2006 Florida Chautauqua Assembly - Bios & Topics

Presenter Bio	Topic
Performances
David Friedman After spending several years conducting musicals on Broadway, Mr. Friedman went to Hollywood where he was the conductor and vocal arranger on such Disney classics as "Beauty & The Beast," "Aladdin," "Pocahontas" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." This led to his writing music and lyrics for Disney's "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" and to scoring three animated television series and the film "Trick". Mr. Friedman has collaborated with Kathie Lee Gifford on three albums, "Born For You," "Goodnight Angel" and "Party Animals." David’s songs have been recorded by artists as diverse as Diana Ross, Barry Manilow and the late, great Nancy LaMott, and have been heard in major Disney Animated Feature Films, and on television and radio all over the world.	SATURDAY: Listen to My Heart - The Songs of David Friedman Recently, David starred with 5 of New York’s most gifted singer/actors in a theatrical evening of his songs called "Listen To My Heart - The Songs of David Friedman" upstairs at Studio 54 in New York. After playing the show all across America, David brings a concert version of the show to DeFuniak Springs this February. As a New York critic said: "Listen To My Heart is sure to touch yours."
Orlando Opera The Orlando Opera Resident Artist program established over fifteen years ago, affords an interim training ground for singers who are looking to enrich their experience and education in opera music before going on to distinguished, professional careers. The four artists, a bass-baritone, tenor, mezzo-soprano, and soprano, are provided professional coaching on voice, language, acting, and movement during their one to two year residency with the company. They augment their expertise by performing in main stage shows produced by the opera, as well as performing on tour, bringing the magic and spectacle of this singular art form to schools, senior centers, fundraising events, theaters, community centers, and corporations throughout the state of Florida.	FRIDAY: Opera Extravaganza! Orlando Opera on Tour presents a tantalizing evening of some of the greatest classics from opera, operetta and Broadway in Opera Extravaganza! featuring musical selections ranging from "Masquerade" from The Phantom of the Opera, to the finale from Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. The masquerade theme, complete with masks, feather boas and gorgeous costumes, is integrated into a fully staged, full evening’s performance. Opera Extravaganza! is performed by Orlando Opera’s Resident Artists, four young, professional singing-actors, who bring the wonder of its beautiful music, sets, and costumes to life as only a live performance can.
Farmer's Opry Enjoy family-style entertainment provided by Florida's version of the "Grand Ole Opry." Sawmill has been the house band at the Farmers' Opry since it opened early in 2002. www.farmersopry.com	THURSDAY: Sawmill Sawmill has opened for over 30 country stars including Doug Stone, Gene Watson, Bill Anderson, Ronnie McDowell, Stella Parton, Holley Dunn, David Frizzell, Craig Morgan, Travis Tritt, Jeff Cook, Jack Greene, Jeannie Seeley and many more. They were selected to play for President Bush at the Civic Center. They were the featured group at Seville with 10,800 fans attending as well as playing a private engagement for the Alabama Sheriff's Assoc. with Gov. Bob Riley. Sawmill is a very versatile group with entertainers ranging from 10 yrs. old to 85 yrs. old. They play Country Music of all styles featuring strong vocals and tight harmonies mixed with Gospel. They are currently recording their first album to be released in December.
Special Activities
Keynote Session A panel of experts will present: A detailed analysis of the Bush Administration's reform proposals and how these reforms will fix Social Security A detailed analysis of reform proposals by opponents to the Bush Administration's proposals and why their reforms are a better solution.	Is There Security in Social Security? President Bush's proposals to reform Social Security have created considerable controversy, leaving many Americans worried about the future of their government-funded pension program. The Keynote Session will address this controversy by sorting out the issues and answering the key questions about the future of this critical government program.
Interfaith Panel A panel of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Unitarian Universalists and Baha'is. Sponsored by the Okaloosa County Interfaith Celebration, a group of ministers and religious educators.	Does it Matter What Religion You Belong To? The panel will discuss the concepts of individual and collective salvation from the standpoint of each religion. The discussion will include: Why do religions exist? What are the functional values of religions in Traditional (pre-Modern) and Modern societies? What are the respective visions, loyalties and moral obligations of respective religious traditions?
Eli Chandler On Saturday, the encampment will host a number of historic demontrations. And on Sunday, re-enactors will engage in "skirmishes." Witness their "fight" at the grounds around historic and picturesque Lake DeFuniak where actual Confederate cavalry camped and watered their horses. The authentic skirmishes will be based on late war area raids by General Asboth.	War Between The States: Living History Encampment & Skirmishes The War Between the States living history encampment will be set on the lake yard. This event features a Federal camp, a Confederate camp and a civilian camp, three firing demonstrations throughout the way (showing the main firing sequence infantry used in battle and basic drills for new recruits.) Visitors may walk through the camps and ask questions of the re-enactors.
Ellen Mayfield and her Tea Ladies The veteran tea ladies (Ellen Mayfield, Cindy Woodham, Sara Comander and Oletta Ray) will serve homemade delicacies form fine china on formal laid tables overlaid in Battenberg.	Victorian Tea The historical home of the late Dr. & Mrs. R.B. Spires at 1272 Circle Drive in De Funiak is being shared for this exciting event by the daughter, Mrs. Joyce Potter. Guests will be greeted by attendants dressed in formal Victorian attire. Sip on Earl Grey tea poured form hand-painted teapots. Enjoy calendar girls scones, lemon curd, mock Devonshire cream, curried chicken salad triangles, pimento cheese hearts, English cucumber sandwiches, Vermont cheese straws, miniature BLT’s, and Natchitoches crescents. Served from tiered decorated trays will be tea time tassies. Petit fours, strawberry cheesecake, apricot dainties, Jerome cookies with chocolate mousse au Grand Mariner being offered in miniature crystal brandy stems.
Walton County Art League The Walton County Art League was founded in 1964 by a group of 12 local artists; meeting in the homes of its members. Today we have a membership of nearly 50 artists and now have our own meeting room. Our members work in a variety of mediums both two dimensional and three dimensional. We provide free art classes to the children of Walton County during the summer months and offer various art workshops to the public on a monthly basis.	Art Show We will be presenting the works of approximately 50 artists. The majority of artists are local with some coming from surrounding areas. Last year we displayed over l50 paintings in various mediums, as well as hand built pottery, relief sculptures and tiles. This is one of the finest art shows in this area
Chautauqua Porcelain Artists Our group, the Chautauqua Porcelain Artists, began in 1980 with Hazel Daughette as first President. This year is our 25th year. "Sharing is Joy" is our motto and the Dogwood our flower. The Chautauqua Porcelain Artists meet the 2nd Thursday of each month, except for summer months. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. on Thursdays at the Art League Building. After the meeting is over we usually visit and paint.	Porcelain Art Show and Sale At the Porcelain Art Show and Sale, we have a variety of pieces for sale by many different artists. Pieces include tea pots, vases, spoon rests, plates, and cups. Mary Vinson, international award winner, was our teacher for many years. We have had guest artists from all over the United States who came and taught us new things. From our teacher to guest artists and even each other we have learned the secrets of china painting, or at least some of them. New teachers with new ideas, or old ideas with new techniques, are always being searched for.
Chautauqua Quilters The Chautauqua Quilters are a group of like-minded ladies who have an interest in quilts as well as the community. Although they individually make quilts for their families and competition, they come together on the second and fourth Wednesday mornings at 9:00 at the Methodist church to sew fabrics into quilts for various charities.	Quilt Show Featuring the exquisite work of The Chautauqua Quilters. Traditional and contemporary work.
University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service This program is sponsored by the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service of Walton County in cooperation with Walton County Board of County Commissioners. Contact 850/892-8172 for more information about this event.	Tour of Old Home Places Join us for a half-day educational driving/walking tour of 3 home place sites and historical points of interest in Walton County. We will be informed and entertained by a local historian along the way! The event will take place on Thursday, February 23, 2006. Transportation will leave from DeFuniak Springs at 10:30 a.m. and return by 4:00 p.m. Registration fee is $15 which includes transportation and lunch hosted by the Harrison family on their farm. Space is limited to 9 participants so register early!
The Walton County Heritage Association, Inc. The Walton County Heritage Association was organized in 1992 to foster and enhance the development and sense of history that is unique to Walton County. The Heritage promoted the preservation and restoration of buildings and other landmarks of historical interest through efforts in the creation of the DeFuniak Springs Historical District. In addition, the Heritage established the Walton County Heritage Museum on Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs. This museum preserves the heritage of Walton County for the education and enjoyment of its guests by collecting, preserving, and exhibiting artifacts and information from the time of its original inhabitants to the present. www.waltonmuseum.com	The 2006 Walton County History Fair The Walton County History Fair will be held Saturday, 9:00am - 3:00 pm at the Walton County Fair Buildings. This event includes exhibits of historical artifacts and performances based on the history of Walton County. Local historians, churches, art and civic organizations, and residents will be on hand to share their prized possessions and skills.
Walton County Board of County Commissioners The 2005 Board of County Commissioners are (left to right): Larry Jones, District 3 Cindy Meadows, District 5 Kenneth Pridgen, District 2 and Chair Scott Brannon, District 1 Rosier Cuchens, District 4 www.co.walton.fl.us	Walton County Current Topics The Walton County Board of Commissioners, County Administrator Ronnie Bell, and Public Information Officer Ken Little will present a synopsis of local government organization and services. The Commissioners will hold a panel discussion of current topics affecting Walton County.
Presenters
Dr. Valliere Richard Auzenne Dr. Auzenne is Assistant Director of the Florida State University Film School and also an Associate Professor at FSU. Dr. Auzenne earned her Doctorate in Communications from FSU and her Master of Arts in Art Design from California State University in Los Angeles. She has been a faculty member in the FSU Film School since its establishment in 1989 and has played an integral role in its growth. Dr. Auzenne has authored books on computer animation, Canadian film animator Norman McLaren, and a history of the Barnett-Aden Art Collection.	Alma W. Thomas: A Journey of Creativity of an African American Artist This session focuses on the life and artwork of the Washington DC artist Alma Woodsey Thomas. Born in 1891 in Columbus, Georgia, Thomas at the age of 80 became the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. She was known as an artist, a teacher, a patron, an activist and a pioneer. Her artwork is represented in the prestigious collections of The National Gallery of Art, The National Museum of American Art, The National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Corcoran Gallery in Washington D.C., the Art Institute of Chicago and many other public and private collections.
Judge Nelson Bailey Mr. Bailey is currently a County Judge in Palm Beach County, Florida. Nelson has a passion for the state’s history and for storytelling, and he is the only person listed in the Directory of American Storytellers as a teller of exclusively Florida tales. In his performances as a "Florida Cracker Storyteller" of the late 1800’s he shares his knowledge of Florida’s unique multi-cultural heritage, usually telling his stories while mounted on a horse and while accompanied by his Florida Cur cow dog named "Cooter."	Storyteller's Version of Florida History Well, history is one thing, and a good story is another, but at this session, they are the same thing! Judge Bailey's stories weave together a quilt of history with tales of Native-American mound builders; of Spanish explorers, settlers, and ranchers; of Seminole traditions and the Black Seminoles of today. These stories offer some surprising insights into Florida's forgotten role in American History.
Victor S. Bowman, AIA NCARB Mr. Bowman is a member of AIA, NCARB and is Director of Architectural Design, Pendleton & Associates Interiors, Inc. in Seaside. Mr. Bowman is a past guest lecturer and professor in Florida A&M University’s School of Architecture.	What Classic Architecture Can Teach You About Proportions - A Visual Reference Joining Mr. Bowman will be Carolyn C. Pendleton, ASID. Ms. Pendleton is a past director of Tallahassee Historic preservation Board and Institute of Business Designers of the North Florida Chapter. Architectural Tour A narrative discussion of the architecture and spatial elements of the design and construction of four homes on circle Drive. Walking to each home, participants will study both interior and exterior characteristics that make the homes distinctly Victorian. Enter four of DeFuniak Springs' historic homes and enjoy an architectural lecture from Panhandle experts.
Father Ashmun Brown Dr. Brown is an Episcopal Priest and an attorney. He practices law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the United States Supreme Court and the State of Florida. He earned his J.D. degree at Boston University and his Masters of Law degree from the University of Michigan. The Graduate Theological Foundation conferred his doctorate of ministry degree. He presently serves as Vicar of St. Agatha’s Episcopal Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.	Passover and Easter Two religious holidays define two religions, Judaism and Christianity. Passover becomes the Jewish celebration of freedom from physical bondage. Easter celebrates the conquest over death itself. The fear of death has held mankind in a kind of spiritual bondage since the beginning of time. How these two celebrations compliment each other will be explored from one point of view. Obviously, there are many ways to define what is being celebrated, or what story is being told. The Bible is probably the most important story book in western culture. Christianity is an off-shoot of Judaism, and as such, shares many of the same values.
Lana Campbell Lana was 17 years old when she was injured in an automobile accident in 1990.	Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Survival: One Family’s Story This presentation addresses issues that might help others to prevent brain injuries, and teaches how to assist and cope with a brain-injured family member. Learn how one family dealt with a tragic accident by encouraging healing: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Strictly Weavers In July 2004, residents from along the gulf coast who were interested in hand weaving met in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. A year later, 31 weavers from as far west as Elberta, AL to as far east as Panama City, FL and whose skills range from beginner-to-experienced have associated themselves with "Strictly Weavers". The meeting programs vary from fiber/project selection and preparation to finishing techniques. Several of the Strictly Weavers are also spinners, a natural extension of weaving.	Hand Weaving (Porch Party) Observe hand-weaving and interact directly with the weavers.
Bruce Collier Bruce Collier has been presenting Theodore Roosevelt since 2002. He has a bachelor's degree in Theatre from Wright State University in Ohio, and a law degree from Tulane in New Orleans. Bruce has acted at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Courtyard Playhouse in New York, New Horizon Theatre in Michigan, and most recently, at the Seaside Repertory Theatre in Seaside. Bruce also writes for two area newspapers, the DeFuniak Herald and the Beachcomber.	Theodore Roosevelt (Historical Monologue) An hour or so is nowhere near adequate to convey in full the life and accomplishments of one of America's most colorful presidents, so this presentation will focus on those people and events that TR himself felt were most important in his personal and public life.
Dean DeBolt Mr. DeBolt is a writer and historian. He teaches genealogy classes at the University of West Florida using church records. He is the librarian in charge of "Special Collections" at the John C. Pace Library, University of West Florida in Pensacola.	The Florida Chautauqua of DeFuniak Springs From 1885 through 1920, DeFuniak Springs hosted the longest running and longest-lived southern Chautauqua in the United States. Why was DeFuniak Springs selected? And what role did the Hall of Brotherhood play in the Chautauqua? Learn the history and the legacy that has led to the resurrection of the Chautauqua Assembly in DeFuniak Springs. Highly recommended for first-time attendees!
Judy DeBolt Judy was raised in Springfield, Illinois and is married to Dean DeBolt, Special Collections Librarian at The University of West Florida. She retired from The University of West Florida in 2001 and spends time with her 2-year old grandson, Aaron. Judy has had an interest in movies since childhood, especially Gone With The Wind. Besides GWTW, her other area of research is the Titanic. She has given numerous presentations on both these topics, including previous Chautauqua Assemblies.	And the Oscar Goes To..... What do you know about "Oscar"? He is coveted by those in the motion picture industry. And each year, only a handful of actors, directors, producers, and composers will walk away with him. Come and hear some of the interesting stories behind the Academy Awards. Who has the most Academy Award nominations? Who has the most wins? Who refused their award? Which two actresses tied for best actress and what were their roles? These are just some of the questions to be answered when Judy DeBolt discusses many of the known and unknown facts surrounding that yearly event known as the Academy Awards. Movie buffs will not want to miss this one!
Dara Dobson Mrs. Dobson is the State Chairman of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs Native Plant and Wildflowers, and a Walton County Master Gardener. She lives on 240 acres in DeFuniak Springs, FL with her husband, Lloyd. They currently serve on the Florida Department of Forestry's Stewardship Forest Program's steering committee. They received the "Stewardship Forest Landowners of the Year 2002"award from the Florida Department of Forestry, a program that promotes reforesting with native Longleaf pines, planting crops for wildlife, protecting endangered plant species, planting native plants and wildflowers, pond management and installation of various bird boxes.	Wild for Wildflowers Experience the rewards of introducing native plants and wildflowers into your landscape. Learn about the impact and value of wildflowers to our environment. Discover why preserving endangers species is important, and discover the best planting methods and making the best choices or wildflower species. Free wildflower posters and brochures will be available.
Lynn Downham Ms. Downham draws inspiration for her paintings from the western North Carolina foothills where she was raised and from the Florida panhandle where she now resides with her family. Mrs. Downham especially enjoys painting with oils and soft pastels because of their vivid color possibilities and smooth passage of tone. She has been a full time artist for eight years, works in a variety of media and loves helping others explore their creative talents through painting.	Pastel Painting Workshops Come join Lynn to paint a pastel landscape on sandpaper. If you have never worked in pastel before, you should try this exciting painting medium. There will be a different landscape in each one of her 4 workshops. Popular with beginners and advanced painters alike, you, too, can paint in pastel! Seating limited to eight in each workshop.
David Friedman David Friedman is a composer/conductor/record producer from New York whose work includes many well-known songs of hope and healing, Musical Direction and Vocal Arranging for 5 Broadway shows and numerous Classic Disney Movies, (Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Hunchback,) songs in films such as Lizzie McGuire and the upcoming Bambi sequel, recordings with artists such as Diana Ross, Barry Manilow, Petula Clark, and the late Nancy LaMott, and a wide range of coaching, teaching and leading workshops in the arts and metaphysics.	The Thought Exchange: Exploring Thought as Cause In this workshop, developed by David and given on a weekly basis at Unity Of New York, we explore the notion that our lives and the situations we see before us are a reflection of our thoughts. So often we think that the reason we think or feel a certain way is because of what has happened to us in the world. Perhaps it is the other way around. In this intimate workshop, a small group sits in a circle and, on a voluntary basis (nobody has to speak) we look at a situation in our lives, trace what thought might be underlying it, pick a new thought and see what changes occur in our lives.
Diane Fyfe Diane Fyfe is a certified veterinary medical technician who completed her certification at the St. Petersburg Junior College in St. Petersburg Florida. She is also certified in the state of Illinois and has been training dogs for over 30 years. Diane is president and owner of R.P.O. Inc. (Responsible Pet Ownership). RPO has been incorporated for 20 years and is located in Crestview, Florida. Their services include private consultations for problem behavior, hunt test training, and competition training.	Dog Obedience Demonstration with Question and Answer Session Diane will demonstrate competition scent discrimination, hand signals, and directed retrieving. These are advanced skills that are built from a basic obedience foundation. She will also demonstrate canine agility involving tunnels, chutes, jumps, and weave poles. The session concludes with a question/answer session. Please do NOT bring dogs that have aggression problems and are not good around other people and dogs. Good Canine Citizenship Demonstration with Audience (Dogs!) Participation Diane will demonstrate basic obedience skills with the appropriate application for a canine good citizen. The demonstration includes heeling, recalls, and stay exercises. She will also demonstrate canine agility. The session concludes with a question/answer session, and a demonstration involving canine volunteers from the audience.
Lou Holt Lou Holt really enjoys trying different designs and patterns for her baskets and uses both flat and round reed. She hand dyes all reeds that she uses for weaving, and loves to experiment with creating new colors and patterns. She says that the little weaving flaws you sometimes make give the basket character and you end up creating a new design by experimenting.	Basket Weaving (Porch Party) Baskets are one of the earliest tools used by humans. Every culture on every continent developed these useful implements for carrying and storing goods. Today, baskets are both utilitarian and decorative. The baskets Lou will be weaving at the Port Party are appropriate for either household decoration or to fulfill their original utilitarian purpose.
Judge James Joanos An attorney since 1962, Judge Joanos was a trial judge from 1971-1980, and an appellate judge for twenty years on the Florida First District Court of Appeal. He began studying Native American law ten years ago and taught in Florida State University's Criminal Justice College and at the FSU School of Law. He is currently practicing law in an "Of Counsel" capacity in the Tallahassee office of Akerman-Senterfitt.	Does Our Legal System Work? This session will involve a study of our legal system. We will examine the process and its ability to meet the needs of the people that it serves.
Samantha Landy Conference speaker. Funny Lady. Writer-speaker Samantha Landy shoehorns her talks full of quotes from celebrity friends such as Cal Thomas, Fox News or The Love Boat Captain, Gavin MacLeod, along with her own brand of warm humor. Innumerable magazine articles, a newspaper column and nine books, including the Savvy Singles Handbook and Savvy Senior Sabbaticals, comprise Samantha’s writing career. Her TV appearances on the 700 Club, Living the Life, 100 Huntley St. as well as other TV and radio shows across the nation have brought Samantha’s philosophy of life to a wide audience. www.SamanthaLandy.com	Reweaving the Tapestry of Your Life after 50 Tapestry weaving is an interesting phenomenon. You weave from the underside, never looking at the top, but the weaver knows what it will be like. So too with our lives. We may have many dark threads in our lives but hopefully more light threads along with the silver and gold. As we approach or pass the age of 50, sometimes we don’t understand the many choices we have. It is in the re-weaving, re-inventing, re-cycling of our lives after 50 that we will find the most joy and contentment. Saavy Singles for the Over 50 Whether you are single by choice or by fate, you will want to attend this workshop. Inspired by her own navigation of the 50+ Singles world, Samantha Landy goes straight to the heart of crucial singles issues for men and women. Samantha bravely delves into areas facing singles with sensitivity, research, practicality and humor. This workshop will present a realistic guide for healthier, more dynamic relationships that will change your life.
Christina Larson, M.A. Chris is author of Marty Is Dead, a biography about end-of-life ethics and human triumph. She has taught psychology for UWF, has been a Paramedic and CIL coordinator for Okaloosa County, founded Catholic Charities’ People with Disabilities Group, co-facilitated domestic violence and sexual offenders programs, and began Patriots for Peace. Having fostered 145 abused children, she was a "Mothers of the Earth Summit" delegate in Vienna. A Military Toxics board member, she received a Top 10 Censored Stories award for depleted uranium coverage. She lectured in Nürnberg on "Planetary Patriotism" and at the 1997 APA Convention on "Overcoming Civic Apathy." www.proteapublishing.com/martyisdead.htm	Life and Death: A Balanced Perspective Religion and science are brought together to emphasize the importance of balance in life decisions and death matters. Psychology’s "Continuum Theory" becomes a scale that shows how belief in an afterlife is reasonable and well-grounded. Imagine each of us with an internal gyroscope. When a sense of balance is gained, apathy transforms into determination, distress into function, self-absorption into generosity, ignorance into understanding. Violence, chaos, even death become challenges that enhance our self-respect, interpersonal understanding, and universal awe.
Dr. Robert Larson Sculptor, philosopher, and award-winning Forestry Steward, Robert is from Connecticut but a resident of Florida for 42 years. He has taught college-level humanities, philosophy, and sculpture. His artwork has been purchased by museums, universities, banks, churches, corporations, and private collectors across the globe. Published author and poet, he has moderated "Ethics in America" for Florida Endowment and hosted humanities panels worldwide. Robert served on the Bishop’s Commission for Social Justice, Catholic Charities, and Homeless Council Boards. He founded the UF Gainesville Tutorial Program. He is a Master Wildlifer and co-founder of Shoal Sanctuary. His motto is "Sculpture by commission, Poetry on occasion, Philosophy anytime." www.ShoalSanctuary.com	Sculpting a Vision Hear and see a slide show talk about Shoal Sanctuary Nature Preserve and Sculpture Trails in Mossy Head, 15 minutes west of DeFuniak Springs. Ethics issues will be covered including respect for God’s creation, our responsibility to the land, mutual sustainability, the illusion of just war, resource equity, honoring wildlife, creative recycling, and justice for all. Larson sculptures are aesthetically pleasing embodiments of his philosophy, psychology, theology, poetry, and civics. Created from granite, marble, metal, plastic, and glass they synthesize his greatest life lessons.
Dr. Robert Leslie, Jr. Dr. Leslie teaches in the Department of Humanities in Medicine in the Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine. He has done research in the Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities in palliative care and musicology. He graduated from Florida State University in piano and organ performance, from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and holds a Ph. D. from McGill University in historical theology and musicology. He has studied the bagpipe at the Gaelic College in Nova Scotia. He is a Presbyterian Minister.	Why Religion Matters This course will begin your exploration into why "good" religion challenges what scientism and fundamentalism purport to offer. The basis of our enquiry will be "Why Religion Matters" by Dr. Huston Smith, who taught religion at both the Massachusetts Institute For Technology and the University of California, Berkeley; and Dr. Karen Armstrong's "The Battle for God." A former Roman Catholic nun and graduate of Oxford University, she explores fundamentalism's struggle to resist modernity in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Organ Crawl An "organ crawl" means visiting three, possibly four, diverse examples of "The King of Instruments" to learn about how organ-tones are produced by both pipe an electronic) organs seek to imitate the sounds of the pipe organ; each organ builder uses different methods to produce majestic tones. Information from each organ company will be provided to class members, who are welcome to play each instrument. We will begin and end with the pipe organ in St. Agatha's Episcopal Church. Music with a Story Since the early 1600's composers have set stories to music and have produced hundreds of cantatas and oratorios telling stories as diverse as the Life of Jesus and Hiawatha. In this class we will look and listen to portions of Felix Mendelssohn's ELIJAH and G.F. Handel's MESSIAH, masterworks of choral music. The composers help listeners grapple with great stories and great ideas.
Candace Leslie Mrs. Leslie is a widely published travel author. She has contributed several guidebooks on Florida and her articles have appeared in Texas Highways, Coast to Coast, and Scottish Life and various other magazines and newspapers. She authored an article about DeFuniak Springs and the Chautauqua for Victorian Homes in 2002. She has also written curriculum materials for the Presbyterian Church (USA).	Scotland in Pictures Take a visual trip with Robert and Candace Leslie, travel writer/photojournalist from Glasgow to the top of Shetland's islands. Writing Your Life Story Through examination of the works of several authors, this workshop teaches the use of techniques such as "memory triggers" to unlock the rich resources of memory and record your own story on paper.
William Linne Mr. Linne is an attorney whose practice areas are trusts and estates; corporate and business law; real property; and taxation law. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Michigan State University. He resides in Pensacola, Florida with his wife, Shirley.	Revocable Trusts and other Estate Planning Tools Mr. Linne will explain the advantages of Revocable Trust as they relate to Estate Planning. He will give examples of how individuals or families can save the cost of probate as well as Estate Tax when application
Priscilla A. Brown Lloyd Priscilla A. Brown Lloyd is a 31 ½ year business educator and was born in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. She is the daughter of Mrs. Leona Campbell Brown and the Late Mr. Thomas Sherman Brown+. She earned a B.S. and M.Ed. in Business Education from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. She has been recognized for numerous awards---Outstanding Business Education Teacher for the State of Florida, Outstanding President for the FBEA, and was recently published in the Who's Who Among American Women." She enjoys reading, photography and traveling with her husband Leroy to visit their grandchildren during the holidays!	Is Your Husband/Wife Relationship on the Edge of a Category 4 Hurricane? Attend this seminar for "Rescue and Clean-up Tips!" I'm a Grand or Great-Grand Parent: Now What???? After this presentation, you won't feel so alone! Super Cool Tips for Organizing and Displaying Photos of Family, Friends, and Special Family Events Attend this dynamic seminar where you will learn how to organize, display photos and events you and your family have done over the years. It's quite a conversation piece when fiends and family come to visit. Don't miss this fun-filled event.
Nikki Marr Nikki Marr describes herself as an advocate for children and their advocates. Ms. Marr is a former juvenile court judge in DeKalb County, Georgia, an urban community adjacent to Atlanta. After seven years as a judge, she has returned to the private practice of law, specializing in adoptions, juvenile advocacy and other areas of family law. Prior to her legal career, she was a high school English teacher and guidance counselor. She earned a bachelor of science in education from Truman State University, a master of science from the University of Missouri and a juris doctorate from Georgia State University.	Are Children Truly Our National Treasures? During her seven years as a juvenile court judge, Ms. Marr presided over cases involving thousands of children who were living in situations that ought not to be tolerated in a civilized nation. Those cases are only the tip of the iceberg. Annually, more than 300,000 children run away from home. Within 48 hours of leaving home, 42% of children on the run will trade sex for food and shelter. These children are victims of sexual exploitation, yet they are treated as criminals. Why aren’t we protecting our children?
Mr. Charles Milsted Associate State Director, Community Outreach American Association Of Retired Persons (AARP) Based in Tallahassee, Mr. Milsted is an advocate and spokesperson for AARP’s Florida-based membership. His responsibilities include lobbying the Florida legislature on matters that impact Florida’s senior citizens and intervening in other state-level governmental affairs, such as utility rate cases, that affect Florida’s seniors. Prior to his current assignment, Mr. Milsted was the Supervisor of Operations for Florida’s AARP offices and oversaw the AARP’s state-wide expansion. He has represented AARP at the White House Conference on Aging and served as liaison to the U.S. Department of Labor for Workforce Education. He currently serves as AARP’s Florida liaison to the National Retired Teacher’s Association and the Florida Educator’s Association. Prior to joining AARP Mr. Milsted was a Naval aviator and served as a Staff Strategic Planner for the Secretary of Defense. He holds a BA in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Central Florida and a MA in Strategic Planning from the U.S. Navy Post Graduate School.	Special Keynote Session: Is There Security in Social Security? A detailed analysis of reform proposals by opponents to the Bush Administration's proposals and why their reforms are a better solution.
Lt Col Christopher "Stump" Monahan Lt Col Monahan is Commander, 28th Test Squadron, Eglin AFB FL. Current duties include responsibility for test management and execution of CAF weapons, OFP and EW programs for ACC/DR and the AFWC.	Arming Today's Warfighter Learn about how Eglin Air Force Base designs and tests some of the finest weaponry used by the U.S. armed forces.
Jim Moore Jim is a local attorney and has co-authored books on humor. He is also a storyteller and actor.	Governor Catts (Historical Monologue) DeFuniak Springs minister Sidney J. Catts' 1916 campaign for Governor of Florida comes to life in an impersonation by Mr. Moore. Catts won the Democratic nomination only to have it snatched away by the state Supreme Court. But a "Catt" has more than one life and before Catts was through, Florida politics were never the same. Rev. Catts was a professional speaker on the Chautauqua circuit in the late 1920s and 1930s. Early American Toys (Porch Party) Before plastic and video games, children used toys built from materials ready available at home. Jim Moore has brought to life many of these cherished toys from by-gone-eras. He will be demonstrating replicas of these early American toys as he embellishes the legends attached with each. Join Jim and learn the challenge of the famous gee-haw whimmy diddle, puzzles and other toys.
Matt Moore, M.P.P. Senior Policy Analyst National Center For Policy Analysis Mr. Moore is senior policy analyst with the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) located in Dallas, TX. Established in 1983, the NCPA is a non-profit, nonpartisan public policy research organization dedicated to the development and promotion of private alternatives to government regulation and control. Mr. Moore is a member of the NCPA’s team of experts that educate policy makers, opinion leaders and the general public about the economic problems facing Social Security and the benefits of personal investment-based reform. He has written and spoken extensively on Social Security and retirement issues and is a frequent guest on national radio and regional television programs. His columns appear regularly in newspapers nationwide, including The Washington Times, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, and the Providence Journal. Prior to joining the NCPA policy staff, Mr. Moore regularly attended Capitol Hill hearings and conferences on Social Security, Medicare, tax reform and welfare. He holds a Masters degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs from Southern Methodist University.	Special Keynote Session: Is There Security in Social Security? A detailed analysis of the Bush Administration's reform proposals and how these reforms will fix Social Security
Dan Owens	Chess Lessons and Chess Tournament Get some free lessons on the game of chess on Friday February 24th, and then on Saturday afternoon February 25th take part in a Quick Chess Tournament. Entry fee for the tournament is $20 with prizes based on the number of entrants.
Diane Pickett Ms. Pickett is President and Founder of the Chautauqua Center, Inc., and as such took it as a personal challenge in 1996 to revive DeFuniak Springs’ once nationally famous Chautauqua Assembly. Returning to DeFuniak Springs in the mid 1980’s, she developed a keen interest in historic preservation and the myriad problems affecting small town America. She has been very active in community efforts regarding the revitalization of one of the South’s most historic cultural areas and hopes to eventually return the Chautauqua Assembly to its original multi-week season of "A Winter Assembly in the Land of Summer."	Waking Tour of Circle Drive Enjoy a narrated tour of the historic district, stories about its Victorian houses and the people who lived in them. This is a leisurely walking tour (1.3 miles) of historic Circle Drive and its 39 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Opening Ceremonies Closing Ceremonies
Chuck Puckett Mr. Puckett is an actor, playwright and musician who has had eight of his musicals brought to the stage. For the last 27 years he has also been a computer software scientist with Intergraph Corporation in Huntsville, Alabama. He and his wife Carol are currently restoring the "Dream Cottage."	The Poetry of Wallace Bruce (Historical Monologue) Wallace Bruce was one of the central personalities involved in the establishment of the Chautauqua in DeFuniak Springs. Mr. Puckett reads the poetry of Wallace Bruce from the "Dream Cottage" built in DeFuniak Springs in the19th century poet by the Chautauqua President, Wallace Bruce.
Don Rapp, Ph. D. B.S., physical education, Carthage College; M.S., early childhood, Florida State University; Ph.D., child development, FSU. Professor, University of Illinois and FSU, 34 years. Taught Child Development and Gerontology. Recent American College of Sports Medicine exercise leader certification. Juggler for 65 years. Motivational speaker. Originated Kinetic Arts Training, which is designed to enhance balance. Varied life and professional experiences have culminated in the writing of articles, and in 2006, a book will be published on balance enhancement.	Better Balance Can Be Learned Stop that first fall or any future fall. You have the power to increase the quality of your life. Good balance is that important. Knowing the body's balance control systems will help you analyze your own balance problems. Also the mechanical principles of balance are most helpful. Participants will have hands-on experience with inexpensive balance aids. The class is offered with humor and vigor.
Dr. Dennis Ray Dr. Ray served as Head of the Management Department in the College of Business at Mississippi State University for twenty years. He held major offices in national and regional management organization, including National Chairman of the Board of Regents for Certified Managers, President of Southern Management Association, and National Secretary/Treasurer of the Academy of Management. A Fellow of the Academy, he is founding editor of its national publication Journal of Management. Since returning to his native DeFuniak Springs, Dr. Ray has actively pursued historic preservation. He was the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Walton Country Heritage Museum. He and his wife Brenda own and operate the Little Big Store, a country-style general store, in historic downtown DeFuniak.	The History and Art of Toasting Bread Dr. Ray is an avid collector and has one of the most extensive collections of vintage electric toasters in the country. His collection was featured in Country Home’s Winter 2001 issue of Antiques Extra, Your Guide to Collecting. Dr. Ray takes his toaster collection very seriously, but you would never know it as you listen to his energetic and humorous presentation on "The History and Art of Toasting Bread." Several of his most rare and collectible toasters will be shown and demonstrated. You don’t want to miss this informative and entertaining presentation!
Dewey Ray Mr. Ray is a trained Facilitator and experienced lecturer on Scottish history and culture. A direct descendent of Scottish Highlanders, he is also active in several Scottish organizations. He is a graduate of Auburn University and a managing partner with a mergers and acquisitions consulting firm.	Improving the Chautauqua Experience Continuous improvement of the Florida Chautauqua Assembly is one of the top goals of its Board of Directors, and during each Assembly one of the Board members leads a focus group session designed to solicit feedback on how to improve the Assembly. Expect a lively, free-wheeling, and frank discussion of all aspects of the Florida Chautauqua and how it can be improved!
Brenda Rees Brenda has degrees from Sam Houston State University and Texas A&M University. Her national political experience spans from Alaska to Florida. Brenda’s great-uncle, T.T. Wentworth, Jr., has a state museum named for his collection in Pensacola. Family members have been active in Florida for nearly 200 years.	Shaping Florida Walton County native, Brenda Rees moves through thousands of years of geological, archaeological, and historical highlights with maps from the 1500s, artifacts, books, sand, plants and pictures. The countries, counties and coastal dune lakes of Northwest Florida and Walton County receive special attention.
Dr. Sanford R. Silverburg Dr. Silverburg is a Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Catawba College, Salisbury, North Carolina. He is a specialist in international relations and international law as well as the government and politics of the Middle East. He has published and lectured internationally and has broad experience with governmental and military affairs.	America as the Cop on the World Beat Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has claimed for itself the role of world’s sole super power with the duty to deliver the remainder of the globe to the side of democracy. Many other countries in the world see the United States as overly aggressive, politically pompous, and, perhaps, imperial. We will examine the nature of American "exceptionalism" and the basis of various national perceptions of the United States in the world today. Democracy: Can the American Variant be Given to Others A look at the unique nature of the American political system and an examination of what it has to offer the remainder of the world and why or why not it will be accepted. America’s Culture War, the Media, and Public Opinion America, much of the media claims, is divided into "Red" and "Blue" states, polarized on major political and cultural issues, frequently divided along religious lines. We will look at the relationship of religion in America today as it relates to some of the more contentious cultural and political issues of the day.
Ann Tucker Ms. Tucker earned a Degree in Anthropology and also holds a Master of Public Administration degree. She is the Chief of the Muscogee Indian Nation of Florida and resides in Bruce, Florida.	People of One Fire Explore the history of the Creek pioneer families in Walton Country, Florida from the 1860's to the present day. This lecture includes a brief study of genealogy, tribal government, language, stories, traditions, and ceremonies. Historical documents will be on display.
Jan Turnquist Ms. Turnquist is the Executive Director of Orchard House, home of Louisa May Alcott in Concord, Massachusetts, where "Little Women" was written in 1868. Before becoming Executive Director, however, she was known as the resident Louisa May Alcott, having portrayed Miss Alcott in public service announcements running on the FOX TV network, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and on Public Broadcasting Television (PBS). She has also appeared in hundreds of live performances nationwide for schools, libraries, historical societies, universities, and in corporate settings.	The Surprising World of Louisa May Alcott and Her Literary Friends (Historical Monologue) Discover the second revolution in our country--the literary revolution taking place in New England during the Victorian Era, known as the Literary Flowering. Jan Turnquist, in character, will discuss New Englanders Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott.
Linda Van Beck Linda Van Beck presently holds the position of President of the Florida Daffodil Society (FDS). In addition, she oversees the FDS test garden in Tallahassee, consults on county extension service daffodil test gardens in central Florida, directs numerous demonstration gardens and public plantings in Florida, south Georgia and southeast Alabama (many in concert with local extension agents or master gardeners), and lectures to regional gardening groups.	Daffodils in Florida Linda will be speaking on her book, "Daffodils in Florida: A Field Guide to the Coastal South" which provides the essential information needed to successfully grow daffodils, without forcing or refrigeration, year after year. "Daffodils in Florida" outlines the basics of daffodils, provides horticultural and landscaping guidance and advice, and explores some of the South's forgotten heirloom daffodils. Common questions posed by gardeners are answered and explained, such as what are the best performing daffodils, how best to pick a stem for use in arrangements, what are preferred companion plants and why aren't my daffodils blooming.
Mary Vinson Mrs. Vinson has a lifetime of experience as a porcelain painter and instructor, and is a winner of many state and international awards. Her work has been featured in a number of magazines and newspapers and on television. She also works with oils and acrylics and is widely know for her landscapes and floral paintings. Her work was featured in the December 2002 issue of "Victorian Homes" magazine.	Porcelain Painting Workshop This three-hour workshop introduces the student to the basics of porcelain painting. Each participant will finish an 8-inch tile or plate in a floral motif. Advance registration recommended because workshop is limited to 12 students.
Linda Wargo Linda Wargo is an individual who enjoys fitness and educating about fitness as well as encouraging others to enjoy fitness. She graduated from college in 1975 with an A.S. degree specializing as a Physical Therapist Assistant. She has practiced as a Physical Therapist Assistant for 30 years and has a current license in the State of Florida. Linda has resided in Walton County since 1995 and is presently employed at North Walton Physical Therapy. She is certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer, Pilates Instructor, Fitness Therapist, Aquatic and Exercise Instructor. She earned a Black Belt through the ATA and presently studying Tai Chi for mobility and health benefits.	Pilates Exercise Class Pilates is a series of controlled movements that emphasizes flexibility and overall strength. It increases lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing and enhances coordination, posture, and balance. The Pilates method is a total body-conditioning workout for both men and women that engages you and leaves you refreshed and alert with an enormous amount of self-confidence. The Pilates Method gives you the stretching benefits of a yoga class along with the great muscle tone of a nautilus workout. It is a true Mind/Body/Breathing experience.

Presenter Bio

Topic

Performances

David Friedman

After spending several years conducting musicals on Broadway, Mr. Friedman went to Hollywood where he was the conductor and vocal arranger on such Disney classics as "Beauty & The Beast," "Aladdin," "Pocahontas" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." This led to his writing music and lyrics for Disney's "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" and to scoring three animated television series and the film "Trick". Mr. Friedman has collaborated with Kathie Lee Gifford on three albums, "Born For You," "Goodnight Angel" and "Party Animals." David’s songs have been recorded by artists as diverse as Diana Ross, Barry Manilow and the late, great Nancy LaMott, and have been heard in major Disney Animated Feature Films, and on television and radio all over the world.

SATURDAY: Listen to My Heart - The Songs of David Friedman

Recently, David starred with 5 of New York’s most gifted singer/actors in a theatrical evening of his songs called "Listen To My Heart - The Songs of David Friedman" upstairs at Studio 54 in New York. After playing the show all across America, David brings a concert version of the show to DeFuniak Springs this February. As a New York critic said: "Listen To My Heart is sure to touch yours."

Orlando Opera

The Orlando Opera Resident Artist program established over fifteen years ago, affords an interim training ground for singers who are looking to enrich their experience and education in opera music before going on to distinguished, professional careers. The four artists, a bass-baritone, tenor, mezzo-soprano, and soprano, are provided professional coaching on voice, language, acting, and movement during their one to two year residency with the company. They augment their expertise by performing in main stage shows produced by the opera, as well as performing on tour, bringing the magic and spectacle of this singular art form to schools, senior centers, fundraising events, theaters, community centers, and corporations throughout the state of Florida.

FRIDAY: Opera Extravaganza!

Orlando Opera on Tour presents a tantalizing evening of some of the greatest classics from opera, operetta and Broadway in Opera Extravaganza! featuring musical selections ranging from "Masquerade" from The Phantom of the Opera, to the finale from Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. The masquerade theme, complete with masks, feather boas and gorgeous costumes, is integrated into a fully staged, full evening’s performance.

Opera Extravaganza! is performed by Orlando Opera’s Resident Artists, four young, professional singing-actors, who bring the wonder of its beautiful music, sets, and costumes to life as only a live performance can.

Farmer's Opry

Enjoy family-style entertainment provided by Florida's version of the "Grand Ole Opry." Sawmill has been the house band at the Farmers' Opry since it opened early in 2002.

www.farmersopry.com

THURSDAY: Sawmill

Sawmill has opened for over 30 country stars including Doug Stone, Gene Watson, Bill Anderson, Ronnie McDowell, Stella Parton, Holley Dunn, David Frizzell, Craig Morgan, Travis Tritt, Jeff Cook, Jack Greene, Jeannie Seeley and many more. They were selected to play for President Bush at the Civic Center. They were the featured group at Seville with 10,800 fans attending as well as playing a private engagement for the Alabama Sheriff's Assoc. with Gov. Bob Riley. Sawmill is a very versatile group with entertainers ranging from 10 yrs. old to 85 yrs. old. They play Country Music of all styles featuring strong vocals and tight harmonies mixed with Gospel. They are currently recording their first album to be released in December.

Special Activities

Keynote Session

A panel of experts will present:

A detailed analysis of the Bush Administration's reform proposals and how these reforms will fix Social Security
A detailed analysis of reform proposals by opponents to the Bush Administration's proposals and why their reforms are a better solution.

Is There Security in Social Security?

President Bush's proposals to reform Social Security have created considerable controversy, leaving many Americans worried about the future of their government-funded pension program. The Keynote Session will address this controversy by sorting out the issues and answering the key questions about the future of this critical government program.

Interfaith Panel

A panel of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Unitarian Universalists and Baha'is. Sponsored by the Okaloosa County Interfaith Celebration, a group of ministers and religious educators.

Does it Matter What Religion You Belong To?

The panel will discuss the concepts of individual and collective salvation from the standpoint of each religion. The discussion will include: Why do religions exist? What are the functional values of religions in Traditional (pre-Modern) and Modern societies? What are the respective visions, loyalties and moral obligations of respective religious traditions?

Eli Chandler

On Saturday, the encampment will host a number of historic demontrations. And on Sunday, re-enactors will engage in "skirmishes." Witness their "fight" at the grounds around historic and picturesque Lake DeFuniak where actual Confederate cavalry camped and watered their horses. The authentic skirmishes will be based on late war area raids by General Asboth.

War Between The States: Living History Encampment & Skirmishes

The War Between the States living history encampment will be set on the lake yard. This event features a Federal camp, a Confederate camp and a civilian camp, three firing demonstrations throughout the way (showing the main firing sequence infantry used in battle and basic drills for new recruits.) Visitors may walk through the camps and ask questions of the re-enactors.

Ellen Mayfield and her Tea Ladies

The veteran tea ladies (Ellen Mayfield, Cindy Woodham, Sara Comander and Oletta Ray) will serve homemade delicacies form fine china on formal laid tables overlaid in Battenberg.

Victorian Tea

The historical home of the late Dr. & Mrs. R.B. Spires at 1272 Circle Drive in De Funiak is being shared for this exciting event by the daughter, Mrs. Joyce Potter. Guests will be greeted by attendants dressed in formal Victorian attire.

Sip on Earl Grey tea poured form hand-painted teapots. Enjoy calendar girls scones, lemon curd, mock Devonshire cream, curried chicken salad triangles, pimento cheese hearts, English cucumber sandwiches, Vermont cheese straws, miniature BLT’s, and Natchitoches crescents. Served from tiered decorated trays will be tea time tassies. Petit fours, strawberry cheesecake, apricot dainties, Jerome cookies with chocolate mousse au Grand Mariner being offered in miniature crystal brandy stems.

Walton County Art League

The Walton County Art League was founded in 1964 by a group of 12 local artists; meeting in the homes of its members. Today we have a membership of nearly 50 artists and now have our own meeting room. Our members work in a variety of mediums both two dimensional and three dimensional. We provide free art classes to the children of Walton County during the summer months and offer various art workshops to the public on a monthly basis.

Art Show

We will be presenting the works of approximately 50 artists. The majority of artists are local with some coming from surrounding areas. Last year we displayed over l50 paintings in various mediums, as well as hand built pottery, relief sculptures and tiles. This is one of the finest art shows in this area

Chautauqua Porcelain Artists

Our group, the Chautauqua Porcelain Artists, began in 1980 with Hazel Daughette as first President. This year is our 25th year. "Sharing is Joy" is our motto and the Dogwood our flower.

The Chautauqua Porcelain Artists meet the 2nd Thursday of each month, except for summer months. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. on Thursdays at the Art League Building. After the meeting is over we usually visit and paint.

Porcelain Art Show and Sale

At the Porcelain Art Show and Sale, we have a variety of pieces for sale by many different artists. Pieces include tea pots, vases, spoon rests, plates, and cups.

Mary Vinson, international award winner, was our teacher for many years. We have had guest artists from all over the United States who came and taught us new things. From our teacher to guest artists and even each other we have learned the secrets of china painting, or at least some of them. New teachers with new ideas, or old ideas with new techniques, are always being searched for.

Chautauqua Quilters

The Chautauqua Quilters are a group of like-minded ladies who have an interest in quilts as well as the community. Although they individually make quilts for their families and competition, they come together on the second and fourth Wednesday mornings at 9:00 at the Methodist church to sew fabrics into quilts for various charities.

Quilt Show

Featuring the exquisite work of The Chautauqua Quilters. Traditional and contemporary work.

University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service

This program is sponsored by the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service of Walton County in cooperation with Walton County Board of County Commissioners. Contact 850/892-8172 for more information about this event.

Tour of Old Home Places

Join us for a half-day educational driving/walking tour of 3 home place sites and historical points of interest in Walton County. We will be informed and entertained by a local historian along the way! The event will take place on Thursday, February 23, 2006. Transportation will leave from DeFuniak Springs at 10:30 a.m. and return by 4:00 p.m. Registration fee is $15 which includes transportation and lunch hosted by the Harrison family on their farm. Space is limited to 9 participants so register early!

The Walton County Heritage Association, Inc.

The Walton County Heritage Association was organized in 1992 to foster and enhance the development and sense of history that is unique to Walton County. The Heritage promoted the preservation and restoration of buildings and other landmarks of historical interest through efforts in the creation of the DeFuniak Springs Historical District. In addition, the Heritage established the Walton County Heritage Museum on Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs. This museum preserves the heritage of Walton County for the education and enjoyment of its guests by collecting, preserving, and exhibiting artifacts and information from the time of its original inhabitants to the present.

www.waltonmuseum.com

The 2006 Walton County History Fair

The Walton County History Fair will be held Saturday, 9:00am - 3:00 pm at the Walton County Fair Buildings. This event includes exhibits of historical artifacts and performances based on the history of Walton County. Local historians, churches, art and civic organizations, and residents will be on hand to share their prized possessions and skills.

Walton County Board of County Commissioners

The 2005 Board of County Commissioners are (left to right):

Larry Jones, District 3
Cindy Meadows, District 5
Kenneth Pridgen, District 2 and Chair
Scott Brannon, District 1
Rosier Cuchens, District 4

www.co.walton.fl.us

Walton County Current Topics

The Walton County Board of Commissioners, County Administrator Ronnie Bell, and Public Information Officer Ken Little will present a synopsis of local government organization and services. The Commissioners will hold a panel discussion of current topics affecting Walton County.

Presenters

Dr. Valliere Richard Auzenne

Dr. Auzenne is Assistant Director of the Florida State University Film School and also an Associate Professor at FSU. Dr. Auzenne earned her Doctorate in Communications from FSU and her Master of Arts in Art Design from California State University in Los Angeles. She has been a faculty member in the FSU Film School since its establishment in 1989 and has played an integral role in its growth. Dr. Auzenne has authored books on computer animation, Canadian film animator Norman McLaren, and a history of the Barnett-Aden Art Collection.

Alma W. Thomas: A Journey of Creativity of an African American Artist

This session focuses on the life and artwork of the Washington DC artist Alma Woodsey Thomas. Born in 1891 in Columbus, Georgia, Thomas at the age of 80 became the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. She was known as an artist, a teacher, a patron, an activist and a pioneer. Her artwork is represented in the prestigious collections of The National Gallery of Art, The National Museum of American Art, The National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Corcoran Gallery in Washington D.C., the Art Institute of Chicago and many other public and private collections.

Judge Nelson Bailey

Mr. Bailey is currently a County Judge in Palm Beach County, Florida. Nelson has a passion for the state’s history and for storytelling, and he is the only person listed in the Directory of American Storytellers as a teller of exclusively Florida tales. In his performances as a "Florida Cracker Storyteller" of the late 1800’s he shares his knowledge of Florida’s unique multi-cultural heritage, usually telling his stories while mounted on a horse and while accompanied by his Florida Cur cow dog named "Cooter."

Storyteller's Version of Florida History

Well, history is one thing, and a good story is another, but at this session, they are the same thing! Judge Bailey's stories weave together a quilt of history with tales of Native-American mound builders; of Spanish explorers, settlers, and ranchers; of Seminole traditions and the Black Seminoles of today. These stories offer some surprising insights into Florida's forgotten role in American History.

Victor S. Bowman, AIA NCARB

Mr. Bowman is a member of AIA, NCARB and is Director of Architectural Design, Pendleton & Associates Interiors, Inc. in Seaside. Mr. Bowman is a past guest lecturer and professor in Florida A&M University’s School of Architecture.

What Classic Architecture Can Teach You About Proportions - A Visual Reference

Joining Mr. Bowman will be Carolyn C. Pendleton, ASID. Ms. Pendleton is a past director of Tallahassee Historic preservation Board and Institute of Business Designers of the North Florida Chapter.

Architectural Tour

A narrative discussion of the architecture and spatial elements of the design and construction of four homes on circle Drive. Walking to each home, participants will study both interior and exterior characteristics that make the homes distinctly Victorian. Enter four of DeFuniak Springs' historic homes and enjoy an architectural lecture from Panhandle experts.

Father Ashmun Brown

Dr. Brown is an Episcopal Priest and an attorney. He practices law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the United States Supreme Court and the State of Florida. He earned his J.D. degree at Boston University and his Masters of Law degree from the University of Michigan. The Graduate Theological Foundation conferred his doctorate of ministry degree. He presently serves as Vicar of St. Agatha’s Episcopal Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Passover and Easter

Two religious holidays define two religions, Judaism and Christianity. Passover becomes the Jewish celebration of freedom from physical bondage. Easter celebrates the conquest over death itself. The fear of death has held mankind in a kind of spiritual bondage since the beginning of time. How these two celebrations compliment each other will be explored from one point of view. Obviously, there are many ways to define what is being celebrated, or what story is being told. The Bible is probably the most important story book in western culture. Christianity is an off-shoot of Judaism, and as such, shares many of the same values.

Lana Campbell

Lana was 17 years old when she was injured in an automobile accident in 1990.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Survival: One Family’s Story

This presentation addresses issues that might help others to prevent brain injuries, and teaches how to assist and cope with a brain-injured family member. Learn how one family dealt with a tragic accident by encouraging healing: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Strictly Weavers

In July 2004, residents from along the gulf coast who were interested in hand weaving met in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. A year later, 31 weavers from as far west as Elberta, AL to as far east as Panama City, FL and whose skills range from beginner-to-experienced have associated themselves with "Strictly Weavers". The meeting programs vary from fiber/project selection and preparation to finishing techniques. Several of the Strictly Weavers are also spinners, a natural extension of weaving.

Hand Weaving (Porch Party)

Observe hand-weaving and interact directly with the weavers.

Bruce Collier

Bruce Collier has been presenting Theodore Roosevelt since 2002. He has a bachelor's degree in Theatre from Wright State University in Ohio, and a law degree from Tulane in New Orleans. Bruce has acted at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Courtyard Playhouse in New York, New Horizon Theatre in Michigan, and most recently, at the Seaside Repertory Theatre in Seaside. Bruce also writes for two area newspapers, the DeFuniak Herald and the Beachcomber.

Theodore Roosevelt
(Historical Monologue)

An hour or so is nowhere near adequate to convey in full the life and accomplishments of one of America's most colorful presidents, so this presentation will focus on those people and events that TR himself felt were most important in his personal and public life.

Dean DeBolt

Mr. DeBolt is a writer and historian. He teaches genealogy classes at the University of West Florida using church records. He is the librarian in charge of "Special Collections" at the John C. Pace Library, University of West Florida in Pensacola.

The Florida Chautauqua of DeFuniak Springs

From 1885 through 1920, DeFuniak Springs hosted the longest running and longest-lived southern Chautauqua in the United States. Why was DeFuniak Springs selected? And what role did the Hall of Brotherhood play in the Chautauqua? Learn the history and the legacy that has led to the resurrection of the Chautauqua Assembly in DeFuniak Springs.

Highly recommended for first-time attendees!

Judy DeBolt

Judy was raised in Springfield, Illinois and is married to Dean DeBolt, Special Collections Librarian at The University of West Florida. She retired from The University of West Florida in 2001 and spends time with her 2-year old grandson, Aaron. Judy has had an interest in movies since childhood, especially Gone With The Wind. Besides GWTW, her other area of research is the Titanic. She has given numerous presentations on both these topics, including previous Chautauqua Assemblies.

And the Oscar Goes To.....

What do you know about "Oscar"? He is coveted by those in the motion picture industry. And each year, only a handful of actors, directors, producers, and composers will walk away with him. Come and hear some of the interesting stories behind the Academy Awards. Who has the most Academy Award nominations? Who has the most wins? Who refused their award? Which two actresses tied for best actress and what were their roles? These are just some of the questions to be answered when Judy DeBolt discusses many of the known and unknown facts surrounding that yearly event known as the Academy Awards. Movie buffs will not want to miss this one!

Dara Dobson

Mrs. Dobson is the State Chairman of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs Native Plant and Wildflowers, and a Walton County Master Gardener. She lives on 240 acres in DeFuniak Springs, FL with her husband, Lloyd. They currently serve on the Florida Department of Forestry's Stewardship Forest Program's steering committee. They received the "Stewardship Forest Landowners of the Year 2002"award from the Florida Department of Forestry, a program that promotes reforesting with native Longleaf pines, planting crops for wildlife, protecting endangered plant species, planting native plants and wildflowers, pond management and installation of various bird boxes.

Wild for Wildflowers

Experience the rewards of introducing native plants and wildflowers into your landscape. Learn about the impact and value of wildflowers to our environment. Discover why preserving endangers species is important, and discover the best planting methods and making the best choices or wildflower species. Free wildflower posters and brochures will be available.

Lynn Downham

Ms. Downham draws inspiration for her paintings from the western North Carolina foothills where she was raised and from the Florida panhandle where she now resides with her family. Mrs. Downham especially enjoys painting with oils and soft pastels because of their vivid color possibilities and smooth passage of tone. She has been a full time artist for eight years, works in a variety of media and loves helping others explore their creative talents through painting.

Pastel Painting Workshops

Come join Lynn to paint a pastel landscape on sandpaper. If you have never worked in pastel before, you should try this exciting painting medium. There will be a different landscape in each one of her 4 workshops. Popular with beginners and advanced painters alike, you, too, can paint in pastel! Seating limited to eight in each workshop.

David Friedman

David Friedman is a composer/conductor/record producer from New York whose
work includes many well-known songs of hope and healing, Musical Direction and Vocal Arranging for 5 Broadway shows and numerous Classic Disney Movies, (Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Hunchback,) songs in films such as Lizzie McGuire and the upcoming Bambi sequel, recordings with artists such as Diana Ross, Barry Manilow, Petula Clark, and the late Nancy LaMott, and a wide range of coaching, teaching and leading workshops in the arts and metaphysics.

The Thought Exchange: Exploring Thought as Cause

In this workshop, developed by David and given on a weekly basis at Unity Of New York, we explore the notion that our lives and the situations we see before us are a reflection of our thoughts. So often we think that the reason we think or feel a certain way is because of what has happened to us in the world. Perhaps it is the other way around. In this intimate workshop, a small group sits in a circle and, on a voluntary basis (nobody has to speak) we look at a situation in our lives, trace what thought might be underlying it, pick a new thought and see what changes occur in our lives.

Diane Fyfe

Diane Fyfe is a certified veterinary medical technician who completed her certification at the St. Petersburg Junior College in St. Petersburg Florida. She is also certified in the state of Illinois and has been training dogs for over 30 years. Diane is president and owner of R.P.O. Inc. (Responsible Pet Ownership). RPO has been incorporated for 20 years and is located in Crestview, Florida. Their services include private consultations for problem behavior, hunt test training, and competition training.

Dog Obedience Demonstration with Question and Answer Session

Diane will demonstrate competition scent discrimination, hand signals, and directed retrieving. These are advanced skills that are built from a basic obedience foundation. She will also demonstrate canine agility involving tunnels, chutes, jumps, and weave poles. The session concludes with a question/answer session. Please do NOT bring dogs that have aggression problems and are not good around other people and dogs.

Good Canine Citizenship Demonstration with Audience (Dogs!) Participation

Diane will demonstrate basic obedience skills with the appropriate application for a canine good citizen. The demonstration includes heeling, recalls, and stay exercises. She will also demonstrate canine agility. The session concludes with a question/answer session, and a demonstration involving canine volunteers from the audience.

Lou Holt

Lou Holt really enjoys trying different designs and patterns for her baskets and uses both flat and round reed. She hand dyes all reeds that she uses for weaving, and loves to experiment with creating new colors and patterns. She says that the little weaving flaws you sometimes make give the basket character and you end up creating a new design by experimenting.

Basket Weaving (Porch Party)

Baskets are one of the earliest tools used by humans. Every culture on every continent developed these useful implements for carrying and storing goods. Today, baskets are both utilitarian and decorative. The baskets Lou will be weaving at the Port Party are appropriate for either household decoration or to fulfill their original utilitarian purpose.

Judge James Joanos

An attorney since 1962, Judge Joanos was a trial judge from 1971-1980, and an appellate judge for twenty years on the Florida First District Court of Appeal. He began studying Native American law ten years ago and taught in Florida State University's Criminal Justice College and at the FSU School of Law. He is currently practicing law in an "Of Counsel" capacity in the Tallahassee office of Akerman-Senterfitt.

Does Our Legal System Work?

This session will involve a study of our legal system. We will examine the process and its ability to meet the needs of the people that it serves.

Samantha Landy

Conference speaker. Funny Lady. Writer-speaker Samantha Landy shoehorns her talks full of quotes from celebrity friends such as Cal Thomas, Fox News or The Love Boat Captain, Gavin MacLeod, along with her own brand of warm humor. Innumerable magazine articles, a newspaper column and nine books, including the Savvy Singles Handbook and Savvy Senior Sabbaticals, comprise Samantha’s writing career. Her TV appearances on the 700 Club, Living the Life, 100 Huntley St. as well as other TV and radio shows across the nation have brought Samantha’s philosophy of life to a wide audience.

www.SamanthaLandy.com

Reweaving the Tapestry of Your Life after 50

Tapestry weaving is an interesting phenomenon. You weave from the underside, never looking at the top, but the weaver knows what it will be like. So too with our lives. We may have many dark threads in our lives but hopefully more light threads along with the silver and gold. As we approach or pass the age of 50, sometimes we don’t understand the many choices we have. It is in the re-weaving, re-inventing, re-cycling of our lives after 50 that we will find the most joy and contentment.

Saavy Singles for the Over 50

Whether you are single by choice or by fate, you will want to attend this workshop. Inspired by her own navigation of the 50+ Singles world, Samantha Landy goes straight to the heart of crucial singles issues for men and women. Samantha bravely delves into areas facing singles with sensitivity, research, practicality and humor. This workshop will present a realistic guide for healthier, more dynamic relationships that will change your life.

Christina Larson, M.A.

Chris is author of Marty Is Dead, a biography about end-of-life ethics and human triumph. She has taught psychology for UWF, has been a Paramedic and CIL coordinator for Okaloosa County, founded Catholic Charities’ People with Disabilities Group, co-facilitated domestic violence and sexual offenders programs, and began Patriots for Peace. Having fostered 145 abused children, she was a "Mothers of the Earth Summit" delegate in Vienna. A Military Toxics board member, she received a Top 10 Censored Stories award for depleted uranium coverage. She lectured in Nürnberg on "Planetary Patriotism" and at the 1997 APA Convention on "Overcoming Civic Apathy."

www.proteapublishing.com/martyisdead.htm

Life and Death: A Balanced Perspective

Religion and science are brought together to emphasize the importance of balance in life decisions and death matters. Psychology’s "Continuum Theory" becomes a scale that shows how belief in an afterlife is reasonable and well-grounded. Imagine each of us with an internal gyroscope. When a sense of balance is gained, apathy transforms into determination, distress into function, self-absorption into generosity, ignorance into understanding. Violence, chaos, even death become challenges that enhance our self-respect, interpersonal understanding, and universal awe.

Dr. Robert Larson

Sculptor, philosopher, and award-winning Forestry Steward, Robert is from Connecticut but a resident of Florida for 42 years. He has taught college-level humanities, philosophy, and sculpture. His artwork has been purchased by museums, universities, banks, churches, corporations, and private collectors across the globe. Published author and poet, he has moderated "Ethics in America" for Florida Endowment and hosted humanities panels worldwide. Robert served on the Bishop’s Commission for Social Justice, Catholic Charities, and Homeless Council Boards. He founded the UF Gainesville Tutorial Program. He is a Master Wildlifer and co-founder of Shoal Sanctuary. His motto is "Sculpture by commission, Poetry on occasion, Philosophy anytime."

www.ShoalSanctuary.com

Sculpting a Vision

Hear and see a slide show talk about Shoal Sanctuary Nature Preserve and Sculpture Trails in Mossy Head, 15 minutes west of DeFuniak Springs. Ethics issues will be covered including respect for God’s creation, our responsibility to the land, mutual sustainability, the illusion of just war, resource equity, honoring wildlife, creative recycling, and justice for all. Larson sculptures are aesthetically pleasing embodiments of his philosophy, psychology, theology, poetry, and civics. Created from granite, marble, metal, plastic, and glass they synthesize his greatest life lessons.

Dr. Robert Leslie, Jr.

Dr. Leslie teaches in the Department of Humanities in Medicine in the Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine. He has done research in the Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities in palliative care and musicology. He graduated from Florida State University in piano and organ performance, from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and holds a Ph. D. from McGill University in historical theology and musicology. He has studied the bagpipe at the Gaelic College in Nova Scotia. He is a Presbyterian Minister.

Why Religion Matters

This course will begin your exploration into why "good" religion challenges what scientism and fundamentalism purport to offer. The basis of our enquiry will be "Why Religion Matters" by Dr. Huston Smith, who taught religion at both the Massachusetts Institute
For Technology and the University of California, Berkeley; and Dr. Karen Armstrong's "The Battle for God." A former Roman Catholic nun and graduate of Oxford University, she explores fundamentalism's struggle to resist modernity in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

Organ Crawl

An "organ crawl" means visiting three, possibly four, diverse examples of "The King of Instruments" to learn about how organ-tones are produced by both pipe an electronic) organs seek to imitate the sounds of the pipe organ; each organ builder uses different methods to produce majestic tones. Information from each organ company will be provided to class members, who are welcome to play each instrument. We will begin and end with the pipe organ in St. Agatha's Episcopal Church.

Music with a Story

Since the early 1600's composers have set stories to music and have produced hundreds of cantatas and oratorios telling stories as diverse as the Life of Jesus and Hiawatha. In this class we will look and listen to portions of Felix Mendelssohn's ELIJAH and G.F. Handel's MESSIAH, masterworks of choral music. The composers help listeners grapple with great stories and great ideas.

Candace Leslie

Mrs. Leslie is a widely published travel author. She has contributed several guidebooks on Florida and her articles have appeared in Texas Highways, Coast to Coast, and Scottish Life and various other magazines and newspapers. She authored an article about DeFuniak Springs and the Chautauqua for Victorian Homes in 2002. She has also written curriculum materials for the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Scotland in Pictures

Take a visual trip with Robert
and Candace Leslie, travel writer/photojournalist from Glasgow to the top of Shetland's islands.

Writing Your Life Story

Through examination of the works of several authors, this workshop teaches the use of techniques such as "memory triggers" to unlock the rich resources of memory and record your own story on paper.

William Linne

Mr. Linne is an attorney whose practice areas are trusts and estates; corporate and business law; real property; and taxation law. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Michigan State University. He resides in Pensacola, Florida with his wife, Shirley.

Revocable Trusts and other Estate Planning Tools

Mr. Linne will explain the advantages of Revocable Trust as they relate to Estate Planning. He will give examples of how individuals or families can save the cost of probate as well as Estate Tax when application

Priscilla A. Brown Lloyd

Priscilla A. Brown Lloyd is a 31 ½ year business educator and was born in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. She is the daughter of Mrs. Leona Campbell Brown and the Late Mr. Thomas Sherman Brown+. She earned a B.S. and M.Ed. in Business Education from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. She has been recognized for numerous awards---Outstanding Business Education Teacher for the State of Florida, Outstanding President for the FBEA, and was recently published in the Who's Who Among American Women." She enjoys reading, photography and traveling with her husband Leroy to visit their grandchildren during the holidays!

Is Your Husband/Wife Relationship on the Edge of a Category 4 Hurricane?

Attend this seminar for "Rescue and Clean-up Tips!"

I'm a Grand or Great-Grand Parent: Now What????

After this presentation, you won't feel so alone!

Super Cool Tips for Organizing and Displaying Photos of Family, Friends, and Special Family Events

Attend this dynamic seminar where you will learn how to organize, display photos and events you and your family have done over the years. It's quite a conversation piece when fiends and family come to visit. Don't miss this fun-filled event.

Nikki Marr

Nikki Marr describes herself as an advocate for children and their advocates. Ms. Marr is a former juvenile court judge in DeKalb County, Georgia, an urban community adjacent to Atlanta. After seven years as a judge, she has returned to the private practice of law, specializing in adoptions, juvenile advocacy and other areas of family law. Prior to her legal career, she was a high school English teacher and guidance counselor. She earned a bachelor of science in education from Truman State University, a master of science from the University of Missouri and a juris doctorate from Georgia State University.

Are Children Truly Our National Treasures?

During her seven years as a juvenile court judge, Ms. Marr presided over cases involving thousands of children who were living in situations that ought not to be tolerated in a civilized nation. Those cases are only the tip of the iceberg. Annually, more than 300,000 children run away from home. Within 48 hours of leaving home, 42% of children on the run will trade sex for food and shelter. These children are victims of sexual exploitation, yet they are treated as criminals. Why aren’t we protecting our children?

Mr. Charles Milsted

Associate State Director, Community Outreach
American Association Of Retired Persons (AARP)

Based in Tallahassee, Mr. Milsted is an advocate and spokesperson for AARP’s Florida-based membership. His responsibilities include lobbying the Florida legislature on matters that impact Florida’s senior citizens and intervening in other state-level governmental affairs, such as utility rate cases, that affect Florida’s seniors. Prior to his current assignment, Mr. Milsted was the Supervisor of Operations for Florida’s AARP offices and oversaw the AARP’s state-wide expansion. He has represented AARP at the White House Conference on Aging and served as liaison to the U.S. Department of Labor for Workforce Education. He currently serves as AARP’s Florida liaison to the National Retired Teacher’s Association and the Florida Educator’s Association. Prior to joining AARP Mr. Milsted was a Naval aviator and served as a Staff Strategic Planner for the Secretary of Defense. He holds a BA in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Central Florida and a MA in Strategic Planning from the U.S. Navy Post Graduate School.

Special Keynote Session: Is There Security in Social Security?

A detailed analysis of reform proposals by opponents to the Bush Administration's proposals and why their reforms are a better solution.

Lt Col Christopher "Stump" Monahan

Lt Col Monahan is Commander, 28th Test Squadron, Eglin AFB FL. Current duties include responsibility for test management and execution of CAF weapons, OFP and EW programs for ACC/DR and the AFWC.

Arming Today's Warfighter

Learn about how Eglin Air Force Base designs and tests some of the finest weaponry used by the U.S. armed forces.

Jim Moore

Jim is a local attorney and has co-authored books on humor. He is also a storyteller and actor.

Governor Catts (Historical Monologue)

DeFuniak Springs minister Sidney J. Catts' 1916 campaign for Governor of Florida comes to life in an impersonation by Mr. Moore. Catts won the Democratic nomination only to have it snatched away by the state Supreme Court. But a "Catt" has more than one life and before Catts was through, Florida politics were never the same. Rev. Catts was a professional speaker on the Chautauqua circuit in the late 1920s and 1930s.

Early American Toys (Porch Party)

Before plastic and video games, children used toys built from materials ready available at home. Jim Moore has brought to life many of these cherished toys from by-gone-eras. He will be demonstrating replicas of these early American toys as he embellishes the legends attached with each. Join Jim and learn the challenge of the famous gee-haw whimmy diddle, puzzles and other toys.

Matt Moore, M.P.P.

Senior Policy Analyst
National Center For Policy Analysis

Mr. Moore is senior policy analyst with the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) located in Dallas, TX. Established in 1983, the NCPA is a non-profit, nonpartisan public policy research organization dedicated to the development and promotion of private alternatives to government regulation and control. Mr. Moore is a member of the NCPA’s team of experts that educate policy makers, opinion leaders and the general public about the economic problems facing Social Security and the benefits of personal investment-based reform. He has written and spoken extensively on Social Security and retirement issues and is a frequent guest on national radio and regional television programs. His columns appear regularly in newspapers nationwide, including The Washington Times, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, and the Providence Journal. Prior to joining the NCPA policy staff, Mr. Moore regularly attended Capitol Hill hearings and conferences on Social Security, Medicare, tax reform and welfare. He holds a Masters degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs from Southern Methodist University.

Special Keynote Session: Is There Security in Social Security?

A detailed analysis of the Bush Administration's reform proposals and how these reforms will fix Social Security

Dan Owens

Chess Lessons and Chess Tournament

Get some free lessons on the game of chess on Friday February 24th, and then on Saturday afternoon February 25th take part in a Quick Chess Tournament. Entry fee for the tournament is $20 with prizes based on the number of entrants.

Diane Pickett

Ms. Pickett is President and Founder of the Chautauqua Center, Inc., and as such took it as a personal challenge in 1996 to revive DeFuniak Springs’ once nationally famous Chautauqua Assembly. Returning to DeFuniak Springs in the mid 1980’s, she developed a keen interest in historic preservation and the myriad problems affecting small town America. She has been very active in community efforts regarding the revitalization of one of the South’s most historic cultural areas and hopes to eventually return the Chautauqua Assembly to its original multi-week season of "A Winter Assembly in the Land of Summer."

Waking Tour of Circle Drive

Enjoy a narrated tour of the historic district, stories about its Victorian houses and the people who lived in them. This is a leisurely walking tour (1.3 miles) of historic Circle Drive and its 39 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Opening Ceremonies

Closing Ceremonies

Chuck Puckett

Mr. Puckett is an actor, playwright and musician who has had eight of his musicals brought to the stage. For the last 27 years he has also been a computer software scientist with Intergraph Corporation in Huntsville, Alabama. He and his wife Carol are currently restoring the "Dream Cottage."

The Poetry of Wallace Bruce (Historical Monologue)

Wallace Bruce was one of the central personalities involved in the establishment of the Chautauqua in DeFuniak Springs. Mr. Puckett reads the poetry of Wallace Bruce from the "Dream Cottage" built in DeFuniak Springs in the19th century poet by the Chautauqua President, Wallace Bruce.

Don Rapp, Ph. D.

B.S., physical education, Carthage College; M.S., early childhood, Florida State University; Ph.D., child development, FSU. Professor, University of Illinois and FSU, 34 years. Taught Child Development and Gerontology. Recent American College of Sports Medicine exercise leader certification. Juggler for 65 years. Motivational speaker. Originated Kinetic Arts Training, which is designed to enhance balance. Varied life and professional experiences have culminated in the writing of articles, and in 2006, a book will be published on balance enhancement.

Better Balance Can Be Learned

Stop that first fall or any future fall. You have the power to increase the quality of your life. Good balance is that important. Knowing the body's balance control systems will help you analyze your own balance problems. Also the mechanical principles of balance are most helpful. Participants will have hands-on experience with inexpensive balance aids. The class is offered with humor and vigor.

Dr. Dennis Ray

Dr. Ray served as Head of the Management Department in the College of Business at Mississippi State University for twenty years. He held major offices in national and regional management organization, including National Chairman of the Board of Regents for Certified Managers, President of Southern Management Association, and National Secretary/Treasurer of the Academy of Management. A Fellow of the Academy, he is founding editor of its national publication Journal of Management. Since returning to his native DeFuniak Springs, Dr. Ray has actively pursued historic preservation. He was the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Walton Country Heritage Museum. He and his wife Brenda own and operate the Little Big Store, a country-style general store, in historic downtown DeFuniak.

The History and Art of Toasting Bread

Dr. Ray is an avid collector and has one of the most extensive collections of vintage electric toasters in the country. His collection was featured in Country Home’s Winter 2001 issue of Antiques Extra, Your Guide to Collecting. Dr. Ray takes his toaster collection very seriously, but you would never know it as you listen to his energetic and humorous presentation on "The History and Art of Toasting Bread." Several of his most rare and collectible toasters will be shown and demonstrated. You don’t want to miss this informative and entertaining presentation!

Dewey Ray

Mr. Ray is a trained Facilitator and experienced lecturer on Scottish history and culture. A direct descendent of Scottish Highlanders, he is also active in several Scottish organizations. He is a graduate of Auburn University and a managing partner with a mergers and acquisitions consulting firm.

Improving the Chautauqua Experience

Continuous improvement of the Florida Chautauqua Assembly is one of the top goals of its Board of Directors, and during each Assembly one of the Board members leads a focus group session designed to solicit feedback on how to improve the Assembly. Expect a lively, free-wheeling, and frank discussion of all aspects of the Florida Chautauqua and how it can be improved!

Brenda Rees

Brenda has degrees from Sam Houston State University and Texas A&M University. Her national political experience spans from Alaska to Florida.

Brenda’s great-uncle, T.T. Wentworth, Jr., has a state museum named for his collection in Pensacola. Family members have been active in Florida for nearly 200 years.

Shaping Florida

Walton County native, Brenda Rees moves through thousands of years of geological, archaeological, and historical highlights with maps from the 1500s, artifacts, books, sand, plants and pictures.

The countries, counties and coastal dune lakes of Northwest Florida and Walton County receive special attention.

Dr. Sanford R. Silverburg

Dr. Silverburg is a Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Catawba College, Salisbury, North Carolina. He is a specialist in international relations and international law as well as the government and politics of the Middle East. He has published and lectured internationally and has broad experience with governmental and military affairs.

America as the Cop on the World Beat

Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has claimed for itself the role of world’s sole super power with the duty to deliver the remainder of the globe to the side of democracy. Many other countries in the world see the United States as overly aggressive, politically pompous, and, perhaps, imperial. We will examine the nature of American "exceptionalism" and the basis of various national perceptions of the United States in the world today.

Democracy: Can the American Variant be Given to Others

A look at the unique nature of the American political system and an examination of what it has to offer the remainder of the world and why or why not it will be accepted.

America’s Culture War, the Media, and Public Opinion

America, much of the media claims, is divided into "Red" and "Blue" states, polarized on major political and cultural issues, frequently divided along religious lines. We will look at the relationship of religion in America today as it relates to some of the more contentious cultural and political issues of the day.

Ann Tucker

Ms. Tucker earned a Degree in Anthropology and also holds a Master of Public Administration degree. She is the Chief of the Muscogee Indian Nation of Florida and resides in Bruce, Florida.

People of One Fire

Explore the history of the Creek pioneer families in Walton Country, Florida from the 1860's to the present day. This lecture includes a brief study of genealogy, tribal government, language, stories, traditions, and ceremonies. Historical documents will be on display.

Jan Turnquist

Ms. Turnquist is the Executive Director of Orchard House, home of Louisa May Alcott in Concord, Massachusetts, where "Little Women" was written in 1868. Before becoming Executive Director, however, she was known as the resident Louisa May Alcott, having portrayed Miss Alcott in public service announcements running on the FOX TV network, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and on Public Broadcasting Television (PBS). She has also appeared in hundreds of live performances nationwide for schools, libraries, historical societies, universities, and in corporate settings.

The Surprising World of Louisa May Alcott and Her Literary Friends (Historical Monologue)

Discover the second revolution in our country--the literary revolution taking place in New England during the Victorian Era, known as the Literary Flowering. Jan Turnquist, in character, will discuss New Englanders Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott.

Linda Van Beck

Linda Van Beck presently holds the position of President of the Florida Daffodil Society (FDS). In addition, she oversees the FDS test garden in Tallahassee, consults on county extension service daffodil test gardens in central Florida, directs numerous demonstration gardens and public plantings in Florida, south Georgia and southeast Alabama (many in concert with local extension agents or master gardeners), and lectures to regional gardening groups.

Daffodils in Florida

Linda will be speaking on her book, "Daffodils in Florida: A Field Guide to the Coastal South" which provides the essential information needed to successfully grow daffodils, without forcing or refrigeration, year after year. "Daffodils in Florida" outlines the basics of daffodils, provides horticultural and landscaping guidance and advice, and explores some of the South's forgotten heirloom daffodils. Common questions posed by gardeners are answered and explained, such as what are the best performing daffodils, how best to pick a stem for use in arrangements, what are preferred companion plants and why aren't my daffodils blooming.

Mary Vinson

Mrs. Vinson has a lifetime of experience as a porcelain painter and instructor, and is a winner of many state and international awards. Her work has been featured in a number of magazines and newspapers and on television. She also works with oils and acrylics and is widely know for her landscapes and floral paintings. Her work was featured in the December 2002 issue of "Victorian Homes" magazine.

Porcelain Painting Workshop

This three-hour workshop introduces the student to the basics of porcelain painting. Each participant will finish an 8-inch tile or plate in a floral motif. Advance registration recommended because workshop is limited to 12 students.

Linda Wargo

Linda Wargo is an individual who enjoys fitness and educating about fitness as well as encouraging others to enjoy fitness. She graduated from college in 1975 with an A.S. degree specializing as a Physical Therapist Assistant. She has practiced as a Physical Therapist Assistant for 30 years and has a current license in the State of Florida. Linda has resided in Walton County since 1995 and is presently employed at North Walton Physical Therapy. She is certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer, Pilates Instructor, Fitness Therapist, Aquatic and Exercise Instructor. She earned a Black Belt through the ATA and presently studying Tai Chi for mobility and health benefits.

Pilates Exercise Class

Pilates is a series of controlled movements that emphasizes flexibility and overall strength. It increases lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing and enhances coordination, posture, and balance. The Pilates method is a total body-conditioning workout for both men and women that engages you and leaves you refreshed and alert with an enormous amount of self-confidence. The Pilates Method gives you the stretching benefits of a yoga class along with the great muscle tone of a nautilus workout. It is a true Mind/Body/Breathing experience.