Daytime Speakers

Navigating Geopolitical Tensions: Japan & China

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

This offering is currently full. Please call the office to be added to the wait list. 

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.

Kintugi Demonstration

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

Delve into the Japanese art of Kintsugi (in Japanese, it means golden joinery or golden repair) with artist Aki Motoyama. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer dusted or mixed with a powdered metal. Aki Motoyama is a Kintsugi artist based in Japan. Born in Tokyo, Aki developed a passion for arts and crafts at a young age and became deeply interested in traditional Japanese crafts after moving to the United States. She earned her BFA degree from the U of M School of Arts and Design and her Master of Design degree from Domus Academy in Milan, Italy. Aki honed her skills in Kintsugi and Makie techniques under the guidance of several esteemed artists. Her work has been exhibited in galleries across Tokyo.

Detoxing Your Body and Your Home

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | 12:30-2:00pm

Aaron Wallace, CEO of Balance Your Fitness

Sick of feeling run down all the time? Feeling like your home might be toxic? Struggling with chronic disease that makes your life diffi cult? Learn how you can detoxify your body and home with simple and easy solutions that fi t right into your life! Aaron returns to Next with some alternatives to conventional health care. 

Music on the Patio!

Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Join us for a lively musical performance by Tom Birchler who will engage and entertain with a variety of music, from American Songbook classics to rock n’ roll hits from Elvis. He’ll also mix in songs from popular artists like the Beatles and James Taylor, as well as some Motown greats. Everything he sings is fun, familiar and heartfelt. His humorous banter and light-hearted, easy-going style welcome everyone to sing along! A great way to spend a summer afternoon at Next! 

Mental Health in Older Adults

Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 12:00-1:30pm

Zaira Khalid, MD

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, as people age, they may experience certain life changes that impact their mental health, such as coping with a serious illness or losing a loved one. Although many people will adjust to these life changes, some may experience feelings of grief, social isolation, or loneliness. When these feelings persist, they can lead to mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Effective treatment options are available to help older adults manage their mental health and improve their quality of life. Zaira Khalid, MD, a geriatric psychiatrist at the new Henry Ford.

The Art of Judo

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 11:00-12:30pm

Michael Milicia, Student of Saito-dojo

This presentation will describe and explore the art and philosophy of Judo. Michael will trace Judo’s history and evolution and will delve into the meaning of the word Judo itself, not just as a sport or martial art, but as a guiding philosophy that holds different significance for different people. He will also touch on how the principles of Judo resonate with and parallel other major philosophical traditions throughout history, and how its practice can benefit followers of different faiths. Finally, Michael will describe the core techniques that define judo as a martial art; this portion will be accompanied by a live demonstration. Michael is presently an undergraduate Philosophy student at Oakland University and intends to apply to the International Budo University in Japan for a one-year study abroad program next year to advance his knowledge of judo.

Working With - Not Against - Your Garden

Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Louise Sloan, Advanced Extension Master Gardener

Learn ways to avoid those pesky situations that lead to frustrations in your garden. Louise Sloan, an Advanced Extension Master Gardener, will share information that can make gardening a joy and not a chore. You’ll leave the class with resources that will help you and your garden grow for this season and many more to come. Louise has been an Extension Master Gardener since 2018. She is a Navy veteran, wife, mom, and doesn’t sit still very much. When not in the garden, she quilts and enjoys a good book.

A Virtual Tour of Japan

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 | 2:00-3:30pm

Shunki Lucas, Personal Travel Consultant

This virtual tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Japan. We’ll explore Tokyo’s vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, the breathtaking beauty of Mt. Fuji, the cultural richness of Kyoto, the historic significance of Nara—with its world-renowned oldest wooden structure—and the inspiring history of Hiroshima. Guided by someone born and raised in Japan, you’ll receive insider tips and cultural insights to make your future trip smooth and unforgettable. Whether you’re planning to visit or are simply curious, join us and discover the heart of Japan. Your guide for this virtual tour is Shunki Lucas. He was born and raised in Japan and relocated to Michigan two years ago. With a lifelong passion for travel and cultural exchange, he’s had the privilege of visiting over 70 countries, gaining a broad perspective and deep appreciation for global diversity. After moving to the United States, he discovered a strong interest in Japan among those he met, which inspired him to launch his own travel agency. 

Musical Dances & Dreams with Quintet Cantabile

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Quintet Cantabile returns to Next with a program of rhythms, beauty and joy. This instrumental ensemble, with flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn, brings together the “core” wind instruments from a symphony orchestra. Each of the instruments has its own “musical voice” which provides opportunities for varied musical expression. This program will include music from varied eras and cultures. Of particular note are the “original” quintet pieces by Shostakovich, Alexandra Molnar-Suhajda, and Eric Ewazen. The concert will also include “toe-tapping” favorites, including the “March of the Siamese Children” from “The King and I” and “Puttin’ On the Ritz” by Irving Berlin. Pure Joy! Kindly sponsored by Rose Senior Living.

The Aging Voice and Other Throat Ailment

Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 12:00-1:30pm

Glendon Gardner, MD

Glendon Gardner, MD, a senior staff laryngologist in the department of Otolaryngology with Henry Ford Health, will discuss various conditions that affect the throat and voice box as people age. Dr. Gardner conducts research, lectures nationally and internationally, and publishes regularly on topics related to the larynx and voice. A light lunch will be served. 

Social Entrepreneurship in Action

Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 11:00-12:30pm

Coleman Yoakum, Micah 6 Community 

Coleman Yoakum is a social entrepreneur and Executive Director of Micah 6 Community, a 501©3 non-profit organization serving Pontiac. After college in Arkansas, he and five friends moved to Pontiac with the goal of helping to stabilize and revitalize a hard-hit neighborhood. Their organization manages community gardens, summer youth programs, and they are renovating Webster Elementary School, a historic building that has been empty for 10 years. Once completed, the building will become a community center that will be home to over a dozen non-profit groups that serve the Pontiac community. Join us to hear this inspiring and hopeful story!

Coffee and Conversation with the New Beverly Hills Manager

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 11:00-12:30pm

Warren Rothe, Beverly Hills Village Manager

Join Next in welcoming newly appointed Village Manager, Warren Rothe. Warren will share a little bit of his background, provide an overview of what is happening in the Village, discuss upcoming projects, and leave plenty of time for your questions.

Functional Exercise for Every Day Life

Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Raj Thangamuthu, Physical Therapist and Owner of Empower Physical Therapy

Focus on functional exercise. This type of exercise is designed to develop those muscles that you use every day to do everyday things like bending down to garden or unloading the dishwasher! Raj will take you through some exercises that can help improve stability and mobility and can be done easily and safely at home. 

Senior Life Advisor Council

Friday, September 5, 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!