Descriptions of the Sessions
You may click the title of the session to see where it appears in the overall schedule. There are also links to the bios for the presenters.
An Afternoon With Southern Authors
Friday, 26 February, Session 1, MS
Friday, 26 February, Session 2, MS
Saturday, 27 February, Session 1, MS
Saturday, 27 February, Session 2, MS
Bernie Schein, Armand Coutu, Karen Zacharias, Robert LeLeux
The Southern authors will be discussing their books and themes including friendship, food, and fun. Each author will read excerpts from their works and answer questions from the audience. Kathie Bennett from Magic Time Literary Agency will act as moderator. At the close of each session there will be time for the authors to sign books and copies will be available for purchase
BIG BAND CONCERT
Saturday, 27 February, 7:00 PM, WHS
Mr. B and the Rhythm Sisters
A mix of all American Pop hits from then and now.
BLUE GRASS CONCERT
Friday, 19 February, 7:00 pm, MS
The Grass Cutters
Candlelight tour, book signing and light supper
Friday, 26 February, 6:00-9:00pm, John Parson’s home at 265 Circle Drive, John Parson
Candlelight tour of one of our local historic cottages, to include the house, gardens and artist studio. Southern authors will be in attendance for book signings and creative discussions. Light supper at no charge, donations will be accepted with proceeds benefitting the Chautauqua Scholarship Fund. Please RSVP to Greg Powell 850-974-0871.Donations accepted
Cast Your Bread Upon The water
Saturday, 27 February
Patricia Barnes ("Sister Schubert")
In 1989, Sister Schubert was baking yeast rolls in the kitchen of her home in Troy, Alabama for only family and friends. Today her company, Sister Schubert’s Homemade Rolls, turns out over 5 million assorted rolls each day at her three commercial bakeries in Luverne and Saraland, Alabama and in Horse Cave, Kentucky. In September of 2000, Sister sold her stock in the company, but she is still a hands-on executive at the mega-bakery. Sister credits her family, her employees, and her faith for her phenomenal growth, but those who work with her will tell you that her tireless enthusiasm for product excellence is at the heart of her success. Come enjoy the fragrance of hot baking rolls while Sister shares her story.
Creative Writing
Friday, 26 February, 3:15-4:30pm, SAS
Linda Busby Parker
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.
Dine by Design
Saturday, 20 February, 3:15-4:30 pm, SAPH, Maximum of 20
Chef Kim Pitchford
After a career in the software business, Kim enrolled in the French Culinary Institute in New York City. She graduated at age 47. She says, “My classmates were kids practically, but lonely and accepting of me and my mid-life change. I felt inspired for the first time in years and years, I couldn’t remember how long it had been. Came out of my post-corporate blues and started to really live again. I’d found a creative outlet, something that truly satisfied and challenged me.”
Grand Afternoon Tea Serenade
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Feb 26-28, 2:00-5:00 pm, 1272 Circle Drive
Ellen Mayfield and the Victorian Tea Ladies
Take a step back in time and enjoy a timeless pleasure, with homemade, hand cut traditional afternoon tea fare, served on fine china with a delicious Earl Grey tea. Hostess Ms. Joyce Spires Andrews will greet you at the front porch of her parents’ historic 1929 Spires Cottage in beautiful Victorian attire and seat you at a cozy table with beautiful appointments. You will meet new friends and renew old acquaintances while you enjoy a restful repast. Your Afternoon Tea experience a la Miss Ellen will be one to remember until next year when you return. Seating is limited and large parties must reserve in advance by calling Miss Ellen at 850-307-2228 in order to accommodate your needs. Tea Time is 2 until 5 o’clock, Friday thru Sunday and tickets, which can be purchased at the door, are $20.
GREAT-GREAT GRANDSON OF FREDRICK DEFUNIAK
Friday, 19 February, 10:15-11:45 am, MS
A. Fox DeFuniak
Fox DeFuniak is the Birmingham Market President of Superior Bank. He has visited DeFuniak Springs several times over the years
Harriet Beecher Stowe, Catalyst for Civil War
Saturday, 28 February, Session 2 - 3:15-4:30 pm, SAS
Jan Turnquist
Jan will portray Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the pivotal book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Mrs. Stowe was very much in demand after the publication of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and was frequently asked by abolitionist groups to receive petitions for the ending of slavery. Though she had no more power to act on these petitions than anyone else, she knew she could encourage her co-workers in the cause of abolition and was, therefore, willing to appear at these meetings as a silent symbol. Jan’s performance is a combination of stage drama and living history. Unlike a play, however, the performance is a living history performance, and the audience may interact with the character.
Harry Truman where art thou?
Saturday, 20 February, 1:30-2:45pm, SAS
David Bludworth
Presentation about the life and times of Harry S. Truman, our 33rd President.
History of Walton county
Friday, 19 February 1:30-2:45, MS
Joel Paul
If Holden Caufield Were In My Classroom
Saturday, 27 February, 10:15-11:45 am, MS
Bernie Schein
In over 40 years as an educator, Bernie Schein, author of “If Holden Caufield Were In My Classroom” has “gotten personal” with countless students, bucking the conventional wisdom that education must be impersonal, formal, and objective. In countless talks and workships, he has shared his views on everything from the shortcomings of the SAT and No Child Left Behind to the need for students to be emotionally open and aware before true learning can take place.
My Life as a Legal Alien
Saturday, 20 February, 1:30-2:45pm, SAS
Leroy Yount
The good, the bad, why I’m glad to be an American, and what I’ve learned that could help the USA.
Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy
Friday, 26 February, 10:15-11:45 am, MS
Robert LeLeux
Robert LeLeux is the author of “The Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy”. He has recently joined the Texas Observer as a columnist.
Pasta Supper
Friday, 19 February, 5:00-7:00pm, MFH
DeFuniak Springs Woman's Club
The supper includes salad, pasta with homemade sauces (meat or vegetarian available), bread, homemade desserts, coffee or tea. Dine in or take out. Proceeds benefit Woman's Club projects.
A Pictorial Visit to Chautauqua, New York
Saturday, 21 February, Session 2, MFH
Alex Alexander
Originally founded in 1874 in Western New York State, the Chautauqua Institution is both a historic Victorian village situated in a beautiful lakeside setting and a 9-week summer festival for mind and body. As told through the photographs and experiences of a regular “Summer Chautauquan”, we’ll visit the gingerbread style cottages, the 5,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre, the bell tower, marina, library, shops, lecture halls, churches, parks, historic hotels, and charming gardens. And if you’re thinking about visiting Chautauqua yourself, you won’t want to miss the practical tips on how to get there, where to stay, what to see and do, and how to enjoy your summer Chautauqua experience to its fullest.
Saving Historic Towns
Saturday, 20 February, 10:15-11:45am, MS
David Ferro
Working Title: Historic Preservation—An Effective Tool for Economic Development and Community Sustainability. Beginning with a brief discussion of the current principles and practices and standards that guide preservation in this country, we will progress to descriptions and case studies of several programs that can be of assistance to communities in preserving their heritage and bringing about positive change in both historic neighborhoods and commercial areas.
The Seven Universal Laws Guaranteed to Make You Happy
Saturday, 20 February, 3:15-4:30pm, MS
Dr. Johnny Savage
Your thoughts, judgements and forgivenesses. Gratitude, relationships, responsibilities, seek wisdom, actions.
Ten Commandments for Aging Gracefully
Friday, 19 February, 3:15-4:30 pm, MS
Gerald Buchert
“When you get to be oder and the concerns of the day have all been attended to, and you turn to the inner life_well, if you don’t know where it is or what it is, you’ll be sorry.”
Tour of Eucheanna and Lunch
Saturday, 20 February, 11:00-3:00, CHOB
Kenneth Harrison
A tour of Eucheanna Valley, Morrison Springs, Lunch at the Red Bay Store.
Tour of Homes
Friday, 19 February, 26 February, 2:00-4:00 PM, CHOB
Celia Robinson
A tour of historic homes in the city of DeFuniak Springs.
Vespers: Evening Devotional on Lake DeFuniak
Fridays and Saturdays, 5:00, SAS
Ben Nelson, Chautauqua Voices
As the sun sets in the “Land of Summer,” Chautauquans will gather on the Porch of the Hall of Brotherhood overlooking Lake DeFuniak to celebrate the day and welcome the evening in song and worship. A traditional Chautauqua Vespers service lasting thirty minutes will include a beautiful litany as well as selections from the Chautauqua Voices. To quote John Vincent, founder of Chautauqua, “There was music at Chautauqua-centuries of it-before the days of the Assembly… when the birds sang among the trees… when the waves of the lake broke softly on the beach… when the winds whispered through the leafy branches…” We will attempt to do this “music” justice.
A Visit with Louisa May Alcott
Saturday, 20 February, 7:00 pm, CHOB
Jan Turnquist
Jan will portray Louisa May Alcott, the author of "Little Women". The performance is a combination of stage drama and living history. Unlike a play, however, the performance is a living history performance, and the audience may talk to the character. Miss Alcott will come in after having had a minor carriage accident and will be waiting for the carriage to be repaired. She will be most grateful for your company.
A Visit with Phebe Emerson: Eyewitness to Revolution
Saturday, 27 February, 3:15-4:30pm, MC
Jan Turnquist
Jan will portray Phebe Emerson, a minister's wife who lived in Concord, Massachusetts and watched the famous fight at the Old North Bridge on the very first day of the American Revolution, April 19, 1775. She watched from the windows of her own house, which stands next to the bridge. The performance is a combination of stage drama and living history. Unlike a play, however, the performance is a living history performance, and the audience may interact with the character. When Jan enters as Mistress Emerson, she will be a bit upset. While walking to Concord center she was frightened by some hogs running loose. Agitated, but basically unhurt, she has been brought to this room to catch her breath. This is your chance to discover what it was really like in Concord on that fateful day when the Redcoats marched in from Lexington.
Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30, CHOB
June Enfinger
These early-morning Yoga sessions will consist of easy stretching Coupled with basic breathing practices to awaken and energize the body followed by conscious body awareness and relaxation and still meditation. These practices will be within everyone's capabilities. Those with no previous yoga experience can take this opportunity to acquaint themselves with this practice and its benefits. Those with experience can use it to connect with others who practice yoga. All should find it an uplifting beginning for the Assembly activities of each day. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes and bring a blanket. See http://juneenfinger.googlepages.com for more information.