Reconciling My German Heritage
Presenter: Theodore Iliff

Join Theodore Iliff as he shares stories about living with the conflict of a relative’s role in Nazi Germany.

Retired journalist and teacher Theodore Iliff’s life has led him from the Black Forest in Germany to the United States, from Kansas to Kandahar and back again. Despite his exciting journeys as a CNN editor and producer, consultant, and teacher–all of which took him to every corner of the world–one of his most compelling journeys has been working to reconcile with his German heritage. Iliff was shocked to discover the paradoxical parts his grandfather played in Nazi Germany during World War II. His search for the truth inspired him to turn the actual events of his family’s life into the fictional account The Golden Times.

Iliff is the author of the memoir Mission Road: A Journalist’s Life from Kansas to Kandahar (2021); the novel The Golden Times (2008); and the co-author of Hitler and Munich: a Historical Guide to the Sites and Addresses of Munich Important to Adolf Hitler, His Followers and Victims (1988). Now retired, Iliff leads tours at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City and edits prose for Veterans' Voices magazine.

What if Everyone Voted?
Presenter: Lindsay Ford, Associate Director, The Voter Network

We are thrilled to have The Voter Network (parent organization of the Voter to Voter program) back with us to discuss the importance of voter education and voting, especially in such politically challenging times.

Lindsay Ford joined The Voter Network team in 2018 after working for the Mayor’s office in Kansas City, Kansas, where she oversaw staff, policy and project management. She previously held roles in corporate community relations and on a number of Kansas political campaigns - at the local, state-wide and federal levels - including serving as Congressman Dennis Moore’s campaign manager for his successful 2008 re-election bid. Lindsay believes that an empowered electorate creates responsive, transparent and inclusive governments, and is looking forward to turning out more voters!

Connections in Grief
Presenter: Eric Sigler, LMSW, Grief Support Specialist

Join Eric Sigler for a conversation about conversations in grief. No two people grieve the same, and no matter how we try, we sometimes miss our marks, either as the family or friend trying to offer support, or as the bereaved trying to navigate the unpredictable landscape of grief. Sigler specializes in the ways we communicate in grief, whether within the family unit, among friends, or out in the world, and can help us remember we are not alone in our feelings of isolation, frustration, and confusion.

Eric Sigler is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Grief Support Specialist working with Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care.