News And Events
Life in the White House --- ( they did not burn the house down )
News
Another packed house enjoyed President Madison and his wife Dolly discuss Washington D.C. in the early 1800's. They did not "burn the house down" … it was the British. Dolly confirmed .. she did save the red velvet drapes but the portrait of George Washington was the higher priority.
The audience was both entertained and educated. The challenge of working to satisfy two parties with vary different views was managed by Mrs. Madison thru her social skills. The opening of the White House for social occasions that was inclusive of all – politicians, merchants, farmers – all were welcome and all came. Known as the weekly squeeze it helped define our country.
President Madison, whose great skill with the written word, penned positions from both parties. This work helped him maintain the communications open and led to his effective guidance of our country through difficult times.
Mr. Bryan Austin who played President Madison and Ms. Anna Deitel who played Dolly Madison are members of the Historic Life repertory company. They brought the past to life for a wonderful evening.
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News
English Speaking Union Student of the Month Program
Alison Richard from Union Pines High School
Each month Sandhills Branch selects a Student of the Month based on their outstanding academic record, extracurricular activities, leadership, and community involvement and they in turn select a teacher who has most influenced them.
Alison Richard from Union Pines High School is the English Speaking Unions Student of the Month. In the top 4% of her class she is a president of the Thespian Society branch, as well as active in track and field. She has been involved outside the school in multiple programs to help others…the shoebox program for orphans, helping the needy during the holiday season, to name a few.
Alison recognized Ms. Judy Osborne, her Theater teacher as mentor, motivator and confidant during her recognition speech. The ESU congratulates both Ms Richard as well as Ms. Osborne for the high standards they have reached along with their leadership of others.
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English Speaking Union announces it’s 2018 – 2019 Program
Event
Come fly with us!! Yesterday, today and tomorrow – this should be the theme of the English Speaking Union's 2018-2019 Season. The E-SU is an organization dedicated to education, scholarship, and understanding. This season reaches back into the early 1800's with James and Dolly Madison, the we move forward with renown writers who will cover national as well as the local literature of today. We'll move to the arts with music, then finish looking into the future with a presentation about NASA and the Hubble replacement. Learning from the past will create a better tomorrow. The programs this year will educate and challenge the thinking of everyone.
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Rick Bragg’s Program - an overwhelming success!!
News
The 2018 - 2019 English Speaking Union Program started off with a packed house to hear Rick Bragg, noted author and Pulitzer Prize winner, captivate us with personal stories and how they influenced his writing.
Wow, he was terrific! He blended humor with his home spun stories that captivated everyone. His colorful story telling took us back to the his youth in rural Alabama, then brought us forward, with a smile, to his professional life today and the values developed along the way. We were engaged as soon as he smiled and pulled his hair back. We felt a part of his stories, many caused us to pause and look at the working class folks we knew or were part of us.
While Bill Berger is a great host … turns out his wife Bonnie is even better. She set the stage for what was a wonderful evening listening to Rick Bragg. Gosh … she might have set the trend as next month we will hear from Dolly Madison, is she going to upstage her husband the president.
It is clear already we are going to have a good year .. with a lot of fun along the way.
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Garden Party – a real success
News
Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth I. Still going after all these years? Decades? The Garden Party was a big success. The weather cooperated and the outside Terrace at CCNC helped set the right tone for this seasons English Speaking Union Program kick-off. We were pleased to see the large turn-out of both members and guests alike. This event has provided a wonderful springboard as we continue to grow our membership.
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