After suffering through a couple of COVID years, this year Chautauqua Institution is returning to full-strength. After nearly 150 years, the programming and nine-week season have become central to what living here means for us.

When you live on West Lake Road (Route 394) it is easy to see the institution come to life just by watching the number of cars coming down the road. Traffic seems to double during the Chautauqua season. If you are a grocer or vendor of any kind, you can see the difference by the numbers coming through your store. Just the economic activity alone associated with Chautauqua is reason enough to celebrate its return to full programming.

This year, an event just prior to the season, gave another reason to celebrate Chautauqua — The Chautauqua Lake Water Quality Conference. A full day was given in listening to various researchers who have been spending time analyzing the aquatic health of our lake.

Presentations were made by several groups and individuals conducting research. One collaborative effort called the “Jefferson Project” is also conducting studies on Skaneateles Lake and Lake George in New York State, so the research done here will be folded into the larger picture of what is happening in lakes across the state.

Also, this year Chautauqua has established a new position, Chautauqua Lake project manager. A plus, in my opinion, is that the person selected for this position has local roots, grew up around here, and so brings that practical background to the greater study of how Chautauqua Lake is doing from a water quality standpoint.

As those who read this column know, I have sometimes criticized Chautauqua for not being more collegially involved on lake issues. Now, as demonstrated in this recent conference, it is clear that they are fully involved with other organizations who are researching and advancing the quality and health of our lake.

Those who come to the institution regularly or are longtime Chautauquans know that what makes the place so special is its beautiful location, once called Fair Point, situated along the lakeshore with its trade mark Bell Tower announcing the place. We all know about the programming, the amphitheater, the opera and other special venues. However, there is nothing as awesome as sitting on a rocking chair on the porch of the old, wooden Athenaem Hotel looking out on that beautiful lake.

Chautauqua is gem of a place, an internationally-known institution of religious, intellectual depth with an incredible dedication to music and the arts. It is also an important player when it comes to understanding and promoting the health of Chautauqua Lake.

Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Lake are and will forever be intertwined. We welcome the 149th Season at this incredible place!

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.