Welcome to the Fall 2022 update of the Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative. In this edition we look back at how we did during the 2022 season and highlight some post-summer programs and events. As a reminder, we have a dedicated page on Chautauqua’s website, climate.chq.org, where you can get updates on current programs and events as well as links to past programs on CHQ Assembly. We also have a Facebook group, Chautauquans for Sustainability, now with nearly 200 members. For those who are not on Facebook, know that we will continue to send quarterly updates by email so you won’t...
Dear Chautauqua Family, I have potlucks on my mind this morning as Peter and I prepare to host loved ones at our table for Thanksgiving. At Chautauqua, we are well familiar with the potluck, and our community throws a lot of them — from neighborhood picnics for residents and students, to monthly sessions through the fall, winter and spring at Hurlbut Church, to intimate gatherings of families and friends on porches or in kitchens, as the seasons permit. The opportunity to gather and enjoy each other’s company is something I think we all treasure a little more after these...
CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y., AND WASHINGTON, D.C. — To build on their respective missions that advance democracy, Chautauqua Institution and Campaign Legal Center (CLC) today announced a partnership to co-create, host and distribute programming centering on voter education and engagement. The partnership launches Nov. 1 on the Institution’s CHQ Assembly streaming channel with the premiere of a conversation between CLC Founder and President, and Republican former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) Trevor Potter and Chautauqua President Michael E. Hill, examining the mission of CLC and key issues at play in the upcoming mid-term election. The launch will also feature a...
New Trustee Class Began Term Oct. 1 Chautauqua Institution’s Board of Trustees elected Laurie Branch to a four-year term of service at the final meeting of the body’s 2021–22 cycle on Aug. 27. Additionally, members of the Chautauqua Corporation elected Sara Ponkow Falvo as the newest of the four trustees selected by Chautauqua property owners at the Corporation’s annual meeting on Aug. 19. The new trustee class officially began its term on Oct. 1. Branch, of Longboat Key, Florida, and originally of Olean, New York, is CEO and President of Iroquois Group, Inc., one of the oldest and largest networks...
Eradicate Hate Global Summit Keynote Address As Prepared for Delivery September 20, 2022 Dr. Michael E. Hill 18th President, Chautauqua Institution Thank you, Leslie, for that kind introduction and for serving as the catalyst for bringing me here today. I’m deeply honored to be with each and every one of you. I’m particularly and sincerely overwhelmed to serve as a keynote the night after Henry Reese and Diane Samuels offered their own thoughts and reflections. For those who know the story of what brought me here, the last time I saw Henry and Diane was at Chautauqua Institution on a very fateful day that...
Three Taps of the Gavel closing the 149th Assembly Dr. Michael E. Hill, 18th President of Chautauqua Institution When I was a little boy, I used to lament things that were hard. In those moments when I found myself complaining to my father, his reply would often be: “It builds character.” Chautauqua, as we round out our Summer Assembly season, I have stood witness to many things that were indeed hard about our time together this summer. We entered our summer with COVID still an ominous presence. We struggled to find the necessary staff to operate Chautauqua amid a national labor...
“Aftershocks and Gratitude” Good morning. It has been much too long since we’ve gathered as a full community in this space and in this sacred place. I offer our returning Chautauquans a hearty welcome home. It is definitely not Chautauqua without you. And it’s absolutely wonderful to see you again. To those with us visiting Chautauqua for the first time this morning, we want to offer you an extra special greeting. You are now part of a community that cherishes lifelong learning as a key to perpetuating and enhancing our democratic society. Our mission calls us to constantly widen our...
Welcome to the spring update of the Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative. This special edition details the exciting climate and environment programs you will find at Chautauqua this spring, summer and fall. The information is organized into four sections: (I) Chautauqua Institution lectures; (II) Partner programs in collaboration with the Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative; (III) Special events and performances; and (IV) Classes and workshops. Under lined text links you to the web for more information. At the end of this update, you’ll find a one-page grid to help you follow along week-by-week. But first, a few reminders: You can get updates...
Institution, CSO Musicians Reach New Contract Agreement Chautauqua Institution today announced that it has reached an agreement with the musicians of its resident Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra on modifications to and an extension of the musicians’ collective bargaining agreement. The Institution and CSO concurrently announced the ensemble’s 2022 season, which marks a return to a typical Chautauqua Amphitheater performance schedule under the baton of Music Director Rossen Milanov. The memorandum of understanding extends the musicians’ contract for four years, through the 2025 season, and returns the CSO to its regular schedule of 20 to 24 concerts annually during an eight-week summer...
Welcome to the second quarterly update of the Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative. There have been some exciting developments since the Fall 2021 update, including new climate and environment-themed programming and progress in our lake conservation and restoration efforts. We now have a dedicated landing page on Chautauqua’s website, climate.chq.org, where you can get updates on current programs and events as well as links to past programs on CHQ Assembly. Thanks to the Institution’s generous donors, we will have an excellent resource available to on-grounds visitors during the summer, free copies of a special Chautauqua edition of The World’s Littlest Book...