The Alumni Association of the CLSC

January 2026

A Chautauqua State of Mind

As the song goes, “the weather outside is frightful” and here in Michigan, we truly qualify, which makes summer seem far away. Yet I find that I’m keeping Chautauqua alive in my heart.

In October, our evening of fellowship at our Reading Circle on Zoom, sharing ideas for old books that we enjoyed for the Kate Kimball Challenge, kept the embers glowing. Hearing Stephine Hunt named as the new Interim Director of Literary Arts and Amit Taneja remaining as the overseer of our community groups brought joy and relief in November.

And now, looking ahead to June, the Board is at work on policies and programs, finding presenters, expanding the docent tour schedule—even planning a wintry surprise for July. Stay tuned.

But, meanwhile, as the song continues, "The fire is so delightful." I wish you all Happy 2026 and some new and old books to read by the fire as you, too, enjoy the Chautauqua state of mind.

Pat

W. Stephen "Steve" Piper

Steve Piper joyously served as the CLSC "Messenger" at the Golden Gate on Recognition Day for over 25 years. Many of us will recall him leading the banner parade each year, marching down the brick walk in late 19th century garb, keeping step with the band following along behind him. He missed the summer of 2025 due to illness and we certainly felt his absence. Sadly, Steve left us on October 20, 2025. His obituary appears below. In appreciation for his steadfast support over the years, the AACLSC has purchased a memorial brick for our brick sidewalk. Godspeed, Steve. Thank you for so many years of wonderful memories.

To all of Steve’s friends,

A short time ago, Steve contacted me (Jimmy Dagon) regarding his funeral arrangements. We have been dear, dear friends for nearly 50 years and for many years lived right next door to each

other in Hornell, NY. For about 25 years (until Steve retired and moved to Rochester) we got together every Wednesday evening to have a beer or two. I want to share with all of you the following message (in part) that I received from Steve:

Hi Jimmy,

Let me start by telling you that you are one of the dearest friends I have ever had. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me and especially for your unwavering love. I am now in the process of entering Hospice. I’m comfortable, relatively pain free, in excellent spirits and ready for what the future holds.

Since you will be writing my obituary, I want to give you some information. You may use it any way you wish. You are the only person who will be writing my obituary. First, just like Pati’s obituary — PLEASE KEEP IT SHORT! Pati & I both felt that anyone who knew us is aware of what we have done. If they didn’t know us they wouldn’t be reading the obituary in the first place.

The following was written by Steve:

Hornell — Chautauqua — Rochester

W. Stephen “Steve” Piper, 80, died peacefully early Monday morning (October 20, 2025) after a yearlong skirmish with esophageal cancer.

He was born on June 4, 1945 in Uniontown, PA to Warren and Rhoda (Nixon) Piper. On August 16, 1974 he was married to Patricia “Pati” (Lewis) Piper who predeceased him in 2022.

Pati & Steve were teachers at Hornell High school for over 35 years.

Steve was raised by amazing parents, married an amazing woman, taught amazing students, had amazing friends and relatives, spent 80 amazing summers at Chautauqua Institution, and, quite simply, lived an amazing life.

Always considering himself an overachiever, he cites his unwritten epitaph as:

“The average male life expectancy is 75.4 years. I made it to 80. I WIN!”

At Steve’s request there will be no calling hours or services.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Steve requests that in lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, you spend an hour or so listening to classical music. Steve recommends the Mozart Requiem in D minor or Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor.

New Guild Requirement

In 2024 when the AACLSC offered the Chautauqua's Heart Challenge, many of those who took part made a recommendation. "Everyone should read this book. I learned so much." They were talking about Chautauqua's Heart: A History of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle by Mary Lee Talbot.

We took that advice to heart and beginning January 1, 2026, Chautauqua's Heart is required reading for entrance into the Guild of Seven Seals. It must be listed among the additional 14 CLSC books needed to enter the Guild.

This requirement pertains only to those who are not yet Guild members. If you entered the Guild prior to the summer of 2026, you do not have to meet this requirement.

The Blue Earth Mitchell Chautauqua Circle

Back Row, Left to Right: Sue Frederickson, Terri Hanson, Elloyce Queensland, Carol Soma, Julie Lehman, Barb Baker

Seated in Front, Left to Right: Secretary Lill Robinson, Maria Lindberg, President Rita Frundt, Treasurer Jacque Drew, Vice-President Lynda Feder, Wiletha Eckhardt

Joli Heinitz attended the meeting on Face Time.

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In our last newsletter, we featured a reading circle from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Margaret Edwards, the founder of that circle and a CLSC staff member in the Octagon, shared her tips for starting your own CLSC Reading Circle.

This time, we're featuring a group of lively ladies from Blue Earth, Minnesota. Here's what they had to say:

"The Blue Earth Mitchell Chautauqua Circle was organized in 1883, with eight members. Since then, all recommended books have been read and discussed each year of the group’s existence and contact has been maintained with the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle for the past 142 years.

Mitchell members have donated books and money to the local library, honored Women of Achievement, published a book of poetry by award-winning local poet Meredith Cook and inspired members to think more deeply about human problems.

This attached photo shows 12 of the current 13 members during their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in the Gathering Place of Trinity Lutheran Church."

Our thanks go out to Barb Baker and Lill Robinson who helped pull this article and photo together for us. Keep reading, ladies!

If you are part of a reading circle, we would enjoy featuring your group in a future newsletter. Contact Kathy Hurst at aaclscchq@gmail.com for details.

Work with the Literary Arts Department at CHQ!

Join the Chautauqua Literary Arts staff this summer! They're hiring for several seasonal positions, including Alumni Hall Host and CLSC Octagon Manager.

Looking for a seasonal opportunity that’s flexible, rewarding, and mission-driven? Enjoy exclusive perks like free access to events and parking while being part of a vibrant literary community!

Find more information about the CLSC Octagon Manager position here: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/CHA1002CHAUT/JobBoard/cd5faba0-05bd-417a-a0ab-c8b2a479b7b0/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=cdfe157b-6f93-430a-a5db-02da26617ebb

Find more information on the Alumni Hall Host position here: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/CHA1002CHAUT/JobBoard/cd5faba0-05bd-417a-a0ab-c8b2a479b7b0/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=240dd769-c21f-46d6-8c29-3fd7d6c3281e

A snow-covered Hall of Philosophy, January 2026. Our thanks to Debbie Rowe, who generously shared her photography skills with us.

2026 Silent Auction and Sale

July 7-10 and July 12, 2026

12:00 - 5:00
Alumni Hall

Now taking donations of jewelry, art, Chautauqua memorabilia, antiques, small pieces of furniture, etc. For more information, contact Carol B at 440-352-6002 or Caroline Y at 440-554-4494.

SUBJECT: AACLSC January Newsletter