Thursday Evening Speaker Series

  • The Surprising Residents of our Local Watershed

    The Surprising Residents of our Local Watershed

    Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 6:00-7:30pm

    Bob Muller, Naturalist and Aquatic Researcher

    Bob Muller, Program Director of the Royal Oak Nature Society, has been sampling fish in the Rouge River Watershed for over a decade under permits issued by the Michigan DNR. He is a lifetime researcher of aquatic life, a naturalist, a nationally renowned fish photographer, educator, and he has traveled as far as the Amazon basin to study fish species. His biggest contributions are right here in Michigan with his discovery of two species of fishes not recorded previously in Michigan—the Mummichug and the Dusky Darter. He has also published a book - The Fish Community of the Rouge River Watershed, which focuses both on the biological and cultural history of the Rouge. Bob will tell us what can be found in our local watershed, as well as what contaminants are present in our fish populations. He will also try to bring some live examples of our watershed’s most beautiful residents for you to meet. Generously sponsored by American House Stone.

  • The Dynamic Relationship Between Detroit and Japan

    The Dynamic Relationship Between Detroit and Japan

    Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 6:00-7:30pm

    What ties exist between Detroit and Tokyo? It turns out that the relationship between Michigan and the country of Japan is deep, intricate, and very strong. We are delighted to learn from the Consulate General’s office about the history of Japan’s presence in Detroit, from the auto industry to the restaurant industry, and many others. Mr. Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori has recently assumed the position of Consul General of Japan in Detroit and will be sending his staff to Next to talk to our community and create a new understanding of the links between Japan and Michigan. The presence of Japanese companies in Michigan and Ohio is significant, and they have long contributed to both industrial development and job creation in this area. Discover the history, and learn about the current happenings, of this fascinating relationship, directly from the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit.

  • Ukiyo-E-Art - Japanese Wood Block Printing

    Ukiyo-E-Art - Japanese Wood Block Printing

    Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 6:00-7:30pm

    Julie M. Lambert, Professor of Fine Art at Macomb Community College Join Julie M. Lambert as she explores the captivating history and technique of Japanese wood block printing. Ukiyo-e, translated as "pictures of the floating world," are Japanese prints that presented idyllic narratives of nature, life, and aristocratic past times in Japan. This artistic method has captivated admirers throughout the world.

  • Experiencing the Spiritual Through Art

    Experiencing the Spiritual Through Art

    Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 6:00-7:30pm

    Wendy Evans, Art Historian 

    People from cultures around the world and over the centuries have found the sacred in art and have used art to encourage spiritual experiences. While showing art from various faiths as well as secular art, this presentation will suggest ways in which you can engage more fully with art in order to experience its spirituality more deeply. Generously sponsored by the Autumn House

  • Summer is for the Birds

    Summer is for the Birds

    Thursday, June 19, 2025 | 6:00-7:30pm

    Cass Arsenault, Lead Naturalist and Program Coordinator at Johnson Nature Center, Bloomfield Hills Schools

    Join us for an engaging presentation on local birding designed for residential communities. Discover the incredible bird species that call this area home and learn some helpful tips for identifying them. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about the feathered friends in your backyard, this program will inspire you to connect with nature in new ways! Weather permitting, at the end of the presentation, we will head outside and view some birds around the building (binoculars & field guides provided on loan).

  • Michigan - Shiga Sister State: Birmingham and Ritto Japan

    Michigan - Shiga Sister State: Birmingham and Ritto Japan

    Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 6:00-7:30pm

    Ms. Keiko Nakajima, Shiga Visiting Official

    Did you know that Michigan has a sister state 6,526 miles away in Japan? Desiring to establish lasting friendly relations, the formal Sister State Agreement between the State of Michigan in the United States of America and Shiga Prefecture in Japan was signed in 1968. Both Michigan and Shiga have benefited culturally economically and educationally from this partnership. Thirteen municipalities in Shiga and Michigan have joined hands as sister cities, including Birmingham and Ritto. Next is honored to host Ms. Keiko Nakajima, who is currently visiting the United States from Japan, and will explain the deep roots of the Sister State Program.