News And Events
News
Announcing the
ESU Sandhills 2019-2020 Season:
Celebrating 40 Years of Education, Entertainment & Inspiration
The ESU Sandhills Branch was founded in 1979. During the following 40 years, we welcomed a diverse group of speakers, including: journalists, an astronaut, a number of Cabinet Secretaries, a former Governor, a TV commentator and, perhaps, a spy.
Please join us – in our 41st year – as we continue our mission of bringing topical, thought-provoking and entertaining programs to our members. You just never know what you're going to learn!
You can download a copy of our Season booklet by clicking here.
Sep 17, 2019
Happy 40th Birthday to ESU Sandhills
Pinehurst Country Club
4:00-6:00 PM
Join us for a Garden Party with Audrey Moriarty as she describes Pinehurst's evolution over the past 40 years.
Plus, learn more about the upcoming year's programs.
Friends are welcome!
Oct 16, 2019
Pinehurst Country Club
6:00-9:00 PM
Lynne Olson - Bestselling author
Madame Fourcade's Secret War
Nov 20, 2019
Pinehurst Country Club
6:00-9:00 PM
Scott Mason - The Tar Heel Traveler from WRAL
"Stories and Back Stories of North Carolina"
Dec 18, 2019
Pinehurst Country Club
6:00-9:00 PM
Dr. Mardy Grothe - the "Quotesmith"
"Wit and Wordplay in our Mother Tongue"
Jan 15, 2020
Pinehurst Country Club
6:00-9:00 PM
Stephen R. de Angelis - Russian historian
"The Rise of Vladimir Putin and his Engagement of the Presidencies of Presidents Bush, Obama and Trump"
Click here to see pictures
Feb 19, 2020
Pinehurst Country Club
6:00-9:00 PM
Kory Stamper - Lexicographer and author of Word by Word"
"A (Very) Brief History of the English Language"
Mar 11, 2020
Pinehurst Country Club
6:00-9:00 PM
Dr. Matt Farina - MD and Civil War Historian
"Civil War Medicine: Myth and Reality"
Apr 9, 2020 - CANCELLED
Pinehurst Country Club
6:00-9:00 PM
Walter Sinnott-Armstrong - Professor of Ethics at Duke University and author
Think Again - How to Reason and Argue in a Polarized World
May 6, 2020 - CANCELLED
Pinehurst Country Club
6:00-9:00 PM
Shaun Jay - Magician
"Why the World Needs Magic Now"
(He will also perform roving illusions)
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Happy Birthday to ESU Sandhills on Its 40th Birthday By Joyce Reehling
News
Launching into the 40th year of the English Speaking Union Sandhills branch we should feel a tinge of excitement as we celebrate this remarkable
accomplishment.
It is one thing for an organization to start, it is another for it to thrive. And as we move forward with new ideas, new members and a continuously renewed dedication to our Shakespeare Competition and the vital and always exciting Middle School Debate-we are anything but joining the "over the hill gang".
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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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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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