Educational Speaking
Here are some of the topics I speak on
- Oral Health
- Cooking Arena
- Art
- Brain Blast
- Upcoming Speaking Event - May 5th - Mexican Art and Culture - Monarch Landing Naperville - 1:30; May 24th - Teacup Candle Making and Essential Oils - May 24th - Wellness House - Hinsdale- 5:30pm; June 9th - Brain Blast - Virtual Program - Aging Care Connections - 4pm
- Book Club
- History
- Comedy
- Holiday
- Past Speaking Events January 13th Indian Prairie Library 3pm - James Bond Murder Mystery Party; Look and Learn part 3, January 23rd at 4pm via zoom through Aging Care Connections; March 29th at 11am at Aging Care Connection In La Grange - lunch included - Nutrition, Essential Oils, Dementia and Lifestyle in Older Adults.
ORAL AND SYSTEMIC HEALTH
The Importance of Oral Health for the Older Adult
Your oral health is directly related to your systemic health, especially in the older adult. Find out how to keep your mouth, and in return, your body healthy as you age.
ADHD
A discussion of this disorder in adults, including treatment, coping skills, successes and diagnosing.
Oral Health, Nutrition and Supplements
A description of how to care for your mouth, find products that can assist in this process, and reasons that oral care is important for your entire body. Including care giver advice, nursing home issues and how to find low-cost health care.
Oral Care and Your Health
A description of how to care for your mouth, find products that can assist in this process, and reasons that oral care is important for your entire body. Including care giver advice, nursing home issues and how to find low-cost dental care.
Wellness Clinic
Many of us have struggled in the last couple years. Find out how to improve your emotional, physical, mental and your general wellbeing through small lifestyle changes and intuitive techniques. Everyone can use a lift!
Nutrition, Essential Oils, Dementia and Lifestyle in Older Adults
Nutrition and how it relates to the most prevalent diseases in older adults. Learn about the risk factors for diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure and the ways nutrition can change your health for the positive. We will also discuss how essential oils can be a benefit in your life. Also, find out how to make your home a better place to live in with dementia, for you or your loved ones. And lastly, discover many lifestyle changes that can change your life span and create more happiness.
Stuttering
A discussion of this communication disorder while debunking myths and talking about coping strategies and more.
COOKING ARENA
New to You – Scary Soups
with a Focus on the Supernatural and Stories of Haunted Landmarks in the United States. Learn how to make six different soups from recipes from Haunted Hotels in America. Tasting of four soups included.
Holiday Zoom Table Cooking Class
Featuring my favorite holiday dishes from my mother.
A Picnic with Nancy Drew
A cooking class from her cookbook and some history and stories about our favorite sleuth and her friends
Campfire Cooking
Spark some excitement with stories, recipes and other advice for the best campout ever.
Cooking with Mary Poppins
Yes, Mary Poppins can cook too. Mr. and Mrs. Banks have to eat when Mrs. Brill, the cook, goes on vacation. Come learn about Mary Poppins, the author, PL Travers and her English recipes.
The Big Night
Enjoy a cooking class based on the movie, learn about some Italian customs and the special relationship between Primo and Segundo, immigrants from Calabria.
Little House on the Prairie
Much of the actions in Laura Ingall Wilder’s books are focused on food. Join me for a discussion of her life and books and some authentic recipes from the prairie.
The Wit, Wisdom and Recipes of Myra Brundage
Learn songs, recipes and parables from the life of my grandmother, born in the 1920’s. A presentation full of fun, life and laughter.
Pomegranate Soup Cooking Class
Learn about pre and post revolution Iran and learn about the fictional sisters who escaped Iran to Ireland where they open a restaurant called the Babylon Gardens. Learn how to cook some Iranian delicacies.
Like Water for Chocolate Cooking Class
Join me in the kitchen while we cook several recipes from the emotional and entertaining book by Laura Esquirel. Learn about this great love story, the Mexican Revolution, and some incredible Mexican dishes from the book.
Cooking Class with Chas Addams
Enjoy a discussion and laugh along with the cartoons and learn about the life of Charles Addams and more. Follow along with his recipes with some sarcastic and macabre drawings.
Cooking with Carnation
A cooking show using Carnation recipes from the 1950’s, plus great tips from happy homemakers.
Cooking with Alice in Wonderland
Learn some recipes with an Alice in Wonderland theme and find out a little bit about the book and the author. Come enjoy a whimsical cooking party.
Murder She Wrote Cooking Class
Learn about the renown show and some recipes from the “Murder She Wrote Cookbook”.
Cooking with Julia Child
Learn about the life of Julia Child and some of her best recipes.
Cooking with Dr. Seuss
Join me to learn about the life of Dr. Seuss and learn how to cook some dishes from his fabulous cookbook. Come have fun!
Small Plates and Mysterious Places
Learn about some of the most mysterious places in the world, hidden in plain sight, and how to cook some small plates from those places around the world.
Cooking with Babette’s Feast
Enjoy a French Cooking Class and learn about who Babette is.
Cooking with Uncle Remus’s Tales
Join me for some Southern Cooking and Folktales.
To Kill a Mockingbird Cooking Class
Learn some recipes created after food discussed in this famous novel by Harper Lee and find out a little bit about the book, the author and Alabama in the 1930’s. Come on y’all for some Southern cooking.
Cooking with Love and Lucy
Even though Ricky prided himself on his cooking, Lucy thought of herself as the cook around the house. Learn some famous recipes from the show and find out about some of the many episodes that focused on food. Eating was a big part of the I Love Lucy Show.
Cooking Class with Kay Scarpetta
From the book “Food to Die For” join me in discussing some great tips from the well-known character from the Patricia Cornwell books. And learn some great Italian recipes. For Kay Scarpetta (and I suspect Patricia Cornwell too) food is comfort, love, warmth and friendship.
ART
Mexican Art, Culture, and a Margarita Fiesta
Learn about the fabulous art, artists and culture of Mexico starting in 1500 BC with the Olmecs, continuing through the Mayans, the Aztecs, the Colonial Era, the Mexican Revolution, and all the way to present day, including all art mediums of their culture. Also, a bonus margarita making class.
Pictorial of Famous Sites During Covid
Bittersweet photos of nature and historical places that were captured during the Era of Covid in March of 2020. Some well-known places that are thought to be haunted are also in this summer pictorial.
Art is Everywhere
An in-depth study on the appreciation of art. Featuring a discussion on color, sculpture, architecture, expressionism, pop art, the Renaissance and surrealism.
Pictorial Halloween
Local stories of local hauntings and spooky stories. Bonus – international scary stories of places I have visited. A visual experience for lovers of the macabre.
The Art of Alfred Hitchcock
A discussion of his movies, his life and his directorial style.
Art Trivia
An interactive trivia game with a focus on color, sculpture, pop art, renaissance, architecture and surrealism.
BRAIN BLAST
Brain Blast: Architecture Edition
Part of a new series to keep our minds sharp and support our mental wellness. Including tips for mindfulness, whole brain living, happiness and stress management. Architecture themed brain activities including trivia, brainstorming and memorizations.
Brain Blast: Italy Edition
Part of a new series to keep our minds sharp and support our mental wellness. Including tips for mindfulness, whole brain living, happiness and stress management. Italy Themed Brain Activities including trivia, brainstorming and memorization.
Brain Blast: Ghost Edition
Part of a new series to keep our minds sharp and support our mental wellness. Including tips for mindfulness, whole brain living, happiness and stress management. Ghost Themed Brain Activities including trivia, brainstorming and memorization.
Brain Blast: Food Edition
Part of a new series to keep our minds sharp and support our mental wellness. Including tips for mindfulness, whole brain living, happiness and stress management. Food Themed Brain Activities including trivia, brainstorming and memorization.
Brain Blast: Mexico Edition
Part of a new series to keep our minds sharp and support our mental wellness. Including tips for mindfulness, whole brain living, happiness and stress management. Mexico Themed Brain Activities including trivia, brainstorming and memorization.
Brain Blast: Games Edition
Part of a new series to keep our minds sharp and support our mental wellness. Including tips for mindfulness, whole brain living, happiness and stress management. Games Themed Brain Activities including trivia, brainstorming and memorization.
Brain Blast: Music Edition
Part of a new series to keep our minds sharp and support our mental wellness. Including tips for mindfulness, whole brain living, happiness and stress management. Music Themed Brain Activities including trivia, brainstorming and memorization.
Brain Blast: Art Edition
Part of a new series to keep our minds sharp and support our mental wellness. Including tips for mindfulness, whole brain living, happiness and stress management. Art Themed Brain Activities including trivia, brainstorming and memorization.
BOOK CLUB
Book Club Series: Stephen King
Immerse yourself in the books and life of Stephen King. Try “Duma Key” if you dare. Be prepared to learn about his life and writings and discuss some of his favorites.
Book Club Series: Edgar Allen Poe
Immerse yourself in the reading and life of Edgar Allen Poe. Pick one of his literary pieces to read and come prepared to learn about his life and writings and discuss some of your favorites.
The World of Grimm Fairy Tales
Learn about the history, the Grimm Brothers and how modern-day fairy tales relate.
HISTORY
Woodstock
Learn about the festival in New York in the late 1960’s. Hear the stories about the musicians and the event.
Life Magazine
Enjoy a trivia trip through history using famous Life Magazine pictures. Trivia questions associated with each photograph and fun facts and stories surrounding each picture. A 4 part series including 1)Politics and Conflict 2)Art 3)Architecture 4)People and Places. See history from 1935-1985 through the lenses of a camera.
Cabrini Green
Learn about the most well-known public housing structures, its history and its demise.
Local Lore of the Northwoods of Wisconsin
Including history of the St. Charles Community, in Lake Tomahawk, WI and quirky and scary tales surrounding that area and the Minocqua, WI area.
Alcatraz
Explore the history, the stories and the lore of this island in the bay of San Fransisco.
Superstitions
Delve into the history and reasons behind superstitions including central themes, and a bonus discussion of American Mythical Monsters and Mexican Superstitions.
Greek Mythology
A discussion of the mythical gods of Greece, Greece’s history and how it all relates.
Gettysburg
Learn about some history and stories of this period of time, including lead up to the historic battle, the battle itself and the Gettysburg address.
Patriots of America
Stories and history about the American Revolutionary War and the men and women who contributed to the cause.
Look and Learn, part one – 1946 – 2005
Find out about some of the events that shaped our world and our lives including science, entertainment, war and peace, technology, sports, transportation, tragedy and more.
Look and Learn, part two – 1914 – 1945
Find out about World War years including events that shaped our world and our lives including science, entertainment, war and peace, technology, sports, transportation, tragedy and more.
Look and Learn, part three – 1850 – 1914
Find out about some of the events that shaped our world and our lives including science, entertainment, war and peace, technology, sports, transportation and more.
Look and Learn, part four – 1700 – 1850
Find out about some of the events that shaped our world and our lives including science, entertainment, war and peace, technology, transportation and more.
Look and Learn, part five – 1500 – 1700
Find out about some of the events that shaped our world and our lives including science, entertainment, war and peace, technology, art, transportation and more.
Look and Learn, part six – 400 – 1500
Find out about some of the events that shaped our world and our lives including science, entertainment, war and peace, technology, sports, transportation, tragedy and more.
Look and Learn, part seven – prehistory – 400
Find out about some of the events that shaped our world and our lives including science, entertainment, war and peace, technology, sports, transportation, tragedy and more.
COMEDY
James Bond Murder Mystery Party
Participate in a Virtual mystery. Spinny Dewheel has been murdered and one of the participants is the villain. Your job is to give clues and take notes and figure out who killed Spinny. Bring your favorite beverage and snack to make it festive.
Mad Magazine
Discovering the influential magazine, it’s history, themes and illustrations and how the magazine affected satirical media, as well as the cultural landscape of the 20th century.
The Carol Burnett Show
Learn about the life of Carol Burnett and the genius of her show and the characters.
Monty Python
Come laugh with me and discover the world of Monty Python.
I Love Lucy
Laugh along with me as we learn about the show, Lucille Ball and company, including some trivia and fun facts.
HOLIDAY
Veteran’s Day and Patriotic Wreaths
In honor of Veteran’s Day and our military. You will learn how to make two wreaths to decorate your home. And some US history and some history on patriotic cocktails.
Stress, the Holidays and Comfort Foods
Join me for a cooking class and discussion of health and stress during the holiday season.
Essential Oils, Dementia and Easy Appetizers Cooking Class
We will discuss how essential oils can be a benefit in your life. Also, find out how to make your home a better place to live in with dementia, for you or your loved ones. Learn some easy holiday appetizers.
Holiday Cookies and Songs
Learn how to make some fun holiday treats and some songs.
Holiday Murder Mystery Party
Participate in a Virtual mystery. Ebenezer Scrooge has been murdered and one of the participants is the villain. Your job is to give clues and take notes and figure out who killed Scrooge. Bring your favorite beverage and snack to make it festive.
Memorial Day, Cocktails and Patriotic Wreaths
Learn about some history of this day and the military, some famous cocktails and two RWB wreaths.
Memorial Day and Patriotic Cocktails
Learn about the history of this day and the military and about some famous cocktails. See a demonstration mixing up two of my favorites – The American Collins and Air Force One.
