Free Educational Topics in Chicago

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  • The Science of Happiness: Positive Psychology in the Age of COVID-19

    Michael Bromberg, M.A., Speaker, Actor, Psychology Enthusiast

    Much of psychology looks at what is wrong with the world: research for disorders will examine those that have the disorder. What if we looked at those that don't have the disorder and ask, "What are they doing right?" This fascinating field looks at how we can improve ourselves by examining those of us who are above average, so that we can help those that are going through the rough patches of life. MORE >

    The field gives compelling, scientific proof on how we should change our mindset to promote self-improvement, overcoming disorder, and achieving our goals. Every time I have given this presentation I have people coming up to me requesting more info as it makes us expand our way of thinking psychologically! This is appropriate for all ages.
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  • How to Build Smart and Equitable Communities

    Kelwin Harris, Director of Outreach and Engagement, Cook County Assessor's Office

    The Chicago region faces serious threats. Growth is uneven. Downtown is booming while many neighborhoods are struggling. Streets are erupting in frustration. Many residents are giving up altogether and leaving. More than ever, Chicago must seek to address challenges to inclusive growth and provide strategies for prosperity for the good of everyone. Kelwin discusses multiple facets of the issues, from systematic policies that produced inequality, like: housing segregation, health disparities, the racial wealth gap, and poverty. He will draw from his experience as an urban planner and community leader in Chicago and discuss strategies and interventions for the road ahead. MORE >

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  • A Virtual Tour For Seniors – How To Start A Free WordPress Website, Blog or Combination

    Michael Yublosky, Vice President, JEM Consulting div., A-BnC Parties and More, Inc.

    Most fellow seniors I talk to air similar complaints about isolation, loneliness, filling their time, lack of social contacts, etc. This is especially true in these difficult times. I have also learned that every senior has their own story to tell, whether in words, pictures, videos or crafts. MORE >

    WordPress is an online publishing tool to help convey or archive that story. I fell in love with it in 2009 and have seen it grow and expand and wish to convey its potential to other seniors as well.

    WordPress has expanded over the years and can now be easily used as a stand-alone web site with an optional blog, or a combination of both. This Internet platform can be used for personal publishing, sharing photos, even for small business purposes, etc. You can present yourself, write, display your artwork or poetry, promote your hobby, have a resume site and more.

    A great way to get familiar and discover its potential is through this free interactive tour on how to set up a free WordPress.com site. I provide online virtual tours for seniors and groups.

    Sometimes it just takes seniors helping seniors explore new activities.

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  • The Medicare Puzzle: Do You Know Your A, B, C, & D’s ?

    Tom Kedzie CFP®, MBA, Financial Planner, RetireWell

    In this presentation you will learn:

    * How Medicare enrollment periods work and how to avoid late penalties.
    * What you can expect to pay after going on Medicare.
    * What Medicare covers and doesn't cover.
    * Why you must plan for higher health care costs in retirement.
    * What about Long Term Care?

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  • Long Term Care: Don’t Go Broke!

    Tom Kedzie CFP®, MBA, Financial Planner, RetireWell

    In this presentation you will learn:

    * How to protect your house and income.
    * What Medicare and Medicaid cover.
    * Types of care: home, assisted living, and nursing home.
    * How to pay for long term care without paying annual premiums.

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  • Carbon Pricing – What’s In It for You?

    Mike Zanillo, Illinois State Coordinator, Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL)

    **** COVID-19 Note - Available as Virtual Session via Zoom ****
    There’s growing support for carbon pricing as a necessary step to address climate change. It’s supported by 88 countries and a broad array of public interest groups yet most Americans know very little about carbon pricing. MORE >

    The discussion related to Climate Change can be confusing to many. Often, there is uncertainty of what Climate Change is, what are its effects and what can be done about it.

    The Citizens Climate Lobby, is a national nonprofit, non-partisan organization that provides presentations to groups such as Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, League of Women Voters groups, college clubs and other local groups.

    The presentation will educate, enable, and entertain your group members. The presentation can include short videos, slides, stories and time for audience questions. While the length of the presentation is at your discretion, the following topics will be covered.

    Come to learn how Carbon Pricing:
    • Is viewed as the most effective policy for climate action
    • Will speed a transition to renewable energy
    • Considered as being a fair and just policy
    • Provides co-benefits of economic growth and jobs
    • Is gaining support on a bi-partisan basis
    • How you can support a carbon pricing policy

    After participating in our meetings, participants often feel more informed, energized and hopeful for a future stable climate. There will be no solicitation of donations or attempts to sell anything.

    Please contact me if you would like to discuss this opportunity for a presentation of this timely topic.

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  • A Consumer’s Guide to Going Solar

    Christina Uzzo, Environmental Outreach Coordinator, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

    Are you interested in going solar? Learn if solar is right for your home and how to get the most value out of your solar system from consumer advocate experts. In 2019, CUB staffers gave over 70 solar presentations, and we are excited to answer all your solar questions! MORE >

    CUB is very excited about new solar incentives available to homeowners in Illinois. However, we know that with all the new advertising and high pressure sales pitches it can be confusing to know what is best for you. At this presentation we will go over solar basics, including:
    ---why now is the best time yet to go solar,
    ---how solar panels work with your home and the grid,
    ---an overview of state and federal incentives,
    ---why it is almost always better to purchase, rather than lease solar panels.

    Please note that depending on my availability, another one of our trained outreach staff may take my place as speaker at your meeting, but I will confirm when you contact me.

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  • The 3 Biggest Problems with Utility Bills

    Christina Uzzo, Environmental Outreach Coordinator, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

    Most Illinoisans are overpaying for gas and electricity and don’t even know it! In this engaging lecture, I’ll show you how to decode your bills, spot errors, and take advantage of real programs designed to save you money. MORE >

    CUB is a non-profit, statewide utility watchdog organization created in 1983 to work for lower gas, electric and telephone rates. CUB has been on your side for 30 years—blocking utility rate hikes, winning consumer refunds and helping to pass important consumer protection laws. Our outreach team has spoken at hundreds of community meetings across Illinois and would love to come to yours.

    Please note that depending on my availability, another one of our trained outreach staff may take my place as speaker at your meeting, but I will confirm when you contact me.

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  • Energy Efficiency, Utility Bills, & Your Home

    Christina Uzzo, Environmental Outreach Coordinator, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

    Wouldn’t it be great to do your part to save the environment, and save money at the same time? Here in Illinois, it’s possible--thanks to a number of statewide policies that CUB fought long and hard for. In this talk, I’ll give you the lowdown on how you can benefit from cost saving energy efficiency programs. MORE >

    CUB is a non-profit, statewide utility watchdog organization created in 1983 to work for lower gas, electric and telephone rates. CUB has been on your side for 30 years—blocking utility rate hikes, winning consumer refunds and helping to pass important consumer protection laws. Our outreach team has spoken at hundreds of community meetings across Illinois and would love to come to yours!

    Please note that depending on my availability, another one of our trained outreach staff may take my place as speaker at your meeting, but I will confirm when you contact me.

    Request This Free Speech

  • The History Connected to Celebrating Certain Days of the Year

    Marcella Davis, Retired CPS Teacher

    Human beings are social beings. We have certain aspects in our lives that re-enforce our commonality as people. One of those aspects is the celebration of certain times during the year. However, most of us celebrate those days, without really understanding the reason for making those days special, or why we eat certain foods on those days. MORE >

    For instance, Halloween is celebrated by wearing spooky costumes, telling ghost stories, or decorating with pictures of witches and goblins. We carve pumpkins, and go trick or treating. Every one of those aspects in the celebration of Halloween is tied to a belief, or a historical reason.
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