Watch the recorded version of this event.   The recording will be available to view through January 28, 2026.

Here is a link to a handout you may want to print, prior to watching this. You might notice a coffee mug stain—and even a splash of coffee—on it. Watch the video and you’ll find out why!

Event title: Martina Mathisen Presents: The LIFT List

Description: Ready for a feel-good boost? This inspiring, heartwarming program is all about staying positive, finding joy, and drawing strength from within.

Through uplifting stories and shared laughter, Martina Mathisen creates meaningful moments that leave a lasting impact. 

• Reconnect with purpose
• Reflect on past triumphs
• Recharge emotional energy

LIFT is a joyful reminder of what’s possible—and it’s one you won’t want to miss! You will leave with a personal blueprint in hand to carry the inspiration home and keep the momentum going.

Speaker bio: Martina Mathisen

Learn more about Martina at martinamathisen.com

The live version of this event occurred at the Tinley Park Public Library on December 1, 2025.

Watch the recorded version of this event.   The recording will be available to view through the end of December 25, 2025.

Event title: Unwrapping the Charms of German Holiday Traditions

Description: Historian Anette Isaacs explores beloved customs, from Advent calendars and Christkindlmarkt to festive treats like lebkuchen and stollen!

Speaker bio: German historian Anette Isaacs

A true cosmopolitan, German born and raised Anette Isaacs did her graduate work at EMORY University, Georgia, the University of VIENNA and at the Free University in BERLIN and holds Master´s Degrees in American Studies, Political Science, and History. During her tenure as Director Germany for New York based GROUP I.S.T. Anette ran and organized all German I.S.T. / Road Scholar (formerly ELDERHOSTEL) programs. In her capacity as academic director, she created a number of very successful seminars, programs and lectures introducing her native country Germany to thousands of American, British, and also German tourists. An avid opera lover, she conceived the Road Scholar seminar Opera and Classical Music in Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig which, over the last two decades, has ranked among the most popular programs in Road Scholar’s offerings.

In 2012, the creative whirlwind launched her newest project: A&M Tours: Art and Music in Germany (www.artandmusicingermany.com), a service providing exclusive unique, tailor-made travel and educational in-depth experiences solely for Companies and Organizations!

In addition to her extensive work in the travel industry, Anette, who is currently residing in vibrant Miami, FL, is also a faculty member of the College of Lake County (in August of 2014 Anette was given the CLC Excellence Part Time Faculty Recognition Award for 5 years of service.), Harper College (Anette was  the keynote speaker for Harper College’s Lifelong Learning Day in August of 2015), Oakton College, the College of DuPage, and McHenry Country Community College and greatly enjoys teaching and lecturing on various German historical, cultural, social, and political topics. Since April of 2023, she has been serving as the Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami.

The live version of this event occurred on December 10, 2025.