Longfellow alumni reunite

The 139th Alumni Reunion of the Longfellow Chapter of the New London Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle (CLSC) took place June 18 at Bread-n-Brew in Wellington. This year's speaker was Steve Beal, director of Senior Enrichment Centers for Huron County. He discussed the center in Willard and the new location in Norwalk that replaces a building in use before the Civil War. He said a variety of classes, exercise room, meals and other activities are offered at both centers, as well as a travel program at Norwalk. The centers feed 370 meals each weekday, many of which go to Meals on Wheels in Norwalk and a similar program around the county. The centers are currently seeking donations to help supplement the cost of this program. Saying more information is available in the free monthly newsletter, The Connection, by mail or email, Beal invited all those interested to call or visit the centers. During the CLSC business meeting, president Sherrill Stover announced her retirement from the position and was replaced by Tom Neel. A donation was made to the meal program at the Senior Enrichment Centers and plans were made for next year's reunion. Each reunion ends with the ceremonial reading of Longfellow's poem "The Bridge," singing of "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" and the Chautauqua white hankie salute. CLSC is an outgrowth of the Chautauqua movement that originated in New York State at Lake Chautauqua in the 1870s as classes for Sunday school teachers. This grew until it came to mean education for all. Beginning in 1878 as a home reading course and book club, CLSC offered correspondence courses in history, literature and science. Those who completed a course graduated in ceremonies still held in Chautauqua each year. The Longfellow Chapter, founded in 1884, is believed to be one of the oldest continuing chapters in the country and has graduated 193 readers. Anyone interested in joining the group or getting more information can do so on line, at the New London Library, from CLSC members or by calling 419-929-2503.