Carol Rizzolo of Connecticut has been visiting Chautauqua Institution for almost 30 years and has been a resident since 2004.

A view of Chautauqua Lake from the front porch of her home, a 2022 Property Owners Association Preservation Award winner, and full of memories.

"There's something for everyone. For us to be able to share this with our kids. To go to lectures," Rizzolo said.

A lecture on August 12 turned into a crime scene as 24-year-old Hadi Matar was arrested on stage after allegedly stabbing author Salman Rushdie and wounding the event's moderator.

The incident prompted institution leaders to enhance security procedures already in place.

"But certainly after something like what happened here, created an international profile for this organization and it was appropriate to implement additional measures,” Emily Morris, Chautauqua Institution senior VP and chief brand officer, said.

Measures for Carol and others, like passing through a metal detector and not allowing bags in the amp.

"We walk through them in airports all the time, we walk through them in courthouses."

Carol says the changes are a small price to pay to prevent future violence.

"It doesn't take away anything. I think the idea of somebody else being attacked at the Amp would take away more," Rizzolo says.

"It's important for them to be responsive to do what we're asking them to do in order to keep each other and this community safe," Morris said.

In addition to Chautauqua Institution increasing and implementing its own safety measures, NYS Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andy Goodell have each introduced legislation that designates peace officer status to the Institution's public safety personnel. They're also calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to convene a special session for lawmakers to pass the measure.

"And they're doing what they think is necessary to help the organization help itself and be a partner in this community. And we just couldn't be more grateful," Morris said.

Carol just grateful for the institution's unprecedented response.

"I'm actually very proud of the community to come back in and retake this place as ours," Rizzolo said.

No word yet if the metal detector will be back on site when the 2023 season begins June 24.