This Popular Lecture Series has expanded to include lectures and programs every week. Join us for dinner and a lecture and enjoy the evening at Wiawaka!
Thank you to the Touba Family Foundation for their generous donation to help support and expand our Lecture Series.
Tuesday and Thursday evenings in July and August we will host a remarkable presenter who will speak on an interesting topic that is historic, interesting and relevant. Come early and enjoy a delicious healthy meal. Dinner is served at 6pm followed by our lecture at 7:00 pm.
Price to attend the dinner and lecture is $35.00 and must be paid upon reservation. Lectures can be attended for $20.00.
These lectures sold out each week last summer, so don’t wait to register!
Men may attend if accompanied by a woman in July and August. Please call 518-668-9690 to make a reservation or make an online reservation by clicking the links below. *If you are unable to attend the lecture your payment will be a donation to our historic 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.
July 6th, 2023
Eileen Mack and Michael Clement
Come to the Cabaret!
7:00 – 8:30pm
Musical theatre on Broadway and in film has been buoyed by leading ladies
who have sung and danced their way into our history and hearts. Wiawaka
presents a tribute to the strong women who played those roles and to the fictional characters we hold dear.
From a gun toting Annie to a prayerful
Mother Superior, this program will sing you their songs and share notes on the actresses and their leading roles.
Eileen Egan Mack is a vocalist, actress, and storyteller who has performed
previously at Wiawaka and at many events throughout the Capital District.
She is a jazz singer and a lover of art songs. And “Broadway” feels like
home.
Michael Clement is a renowned pianist in the Capital District, performing
with many singers and instrumental soloists, church choirs, and with the
Mendelssohn Club of the Capital District. He is pleased to make his debut
performance at Wiawaka Summer 2023.
July 11th, 2023
Georgia O’Keeffe
Portrayed by Claire Nolan
7:00 – 8:30
Claire Nolan is an educator and a storyteller. She has combined those two passions in her portrayals of important historical figures from US and world history. What are First Person Portrayals of Historic Characters? What can you expect during a performance? During a “first person” performance, the actor takes on the role of the historical figure. She dresses in period costume and may portray herself as a person who has no idea how things have changed since her historical period.
During her presentation Claire also hopes to provide a springboard for discussion of the historical character and her time and place. Claire’s repertoire includes Mary Harris (Mother) Jones, Rachel Carson, Georgia O’Keeffe and Marie Curie. She welcomes suggestions for other important women from history to add to her repertoire. Claire’s portrayals are especially appropriate for Middle School, High School and Adult audiences.
Claire has appeared at Wiawaka Center for Women in Lake George, Caffe Lena in Saratoga, Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center, Story Sundays at the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia, and at festivals, conferences, colleges, libraries, schools and community events in New York and New England. Her repertoire also includes storytelling – Historical Stories, International Folk Tales, Myths, Literary Stories and Personal Family Stories. Claire’s variety of folktales, literary tales, myths, and personal stories resonate with audiences both young and old.
July 10th, 2023
Benita Zahn
7:00 – 8:30pm
BENITA ZAHN, MA, DPS-BIOETHICS, CHWC, NBC-HWC
Benita is a nationally certified Health and Wellness Coach working with clients at Capital Cardiology Associates. Benita spent more than 40 years as a health reporter and news anchor at WNYT in Albany, NY. Among the issues she covered include wellness, treatment breakthroughs, aging, nutrition, and the latest health care trends. She was also a key player in educating the community about Covid19 through ongoing special reports. Benita’s work has taken her around the world and across the USA. She’s covered the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, the inauguration of President Obama and both Republican and National Conventions and the World Gathering of Holocaust Survivors. She also reported on health care in Tula, Russia, Albany’s sister city.
A sought after public speaker Benita is also a contributor to the weekly “Live Smart” page in the Times Union, the HMRRC Pacesetter and the magazine 55+LIVING. Benita also created and co-hosts the bi-weekly podcast EVERYTHING THEATER. Benita earned her Master’s and Doctorate in Bioethics at the Alden March Bioethics Institute at Albany Medical College. She earned her CHWC from the prestigious WELLCOACHES School of Coaching and is nationally board certified through NBC-HWC. She is a member of Actors Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA and performs on many local stages. Benita’s TV work garnered her numerous awards including a NY EMMY, International Radio and Television Awards, NYS Broadcasters Award and has been honored by numerous health organizations. Recently she won the prestigious Broadway World Award as best performer/professional for her role in Steel Magnolias at the Fort Salem Theater. Benita is president of the board for Park Stage Company/Park Playhouse. She’s also on the board of Kelly’s Angels and Building on Love. An avid runner Benita has completed numerous marathons including Boston, NYC and Cape Cod. Benita lives with her husband Bob and their rescue dogs Stanley.
July 13th, 2023
Kate Dudding
Storyteller
Georgia O’Keeffe
7:00 – 8:30pm
Kate’s Bio:
From Clifton Park, NY, Kate Dudding specializes in true stories about people who made a difference. She
has told stories at many venues in the Northeastern US. Many of her five CDS have received national storytelling awards. In 2010, she won the story slam (competition) at the National Storytelling Conference in Los Angeles. Visit her web site http://www.KateDudding.com to watch her tell some of her stories.
July 20th, 2023
Frieda Toth
“The Ghost of Mary Persons”
7:00 – 8:30pm
Frieda Toth is the coauthor ofWarren County (New York) Its People and Their History Over Time, of the motor-scooter memoir James Bond, Route 9, and Me, and the children’s book Help Wanted. She’s an award-winning playwright and director and a trained opera singer, but most people know her from her work at Crandall Public Library, where she’s been a librarian for a quarter of a century.
July 25th, 2023
Eileen Mack and Michael Clement
Original Music composed by Katrina Trask and performed by vocalist Eileen Mack 
Kate Nichols was born in Brooklyn in 1853 to well to do parents,
George Nichols and Christine Cole Nichols. She married a successful
business man, Spencer Trask and again was set up for a life of
privilege. Kate became Katrina, and while she lived a life of comfort,
she was aware of the lives of others. She shares a rich history of
philanthropy that continues today, especially in the expression of the
Artists and Writers Institute at the Yaddo in Saratoga, Congress Park,
and Wiawaka, to mention a few. She also enjoyed a rich inner life that
led her to author books, poems, lyrics, and music.
Eileen Egan Mack will share some of the compositions Katrina has
bequeathed us and, to create a context, contemporary music of her
time will complement Katrina’s work with offerings by Victor Herbert
and Amy Beach.
Eileen Egan is a vocalist who enjoys many genres of music and is
thrilled to bring to life the music of Katrina Trask. Eileen has appeared
previously at Wiawaka, Union College, Charlton Historical Society,
Tannery Pond Community Center among many other venues to
present music performances and storytelling programs including
“Voice of the Mountains: Jeanne Robert Foster, an Adirondack
Legacy” and “Elizabeth Schuyler: Albany Girl/American Woman.”
MIchael is a renowned pianist soloist and is also known for his brilliant
work as an accompanist, working with many singers in a variety of
settings. He is the accompanist for the Mendelssohn Club and is
known for his keyboard technique and thoughtful, inspired musical
interpretation. He is a joy to listen to and his joy of music is fully
expressed through his playing.
Among the women to whom Wiawaka remains grateful is Katrina
Trask. Her financial support and belief in Mary Fuller’s mission, nourished the vision of a place to nurture women in a safe and
beautiful setting. Besides her philanthropic work, Katrina Trask was a
successful poet, writer and musician. Wiawaka is proud to present a
program of Katrina’s music complemented by the work of two other
American musicians, Amy Beach and Victor Herber. This program will
help set a context for Katrina’s words and music in an evening of song
with piano accompaniment featuring soprano Eileen Egan Mack and
pianist Michael Clement.
July 27th, 2023
“Katrina Trask’s Legacy”
Rumara Jewett, with readings performed by Tamie Ehinger and Michael Belanger
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Eminent Saratogian Katrina Trask (1853-2022), author, visionary, philanthropist, and founder of Yaddo, died 101 years ago this past January. We review Katrina Trask’s inspiring legacy, with a focus on the considerable role she played in the Town (City as of 1915) of Saratoga Springs.
Katrina Trask left us thousands of pages of both published and unpublished writing. Her words give us a remarkable window into her life and times, and into a legacy that is both full of
practical accomplishments and richly, deeply emotional. Costumed readers will interpret quotes from period documents. Readings from her works are interspersed with historical narrative and period newspaper accounts.
Mrs. Trask partnered with Mary Fuller in the founding of Wiawaka Holiday House (now Wiawaka Center for Women), which opened 120 years ago in 1903. This presentation offers background understanding of the remarkable woman who in 1908 would gift to Mary Fuller the Wiawaka property in exchange for “a bunch of May flowers.”
August 1st, 2023
Kate Dudding
Ella Fitzgerald
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Watch and listen to many of Ella’s performances – from her 1935 performance at age 18 with Chick Web and His Orchestra to her performance in 1989 at the 60 the Anniversary Celebration of Sammy Davis Jr. at age 72. Learn about her struggles, both growing up as well as performing in segregated America.
Nonetheless, she received awards – her first: a 1934 Amateur Night winner, Apollo Theater, subsequently followed by the 1967 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992, and numerous others. Many call her “The First Lady of Song.”
Kate’s Bio:
From Clifton Park, NY, Kate Dudding specializes in true stories about people who made a difference. She
has told stories at many venues in the Northeastern US. Many of her five CDS have received national storytelling awards. In 2010, she won the story slam (competition) at the National Storytelling Conference in Los Angeles. Visit her web site http://www.KateDudding.com to watch her tell some of her stories.
August 3rd, 2023
The Archeology Dig at Wiawaka Presented by The Chapman Museum
7:00 – 8:30 pm
During this program we will be talking about the archaeological investigations at the Wiawaka Center for Women. In 2010, a small porcelain room number was found in the garden bed by a volunteer along with other fascinating artifacts. Join Maureen Folk, Outreach and Program Coordinator from The Chapman Musuem in Glens Falls as she shares this extraordinary experience from a historical and personal perspective.
August 8th, 2023
Mother Jones
Portrayed by Claire Nolan
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Claire is a storyteller and an historical re-enactor. She tells personal and literary stories as well as folk and fairy tales. Telling the story of Mother Jones is not only enjoyable for Claire but it combines at least three of her passions: History, stories and social justice.
During her presentation Claire also hopes to provide a springboard for discussion of the historical character and her time and place. Claire’s repertoire includes Mary Harris (Mother) Jones, Rachel Carson, Georgia O’Keeffe and Marie Curie. She welcomes suggestions for other important women from history to add to her repertoire. Claire’s portrayals are especially appropriate for Middle School, High School and Adult audiences.
Claire has appeared at Wiawaka Center for Women in Lake George, Caffe Lena in Saratoga, Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center, Story Sundays at the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia, and at festivals, conferences, colleges, libraries, schools and community events in New York and New England. Her repertoire also includes storytelling – Historical Stories, International Folk Tales, Myths, Literary Stories and Personal Family Stories. Claire’s variety of folktales, literary tales, myths, and personal stories resonate with audiences both young and old.
August 10th, 2023
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Musical favorites Red Canna return to Wiawaka for a special performance. Red Canna is a modern chamber jazz group playing the original compositions and arrangements of pianist/composer Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius and a selection of other modern composers, including Astor Piazzolla, T.S. Monk and Hermeto Pascoal. The group features the stunning Mitsuko Suzuki of the Albany Symphony on violin and heralded jazz mainstay Bobby Kendall on upright bass, as well as the genre-bending Woodbury Kasius on piano. Dynamic vocalist Shari Seidman Parslow will join as special guest vocalist with the trio. Lush, modern and infused with inspirations from the natural world, Red Canna is at once reflective and rife with joy.
August 15th, 2023
Susan B Anthony
Sheryl Faye
7:00 – 8:30 pm
In 2020 we celebrate not only 100 years since the ratification of the 19th Amendment, we’re also celebrating Susan B. Anthony’s 200th birthday!
Sheryl Faye is a full-time actress, a goal she has worked her whole live to achieve. Besides performing a variety of historical women for schools, libraries, historical societies, senior centers, and others, she also writes and performs with StageCoach Improv. She has been the voice of several characters for Sony Play Station games and for a variety of medical CD ROMS. She recently shot a national print ad for Vicks cold/flu and continues to keep busy working on films, television and theater throughout Boston and New York.
August 17th, 2023
Paint Your Journey to Success
Sharon Burstein
7:00 – 8:30 pm
This fun, engaging talk will be very hands on, loaded with fun and surprises. Life is a wonderful journey, filled with adventures and surprises. Each day is gift. High-energy engaging and interactive, everyone will help paint their YOUnique life tapestry, to take with them. There is only one YOU! Each of us has star power. We all shine in our own YOUnique way. This fun power packed presentation will provide transformational tips to help you soar in life.
Sharon Burstein opens minds through innovation to connect more effectively with who you are. Each of us has the ability and power to be a shining star to yourself and others. Rich in content, you will learn simple techniques to infuse into your life. Sharon motivates with her high energy, words, messages, ways to build greater confidence and tips to achieve greater “Star Power” and leadership and success in all aspects of your life by being and celebrating being YOUniquely you! Sharon tremendously connects with her audience. Her strength is working with women building confidence and understanding with what makes each person, YOUnique!
August 22nd, 2023
Diane Struble’s Journey presented by her daughter Gwenne Rippon
7:00 -8:30pm
“Inspirational people don’t just talk about what is important to them; they act upon it. They find a way to overcome every obstacle. They uplift and
encourage others.” This S.W.I.M. event was created as a way to honor Diane Struble, the first person to swim Lake George on August 22-23, 1958, and to continue her legacy of inspiring others to follow their dreams. This May, 65 years after she swam Lake George, Diane Struble was inducted into IMSHOF (the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame) at a ceremony in NYC.
Gwenne Rippon will share about the historical significance of her mother’s
swim and why it continues to be a source of inspiration to others. Also, who
were some of the other swimmers of Lake George and what inspired them?
We are excited and hopeful that recently retired Lake George Village
Mayor, Robert Blais, will be able to join us to share his firsthand experience
of the thrilling moment when Diane Struble finished her swim.
Wiawaka, “the Great Spirit of Women” is the perfect setting for this event,
where you can see and hear the waters of Lake George lapping against the
shoreline and imagine Diane and others stroking past.
We will also have other women swimmers join this prestigious line up as they celebrate S.W.I.M. – Strong Women Inspire Me
August 23th, 2023
Claire Nolan as Diane Struble
7:00 -8:30pm
It gives me great pleasure to perform in character as the first person to swim the length of the Queen of American Lakes, Diane Struble.
I first learned about Diane from her daughter, Gwenne Rippon. I had heard Gwenne tell the story of her courageous Mother at our Story Circle and was immediately curious to learn more. I have visited Lake George all my life and I have swum in her clear cold waters many times. Gwenne and I first met at Story Circles, and I first heard her Mother’s story in Gwenne’s own words. she knew I was a storyteller but she didn’t know that I was a swimmer until she heard me tell the story of another great American swimmer, Lynne Cox. It was then that Gwenne asked me to tell her mother’s story.
I was honored and humbled. Diane is truly a strong woman who inspires me. Her story is one that we can all relate to. Her great swim is only a small part of who she was. She was a swimmer and dedicated to her sport. She was a hard worker who excelled at many different things. She was adventurous and
she was not afraid to try new things and accept new challenges. And she was a Mother whose great accomplishments inspired her daughter to accept her own challenges. Gwenne has written a beautiful book, a loving tribute to her Mother. It is Gwenn’s extensive research that has given me rich material to create my tribute to Diane Struble, a Strong Woman who has Inspired
Me.
August 24th, 2023
Louise Rourke and Ginger Kuenzel
7:00 -8:30pm
Turning Ripples Into Waves: Two Strong Women
As a 64-year-old, differently abled woman, Louise pursued a
goal, despite challenges making a difference in the lives of
many. She will share what inspired her “Swim to End Polio” in 2018, bringing to the forefront the precious importance of the
clear, clean waters of Lake George. Ginger will speak about some of the women who inspired her to devote so much time to serving her community and protectingLake George. As a grassroots leader in lake protection efforts, she has learned “on the job” how to unite different elements behind a single cause to bring about positive change.” These two women will inspire you to follow your heart and pursue your passion.
Louise Beckerle Rourke is a polio survivor from six months of
age and a native of Queensbury. With her right leg paralyzed,
she is a lifetime swimmer of the pristine waters of Lake George.
She is a retired teacher and social worker who lives with her
husband John in Ticonderoga. Her sons, Sean and Devin, spent
every summer on the lake while visiting their grandmother at
her home on Rockhurst. While the Lake rests in the winter,
Louise continues swimming at a Recreation Center in Boulder,
Colorado living close to Devin and his wife, Rachel who also
summered on Lake George.
Ginger Henry Kuenzel is a fourth generation Hague resident. As a
young adult, she moved to Munich, Germany, where she lived and
worked as a journalist and translator for nearly 20 years. Throughout
that time, she spent summers on Lake George with her children,
instilling in them the same deep appreciation for Lake George that she
has. In the 90’s, Ginger moved back to the U.S. launching a second career in corporate communications in Boston and New York City.
Today she works as a freelance journalist, editor, and translator. She is
the author of Downtown, Tales of Life in a Small Adirondack Town and
co-author of the book Lake George Reflections. She is a contributor to
and editor of Stewards of the Water, a book about past and present
stewards of Lake George, and is currently writing a book about the Lake
George Regatta Association.
August 25th, 2023
A Lake for All Seasons, Presented by Bridget Simpson
7:00 -8:30pm
Bridget wants to encourage women to recognize their strength by presenting ways to define objectives, set goals, mitigate risk, and incorporate big adventures and dreams into their lives. Bridget has taught many swimmers for many years- most often in pools. Open water swimming is a way to connect our selves to the world around us by literally immersing ourselves in the landscape. The water is empowering, compelling, soothing, and sacred. . . and all women are strong women.
August 29th, 2023
Bernice Mennis
Looking Out/ Looking In
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Robert Bly writes of the poet Rilke feeling trapped within his own mind, his poems “vague, poetic, and talky “and how Rilke needed to look more closely and listen more intently to the outside world. In this talk I’ll reflect on how closely observing the world outside enables us to journey within– how, by some “magic,” images, objects, details lets us touch on what is not yet within consciousness, enriching writing, music, art, and life.
Bernice taught for 20 years in Vermont College’s Adult Degree Program (for adults returning to College often after many years) and for 12 years in Skidmore College’s University Without Walls in Great Meadows Prison. Her book “Breaking Out of Prison: a guide to consciousness, compassion, and freedom” was “dedicated to my students who were my teachers.”