Free Miscellaneous Topics in Chicago
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Politics in Chicago: The Experiences of an Alderman in one of Chicago’s Prominent Wards
James Balcer, Retired Alderman, 11th Ward, Chicago
Hear firsthand the experiences of former Alderman James Balcer, who served as Alderman of Chicago’s 11th Ward from 1997-2015. Former Alderman Balcer was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 1997. This would be the beginning of a successful and passionate career serving the residents of the 11th Ward and beyond. MORE >
Hear Former Alderman Balcer speak on all aspects of his career, from the importance of being out the community, drafting and passing city-wide ordinances, working with all city departments and successfully winning four elections by large margins.His passion for the neighborhood he grew up in, and still calls home, remains just as strong as when he served as Alderman. Growing up, he did not anticipate a career in politics, but found that it aligned with his passion for helping others and advocating for those in need. He will speak on how to leverage passion and politics for the good of residents, neighborhoods, and the city.
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Questions That Matter
Roger Breisch, Speaker / Provocateur, Dancing With Chaos
In his book, Questions That Matter, Roger Breisch writes, “Putting aside deceitful questions—whose cadence and tone imply an answer—all questions matter. Sentences that end with the ubiquitous squiggle atop a period open the future to new possibilities. Sentences ending with just a period condemn the future to limitation and constraint. Answers have a way of ending discovery and learning; captivating questions open us to unimagined possibilities.” MORE >
After spending more than 3500 hours answering calls on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Roger has learned a great deal about what questions truly matter in creating a life that matters. -
Travel Hacking
Edwin Goitia, Founder and Visionary, I Am A Brand
Often travel is seen as a luxury and an expensive hobby, but there is a way to access the world with less money or resources - travel hacking. Edwin dives into this incredibly hot and trending hobby that has picked up the pace globally with people of all ages and backgrounds.
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Personal Safety and Self Defense
Joe Rosner, Self-Defense Teacher, Best Defense of Illinois
Joe will tell how to recognize and avoid dangerous situations and how to react to them if necessary. Programs are available for realtors, healthcare professionals as well as the general audience.
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Unintended Impact: One Athlete’s Journey from Concussions an Amateur Football to CTE Dementia
Jim Proebstle, Author
Tragic CTE Dementia Outcome from Concussions in Amateur Football Inspires a New Book: As an athlete, Dick was revered; yet, success turned traitor as the concussions received in high school and Big Ten (MSU) football led to a world of confusion, poor decision-making, and confinement defined by a wheelchair in a long-term care facility. In his multiple levels of impaired functioning, the opportunity for Dick to “get it”—life, that is—was over. He just didn’t know it. Dick was my brother. MORE >
Nobody will remember a backup college quarterback, but Dick’s story bridges the glamour of NFL football—its high-profile athletes and its $billion settlement for players with CTE dementia—and the millions of anonymous amateur football players who may suffer with the same concussion-induced devastation of CTE dementia. Unintended Impact covers the drama from childhood to adulthood, including numerous personal and business episodes that serve as warnings that something had been derailed. In 2015, with today’s focus on CTE, lack of knowledge is not acceptable. Yet in Dick’s life, lack of knowledge was just one of the underlying factors contributing to the heartbreak of his tragedy. How many other Dick Proebstles are there? -
The World Today
Dr. Cliff Brickman, Doctor, Therapist, Researcher, Wellness Clinic, The Still Soft Voice
Dr. Brickman will explain how the primary solution to the world’s woes is not a military one, but rather a psychological and cultural one. He will discuss how better military equipment by itself won’t do it.
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Enhance Your Communications Skills
Karin McNicholas & Dennis McNicholas, Mediation Services
This husband/wife team has been successfully training individuals, families and groups in effective communications for 12 years.
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Elder Mediation
Karin McNicholas & Dennis McNicholas, Mediation Services
Mediation allows families to explore mutually acceptable solutions to difficult problems with parents and elderly relatives. It encourages creative problem solving within the private family setting rather than relying upon the legal system to resolve these issues.
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Fatal Incident
Jim Proebstle, Author
Inspired by the true events of an Air Transport Command aircraft disaster in Alaska in 1944, Fatal Incident reveals the dark secrets of a WW II conspiracy and cover-up of how twenty U.S. military deaths have gone unsolved for over 70 years. The story will attract men and women interested in intrigue, Russian espionage, and heart-pounding drama; as the human emotions and lives of people in love, separated by war, are changed forever. MORE >
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Domestic Violence: Treating the Abuser
Rob Johnson, LCPC, Crossroads Counseling of Chicago
It is not widely recognized that the perpetrators of domestic violence need help. In Partner Abuse Intervention, participants learn skills for handling conflict. Rob will discuss the background, curriculum and outcome of this intervention.