2008 Florida Chautauqua Assembly - Bios & Topic Descriptions

Presenter Biographies

Event Descriptions

Sawmill Band
Thursday ~ 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
Walton County Fair Grounds ~ $8
Back by popular demand, Sawmill Band is making its third consecutive Chautauqua Assembly appearance. This year promises another evening of clean family entertainment packed with traditional and current country music hits with a little country gospel thrown in. Sawmill is blssed with exceptional young talent and first-rate seasoned instrumentalists who combine to present an enthusiastic variety show that is sure to please. The band's enthusiasm is contagious, so be ready to enjoy and participate in a fun-filled evening.

Special thanks to the Walton County 4-H Club forthe great decorations.

SPONSORED BY:

Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra
The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (NFSO) Chamber Players is made up from members of the NFSO which is based at Okaloosa Walton College in Niceville.  The NFSO is now in its 20th season and is a fully professional ensemble.  In addition to its classical concerts the orchestra presents concerts for all 5th grade students in Okaloosa and Walton counties.  The orchestra regularly performs in the beautiful Mattie Kelly Arts Center and is supported by the College, the NFSO Guild as well as private and corporate sponsors.  Jeffrey Rink is the orchestra’s first full-time music director and is the holder of the Mattie Kelly distinguished chair in orchestral music at Okaloosa Walton College.

www.nfsymphony.org

Chautauqua Concert
Friday ~ 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
Presbyterian Sanctuary ~ $12
Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players
Jeffrey Rink, Conductor

Arcangelo Corelli  (1653-1713)
Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 8
I.        Vivace-Grave-Allegro
II.       Adagio-Allegro-Adagio
III.      Vivace
IV.      Allegro-Pastorale (Largo)

Bohuslav Martinu (1890-1959)
La Revue de Cuisine (1927)
I.        Prologue
II.       Allegretto (Marche)
III.      Tango (Lento)
IV.      Charleston (Poco a poco allegro)
V.       Finale (Tempo di marcia)    

Intermission

Aaron Copland  (1900-1990)
Appalachian Spring (Chamber version)

Henri's Notions
Henri's Notions is a six member Celtic ensemble performing original and traditional composition with a rhythm and voice reflective of their Southern heritage which lends a pleasing familiarity to the music.  All members of the group are from Alabama and travel extensively in the eastern United States.  They've also performed in Canada and Scotland.  The group formed in 1977 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama while members were students at the University of Alabama. They've opened for folk icons like Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Kingston Trio, David Grisman and many others.  The group is celebrating their 30th year together.

www.henrisnotions.com

Celtic Music from the South
Saturday ~ 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
Presbyterian Sanctuary ~ $12
From soft finger-picked ballads to hard-driving jigs and reels, Henri's Notions creates a musical mix of traditional Celtic and American music as well as their own compositions that have a rhythm and voice reflective of their Southern heritage, which lends a pleasing familiarity to the music.  The Notions draw from a broad palette of melodious sounds: the ardent sounds of fiddle, lilting flute, keen tin whistles, ringing mandolin, tenor banjo and bouzouki, and the bounce of the button accordion, all played over the resonant tones and drive of the rhythm section, consisting of acoustic guitars, percussion, bass and now and again - bones.

Lead voices dance through the intricate embellishments that bring to life the old ballads and songs, and all members lend voices frequently creating close, rich, well-balanced harmonies.  The group makes a point to provide backgrounds on the songs and instruments used during their performance which allows Henri's Notions to connect with, educate and inspire audiences - as they have for 30 years!

SPONSORED BY:

www.SandestinBeachHilton.com

Bobby Schindler
Bobby Schindler (Terri Schiavo’s brother) is the executive director of the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation which works to defend the lives of the cognitively disabled from the threat of euthanasia. 
The only son of Bob and Mary Schindler, Bobby was born just outside of Philadelphia, with his sisters, Terri and Suzanne. 
Bobby’s life took an unexpected turn in 1990 when Terri suddenly collapsed and was left with a profound brain injury. 
Subsequent to Terri’s estranged husband’s court permission to starve and dehydrate her to death, Bobby has been traveling nationally and internationally devoting himself to raising awareness regarding the growing acceptance of euthanasia.

www.terrisfight.org

Euthanasia: Are We Going Too Far or Not Far Enough?
Thursday ~ 10:15 am - 11:30 am
Methodist Sanctuary ~ FREE
Bobby feels the country is going too far and that we should listen carefully to what our presidential candidates are saying about healthcare.
After the international debate on whether his sister should live or die, Bobby shares his view on the inadequacy of the justice system and diminishing respect for vulnerable life. He will also discuss why he feels the President and Congress were justified in getting involved in the emotional debate regarding his sister’s life and the weight the euthanasia debate will have on the next presidential election.
Bobby's says his message is not just about Terri Schiavo, it's about the future of the country.

Steven Hochman, Ph.D.
Steven H. Hochman became Assistant to President Jimmy Carter in July 1981, helping him with the research and editing of Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President (1982).  He joined The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, at its founding in 1982 and serves as Director of Research. Dr. Hochman received his A.B. from the University of Missouri, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in History from the University of Virginia, where from 1968 to 1981 he assisted Dumas Malone with his Pulitzer Prize-winning six-volume biography of Thomas Jefferson.  He is an adjunct professor in the Emory University Department of History and also teaches in the Department of Political Science.  In his research and writings he has focused on the history of the United States and the American Presidency.  A special interest of his is the role of nongovernmental organizations in public policy.
He has served on the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Advisory Commission since it was established in 1990.

www.cartercenter.org

Jimmy Carter:  Inventing the Post-Presidency
Friday ~ 10:15 am - 11:30 am
Methodist Sanctuary ~ FREE
The main focus will be on his work through The Carter Center, the nongovernmental organization he founded in 1982 to advance peace and health worldwide.  The Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 65 countries by resolving conflicts, advancing democracy and human rights, preventing diseases, diminishing the stigma of mental illnesses, and teaching farmers to increase crop production.

I also will discuss President Carter's life as an author, a professor, and an advocate for causes in which he believes.  In 2002, he was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize.  I will talk about this as well.

Karl Rove
Karl Rove served as Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush until 2007. He has headed the Office of Political Affairs, the Office of Public Liaison, and the White House Office of Strategic Initiatives. For most of his career prior to his employment at the White House, Mr. Rove was a political consultant almost exclusively for Republican candidates. Mr. Rove's election campaign clients have included George W. Bush, Senator John Ashcroft, Bill Clements, John Cornyn, Governor Rick Perry, and Phil Gramm.

Presidential Elections

Saturday ~ 10:15 am - 11:30 am
Methodist Sanctuary ~ FREE
This presentation will focus on the upcoming presidential election.

2008 Chautauqua Songwriters Association Songwriters Competition

The Chautauqua Songwriters Association will sponsor a contest to develop a theme song for the Florida Chautauqua Center, Inc. Three finalists will present their songs during our annual assembly. Each finalist will play their song at the conclusion of each of the Keynote presentations and the finalist will perform the chosen song on Saturday night.
Myspace.com/chautauquasongwriters

Walton County School District
The Walton County School District serves about 7,000 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district operates five elementary schools, three middle schools, three high schools, one combination K-12 school and also includes two charter schools.  All Walton schools are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, with average class sizes of 19 to 22 students.  Recently Walton County schools have scored very well in Florida State standards. In 2005-06 school year, the majority of Walton County schools received an A or B grade from the state Department of Education.

Thursday ~ Friday ~ Saturday ~ 9:00 - 5:00
Community Center Auditorium ~ FREE
Students from elementary, middle and high schools throughout the school district will educate us on the lives and contributions of each of our American presidents in the Florida Chautauqua Hall of Presidents student museum.  Guests will walk into a huge, patriotically decorated room at booths of presidential tidbits arranged in order of each president.  Guests will leave with a better understanding of the history of all of our presidents and more of an appreciation of what each leader contributed to our country. Vote on the most impressive booths so various schools can win cash awards for their exceptional displays.  The Supervisor of Elections office in Walton County is providing electronic balloting systems for the official vote!

Welcome Jimmy Carter National Historic Site!
The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site is displaying a booth at the Hall of Presidents student museum about visiting the closest presidential birthplace and hometown to DeFuniak Springs - Plains, Georgia.  Learn more about the 39th president’s life by visiting their booth and watching a video presentation at the keynote continental breakfast on Friday preceding Jimmy Carter’s research assistant’s presentation.

Eli Chandler
Chautauqua War Between the States coordinator, Major Eli Chandler is a 24 year veteran of the War Between the States reenacting. He is the founding member of Co. "E" 1st Fla. Infantry and started the reenacting unit in the spring of 1990 after rising to the rank of 1st sergeant in another group. He was a founding member of the Stephen R. Mallory Camp #1315 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He is an original member of the Pensacola Round Table.
Eli considers himself a Florida native having lived in Pensacola continuously since 1968. Being the son of a Northwest Florida navel officer, he lived in the midwest, west and north. He was exposed to diverse opinions in different regions of the country regarding the war between the states. He is a member of a patriotic family having close relatives fight in almost all the wars in the United States. Further heritage research uncovered over 30 confederate relatives that fought in the Civil War from several different southern states.
Eli graduated from Pensacola elementary and middle schools, Washington High School in 1977 and attended Pensacola Junior College. Eli has also had the good fortune of working with the film industry in many Park Films, television shows and motion picture features. Eli works in the antique and collectable businesses: His significant other is Sheila Stone with pets Riley and Rose the dogs.

War Between The States: Open Pond Living History & Skirmishes
Friday ~ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday ~ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday ~ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Lake Yard ~ FREE
The War Between the States living history encampment & skirmishes will be set on the lake yard. This event features a Federal camp, a Confederate camp and a civilian camp, firing demonstrations (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. At 2:00 on Saturday and 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.

View detailed schedule

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 they have a membership of nearly 50 artists and now have their own meeting room. Their members work in a variety of mediums, both two dimensional and three dimensional. They 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 and Sale
Thursday ~ Friday ~ Saturday ~ Sunday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm ~ Chautauqua Building Upstairs ~ FREE
The Art League will be presenting the works of approximately 50 artists. The majority of artists are local with some coming from surrounding areas. Last year, the League displayed over 150 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. Painting demonstrations in various mediums will be held in conjunction with the art show upstairs in the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood.

Chautauqua Porcelain Artists
The Chautauqua Porcelain Artists is an organization of artists interested in preserving the art of porcelain painting.  They began in 1980 with Hazel Daughette as their first president. "Sharing is Joy" is their motto and the Dogwood is their 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 they usually visit and paint.

Porcelain Art Show and Sale
Thursday ~ Friday ~ Saturday ~ Sunday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm ~ Chautauqua Building Downstairs ~ FREE
At the Porcelain Art Show and Sale, the Chautauqua Porcelain Artists will 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 the organization’s teacher for many years which has welcomed guest artists from all over the United States who came and taught members new things. From their teacher to guest artists, and even each other, they have learned the secrets of china painting, or at least some of them. New teachers with new ideas, or old ideas with new techniques, they are always being searched for.

Crazy Patch Quilting and Gift Shop

An Airing of Quilts

FREE
Enjoy beautifully hand-crafted quilts from local and national artists at Crazy Patch Quilting and Gift Shop located in "The Big Store" on Baldwin Avenue.  Although they are for viewing only, the official 2008 Florida Chautauqua Assembly quilt will be on display and raffled.  Raffle tickets will be available at the store and also at the Hall of Brotherhood during the Assembly.  We thank Robert and Foye Gramley and friends of Crazy Patch for this significant contribution and their orchestration of "An Airing of Quilts."

Tom Melville
Tom Melville is an American cricket player, author, and historian who, for over fifteen years, has been recreating historical cricket games at living history events and festivals in over a dozen states and Canada.  A native of Wisconsin and a graduate of the University of Wales, where he learned cricket, he's the author of numerous articles on the history of American cricket as well as the book, "The Tented Field: A History of Cricket in America," (Bowling Green State University Press, 1998).

Cricket: America's Original "National Pastime"
Saturday ~ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Lake Yard ~ $7       
Sunday ~ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Lake Yard ~ $7 armband
Learn how to play cricket.  Tom will be recreating short, informal, 19th century cricket games on Saturday and Sunday.  The games will be run on a continuous walkup basis and are open to all.  Absolutely no experience required!
To Americans before the Civil War the cry of "play ball" did not mean baseball but the venerable old English game of cricket which was brought to the United States during the colonial era and remained a prominent part of the American sports scene to the end of the 19th century (at least four US presidents were familiar with the game). 

Mrs. Lincoln’s Tea Garden
Enjoy a tea at the "Mrs. Lincoln Tea Garden."  Not only will you be treated to Calla Lily sandwiches - scones with lemon curd, jam, mock Devonshire clotted cream - lemon snowflakes - petites fours - shortbreads - tea biscuits with honey ham & mustard - chocolate dipped strawberries - assorted tea sandwiches, and of course tea, but you will become inspired and educated by impersonators of famous leaders and writers from years ago. Enjoy the monologues of a late president and first lady, a famous writer or the late, dubious Florida governor who lived in historic DeFuniak Springs.

Mrs. Lincoln’s Tea Garden
Community Center Activity Room ~ $18
THURSDAY:
1:00 - 2:15:   Tea with Florida’s "Governor Catts" performed by Jim Moore
2:30 - 3:45:   Tea with "President and Mrs. Lincoln" performed by Michael Krebs and Debra Ann Miller
4:00 - 5:15:  Tea with "Louisa May Alcott" performed by Jan Turnquist
FRIDAY:
1:00 - 2:15:  Tea with "Louisa May Alcott" performed by Jan Turnquist
2:30 - 3:45:  Tea with Florida’s "Governor Catts" performed by Jim Moore
4:00 - 5:15:  Tea with "President and Mrs. Lincoln" performed by Michael Krebs and Debra Ann Miller
SATURDAY:
1:00 - 2:15:  Tea with "Louisa May Alcott" performed by Jan Turnquist
2:30 - 3:45:  Tea with "President and Mrs. Lincoln" performed by Michael Krebs and Debra Ann Miller
4:00 - 5:15:  Tea with Florida’s "Governor Catts" performed by Jim Moore

Keynote Continental Breakfast
In an effort to provide more background information on each of our keynote speakers or issues relevant to our 4-day program, enjoy a continental breakfast with video documentaries, television news stories and presentations.  Breakfast will include baked goods, muffins, donuts, fruit, cereal, toast, bagels, coffee, hot tea.  Settings will be informal and located at the Methodist Church fellowship hall (keynotes are in the main sanctuary), across from the Hall of Brotherhood.  Guests can attend breakfast anytime from 7:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday but are encouraged to come to breakfast at either 7:00, 8:00 or 9:00, since the breakfast program of presentations and videos will repeat at these times.

THURSDAY:
The Scene Outside Terri Schiavo’s Hospice:  An emotional presentation by WMBB-TV of Panama City where you will watch 30-minutes of news coverage taken outside of Terri’s hospice which answers the questions as to who was there and why, and what Terri’s siblings and parents faced during the 13 day ordeal leading up to her death.  The reporter in front of the camera at the time, Christopher Mitchell, will be on hand to answer questions about what he feels the public did not learn that was critical to forming an educated opinion about one of America’s most emotional debates.  The presentation precedes Terri Schiavo’s brother’s keynote address.

FRIDAY:
The Jimmy Carter Model of the "Former Presidency:"  Preceding a keynote presentation by Jimmy Carter’s assistant and director of research, Dr. Steven H. Hochman, you’ll learn more about Jimmy Carter’s life through video presentations by WMBB-TV and The Carter Center in Atlanta.  Find out what this former president is doing that is seen by many historians as both controversial and celebrated around the world.

SATURDAY:
The Best of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom:  Jim Fowler, former host of the famous television series, will be the keynote speaker at 10:00.  Watch "The Best of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom" and reflect on the significance of Jim Fowler’s life on nature and the environment.

Helen "Skippy" Hoffman 
"Skippy’s" art background started with two commercial art schools in Pittsburgh, PA. Her passion is teaching basics of drawing and painting realism to adults and children while they learn technique with five mediums. Framing has become a business extension of this process with needlework framing a specialty.

How to Frame and Preserve Your Needlework
Saturday ~ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Community Center Art Room ~ $25 Includes Supplies
This is hands-on workshop for needle workers and fabric artists. Learn how to preserve your needlework with proper mounting and framing techniques - especially a museum mounting method of lacing over a support board to prepare your work for framing.

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 known for her landscapes and floral paintings. Her work was featured in the December 2002 issue of "Victorian Homes" magazine.

Porcelain Painting Workshop
Saturday ~ 9:00 - 12:00
Vinson Studio - 301 South 11th Street ~ $25 Includes Supplies
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.

Jim Fowler
Jim Fowler is the former host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. He has presented information about wildlife and wilderness to the American public on television for more than 40 years. He first served with Marlin Perkins as co-host and later became host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom; he also hosted Mutual of Omaha's Spirit of Adventure.
Fowler graduated with degrees in zoology and geology from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana and is recognized internationally as an authority on predatory birds. He pursued a graduate degree by conducting the first studies of the world's largest eagle, the harpy, in the wilds of the Amazon, and later tracked the movements of the Andean condor in Peru.

Dale Arrowood
Dale is a master falconer who co-founded and now leads a company called Winged Ambassadors, an organization in Sharpsburg, Georgia that brings educational bird shows to schools, scouting events, and fairs. Dale is retired from a long career in law enforcement and now enjoys falconry so much that he has dedicated his life to educating the public about the significance of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures using non-releasable birds he found injured. Dale has lectured throughout the southeast, and his program receives support from Auburn University and his life long hero and close friend, naturalist Jim Fowler (former co-star of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.)
 
Robert Gordon, Ph.D.
Dr. Gordon is a master falconer who has flown numerous birds of prey including red tail, hawks, kestrels, coopers hawks, Harris hawks, shap shin hawks, peregrine, prairie, Barbary and hybrid falcons.  Today, as a master falconer, he continues to actively participate in the sport and in raptor conservation efforts.  He is a member of the Georgia Falconry Association, the Georgia Game Hawkers Club and the North American Falconry Association.

Birds of Prey Demonstration
Saturday ~ 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Sunday ~ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Amphitheater ~ $7
There’s only one fascinating way to learn about birds of prey - that is to meet them up close and personal!  Dale and Bob will introduce you to several of their birds and will perform free-flight demonstrations.  This is a very interactive program that features several non-releasable birds that are trained for educating audiences of all ages. These birds are not trained to do tricks.  They simply mimic what comes naturally to them.  Dale and Bob will showcase the differences and similarities between a variety of raptor and owl families.  They will stress their importance as "environmental indicators" and will emphasize the necessity of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Birds of Prey as Religious Symbols
Saturday ~ 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Amphitheater ~ $7
Many people are mesmerized by falcons, eagles and other birds of prey, as they have been for centuries.  These free-spirited birds are seen by many to be creations of the Almighty and have been symbolized in religions throughout the world since the beginning of time.  You'll be surprised to learn how birds of prey may be symbolized in your own religion.

Nell Baker
Nell Baker owns Garden & Home Gift Shop on Baldwin Avenue in DeFuniak Springs.  She is a 40 year native of the area and has taught numerous arts and craft classes throughout the past four decades.  She has been featured on numerous television shows and national magazines.

How To "Fragrance" Your Home
Thursday ~ 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Garden & Home Gift Shop ~ $7
The holidays may be over, but don’t throw away that old potpourri!  Nell Baker will give you some "how-to" tips on re-scenting not only your potpourri but also how to pleasantly scent other items around your home.  Take some of historic DeFuniak Springs home with you as you learn these exciting tidbits for your own home that will become invaluable to you for all your entertaining plans throughout the year.

Paul Brock

Mr. Brock is a retired teacher and coach. He has a Bachlor degree in History and Political Science and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. He taught American History, World History, and coached Football and baseball at Ft. Walton Beach High School, retiring in 2005 after 35 years of service. Mr. Brock presently serves as the Bishop of The Ft. Walton Beach II Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He has also been  active in scouting for over 30 years. He has been married for 39 years to the former Jane Skipper of Destin who presently is employed as a Giudance Counselor at Edwins Elementary in Ft. Walton Beach. Currently, Mr. Brock is serving on the Mitt Romney campaign committee for Okaloosa County.   

A Mormon President?  What Would it Mean?
Saturday ~ 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Methodist Fellowship Hall ~ $7
Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is a Mormon, and many voters, journalists and political editorialists have questioned whether his religion should be an issue in presidential campaign politics.  Mr. Brock will provide an ecumenical presentation on what it means to be a Mormon and whether our electorate is over-concerned with having a Mormon president.

Dean DeBolt
Dean DeBolt is University Librarian for Special Collections at the University of West Florida in Pensacola where he has been on the faculty since 1981.  He has lectured widely on the American Chautauqua Movement and the history of the Florida Chautauqua including presentations at the New York Chautauqua and the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly.  He is a frequent speaker on topics of West Florida history and genealogical research.

American Chautauqua Movement: Its History
Thursday ~ 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Presbyterian Assembly Room ~ $7
Tracing its roots from the lyceums of the 1820s, the Chautauqua Movement began with the simple Sunday School Normal Assembly on the shores of Lake Chautauqua, NY.  This talk traces the history of the Chautauqua, its national emergence, the traveling tent shows, and the present-day Chautauquas throughout the United States.

American Presidents and West Florida
Friday ~ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Methodist Fellowship Hall ~ $7
Discusses the formal and informal ways that American Presidents have influenced
West Florida, including visits to West Florida; covered will be James Monroe, Andrew
Jackson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Teddy Roosevelt, and others.
History of the Florida Chautauqua
Saturday ~ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Presbyterian Library ~ $7
Come learn how the Florida Chautauqua in DeFuniak Springs was founded and why.  Along the way, we’ll explore how DeFuniak Springs was created, the individuals that led the Florida Chautauqua, and why it was called the Great Southern Chautauqua and one of the longest running in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Barbara E. Mattick
Barbara E. Mattick is the Chief of the Bureau of Historic Preservation for the Florida Department of State.  Barbara grew up primarily in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but has lived in Tallahassee since 1973.  She has been employed by the Florida Department of State full time since 1980, working for the State Library of Florida beginning in 1980, and the Bureau of Historic Preservation since 1988.  She oversees the day to day operations of Florida's State Historic Preservation Office.

How to Preserve a Historic Town
Thursday ~ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Community Center Meeting Room ~ $7
This session will discuss the interrelationship between national, state and local preservation programs that together serve to preserve our historic resources.

RobRoy McGregor
RobRoy is the founder of the growing myspace songwriters community known as the Chautauqua Songwriters Association. Guidance and support for the CSA has come from Kerry Lyons, Sr., Singer/Songwriter office holder of The Knoxville Songwriters Association. http://www.myspace.com/kerrylyons

RobRoy graduated with honors from the University of TN Knoxville with a BA in Anthropology, with an emphasis in Cultural Studies. He has been involved for the last 18 years in the South Eastern Music Scene, Serving on production crews for Salvador Tour, Charlie Daniels, David Matthews, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, REM, just to name a few. Rob Roy is currently managing Dusty Mathews, a comedic magician and hosting The Chautauqua House Open Mike Tuesday Nights at the Artist Colony  of Gulf Place, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida in the Heart of 30A.

Successful Lyric Writing for the Music Industry
Thursday ~ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Presbyterian Sanctuary ~ $7
Introduction to "Successful Lyric Writing with a step by step course & workbook" by author Sheila Davis, a gold-record lyricist and composer.

WorkBook title: "Successful Lyric Writing with a step by step course & workbook" by author Sheila Davis

Publisher: F + W Publications, Inc., 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236
               ph: (800) 289-0963
Chautauqua Songwriters workshop
presented by Rob Roy McGregor,
founder of the Chautauqua Songwriters Myspace Community

www.myspace.com/chautauquasongwriters

Jim Moore
Jim is a local retired attorney and has co-authored books on humor and has written two books on the history of Walton County. He is a graduate of Walton High School with a degree from Florida State University and University of Florida. He is a storyteller, yarn spinner, actor and has appeared in Grit and Grace. He latest novel "Hotel DeFuniak" has just been published.

Governor Cats (Historical Monologue)
Thursday ~ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Methodist Chapel ~ $7
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.

Sandy Nolen
Sandy Nolen works for the Tallahassee-based Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging, by offering unbiased counseling and help for anyone on Medicare.  She has a degree in social work and administration from Nichols State University in Thibodeaux, Louisiana and masters in administration from the University of Dallas.  She’s been working for the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging’s SHINE program for over a year and previously worked as a case manager for the elderly prior to her current position at the agency.

Medicare: Which Plan Works Best For You?
Thursday ~ 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Community Center Art Room ~ FREE
Get the answers to your questions about Medicare, specific to your situation. That’s Sandy Nolen’s job with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs who will offer unbiased counseling and help for anyone on Medicare - from claims to the best Medicare program for you.

Diane Pickett
Ms. Pickett is Founder and Chairman of the Florida 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."

Tour of Circle Drive
Thursday ~ Friday ~ Saturday
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Meet in Front of the Chautauqua Building ~ $7
Enjoy a narrated tour of the historic district, stories about its Victorian houses and the people who lived in them. This is a leisurely tour (1.3 miles) of historic Circle Drive and its 39 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Steven E. Quinnell
Steven E. Quinnell is Board certified by The Florida Bar as an Elder Law specialist. Frequent speaker on these topics: Nursing home Medicaid and assisted living planning, Guardianships for elderly, children & disabled adults, Wills; estates; trusts; special needs trusts.

Living Wills and General Planning for Life, Death and Disability for Yourself and Others
Saturday ~ 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Presbyterian Assembly Room ~ $7
We'll discuss the importance of planning ahead for disability with some basic simple documents.  Most people plan for death, but not for disability.  A Last Will and Testament is a good start, but it is not nearly enough to cover all of the possibilities.  Everyone should have a Durable Power of Attorney, plus End of Life Instructions (also known as a Living Will).  We'll also discuss (a) nursing home Medicaid, and (b) disabled adult children. 

Don Rapp
B.S., Physical Education, Carthage College, M.S., Early Childhood, Florida State University, Ph.D., Child Development, Florida State University.  Taught 34 years at University of Illinois, University of Georgia and Professor Emeritus, Florida State University, Academic fields of Child Development and Gerontology. Recent American College of Sports Medicine certification as a personal trainer.  Juggler for 67 years.  Motivational speaker. Originated Kinetic Arts Training, designed to enhance balance. May 2007: appointment to Florida Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness.    Author: On Balance: Mastery of Physical Balance for Life.
www.DonRapp.com

Spirituality And Physical  Health
Saturday ~ 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Methodist Fellowship Hall ~ $7
Intimately related are the material and spiritual worlds. On the practical level, the human body is the foundation upon which spirituality may mature. This class will offer life-long health strategies, while at the same time assuring that emotional, mental, and social fitness are optimized.  
Learning Better Balance
Saturday ~ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Community Center Meeting Room ~ $7
Better balance can be learned. The objective of this class is to enhance balance and reduce or even eliminate that first fall. This course presents knowledge about the body’s balance control systems. Exercises are offered to counteract the decline of nervous system function caused by advancing age, disease and injury.  Motivational tools are given with humor and vigor. The instructor encourages an atmosphere of safe experimentation and fun while working toward a more balanced body and a more productive and enjoyable life. Long-term independent mobility is the goal.

Brenda Anderson Rees
Walton County, Florida native Brenda Anderson Rees has developed an original and diverse history program titled "Shaping Florida."
Previous "Shaping Florida" Chautauqua presentations focused on a broad multi-media "Shaping Florida" history performance and "John Wesley in Spanish Florida". Other original events include the Walton County 200 Countdown Celebration held each December 29, and the unveiling of George Walton Jr.’s portrait to current citizens. The T.T. Wentworth, Jr. State Museum in Pensacola is named for her great uncle.  Family members have been active in Florida for nearly 200 years. Brenda has a B.A. from Sam Houston State University, a M.Ed. from Texas A&M University, additional history work at University of West Florida, and Florida Master Naturalist Certificate.  She was a presenter at the 2006 Gulf South History and Humanities Conference.

Chautauqua Portrayal of Octavia Walton LeVert
Thursday ~ 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Methodist Chapel ~ $7
Walton County namesake George Walton Jr.’s daughter, Octavia Walton LeVert,  is portrayed by Brenda Rees.  Octavia’s rich and famous history, although largely unknown today, is weaved through the early territorial days of Florida and Walton County.  She counted among her friends and admirers Henry Clay, Washington Irving and Edgar Allan Poe.  Octavia’s family connections, brilliant mind and reputation as the "Belle of the South" carried her through all the famous circles of the day from presidents, politicians, performers, the Pope, and Queen Victoria.

Lane Rees
President of Human Resource Solutions, Inc., has significant experience in human resources leadership from the North Slope of Alaska to the Sahara Desert in Algeria.  Rees has been active in the communities where he and his family have lived including political involvement.  Rees was elected Chair of the Alaska Republican Party and a member of the Republican National Committee.  Rees has been part of the delegation to two National Republican Conventions in 1992 and 2000. In 2000 Rees was elected a Walton County Commissioner and Chair 2001/2002.  Governor Jeb Bush appointed Rees to the Florida Medical Examiner Commission. Currently, Rees serves as chair of two foundation boards and active in other organizations.

Ray Padgett
Ray Padgett is the former chair of the Walton County Democratic Executive Committee and has run for political office as a Democrat in Florida.  He also served as campaign manager for Democratic candidates in Georgia.  He is retired from the Coca Cola company where he was a computer analyst and traveled throughout the world providing computer audits for Coca Cola computer centers.  He currently lives in Walton County.

What’s the Difference Between Conservative Democrats and Liberal Republicans?
Thursday ~ 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Methodist Fellowship Hall ~ $7
What’s the real difference between the two major political parties beyond modern day wedge issues?  Learn the founding principals of each party and decide what you really are - or are not - when it comes down to your party affiliation. Co-presenters Lane Rees and Ray Padgett will represent their parties and attempt to explain the real differences.

Jim Reither
Jim Reither taught at St Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, for twenty-nine years.  Early in his career he specialized in dramatic literature, teaching Shakespeare, Medieval and Renaissance drama, and Modern Drama; but over time he grew increasingly interested in ways language works, teaching courses in classical and modern rhetoric, writing, and language as symbolic action.  He has written articles, presented papers, and conducted workshops on the latter subjects throughout the United States and Canada.  Married for fifty good years, Jim and his wife live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and, in the summer months, on a lake in north-central Minnesota.

When Politicians Speak:  Language as Symbolic Action
Friday ~ 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Presbyterian Assembly Room ~ $7
The aim of this session is to better understand ways politicians use their "stump speeches" to create and shape our realities so as to win our votes.  A key premise of our discussion is that when politicians speak or write they not only say things, they also do things.  They undertake "symbolic action."  Some things politicians do when they speak include naming, promising, praising, blaming, warning, and so on.   When a politician says, for example, "I will cut big government," he or she is promising.  This session will invite participants to examine presidential candidates’ "speech acts" to see how they are designed to win elections.

Maestro Jeffrey Rink
Jeffrey Rink is the recipient of the 2005 Jacopo Peri Award for outstanding contributions to the art of Opera,  Mr. Rink recently led a production of La Bohème with the Maryland Opera Theatre which was praised by the Washington Post as "good as any "Bohème" you are likely to see this side of the Metropolitan Opera or Covent Garden."  Mr. Rink recently made his conducting debuts with The New Japan Philharmonic and the Philharmonic of Tokyo and in 2002 conducted a sold out performance of Chinese and Western music in Carnegie Hall.  In July 2007 Mr. Rink was named Music Director of the Northwest Florida Symphony and the Mattie Kelly Distinguished Chair in Orchestral Music at Okaloosa Walton College.

Music and Emotion: How and Why Does It Affect Us?
Friday ~ 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Presbyterian Sanctuary ~ $7
Since the dawn of civilization Man has turned to music to soothe, agitate, inspire and meditate.  Often times we are physically and emotionally affected by music and yet we don’t know why.  Perhaps it is music’s ephemeral, fleeting qualities that make its emotional properties so misunderstood.  In this discussion we will try to isolate and explore specific elements of music and the responses they produce in the listener.

Dr. Sanford R. Silverburg
Dr. Silverburg is a professor of Political Science in the Department of History and Politics 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.

Who or What Drives the President? A Political Party, Advisors, or the People
Thursday ~ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Methodist Fellowship Hall ~ $7
The President, today, is expected to be the leader of the country facing global issues and chief problem solver of our domestic ills.  It is, of course, unreasonable to expect any single individual to be on top of all things for all people all the time.  But where does a president get the necessary guidance from and who should be the primary advice giver?

The American Presidency and Personality: Where's the Power?
Friday ~ 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Methodist Fellowship Hall ~ $7
A long-standing discussion within academic circles has been a debate on the source of presidential power.  Is a president's power, as distinct from authority, found in the text of the US Constitution or in the persona of the office holder?  We will examine the variations on this theme in a presentation that with enlighten and, hopefully, be a source of thoughtful discussion as we look at the current administration and several of the past administrations.

Can a New President Change America's Course?
Saturday ~ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Methodist Fellowship Hall ~ $7
Public opinion polls, for whatever they are worth, indicate that America's international policies have placed the country in an isolated position globally on a number of important issues.  Assuming that a change in our image abroad is desirable and necessary; can we expect an alteration in our direction, regardless of who holds office after the upcoming presidential race?

Ann Tucker
Ann Tucker is chairwoman and the current leader of the Muscogee Nation of Florida, the local Indian Tribe in active pursuit of federal recognition with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  She was born in Bruce Florida and has a B.A from Florida State University and an M.A. in Public Administration from Troy State University

What Does it Mean to Be a Sovereign Indian Nation?
Thursday ~ 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Presbyterian Assembly Room ~ $7
Ann Tucker will explain the nature of Indian sovereignty in our country and how our federal government relates to the Indian nations of the United States of America.  You will also learn about the relationship some modern presidents have had with these nations and why some are accused of keeping a distance from them.

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, in corporate settings, and for First  Lady, Laura Bush.

The Surprising World of Louisa May Alcott and Her Literary Friends (Historical Monologue)
Friday ~ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Methodist Chapel ~ $7
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.

Bruce Ward
For the past 20 years he has been employed by the University of Florida Extension Service as an Agricultural Extension Agent. He currently is the Director of the Walton County Office of the Extension Service. Mr. Ward has a B.S. in Agricultural Business and Management and an M.S. in Agricultural Economics. For the past three years he has been involved in development of bio-fuels. In February 2007 Mr. Ward was one of the seven specialists from the University of Florida who went to Brazil to gain insight to how Brazil utilizes sugar cane to produce ethanol. He is currently involved in producing bio-diesel from oil seeds and evaluating the energy potential of several potential energy crops.

Ethanol:  What You Need to Know to Form an Opinion
Friday ~ 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Presbyterian Library ~ $7
The cheap and easy to get oil has already been found and most of it used. For every new barrel of oil that is discovered the world is using 7-10 barrels. We are running out of oil.  Learn the facts about ethanol so you can form an opinion on whether our country is going in the right direction with new fuel productions.

Mark Witham
Mark Witham has been a U.S. history teacher for 24 years and currently teaches at Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Georgia.  One of his hobbies is visiting presidential historic sites.  He received his BA and M.Ed, Secondary Education from the University of West Georgia.  He is married and has two children and is active in the Tabernacle Baptist Church choir in Carrollton, Georgia.

Visiting Presidential Historic Sites
Saturday ~ 2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Methodist Sanctuary ~ $7
Mark has traveled to numerous presidential historic sites and will take you on a "journey" into some of his remarkable visits and explain what you will learn from exploring some of our national treasures from visiting the gravesites of past presidents to the libraries and birthplaces of some of our modern presidents. 

Sunday, February 3rd from 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Sunday is one of the biggest days of the Florida Chautauqua.  It's a time to get together, celebrate our experiences and have more fun learning before we leave for home.  Let's join for lunch to meet new friends at the Hall of Brotherhood and enjoy some last minute events you may have missed during the past few days.  Learn something new with on-hand demonstrations and conclude the day with a beautiful organ recital.  Let's talk about the Florida Chautauqua experience, too, and share how to make this historic event even bigger and better next year.  A $7 armband includes lunch (which begins at 1:00) and all of the day's activities.

The Bee Bops
A singing and dancing audition group of 4th and5th graders from West DeFuniak Elementary School.

Favorite Songs
The Bee Bops perform a variety of songs from their patriotic and country programs.
They may also perform pieces from the musical, "The Sound of Music, by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Renee Riggs
Renee is a Florida certified K-12 Music
Teacher and currently teaches at West
DeFuniak Elementary School. She holds a degree in Vocal Performance and Church Music from The Baptist College of Florida.
Renee has performed as a soprano soloist in various operas, musicals, and recitals, and currently sings with the Northwest Florida Symphony Choir in Niceville, Florida.

Vocal Performance
Renee will be performing spirituals, contemporary patriotic, and a song or two from the 1800's.

Jim Moore
Jim is a retired attorney. He has served as scout master for over forty years. He is past president of the Gulf Coast Council of Boy Scouts of America. While attending world and national jamborees, he has demonstrated to scouts from all over the world these early American toys.

Early American Toys
Before plastic and video games, children used toys built from materials readily available at home. Jim Moore has brought to life many of these cherished toys from bygone-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.

Christopher Mitchell

Christopher Mitchell is a resident of DeFuniak Springs. In 2007, he concluded a nine year career as an award-winning broadcast journalist with WMBB-TV, an ABC affiliate based in Panama City, Florida to assume a new role with a local development company. Chris grew up in Foxboro, Massachusetts and is a 1985 graduate of Georgia Southwestern College (now named Georgia Southwestern State University) in Americus, Georgia, where he received a B.A. in political science. Following college graduation, Chris worked as a personal aide to former President Jimmy Carter at The Carter Center, a non-profit, non-partisan public policy institute affiliated with Emory University. His work with the Carters took him to numerous countries throughout central Africa and England.

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 a focus group session designed to solicit feedback on how to improve the Assembly is offered. Expect a lively, free-wheeling, and frank discussion of all aspects of the Florida Chautauqua and how it can be improved!

Dr. Robert Leslie, Jr.
Dr. Leslie taught 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.

DeFuniak Springs Recital
First United Methodist Church
Robert Leslie, Organist

Sunday ~ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Methodist Sanctuary ~ FREE
Rondeau - Jean-Joseph Mouret (1682-1738)                                                                                                                                                            

From "The Little Organ Book" -  J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
          Hail this brightest day of days
          The old year now has passed away
          In Thee is gladness

Cantabile - Cesar Franck (1822-1900)

Pastorale - Darius Milhaud (1892-1974)

Preludes on the Catechism Hymns - J. S. Bach
          Kyrie! Father in eternity
          Credo: We all believe in one God, Creator
          The Lord’s Prayer: Our Father who in heaven art
          Fugue in E flat ("St. Anne")

Dr. Leslie has chosen this program to display the many and varied tonal colors of this Allen Renaissance Organ. With fiery trumpets, mellow strings, flutes, and the diapasons, which are the backbone of every organ, the music will sing, whisper, and shout the glories of "The King of Instruments."