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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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2024 Lake Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum will once again enjoy local historian Ann Garceau as she narrates a cruise of Lake Wawasee highlighting “Points of Interest” aboard the SS Lillypad II.

This event is always popular so get your tickets early.

Ann will share her knowledge about historic hotels, events, property owners, restaurants, entertainment venues, boat taxis, marinas, other points of interest, and little-known facts as the SS Lillypad proceeds around the shoreline of the lake. Snack food will be provided along with a cash bar.

Boarding begins at 12:45 at The Frog Tavern.
What: 2-hour Lake Wawasee Cruise
When: Thursday, May 16, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: The Frog Tavern, Syracuse, Indiana
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT. Please join us on our fall cruise!

Don’t forget to check out our calendar and visit us on Facebook for details on all of the great events that Chautauqua Wawasee has to offer!

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Purdue Varsity Glee Club
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Purdue Varsity Glee Club is Coming to Syracuse in 2024!

Chautauqua-Wawasee is bringing the Purdue Varsity Glee Club to Syracuse on March 1, 2024, for their only performance in northeastern Indiana during the first half of 2024. Don’t miss the fun provided by this entertaining and vibrant performance at the Wawasee High School.

An event for the entire family — This dynamic musical troupe employs a versatile repertoire including gospel, vocal jazz, swing, contemporary hits, romantic ballads, classical choral selections, barbershop, folk melodies, patriotic standards, familiar opera choruses, country and novelty tunes, and utilizes small groups and outstanding soloists to further enhance each show.

As an added treat, there is a ticketholder discount for dining at the Pier & Back Porch Restaurant! Save your tickets to the Purdue Varsity Glee Club performance.  Before the concert on the night of March 1st, a 15% discount will be extended to event ticketholders at the Pier and Back Porch restaurant in the Oakwood Resort. 

* The 15% discount will not be valid on any purchases of alcoholic beverages and is only applicable on regularly priced menu items.  Digital copies of tickets will be accepted when shown to your server.  

When: March 1, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Where: Wawasee High School auditorium, Syracuse, Indiana
Tickets: $22 for General Admission; $30 for VIP seating (middle rows A-D)
Purchase tickets: HERE,  or you may also give us a call at 574-377-7543

About Chautauqua-Wawasee
Oakwood Foundation, Inc. d/b/a Chautauqua-Wawasee, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization focused on providing life-enriching programs with cultural, educational, and recreational events to the Kosciusko community and northern Indiana.

Be sure to visit our Facebook page for information and updates on our programs!

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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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Everyone says they love nature, but… Does Nature Love Us Back?

Does Nature Love Us Back?

Everyone says they love nature, but does nature love us back? And how would we know?
This topic will be explored at an upcoming Chautauqua program on Saturday, November 4 at the Syracuse Community Center.
The program will be a fun, educational, and interactive session co-hosted by Diane Hunter, Cliff Kindy, and John Edgerton who have spent their lifetimes working with plants, animals, water, and soil. Each of the program leaders will focus on a different topic in addressing the question “Does Nature Love Us Back”. The program is a family event and is free to attend.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Diane Hunter has served as the Myaamia Heritage Preservation Specialist for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and is a citizen and elder of the Tribe.  Her expertise is in the history of the Myaamia People, their cultural experience, artistic and story-telling nature. Earth-centered wisdom has been a part of Myaamia culture and life since time immemorial.
Cliff Kindy is an organic farmer who does all his gardening and life needs on captured and recycled water and without using fossil fuel. Cliff has, over thirty years, traveled with Christian Peacemaking Teams worldwide to stand with indigenous people in the face of violent, unjust regimes.
John Edgerton has done organic market gardening and community-supported agriculture based on limited and appropriate technology. John and his partner Amy co-teach Slow Farming at Kalamazoo College to give fourth-year students a hands-on immersion in farming and gardening skills. Their passion is saving and stewarding seeds.
WHEN: Saturday, November 4th -6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
WHERE: Syracuse Community Center 1013 N Long Dr, Syracuse IN
COST: FREE!
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2023
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Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration-2023

You are invited to Chautauqua Wawasee’s annual Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration!

This family-friendly occasion is perfect for people of all ages, including moms, dads, grandpas, grandmas, and kids. Come and see your favorite holiday characters such as Santa, the Grinch, Frosty, and more. Join us in the chapel for a reading of the Christmas story, and don’t forget to visit our live reindeer and take a family photo at our photo booth. The event will also feature caroling, musical groups, and many other activities.

The event will take place on November 25th from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6:15 p.m., so make sure to arrive early to take part in this magical moment. The best part? This event is completely FREE!

Please note that this is an outdoor event, so make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Stay in touch with us at www.chqw.org or visit our Facebook page.  You are also welcome to give us a call at 574-377-7543 if you have any questions.

The event is jointly sponsored by the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and the Town of Syracuse Parks Department.

 

WHEN: November 25th, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  (Tree lighting at 6:15 p.m.)

WHERE: Oakwood Resort Lawn- 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse Indiana

COST: FREE!

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Myaamiaki: Stories of Miami People, Past and Present.

More than just street names and artifacts, the Myaamaia community is a vibrant contemporary people whose history has shaped many of our lives here in Indiana. Today we have an opportunity to talk to two members of the Miami Tribe about their history and continued presence in Indiana.

Presenters: Diane Hunter and Dani Tippmann. Diane Hunter will talk about the history of Miami people since time immemorial, telling the stories of their emergence as a unique and different people, their first encounters with Europeans and later with Americans, land loss and forced removals, and about the revitalization of the Miami Tribe today. Diane is the Myaamia Heritage Preservation Specialist for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and a citizen of the Tribe. She is a descendant of the Miami family of Seekaahkweeta and Palaanswa (Francois Godfroy).

Dani Tippmann, a tradition bearer and a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, will be discussing the use of plants as food, medicine, technology, and cultural historical conduits. Plants teach us, feed us, heal us, and bring us a better understanding of Myaamia culture and lifeways. Dani will have plants to touch, smell and maybe even taste. Dani was Director of the Whitley County Historical Museum from 2008-2022. She currently serves as Kiihkayonki Community Food Program Director.

When: September 9 at 10:00.

Where: WACF Ruddell pavilion

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Lake Wawasee “Then and Now” Historical Cruise

Chautauqua-Wawasee is repeating last year’s successful “Lake Wawasee, Then & Now” presentation by local historian Ann Garceau of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

As Ann shares interesting stories about historic structures that stood around the lake, you will be able to better visualize them with the aid of a provided pamphlet, Then and Now, picturing what you are hearing about while enjoying what is built there now. Among the places that Ann highlights will be the numerous hotels, marinas, entertainment venues, neighborhoods, and historic homes.  This event will sell out so buy your tickets early.

 

Purchase your tickets HERE.

Date and time: Thursday, September 26 · 1 – 3pm (Boarding starts at 12:45.)

Where: The Frog Tavern 1116 South Harkless Drive Syracuse, IN 46567
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Northeastern Indiana Digging Through History-Day 3-Multiple Speakers

Northeastern Indiana Digging Through History-Day 3-Multiple Speakers

 

Bring Your Own Artifact Led by Jim Bickel & Michelle Edington

Do you have an old artifact that you aren’t sure what it is or when/where it originated? Jim and Michelle are available to examine your artifact and (hopefully) tell you all about it.

 

Five Medals Living History Led by Mike Judson

Five Medals was such an important leader in our region that an organization and an event have been named in his honor. Reenactors will have numerous artifacts to share plus excerpts from the exciting history of the 1812 era.

 

1750s French Marine Led by Joe Zdziebko

Joe Zdziebko, dressed as a 1750s French Marine will display and discuss his equipment, uniform, musket, furs, maps, etc. He will also talk about old sayings that are still used today.

 

Flintknapping Hands-on Led by Jeff Mesaros

Want to know how Native American artifacts were made by hand? Jeff Mesaros will show you how. And here’s your chance to try making one!

 

Atlatl Weapon Demonstration Led by Jamie Clemons

The atlatl was a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in dart or spear-throwing, and includes a bearing surface which allows the user to store energy during the throw. Jamie will be demonstrating types from around the nation and let you participate with samples. You can try it too!

 

Metal Detecting in Archaeology Led by Angie Butler

Metal detectors can play a key role in discovering historical artifacts. You’ll be amazed at the display of items found under the waters of Lake Wawasee and along its shoreline.

You may reserve your spot by registering HERE.

Date and time:

Saturday, September 2 · 10am – 12pm EDT

Location:
Wawasee Area Conservancy 11586 Indiana 13 Syracuse, IN 46567
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Protected: Walk Down Memory Lane attendees can enjoy this 15% discount on food at the Pier & Back Porch Restaurant

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