Birmingham - December 2022

Cris Braun

We are excited to have the opportunity in Downtown Newsmagazine to share information about Next and help our community discover all that Next has to offer. Next is the 50+ plus community center serving Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Franklin, Bingham Farms and the surrounding area.

Active adults have enjoyed the programs and support services offered at Next for more than 44 years. We continue to evolve to meet diverse interests, and exceed the expectations of our members and local community residents. Armed with a dynamic approach and entrepreneurial spirit, Next members enjoy a unique array of classes, programs and seminars.

Reflecting our community’s profile, we offer life-long learning through day and evening educational and enriching programs, bringing great minds to Next. Our members are introduced to or take a deeper look into timely and important topics, challenging us to think critically about issues of local and global significance. These topics cover regional, national and international interests presented by leading experts ranging from area professors, authors, musicians, business leaders, physicians, organizational directors and entrepreneurs.

A sample of a few December highlights cover Gandhi’s Salt March presented by Gail Presbey, U of D Mercy professor of philosophy; Detroit Sports History with local historian Robert Sullivan, professor at Macomb Community College and former planning board commissioner in Detroit; The Political Crisis of the Gilded Age with the popular Oakland University History Professor Bruce Zellers; and the Role of India in Today's World with Gus Mondalek, religious and international scholar. There are plenty of opportunities to sit in on a presentation with more than eight – 12 speaking engagements each month.

And just down the hall from these great presentations, there are creative arts classes, fitness programs, book clubs, discussion groups, card games, a well-stocked library, a monthly entertainment series such as October’s sold out Birmingham's Big Night Out event, and so many ways to connect and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow members – now 2,200 strong. There are more than 230 offerings each month with something for just about everyone to explore and enjoy.

Next is relaxed, warm and welcoming, as confirmed in a recent survey where over 95 percent of respondents would recommend Next to a friend. What is paramount to the mission of Next is our commitment to our community. We create a caring culture within the Next building, and provide a sense of connection and compassion to those residents who need a little extra assistance to live independently. Through Meals on Wheels, reliable transportation to important appointments, yard and snow maintenance, minor home repair and guidance through our Support Service Department, we are humbled to provide service to our community.

We invite you to find more information about Next on our website, www.BirminghamNext.org. There you can see the extensive programs and services Next offers and view a current newsletter. We also encourage you to stop in to Next and see for yourself what makes Next a special place to belong. Next is located at 2121 Midvale Street, tucked in the quiet neighborhood right behind Seaholm High School. For more information, call Next at 248.203.5270.

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next