Ageless Insights, Open Tech Labs, State Fair Transit, and Better Email
Summer 2026 classes events and more :)
Welcome back!
This summer has been moving fast, and I have a lot of exciting updates, new community events, and a quick tech breakdown to share with you.
🎉 Recap: Ageless Insights
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Ageless Insights event on July 2nd! It was a fantastic time, and it is officially going to be an annual tradition. I’ll be posting some pictures and video from the event down below shortly so you can check out how it went. Looking forward to doing an event like this again next year :)
https://agelessinsightsia.com/past-events/ See a video of my event and all other events they have had at the above link.
📅 Class Updates & New Free Tech Sessions
It has been a busy couple of months in the classroom, and the schedule is only
growing:
Upcoming Tech Classes at Kirkwood
I’m looking forward to getting back into the classroom. If you want to learn how to get more out of your devices or simplify your digital life, check out my upcoming continuing education workshops through Kirkwood Community College:
Android Basics: We will cover the essentials of getting the most out of your Android smartphone. Many different times and locations that this class is offered.
Cord Cutting: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 5:30 PM. A practical guide to ditching traditional cable and navigating the world of modern streaming services.
https://www.technicallyeasier.com/classes-offered has full dates times and links to register for the classes with Kirkwood.
Last Month (MyChart): We had a great turnout for the MyChart class, where we focused strictly on how to confidently use and navigate the portal to manage your medical records and appointments.
This Month (AI): If you are curious about Artificial Intelligence and how it actually impacts your day-to-day life, I am running a class on AI this month. July 30th @130PM Tech Advice - AI for 55+ Local and more info https://www.bridgeseniorcenter.org/contact
Upcoming Bridge Class: I will be hosting another Tech class at the the bridge on August 17th at 1:30 PM.
A Forum on Aging: I will be participating in Session 1 of “A FORUM ON AGING: Resources for your Journey”. It takes place on Thursday, August 27th from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the Community Room at the Marion Public Library. Doors open at 4:30 PM. My business, Technically Easier, will be part of the expert panel, discussing resources available for seniors in the corridor alongside other great local organizations. There will be a drawing for door prizes during the session, and refreshments will be provided!
It takes place on Thursday, August 27th from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the Community Room at the Marion Public Library.
🚨 NEW: Free Public Tech Help (Starting in September)
I am incredibly excited to announce that starting the 3rd Wednesday of the month in September, I will be hosting a free, open-to-the-public tech help session. If you are familiar with the drop-in tech help I do at the Hiawatha Public Library, this will be a very similar format. Bring your devices, bring your questions, and we will get things sorted out.
Senior Expo 2026!
Save The Date: The Senior Expo
Day: Wednesday, August 12th
Time: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Kirkwood Community College: Linn County Regional Center
Address: 1770 E Boyson Road, Hiawatha, IA 52233
More Info: crelderly.org/senior-expo
🚌 Catching the Bus to the State Fair
It wouldn’t be August in Iowa without the State Fair! This year, I am taking the bus down to Des Moines to cover my volunteer shifts at the Harper Telephone Museum. Taking the bus is a fantastic way to avoid the parking headache and just enjoy the ride. If you are heading to the fair, be sure to stop by the museum and say hello!
Nothing Compares to the Iowa State Fair- Hiawatha Bus Trip 2026 LINK $45 for the trip.
📧 The “Big Three” Email Options
Let’s talk about email. Most people set up an inbox years ago and never look back, but you have choices. Depending on how much you value privacy versus convenience, here is a quick breakdown of the three main options you should consider:
Gmail: The undisputed heavyweight. It is incredibly convenient, ties seamlessly into Google Docs, Drive, and Android devices, and has excellent spam filtering. The trade-off is that Google scans your data to serve targeted ads.
Proton Mail: The privacy-first powerhouse. Based in Switzerland, Proton uses end-to-end encryption, meaning not even the company can read your emails. It is fantastic for keeping your personal communications secure, though it takes a little adjusting if you are used to the Google ecosystem. https://proton.me/mail
Tuta Mail: (Formerly Tutanota). Another excellent, highly secure alternative. Like Proton, it offers end-to-end encryption and a strict zero-tracking policy. It is open-source, fast, and has a very straightforward interface if you want maximum privacy without any extra clutter. https://tuta.com/
Have you ever considered switching away from Gmail, or does the convenience keep you locked in? Let me know in the comments!