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Partnering with organizations with missions in keeping with the ESU Mission.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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Ford Christmas Party legend continues...

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ESU 2023 Ford Christmas Photo Reportage

The legend lives on. From the  moment one entered the festive decorated historic home, the "hostess with the mostest," Marijke and team, John and Jon, treated the guests to a fairyland Old World setting and Yuletide fê

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The ESU National Shakespeare Competition Starts Now!

News – October, 31, 2023

We are pleased to announce the kick-off of the ESU's National Shakespeare Competition! Schools in our region may enter now, giving students the opportunity to participate in the Charlottesville Branch Competition.  The winner of the branch competition will travel to NYC to compete in the national finals at Lincoln Center!  

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2023 ESU Gala

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ESU 2023 Gala Photos – For those that attended, I thank you. For those who didn't/couldn't, it was a fun-filled evening, highlighted by an eye-opening talk by Dr. John Lenczowski (pictured on left with Branch "Angel", Lady Blanka Rosenstiel on his right) regarding the threat posed by the regime in China to Western civilization. New members were introduced. The ladies were all beautifully turned out. Grand evening.

See you all anon. President Phil

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2022 ESU Gala

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The Charlottesville Branch Gala had it all.

It began with a champagne reception with a series of pictures of Queen Elizabeth, from birth to her passing, scrolling on a large screen. President Williams' opening remarks included a solemn tribute to perhaps the greatest monarch in history. Moving testimonials were read from the national runner up for the Shakespeare competition, as well as from the winner of the TLAB Scholarship. In connection with this scholarship, President Williams announced a $100,000.00  gift from Judith and Robert Smith to support this Program. Perennial Branch Angel, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel was thanked for her $3,000.00 unrestricted gift to the branch. Charles III and President Biden were both toasted. A blessing was offered, the National Anthem sung, followed by President Williams' now annual humorous grammar lesson. Dinner was served and followed by an extraordinary presentation by Professor Mark Metcalf centered on China – a clear and present danger to Western Civilization. Our guests were beautifully turned out. It was an exciting, educational, and memorable opening for this year programs.

Thank you branch photographer Skye O'Donnell for this wonderful collection of pictures which captured the pleasure members took in coming together for the fall Kick-Off event.

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Dr. Julia Vandewater Steps Down as President of the Charlottesville Branch after six years, seen here with incoming Branch President, Dr. Henry P (Phil) Williams III

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