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
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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TLAB – An ESU Philanthropy with Proven Result
News
Spotlight on Fluvanna High School
Drama Teacher
Charlottesville Branch sent three teachers to study in the UK last summer. One (Robert Schuster of Tandem School) went to the University of Edinburgh to study Modernism. Two went to study in London at the Globe Theater. One was Ethan Roberts of Lynchburg Christian School. The other, Craig Edgerton from Fluvanna High School. The spotlight here is on Craig. What has he been up to since returning from his summer program. Allow me to quote our TLAB Chair, Fay Cunningham.
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ESU 2024 Garden Party Photo Reportage
News
One cannot have an English Garden Party with at least a spot of rain. Mercifully, that is all the day brought. Otherwise, the weather was perfect, overcast (good for pictures), neither too hot, nor too cold. Below left, the hosts with the most, "Shriner Bob" and "Miss Kentucky Derby," Cindy Ryan. To their impeccable hospitality, was added the cheerful service of President Phil, and the alluring taste of his Pimm's Cup No. 1 punch, "best this side of the Thames."
Added to the mix were the expertise of Bartender "Jimmy", and in the kitchen, Chef Propriétaire, Ashley Seig Williams – a winning team.
The Charlottesville Branch set a Garden Party attendance record, with 102 RSVPs, reflective of the dramatic growth of the organization, thanks in large measure to Cindy, focusing on the Senior circuit, and Holly on new members in their 40s.
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