Daytime Speakers

Speaker presentations will be at Next with seating dictated by room size for social distancing. A few speakers will still be held on Zoom, indicated in the topic description.

  • The History of Belly Dance

    Tuesday, March 28, 2023 | 1:30-2:30pm

    Special Dance Performance with Ziva Lynn

    Take a journey into the world of Raks Sharqi — known as Belly Dance — with Ziva. Join us for a brief historical seminar on this amazing dance form and then witness it's beauty, as Ziva performs a traditional set. We will end with an audience participation exercise that will be sure to put a smile on every face. Do not miss this informative, educational and fun workshop suitable for all! Ziva has been educating and performing for audiences all over the world for close to four decades. Her motto as a teacher and dancer is to share the joy of dance with the surrounding community, to educate people on the purpose and history of dance and to inspire everyone to partake in the universal language that is dance! Generously sponsored by CarePatrol. 

  • Calling All Green Thumbs & Green Thumb Wantabes

    Tuesday, April 4, 2023 | 1:00-2:00pm

    Lisa Eldred Steinkopf is The Houseplant Guru and the author of four houseplant books. Lisa’s presentation will help you unlock the secrets to growing beautiful flowering houseplants in your home year-round. She will cover the differences between foliage and flowering houseplants, how to get flowering plants to bloom — and keep them in bloom. This program pairs nicely with her new book, Bloom. Signed copies will be available for purchase.

  • Detroit's Birthday Celebrations, Public Statues & Detroit's Future

    Wednesday, April 12, 2023 | 11:00-12:00pm

    Robert Sullivan - Local Historian 

    Mr. Sullivan will examine Detroit’s birthday celebrations, commemorating its founding in 1701 (centennials, etc.), focusing on 1901, 1951 and 2001. He will also discuss some of Detroit’s outdoor public statues, such as Marshall Frederick's "Spirit of Detroit," Rodin's "The Thinker," the General Alpheus Williams equestrian statue on Belle Isle, and many more. Finally, we will discuss the future of Detroit. Will it solve its problems of crime, poverty, blight and education? Will it attract more business development? Will the dream of MLK guide Detroit's future? Generously sponsored by Baldwin House Birmingham.

  • Introduction to Reflexology

    Thursday, April 13, 2023 | 1:30-2:30pm

    Michele Bierzynski, Certified Reflexologist at Sole Encounters Reflexology

    Reflexology is both an ancient science and a modern day complementary therapy. Reflexologists use a technique similar to massage to stimulate the more than 7,000 nerve cells in the feet. This therapy is especially effective for pain management and reducing stress. It is also a great treatment to help relieve discomfort from foot maladies such as plantar fasciitis and neuropathy. Michele will introduce you to the health and wellness benefits of reflexology and there will be plenty of time for questions and answers. To quote Leonardo DaVinci, “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.” Join Michele in celebrating your feet and learn how they can put you on the path to wellness.

  • Spring into Action!

    Tuesday, April 18, 2023 | 12:00-1:00pm

    Raj Thangamuthu, Physical Therapist & Owner of Empower Physical Therapy 

    It’s spring and you know what that means: spring cleaning! Raj will get us ready for the reaching and bending and lifting that comes with cleaning and de-cluttering. He’ll show us how to use good body mechanics when pulling and pushing different objects – all with the goal of not hurting ourselves and being able to enjoy all that the upcoming months have to offer. 

  • Peace of Mind Seminar

    Tuesday, April 25, 2023 | 12:00-1:00pm

    We invite you to learn how planning may shield your family from unnecessary emotional and fi nancial burden. Join us for a light meal and learn more about pre-arrangements, Veteran
    benefits, cremation, burials, and more. Presented by Mike Smela, Advanced Funeral Planner with A.J. Desmond & Sons.