Events
About a month before the beginning of each term, AALL sponsors an Assembly—a presentation of general interest that is open to the public. The current Assembly topic and speaker are described below, followed by a sampling of some previous Assemblies (which are also described in the past newsletters).
Members may complete the class registration process and pay their fees (if any) in person at the Assembly.
Upcoming Event Reminder:
Dr. Bradley Chase Brings a Breath of Fresh Air to AALL
Dr. Chase is the keynote speaker for AALL’s Winter Assembly on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., located at Wesley Chapel on Albion College’s Campus.
The public is invited to experience a Breath of Fresh Air as new information will be unveiled about upcoming activities at Albion
College’s Whitehouse Nature Center. Brad Chase, a Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, has taught at Albion College for 17 years. He is an archaeologist whose research has explored the Indus Civilization of ancient India and Pakistan. Recently, outside of the classroom, he has delved into studies focused on Albion’s partnership with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi to care for wild rice on the Kalamazoo River and to reconstruct Albion’s indigenous history on the grounds of the Whitehouse Nature Center.
The audience will leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of the rich histories of Albion’s diverse communities. His pictorial illustrations, research-based findings, and plans for the future are astounding.
In addition to the informative speaker, information will be shared about AALL’s February 2026 classes, including instructors, dates, times, locations, and distribution. Ginney Garrison has organized activities to entertain and refresh our youthfulness. We will choose options including upcoming events with Jackson Trippers, Albion College Theater, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Basketball, and activities at the Potter Center. Sign-up sheets will be available for those interested in traveling to nearby places of interest, meeting and making friends, and engaging in lifelong learning. We are also arranging to record the assembly and post it on the AALL Facebook page for those unable to attend. We look forward to an intriguing AALL Assembly.
Please contact Vivian Davis at 517-250-3714 with any questions or concerns.
Winter Assembly: Dr. Brad Chase will present on the Indigenous Settlement Area of the Whitehouse Nature Center and Plans for Future Growth
January 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Wesley Chapel, 600 E Michigan Ave, Albion, MI 49068
Get Directions
Dr. Chase, Professor of Anthropology, joined Albion College in 2008. He is an anthropologist and archaeologist who has conducted fieldwork in the American Midwest and Southwest, Turkey, Pakistan, and currently in India, where he has been doing research for over a decade. His research interests include the organizational dynamics of early urban societies from a comparative perspective, the relationship between humans and their environments during periods of social change, and the role of material culture in creating and maintaining identities in both the past and present. His ongoing research examines these issues within the context of the Indus Civilization in Gujarat, India, specifically focusing on changes in land-use practices and social organization during the rise and fall of South Asia’s first urban civilization.
Arrangements have also been made to livestream the event for our out-of- town, snowbound, and housebound members, as well as interested supporters. Come, share with a friend, and enjoy a morning of good news about Dr. Chase’s research and the latest developments at the Whitehouse Nature Center.
Recent Events
Fall Assembly: Albion Area Lifelong Learners welcomes City staff, including Interim City Manager Doug Terry, Director of Public Services, and Chief of Police
September 11, 2025, 10 a.m.
The City of Albion has a team of leaders working on major infrastructural, developmental, and social changes in the community that will impact us for years to come. The city personnel will discuss with the audience the components of the Capital Improvement Plan, requirements for the Community Development Block Grant application, the Dams update, Street and Water Improvement Projects, collaboration with the Michigan Historic Preservation Network, the Watson Street Housing Development, and other community topics. A specific focus from the Chief of Police will be on Senior Citizen Fraud, which is becoming an increasing concern in the Albion area. Fraudulent activities have deceived several community members. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions of all city personnel and receive immediate feedback or follow-up to address concerns.
Wesley Chapel, 600 E Michigan Ave, Albion, MI 49068
Winter Assembly: Ford BlueOval Battery Park Michigan
January 23, 2025, 10 a.m.
Candice Braddock, Manager of Community Relations and Leslie Spicer Williams, Talent Acquisition and Recruiting Specialist, an Albion native employed at FBOBPM, will give an update on Ford’s development in Marshall and the implications for the Albion community. Reports indicate that construction is about 20% complete, and production is expected to begin in 2026. The plant will produce low-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for Ford’s electric vehicles. Ford expects to create over 1,700 jobs at the plant which will significantly impact the Albion community.
To see all of our past events, visit our Archives page!
Some of our previous trips:
AALL Field Trip to the Everglades National Park
AALL Field Trip to the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, MI.
