Dear Editor,
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I didn’t grow up in Gallatin so my first experience with Chautauqua was in 2005. My husband and I had moved to Daviess County in August with a 6-day-old little boy, a 20- month-old and a 3-year-old in tow. I dragged them all out to experience Daviess County by way of Chautauqua that first September we were here.
I have always loved the energy that is felt at community events. It is in my opinion a time when I can feel the heartbeat of a community. It is a time when I get to see the values and the love of a community as well. I certainly felt that energy as I signed my baby up for the baby show, wandered around to see the sights, and later lined up along the street for the parade. I don’t remember many details of the day, but I do remember that I loved it.
The next year I was sure not to miss Chautauqua. Each year since, when possible, I have been sure not to miss Chautauqua. Even my kids caught the spark of the excitement.
My oldest, Cindy, ran in the first ever Chautauqua 5k and has done her best to not miss it whenever possible. My son was Little Mr. Chautauqua in 2008, and each of my kids have memories of the event through the years we have been here. It has become a tradition for our family. That is why when we moved back to the area in 2014 that I took it upon myself to make sure it did not end.
I have worked very hard over the last three years to make sure Chautauqua continued to be an event that brought us together as a community. I am honored that in the last three years I have been a part of this great event in this great area. I have loved this time I have spent. I am honored to have been given this chance to serve this great community! I love the people here!
My change if focus has come because this last year has been a year full of excitement and change in my personal life. I find myself the mom of four more children than I had a year ago. I also find myself at a juncture where I have to choose: Do I continue to serve in the same capacity as I have or do I pass the torch and focus on my family? I have tried to juggle both even with the many changes.
The simple fact is that I am no longer up to the task of ensuring Chautauqua continues. My family wins. As much as I love this community, in the end my kids will only be little for so long and they have shared me with Daviess County for the last three years. I must pass on the torch.
There is just one problem and this is why I am writing you as the editor of the paper. I can’t find anyone who will take this torch and run with it. There must be someone in our community who, like me, loves the energy of Chautauqua and hates to see it die. There must be someone who loves their community and wants to serve it by making sure this the wonderful tradition of Chautauqua continues.
Please someone step forward! I did not have any experience three years ago but I was able to pull it off because I had the desire and was willing to learn.
I have worked tirelessly to lay ground work for this event to continue. There are financial resources and I am willing to show someone the ropes. Someone just needs to step forward. Please step forward and don’t allow Chautauqua to die!
Sincerely,
Mary Hacking, Gallatin