2009 Florida Chautauqua Assembly 1-29 to 2-1

It's on the calendar! Thanks!

On my calender as well!

Just two weeks until Chautauqua! There are so many wonderful sessions and events. I'll highlight a few each day. Programming falls under the "four pillars" of education, art, religion and recreation.

All exhibits are free and open to the public. Tickets for paid events are available now. Go to www.Florida-Chautauqua-Center.org for complete and extensive program. You may also call 850-892-7613.

Here are just a few of the exhibits, the first including the work of Walton County students.
A Journey through Africa
Free-standing exhibits at the Walton County Fair Grounds, some as large as ten-feet wide, will be on display on each of the 53 countries of Africa. Exhibits designed by students of the Walton County School District. Students from elementary school through high school have worked diligently to find creative ways to educate all of us on this fascinating region of the world. Vote on your favorite exhibit! Cash awards are offered by the Florida Chautauqua Center to the schools/classes with the most creative and informative displays. Walton County Fair Grounds

American Missionary Work in Africa
Explore the many efforts taking place in Africa through our own congregations at exhibits by various churches. Find out the creative ways we are reaching out to the people of Africa, what work they are doing to improve the quality of life in developing African nations, and how our missionaries are coping in a region of the world so different from our own. Walton County Fair Grounds

Camp Conservation
Explore how African conservation efforts have migrated to the United States by visiting camps of regional non-profit conservation groups at the Walton County Fair Grounds. Organizations like Winged Ambassadors will exhibit falcons, owls and other species at a tented camp exhibits and discuss with small, visiting groups their significance to our environment and preservation and conservation efforts. From reptiles to rodents, fowls to turtles, this inside nature walk is sure to inspire all of us to take a closer look at protecting the world around us, starting with our own back yards. Walton County Fair Grounds

1Explore Your Roots, Chautauqua or Travel/Connect Florida to Africa

Just 14 days to go before the 2009 Florida Chautauqua -- Jan. 29 - Feb. 1 in DeFuniak Springs. If you go to the www.florida-chautauqua-center.org website and click on Session, the following are just a few of the choices. There are Exhibits and Sessions. Be sure to check out the entire schedule and list of speakers.


Exploring Your Roots: Genealogy expert Wayne Sconiers of DeFuniak Springs will introduce you to the world of genealogy and ways to begin to trace your own family history. His discussion will include where to look and how to get started in gathering family data, census and other vital records, how and where to best record your data, relevant sources and how to document them, how to easily share the information you gather with others, and where to get personal help later in your family quest. You'll learn just about everything you'll need to know to preserve your family history for generations to come.

Florida's Geologic Connection to Africa: Dr. Jon Arthur, Assistant State Geologist from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, will explain how Florida's geologic history begins deep beneath its surface where ancient rocks indicate that Florida was once a part of northwest Africa! Are you actually sitting on a part of Africa?

History of the Florida Chautauqua Movement: Dean DeBolt, University Librarian for Special Collections at the University of West Florida will discuss how the Florida Chautauqua in DeFuniak Springs was founded and why. Along the way, we'll explore how DeFuniak Springs we 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.

Traveling to Africa: Interested in an exploration across the Serengeti or a climb to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro? Travel experts Mark and Alison Nolting, owners of Africa Adventure Company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will tell you what it will take to make that African travel adventure come true. They will discuss considerations before making such plans, pricing, travel packages and some of the most fascinating and exciting adventures you can take.

You should post a picture of the "bus" for excursions. That would definitely spark some interest.

More Education Sessions

Just 13 Days to go!!!
I think the unique "Rust-A-Bus" is only on site for one of the excursions. Sorry I don't have access to picture. I'll check on transportation for other excursions planned for Sunday afternoon. Until then, here are a few more programs in the Education pillar.


Africa in World Politics Today: Africa is a rich mix of cultures and contradictions tht affect all of us and, therefore, a subject that requires our awareness. Dr. Sandy Silverburg will explain how there is the world of despair where we find genocide and ethnic conflict, political violence and election fraud. But he will also discuss how Africa is also a region that is rich with mineral wealth and natural beauty with wild life and wondrous scenery. This topic will be explored with a complex of lenses, social, cultural, and political.

African Views on Time and Money: Barry McWilliams, a frequent traveler to Uganda will explain how time and money are quite different than in the West and how your day in this region of the world would be impacted.

AFRICOM (United States Africa Command): Pentagon intelligence specialist Lt. Col. Todi Carnes will discuss the creation of a new U.S. military headquarters launched by the president and devoted solely to Africa. Learn about AFRICOM's structure and mission, U.S. interests motivating the creation of these headquarters, specific activities, and potential impact on this region of the world.

Religion PIllar

Just 12 Days to go to the Florida Chautauqua in DeFuniak Springs, Jan. 29 through Feb. 1. Here are some individual sessions that fall under the "Religion Pillar." All exhibits are free and open to the public. Tickets for paid events, such as the sessions highlighted below, are available now. Go to www.Florida-Chautauqua-Center.org for complete and extensive program. You may also call 850-892-7613.


African and Biblical Concepts: Dr. Dave Felder, a tenured professor at Florida A&M University, will demonstrate that an understanding of African concepts is essential to understanding concepts in the Hebrew Scriptures including the creation story, concepts of afterlife and immortality, and concepts of naming and the power of names. Dr. Felder will share concepts in a book he is completing on African and Biblical concepts that discusses such diverse topics as Moses as an Egyptian, the dating of the Exodus, and the connection between circumcision and the covenant.

Anglican and Presbyterian Missions in Africa: Dr. Robert Leslie will tell us what Anglicans and Presbyterians did and the results from receiving to sending missionaries to the home countries. He will look at motivation for missions, techniques of missioning, results of missioning, and the phenomenon of mission churches themselves missioning the original senders.

History of the A.M.E. Church: We may be a member of these churches or we may pass by them every day in our communities. But, how were they founded, and what do the words "African Methodist Episcopal" mean? Dr. A. Nevell Owens, Assistant Professor of Religion at FAMU will teach us about the origins and history of the AME Church in America.

Recreation Pillar -- Teas

Only 11 Days to Go. Here is information on the Chautauqua "Teas" offered this year. Octavia is at 10:45 a.m., Teddy Roosevelt is at 1:45 p.m., and the African Storyteller is at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. $18 ticket required for each.



Tea with Teddy Roosevelt: Enjoy an afternoon tea in the African Rainforest Lounge and listen to "the former president's stories about his recent African safari adventure. President Roosevelt is played by actor Joe Wiegand of Illinois who "walks the walk" and "talks the talk" so well that you believe you are really sitting before the 26th president of the United States. This monologue presentation historically represents a period of President Roosevelt's post presidential life.

Tea with the African Storyteller: Come prepared to be taken on a journey into the rich heritage of Africa. Masankho Banda, a native of Malawi and an accomplished international storyteller, will bring Africa to the African Rainforest Lounge during your tea. He will demonstrate how stories have played the role of educating villagers and how they give dimension to the spiritual and divine, illustrating African culture and entertaining and amusing the community. Enjoy your afternoon tea while listening and learning about this incredible region of the world through storytelling and unique African performance.

Tea with Octavia Walton Le Vert: Enjoy a fascinating "living history tribute" of Madame Octavia Walton Le Vert (played by Brenda Rees), a published woman author and writing peer of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Louisa Mae Alcott in the mid 1800's. Discussing Octavia's world travels from her book "Souvenirs of Travel," Brenda Rees will portray the famous Belle of the South and daughter of Walton County's namesake. This one-time Florida resident is brought to life through her Florida territorial days' adventures, conversations with the well-traveled of America, and stories with the rich and famous of the world. Promoting freedom was instilled by her grandfather, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy tea and dessert while you step back in time and explore the world of travel though the eyes of an incredible and historical Northwest Florida figure.

Only 11 Days to Go. Here is information on the Chautauqua "Teas" offered this year. Octavia is at 10:45 a.m., Teddy Roosevelt is at 1:45 p.m., and the African Storyteller is at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. $18 ticket required for each.



Tea with Teddy Roosevelt: Enjoy an afternoon tea in the African Rainforest Lounge and listen to "the former president's stories about his recent African safari adventure. President Roosevelt is played by actor Joe Wiegand of Illinois who "walks the walk" and "talks the talk" so well that you believe you are really sitting before the 26th president of the United States. This monologue presentation historically represents a period of President Roosevelt's post presidential life.

Tea with the African Storyteller: Come prepared to be taken on a journey into the rich heritage of Africa. Masankho Banda, a native of Malawi and an accomplished international storyteller, will bring Africa to the African Rainforest Lounge during your tea. He will demonstrate how stories have played the role of educating villagers and how they give dimension to the spiritual and divine, illustrating African culture and entertaining and amusing the community. Enjoy your afternoon tea while listening and learning about this incredible region of the world through storytelling and unique African performance.

Tea with Octavia Walton Le Vert: Enjoy a fascinating "living history tribute" of Madame Octavia Walton Le Vert (played by Brenda Rees), a published woman author and writing peer of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Louisa Mae Alcott in the mid 1800's. Discussing Octavia's world travels from her book "Souvenirs of Travel," Brenda Rees will portray the famous Belle of the South and daughter of Walton County's namesake. This one-time Florida resident is brought to life through her Florida territorial days' adventures, conversations with the well-traveled of America, and stories with the rich and famous of the world. Promoting freedom was instilled by her grandfather, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy tea and dessert while you step back in time and explore the world of travel though the eyes of an incredible and historical Northwest Florida figure.

What kind of tea do you serve at these things?

WRobert. The type of tea is up to the "tea ladies." I've attended several "teas" in DeFuniak and it has always been most delightful. I could tell you more about the content of some of the talks. The decorating of the "Rainforest" tearoom and the delicious food preparation is out of my area of expertise. Hope to see you there.

Only 10 days to go. Here is something that I am going to personally make an effort to attend. My music buddies will appreciate this. If you have not attended one of Dr. Leslie's performances in the past, you are in for a true surprise and delight.

Baroque Excitement in J.S. Bach: Dr. Robert Leslie will provide you with an opportunity to get to know the amazing and human Bach through two of his most exciting works for choir -- his Mass in B minor and Christmas Oratorio. A look at how he composed these works and why they still excite those who listen to them, as well as those who sing them

Chautauqua Recreation Pillar

Chautauqua is not all about study and entertainment. Recreation is an important pillar of the institution as well. Enjoy Mancala. Just 8 days to go!!!


Mancala for Beginners - Thursday: Learn how to play the oldest board game in the world with origins believed to be in Africa. It is a game of judgment, strategy and patience. Mancala's use of counting and estimating make it an ideal family game. The rules are simple, yet challenging.

Mancala Tournament - Friday: Now that you've learned how to play the oldest board game in the world, it's time to put your skills to the test. Sign up and play several rounds of Mancala to see who among us is best - at least today - then get ready for the final round tomorrow!
Mancala Tournament Finale - Saturday: It's time to find out who is the best Mancala player at the 2009 Florida Chautauqua Assembly! Only those who won in yesterday's tournament can compete today. Good luck!

:clap:...DL, will someone videotape this? I would love to see your performance!

One Week Before Chautauqua - Art Featured

Only one week to go before the Florida Chautauqua begins. If you haven't been to www.florida-chautauqua-center.org and checked out the fabulous agenda, do it. Look at just some of the art sessions featured.

Art Sessions


African Woodcarving: Master Carver Dominick N. Kioko, now living in Orlando, Florida, will demonstrate how his family and African ancestors have been carving wood sculptures for centuries in his native country of Kenya. He uses only 3 carving tools and carves from memory. You?ll learn about the woods and stones from which he carves, like ebony and Kisii stone, and how they grow or form. You may want to bring a little souvenir money, because his artwork made at The Florida Chautauqua Assembly is for sale! You won?t believe what he?s carving today, and he?ll even teach you the art of bartering ? a common practice of buying and selling in Kenya.

African Dance: Mohamed DaCosta, a native of Guinea (west Africa) will teach you 5 different movements of traditional African dance. Then he will play the drums and see what you have learned. You will first have to learn when the break is played in the music, because that will tell you when the dance starts and when the next movement comes. Beware! You may be on stage at Friday?s evening performance following this session to show off what you really learned during the Agbedidi African evening performance!
African Drums: Learn how to play! Mohamed DaCosta, a native of Guinea (west Africa) will teach you a simple rhythm on the djembe. Once you pick up the rhythm, you will pick up the pace. See how fast and accurate you can play! Then, let's see how well you can really do by playing at Friday's evening performance, Agbedidi Africa, which Mohamed will lead. Get on stage and ?show off what you have learned!

Sign me up .. will be there attending these very interesting sessions .. outstanding key note speakers, entertaining workshops and sessions, fascinating music, and the chance to walk around and see DeFuniak getting some exercise, too.

When is the woodcarver? I want to go to that too!!! :clap:

Florida Chautauqua Saturday Update

Only a few days to go before the Florida Chautauqua begins. If you haven't been to www.florida-chautauqua-center.org and checked out the fabulous agenda, do it.

Scooterbug. The African Woodcarving exhibit is from 11 a.m. -5 p.m. at the Fairgrounds. That should fit easily into your schedule. A personal agenda might be: check in at Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood (that really big white building on Lake DeFuniak) on the historic circle in DeFuniak Springs to get your day pass, tickets and program; cross street to First United Methodist Church to attend keynote talk at 9 a.m.(this means you'll have to get up early and leave your SoWal home by 7:45 a.m.); then up to Community Center to attend 10:45 a.m. tea (by personal car or there will be bus or trolley, I think); followed by viewing museum in center; and then go across highway to Fairground to view exhibits including student displays, animals, woodcarving, etc. Then, back to the historic circle venues to catch late lunch and some afternoon sessions. The evening entertainment begins at 7 p.m. There are other morning sessions and additional afternoon teas. Art exhibit is upstairs at Chautauqua Building. Be sure to stop in there. You'll see some SoWal artists' art displayed. If you do get up early enough, don't forget the continental breakfast served in the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. That and lunch are included with your 1-day pass (check serving times!!available during specific times ONLY).

Civil War Re-enactments at Chautauqua in DeFuniak Springs

Just a few days until Chautauqua!! Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009. Breakfast available at First Methodist Church across street from Chautauqua Building. Civil War re-enactments around the lake add to the varied program offered. Special "skirmishes" on Saturday and Sunday.

War Between the States Civil War Camp & Re-Enactments

Under the command of Major Eli Chandler, a 25 year veteran of the War Between the States reenacting, 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 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 DeFunaik where actual Confederate cavalry camped and watered their horses. The authentic skirmishes will be based on late war area raids by General Asboth. DeFuniak Springs Lake Yard

Free Museum Exhibits - Chautauqua Starts Tomorrow

Chautauqua starts tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Visit these free museum exhibits!!! One is special to the Chautauqua funded by generous sponsors. It will be located at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center next to the "African Rainforest Tea Room."

Our Walton County Heritage Museum will be open during Chautauqua from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Donations appreciated at WCHM. Special African display from locals as well as favorite local information. Walton County history related books available. Local historians. Located on historic Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs. 😀



Married to Adventure: Photographs from the Travels of Martin and Osa Johnson

This traveling photographic exhibit from the Martin & Osa Johnson Safari Museum in Chanute, Kansas, will display the historic pictures taken by the Johnsons during their explorations of a continent at a time which so few knew so little about. This exhibit is free and open to the public, sponsored by the City of DeFuniak Springs, Home Depot of Panama City Beach, the Little Big Store in DeFuniak Springs and the Boys & Girls Club. DeFuniak Springs Community Center