At Home Online Cooking Class – Virtual Only

Watch the recorded version of this event.   The recording will be available to view through February 13.

Warm up your winter with hearty and delicious vegan comfort foods. This class will explore plant-based alternatives that are both comforting and satisfying, showing you how to create rich flavors and textures without any animal products.

Kristyn will guide through the cooking process you while sharing tips throughout class. The class is your time to learn a little something and most importantly, have fun!

To Prepare for Class: Patrons will simply purchase ingredients & gather their kitchen equipment from the provided recipes. For a more relaxed class, we recommend prepping your ingredients ahead of time (chopping, measuring). This is not required, however, as you will be guided through every step of preparation. You may also join us to simply watch along.

Find recipes for this event by using this link. 

Speaker Bio: Kristyn Slick of Making Mealtime Memories

My greatest goal in life is to get more families around the dinner table. If we haven’t met yet, I’m Kristyn, the Cooking Instructor, History Teacher, Menu Planner, Nutrition Coach, and Blogger around Classroom Kitchen. If we have met before, you’re a lucky soul. Just kidding, but I am so glad you decided to see what I’m all about!

The Slick Family was established in 2007 when Brian and I were married. We enjoyed traveling for a few years and settling into our careers before deciding to start a family. We have have two kiddos and a dog who think he’s a third child.  We lead very full lives: hockey, piano lessons, girl scouts, active church members, and as much family time we can muster between all the things.

Ever since I was in 4th grade I have wanted to be a teacher. I received my Elementary Education degree at Lewis University and before even officially walking the graduation stage I had a 7th grade position teaching Language Arts and Social Studies. My career path took a sharp turn, however, after I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in my 7th year of teaching. For my own health and the wellness of my family I left my full time teaching position to stay home with my then 3.5 and 1 year old. After a year of regrouping, getting well, and focusing on me I rejoined the work force and decided to become a short-term consultant with Pampered Chef.  My cooking tool kit arrived within a few days and I quickly realized that my short-term decision was going to be long-term dedication to “Making Family Mealtime a Priority”!

I left Pampered Chef in the fall of 2021 to dedicate all my time and energy to A Classroom Kitchen. No more safety nets for this girl!  I am so excited but also a bit nervous.  I am so glad you are on this journey with me and I can’t wait to show you what I have in store for you and your families. So here I am today better than ever! Cooking and teaching and sharing all the food pictures (yes I am THAT person).  I want to give everyone the tools and confidence to achieve their wellness and cooking goals.  makingmealtimememories.com

This event occurred on January 15, 2025.

Watch the recorded version of this event.   The recording will be available to view through January 26.

Join us virtually with Steve Dolinsky, to dish on his new book about the styles, locales, and people that make Chicago a prime destination for pizza. A History of Squares & Slices in the Windy City, his comprehensive guide to the styles, locales and people that make the Windy City a prime destination for slices and pies.

Illinois Libraries Present Steve Dolinsky, well known Food Guy reporter at NBC 5 (Chicago) and James Beard Award winner for his TV, radio and podcast work. Steve is host of the The Feed Podcast with Chicago chef/restaurateur Rick Bayless and Pizza City. He is the creator of Pizza City Fest, now in four cities, and author of two books about pizza.

This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), 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. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com

This event occurred on January 9, 2025.

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

A New Year’s Eve Eve Celebration! Let’s gather one last time this year to cook, celebrate, and set the stage for a prosperous new year. In this class, we will prepare dishes that embody the spirit of the season—think luxurious, lucky, and downright delicious!

Kristyn will guide you through the cooking process while sharing tips throughout class. The class is your time to learn a little something and most importantly, have fun!

To Prepare for Class: Simply purchase ingredients & gather the kitchen equipment needed for the provided recipes. You may view the recipes here to get you started. For a more relaxed class, we recommend prepping your ingredients ahead of time (chopping, measuring). This is not required, however, as you will be guided through every step of preparation.

You may also join us to simply watch along, or watch the recording later. A recorded version of the event will appear on our Virtual Event Recordings and Handouts web page once it is available. The recording will be available for viewing through January 28.

To attend this live virtual event on December 11, 2024 at 6:30pm, simply use the link below. No need to install software, simply join from your browser.

When: Dec 30, 2024 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Topic:  New Years Eve Eve Celebration

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83165939991

Speaker Bio: Kristyn Slick of Making Mealtime Memories

My greatest goal in life is to get more families around the dinner table. If we haven’t met yet, I’m Kristyn, the Cooking Instructor, History Teacher, Menu Planner, Nutrition Coach, and Blogger around Classroom Kitchen. If we have met before, you’re a lucky soul. Just kidding, but I am so glad you decided to see what I’m all about!

The Slick Family was established in 2007 when Brian and I were married. We enjoyed traveling for a few years and settling into our careers before deciding to start a family. We have have two kiddos and a dog who think he’s a third child.  We lead very full lives: hockey, piano lessons, girl scouts, active church members, and as much family time we can muster between all the things.

Ever since I was in 4th grade I have wanted to be a teacher. I received my Elementary Education degree at Lewis University and before even officially walking the graduation stage I had a 7th grade position teaching Language Arts and Social Studies. My career path took a sharp turn, however, after I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in my 7th year of teaching. For my own health and the wellness of my family I left my full time teaching position to stay home with my then 3.5 and 1 year old. After a year of regrouping, getting well, and focusing on me I rejoined the work force and decided to become a short-term consultant with Pampered Chef.  My cooking tool kit arrived within a few days and I quickly realized that my short-term decision was going to be long-term dedication to “Making Family Mealtime a Priority”!

I left Pampered Chef in the fall of 2021 to dedicate all my time and energy to A Classroom Kitchen. No more safety nets for this girl!  I am so excited but also a bit nervous.  I am so glad you are on this journey with me and I can’t wait to show you what I have in store for you and your families. So here I am today better than ever! Cooking and teaching and sharing all the food pictures (yes I am THAT person).  I want to give everyone the tools and confidence to achieve their wellness and cooking goals.  makingmealtimememories.com

This event occurred on December 30, 2024.

Watch the recorded version of this event.   The recording will be available to view through January 9.

At Home Online Cooking Class – Virtual Only

In this festive sugar cookie decorating class, we’ll create holiday-themed cookies that are sure to dazzle your loved ones! The class will cover how to bake the perfect sugar cookie, followed by detailed, step-by-step guidance to use royal icing in decorating.

Kristyn will guide you through the cooking process while sharing tips throughout class. The class is your time to ask questions, ask for feedback, learn a little something and most importantly, have fun!

To Prepare for Class: Simply purchase ingredients & gather their kitchen equipment from the provided recipes. You may view the recipes here to get you started. For a more relaxed class, we recommend prepping your ingredients ahead of time (chopping, measuring). This is not required, however, as you will be guided through every step of preparation.  Recipes related to this event may be downloaded and viewed here.

Speaker Bio:  Kristyn Slick of Making Mealtime Memories

My greatest goal in life is to get more families around the dinner table. If we haven’t met yet, I’m Kristyn, the Cooking Instructor, History Teacher, Menu Planner, Nutrition Coach, and Blogger around Classroom Kitchen. If we have met before, you’re a lucky soul. Just kidding, but I am so glad you decided to see what I’m all about!

The Slick Family was established in 2007 when Brian and I were married. We enjoyed traveling for a few years and settling into our careers before deciding to start a family. We have have two kiddos and a dog who think he’s a third child.  We lead very full lives: hockey, piano lessons, girl scouts, active church members, and as much family time we can muster between all the things. Ever since I was in 4th grade I have wanted to be a teacher. I received my Elementary Education degree at Lewis University and before even officially walking the graduation stage I had a 7th grade position teaching Language Arts and Social Studies. My career path took a sharp turn, however, after I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in my 7th year of teaching. For my own health and the wellness of my family I left my full time teaching position to stay home with my then 3.5 and 1 year old. After a year of regrouping, getting well, and focusing on me I rejoined the work force and decided to become a short-term consultant with Pampered Chef.  My cooking tool kit arrived within a few days and I quickly realized that my short-term decision was going to be long-term dedication to “Making Family Mealtime a Priority!”

I left Pampered Chef in the fall of 2021 to dedicate all my time and energy to A Classroom Kitchen. No more safety nets for this girl!  I am so excited but also a bit nervous.  I am so glad you are on this journey with me and I can’t wait to show you what I have in store for you and your families. So here I am today better than ever! Cooking and teaching and sharing all the food pictures (yes I am THAT person).  I want to give everyone the tools and confidence to achieve their wellness and cooking goals. makingmealtimememories.com

This event occurred on December 11, 2024.

Watch the recorded version of this event.  Please note the first four minutes are dedicated to Pathlights and their services followed by the Estate Planning presentation. 

A handout related to this presentation is available using this link.

In this presentation, attorney Michael J. Maslanka discusses power of attorney, living wills, last wills, trusts, deeds, and more.  Presented in partnership with Pathlights and Republic Bank.

Pathlights helps more than 15,000 people each year understand their options as they age. Our experienced team is highly specialized and works together united in our mission. We pride ourselves on collaboration with diverse partners and as a convener of conversation and action to promote policies that encourage a healthy aging community. We listen and empower our clients to take steps that can enhance their lives.

Speaker Bio: Michael J. Maslanka has been an attorney for over 39 years and is a graduate of Brother Rice High School and St. Xavier University. Michael is an attorney in the law firm of Sacks, Goreczny, Maslanka & Costello, P.C. He has been licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1984, and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and has been actively involved in their work for decades.

Michael has co-authored articles which were published in law journals. He has been a moderator and speaker at many Continuing Legal Education seminars, been quoted in the L.A. Times and in several law articles, and authors many legal articles for newsletters. He presents legal programs throughout the year at public libraries and fairs.

Over 39 years, Michael has represented or counseled thousands of clients, including laborers, doctors, judges, and lawyers, in a wide variety of cases. He is fluent in Spanish, and has been making in-home and nursing center visits for many years, to veterans, seniors, and disabled clients.

This event occurred on July 31, 2024.