MOUNT VERNON – Have you ever wondered what the people of Pompeii experienced when Mount Vesuvius erupted covering the entire area with lava? The one bright from the disaster was that the site was left kept intact and not rebuilt and archaeologists have been able to piece together what life really was like at that time. According to britannia.com, “The extent of the archaeological sites makes them of the greatest importance, for they provide a unique source of information about so many aspects of social, economic, religious, and political life of the ancient world. The many well-preserved house shrines give a hitherto unexpected picture of the vitality of religion in the family. The bakeries complete with mills, kneading machines, and ovens, some still containing loaves of bread, show how this staple of everyday life was produced. Numerous fulleries (processing and cleaning plants for wool) make it possible to study this important industry. The shops of the sculptor, toolmaker, and gem cutter, as well as the factories for garum (fish sauce) and lamps and the many wine and food shops, document other aspects of ancient life.”

On Thursday, October 25, the Chautauqua Series welcomes Tammy Souhrada will portray a tourist guide the day before Mount Vesuvius erupts at Pompeii. The program will be presented at 12 Public Square, The Grand Hotel in downtown Mount Vernon. The series with support from the Ariel Foundation and the Grand Hotel is organized by Elixir Presents on a donation basis for the education, entertainment for our community. Now in its 12th season the Chautauqua Series, the only year round monthly Chautauqua in the United States, is a wonderful way to learn more about people and times from history that goes well beyond history books or the History Channel.

The Grand Hotel provides a comfortable conference room that is accessible to people with special needs. The doors open to the room at 6 PM with the Mount Vernon Players Shakespeare starting at 7 PM with Tammy taking us on a guided tour of Pompeii at 7:45 followed by a question and answer period immediately after her presentation.
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For more information about this program and upcoming presentations, please visit www.elixirpresents.com, www.VisitKnoxOhio.org, or www.wqio.com. You can also call 740-392-6102 or 740-392-3018. If you would like to receive a “Gentle Reminder” email on the Sunday before each program, contact Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com.

Chautauqua Highlights the Freedom Riders

MOUNT VERNON – Freedom Riders were groups of white and African American civil rights activists who participated in bus trips through the American South in 1961 to protest segregated bus terminals. They tried to use “whites-only” restrooms and lunch counters in a non-violent manner at bus stations in Alabama, South Carolina and other Southern states and were confronted by arresting police officers—as well as horrific violence from white protestors—along their routes that drew international attention to their cause.

On Thursday, October 11, the Chautauqua Series welcomes Dr. Annette Jefferson to The Grand Hotel, located at 12 Public Square in downtown Mount Vernon. Dr. Jefferson has portrayed Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Ethel Waters and Rosa Parks for the series in the past and always has an amazing way of bring history to life and showing the struggles of blacks and whites through the years.

The Grand Hotel provides a comfortable conference room on the lower floor that is easily accessible to people with special needs such as wheel chairs, walkers and baby carriages and is a great setting for these family friendly programs. The doors will open at 6 PM, with opening performers Jeff Putnam, Chris Petee and Mike Petee performing the music of Peter, Paul & Mary starting at 7 PM with Dr. Jefferson at approximately 7:45. Immediately after the presentation Dr. Jefferson will answer any question about this civil rights era and the activities surrounding the Freedom Riders and is a great way to enhance students’ understanding of the period in history.

The Chautauqua’s are organized and presented by Elixir Presents with the support of the Ariel Foundation and the Grand Hotel on a donation basis. For more information about this program and upcoming presentations, please visit www.elixirpresents.com or www.VisitKnoxOhio.org. You can also call 740-392-6102 or 740-392-3018. If you would like to receive a “Gentle Reminder” email on the Sunday before each program, contact Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com.
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Finally, mark Tuesday December 4th on your calendar. The annual Food For The Hungry Concert will be held at the Memorial Theater featuring the music of Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and George Harrison and the cost will be a can of food and/or cash for our needy neighbors.