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A Heartfelt Thank You to Our 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration Sponsors

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration Sponsors

As the 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration draws near, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible sponsors who make this cherished community event possible. Their support helps bring the magic of the holiday season to life in our beautiful lakeside town, and we are so grateful for their generosity.

A big thank you to:

  • Bass Audiology
  • Beyond Landscaping, Inc.
  • Crossroads Bank
  • Dockside Gifts & Apparel
  • Harkless Foundation
  • Jasper Plastics
  • Jeff & Carrie Herdrich
  • Kiwanis Club of Wawasee
  • Kiyomi Japanese restaurant
  • Lakeland Youth Center
  • Leading Edge Countertops
  • Main Channel Marina
  • Myra & Howard Brembeck Foundation
  • Oakwood Resort
  • Pat’s Chicago Dogs
  • Sands Accounting Inc.
  • Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce
  • Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum
  • Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware
  • The Papers, Inc.
  • Town of Syracuse (Parks Dept)
  • Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation
  • Wawasee Boat Company
  • Woman of Today
  • WPOA

Your support, whether through financial contributions, resources, or volunteer efforts, helps create a warm and festive atmosphere that brings our community together. Thanks to your involvement, the Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration will continue to be a beloved tradition for years to come—one that families and friends of all ages can enjoy.

As we prepare for the season’s festivities, we are reminded of the power of community. You are all essential in making this event a success, and we truly couldn’t do it without you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us celebrate this magical time of year!

Wishing you all a joyful and blessed holiday season. We look forward to celebrating with you at the 2024 Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration! 🎄✨

With gratitude,
The Chautauqua Wawasee Team

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Volunteers Needed for Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas 2024
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Old Fashioned Christmas Seeking Volunteers!

Old Fashioned Christmas Seeking Volunteers

Chautauqua’s annual Old Fashioned Christmas will return bigger than ever on November 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

This extravagant event features Santa, 50-foot tree lighting, musical groups, caroling, live reindeer, a horse-drawn wagon ride, a family photo booth, six live characters such as Frosty, Grinch, Gingerbread Man, all done with the goal of keeping Christ in Christmas with a reading from Luke at the historic chapel, live nativity…and much more! Last
year, more than 1000 people attended this free community event! Read more about it HERE.

Sixty volunteers and performers are needed to make this event the best of its kind in all of northern Indiana.

Due to its growth in 2024, Chautauqua is looking for volunteers who want to join in the fun of putting on this community program. This year’s event starts at 5:30 with Christmas music prior to the tree lighting at 6:00 and ends at 8:00. Help is needed for decorating trees, staffing booths, welcoming guests, handing out free gifts, directing cars for parking and more.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please contact Kip Schumm at 574-518-0678.

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Humble Gumption: Cam Shriver’s Insight on Myaamia Survival and History

Humble Gumption: Cam Shriver’s Insight on Myaamia Survival and History
By: Dave Berry, Chautauqua Wawasee

Survival of the Myaamia-Cam Shriver

On a brisk September morning, about 40 people attended Cam Shriver’s presentation on the survival of the Myaamia people, hosted by Chautauqua Wawasee.

Cam Shriver is a Senior Research Associate in the Myaamia Center at Miami University in Ohio. His research focuses on Indigenous history, with a particular emphasis on the Myaamia experience across the last four centuries.

1846 as a turning point

Cam’s discussion began by establishing the year 1846 as a reference point. In 1846, 350 tribal members were removed from Indiana to Kansas. Part of the talk focused on the tactics used by the U.S. government to coerce members of the Myaamia nation into ceding most of their land in Indiana to the United States, both before and after 1846.

Participant questions and discussion highlights

The conversation then moved into participant questions, including:

  • Myaamia farming practices

  • Miami University’s role in supporting the Miami Tribe’s work to re awaken the dormant Myaamia language

  • Stories of tribal leaders Peepakicia (Papakeechie) and Waawiyaasita (Wawasee), along with their descendants

“Nothing about us, without us” and community engaged scholarship

Given the history of non Native people pursuing research detached from living Native Americans, some Myaamia officials have adopted the phrase: “Nothing about us, without us.”

In this spirit, Cam summarized his approach to community engaged scholarship as “humble gumption.” As a non Myaamia person, he aims to remain humble enough to understand that Myaamia leaders have their own priorities, that the nation has limited resources, and that he is only one of many well meaning people who request Myaamia perspectives. Yet, he still has the gumption to develop long term relationships that enable collaboration and allyship with the ongoing Myaamia cultural renaissance.

Learn more

Cam suggests perusing the Myaamia community blog, Aacimotaatiiyankwi, as a strong starting point for learning more about Myaamia history, culture, ecological perspectives, and events:
https://aacimotaatiiyankwi.org/

Looking ahead

Chautauqua Wawasee will host Logan York, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, at the WACF Ruddell Pavilion on September 6, 2025.

And for those of you who cannot get enough history

Take a look at this. Our three day Digging Through History Series starts tomorrow. Get the full details here: [LINK HERE]

 

Digging Through History 2024

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Kroemer, Lomax and Tse, join Chautauqua Wawasee’s Board of Directors.

Kroemer, Lomax and Tse join Chautauqua Wawasee’s Board of Directors.

We are proud to announce, that in January 2024, Karen Kroemer, Erin Lomax, and Carmen Tse joined Chautauqua Wawasee’s Board of Directors.


Karen Kroemer is retired from a career in educational, non-profit, media, and corporate positions. She has served on six non-profit boards of directors in Northern Indiana and Indianapolis. Karen also portrays the nativity angel in Chautauqua Wawasee’s annual Old-Fashioned Christmas.

 

Erin Lomax designs online learning programs and has developed and led educational programs at various organizations including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Erin is an expert on Manatees and has also written four books.

Carmen Tse is a C.P.A. who has led financial management teams with many private and public companies in Northern Indiana. She has also served as an advisor or board member to six other non-profit organizations, primarily in the arts. Carmen also sings soprano in her church choir.

The current members of Chautauqua Wawasee’s Board of Directors are:
Melissa Buesching
Shelly Judy
Mark Knecht
Karen Kroemer
Larry Lane
Erin Lomax
Mary Moretto
Judy Pursley
Kip Schumm
Ann Strong
Carmen Tse

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Chautauqua’s Annual Fundraising Campaign A Success

Chautauqua’s Annual Fundraising Campaign A Success

Chautauqua Wawasee’s once-a-year annual fundraising campaign concluded successfully on January 8. “Due to the generous contributions of Syracuse and Wawasee residents, we blew over the top of our 2024 goal”, a grateful Mark Knecht shared. “Grant funding and donations are the lifeblood of our ability to offer life-enriching programs, most of them free to attend”.

Chautauqua Wawasee develops and sponsors programs in support of the four Chautauqua “pillars”: Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation. “Our goal is to make Syracuse and the region a great place to visit, work, live, and raise a family” cited Mark Knecht, the organization’s president. “As a non-profit organization, our annual campaign is a significant and critical component of our financial budget.”

Among the programs donations support are the: Purdue Varsity Glee Club on March 1, Taps Across the Water at Dusk on May 26, Patriotic Speaker series featuring Ben Franklin on June 30, Pawasee Dog Parade on June 22, Stories of the Miami Peoples on September 7, Famous Hoosier series featuring John Wooden July 13, Old Fashioned Christmas, and twelve other programs. The majority of Chautauqua programs are offered at no cost to attend, so the support provided by the annual campaign makes these programs possible. Our team of 60+ volunteers is also a key element of our success in 2023.

Chautauqua Wawasee was founded in 2014 to provide the “Chautauqua Experience” for the Syracuse and Northern Indiana region. As a 501c(3) non-profit organization, grants and donations are the primary sources of revenue to support and provide programming.

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Please Enjoy the 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee Event Calendar!

We are thrilled to announce the 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee event calendar! This year’s lineup is packed with exciting events and activities that are sure to delight all ages. From live music performances and theatrical productions to educational lectures and workshops, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Our team has worked tirelessly to curate a diverse and inclusive schedule that highlights the talents and interests of our local community. So mark your calendars and join us for another year of fun, learning, and community building with your friends at Chautauqua Wawasee!

 

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Monarch and Pollinator Gardens- Future Events

During WACF’s Earth Day event in May, we focused on the Monarch butterfly with the help of Cindy Gackenheimer of Flutterby Gardens from Claypool and Kay Pylant from Leesburg.  We want to inform you of a few future events that are a must if you are serious about growing a garden that attracts pollinators.

Cindy will host her annual Butterfly Extravaganza on August 5, from 4-6 p.m.  She can be contacted at (574) 453-8390 for further details.  Kay will also host a number of “How to Save our Pollinators” sessions during June and July.  Kay can be contacted at (913) 638-6502.  You can find and watch short videos where Cindy and Kay discuss Monarchs on the Chautauqua Wawasee YouTube channel by pressing here.

 

 

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Replays of Faith Series presentations available on Chautauqua Wawasee’s YouTube channel.

Religion

 

During April, we hosted a three-part series on the past, present and future of Religion presented by Dr. Michael Spath, executive director of the Indiana Center for Middle East Peace. These well-attended presentations were held in the Jennings Auditorium at the Greencroft Community in Goshen – the first time we hosted an event outside of Syracuse.

You can watch a replay of each presentation on the Chautauqua Wawasee YouTube channel by pressing HERE.

During the first session, Dr. Spath explained how during the Paleolithic period our ancient ancestors associated women with the mystery of creation.
Blood was the basis of clanship. Through birth, women were transmitters of the clan’s blood and its spirit. Menstrual blood was used to fertilize fields in the Spring and used in healing. Women were responsible for the harvest because they knew the mystery of creation. They were the personified symbol of all life – the embodiment of all nature and the generative powers of the Earth including the cycle of fertility, creation, growth, preservation, and death. Mother Earth.

During the second session, Dr. Spath explained many of the common themes found in the religions developed during the axial age (800-200 BCE).
With urbanization, power shifted from the priest and king to the marketplace with greater social inequality and economic exploitation. In addition, Iron Age wars created chaos. In response to these trends, religions began to call people to seek higher community goals and inward reality. Cooperative behaviors (compassion and charity), sexual behaviors (chastity and monogamy), economic behaviors (condemnation of conspicuous consumption and greed) and parenting behaviors (investment in children) originated during the axial age. Humans were also becoming self-conscious. Increased urbanization led to a crisis of individuation – no longer members of a clan, we became individuals who coexist in an urban setting with people from different backgrounds

This led to:

  • a crisis of morality – no longer shared norms, we have to negotiate new norms
    among diverse crowds with a focus on ethics, empathy, and individual rights;
  •  a crisis of meaning – the individual must look inward to answer the questions of
    purpose and meaning; and
  • a crisis of mortality – without the presence of tribal ancestors, when the unique
    individual dies, what happens next?

During the third session, Dr. Spath discussed the future of religion in these post-modern times as people are looking for new narratives.  Pre-modern thought considered religion as science and myth as fact and history with a focus on tribal consciousness. Modern thought shifted to individualized consciousness in response to the Enlightenment and modern science. With increased globalization, Post-Modern thought embraces pluralism, multiculturalism and diversity, with a heightened Earth consciousness.

Will religion’s new story be a story of human dignity and compassion, a story embracing all sentient beings as sacred, a story of awe, and a story that celebrates our love affair with our mother, the Earth?

Again, you can watch a replay of each presentation on the Chautauqua Wawasee YouTube channel by pressing HERE.

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Reading List for April Faith Series

Reading List for April Faith Series.

On April 13, 20 and 27, Chautauqua-Wawasee is hosting Michael Spath who will lead a three-part series consisting of:
Religion Before Adam and Eve
The Creation of Modern Religion: Where Our Faith and Values Were Born
Religion Present & Future: What It Means to be Human.

 

John E. Pfeiffer, The Creative Explosion: An Inquiry into the Origins of Art and Religion.
Robert Bellah, Religion In Human Evolution: From the Paleolithic to the Axial Age.
Karen Armstrong, The Great Transformation. 
Yuval Noah Harari, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow.

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Devin Van Lue BSU Singers

Local Ball State University Singer Devin Van Lue shares his love of music.

Local Ball State University Singer Devin Van Lue Shares His Love of Music

By Devin Van Lue

Early Musical Beginnings in Syracuse

My musical background began at Syracuse Elementary School with my music mentor, Kris Stump. Mrs. Stump offered me the role of a mouse in Wawasee High School’s production of “Cinderella.” From then on, I was involved with Wawasee Performing Arts as a lighting and sound operator, backstage crew, ensemble, and in leading roles. My most memorable role was playing Prince Eric in our production of “The Little Mermaid” this past spring.

Expanding Through Band, Choir, and Leadership

Mrs. Stump offered me the opportunity to play in Wawasee High Schools’ Marching Band. I played in the front ensemble, marched in the percussion battery, and served as a drum major for three years. I also played percussion and saxophone for Pep Band and Concert Band. In my freshman year, I auditioned for Vocal Motion, Wawasee’s top show choir.

Music was a large part of my education at Wawasee, but It wasn’t all I did. I was also a member of the Key Club, Student Council, Drama Club, The International Thespian Society, National Honor Society, Boy Scouts, and Relay for Life. Being a part of all these programs made me into the man that I am today. I thoroughly enjoyed every program I was involved in. The programs gave me inspiration for choosing my future career as a music educator. These groups allowed me to grow as a leader and a student which tremendously prepared me for college.

Auditioning for the Ball State University Singers

When I first toured Ball State University, I heard of the Ball State University Singers, and I was excited to audition this past spring. I did not receive the chance to be in show choir all the way through high school, so I knew that this was something I wanted to do.

The audition process was super easy but also intimidating. This past April, we were asked to prepare two songs, one upbeat and one slow. We sang our pieces in front of the director and all previous cast members. Following the singing portion of our audition, we then learned a dance with the dance captains and had to perform the song with choreography.

My voice teacher, Shannon Rose, also attended my auditions and greatly helped me prepare for this. It wasn’t until June 16th that I learned I was a member of the Ball State University Singers. I was so excited to make this group because I knew it was going to be my favorite part of college. The director sent out an email to all the members that made the group that day. I was thrilled to get the news and I couldn’t wait to share it with my family and friends.

Life as a Ball State University Singer

The Ball State University Singers is currently in its 59th cast and is recognized as Indiana’s Official Goodwill Ambassadors singing songs of faith, hope, laughter, and love. These four pillars make up the foundation of the Ball State University Singers and our directors encourage us to follow these pillars in our everyday life.

We as singers are expected to rehearse at least twice a week for several hours. We travel all over the state to run clinics with high school show choirs and we perform for Ball State and other community events. We prepare music with our theme of faith, hope, laughter, and love throughout the entire year. We will learn our music and the choreography that goes with it. All the music we prepare stays in our repertoire leading up to our annual Spectacular performance in April.

Gratitude, Growth, and Looking Ahead

I was extremely blessed to be a part of this amazing cast. BSU Singers has transformed my college experience into an amazing one. I am honored to be able to represent the talent at Wawasee at a collegiate level.

I plan to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in vocal and instrumental music education. I choose this degree because of my true passion for music and the amazing educators that got me to this point. Kris Stump, Shannon Rose, Connie Meadows, and Toni Pawlicki taught and trained me into the performer that I am today and for that, I am truly grateful. I could not have received this opportunity without their love and support.

Being a member of the BSU Singers has given me more passion for pursuing this degree because of the amount of joy that is spread through this group. From a glee club member to an audience, everyone is in for a spectacular show. There is a treat for everyone throughout the entire performance sharing our faith, hope, laughter, and love.

Here at Ball State, I was instantly surrounded by loving people pursuing their dreams. This made getting adjusted to college much easier. Along with the Ball State University Singers, I also participate in Concert Choir and Cardinal Chorus. These programs train us in an exciting way to be a performer of skill and consistency. During our performance, our audience will be thrilled with all sorts of music ranging from pop to musical theater. Following our performance, the glee club will be outside the auditorium to meet and greet. We would love to share with you more information on the group and future performances.

I could not be where I am today without the support of my amazing community. We hope you enjoy the performance.

Reprinted with the permission of the Mail Journal.

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