Birmingham Next fills August with talks, trips and art

Birmingham Next is closing out its "Camp Next" summer with a lineup that has some events already filling up, including a half-day trip to a historic Detroit church.

The nonprofit community center at 2121 Midvale St., which serves 2,300 members age 50 and older drawn primarily from Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Franklin and surrounding communities, is offering more than a dozen speaker events, wellness programs and arts studios through the end of August.

Several upcoming events still have open registration:

Aug. 13 — "Epic Stained Glass of Metro Detroit" | 6–7:30 p.m. Architectural historian Dale A. Carlson walks attendees through stained glass installations across the metro area. Sponsored by American House Stone. Free for members, $5 for guests.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 — "Happiness and the Science Behind It" | 10:30 a.m.–noon. A moderated discussion exploring what happiness means subjectively and objectively. Attendees do not need to have watched the related documentary screened earlier in August. Free for members, $5 for guests.

Aug. 20 — "Breathe Easy, Live Better" | Noon. Jason Pagaduan, manager of the respiratory therapy team at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, presents practical ways to support lung health, gentle breathing exercises and guidance on when shortness of breath warrants a doctor visit. A light lunch is served. Part of Next's 2026 Health & Wellness Series with Henry Ford Health.

Aug. 20 — Assumption Grotto Church trip | 9:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. A half-day visit to the Neo-Gothic parish in Detroit, founded in the 1830s and completed in 1929. The program includes a historical slideshow by the parish archivist, a guided tour of the church and grounds, a visit to the grotto inspired by the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and coffee and pastries. This trip is almost at capacity; residents must call to check availability.

The center also runs open pottery and painting studios on Thursdays, Boot Camp with instructor Lynda Scott on Wednesdays through Aug. 26 and Wednesday Night @ The Movies screenings at 5 p.m.

This is Birmingham Next's final full summer at the Midvale Street location. The organization's lease with Birmingham Public Schools expires in May 2027, and Next plans to move to 400 E. Lincoln, the former YMCA building, where it will have 50% more space. Birmingham voters approved a senior millage for renovations in 2023 with 69% support, according to Next's FAQ on the move.

The Tuesday, Aug. 11 "Hot Wheels on Midvale" classic car show, running 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., is billed as the last at the current address.