ESU Charlottesville Branch
Message from the President
Dear Members and Prospective members,
The dues are $45.00/Teachers, $75/Single, and $125/Couple per year. The fees are a small price to pay to support local and National philanthropies which are aimed at leveraging the ESU mission, both here and around the world. The ESU "Expands minds, Strengthens friendships, Unlocks opportunities – through the use of the English language." Where our youth is concerned,
"The English-Speaking Union believes every child should be able to make their voice heard. We believe that the ability to progress and to thrive in life relies on oracy – speaking and listening – skills, which are not currently a prominent part of the school curriculum. Our debate, public speaking and cultural exchange programs help young people to engage with the world, to speak more confidently and to listen to and understand different points of view. These skills improve young people's attainment, emotional intelligence, and social skills, helping them to live their lives to the fullest."
You can join or rejoin using the Membership Tab on the new website:
Or, mail a check made out to the English-Speaking Union and send it to: The English-Speaking Union of the United States, 144 East 39th Street, New York, NY 10016.
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News And Events
Shakespeare Contest Photo-Reportage
News
Passing over Afton divide and descending into the Shenandoah Valley, the sun shown brightly in blue sky. The mild temperature and beauty of the day proved to be a harbinger of a perfect day for the annual Branch Shakespeare contest at Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton. The turn out would prove to be record setting with 25 member attendees. The mood was buoyant. The excitement mounting, as the program kicked off. The lower level of the playhouse was packed with contestants, their coaches, family members. The sense of great expectations filled the magnificent replica of London's Blackfriars in the late Elizabethan, and early Jacobean, eras. The head of our Shakespeare Program, Fay Cunningham, did the honors of welcoming all, explaining the course of events to come, and thanking her counterparts at the American Shakespeare Center for their assistance. She then thanked Debbie Pruett, her predecessor, who together, organize the schools and their coaches. She thanked Melodie Hagspiel who served as the contest "cue captain," should any falter with their lines. I might add, none of the contestants missed a line, or even a word.
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ESU Burns Night. 1.25.25 – Photo Reportage
News
A Burns Night to Remember
A stunning affair that could not have been mounted, first and foremost, without the hard work of several of our members, beginning with Ginna Kelly, who negotiated the event with the Glenmore Club on behalf of the English-Speaking Union. As a Boyle, she is not only of Donegal Irish heritage, but also of the Clan Boyle of Ayrshire, Scotland, the home of the renowned Bard of Scotland, Robert Burns, affectionately known, even in his day, as Rabbie, 1759-1796. Additionally, President Williams provided oversight as the program evolved, rallied the troops (about 82 of the 142 attending were ESU), as well as serving as MC. John Crawford worked hard on all aspects of the event, including lining up the Burns speaker (Leslie Strachan), the Piper (Ian Wright), and the Sword Dancer (Haley Kukulis). Together, we worked on this event for many months.
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Partnering with organizations with missions in keeping with the ESU Mission.
News
The Charlottesville Branch Co-hosted the University of Virginia's Student Oratory Contest held in the iconic Dome Room of Thomas Jefferson's Rotunda on Nov. 18th, 2024. The theme...
Think Again is hosting the fourth annual UVA Student Oratory Contest. A record number of student contestants will write and deliver five-minute speeches on the topic: "Tell the story of a hero of our American democracy." A bipartisan panel of judges, comprised of former White House and Cabinet-level speechwriters, as well as last year's student winner, will choose a winner from among eight finalists. The winner will receive a $1000 prize, and a private dinner with the contestants and judges will follow the competition. Co-sponsors include the Karsh Institute of Democracy, Heterodox Academy at UVA, the English Speaking Union of Charlottesville, and a wide variety of student organizations and debate clubs. The competition is open to the public and free to attend.
The winners are pictured below with the Contest Founder, Moderator, and ESU member, Mary Kate Cary.
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ESU Madeira Program and Luncheon
News
Dear members and their guests,
On an overcast and slightly chilly fall afternoon, perfect for a Madeira Tasting, members gathered in salubrious expectation. Upon arrival, they were greeted with a glass of Rainwater Madeira, about which they would hear more later, and some petits hors d'oeuvres including green olives, dark olive tapenade, toast points, and almonds. The First Lady, Marilyn, and "Cruise Director" and Branch President Phil greeted all as they arrived at the Greencroft Club.
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ESU 2024 ESU Gala, Photo Reportage
News
First Lady Marilyn and I had the best time at this year's Kick-Off Gala. The men looked dashing, well, close enough. The ladies looked happy to be in gowns, and the men were happy to see them dolled up. The Head Table was star-studded with The First Lady, Branch Angel Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, our speaker, Professor Andrew Stauffer and his fiancée, Megan O'Donnell, Vanessa Bijak, Jami and Zeb Bogdanich, and Georgia and Dr. David Clapham.
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