Speakers

The Edmund Fitzgerald Investigations

Thursday, March 4, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The mighty Fitz is the Great Lakes largest shipwreck, resting in two major pieces on the bottom of Lake Superior just over the Canadian border. It was lost in a killer storm in 1975 and its entire crew of 29 vanished into the waves. Shipwreck historian, Ric Mixter is one of a handful of people who have visited the wreck in a submarine to explore the site. That visit was the beginning of more than 20 years of research for Mixter, who has collected one of the largest film archives in the world. Presented by The Jeffares Speaker Series.

Format - At Next and Via Zoom 

Henry Ford: Life & Times

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | 1:00-2:00pm

Todd Bryan, a historian from the Henry Ford Heritage Association will give you a bolographical look at Henry Ford and his accomplishements both inside the Ford Motor Company and beyond. Join us for this exciting opportunity to learn more about Detroit's beloved Mr. Ford. Kindly sponsored by Samaritas Senior Living.

Format: At Next and via Zoom 

Mad for Modern - Detroit Design at Mid Century

Thursday, March 11, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speaker Series presents: 

Deborah Lubera Kawsky, Ph.D., Art Historian, Professor of Art History - Madonna University 

The current resurgence of interest in Detroit has inspired a rediscovery of Detroit’s (and Michigan’s) role in the modern movement. Indeed, at mid century, Metro Detroit was home to
innovative architects and designers — like Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Minoru Yamasaki, Alexander Girard and Ruth Adler Schnee — and to forward-thinking institutions like Cranbrook Art Academy and the Herman Miller furniture company — each dedicated to using modern design to enhance life in the postwar era. Join us to explore examples of mid-century modern design in Michigan, from a recently restored Alexander Girard home to a ground-breaking modern design exhibition held in 1949 at the DIA!

 

Format: TBD

Boosting your Immune System

Thursday, March 18, 2021 | 1:30-2:30pm

Our immune system fi ghts off bad bacteria and viruses that can make us sick. A healthy lifestyle is the first line of defense in building and maintaining a strong immune system. Join in on a
discussion of how to build a stronger immune system and find out about some simple habits that can keep us healthy. Robin Danto, Food Safety and Nutrition educator at the Michigan State
University Extension, Oakland County returns to Next for this program.

Format: via Zoom 

The Purple Gang

Thursday, March 18, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speaker Series presents: 

Paul R. Kavieff, Author and Crime Historian

The Detroit Purple Gang was one of the most ruthless organized crime groups in U.S. history. The gang had its roots in Detroit’s lower eastside during WWI. During the 20s, they rose to become the dominant force in the Detroit underworld through murder, intimidation and official protection. Detroit Police estimated that over 500 unsolved murders in Detroit could be attributed to the Gang. With strong connections to other U.S. organized crime groups, they controlled gambling, drugs, extortion and illegal liquor and beer manufacturing in Southeast Michigan for approximately fi ve years from 1927 to 1932. Lengthy prison sentences and internal sniping caused the Purple Gang to essentially self-destruct by 1935.

Format: At Next only 

Landscaping with Native Plants

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | 12:30-1:30pm

Landscaping with native plants is critical to build habitat, reduce resource inputs, and build healthy outdoor living areas. Learn why only native plants can do this and some design tips to make your native landscape beautiful as well. Drew Lathin has been working with native plants in landscapes for nearly 20 years, most recently as the owner of Creating Sustainable Landscapes. He is a fierce advocate for the need to rewild our urban and suburban landscapes using native plants in thoughtful and legible designs to bring biological diversity and beauty to our everyday lives. Drew is also the President of the Board of the Wildflower Association of Michigan.

Format: Via Zoom 

Next is Honored to Present: Cultivating Mental Health in the Era of COVID-19

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | 1:30-2:30pm

Next is more than excited to be presenting highly acclaimed speaker, Dr. Gretchen Moran Marsh, Ph.D. to share her expertise. 

COVID has brought mental health challenges to the forefront. As a psychologist, specializing in mental health and the treatment of depression and anxiety, Dr. Marsh will provide some guidance on how to navigate life with the constant stressor of COVID. Dr. Marsh will go on to share specific coping strategies to decrease depression and anxiety during these challenging times.

 

Format - via Zoom 

Michigan's Abandoned Wells

Thursday, March 25, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speaker Series presents: 

Adam W. Wygant, Director and State Geologist-Oil, Gas and Minerals Division - Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy

Long-gone prospectors in the 1800s drilled wells for oil and gas in Michigan, looking to cash in and fuel the American Industrial Revolution. When wells dried up and drillers went bust, wells were left uncapped, their decaying pipes plunging deep and left behind in forests, fields or farms that were later developed into towns and cities. Some operators left the pipes open — while others plugged them with mud, scrap lumber or leftover construction material. These are called orphaned wells. If not properly remediated, they can leak greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. This presentation will give an overall history of oil and gas production in our state and the Orphan Well Program’s accomplishments, which includes the plugging of nearly 400 orphan wells over the past few decades.

Format: via Zoom 

Motown

Thursday, April 1, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speaker Series presents: 

Henry Feinberg, Composer, Musician and Instructor - Oakland Community College

Starting from humble origins in 1959, Motown with Berry Gordy at the helm, became one of the most loved and influential styles in all of American popular music. Join Henry Feinberg as he
presents an exciting show on the development of the Motown label amid the revolution and turbulent times of the 1960s. You’ll hear how The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder,
Marvin Gaye and many others became international stars and remain popular to this day. Accompanying the presentation will be recordings of many of Motown’s hits.

Format: At Next and via Zoom 

Coaching Effectively Across The Generation Gap

Thursday, April 8, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speaker Series presents: 

Andy Driska, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology - Michigan State University

Competitive youth sports have evolved over the past 20 years, and as the stakes have gotten higher, coaches are under more pressure to develop successful athletes. Many coaches have
different values about sport that can clash with the athletes’ values. Andy will share some research about Generation Z athletes and the experiences of older coaches who have coped well with intergenerational differences. Professor Driska will share some methods for communication, relationship-building and skill development that we emphasize in the coaching degree program at Michigan State University.

Format: At Next  and via Zoom 

Of Icebergs & Inquiries: Michiganders on the Titanic

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | 12:00-1:00pm

Landscaping with native plants is critical to build habitat, reduce resource inputs, and build healthy outdoor living areas. Learn why only native plants can do this and some design tips to make your native landscape beautiful as well. Drew Lathin has been working with native plants in landscapes for nearly 20 years, most recently as the owner of Creating Sustainable Landscapes. He is a fierce advocate for the need to rewild our urban and suburban landscapes using native plants in thoughtful and legible designs to bring biological diversity and beauty to our everyday lives. Drew is also the President of the Board of the Wildfl ower Association of Michigan.

Format: via Zoom 

Detroit - Then and Now

Thursday, April 15, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speaker Series Presents: 

Linda Yellin, Founder and Owner - Feet on the Street 

Join Linda for a photographic tour of Detroit’s architecture and historic neighborhoods. Learn more about Detroit’s history
and what’s happening now. Linda will share updates on the beautiful RiverWalk, and some remarkable Brush Park mansions that were built in the 1890s and now sell for more than $800,000.
Linda will also give us a tour of the historic Eastern Market and the revitalized Book Cadillac Hotel. Finally, we will see some new parks, greenways, murals and pieces of art.

Format: At Next and via Zoom 

In the Garden

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speaker Series presents: 

Let the Detroit Institute of Arts come to you as you enjoy these beautiful works of art in the comfort of your home. With a goal of providing free access to the DIA’s world-renowned collection, In the Garden is provided with opportunities for reflection, connection, expression and delight while you stay at home. In honor of Earth Day, this talk explores the hidden meanings
behind the images of flowers and plants

Format: via Zoom 

Live Your Life in Balance

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | 11:30-12:30pm

Aaron Wallace, CEO of Balance Your Fitness, will share his expertise about how to live life at your highest potential. Whether you are looking to lose weight, decrease your pain or improve your golf game, Aaron will highlight how very achievable your goals can be when you take a holistic, whole body approach to your journey. Aaron has a BS in Exercise and Health Science and is a C.H.E.K. Health Practitioner, Holistic Lifestyle Coach and Golf Performance Specialist. He can’t wait to help you live a life in balance.

Format: At Next 

Exiled to Motown: Japanese Americans of Detroit

Thursday, April 29, 2021 | 1:00-2:00pm

After World War II’s Japanese-American incarceration, Detroit served as one of the resettlement program’s major destinations. Learn how Japanese Americans were able to preserve their culture in various forms throughout the area. This session will also cover the history of Japenese Americans within the broader industrial and racial history of Detroit. Mika Kennedy, Ph.D., University of Michigan, who created the exhibition, Exiled to Motown, presents this eye opening experience. Generously sponsored by Samaritas Senior Living.

Format: via Zoom 

Rural Roots of Oakland County Parks

Thursday, April 29, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speaker Series presents:

Carol Bacak-Egbo, Oakland County Parks Historian

Our Oakland County Parks are filled with waterways, hiking trails, camping grounds and fishing spots. They are also filled with history. All 14 of our County Parks were once farms, most going back to the 1830s. All those farms, and the people who lived on them, have stories of their own. Some are tragic, some are humorous — all are part of the rich rural heritage of our Parks. Come join Parks historian Carol Bacak-Egbo as she shares some of those wonderful stories.

Format: At Next and via Zoom