Daytime Speakers

Spanish Conversation for Cognitive Well-Being: Advanced Class

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 4:00-5:00pm

Advance Class - 10/22-12/03- no class 11/26

This course is designed to provide a stimulating and engaging environment for individuals interested in learning Spanish while promoting cognitive health. Through interactive conversation activities, this course aims to enhance mental agility, memory and linguistic skills, all while fostering social connections and cultural understanding. In this 6-week course, participants will explore daily conversational topics. Your instructor, Señora Bartlett, will guide you through various activities and exercises designed to challenge your brain, improve language proficiency and keep your cognitive abilities sharp.

Señora Carla Bartlett is a native Spanish speaker and also fluent in Italian. She has been teaching for over 30 years at the high school and Adult Education levels. She holds a BA from U of M-Ann Arbor and a MASTERS Art of Teaching.

Adventures in India

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Jill Pavlat, Next Member and World Traveler 

This program will take a first-person look at Jill Pavlat’s trip to India.  Highlights include two different safaris to spot the elusive Bengal tiger. As part of the safari, the Atapani villagers in Ziro opened their doors for the travelers for the celebration of Myoko, their most sacred holiday. One of only a few westerners to ever witness the celebration, Pavlat will share her remarkable experience through pictures and stories. Jill is an avid adventure traveler with experiences hunting with Aboriginals in Australia, camping in virgin forests in the Amazon and hunting for a glimpse of wild tigers in Nepal. Jill has traveled most of her adult life and began her love of adventure travel in her early 40s. She has visited six continents, traveled solo, with friends and as part of larger groups.  She loves to share her adventures. 

Navigating the Tides of Power:A Current Look at the Indo-Pacific and the China-Taiwan Flashpoint

Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Ryan Mondalek offers a dynamic exploration of the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. With tensions escalating between China and Taiwan, and global powers like the United States increasingly drawn into the fray, this session unpacks the strategic interests, historical context, and emerging flashpoints that define one of the world’s most critical theaters. Ryan Mondalek holds a master's degree in political science from Michigan State University. Coming from a family of secular religious and geopolitical scholars, he has spent the last 8 years studying the Indo-Pacific region, and China in particular, both as political scientist and geopolitical analyst and strategist.

Veterans (and Spouse) Burial Benefits

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 12:00-1:30pm

Mike Smela, Advanced Funeral Planner

As a military veteran, what are my burial benefits? How do they extend to my spouse? Can I choose burial or cremation? Are there differences if I use a national cemetery or a private cemetery? How do I secure my military burial benefits? Join us as Mike Smela from A.J. Desmond & Sons helps us explore this sometimes complicated topic and answers these and other questions, discussing pre-arrangements and helping create the perfect tribute for veterans and their spouses. Lunch will be provided.

Do you have an Action Plan in Case of an Emergency?

Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Jamie Oldham and Amanda Gardner, Schluter & Hughes

November is National Family Caregivers Month. Join us for a hands-on workshop led by a nurse, Jamie Oldham and an attorney, Amanda Gardner, from Schluter & Hughes Law Firm. Together, we’ll build your very own Emergency Folder—complete with refrigerator alerts, phone ID cards and the key documents you (or your loved one) may need if a hospital trip or medical emergency arises. We’ll provide all the supplies — folders, forms, magnets, and more — so you leave with a ready-to-use resource. This is something every caregiver needs. Plus we’ll talk about practical safety tips, what paperwork the ER team looks for, and how smart home technology can support safer living. Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia, supporting a family member, or planning ahead for yourself, this workshop will give you tools and peace of mind. Come prepared to create, learn, and walk away with a folder that could make all the difference when it matters most. 

Lunch and Learn: Seniors and Social Media

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 11:30-1:00pm

Kai-Anne Radcliffe, The James

Do you use Facebook to stay in touch with family and old friends? Do you enjoy watching videos on Instagram or YouTube? Join us for a Lunch & Learn about Social Media - its importance, its pros and cons and its impact on Seniors. Share some of your own experiences. Find out what others enjoy or worry about with various social media platforms.

How to Thrive in Spite of it All: Health and Happiness Hacks

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Peggi Tabor, Certified Integrated Wellness Coach

Discover practical “hacks” to boost your mental, physical and emotional well-being – especially in challenging times. This interactive program explores simple, effective techniques for enhancing brain health, improving physical wellness, managing stress and building social resilience. From movement and mindfulness to mindset shifts and daily habits, you’ll learn tools to help you feel better, think more clearly and stay grounded. Participants will have the opportunity to try out several of these during the program. Come ready to move, reflect and thrive! Peggi Tabor holds an MBA in Marketing and Communications, an MS in Metaphysical Science and a PhD in Philosophy

Nerve Pain: Strategies to Improve Symptoms

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 12:30-2:00pm

Aaron Wallace, Owner, Balance Your Fitness

This engaging and informative program will explore the science behind chronic nerve pain disorders. Participants will learn the root causes of these diseases, as well as strategies to improve symptoms. The session will include interactive discussions and actionable tips to help improve function, making it ideal for anyone seeking to improve their quality of life. 

Senior Life Advisor Council

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 11:00-12:30pm

A distinguished team of trusted advisors will address your questions and offer essential resources and solutions important to the 50+ community. Professional advisors will offer information about: Independent Living/Assisted Living/Memory Care, Financials, Medicare, Funeral Planning, Moving, Care Transition, Organizing, Rehabilitation, PT and OT, Home Health Care, Private Duty, Hospice, Power of Attorney, Law, Estate Planning and Respite. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided. Join us!

Nancy Drew - Carolyn Keene: Revisited

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Dr. Carol S. Chadwick, Lecturer, Author

Join us for an intriguing exploration of the iconic Nancy Drew Mystery Series. Discover origins of the beloved books, the man behind their creation, Edward Stratemeyer, and the identity of the person who was the original Carolyn Keene, the pseudonym for the series’ original author. The lasting impact of Nancy Drew will be discussed, from her first mystery to her continued influence in modern culture. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this presentation offers fresh insights and a deeper understanding of the character’s legacy. For 38 years, Carol Chadwick was a Professor of English at Wayne County Community College and has written and lectured widely on Nancy Drew and serialized detective fiction.