether the earth was the center of the universe, why they had indigestion, whether alchemy really worked, how their own minds worked, and how money worked. If you had been an Elizabethan, you would have worried about these things too. In this class we will try to understand them, and why they were worrisome. There is no required reading for this literature class. Bill Ingram is Professor Emeritus of English Language and Literature at the University of Michigan. He is known for his work on early modern drama and performance.
 
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Bill Ingram
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Dates: 4/14/2026 - 4/14/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
This class has an enrollment limit of 15. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this class. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join.
What do you do when a piece of your clothing gets a hole in it? Or the fabric around the knees or elbows wears thin? An eco-friendly way is not to toss it and buy a new garment, but to mend it. There is a philosophy in Japan called wabi sabi – finding beauty in imperfection. Matthew Addonizio returns to Elderwise Learning with this visible mending workshop, where we will embrace the aesthetic of wabi sabi to mend a garment, highlighting the area as a small work of art. For this class, you can bring a garment in need of mending or create samples on fabric provided for you. Woven fabric is the easiest to learn on – a button down shirt, jacket, denim, khakis, etc. We will use patches of scrap fabric and brightly colored sashiko thread to create a fix for a garment. You will learn the steps needed to repair any garment in your wardrobe. All supplies will be provided. Matthew Addonizio is the son of Joan Bulmer, a long-time Elderwise Learning member, from whom he inherited this creative curiosity. He is a designer and multimedia artist in Philadelphia. He attended Kalamazoo College and has been working in fiber arts professionally for the past five years. His eponymous label (Matthew Addonizio LLC) and his fabric import company (Approved Textiles LLC) work with artisan communities in India and Africa to produce fabric and clothing using traditional hand craft techniques.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Matthew Addonizio
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Dates: 4/14/2026 - 4/14/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
The Michigan Parks and Recreation Division’s mission is to acquire, protect, and preserve the natural and cultural features of Michigan’s unique resources, and to provide access to land and water-based public recreation and educational opportunities. This presentation will cover the many stewardships and partnerships Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is engaged with. We will learn about infrastructure needs, accessibility, and the DNR’s parks budget. Come join us and learn more about our state parks, which include 104 diverse state parks and recreation areas, 140 state forest campgrounds, over 300,000 acres of land, and hosts nearly 35 million visitors annually, including 5 million at Belle Isle Park. Ronald A. Olson served as Chief of the Michigan Parks and Recreation Division, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, from 2005 to 2025. He earned a B.A, in recreation and park administration at the University of Minnesota, and a master’s degree from Indiana University. He is active in the National Recreation and Park Association, the National Association of State Park Directors, and is a member of the American Academy of Park and Recreation Professionals. Ron served as President of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) and is past president and one of the founders of the MRPA Foundation. He enjoys competing in triathlons, fishing, and spending time with his granddaughters.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Ronald Olson
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Dates: 4/15/2026 - 4/15/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
The film Conclave (2024) is one of the best to hit the screen in the past few years. Unlike most films based on books, it is a fairly accurate version of Robert Harris’ novel about the gathering of Cardinals to select a new Pope. This class will cover its own trinity: the film, the book, and the history. Please note that we will watch less than half the two-hour film in the first session of the class, and will complete watching the remainder of the film during the second session. While Harris also co-wrote the screenplay, we will discuss the changes he made for the film. Susan Nenadic holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in history and English. She is known for her integration of history and literature in teaching, and is the author of several books and articles, including A Purse of Her Own: Occupations of 19th Century Women, and Legendary Locals of Ann Arbor. Susan currently leads Friends of Amoru, a non-profit organization building a secondary school in Uganda.
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Fee: $40.00
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Instructor(s): Susan Nenadic
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Dates: 4/15/2026 - 4/22/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 2
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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ONLINE: A Zoom invitation link will be sent one day before each class session begins.
Japan has had a long and enigmatic history, oscillating between the extremes of world isolation and global engagement over many centuries. To help us understand this fascinating and unique culture, we have turned to the popular lecture series from The Great Courses with Professor Mark J. Ravina from Emory University. This third group of lectures will focus on Japanese history in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with special attention to the international culture contributions of Japanese gardens, art, and Haiku poetry.
April 16 The Importance of Japanese Gardens
The Meaning of Bushido in a Time of Peace
Japanese Poetry: The Road to Haiku
April 23 The Meiji Restoration
Three Visions of Prewar Japan
War Without a Master Plan 1931-1945
Toby Teorey is the current Vice Chair of the Elderwise Learning Council. He is retired from the Computer Science and Engineering Department at the University of Michigan and in retirement pursues his enduring love of world history, music, and culture.
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Fee: $40.00
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Instructor(s): Toby Teorey
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Dates: 4/16/2026 - 4/23/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 2
Days: Th
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Building: Online Course
Room: Online via Zoom
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ONLINE: A Zoom invitation link will be sent one day before class begins.
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is acclaimed especially for its collection of Dutch art, so Wendy Evans will focus on that, showing Rembrandt’s restored Nightwatch, Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and other masterpieces by artists such as Frans Hals, Jacob van Ruisdael, Jan Steen, and Judith Leyster, active during the Golden Age of Dutch Art. The collection includes over 8,000 art works from the Middle Ages to the present day, so Wendy will include a few works by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, from other periods. She will also explore some less-famous works, like the Petronella Oortman dollhouse, to give us ideas of what to look for on future visits. Wendy Evans was raised among the museums of London, England, and holds advanced degrees from Oxford University and Wayne State. She taught art history at Wayne and is a long-time docent volunteer at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Wendy loves to share her passion for art with groups like Elderwise. More information is available at www.art-talks.org.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Wendy Evans
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Dates: 4/17/2026 - 4/17/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: F
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Building: Online Course
Room: Online via Zoom
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ONLINE: A Zoom invitation link will be sent the Friday before each class session begins.
Session One: Human, Four Interviews; Sir David Attenborough and Prince William
Session Two: Heroes, Making of Planet Earth III
Join us for the final episodes of Planet Earth III, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, where animal life in natural habitats and wilderness extremes is viewed up close from within our homes. In the first session, Sir David Attenborough takes us for a close look at how animals are adapting to the human-dominated world. Can they adapt quickly enough to survive? We will also watch four interviews ranging from 3 to 39 minutes long with Sir Attenborough and/or Prince William, who is the founder of The Earthshot Prize. In these interviews, urgent questions are discussed about the future of this planet, and we receive a brief introduction to what is referred to in climate science as ‘the tipping point.’ The second session provides the final episode with a hopeful look at conservation heroes fighting to save wildlife. This will be followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the final chapter of the Planet Earth Trilogy. Linda Gintowt holds an M.A. in drama from the University of Toronto. She has a passion for history and the preservation of art, culture, and the natural world. Linda previously served as the Elderwise Program Coordinator, and is pleased to share her interests with Elderwise friends.
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Fee: $40.00
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Instructor(s): Linda Gintowt
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Dates: 4/20/2026 - 5/4/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 2
Days: M
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Building: Online Course
Room: Online via Zoom
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1st session: April 20;
2nd session: May 4
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- This class has reached the enrollment limit. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
This class has an enrollment limit of 10. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this class. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join.
Fee: Member $10 Nonmember $20
Plus an additional $8 for materials, added at checkout
Are you a wannabe artist looking for a creative outlet? A coloring book aficionado wanting to draw outside the lines, with no judgment? An artist needing new inspiration or techniques? An insomniac hoping for a way to clear the squirrely chatter in your brain? Come enjoy an afternoon learning the Zentangle Method: "an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns." No artistic ability required - not even drawing a straight line! All materials will be provided. In 2012, Judy Holzschuh, an admitted non-artist, became a Certified Zentangle Teacher, and has loved watching her students tap into their own (sometimes hidden) artistic and creative abilities ever since. She has a BA in Psychology, an MSW, and a Certificate in Gerontology. Judy is retired and enjoys playing pickleball, board and card games, playing the piano, reading, bead-weaving, cooking, and traveling with her husband.
  
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor: Judy Holzschuh
Capacity Remaining: -5
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Dates: 4/21/2026 - 4/21/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
We all know that using our phones and computers can come with risks. We have thieving scammers and hackers to thank for this. So how do we protect our data while using our devices for everyday tasks? In this session, Jim Keen will discuss the three biggest topics in keeping our information and wallet safe: Passwords, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and Payment Apps. While there are a lot of opinions on the internet about what we should or shouldn’t do, Jim will help cut through the clutter so we can enjoy using our computers and phones more securely. Jim Keen holds a B.A. in communications and an M.A. in educational studies from the University of Michigan. He currently owns and operates Keen Focus Technology Tutoring. Jim is dedicated to not only solving problems but also striving to teach people how to fix them on their own! He uses his educational technology skills in the classroom and in the homes of his clients to help them use their technology.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Jim Keen
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Dates: 4/22/2026 - 4/22/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
This class is limited to 20 attendees. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this class. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join.
Spring always means beautiful flowers in lovely shades. They are easy and fun to capture using watercolor pencils. These pencils are like the crayons we used growing up, except with the added benefit that we can wet what we have just drawn and produce a watercolor-like creation. Everyone loves them, and in previous classes participants were amazed at how easy they were to use. We will be enhancing our creations (if you choose to) with some waterproof ink and micron pens. This is fun and stress free. Please join us. All supplies will be provided. Joan C. Jones is a retired mathematics professor who has been painting in watercolors for about 12 years. She has exhibited her work in many venues around Ann Arbor and is known for her peaceful landscapes that infuse light and warmth. Joan has taught introductory watercolor classes and watercolor pencil classes, combining her teaching skill with her love of the medium.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Joan C. Jones
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Dates: 4/23/2026 - 4/23/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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ONLINE: A Zoom invitation link will be sent one day before class begins.
Join us online as we tour the highlights of the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. The Kelsey Museum houses more than 100,000 objects representing the cultures of ancient Mesopotamia, Iran, Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire. More than 60% of the collections at the Kelsey come from excavations conducted by University of Michigan archaeologists in the early 1920s and 1930s. Our Zoom talk today will explore the theme of "What is archaeology?" Archaeology is defined as the study of human history through the material culture which was left behind. As you virtually tour the galleries, keep in mind the following questions: "What can this artifact tell me about the person who made or used it? What information is provided about the object? What more would I want to know?" This virtual tour will be facilitated by Kelsey Museum’s docent staff.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Docent Staff Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
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Dates: 4/24/2026 - 4/24/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: F
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Building: Online Course
Room: Online via Zoom
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ONLINE: A Zoom invitation link will be sent the Friday before each class session begins.
Using prepared questions and our own observations, the discussion each month will explore a book from current bestseller lists. Selected books for the Spring 2026 term are:
April Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King
Please read before the first class session.
Published in 1982 128 pages Fiction
A mesmerizing tale of unjust imprisonment and offbeat escape, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption is one of Stephen King's most beloved and iconic stories, and it helped make Castle Rock a place readers would return to over and over again. Suspenseful, mysterious, and heart-wrenching, this iconic King novella, populated by a cast of unforgettable characters, is about a fiercely compelling convict named Andy Dufresne who is seeking his ultimate revenge.
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May A Wilder Shore: The Romantic Odyssey of Fanny and Robert Louis Stevenson by Camille Peri
Please read before the second class session.
Published in 2024 408 pages Dual Biography
This story chronicles the adventurous and literary partnership between the author and his wife, Fanny Van de Grift. The book is a richly researched and vivid portrait of their unconventional relationship, from their first meeting in France to their global travels and final years in Samoa. It highlights Fanny's crucial role as a muse, editor, and partner, and reframes her as a complex and formidable figure.
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June Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Please read before the third class session.
Published in 2023 224 pages Sci Fi/Fiction
A slender novel of epic power and the winner of the Booker Prize 2024, Orbital deftly snapshots one day in the lives of six women and men traveling through space. Selected for one of the last space station missions of its kind before the program is dismantled, these astronauts and cosmonauts—from America, Russia, Italy, Britain, and Japan—have left their lives behind to travel at a speed of over seventeen thousand miles an hour as the earth reels below. We glimpse moments of their earthly lives through brief communications with family, their photos and talismans; we watch them whip up dehydrated meals, float in gravity-free sleep, and exercise in regimented routines to prevent atrophying muscles; we witness them form bonds that will stand between them and utter solitude. Most of all, we are with them as they behold and record their silent blue planet. Their experiences of sixteen sunrises and sunsets and the bright, blinking constellations of the galaxy are at once breathtakingly awesome and surprisingly intimate.
Please read Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption before the first class.
We will send a list of discussion questions for each book to all registrants prior to each Book Club session.
Debie White has been a member of the Elderwise Learning Book Club for 10 plus years. She is an avid reader and welcomes an exchange of ideas, opinions, and interpretations.
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Fee: $60.00
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Instructor(s): Debie White
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Dates: 4/27/2026 - 6/8/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 3
Days: M
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Building: Online Course
Room: Online via Zoom
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1st Session is on April 27;
2nd Session is on May 18;
3rd Session is on June 8.
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Vaccines are some of our most powerful tools to prevent illness, but recommendations about which vaccines to get and how, often change frequently and can be confusing. In this class, Dr. Emily Stoneman will provide updated information on which vaccines are recommended based on age and other risk factors. You will learn about the latest guidance from medical professional organizations, as well as reliable resources for keeping up to date with vaccine recommendations. We will also discuss how to access vaccines in the community. Emily Stoneman is an Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on immunity to respiratory viral viruses including COVID 19 and influenza.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Emily Stoneman
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Dates: 4/28/2026 - 4/28/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Except for Patsy Kline and Dolly Parton, George Jabol never much liked country musicians, preferring classical artists instead. So why did he choose to go on a musical tour of the South? Mainly to visit American cities he had never been to – places like Nashville, Memphis and especially New Orleans. But because of this 2025 tour, he acquired a new respect, and even a liking, for the many varieties of music that originated in and still emanate from the American South. He loved the architectural beauty of Nashville, and thoroughly enjoyed his evening at the famous Grand Old Opry and a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame. In Memphis he finally got to see Graceland, Elvis Presley’s mansion and 14-acre estate. New Orleans turned out to be just as amazing as he had always imagined, from its jazz and blues music and great food, to the majestic St. Louis Cathedral in the iconic French Quarter, as well as its trolleys, a huge World War II museum, and the crocodiles he met on an optional Swamp Tour. This ten-day trip gave George many memories, and expanded his musical appreciation. It even caused him to develop a certain twang in his speech patterns! This class will focus on the cities themselves, and will include a favorite song or two from their past.
George Jabol received his B.A. degree from Muskingum College in Ohio, and a Ph.D. in English language and literature from the University of Michigan. Fully retired now from a career with the federal government, George creates photographic slide shows as a way to remember his travels and share them with others.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): George Jabol
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Dates: 4/28/2026 - 4/28/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Identity theft is a prevalent and damaging crime that can affect anyone. This class will provide an essential introduction to the world of identity theft, explaining what it is, how criminals steal personal information, and the impact on victims’ lives. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs and implement effective strategies in their daily lives, both online and offline. Key topics include securing personal documents, safe online practices, recognizing phishing scams, and an overview of how to protect your credit report with a freeze. Real life case examples will be used to illustrate common schemes. Key takeaways include understanding common methods used by thieves to steal information such as social engineering and hacking, and learning to identify "red flags" that may indicate suspicious activity in an account. Mark will share practical tips for protecting personal information for individuals and family, and the immediate action to take if you or a family member become a victim of identity theft. Mark Munzenberger is the Financial Education Manager at the University of Michigan Credit Union (UMCU). He has been working in financial services since 2003, providing both financial education workshops and individual financial counseling for thousands of students each year. Mark’s diverse programs have been recognized with multiple Credit Union industry awards, and in 2021, he was named the Michigan Credit Union Foundation’s Educator of the Year.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Mark Munzenberger
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Dates: 4/29/2026 - 4/29/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
We have all learned the ”3 R”s – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. But did you know that those ”3 R”s are in that order on purpose and for good reason – and that there are more than three Rs in a circular economy? In this class, participants will explore the lesser known Rs of our circular economy, and find more ways to work toward zero waste goals in daily life. The Ecology Center is a non-profit leader in the environmental movement of Southeast Michigan. The Center has focused its efforts on four main strategies, 1) educating consumers to help keep their families healthy and safe, 2) pushing corporations to use clean energy, make safe products, and provide healthy food, 3) working with policy makers to establish laws that protect communities and the environment, and 4) creating innovative services that promote healthy people and a healthy planet. Rebecca Nielsen, is the Environmental Education Director at the Ecology Center. Becca has more than 20 years of experience in the fields of formal and non-formal education and specializes in place-based and environmental education, K-12 curriculum coaching, program design, and program evaluation. She is a certified 6th-12th grade science teacher in the State of Michigan with an endorsement in biology. Becca graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in biology and anthropology-zoology, and earned a master’s degree from the University of Virginia.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Rebecca Nielsen
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Dates: 4/29/2026 - 4/29/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Eleanor Roosevelt wasn’t born fearless. She wasn’t raised to lead. And for much of her early life, she believed what others said about her – that she was awkward, unattractive, and destined to stay in the background. But Eleanor found her strength by lifting others, and in doing so, became one of the most respected and inspiring voices of the 20th century. This presentation traces her journey from self-doubt to self-assurance. We will hear how she faced grief, betrayal, war, and public scrutiny – and how she used each experience to deepen her courage and sense of purpose. Along the way, she teaches us what it means to show up, speak out, and live with integrity, even when the world tells us we are not enough. Eleanor’s wisdom is timeless: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Join us to be inspired by the words and actions of one of history's most unexpectedly dynamic leaders. Wendy Zielen, originally from upstate New York, became a lifelong Michigander after meeting her husband at the University of Michigan. As Executive and Development Director of Bendix Academy, a nonprofit in Brighton, Michigan, she fosters mentorship through hands-on toolmanship education. Deeply committed to historical preservation and youth advocacy, Wendy draws inspiration from the “can-do” spirit of WWII. Her passion for history grew while retracing her Doughboy grandfather’s footsteps across France, and she continues to honor the legacy of America’s heroes by working to help empower future generations.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Wendy Zielen
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Dates: 4/30/2026 - 4/30/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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In-Person Pre-Performance Class: Thursday, April 30, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Elderwise Learning classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Presenter: David Andrews
Matinee LIVE Performance: Sunday, May 10, 2:00 p.m.
Riverside Arts Center
76 North Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI
Written by Tim Kelly, based on the story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Directed by David Andrews
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Fees:
Members: $10 for the in-person pre-play class, plus a $17 ticket fee, added at checkout
Nonmembers: $20 for the in-person pre-play class, plus a $17 ticket fee, added at checkout
Extra Tickets are $17 each.
Please contact the Elderwise Learning office to purchase extra tickets. Extra Tickets cannot be purchased online.
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The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is one of the most popular mystery novels ever written. Doyle’s story takes place over several weeks in a variety of locations, ranging from central London, to Baskerville Hall in Devonshire, to the mysterious Grimpen Mire. Join us as David Andrews explores how playwright Tim Kelly deftly condenses the narrative to a manageable scale for the stage, and how PTD Productions will bring both Doyle’s and Kelly’s words to life at the Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti in May 2026. David Andrews holds three degrees in Theatre and English Literature, including an MA in Theatre from EMU, and has either performed, directed, or served on the board for nearly every community-based theatre group in Washtenaw County. In recent decades his theatrical efforts have featured a Victorian-Era flair, including five years as lead tenor with the Dodworth Saxhorn Band, and ten productions as artistic director for the University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Note: Additional information will be emailed to class registrants a few days before the show.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): David Andrews
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Dates: 4/30/2026 - 4/30/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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Come join us for a fun and rewarding experience!
This volunteer opportunity is FREE, but you must register.
OFFSITE TOUR: Food Gatherers Facility, 1 Carrot Way, Ann Arbor
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
This tour is limited to 15 attendees. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this event. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join. It also helps the onsite class assistant have an accurate roster.
Food Gatherers exists to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in our community. Established in 1998 as Michigan’s first food rescue program and the sixth in the United States, Food Gatherers is the first food rescue program to be funded by a for-profit business, Zingerman’s Delicatessen. Food Gatherers rescues several tons of food daily that volunteers help process, inspect, and sort.
NOTE #1: The professional staff at Food Gatherers know we are primarily seniors and will not ask our volunteers to move or lift heavy items. The shift does involve being on your feet for two hours. Our specific assignment depends on what they have on hand that day, so let's be prepared.
NOTE #2: Volunteers must wear sensible closed-toed shoes (no sandals) and shirts with t-shirt length sleeves or longer. A head covering (hat, beanie, bandana, etc.) is required for most tasks. Hairnets will be provided if you need one. You may be in the Green Room which is temperature controlled around 50 degrees F, so it’s a good idea to bring an extra layer such as a sweatshirt or a coat. Also, keep in mind you may be working with open food, and things can get a bit messy. If you are wearing clothing that does not comply with these guidelines, you will not be able to volunteer.
REQUIRED: A Group Member Volunteer Waiver Form and more information will be sent to all registrants a few days prior to the tour. Please bring the form with you when you come to volunteer. Please be on time with your waivers filled out. If you decide to fill out a waiver on site, please arrive a few minutes early to do so.
Additional important information will be emailed to class registrants a few days before the event, as well as the waiver document.
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Fee: $0.00
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Instructor(s): Professional Staff Food Gatherers
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Dates: 5/4/2026 - 5/4/2026
Times: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: M
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Building: Offsite
Room: Food Gatherers Facility, Ann Arbor
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Have you ever marveled at art work that you thought was a painting and discovered it was made from fabric? This class will explore the beginnings of modern quilting and art quilting. Come be inspired by many examples of works by extraordinary textile artists, and hear about the journey of two Michigan art quilters. Bring an inspiring photograph to share the story you would want to capture if you made a fabric art quilt. Patti Devine is a quilter who loves making traditional pieced quilts and art quilts that capture memories of special people, pets and places. She enjoys teaching art quilting workshops including an annual art quilting retreat/workshop in Northern Michigan. Julie Zawacki is an art quilter who appreciates the space for wide open creative expression that art quilting opens.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Patti Devine, Julie Zawacki
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Dates: 5/5/2026 - 5/5/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
In 2025 the film “Blue Moon,” directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke, played locally. It portrayed the tragic end of the career and life of Lorenz Hart (1895-1943). For nearly two decades, his partnership with Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) created beloved standards of the American Songbook. We will learn a bit about musical theater and about this talented pair. Most of all, we will hear their songs. In addition to “Blue Moon,” their work included “Manhattan,” “With a Song in My Heart,” “Where or When,” “My Funny Valentine,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered,” and others. Join us in a musical walk down memory lane. Michael Homel is Professor Emeritus of History at Eastern Michigan University. He specializes in 20TH century American history and American urban history. He is the author of Unlocking City Hall: Exploring the History of Local Government and Politics, and other publications on urban politics and education.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Michael Homel
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Dates: 5/6/2026 - 5/6/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Leaf411, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the nation's first national cannabis nurse helpline and guidance service, committed to expanding healthcare equity by ensuring consumers have free or low-cost access to evidence-based information. Leaf411’s mission is to provide education and directional support to the public about the safe and effective use of cannabis. During this presentation, Mary Loyer, RN, a Leaf411 nurse, will provide a general overview of cannabis medicine, and explain how a cannabis nurse can assist in finding answers to our questions. Topics will include a brief overview of how components of the cannabis plant (marijuana and hemp) interact with the body, potential therapeutic benefits, how to avoid unwanted side effects, and the potential for interaction with other medications. Mary Loyer, RN, has been working with Leaf411 for four years to increase awareness of this essential public education resource. She has spent 25 years in the healthcare industry, concentrating on medication safety. After retiring in 2021, she returned to school to earn a certificate in cannabis medicine from Pacific College in California.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Mary Loyer
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Dates: 5/6/2026 - 5/6/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Approximately 2 million people are currently imprisoned in the U.S. with many more spending time in pre-detention in our jails. How do these numbers affect our communities, particularly the children and families of incarcerated individuals? Recent statistics show that more than 55% of men in state prisons and 65% of women have minor children. Losing a parent to incarceration affects the emotional, psychological, and financial well-being of children and the family. This impacts our schools and our communities. Together we will learn how we can improve support for the families and children of those incarcerated; and help improve the lives of those reentering to reduce recidivism and prevent intergenerational criminal involvement. Carolyn Madden has an M.A. in linguistics from the City University of New York and a J.D. degree from Wayne State University. She is a retired lecturer from the University of Michigan and is a member of Friends of Restorative Justice of Washtenaw County and the League of Women Voters. Kathie Gourlay holds an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. She is a retired Washtenaw Community College instructor who is passionate about criminal justice reform. Kathie volunteers with the American Friends Service Committee and Friends of Restorative Justice of Washtenaw County.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Kathie Gourlay, Carolyn Madden
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Dates: 5/7/2026 - 5/7/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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ONLINE: A Zoom invitation link will be sent one day before class begins.
Developmental plasticity, or the ability of organisms to modify their growth or form in response to their environment, is a fundamental engine of biological diversity. This talk introduces the concept of plasticity and explores how flexible development allows organisms to meet the challenges of changing conditions. Thomas will focus on the water-to-land transition of vertebrates, a pivotal moment in evolution when early four-legged animals faced new mechanical and sensory demands. By examining how bones sense and respond to forces during growth, we can understand how plasticity shapes anatomy in real time, including in humans, and how similar processes may have influenced major evolutionary transitions. Thomas Stewart is an evolutionary and developmental biologist whose research focuses on major transitions in vertebrate evolution. He holds an undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in Integrative Biology. After graduating, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Yale University and at the University of Chicago. Tom is currently an Assistant Professor at Pennsylvania State University.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Thomas Stewart
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Dates: 5/8/2026 - 5/8/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: F
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Building: Online Course
Room: Online via Zoom
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OFFSITE TOUR: Tour site location TBA
This tour is one of two identical wildflower walks – please register for only one.
This tour is limited to 12 attendees. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this class. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join. It also helps the onsite class assistant have an accurate roster.
This excursion will take us to both upland oak-hickory forests and a river floodplain dominated by silver maple. The pink flowers of wild geranium will be easily seen. Lower to the ground, both white and purple violets abound, along with some less-obvious botanical rarities. An impressively large honey locust with dangerous looking spines has found refuge in this protected river valley, along with the uncommon rough-leaved dogwood. The old fields of this family farm have been successfully planted in prairie forbs, and the property owners have seen the ongoing restoration work in the forests improve the ecological health of these natural areas as well. The walk will be less than one mile and is mostly level, but occasionally uneven with tree roots, and it may be muddy in places. Beverly Walters has experience both as a field botanist and a Museum Collections Manager at the University of Michigan Herbarium. Now retired, she helps maintain and improve the Herbarium's Michigan Flora Online website (https://michiganflora.net), a popular resource for plant identification. Bev pursued her botanical studies at Michigan State University. Additional important information will be emailed to class registrants a few days before the tour.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Beverly Walters
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Dates: 5/11/2026 - 5/11/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: M
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Building: Offsite
Room: Saline River Valley
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Robin Lehman will lead us in a discussion of Advance Care directives and other documents that we all should have in place. The discussion will include what you should know and what you can do now. Everyone should be aware of end-of-life options, no matter where they are on their journey. Knowledge is power. Join us for this presentation regarding having important conversations with your loved ones about your wishes and needs. It includes ensuring that your Advance Directive is up to date as well as other documents you may consider. Five Wishes is a framework for completing an Advance Care Directive. Join us for this important, although sometimes difficult, conversation. Robin Lehman is one of the co-founders of the Evergreen End of Life Care Foundation of Michigan. She is a member of the National End of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) and is a certified End of Life Doula. Robin is passionate about supporting people as they navigate end of life challenges, as well as providing community outreach and education.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Robin Lehman
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Dates: 5/14/2026 - 5/14/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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OFFSITE TOUR: Park Lyndon North, 18801 N. Territorial Road, Chelsea
This class has an enrollment limit of 15. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this class. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join. It also helps the onsite class assistant have an accurate roster.
Park Lyndon North is one of southern Michigan’s finest natural areas, an area of high relief that is home to 500 species of plants. It boasts wetland and upland nature trails dominated by glacially sculpted hillsides. The steep rolling terrain features oaks, hickories, poplar, beech, maples, tulip trees (and many more), with the upland trail winding over the Ice Age stream deposits of a prominent esker. In addition, the lowland portion traverses a beautiful tamarack swamp. Tom Friedlander is a retired University of Michigan trained tree-and-shrub taxonomist who spent 38 years teaching and coaching at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor. Additional important information will be emailed to class registrants a few days before the tour.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Tom Friedlander
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Dates: 5/15/2026 - 5/15/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: F
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Building: Offsite
Room: Park Lyndon North, Chelsea
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OFFSITE TOUR: Tour site location TBA
This tour is one of two identical wildflower walks – please register for only one.
This tour is limited to 12 attendees. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this class. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join. It also helps the onsite class assistant have an accurate roster.
This excursion will take us to both upland oak-hickory forests and a river floodplain dominated by silver maple. The pink flowers of wild geranium will be easily seen. Lower to the ground, both white and purple violets abound, along with some less-obvious botanical rarities. An impressively large honey locust with dangerous looking spines has found refuge in this protected river valley, along with the uncommon rough-leaved dogwood. The old fields of this family farm have been successfully planted in prairie forbs, and the property owners have seen the ongoing restoration work in the forests improve the ecological health of these natural areas as well. The walk will be less than one mile and is mostly level, but occasionally uneven with tree roots, and it may be muddy in places. Beverly Walters has experience both as a field botanist and a Museum Collections Manager at the University of Michigan Herbarium. Now retired, she helps maintain and improve the Herbarium's Michigan Flora Online website (https://michiganflora.net), a popular resource for plant identification. Bev pursued her botanical studies at Michigan State University. Additional important information will be emailed to class registrants a few days before the tour.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Beverly Walters
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Dates: 5/18/2026 - 5/18/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: M
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Building: Offsite
Room: Saline River Valley
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Nella Larsen (1891-1964) received acclaim as a writer during the Harlem Renaissance, culminating in the publication of her only two novels, Quicksand (1928) and Passing (1929). The author’s use of third-person narration in both novels focalizes on Helga Crane coming to terms with her racial identity in the former, and the doubling of Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry in the latter, via the themes of social criticism and psychological realism. Both novels are available in one book (Rutgers University Press, 0-8135-1170-4), edited by Deborah E. McDowell. Class registrants should plan to read each novel prior to its class session. Kevin Eyster is a professor emeritus at Madonna University in Livonia where he continues to teach courses in literature. He has been presenting at Elderwise for over 25 years. Along with spending time with family, he enjoys swimming, bike riding, reading, and following one of his alma mater’s sports teams.
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Fee: $40.00
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Instructor(s): Kevin Eyster
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Dates: 5/20/2026 - 5/27/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 2
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
End-of-life care encompasses much more than hospice services, it means planning for the “what ifs” before they happen. Join us for this sometimes difficult conversation to learn about options available to us all. Learn about the differences between senior living, assisted living, memory care, and other options available. Learn when to get Hospice involved and the myths of hospice care. Everyone should be aware of end-of-life options, no matter where they are on their journey, and whether they are caring for others or thinking about their own future. Knowledge is powerful. Jenny Turner is part of the core of the Evergreen End of Life Care Foundation of Michigan. She is a member of the National End of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA), a certified End of Life Doula, and is passionate about supporting people as they navigate end of life challenges, as well as providing community outreach and education.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Jenny Turner
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Dates: 5/20/2026 - 5/20/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Come join long-time presenter Don Chalfant as he ventures into the wilderness of Northwest Canada on an eleven-day expedition. This trip promised opportunities to see and photograph species of birds and mammals Don had never had a chance to see before. The tour did not disappoint, as it provided sightings of many bird species usually seen in the winter, when their plumage is not at its most beautiful. Instead, Don was able to witness birds in their nesting range and enjoy their beautiful plumage. In addition to birds, Don saw 20 mammal species ranging in size from a tiny chipmunk to a great grizzly bear. And the scenery and wildflowers were magnificent! Don Chalfant has been entertaining and enlightening the Elderwise community for many years with his profound knowledge and stunning photographs of North America’s natural world. Don received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan. Since retiring from teaching in the Ann Arbor Public Schools, Don is eager to share his passion for birds and other flora and fauna through his photos.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Don Chalfant
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Dates: 5/21/2026 - 5/21/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Many of us are having trouble coping with daily life in these difficult times. We and our loved ones may be experiencing anxiety, insomnia, anger, sadness, helplessness, or hopelessness. Join us to explore what we can do to cope and even thrive in today’s world. Before retirement, Chris was an educator in Gentle Teaching, a way of interacting with others to make them feel safe and valued so they can be their best selves. In this class, she will talk about how we can apply these principles to ourselves as well as others, in order to gain resilience and patience. Chris Hench holds an M.S.W. from the University of Michigan. She was the Chief Operating Officer of a non-profit in Oakland County which supported persons with developmental disabilities, including those who were Deaf. She is currently a consultant for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and DeafCAN! on Deaf mental health issues. Chris is the mother of an adult Deaf son.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Chris Hench
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Dates: 5/21/2026 - 5/21/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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- This class has reached the enrollment limit. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
OFFSITE TOUR: Saginaw Forest, 3900 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor
This class has an enrollment limit of 12. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this class. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join. It also helps the onsite class assistant have an accurate roster.
The 80-acre Saginaw Forest was established in 1903, and is managed by the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. It includes a 55-acre tree plantation originally intended to determine which species of trees can be used to replant the worn-out farmlands of Michigan. We will see some remaining specimens of the 40 planted species, which included 28 trees not native to Michigan and 10 not native to the United States. We will also explore areas of significant forest regrowth, with scattered silver maples, white pine, oaks, Norway maples, elm, ash, aspen, willow, hackberry, red and silver maples, and possibly the rare Murray birch. Tom Friedlander is a retired University of Michigan trained tree-and-shrub taxonomist who spent 38 years teaching and coaching at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor. Additional important information will be emailed to class registrants a few days before the tour.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor: Tom Friedlander
Capacity Remaining: -1
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Dates: 5/22/2026 - 5/22/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: F
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Building: Offsite
Room: Saginaw Forest, Ann Arbor
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Join us for a hands-on session puzzling over dozens of mostly odd and unfamiliar tools, hardware, and other objects, some of which have not been identified, and many of which are distinctly old. Many of these metal, wood, and other objects come from past trades or practices, or are not readily available outside of museums. You will have an opportunity to add your own expertise, and perhaps uncover the nature and origin of some of these oddball items. Elderwise Learning participants will certainly recognize more of these curios than will their children and grandchildren! Tom Friedlander is a retired University of Michigan trained tree-and-shrub taxonomist who spent 38 years teaching and coaching at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Tom Friedlander
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Dates: 5/26/2026 - 5/26/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
This Connected Vehicles class looks at how the idea of cars “talking” to each other and the world around them has grown from early research projects into real systems on today’s roads. We will explore how these technologies aim to prevent crashes, ease traffic, and make travel more efficient for everyone. We will learn about current uses already in the field – like signal priority for buses, work-zone warnings, pedestrian alerts, and speed guidance on tricky curves. We will also look at the evolution of connected vehicle and infrastructure technologies. Looking ahead, we will consider future ideas such as vehicles coordinating their movements, smarter routing, and improved safety insights. We will not ignore the hurdles – slow industry adoption, funding gaps, privacy concerns, and the challenge of setting common standards. By the end of the class, we will have a clear picture of both the promise and the practical challenges of connected vehicle technology. The class is presented by staff from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI): Debra Bezzina is the Managing Director for the Ann Arbor Connected Environment. Her career spans academia and industry, which has led to significant advancements to the field of transportation, particularly in connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies. She holds degrees in electrical engineering and business administration, along with a program management certification. Zachary Jerome is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UMTRI, and is Co-founder and CEO of Connected Traffic Intelligence (CTI). He earned his Ph.D. in 2025 from the University of Michigan, where he conducted his research in Dr. Henry Liu’s Mobility Transformation Lab (MTL). Andrew Donaldson is the Lead Research Engineer for the Ann Arbor Connected Environment, guiding two major federal initiatives: the Smart Intersections Project and AACE 2.0. Andrew is known for building strong, diverse teams and driving innovation from concept through delivery. A hands-on leader with deep technical insight, he brings a rare mix of big-picture vision and detail-driven execution. Simply put, he gets things done.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Debra Bezzina
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Dates: 5/27/2026 - 5/27/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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ONLINE: A Zoom invitation link will be sent the Friday before each class session begins.
Recommended text: The Collected Plays of Neil Simon; Volume I. New American Library, 1986.
Arguably the most successful and influential American playwright of the mid through late 20th century, Neil Simon gifted audiences with unforgettable characters and stories introduced on the Broadway stage. In most cases, they were also presented to wider audiences in film translations. Join Cecilia Donohue in discussion of three of Neil Simon’s earliest works: Come Blow Your Horn (1961); Barefoot in the Park (1963); and The Odd Couple (1965). Class registrants should plan to read Come Blow Your Horn and Barefoot in the Park prior to the first session. Cecilia Donohue enjoyed a 25-year career of undergraduate instruction, graduate teaching, and academic administration. A contributor to the recently published essay anthology Fiction and Poetry to Help Us Age: Criticism and Reflections by Professors of Literature, Cecilia is an Associate Editor of The Steinbeck Review and has written extensively on America’s southern writers, notably Robert Penn Warren and Anne Tyler. She now resides in East Tennessee with her husband Bill and their trio of equine, feline, and canine companions.
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Fee: $40.00
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Instructor(s): Cecilia Donohue
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Dates: 6/1/2026 - 6/8/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 2
Days: M
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Building: Online Course
Room: Online via Zoom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
On July 4 of this year, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's birth. At risk to their lives, a group of American colonial leaders signed a Declaration of Independence from Great Britian. The document's stirring words were principally authored by a young soft-spoken farmer from Virginia, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson went on to play a pivotal role in shaping the new nation's democracy. He served as Vice President under both George Washington and John Adams, then as America's third President for eight years, then as Minister to France, then as Governor of Virginia, and founder of the University of Virginia. Along the way, he doubled the size of the new nation by negotiating the Louisiana Purchase from France, wrote eight books, learned multiple languages, discovered plant species unknown to botanists, and insisted that slavery be banned from the Northwest Ordinance states. John Stewart is a retired software developer with degrees in biology from the University of Michigan. He is in awe of the career of Ann Arbor high school graduate, Ken Burns.
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Fee: $40.00
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Instructor(s): John Stewart
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Dates: 6/2/2026 - 6/9/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 2
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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OFFSITE TOUR: Burns-Stokes Preserve, 2905 Zeeb Road, Dexter
This class has an enrollment limit of 15. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this class. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join. It also helps the onsite class assistant have an accurate roster.
Dragonflies are over 300 million years old, yet have changed very little since they first appeared on Earth. Come take a deep dive into nature’s perfect predators, their life cycles, their unique features, and their mythology as represented in many different cultures. This field trip will be held at the Burns-Stokes Preserve, which is situated along the river, with consistent sightings of dragonflies and damselflies. Appropriate outerwear is recommended, including tall boots. Attendees should be prepared to go off trail, where the walking can be rough and root-y in places. Elle Bogle is a passionate outdoor educator and adventurer who takes pride in connecting people with the beauty of nature. She worked as a naturalist with WCPARC for seven years, and is currently an environmental specialist with the Ann Arbor Public Schools where she has been teaching for nine years, an educator with the Ecology Center, and offers freelance naturalist services through her Wild Wander business. Her specialties include amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies, and mindfulness in nature. Additional important information will be emailed to class registrants a few days before the tour.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Elle Bogle
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Dates: 6/3/2026 - 6/3/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: Offsite
Room: Burns-Stokes Preserve, Dexter
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OFFSITE TOUR: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 North Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor
This class has an enrollment limit of 20. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this class. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join. It also helps the onsite class assistant have an accurate roster.
Fee: Member $10 Nonmember $20, plus an additional $10 entrance fee, added at checkout
Note: Parking is $4 for two hours, payable at desk or kiosk.
Water is life. It is everywhere, flowing in and out of different places, and it touches all we see. Water provides humans with numerous ecosystem benefits, provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals, and is an essential part of resilient ecosystems. Join us at Matthaei Botanical Gardens to explore the diversity of life in various water-related spots along the trail, and gain appreciation for their roles in nature and interconnectedness with the Great Lakes. Explore how healthy, resilient water travels. Discover various birds, animals, and plants that live with, and in, the Matthaei waterways. Walking shoes are recommended. The tour will be led by Matthaei-Nichols Professional Docent Staff. Additional important information will be emailed to class registrants a few days before the tour.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Gardens Matthaei Botanical
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Dates: 6/4/2026 - 6/4/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: Offsite
Room: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Get ready to go clue hunting as we re-live the wild ride of the “Paul is Dead” hoax, where in 1969, Beatles fans and local Michiganders went on a quest to discover if Paul McCartney was secretly replaced by a lookalike. It all started when a student from Eastern Michigan University called Detroit’s WKNR radio about Paul McCartney's death. This sparked a flurry of theories that landed in The Michigan Daily, and had everyone scouring songs played backwards and peering at album covers for hidden messages. Rumors didn’t fade until Paul himself appeared (alive) with his wife, Linda, on the cover of Life Magazine – though some folks still wonder about a 1967 car crash and missing Beatle! Join Ray for a musical adventure packed with Beatles tunes, backwards tracks, album art sleuthing, and plenty of laughs as we unravel one of rock’s most famous legends. Ray Stocking has studied, recorded, and performed the music of The Beatles for more than 40 years. He is also a self-taught Beatles historian, and enjoys sharing his abundance of “Beatles details” with anyone who wants to listen. Ray is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University where he received his B.B.A and M.B.A. degrees in business management.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Ray Stocking
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Dates: 6/4/2026 - 6/4/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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OFFSITE TOUR: 797 W. Textile Road, Ann Arbor
This class has an enrollment limit of 20. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this class. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join. It also helps the onsite class assistant have an accurate roster.
The Past IS Worth Preserving. Join us for a story of the Sutherlands and Wilsons. This tour of the Sutherland-Wilson farm includes a presentation on the history of Pittsfield Township, as well as the six generations who lived in this home. We will explore the house, barn, and outbuildings, and learn how they have been renovated over the years by the Pittsfield Township Historical Society. If you enjoy local history, you will enjoy this tour. Carol Pollack-Rundle, a retired ophthalmic technologist at Michigan Medicine, has been interested in history for years. She is a charter member of the Pittsfield Township Historical Society and has served as its treasurer for four years. She is also a house docent and owes her knowledge of the house to other members of the historical society, especially Ed and Mary Ellen Wall, the authors of many books on Pittsfield Township history. Additional important information will be emailed to class registrants a few days before the tour.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Carol Pollack-Rundle
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Dates: 6/5/2026 - 6/5/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: F
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Building: Offsite
Room: Sutherland-Wilson Farmstead, Ann Arbor
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OFFSITE TOUR: 6480 S. State Road, Salline
Enrollment: This tour is limited to 30 attendees. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this class. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join. It also helps the onsite class assistant have an accurate roster.
Accessibility: PLEASE NOTE that the Park is not yet fully accessible.
Join us for an outdoor tour of Fellowfield Discovery Park, a 10-acre ecojustice park dedicated to restoring relationships between people, place, and planet. The program begins with a welcome and introduction to the park’s purpose and philosophy, followed by hands-on activities at the Park’s discovery stations. Together, we will reflect on how past decisions have shaped the land, and how healing and stewardship are taking root. Participants will also have time to explore the trails and gardens at their own pace, including an exclusive preview of future exhibits still in development. Please note that although this development continues, the park is not yet fully accessible. Katy Adams is Fellowfield’s founder, an experienced non-profit leader, educator, and ecologist with deep family roots in the area. She is passionate about creating thoughtful spaces where people can explore and imagine, safely question the systems that shape our lives, and practice the skills needed to thrive in diverse and interdependent communities. Additional important information will be emailed to class registrants a few days before the tour.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Katy Adams
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Dates: 6/12/2026 - 6/12/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: F
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Building: Offsite
Room: Fellowfield Discovery Park, Saline
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