• Trouble logging in? Send us a message with your username and/or email address for help.
New posts

scooterbug44

SoWal Expert
May 8, 2007
16,732
3,330
Sowal
This fantastic annual Defuniak Springs event is this weekend!

A wide variety of events and activities to appeal to everyone! Free and paid events.

Florida Chautauqua Center, Inc. - Home

THURSDAY, January 27

12:00 Noon-4:30 pm: REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN BEGINS ? Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood.

2:00 pm ? 6:00 pm: Chautauqua History Trolley Tours of DeFuniak Springs - Begin with a tour of our Historic District as it relates to the original Florida Chautauqua Assembly. Then board the trolley and learn about how the Assembly began in the 1880s and be awed by the Victorian homes built during the original assembly. You?ll understand what the original ?campus? looked like, and how our community has been so influenced by this historic event. Hall of Brotherhood, Guests $5

6:00 pm ? 8:00 pm: ?Florida Seabreeze Sail-Abration? Welcome Party - This is where you?ll meet many of the performers and greeters who will make your assembly journey a memorable experience. Enjoy live steel drum music by John Bussert and see our new Florida Chautauqua History Exhibit. Catered by Joe Eddy of Busy Bee Caf?! Community Center, Guests $10

FRIDAY, January 28

7:30 am: REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN BEGINS ? Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood.

7:30 am - 8:45 am: CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST ? Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood. Guests $5

9:00 am ? 10:15 am: KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
C?line Cousteau ? Granddaughter of legendary Jacques Cousteau. Find out about the Underwater World off the Coast of Florida. Walton High School Auditorium. Guests $10

10:45am ? Noon: BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Florida Weather ? WMBB TV?s meteorologist Wayne Gentry will tell us the significance of Florida?s weather on the rest of the nation. Wise Conference Center Room 131. Guests $8
Florida History ? Gregory Garland of the U.S. Pentagon has been a frequent presenter at the Florida Chautauqua Assembly. This year, he?ll lay out the foundation of Florida?s history which makes this state so impressive to so many throughout the country. Wise Conference Center Auditorium. Guests $8
Life of Jackie Cochran - This presentation will survey the life, both real and promotional, of Jacqueline Cochran, born Bessie Pittman. Raised in the Florida panhandle, to include living for a time in DeFuniak Springs, Jackie Cochran literally took flight as one of the greatest aviators ever, male or female. She founded, during World War II, the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASP). Despite her talent for incredible achievement, both in the air, and on the ground, she felt compelled to aggrandize her life's upward mobility by fabricating a yarn of early orphan-hood. This tale went undetected until after her death, leaving us to ponder through this session with Ms. Todi Carnes and her father, Mr. Fred Carnes, just who Jackie really was and whatever happened to her alter ego Bessie. Wise Conference Center
Room 130. Guests $8
Chautauqua Challenge Brain Bowl ? How much do you know about Florida trivia? It?s time to put your brain to the test with Dr. Britt Poulson. This fun, entertaining session is where one half of the audience competes against the other half in an attempt to answer questions about various topics. Answers are determined by the group, so no one is put on the spot or embarrassed. Come and see how much you know. Wise Conference Center Lunch Room. Guests $8
Tea with Steel Drum Performer John Bussert - Enjoy live steel drum music with entertainer John Bussert while you sip your tea and envision your next trip to Florida?s beaches! John will explain how steel drums work and will weave his story with live music enjoyed throughout Florida and the Caribbean islands in the Gulf of Mexico. Community Center. Guests $18.

NOON-1:15 pm ? LUNCH
? Catered by Busy Bee Caf?. Live bluegrass entertainment by Two Rivers Band. Community Center. Guests $8

1:45 pm ? 3:00 pm: BREAKOUT SESSIONS

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 was created, the individuals who 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. Community Center Food Court. Guests $8.
Midwives of Florida ? Maria Milton will discuss the history of midwives in the state of Florida. She will tell you how the practice of midwifery has evolved from the days of the so-called "granny" midwives to the present day practice of Licensed Midwives and Certified Nurse Midwives. Walton County Fairgrounds (Mary Vinson Room). Guests $8
Exploring Florida ? From mermaids to manatees, Florida has attracted entrepreneurs, dreamers and nature enthusiasts who recognize its unique gifts. Join travel writer Hilda Mitrani and photographer Kevin Mims of VisitFlorida for a tour through Florida's most interesting historic attractions and unique locations, both man-made and natural. Learn about traveling through the state with two of Florida?s highest profile adventurers! Community Center Classroom, Guests $8
Performance Tea: Octavia Walton Le Vert - Walton County namesake George Walton Jr.'s daughter, Madame Octavia Walton Le Vert, is portrayed by Brenda Rees. Octavia's rich and famous history 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. Henry Marie Brackenridge, Judge of West Florida and resident of Walton's first county seat in Alaqua, was her tutor. Some of their letters will be shared. Octavia's vibrant personality and world class lifestyle is revealed and shared in the relaxing tea atmosphere. Community Center. Guests $18

3:30 pm ? 4:45 pm: BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Visit the Real Florida: Mebane Cory-Ogden of the Florida Park Servicewill highlight the diverse natural and cultural resources along with the recreational opportunities offered by the Florida Park Service to visitors from around the world. The presentation will feature a variety of parks from around the state that showcases the beauty of Florida. There will also be a segment regarding the many volunteer opportunities and the many different discounts available so visitors can experience the Real Florida at affordable prices. Walton County Fair Grounds (Mary Vinson Room) Guests $8
Five Hundred Years of Florida Cities - Florida municipal attorney Tom Cloud will tell you how Florida cities developed over five centuries. Central to this story are the diverse cultures who founded Florida cities, and the similar themes which bind these communities together. Community Center Classroom. Guests $8
Performance Tea: The Spanish Lady of St. Augustine ? It's time to go back to class to learn the history of St. Augustine from the view of those who occupied the city in the 1700s. Tea begins with a Spanish lady (played by Michelle Murillo) offering tales of the city of old, including horror stories of British pirates attacking the peaceful settlement (from a slightly-slanted Spanish point of view). However, there are two sides to every story and a nearby Englishman (played by Joe Catalano) is about to crash the history class and turn it into a "he-said, she said" of Florida history. Community Center. Guests $18.

5:15 pm ? 6:30 pm: DINNER SESSION
How the Railroad Influenced the Growth of the Original Chautauqua ? Dean DeBolt, University of West Florida. Enjoy a tropical meal of layered rice, coconut, peanuts, ground turkey, tomato, and other ingredients (with side of banana) while you enjoy this presentation. (Since dishes are made up in advance, please let the preparers know on arrival if you need a plate without an ingredient!) Community Center Food Court. Guests $18

7:00 pm: EVENING PERFORMANCE
Multi-Media Concert Presentation: ?An American Tapestry ? Florida?s Journey? ? Enjoy a performance tour of Florida that will be remembered not just for the musical performance by world renowned flutist Donna Wissinger and pianist Joy Myers, but also through the informative and eloquent narration that weaves a tapestry of Florida?s rich and eventful past. The show is complimented by masterful paintings of great American artists who visited or lived in Florida. More than a concert, this show integrates the talents of local students with these nationally renowned artists for an evening in true Chautauqua style family entertainment and learning! Walton County High School Auditorium. Guests $10

SATURDAY, January 29

7:30 am: REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN BEGINS Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood

7:30 am ? 8:45 am: CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST ? Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood. Guests $5

9:00 am ? 10:15 am: KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Pamela Landwirth ? President of Give Kids the World Village, Kissimmee Florida. Ms. Landwirth will discuss the Power of Happy Therapy at Give Kids The World Village, a 70-acres resort for children with life-threatening illnesses whose dream is to meet Mickey Mouse and/or visit Central Florida?s many magical theme parks. Methodist Church Sanctuary. Guests $10

10:45 am ? Noon: BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Benefits of the Chautauqua Learning Experience to People with Developmental Disabilities More schools and programs for people with developmental disabilities are taking the learning experience outside of traditional classes. Find out how special students and individuals are traveling to Chautauqua, New York and even volunteering in other countries which enhances skills, behaviors, and habits of citizenship needed for life as an independent adult. Methodist Church Classroom B. Guests $8
Shaping Florida ? Brenda Rees will discuss and share the history of Florida and Walton County based on her research and Shaping Florida presentations. Brenda has spent years researching unique facts, pictures, maps and details of Walton County's and Florida's past. Come discover the secrets of Walton County and enhance your understanding of the real Florida. Methodist Church Sanctuary. Guests $8
Discovering Your Genealogical 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. You?ll learn just about everything you?ll need to know to preserve your family history for generations to come. Methodist Church Classroom A. Guests $8
Performance Tea: The Late Florida Governor Sidney J. Catts - Jim Moore reenacts the life of Reverend S. J. Catts, a Baptist preacher from DeFuniak Springs. Sip your tea and enjoy learning how Reverend Catts made an aggressive run for governor in 1916 with a campaign method which forever altered political races in Florida. Catts? campaign was filled with human, religious and legal conflicts which ended with a surprising resolution.Community Center. Guests $18

Noon ? 1:15 pm: LUNCH
? Catered by Busy Bee Caf?. Live bluegrass entertainment by Two Rivers Band. Community Center Food Court. Guests $8

1:45 pm ? 3:00 pm: BREAKOUT SESSIONS

The State of Religion in Florida - Gregory Garland will apply to the state of religion in Florida the same analytical skills he has mastered overseas to understand foreign cultures. He will start with the basic questions: What are the numbers on members of different denominations and faiths? How do they vary geographically, demographically, and historically? How has Florida?s religious makeup affected its politics, culture, and view of the world? Are there significant trends? He recommends (though doesn?t require) that participants learn something about DeFuniak Springs? own VIP from the past, Sidney J. Catts, a colorful Baptist preacher elected governor in 1916. Community Center Classroom. Guests $8
Civil War Talk ? From gossip about officers to stories of stubborn mules and tricks played on their Catholic priest, Civil War letters written by both sides tell of Pensacola and West Florida from the eyes of men who had never seen white sands or the coast. Come hear Dean DeBolt explain how soldiers coped with West Florida during 1861-1865. Community Center Food Court. Guests $8
Man in the Sea: Underwater Laboratories & Miniature Research Submarines ? Underwater enthusiast John Bussert will share his stories and knowledge about how the experts learn about underwater life. Fairgrounds (Mary Vinson Room.) Guests $8
Performance Tea: The Spanish Lady of St. Augustine ? It's time to go back to class to learn the history of St. Augustine from the view of those who occupied the city in the 1700s. Tea begins with a Spanish lady (played by Michelle Murillo) offering tales of the city of old including horror stories of British pirates attacking the peaceful settlement (from a slightly-slanted Spanish point of view). However, there are two sides to every story and a nearby Englishman (played by Joe Catalano) is about to crash the history class and turn it into a
"he-said, she said" of Florida history. Community Center. Guests $18.

3:30 pm ? 4:45 pm: BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Florida Classical Music ? Following a brief overview of early historical classical music influences in Florida, Ms. Todi Carnes undertakes a geographical tour of the State with stops to sample the classical compositions of current-day Floridian composers, past visitors such as Frederick Delius, and native inspirational muses such as the Everglades. Occasional stops will also be made where the crossroads of Hollywood, classical music, and Florida have met to both reflect and influence popular culture. Community Center Classroom.Guests $8
Better Balance Can Be Learned ? Many of us can improve the quality of our daily lives with better physical balance. Dr. Don Rapp will provide you with many fall prevention ideas and will explain how to improve the quality of your daily life through fall prevention information. He will also lead us in simple and safe exercises adjustable for the athlete to the disabled.Fairgrounds (Mary Vinson Room.) Guests $8
Let?s Bowl! ? Leave the bowling ball at home! You?re going bowling ? electronic style. Leigh Morrison of the Walton County Life Enrichment Senior Center will engage you in games of bowling through the powerful world of Wii! Community Center Food Court. Guests $8
Performance Tea: President Andrew Jackson ? What did President Andrew Jackson have do to with Florida? Just about everything. Reenactor Jim Moore will play the role of the president who has an incredible historical story to tell. Community Center. Guests $18
7:00 pm: EVENING PERFORMANCE ? Florida Rainforest Animal Show - See the magic of the animals from Brian Staples Animal Reserve and Rescue! This fascinating show, featuring the monkeys and other exotic animals seen at the Florida Chautauqua?s Camp Conservation exhibit, includes an unbelievable story of how these animals are true ambassadors of the natural world. Brian Staples Animal Reserve and Rescue is home to animals that have been confiscated at the US border during illegal importation, or rescued from abandoned or abusive situations. In its third generation, the Rescue seeks to continue to offer sanctuary to these otherwise forsaken animals. Fairgrounds. Guests $10

SUNDAY, January 30

7:30 am - 8:45 am: CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST ? Hall of Brotherhood. Guests $5

12:00 Noon ? 1:00: Lunch - Hall of Brotherhood. Guests $7

12:00 Noon? 5:00 pm:

Free Exhibits: See page 20

Antique Toy Demonstrations ? FREE: Area resident Jim Moore will introduce you to the wonderful world of antique toys on the back porch of the historic Hall of Brotherhood!
? Hall of Brotherhood. Free

1:00 pm ? 2:15 pm:
Live Birds of Prey Demonstrations ? Master falconer Dale Arrowood of Winged Ambassadors will introduce you to several of his birds and will perform free-flight demonstrations. Demonstration features several non-releasable birds trained for educating audiences of all ages. Sponsored by the City of DeFuniak Springs. Lake Yard. Free.

2:30 pm ? 3:30 pm - Premier Showing of PBS Documentary: Chautauqua. Hall of Brotherhood. Free
 
New posts


Sign Up for SoWal Newsletter