Miscellaneous

SPEAKERS BUREAU TOPICS

MORE INFORMATION

Topics List

To book a speaker call
(618) 222-5490 or email
speakersbureau@swic.edu.

MISCELLANEOUS/HOBBIES & INTERESTS

A Century of Dolls

Learn about the history of dolls from 1900 to the present. This presentation deals with the hobby from the historical and collectible perspectives.

Joan Kufskie, Retired

Target Audiences: AG (Anyone interested in doll collecting/doll art)

A Real American Hero

In this session you will meet the granddaughter of Real American Hero Kristina Bunshak Stedronsky, who left Czechoslovakia at the age of 16 and came to America right before Hilter took. Discussion includes what it means to be a Real American Hero and how they inspire and motivate us.

Christie Highlander, Faculty

Target Audiences: AG, HS

Airport Operations for Aircraft Owners

This informative discussion led by a certified airport manager will cover the dynamics of operating at controlled and uncontrolled airfields as well as aircraft lease and hangar tie down agreements.

Linwood Gray, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: AG

Aircraft Ownership and Operations

Ever want to lease or own personal aircraft? Unsure about the legal and tax guidelines affecting owners? Find out all you need to know to protect yourself when buying or selling aircraft. Aircraft insurance and personal minimums will also be discussed.

Linwood Gray, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: AG

Aviation Safety for Aircraft Owners

An informative session offering tips on what you must know about safety guidelines for aircraft owners. Learn the pros and cons f simulators. The FAA New Wings Program will be explained by a retire USAF aviator and private pilot.

Linwood Gray, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: AG

Basics of Floral Design

In this session you will learn basic floral design to create lovely centerpieces. Treat yourself and learn quick and simple ways to make your own arrangements.

Debbie Donze, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: AG, HS

Celebrity Dolls

This program demonstrates dolls portraying celebrities with audience interaction. A fun program!

Joan Kufskie, Retired

Target Audiences: AG, HS (Anyone interested in doll collecting/doll art)

Computers and Their Cultural Impact

A brief history of computers from 1950-present that gives a look at the impact on our world. When was the first computer invented? Who were the early pioneers? How did we get from a perceived need of 4-6 computers to a computer in almost every home and office? How have computers changed our lives? Do we need computers? These and other questions will be addressed.

Chris Leja, Chief Information Officer

Target Audiences: AG, GS, HS

Cribbage

Cribbage is a card game played by 2-6 people and is very easy to learn. It is a game that is enjoyed by many people and a good game to pass the time. This hands-on demonstration is a fun and easy way to learn cribbage. There is a cribbage club in the Belleville area that meets once a week.

John Bilski, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: AG

Disaster Preparation and Planning

Where will you go when disaster strikes? What type of information and supplies will you need to survive the first three days following a disaster? Learn how to prepare a disaster plan for you, your family, and your pets.

Lois LaFleur, Community Education Coordinator, SWGCC

Target Audiences: AG

Disaster Preparedness

Are you prepared for a disaster? How to prepare for an earthquake or any natural disaster, and how to react when one occurs. How do you prepare elderly and disabled relatives and friends?

Sharon Sea Hamilton, Assistant Director

Target Audiences: AG, GS, HS

Discover the Metro/St. Louis Area

Debbie will share fun and exciting places to go and things to do in the St. Louis Metro Area, especially the "Free Ones." Many places have been highlighted on Show Me St. Louis, and her radio show on WGNU 920 AM, Thursdays at 12:00 p.m.

Debbie Donze, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: GS, HS, AG

Dolls Then and Now

This presentation will discuss dolls that we had as children, which are being re-issued today. Beloved dolls of the "boomer" generation and earlier will be shown.

Joan Kufskie, Retired

Target Audiences: AG

Driving Tips for Better Gas Mileage

With the high cost of gasoline, many drivers would like to improve their gas mileage. This presentation gives clear and concise information on how to get the best possible fuel mileage regardless of the type of vehicle a motorist may be driving. Extend the time between fill-ups now!

Dale Yaeger, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: AG, HS, Technical Schools

Driving the Toyota Prius Hybrid Car

Will your next vehicle be a hybrid gas/electric vehicle? This presentation discusses the ownership and pleasure of driving the Toyota Prius, and, despite over-inflated EPA gas mileage estimates, it IS possible to approach or exceed 60 mph mileage with the Prius. Now is the time to learn if your next vehicle should be an environmentally friendly hybrid vehicle which we have heard so much about.

Dale Yaeger, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: AG, HS, Technical Schools

Exploring Creativity

Everyone is creative in his or her own special way. Learn to unleash your hidden creativity and make beautiful things using common items from your yard and cupboard. You may never throw another jar away!

Debbie Donze, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: AG, GS, HS

Fashion Dolls

Fashion dolls are the "rage" with collectors now! Their clothing is fabulous and their accessories are wonderful. This talk starts with a French fashion doll made in the 1870's and progresses through the present! Barbie is included, but is outnumbered by gorgeous designer fashion dolls.

Joan Kufskie, Retire

Target Audiences: AG

Fashion Dolls of the 1940's through 2005

This charming and historically accurate presentation covers lovely fashion dolls with detailed wardrobes and accessories from the 1940's through 2005.

Joan Kufskie, Retired

Target Audiences: AG

Fun With Fallacies

Do you ever find yourself scratching your head after hearing a politician's argument for his/her position or after seeing a television ad for some product or service? Does the reasoning process seem a bit peculiar? Maybe you're picking up on a fallacy! Did the speaker use loaded language, beg the question, or commit the domino fallacy? Learn to recognize some common fallacies in every-day situations and to have some fun with fallacies!

Katherine Witzig, Philosophy Faculty

Target Audiences: AG, HS

Genealogy & U.S. Census Records

Teaches how to use census records in genealogy. Learn about the characteristics of a census record, how to use the information to further your research and where to locate census records. PowerPoint will be used and includes hand-outs on genealogy resources.

Candy Buechler, Human Resources Specialist

Target Audiences: AG

Here Come the Brides

This presentation shows an array of bride dolls from children's toys to the work of modern doll artists. It details changes in bridal fashion, the influence of cultural events on brides, and the endurance of this doll form.

Joan Kufskie, Retired

Target Audiences: AG

Holiday Fun With Dolls

Dolls that celebrate holidays are unique and fun to show to groups. They include Presidents Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc. Suitable for all ages; except small children.

Joan Kufskie, Retired

Target Audiences: AG

How Much Is That? Two Chickens, Please

This session will show the evolution of money, from barter to electronic transfer. What do shells, furs, metal and chocolate (cocoa) beans have in common? They've all been used in the past as money! Coins from different countries and time periods will be shown.

Jana Ross, Biology Lab Technician

Target Audiences: AG, HS, GS (2nd-8th)

How to Setup a Home Network

In this session, learn how and why to set up a home network.

Charles Hannon, Faculty

Target Audiences: AG, HS

Introduction to Guitar

This session will cover what to look for in purchasing an instrument, how to get started and where to find paid and free resources for instruction. This motivational session will explain how quickly you can actually play a song!

Michael Isenhart, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: GS, HS, AG

Introduction to Songwriting Using the Guitar

Using the guitar for expression through words and music, the presenter will offer different styles of music.

Michael Isenhart, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: GS, HS, AG

Metal Detecting Hobby or Vandalism?

Learn how some metal detectors have made astonishing contributions to our knowledge of history and prehistory: others have destroyed unique archaeological evidence pursuing souvenirs. This is a PowerPoint presentation focusing on the British situation.

Geoffrey Barratt, Auxiliary Services Director

Target Audiences: AG, HS

Modern Comic Books as Graphic Novels

A look at the history and evolution of the comic book to its current state as a "graphic novel." Discussion of its influence on film, TV, and other popular culture.

Van Plexico, Faculty

Target Audiences: GS (5th and up), AG, HS

Once Upon a Time...

Nursery rhyme and fairy tale dolls appeal to everyone. This program shows the diversity of dolls available and is particularly appealing to children.

Joan Kufskie, Retired

Target Audiences: AG, GS (Primary grades)

Special Olympics

Learn about volunteer opportunities and information about the Special Olympics such as history, benefits and sports offered from an official Special Olympics Global Messenger.

James Morgan, ATS Clerk

Target Audiences: GS 2-6, HS, AG

Stamp Collecting

Why collect stamps? Learn the history, geography, what stamps are valuable, stamp shows and the different stamp societies to join from a collector with 50 years experience about the art of stamp collecting. Postcards, plate blocks and topics such as stamps with flowers, different subjects animals, cars, sailing vessels and airplanes will be discussed.

John Bilski, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: AG, GS, HS

Synthetic Oil Change

This discussion of Amsoil synthetic motor oil and comparisons between traditional motor oil and synthetic motor oil is appropriate for all who seek better performance, economy and cost savings. A timely topic!

Dale Yaeger, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: AG, HS, Technical Schools

"The Baby Blue Lady Bug"

The story of "The Baby Blue Lady Bug" chosen by Disney World as the Millinuimn Dreamer book. Turn nature and recycled items into art.

Debbie Donze, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: AG

Understanding Tolkien, the Hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings

Was J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" a social commentary, a political allegory, an environmental warning, or simply a really good fairy tale? Van Plexico deconstructs the triology (plus the Hobbit) to explore why Tolkien wrote it, what he sought to accomplish with it, and why it has endured as one of the best-selling book series' ever, as well as forming the basis for Peter Jackson's remarkable, Oscar-winning movies.

Van Plexico, Faculty

Target Audiences: AG, HS

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SWIC Speakers Bureau • 2500 Carlyle Avenue • Belleville, Illinois 62221
(618) 222-5490 • speakersbureau@swic.edu