Old Fashioned Chautauqua Series

Save the date for Clinton's own Old Fashioned Chautauqua! This series, presented in collaboration with the Clinton Human Rights Committee, features influential speakers, musicians, storytellers, & poets from our community.

Popular in late 19th and early 20th century America—and now nearly forgotten—the Chautauqua (Shaw-taw-kwa) was a series of community programs featuring noted speakers, music, poetry, and storytelling. They were often held under tents, and it brought civic-minded dialogue to rural towns. The name comes from the Iroquois word describing the lake in upstate New York where the movement began.

-Wed. 7/13 @ 6:30 PM: "Serving and Protecting The Citizens of Clinton" Vincent DeMaio, Clinton Chief of Police. Dedicated to providing superior police services, preventing crime and preserving peace for all citizens and visitors, Chief Vincent DeMaio of The Clinton Police Department will join us to tell you about his team of trained officers who work and serve in partnership with our community to promote safety, security and mutual respect. Musical guest: Ukulele Master Jim Beloff. Poetry & stories presented by Clinton Poet Laureate Cathy Weiss.

-Wed. 7/20 @ 6:30 PM: "Food Poverty in Our Town" Lynn Hidek, Families Helping Families Vice President. Families Helping Families envisions a Clinton where “every family has a warm home, healthy meals, and children with the tools to succeed…” Lynn Hidek will be here with Beth Critchley from the Food For All Community Garden along with other volunteers to speak about the work of these tremendous organizations and of the very real issue of food poverty. Musical guest: Master Guitarist Robert Messore. Poetry & stories presented by Clinton Poet Laureate Cathy Weiss.

-Wed. 7/27 @ 6:30 PM: "Welcoming Refugees to Our Community" Chris George, Director of Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS). We are pleased to bring Chris George, Executive Director of Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) for a discussion of the ways our town and organizations are playing a role in refugee resettlement. Learn about how IRIS is helping refugee families integrate into their new communities and how you might help. Musical guest: Banjo & Guitar Master Paul Neri. Poetry & stories presented by Clinton Poet Laureate Cathy Weiss.

-Wed. 8/3 @ 6:30 PM: "Trans Awareness 101" Jillian Celentano, MSW, Author and Transgender Community Advocate. Jillian is a therapist, educator, and mentor for transgender children and young adults. Her book “Transitioning Later in Life: A Personal Guide” was informed by her transition at age 55. With a Bachelor’s in psychology and a Master’s in social work, she co-authored two transgender studies at Yale and currently volunteers with the Yale Gender Program. Musical guest: Singer-songwriter Alison Farrell. Poetry & stories presented by Clinton Poet Laureate Cathy Weiss.

Bring a chair or blanket and join us on the library lawn. Will be held in the Community Room in the event of inclement weather.