Daytime Speakers

Break Out of Hibernation- Get Ready for Warmer Weather!

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 | 11:00-12:30pm

Raj Thangamuthu, Physical Therapist & Owner of Empower Physical Therapy

Raj returns to Next to get us ready for the warmer weather ahead! There will be stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck, shoulder and upper body muscles. You will learn everything in an interactive way and then, take home what you’ve learned and turn it into a daily routine. Let’s do this!

Introduction to the Ancient Art of Henna

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | 12:00-2:00pm

Wednesday, March 26 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm    or     Thursday, April 24 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Next welcomes Lauren Northrop. Lauren is excited to teach this introductory class and to bring access to this ancient art to our community! Come and learn the culture and history of the ancient art of henna, along with a tutorial of basic henna designs and techniques. Participants will receive their own organic henna cone, and will receive instruction on beginner henna application. We will draw various designs on paper and learn about henna body art. The henna used in this course is pure, natural, USDA certified and contains no synthetic chemicals. This is a great course to take with a friend or family member because students will get to keep their henna cones so they can practice at home!

Spanish Conversation for Cognitive Well-Being: Advanced Class

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | 3:30-5:00pm

Advance Class - 6 week class. Wednesdays March 5 - April 9

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.

Simple Ways to Improve Brain Health and Memory

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

Adam Sterling, Certified Dementia Practitioner with over 30 years of experience in senior wellness, including work with the Alzheimer's Association and senior living communities.

BRAIN HEALTH – SIMPLE ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE MEMORY AND COGNITION Thursday, February 13 at 11:00 am  This presentation will…

• Explore how aging impacts brain anatomy, cognition, and memory.

• Explain about common changes in memory storage and retrieval with age.

• Deliver practical strategies to support cognitive health.

• Include engaging exercises designed to stimulate the brain and boost memory.

Participants will receive a multi-page handout with a variety of practical, short daily activities/exercises to enhance memory and cognitive function.

Planning Your Garden(s) for 2025

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

George Papadelis, Telly's Greenhouse and Garden Center

Over the past few months, George Papadelis of family-owned Telly's in Troy, has been visiting numerous trial gardens, growers, and horticultural events, and has compiled a wonderful program highlighting the new annuals and perennials for 2025. Join us as he shares his discoveries and gets us all in the mood for gardening again!

Hearing Issues As We Age

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 12:00-1:30pm

Thank you to Henry Ford Health - Our Health and Wellness Sponsor!

Dr. Karrie Slominski, AuD

According to the American Academy of Audiology, one in three people older than 60 have hearing loss, and one in two people older than age 85 have hearing loss. Join Karrie Slominski, senior staff audiologist with Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, for a presentation discussing hearing issues among seniors, including hearing loss and tinnitus, and ways to improve quality of life as it relates to hearing loss.A light lunch will be provided. 

The Joy of Belly Dancing

Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 1:00-3:00pm

Zeina Yaghi, Belly Dance Instructor

Join us and experience the beauty and artistry of this ancient form of dancing. Students can expect to learn basic belly dance techniques, including hip isolations, shimmies, fluid arm movements and graceful transitions. You will also develop rhythm awareness, core strengthening , and confidence in expressing yourself through movement. Whether a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class will provide a supportive and engaging environment to embrace the joy of belly dance. Wear comfortable clothing.

The World of Forensic Science

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm

Ruth Holmes, CDE, Handwriting Examiner, Pentec, Inc.

Document and fraud examiners study for years the science and the art of examining handwriting, signatures, numbers, financial transactions, forensic methods, investigation techniques, the law, communication and preparation of testimony, and exhibits for court as expert witnesses. In over thirty years in the field, Ruth Holmes has faced some of the most difficult challenges possible from murderers to the media, from the judges to the juries. Learn the highs and lows from her experiences and remarkable cases. 

Introduction to the Ancient Art of Henna

Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 4:00-6:00pm

Next welcomes Lauren Northrop. Lauren is excited to teach this introductory class and to bring access to this ancient art to our community! Come and learn the culture and history of the ancient art of henna, along with a tutorial of basic henna designs and techniques. Participants will receive their own organic henna cone, and will receive instruction on beginner henna application. We will draw various designs on paper and learn about henna body art. The henna used in this course is pure, natural, USDA certified and contains no synthetic chemicals. This is a great course to take with a friend or family member because students will get to keep their henna cones so they can practice at home!

African American Quilting

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 11:00-12:30pm

Linda Ali, member of GLAAQN

Members of the Great Lakes African American Quilters’ Network (GLAAQN) will present the rich history of African American quilting, exploring its role in preserving heritage and culture.  This program will highlight the artistry and storytelling traditions of African American quilters and how quilts served as both expression and communication throughout history. Join us for this, the last program of our cultural series on Africa. Several quilts will be available for viewing.