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Ashland Today
By the People, for the People
Otterbein Speaker Series features Lakeside's Shirley Stary
Retired Lakeside Director of Arts & Entertainment shares her journey to the iconic community
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Shirley Stary, the retired Director of Arts & Entertainment at Lakeside Chautauqua, was the featured guest for the Feb. 17 Otterbein Speaker Series event at Otterbein's Life Enrichment Center. Stary spoke about how divine intervention guided her throughout life, leading her to her career at Lakeside where she booked hundreds of entertainers, including big-name stars, for Hoover Auditorium performances.
Why it matters
The event highlighted the unique and strong bond between Lakeside Chautauqua and Otterbein SeniorLife Marblehead, as Otterbein residents have the opportunity to enjoy Lakeside's entertainment and community for free through a collaborative partnership.
The details
During her 19-year tenure at Lakeside from 2005 to 2024, Stary booked numerous entertainers to perform at the iconic Hoover Auditorium. She spoke about how her upbringing, education, relationships, and career path all prepared her for her role at Lakeside, which she described as a place that became a true home to her.
- Stary worked at Lakeside Chautauqua from 2005 to 2024.
- The Otterbein Speaker Series event featuring Stary took place on February 17, 2026.
The players
Shirley Stary
The retired Director of Arts & Entertainment at Lakeside Chautauqua, who booked hundreds of entertainers, including big-name stars, for Hoover Auditorium performances during her 19-year tenure from 2005 to 2024.
Lakeside Chautauqua
An iconic community in Ohio that offers a wide variety of entertainment and events, and has a collaborative partnership with Otterbein SeniorLife Marblehead that provides free admission passes to Otterbein residents.
Otterbein SeniorLife Marblehead
A senior living community that has a unique and strong bond with Lakeside Chautauqua, allowing its residents to enjoy the entertainment and community of Lakeside for free.
What they’re saying
“I believe that God's hand touched my life.”
— Shirley Stary, Retired Director of Arts & Entertainment, Lakeside Chautauqua (thebeacon.net)
“I loved everything about her talk. I just thought the whole presentation was two thumbs up.”
— Carolyn Molter, Otterbein Resident (thebeacon.net)
“I saw him perform before. I got his autograph, and he posed for a photo.”
— Doug Brown, Otterbein Resident (thebeacon.net)
What’s next
The Otterbein Speaker Series continues with guest speaker Vern Hartenburg, who will present 'The Camino Trail – A Journey to Remember' on Thursday, March 19. On Thursday, April 16, Coleen Kane will talk about the history and care of orchids.
The takeaway
The event showcased the strong partnership between Lakeside Chautauqua and Otterbein SeniorLife Marblehead, providing Otterbein residents with unique opportunities to engage with the arts and entertainment offerings of the iconic Lakeside community.
