Watch the recorded version of this event by clicking here.  

Illinois Libraries Present: On Being Fabulous with Jonathan Van Ness and Kristi Yamaguchi 

“Queer Eye” and “Getting Curious” star and ice skating superfan, Jonathan Van Ness talks with his idol, Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi. They’ll chat figure skating, fabulous style, and whatever else comes up! With Jonathan, you never quite know what he’ll say next, but his unfiltered takes are always as interesting as they are hilarious.

This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility.

The recording will be available to view through May 26, 2023.

Watch the recorded version of this event by clicking here.  

Certified Financial Planner Jerry Schmitt will discuss how to qualify for Medicaid without spending down your life savings. Learn about eligibility, enrollment, and more.

A handout related to this event is available here.

Speaker Bio:  Jerry Schmitt is a Certified Financial Planner® in the Chicago area as well as a Veterans Administration Accredited Claims Agent. He is a Qualified Medicaid Planner, an expert on Veteran’s Benefits, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Payment Strategies.

Jerry served as the state president of the Illinois Continuity of Care Association from 2015 – 2019. He has helped many adult children of seniors, and spouses find a way to protect their loved ones’ hard-earned assets and lifetime savings in the Chicago and downstate area.

Jerry is a partner with HelpMySenior.com, helping families and caregivers ease the burden of caring for their loved ones. Jerry has also helped many families and individuals protect their assets while entering a nursing home under Medicaid benefits.

The recording will be available to view through June 4, 2023.

Watch the recorded version of this event by clicking here.  

As the Sensational Sixties loomed, the election of 1960 was the gateway to a decade of incredible transformation. As the candidates made their last-ditch efforts, previously unknown factors were revealed: the growing movement of sit-ins and the growing stature of Dr. Martin Luther King. Join historian Clarence Goodman to learn more about how this event changed the course of one of the closest elections in American history.

Speaker Bio: Clarence Goodman is a self-styled entertainer and historian whose actual and literal travels have taken him all over the map and all over the place. His love for his hometown and eventual return to it have proven to be a blessing as his efforts have made him a favorite of libraries, historical societies, radio, television and film, and he joins us now with one of his more than thirty topics. To learn more about Clarence visit his website at clarencegoodman.wixsite.com 

This hybrid event was recorded on January 25, 2023.

Watch the recorded version of this event by clicking here.  

Well-known author Greg Borzo dishes out course after course of stories about the Windy City’s most beloved bygone restaurants— from sizzling steakhouses to tiki bars; from diners to delis; from ethnic eateries to hotel restaurants; from Trader Vic’s to the Blackhawk. Chicago restaurants have fed the hungry and helped us celebrate special occasions. They have attracted movie stars, launched nationwide trends and created a smorgasbord of culinary choices. This program about bygone restaurants is sure to spark magnificent memories. Savor the stories of Chicago’s favorite eateries that over two centuries have been inspired by two world’s fairs, built by waves of immigrants, dreamt up by creative entrepreneurs, opened by world-class chefs and enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

Speaker bio: Greg Borzo is an award-winning journalist who has worked for the Field Museum, the American Medical Association, and the University of Chicago. Born in Chicago, Borzo has written several books about The Windy City, including Lost Restaurants of Chicago, Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains, Chicago’s Cable Cars, Where to Bike Chicago, The Chicago “L”, and A History Lover’s Guide to Chicago.

Borzo earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Grinnell College and a Master’s Degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. He has won several awards, including Grinnell College’s Alumni Award, two Peter Lisagor Awards (one of Chicago’s top journalism honors) and four Golden and Silver Trumpets from the Publicity Club of Chicago.

Borzo gives talks and tours about fountains, cable cars, the “L” and the World’s Columbian Exposition for the Chicago History Museum, Chicago Cycling Club, Forgotten Chicago and many other organizations, including libraries, clubs, churches, and senior citizen groups. He lives in the South Loop to best enjoy all the art and architecture, music and museums, history, and mystery that our beautiful city has to offer.

This hybrid event was recorded on July 28, 2022.