EVENTS

In addition to supporting and working with the CLSC each summer, the Alumni Association sponsors many weekly and annual events.  See our full calendar for 2022 dates, times, and locations. 

Weekly in Season

Each week, on Monday morning, there is a Chat on the Porch of the Literary Arts Center at Alumni Hall.  Doughnuts and coffee are available, as you converse with other alumni about the CLSC book selection for that week.  Casual and fluid in nature, it's a nice way to start off your week.

On Wednesdays, there is a Brown Bag Book Review, also held on the porch.  An alumnus or community member will present a book of their choosing.  The book will be introduced, the presenter will discuss it, and then he/she/they will open the floor for questions and further discussion.  Bring your brown bag lunch and join us!

Also on Wednesdays, Eventide is presented in the Hall of Christ.  These programs vary each week, but typically the presenter gives us insight into fascinating places they have visited.  It's a chance to travel without leaving the grounds.

There are also a few Fridays in the summer when the Guild of Seven Seals presents a Brown Bag Book Discussion on the porch.  If you can't make the Wednesday Brown Bag or you enjoyed it so much you want more, check out the GSS Brown Bag.

Annually in Season

On a sunny, Sunday afternoon in mid-July, you will hear a lively march ringing through the Grove.  You will detect the aroma of grilling hotdogs.  Children with colorful face paintings will race past you, clutching their hard-fought-for prizes.   Smiling Chautauquans are seated at shady picnic tables enjoying the summer atmosphere that Chautauqua is known for.  This is The Great American Picnic - a great way to enjoy an old-fashioned outdoor good time.

The Silent Auction often takes place at the same time as The Great American Picnic.  So, while you're enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes of the picnic, browse some art, furniture, books, and jewelry and take home a lovely souvenir.

In August, the Life Member Tea is held in the dining room of Alumni Hall.  This is by invitation only for those who have provided a $100 Life Member donation.  It's an authentic tea where you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with other life members and officers of the Alumni Association.

In Support of the CLSC

Recognition Week - the pinnacle of the CLSC community.  Baccalaureate and Vigil services are held on Sunday.  Wednesday is Recognition Day. Children and classes parade, flowers and banners wave, a band leading the way.  Graduates receive their diplomas and alumni welcome them into CLSC history.  There is a luncheon for new grads and a dinner for old grads.  On Thursday, we recognize the Guild Grads - those who continue to read for education and enjoyment as they move up the graduate levels.

Bryant Day is on a late Saturday in August.  The Vice President and Emily and Richard Smucker Chair for Education together with the Michael I Rudell Director of Literary Arts announce at least one new CLSC book selection for the next season.  The unveiling is held at the Miller Bell Tower.