Find out how to get there from here this weekend
"How do we get there from here" is the theme for The Florida Chautauqua Assembly in the Land of Summer.
The final weekend of the Assembly will be in DeFuniak Springs through tomorrow.
The Chautauqua features a lineup of events, speakers, exhibits and activities.
• This morning, Dr. Bob Richburg, president of Northwest Florida State College, will lead the public through the journey the college has taken since its founding in 1963.
• Following Richburg will be "From Here to There" the story of Nathaniel "Buck" Showalter, who was born in DeFuniak Springs, graduated from Century High School and Mississippi State University, and was drafted by the New York Yankees. After playing and managing in the Minor Leagues, Showalter managed three Major League teams from 1992 - 2006, winning 313 games for the Yankees, 250 for the Arizona Diamondbacks and 239 for the Texas Rangers. Currently Showalter is a baseball analyst for ESPN. He returns to DeFuniak Springs on Feb. 28 to tell the story of his life's journey. All Walton County Little League, middle schools and high school baseball players are invited to attend the talk free of charge.
• Dr. Johnny Savage will then present a workshop on "Happiness. How do we find it?" Dr. Savage will present his 21-day program for greater happiness. He will discuss how ego effects happiness, and how thoughts and actions relate to well being.
• Jan Turquist will then introduce us to Harriet Beecher Stowe.
• Evening vespers will be at Lake DeFuniak led by Ben Nelson and the Chautauqua Singers.
• That evening, hear "The Five Best Decisions the Beatles Ever Made and Why You Should Make Them Too" by Beatle expert Bill Stanton, who says their success wasn't just a fortunate mix of genius and luck, but conscious decisions. Stanton blends the business smarts he learned in corporate management with the show-biz sparks gleaned from working with Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres and Jay Leno. This multi-media presentation focuses on five decisions covering leadership, teamwork and managing change. A reception follows at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood with dancing to Beatles' tunes.
• Also on Saturday will be a 5k run starting at 8 a.m., a walking tour of Lake DeFuniak, a tour of homes, and afternoon teas.
Sunday's activities consist of porch parties, where visitors can see pottery being made, artwork, toys of yesterday, homemade musical instruments, listen to music, and dance. All Sunday events are free.
Quilts and art will be on display all weekend.
Tickets are on sale at Hotel DeFuniak, the Florida Chautauqua office (850) 892-3696, and on the Web at www.floridachautauqua.org.
Chautauqua is the "People's University."
