Birmingham - January 2023

Cris Braun

Next has had a very good year thanks to our amazing members, volunteers, board of directors and staff. Membership and participation continue to increase, something we are thrilled about. We have so many programs for you to enjoy with expansive life-long learning and enrichment opportunities, fitness and art classes, travel, and our entertainment series – close to 250 events each month to keep you active and connected, including more ways to gather and socialize.

John U. Bacon Visits Next: Thursday, February 16, at 6 p.m. As a New York Times bestselling author, Mr. Bacon has written thirteen books on sports, business, health, and history – seven of them national bestsellers. John freelances for The Wall Street Journal, and others, appears often on TV, including ESPN, and the Big Ten Network – and also delivers weekly essays for Michigan Radio. Good Morning America calls him “The REAL Ted Lasso.”

Jeffrey Cavataio Performs at Next: Tuesday, January 17, at 6 .pm. Jeffrey Cavataio is a classy, modern day crooner with a little pop. He captivates his audiences with his renditions of our favorites and his charismatic personality. Jeffrey has performed with Josh Groban and has been compared to Michael Buble and Neil Diamond. Please join us for a special evening with this platinum performer.

Other great presentations you won’t want to miss range from Cryptocurrency and Financial Fraud with Marcus Salloum from the US Secret Service; De Witt Dykes from Oakland University on Dr. King and the Fight Against Racism; The Michigan Economy presented by OU professor Man Ji;, and Russia’s War on Ukraine with Aaron Retish, professor at Wayne State University…and many more unique topics can be found by visiting our website at www.BirminghamNext.org.

With all that activity, you will notice a building that is often very busy, sometimes leading to overlapping or even displaced activities. It has been noted for some time that we need to expand our capacity to accommodate our community’s fastest growing demographic. We are trying to work with the Birmingham Schools to secure a long-term lease which will allow for building modifications at Midvale, our current location. And concurrently, we are also actively working with the city of Birmingham to pursue other options that may afford us the space and amenities required to properly provide for our growing 50-plus population.

We recently conducted an extensive survey for members and non-members. The message was clear – our residents speak highly of Next’s warm and welcoming atmosphere with all the quality programs and comprehensive services it offers. But most agree, the building is outdated and not able to accommodate today’s needs, and certainly not the growing needs of the future. Our efforts to expand our capacity continue with the hope of providing more concrete information in the near future.

Regardless of what space we are in, we will always strive to make Next a special place to belong – and we will always be proud to serve our community.

Please stop in to learn more. Next is located at 2121 Midvale, Birmingham. (248) 203-5270.

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next