The Presenters for 2008
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Alex AlexanderA Pictorial Visit to Chautauqua, New York An award winning artist, writer, and television producer, Alex Alexander relocated to the Florida panhandle five years ago. She also works locally as a real estate agent with Naylor Realty, specializing in Chautauqua-era homes in the DeFuniak Springs Historic District. As a regular attendee and occasional Special Studies course instructor at the New York Chautauqua for the past six years, Alex believes strongly that the Chautauqua Institution must be experienced in order to be appreciated or understood. “The extraordinary blend of arts programming and recreational activities can both inspire and refresh our efforts to rediscover the historic Chautauqua ideal in DeFuniak Springs. To quote author and historian, David McCollough, (Chautauqua) is at once a summer encampment and a small town, a college campus, an arts colony, a music festival, a religious retreat and the village square – and there’s no place – no place – with anything like it’s history.” |
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Gene BorczGene Borcz is a 27-year veteran of the securities industry and a Senior Vice-President of Investments with A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. He is also a corporate officer of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., a Trust Specialist and has served in a variety of management and board advisory positions throughout his career. Gene earned a B.S. from Florida International University in 1976 and completed his M.S. in Management from St. Thomas University in 1977. He is a licensed principal in virtually all areas of the securities industry. Gene and his wife Gerry are DeFuniak Springs residents, having relocated from Pensacola, where they still spend time with their son Jason, daughter Stacy and three beautiful grandchildren. |
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Matthew ChristWhere We Are Now and Where We Are Heading: A Student's Perspective Matthew Christ is a native of Walton County, Florida. Matthew is a senior at South Walton High School. He writes a weekly column for his The Walton Sun and may be heard every Sunday afternoon on 30A Radio, 107.1 (WTHA-LPFM) where he co-hosts a three hour radio show. Matthew was chosen to attend the American Legion Boys State program and also served as a Florida Senate page. He looks forward to attending college next fall where he can continue his personal "commitment to life- long learning”. Matthew is the son of Tom and Jamie Christ. |
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Bruce CollierFlorida Chautauqua Film Festival
Bruce is the assistant editor of the DeFuniak Herald/Beach Breeze,
and is also a |
DeFuniak Springs Women's ClubOrganized in 1914, the Women's Club is the oldest civic organization in DeFuniak Springs. Initially formed to promote beautification projects, the club's mission has expanded in over the years. It sponsors the annual Christmas parade and the Lakeyard trick or treating event. It has provided relief to victims of Katrina, support projects for members of the military abroad, and gifts for local charities at Christmas and Easter. Fund raisers support not only these projects, but also the renovations of the historic headquarters building on Sixth Street. |
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Dara DobsonCleansing Your Air with Inside Plants Dara, along with her husband Loyd, is a retired business owner and has been a resident of the Panhandle for 45 years. After retiring she pursued her love of plants by becoming a Walton County Master Gardener and a nationally accredited flower show judge. She is on the board of directors of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs and serves as the state Native Plants and Wildflower Chairman. Dara is currently co-president of the DeFuniak Springs Garden Club. The club annually holds a native plant sale on the lake yard that attracts gardeners from all across the panhandle. |
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Ecumenical Choir of South WaltonThe Ecumenical Choir of South Walton is a church and community-centered choral group based at Christ the King Episcopal Church under the direction of Adele Armitage. The choir was formed in 1996 to provide music for an ecumenical Thanksgiving service. Faces and voices change yearly, but there is a group of long-time members who make up the core of the ensemble. The choir has provided musical programs for the Christmas and holiday season, Thanksgiving services, Holy Week, Easter and they present a biannual concert commemorating the events of 9-11 and honoring our patriotic spirit. |
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Gayla EdwardsGayla is a potter at Studio S, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She creates functional ware and has taught classes at the studio for the last six years. She enjoys creating unique pieces that people can enjoy in their homes, gardens or offices. |
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June EnfingerConnecting Within: Meditation and the Art of Life With ancestry roots in Walton County, June was born in Lakeside Hospital in 1948, grew up nearby in Holmes County and attended Ponce de Leon School. She obtained degrees from Chipola Jr. College, UWF, and FSU, taught in public schools, and later pursued a career as a licensed massage therapist. She settled with her husband, Danny, and son in Tallahassee for many years before returning home in 2001. June discovered Yoga some 30 years ago, and finding that it meets so many needs in her life, she freely shares this with others as often as possible. |
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Roger HallWhere We Are Now in Healthcare An active member ot the healthcare industry since 1984, Roger has served in a variety of leadership roles at seven hospitals throughout the Southeast. He had a unique opportunity in 2002 to lead the opening of the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in Walton County, where he continues to serve today as president. He received a BS in Accounting from the University of Alabama and completed his MBA at Sanford University. An active member of the community, Roger is a board member of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce and an advisor to the Foundation Board of Okaloosa Walton Community College. www.sacredheartemerald.org |
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Chandra Hartman
Beyond Sustainability: Session1 Walton County resident Chandra F. Hartman is a mother, designer, and nature enthusiast. She is in the process of transforming her residential design business to incorporate, enhance and restore the natural with the built environment. In 2005 she completed the Hands-on Sustainability Workshop at Ecosa Institute, which involved the use of natural building materials and accompanying appropriate technologies. She holds a degree in architectural design and is now earning a BA in Sustainable Community Development. Her current projects include working with the Tourist Development Council (TDC) on moving toward sustainable tourism and designing an edible schoolyard for the Seaside Neighborhood School and surrounding community. www.cfhdesignstudio.com |
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Chuck Hinson
Cultural Events in Rural America After graduation from Southern Mississippi (B.S. Journalism), Chuck moved to Tallahassee to pursue a masters in international communications at Florida State University. In 1992, he accepted a job with the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games and served as the media liaison and event coordinator for Beers/Integral from 1993-96 for the Summer Olympic Games. Since 1997, he has been both arts and entertainment and sports editor for the DeFuniak Herald/Beach Breeze newspapers. In 1997, Chuck opened Hilltop Productions (www.hilltopproductionsinc.com) . The company promotes, produces, and manages festivals, concerts, trade shows, expos and corporate events throughout the Southeast. He currently promotes and produces more than fifty corporate, organizational and community events each year and has been actively involved in more than 300 productions since Hilltop Productions opened its doors. Chuck is also a recording artist and an author. |
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Peter Horn
Beyond Sustainability: Session1 Father of three, entrepreneur, carpenter, and contractor, Peter has participated in the evolution of new urbanism and traditional neighborhood planning and building in South Walton County, and the Southeast, since 1984. His building company has incorporated green and sustainable elements into homes since before these terms were coined, as part of its ongoing mission to design and build for superior quality, durability, safety, health, and comfort. Current service work includes Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Constructores Para Cristo, rebuilding homes on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, architectural walking tours of Seaside, and frequent informal presentations on a variety of issues around sustainability. www.artisan-builds.com |
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Mark David Jones
Chautauqua and
Disney: Values-Based Success Mark Jones is the President of Small World Alliance, Inc., where he leads a consortium of former Disney executives who share their Fortune 500 experience with companies all over the world. Mark began his career with Walt Disney World in 1978, serving in a variety of leadership roles, ultimately becoming the Senior Consultant of the famed Disney Institute Business Programs. Mark led Leadership, Creativity & Innovation, and Quality Service initiatives. After 26 years, Mark retired from Disney to share the secrets behind the magic of world-class companies, delivering an innovative, results-focused passion for helping people make a difference. www.smallworldalliance.com |
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Marsha MarksServing Up Comedy and Inspiration: Lunch with Marsha Marks Marsha Marks is a flight attendant and the author of 101 Amazing Things About God (River Oak Publishing, 2001). She has been called “the Erma Bombeck of the Bible.” Her articles and short stories have appeared in such publications as Campus Life Magazine, the Christian Reader, and Writer’s Digest. Among her more successful endeavors are her short stories and fables, packaged as “gift tag books,” one of which will be distributed as part of her session. She is a frequent speaker at youth and women’s conferences across the country. Marsha lives in the Savannah, Georgia area with her husband, Tom, and their daughter, Amanda Joy. |
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Ellen MayfieldVictorian
Tea - Friday Ellen Mayfield has served the community of DeFuniak Springs for over 35 years in many capacities. Her fully licensed catering kitchen has launched many engagements and marriages as well as anniversaries, teas, and other special events. Her impeccable staff shares its love of creative foods and event design with friendly, caring service. Having never advertised, clients contact her personally for catering services. Ellen considers her family, friends and staff the “wind beneath her wings.” |
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Ronnie McBrayerChristian Ethics: Cloning, Conservation, and Control Ronnie McBrayer is a husband, father, pastor, and writer. Ronnie has served in social justice and church planting ministries, and pastoral leadership positions. He holds degrees in theology (MTh) and ministry (DMin), and has completed post-graduate work in the field of medical ethics. In March 2008, his book Dream the Impossible Dream about the Old Testament character Joseph will be released by Smyth and Helwys Publishers. His weekly newspaper article series “Keeping the Faith” was a 2006 Florida Press Association first-place winner in religion. The articles appear locally in the Walton Sun. Ronnie and his wife Cindy have three young sons and live in Freeport, Florida. www.leavingsalem.net. |
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Karen McGeeKaren McGee last appeared on stage at the Chautauqua Assembly in 2004 performing an original monologue about Walton County history entitled “Graveyards in the Pines”. She has performed onstage at The Chautauqua Theater as Kate in "Sylvia" for the 2004 season and served as assistant director for “I Hate Hamlet.” She also appeared in "Girls of the Garden Club" and "The Farnsworth Avenue Townswomen’s Guild Murder Mystery". Karen makes her home in Seagrove Beach in south Walton County. |
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Tom McGeeTom McGee is a retired judge who hails from Louisiana. He performed a monologue about the history of Walton County in “Taxman and the Rattlesnake” at Chautauqua Assembly in 2004. He has previously appeared onstage in the Three Arts Alliance production of "The Square Root of Love". Judge McGee writes a column for The Walton Sun entitled VOIR DIRE: To Speak the Truth. He lives in Seagrove Beach in south Walton County. |
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Jeffrey MosesOneness: Great Principles Shared by all Religions Jeffrey holds degrees from UCLA and University of Colorado in Boulder. For twenty years, he has researched the world's great scriptural texts, as well as travelling the country to speak on Transcendental Meditation (TM), stress reduction and spiritual advancement. He is the author of Oneness: Great Principles Shared by all Religions. Jeffrey and his wife Ruth live on the Emerald Coast of the Florida Panhandle. www.onenessonline.com |
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John NapoliJesus
the Revolutionary: Freeing Christ from Policy in Politics John serves as minister at First Presbyterian Church in DeFuniak Springs. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of South Florida and a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary. John’s interests include a passion for political interpretation and an exploration of the relationship of politics and Christianity. |
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Ben NelsonBen B.A. from Milsaps College and a Masters of Divinity from the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee. He has been a resident of DeFuniak Springs for nine years. |
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Bill Oberst Jr.Lewis Grizzard: One More Time! Bill Oberst has been portraying Lewis Grizzard on stage for seven years. “I’ve never had more fun,” he says of his over 700 performances as the South’s most beloved modern-day humorist. Bill also portrays Jesus of Nazareth and is known to national television audiences as General William T. Sherman in The History Channel’s movie “Sherman’s March,” which was seen by over five million viewers in 2007. He has completed filming on a major motion picture about the beginnings of NASCAR entitled “Red Dirt Rising,” and will be seen this year in “Wesley,” a film biography of the founder of the Methodist Church. www.billoberst.com. |
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Katie OttKatie Ott and the Premier Harp Ensemble Katie Ott began her harp studies at the age of seven with Harriet Moore of Depauw University and spend three summers in residence at Interlocken Music Camp while continuing her studies with Anne Benjamin. She holds a Bachelor of Music in harp performance from the University of West Florida. As an active performer, her playing has been described as having “a shimmering ethereal quality that demonstrates why she is so much in demand by orchestras along the Gulf Coast”. She currently plays principal positions with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra and Opera, Pensacola Symphony and Opera, and The Philharmonic Orchestra of Northwest Florida. As a soloist, she has performed major works including Angel’s Harp by David Ott , Sacred and Profane Dances by Debussy and Mozart's Concerto for Flute and Harp. In 2003, she founded and directed The Premier Harp Ensemble of nine harpists from her private harp studio. In 2005, Katie led a master class with the Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Harp Society. |
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Panhandle Historic Preservation Alliance (PHPA)PHPA is an association of over 30 historic, archaeological and preservation-minded organizations whose goal is to support and protect Northwest Florida's cultural and historic resources. |
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Harry H. Pritchett, Jr.The Very Reverend Harry H. Pritchett, Jr., is the Eighth Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, from which he retired in 2001. For sixteen years, he was the Rector of All Saints’ Church, Atlanta, where he is Rector Emeritus. Dean Pritchett has preached and led conferences, retreats, and consultations for clergy and laity throughout this country and in Europe. He has contributed to many books, primarily in the areas of parish development and theological reflection. He is the author of God is a Surprise, a children’s songbook, as well as Morning Run, Sabbatical Reflections on the Church and the City. He has contributed various articles and/or sermons to national journals and periodicals of many denominations, and is the originator of the frequently published “The Story of Phillip.” Dean Pritchett was Archdeacon of the Dioceses of Alabama, has served parishes in the Diocese of Alabama, and has taught at the School of Theology at Sewanee, the General Seminary in New York, and Virginia Theological Seminary where he serves on the Board of Trustees. He holds Doctor of Divinity degrees from Center College in Kentucky, and the University of the South at Sewanee. |
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Carol PuckettDirector, A Chautauqua Radio
Companion Carol is currently serving as Vice-President
of the Florida Chautauqua Assembly, Inc. Carol is a long-time
activist for environmental issues, and has served as board member in
both the Alabama and Tennessee Environmental Councils. She has also
worked as a newspaper reporter, and is a writer whose current
project is a biography of Alabama author William Bradford Huie.
Carol has directed theatre for decades, including the 2002
production of "Grit and Grace", the Walton County folk production.
She also co-wrote (with Chuck) "Wallace
Bruce and the Chautauqua Dream", which
has been presented twice during the Winter Assembly. |
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Chuck PuckettPlaywright, songwriter, composer and poet, Chuck has been writing for the stage for 18 years. His plays have been produced regionally in North Alabama and Tennessee, and he co-wrote "Grit and Grace: Letters From the Home Front", the Walton County folk production, in 2002. His play "Tell Me Why" is enjoying a world premiere run in Chicago. He also wrote (with Carol) and acted in the play "Wallace Bruce and the Chautauqua Dream", which has been presented twice during the Winter Assembly. |
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Ann RobinsonAnn Robinson is a native of DeFuniak Springs and a graduate of Walton County High School. She earned a degree in theater from Florida State University, married Aubrey G. Robinson and moved to Clearwater where he had a dental practice. After returning to DeFuniak Springs in 1990, Ann has served as president of the Walton Heritage Association and the Florida Chautauqua Theater board of directors. She was a founding member of "Grit and Grace", serving as the first president of the organization. She is a member of St. Agatha's Episcopal Church and has been an active participant in the Chautauqua movement both locally and at Chautauqua in New York. Ann serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Florida Chautauqua Assembly, Incorporated. |
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Craig Robinson
Florida Chautauqua Film Festival
Craig is a Certified Public Accountant, fourth generation DeFuniak
Springs native, lifelong Episcopalian and has attended the New York
Chautauqua for ten years. He is involved in local historic
preservation efforts and has for many years performed as a bluegrass
guitarist with Matt Miller and with the Grit and Grace band.
Craig also writes on issues pertaining to Chautauqua, meditation and
spirituality. He serves as treasurer of the Florida Chautauqua
Assembly trustees |
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Dulce RushDulce Magdaleno Rush was born in Cuba. Amidst the turmoil of the Cuban revolution during the 1960’s she came to America in 1966 at the age of nine with her family, fleeing Cuba’s communist regime. She has been practicing art since the age of six, but was not inspired to begin porcelain painting until age forty. Dulce’s art is transcendant, which may be due in part to her faith and open wonderment of God’s own hand in her life. She was invited by the Governor’s office to display her art in the First Gallery of Florida’s capitol building in January of 2006. Dulce is the Cover Woman of the February/March 2007 issue of Tallahassee Woman and continues to teach in order to preserve the antique technique of porcelain painting and to assist others in finding artistic and personal joy. |
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Jan TurnquistHarriet
Beecher Stowe, Catalyst For Civil War JanTurnquist is the Executive Director of Orchard House in Concord Massachusetts, the family home of Louisa May Alcott, and her home when she wrote "Little Women" in 1868. Prior to being named Executive Director of the home, she portrayed Miss Alcott at Orchard House and was also seen as Alcott on Fox Network, PBS and the BBC. She has appeared in hundreds of performances in schools, libraries, universities, historical societies and corporate settings, as well as for First Lady Laura Bush. In addition to portraying the famous author, she has developed one woman historical portrayals of other notable women prominent in early American history such as Harriet Beecher Stowe and Phebe Emerson, grandmother of Ralph Waldo Emerson and witness to the beginning of the American Revolution. |
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Carlton Ward, Jr.Creating Conservation on a Global Scale Carlton Ward Jr. is an environmental photojournalist from Clearwater, Florida, with graduate training in ecology and anthropology. Through his photographs, he aims to promote conservation of natural environments and cultural legacies. At home and abroad, Carlton seeks stories where he can use photographs to make a difference. Carlton's passion for nature was born from the Florida landscape, where eight generations of family history have grounded his perspective. He sees cultural heritage and the natural environment as two of society's greatest yet most threatened resources. He regularly produces stories for newspapers and magazines including recent features in Smithsonian, National Wildlife, Africa Geographic, and Outdoor Photographer. |
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Rev. Rob WestRob is the Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of De Funiak Springs. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Montevallo and his Master of Divinity degree at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. Stewardship of God's creation is a priority in his preaching and teaching. |