Daytime Speakers

Your Sleep Cycles

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 12:30-2:00pm

Aaron Wallace, Owner - Balance Your Fitness

Sick of being exhausted every day? Trouble sleeping through the night? Mind racing? Unable to fall asleep? Learn how you can holistically improve your sleep without drugs or medication. Stop struggling through your day and improve your life!

Are You Do for a Review? Legal Documents Check-Up

Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 11:00-12:30pm

Join the attorneys and care coordinators of Schluter & Hughes Law Firm, PLLC for a candid conversation about the people you have named in your estate planning documents. What is the role of my Power of Attorney? Is that person prepared? Who is named as my Patient Advocate and how can I make sure that person is prepared to act in this role for me? You are encouraged to bring your estate planning documents so that you can ask questions or schedule a free document review with one of Schluter & Hughes’s attorneys, Hailey Burrell, to review at a later date. 

The New Next Facility - Project Updates

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 1:30-3:00pm

To learn more about the new facility project, please join us at Next. We will provide up to date information with plenty of time to address your comments and questions. Presented by Next. 

Baseball in Japan: A Historical, Social and Cultural Perspective

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 11:00-12:30pm

Elizabeth Lublin Associate Professor Emerita, Department of History, Wayne State University

Since its introduction 150 years ago, baseball has become Japan's #1 sporting pastime and the subject of scholarly debate about whether the game epitomizes the Japanese national "character." This program will explore the history of baseball in Japan, through highlights including the 1896 trouncing of an expat team by high school students, Babe Ruth's 1934 all-star tour, and Kōshien, the summer high school tournament. Differences in how baseball is played in Japan and the U.S. will be discussed, along with what baseball reveals about Japan and the Japanese. Associate Professor Emerita of History at Wayne State University, Elizabeth Lublin taught a variety of courses on China, Japan and Korea. Her research interests focus on late 19th- and early 20th-century Japan.

Nutrition and Healthy Aging

Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 12:00-1:30pm

Dr. Jasdeep Sidhu specializes in Geriatric Medicine at Henry Ford Health. She will discuss healthy aging and the role nutrition plays in managing conditions frequently experienced by seniors. A light lunch will be served.

Thank you to Henry Ford Health, our Health and Wellness 2025 Partner! 

Japan's Historical Evolution and Cultural Identity

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Gus Mondalek,International Affairs Expert 

Japan's Historical Evolution and Cultural Identity Amidst Modern Challenges This session will explore the trajectory of Japan's history, emphasizing the development of its unique cultural identity. It tries to examine how Japan's past has shaped its present societal norms and the cultural challenges it faces in a rapidly globalizing world

Coffee with the Police Chief

Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 11:00-12:30pm

Birmingham Police Chief  Scott Grewe comes to Next for a round table discussion on current public safety topics. We read more and more about unusual situations around the country and in our own area. This conversation may include some of today’s unique safety concerns, such as what to do if you fi nd yourself involved in a road rage situation, active shooter, bomb threats or just feeling vulnerable walking back to your car. Chief Clemence will offer practical safety tips and suggestions on what to do if you fi nd yourself in a dangerous situation

Aging in Place: Creating a Supportive Home for your Future

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 11:00-12:30pm

Amanda Gardner, JD; Jamie Oldham, RN BSN CDP and Beth Regner, PA-C CDP, Schluter & Hughes Law Firm, PLLC

 Aging in place is more than just staying in the home you love— it’s about maintaining independence, safety, and quality of life as you age. With the right modifications, support system, and legal plan, your home can remain a safe, comfortable place for years to come. Join attorneys and care coordinators from Schluter & Hughes Law Firm, PLLC, who have worked with countless families navigating this transition. Whether you’re married or solo, there’s a high probability you will grow older alone. A little planning can make all the difference.

The Art of Dressing in a Kimono

Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Traeonna , Kimono Kitsune LLC T

Kimono (着物) is the traditional attire of Japan. This informative session will explore how to distinguish between authentic and inauthentic kimono, introduce the most common types and formalities of kimono worn by men and women today, and provide a brief overview of the essential tools and accessories needed for traditional styling. We will also discuss the appropriate times, places, and occasions for wearing kimono, along with guidance on determining the correct fit and how to put it on. A brief look at kimono fusion fashion will highlight how blending elements frommultiple styles or cultures can create a contemporary and accessible way to incorporate kimono into everyday wear while respecting its traditions. The presentation will conclude with a Q&A session and a live demonstration on how to wear a yukata and tie an obi (帯), offering an opportunity to observe the act and art of dressing in kimono, known as kitsuke (着付け).

Traeonna, founder and proprietor of Kimono Kitsune, is a passionate educator with 30+ years of experience in engaging lectures and workshops, especially on her/aer favorite subject, kimono fashion. Committed to lifelong learning, she/ae actively pursues ongoing education from diverse sources, consistently enhancing her/aer kimono knowledge. Since May 2020, Traeonna has studied with a certified kimono instructor and stylist in Japan to continually improve her kitsuke skills and kimono knowledge.

Navigating Geopolitical Tensions: Japan & China

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Gus Mondelak, International Affairs Expert

Japan's Response to China's Ascendancy and Future Outlook 

This session will delve into the geopolitical dynamics between Japan and China, focusing on the perceived threats from China's rise and Japan's strategic responses. It also attempts to project potential future scenarios for Japan in the regional and global context, touching on the changing times due to the population decline in Japan and the need for immigration & its effect on Japan's unique society.

Peace of Mind

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 12:00-1:30pm

Mike Smela, A.J. Desmond & Sons

You are invited to learn how planning for your final wishes may shield your family from unnecessary emotional and financial burden. Join us for a light meal — and learn more about pre-arrangements, veteran benefits, cremation, burials and more. 

Minord Yamasaki: An Architect's Life and Work

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Kathleen Marcaccio, Local Historian

Minoru Yamasaki, Detroit’s best-known midcentury architect, left his mark all over Metro Detroit as well as around the country. This program explores his childhood and education, the early days of his career, how he came to Detroit and established his own firm, his world travels and the influences on his architectural philosophy. Kathleen will tell how Yamasaki’s career took off in the 1960s, leading to his commission for the World Trade Center in New York City. This presentation will look at some of Yamasaki’s most iconic works in Detroit and others around the country. Kathleen Marcaccio holds a B.A. in English and anthropology and an M.S. in library science, both from Wayne State University. Since 2004, she has been a volunteer guide for Preservation Detroit and the Detroit Historical Museum.

Ikebana Demonstration

Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Leslie Ann Rosinski, President of the Detroit Chapter of Ikebana International 

Literally meaning, "to give life to flowers", ikebana is an art form which originated in ancient Japan. Ikebana artists use flowers and other natural elements to embody harmony, peace and beauty. Considerations of color, line, form and function are used as a guide in the creation of a composition. Please join Sogetsu School instructor, Leslie Rosinski, (President of the Detroit chapter of Ikebana International), as she demonstrates several different styles of ikebana arrangements.