Alex Alexander

A Pictorial Visit to Chautauqua, New York
Florida Chautauqua Film Festival (Wednesday, February 25)

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 seven 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.”

Patricia Barnes ("Sister Schubert")

Still Has Her Hands in the Mixing Bowl

Sister is at home in Andalusia, Alabama with husband George and son Evans who is twelve, and newly adopted son Alex who is six. She is honored to serve as Culinary Ambassador for the State of Alabama in addition to serving on the Board of Directors of the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame. She serves Auburn University as a Visiting Executive in the Lowder School of Business, as a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board and the Dean’s Board of the School of Human Sciences. She also sits on the Foundation Board of Troy University. Sister also serves on the board of the Barnes Family foundation as its President.

Kathie Bennett

David Bludworth

Benjamin Franklin - The First American 

David Bludworth grew up in Walton County. He graduated from the University of  Florida with BAE and JD degrees.  He was State Attorney in the 1st Judicial Circuit in 1992-1993.  He is also a Colonel (Ret) in the U. S. Army. He enjoys doing presentations of historical figures. Come and meet Benjamin Franklin and review his great contributions to American life and history.

Gerald Buchert

Ten Commandments of Aging Gracefully

For the past ten years, Gerald Buchert was the Vice-President for programs and services for Advent Christian Village in Live Oak, Florida. He has a B.A. and M.S.W. degree from Florida State University.

The Chautauqua Voices

Morning Devotional each Friday and Saturday morning.
Vespers each Friday and Saturday evening.

In 2008 Charles and Marie Hinson organized the Chautauqua Singers. The groups now consists of Lawana Rinker, Gretchen McCall, Patricia Laird, Rosemary McHenry, Chris Guzowski, and Marie Hinson with Charles Hinson as director. The Chautauqua Singers will perform each day of the Assembly for devotion at 9:00 am and Vespers at 5:00 pm. Charles Hinson is a retired college music instructor.

Armand Coutu

“The Enfoldeds”, Southern Authors

In the theatre world he is known as Armand Coutu and has worked as a costume designer and make for theatre, opera, dance, television and film for over 30 years. His career stretches across the nation. He was costume supervisor for the Los Angeles production of Les Miserable, plus costumer and/or design assistant on 10 films including the 1994 Academy Award winner Forrest Gump. As a writer he has adapted several foreign language plays for production including Oedipus Rex, Georges Reydeau’s The Marriage of Barillion, Eugene Ionesco’s Exit the King, and Moliere’s The Doctor is Spite of Himself. He has dramatized and directed Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for the state in 1998, and has written five plays for Grit and Grace; Walton County’s Official Folk Life Production.

A. Fox Defuniak

Great-Great Grandson of Fredrick DeFuniak

A.Fox DeFuniak is the Birmingham Market President of Superior Bank. He has visited DeFuniak Springs several times over the years.

DeFuniak Springs Women's Club

Pasta Supper, Friday, February 19, 5:00

Organized 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.

Ecumenical Choir of South Walton

Closing Ceremony

The 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.

David E. Ferro, R.A.

Saving Historic Towns

Mr. Ferro is currently supervisor of the Architectural Preservation Services Section, Florida Bureau of Historic Preservation. This section provides architectural support for all the statewide programs of the State Historic Preservation Office, including the Florida Main Street Program.

June Enfinger

Yoga On the Porch

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.

The Grass Cutters

Blue Grass Concert

Bette Haddon

Quilt Show

Bette Haddon has returned to present the Quilt Show.  Bette, herself, is well-known for her own talent in quilt-making and has shown her work and taught quilting courses in many parts of our country. She will again put together an amazing collection of quilts for your enjoyment.  The Quilt Show can be seen at the Civic Center on Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21 from 9 AM til 4 PM.

Kenneth Harrison

Tour of Eucheanna

Kenneth Harrison is a native of Walton County. A graduate of Walton High School (1950), Florida State University (1953), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1959). He served as the pastor of Southern Baptist churches is Alabama and Florida until his retirement. Since retirement he has served as interim pastors and was employed by the Walton County School Board for 12 years. He is currently serving as interim pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Ponce de Leon, Florida. Kenneth is married to Laura Nell Rogers Harrison for 57 years. They have 2 children. Kenneth currently lives in the log cabin built by his grandfather in 1898.

Robert LeLeux

“Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy”

For nearly thirty years, Robert LeLeux has remained internationally unknown as a celebrated bon vivant, fashion icon, and man about town.” Robert LeLeux is the author of “The Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy”. He has recently joined the Texas Observer as a columnist.

Mr. B and the Rhythmn Sisters

Big Band Concert

A mix of all American Pop hits from then and now.

Ellen Mayfield

Friday, February 26, 2:00 Tea
Saturday, February 27, 2:00 Tea
Sunday, February 28, 2:00 Tea

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.”

Paulette Morrison

Art Show

We are most fortunate to have Paulette Morrison present the Art Show again this year.  Paulette is a retired high school art teacher in Ft. Walton Beach, lives in De Funiak Springs and is the former owner of Gallery 331.  The Art Show will take place at the Civic Center on Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21.  Paulette has chosen a wonderful variety of art to please your fancy.

Ben Nelson

Vespers

Ben 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.

Dr. Michael O’Donnell

Sponsor of Great-Great Grandson of Fredrick of DeFuniak

Dr. O’Donnell is a practicing dentist in DeFuniak Springs and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Linda Busby Parker

An Afternoon With Southern Authors (Friday, February 20)
An Afternoon With Southern Authors (Saturday, February 21)

Linda Busby Parker is the author of “Seven Laurels”, which was the 2002 winner of the James Jones First Novel Award and the 2004 Langum Prize for Historical Fiction. Ms. Parker has taught on the faculties of Eastern Michigan, Iowa State University and the University of South Alabama. Recently, she has been teaching Fiction Writing courses for the University of South Alabama at their Fairhope campus. She lives in Mobile. At Chautauqua, she will discuss Writing Your  Passion… Forbidden Topics.

John Parson

Candlelight Tour, Book Signing, 265 12th Street

Joel Paul

History of Walton County

Kim Pitchford

Dine by Design

Ann Robinson

Opening Ceremony
Closing Ceremony
Morning Devotionals

Ann 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.

Celia Robinson

Tour of Homes

Celia is a Florida native. She grew up in Houston, Texas & Clearwater, Florida where she studied interior design. She is just a girl with a mom with a dream: Chautauqua Still Matters To DeFuniak Springs.

Dr. Johnny Savage

Happiness: How To Find It Anywhere

Dr. Savage holds dental and law degrees from Emory University. He served  ten years in the Georgia Legislature, representing two separate districts. Dr. Savage was part of two expeditions to the South Pole as part of Operation Deep Freeze, and has a glacier named after him. He practiced 47 years as a dentist, and was featured on the cover of the most popular dental publication in the world. Today he practices in the most isolated office in America: a swamp on the Choctawhatchee River. He has been described as a "Renaissance Man. His grandfather moved to the circle in DeFuniak Springs in 1900, attended grammar school there, and lived there from 1937 to 1945.

Bernie Schein

“If Holden Caufield Were In My Classroom”, Southern Authors

Schein was the principal of three different schools in Mississippi and South Carolina before he taught full time at the Paideia School In Atlanta, which he helped start. The subjects he taught included creative and expository writing, literature, drama and social studies, where his approach was distinguished by its group dynamics and his unique class government and court system. He has been an educational consultant throughout his career and continues to teach creative writing to both adolescents and adults. He was chosen District Teacher of the Year in the Atlanta, Georgia area in 1978.

Rev. John C. Scott

Morning Devotionals

The Rev. John C. Scott, a native of Panama City, Florida, earned a B.S. from the University of Florida and a M. Div. from St. Luke's Seminary, Sewanee, Tennessee. He retired after  thirty years of ministry in the Episcopal Church serving parishes in Florida and  Virginia. Recently he has become active once again as the Vicar of St. Agatha’s Episcopal Church, DeFuniak Springs. He and his wife Shelia moved to DeFuniak Springs in October, 2007. Prior to becoming a priest, Father Scott was a forester with International Paper Company in the Florida Panhandle and has an interest in the ecology  and environment of this area.

Jan Turnquist

Harriet Beecher Stowe, Catalyst For Civil War
A Visit With Louisa May Alcott
A Visit With Phebe Emerson: Eyewitness to Revolution

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.

Rev. Rob West

Opening Ceremony
Closing Ceremony

Rob 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. 

Leroy Yount

My Life as a Legal Alien

A civil engineer and De Funiak Springs resident, Leroy Yount lived and worked with his wife Dale in Japan, England, Egypt, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Finland and Russia. His overseas experiences are an invaluable aid in helping us discover our common ties to the global economy.

Karen Zacharias

“Will Jesus Buy Me A Doublewide?”, Southern Authors

She is an essayist, long-time journalist and commentator; the author of three previous books: “Where’s Your Jesus Now”, “After the Flag has been Folded and Benched”, “The Memoirs of Judge Rufe McCombs”. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Newsweek and on National Public Radio’s All things Considered and Morning Edition. Zacharias had her first kiss in a trailer, smoked her first and last cigarette in a trailer, asked Jesus into her heart on bended knee in a trailer, fell madly in love in a trailer(a couple of different times) and gave birth to her firstborn child in a trailer. While writing this book, she became unemployed and bought a flat-screen plasma TV. She and her husband, Tim, plan to retire to a double-wide with a firm foundation and a sturdy pier at Point Clear, Alabama. Visit her online at www.karenzach.com.