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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Charlottesville
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DTSTART:20250309T070000
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251210T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251210T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T082108
CREATED:20251020T230723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T053758Z
UID:1635-1765386000-1765389600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: A Brief History of Toys for Tots (National Event)
DESCRIPTION:From its humble beginnings in 1947\, the wife of a Marine Reserve Major wanted todonate dolls to a charity that would distribute the toys to children in need. Sheconvinced her husband to create one. He looked to fellow Marine reservists to get thejob done. The project was a huge success and was officially adopted by the MarineCorps in 1948 and went nationwide almost immediately. \n\n\n\nToday\, Toys for Tots is recognized as an official activity of the Marine Corps and part ofthe official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve. For the past 77 years\, the Toys for Totsprogram along with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve have led a campaign to collect newand unwrapped toys\, providing millions of gifts annually to underprivileged childrenduring the holiday season. \n\n\n\nToday’s Happy Hour guest speaker is Major Gunnar Spafford\, USMC (Ret.) who is theDeputy Vice President of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The Foundation hassupported Toys for Tots since 1991. Major Spafford will describe the history of Toys forTots and how it has become a worldwide program. The Major will also explain the goalsof the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. \n\n\n\nThis ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Sandhills Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\nAbout Major Gunnar Spafford\, USMC (Ret.)  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMajor Spafford joined the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in August 2023 as the Deputy Vice President of Business Development working within the Marketing & Development department. Major Spafford served in the United States Marine Corps as both an enlisted infantryman and a military police officer before being competitively selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program to receive education and training to become a Marine Corps Officer.  \n\n\n\nAs a Military Policeman\, he served in multiple billets to include Assistant Special Operations Chief\, Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of a weapons storage facility\, Watch Command\, Patrol Supervisor\, Special Reaction Team (SRT)\, and SRT sniper. As an officer\, Major Spafford served as Deputy Provost Marshal\, Executive Officer\, Operations Officer\, and Senior Operations Officer before fulfilling his final role as a Manpower Program Manager for Headquarters Marine Corps\, Manpower & Reserve Affairs.  \n\n\n\nAfter 25 total years of service\, Gunnar retired from the Marine Corps and continued as a strategic and innovative Project Management Professional with a diverse background in program leadership and process improvements\, most recently working as the Deputy Director for Manpower & Personnel for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/happy-hour-a-brief-history-of-toys-for-tots/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T163000
DTSTAMP:20260404T082108
CREATED:20250817T005048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T235711Z
UID:1415-1765114200-1765125000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Branch Christmas Party
DESCRIPTION:A Sunday afternoon Christmas Party Chez Marijke Ford\, from 1:30 to 4:30. A tax-deductible per person charge will be levied in support of the Shakespeare Competition.   \n\n\n\nRSVP by week prior to the event.  Questions: President Williams – 434/981-0444.  Seating is limited. \n\n\n\nWhen: Sunday 7 December 2025 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm \n\n\n\nWhere: Chez Marijke Ford (address to be provided)
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/1415/
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251120T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251123T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T082108
CREATED:20250917T021547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T021754Z
UID:1561-1763625600-1763917200@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:The Earl and Countess of Derby Invite the English-Speaking Union to A Magical Holiday Weekend at Knowsley Hall
DESCRIPTION:The Earl and Countess of Derby Invite the English-Speaking Union toA Magical Holiday Weekend at Knowsley HallPrescot\, Merseyside L34 4AG EnglandNovember 20–23\, 2025 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom $2\,500 pp double / $3\,400 pp single in an Executive SuiteUpgrades to Deluxe and Royal Suite/Lord Derby’s Suite available  \n\n\n\nStep into the enchantment of the holiday season with an exclusive invitation from the Earl and Countess of Derby to spend a luxurious weekend at historic Knowsley Hall\, a magnificent estate nestled in the English countryside. \n\n\n\nKnowsley Hall has been in the ownership of the Stanley family for over 600 years. Set within 2\,500 acres of a private walled estate\, located near Liverpool\, the hall has been welcoming royalty and distinguished guests since 1495. \n\n\n\nFor more information or to secure your reservation contact Rossana Ivanova\, rivanova@esuus.org\, (862) 224-4244. \n\n\n\nView Itinerary \n\n\n\nRegistration Form \n\n\n\nParticipant Agreement
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/the-earl-and-countess-of-derby-invite-the-english-speaking-union-to-a-magical-holiday-weekend-at-knowsley-hall/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251115T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251115T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T082108
CREATED:20251020T230021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T053333Z
UID:1631-1763204400-1763211600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Shakespeare’s Women: A Professional Development Workshop (National Event)
DESCRIPTION:Join the ESU for an exclusive online professional development workshop live via Zoom from Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Explore four of Shakespeare’s most fascinating women—Juliet\, Lady Macbeth\, Beatrice\, and Hero—through an interactive session connecting critical writing with rehearsal-room practice. Gain fresh strategies for engaging students with themes of gender\, relationships\, and power in Shakespeare’s works. \n\n\n\nIdeal for secondary English and drama teachers\, especially those involved in the ESU National Shakespeare Competition. Participants may be eligible for Professional Development credit.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/exploring-shakespeares-women-a-professional-development-workshop-national-event/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251109T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251109T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T082108
CREATED:20250817T003852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T053507Z
UID:1413-1762700400-1762711200@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Branch Sunday Talk and Recital by World-Class Violist\, Rachel Yonan\, Titled "Music and Human Flourishing"
DESCRIPTION:ESU Charlottesville members and Friends of ESU are cordially invited to an extraordinary afternoon of “Music and Human Flourishing” featuring world-class violist Rachel Yonan. The Bach G Major Suite\, a collection of six dances\, will be integrated into the talk. Recognized for her expressive playing and elegant style\, violist RACHEL YONAN enjoys a rich and varied career as recitalist\, artistic director\, commentator\, and champion of chamber music. Integrating her interest in music and philosophy\, Rachel is a Visiting Scholar at Jesus College\, University of Cambridge where her scholarship focuses on the role of music in personal formation and flourishing. Port\, Sherry\, and Iced Tea\, together with light hors d’oeuvres. \n\n\n\nUpon release of invitation\, checks will be sent to President Williams.  RSVP ASAP. Questions: President Williams – 434/981-0444. Seating is limited. \n\n\n\nWhen: Sunday 9 November 2025 from 3pm to 6pm \n\n\n\nWhere: Greencroft Club
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/sunday-talk-and-recital-by-world-class-violist-rachel-yonan-titled-music-and-human-flourishing/
LOCATION:Greencroft Club\, 575 Rodes Drive\, Charlottesville\, Virginia\, 22903\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T082108
CREATED:20250917T015511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T053614Z
UID:1559-1762358400-1762362000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: The Lost Heirs: The Rise and Fall of the D’Oyly Carte Dynasty (National Event)
DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, November 5\, 2025 • 4:00 PM ETSponsored by the ESU Central Pennsylvania Branch \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe name D’Oyly Carte is recognized throughout the world because of Richard D’Oyly Carte’s partnership with Gilbert and Sullivan\, which produced fourteen famous comic operas during the last quarter of the 19th Century such as H.M.S. Pinafore\, The Pirates of Penzance\, and The Mikado. \n\n\n\nRichard D’Oyly Carte (1844-1901) was one of the greatest impresarios of his age as well as a shrewd businessman who realized the potential of Gilbert and Sullivan’s work and worked closely with them to produce and promote their operas. The company became renowned for its high-quality productions featuring talented singers\, musicians\, and actors. It was the success of these operas that paved the way for D’Oyly Carte’s other achievements—building his own theatres and establishing a chain of luxury hotels that included The Savoy Hotel\, Claridge’s and The Berkeley in London. \n\n\n\nA gripping new book by author James Stebbings sheds new light on the untold story of the D’Oyly Carte family – and the tragic loss of two heirs that ultimately led to the dynasty’s downfall. ‘The Lost Heirs – The Rise and Fall of the D’Oyly Carte Dynasty’\, tells the story of Lucas and Michael D’Oyly Carte\, the son and grandson of the legendary theatrical impresario and hotelier\, Richard D’Oyly Carte. \n\n\n\nRichard D’Oyly Carte’s empire spanned both the worlds of theatre and luxury hotels. Yet\, the story of two of his heirs\, Lucas and Michael\, has long been overlooked – until now. James Stebbings delves into the lives of these two young men who were destined to carry on the family legacy\, but whose untimely deaths sent shockwaves through the D’Oyly Carte family. \n\n\n\nToday\, the legacy of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company lives on through recordings\, revivals and adaptations of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan\, which continue to be loved by audiences around the world. \n\n\n\nJames Stebbings’ presentation is coming to ESU audiences from his hometown in Norfolk County\, England. His talk is illustrated with rare photographs and images. If you are a fan of Gilbert and Sullivan\, a theatre history enthusiast\, or anyone intrigued by the dramatic rise and fall of one of Britain’s most celebrated dynasties\, this Happy Hour is for you\, sponsored by the ESU Central Pennsylvania Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\nRegister Here \n\n\n\nAbout James Stebbings: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJames Stebbings has had a life-long love of the theatre\, especially the musical theatre and the world of drama and theatrical entertainment\, participating whenever he has had the opportunity. Before retirement\, James worked in financial management in London for a US energy company\, but his passion was always the musical theatre about which he writes and talks.  After his retirement he moved to Norfolk in the East of England which gave him time to focus on subjects he loves. This includes organizing music festivals\, managing and representing some professional performers\, creating and performing in historical enactments for a local museum\, and performing in a musical duo. His newest book\, The Lost Heirs – The Rise and Fall of the D’Oyly Carte Dynasty\, was just published in April\, 2025. \n\n\n\nJames is a familiar figure with ESU Happy Hour audiences giving presentations on Gilbert and Sullivan in 2021\, the story of the sinking of the Lusitania in 2022 and\, also in 2022\, James was a featured speaker at four ESU US Branches in the Evelyn Wrench Lecture series. Cocktail:T.N.T. CocktailThe Fifth of November in the UK is known as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night remembering when\, in 1605\, Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the British Parliament.  I thought it appropriate therefore that we mark it with a T.N.T. cocktail from The Savoy Cocktail Book. \n\n\n\nEqual parts:Canadian Club WhiskyAbsintheInstructions:Fill a mixing glass with ice cubesAdd the whiskey and absintheStir well until chilledStrain into a chilled shot glass or coupeStir\, don’t shake: Though Prohibition-era recipes often called for shaking\, modern practice suggests stirring spirit-only cocktails to chill them without adding air\, which gives them a frothy texture.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/happy-hour-the-lost-heirs-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-doyly-carte-dynasty-national-event/
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251014T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251014T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T082108
CREATED:20250817T003213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250914T211958Z
UID:1411-1760464800-1760475600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Branch Kick-Off Gala
DESCRIPTION:Phil Williams\, president of the ESU Charlottesville Branch\, will speak on the topic of\, “Why Turkey Fascinates and Challenges All Comers.” Having more than a half of a century engagement with the Mediterranean\, living a total of ten years in Greece\, Italy and Turkey (7 + years)\, he will address the membership and friends in three areas\, beginning with a brief history and Turkey’s visual appeal\, then his personal experiences as Doctoral Research Candidate\, Investment Banker\, and Teacher\, and finally\, a look at some of the challenges Turkey faces domestically\, with its neighbors\, and with NATO and the United States. A Power Point Presentation will be used to paint the picture. There is a Champagne Reception\, toasts to the King and the President\, and a lovely dinner.   \n\n\n\nTickets are $120/per person.  Send checks to President Williams at 841 West Leigh Dr. Charlottesville\, Va. 22901.   \n\n\n\nRSVP on or before October 7th. Questions: President Williams – 434/981-0444. Seating is limited. \n\n\n\nWhen:  Tuesday 14 October 2025 from 6pm to 9pm \n\n\n\nWhere:  Farmington Country Club \n\n\n\nDress:  Black Tie Preferred
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/branch-kick-off-gala/
LOCATION:Farmington Country Club\, 1625 Country Club Circle\, Charlottesville\, Virginia\, 22901\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251001T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251001T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T082108
CREATED:20250917T014437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T233757Z
UID:1557-1759338000-1759341600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Vampire Literature: An Anthology (National Event)
DESCRIPTION:Co-Authors Dr. Robin Werner and her colleague\, Dr. Elizabeth Lewis\, will discuss their book titled Vampire Literature: An Anthology. Specifically\, they will talk about the anthology’s inspiration and the challenges of the creation process. \n\n\n\nVampire Literature: An Anthology is the first anthology designed specifically to introduce students and general readers to the history\, theory\, and cultural impact of the literary vampire. With coverage from the early nineteenth century to the twenty-first\, Vampire Literature: An Anthology brings together a wide range of texts from many eras and collects work by American\, British\, Irish\, and Caribbean writers. The focus is on shorter prose texts\, primarily short stories and novellas; in a few cases\, longer works are excerpted. A range of illustrations\, from political cartoons to film stills\, is also included. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this discussion on an often-misunderstood genre of literature by highly acclaimed authors who bring considerable research into the topic. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Atlanta Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\nAbout the Co-Authors: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Robin A. Werner and Dr. Elizabeth M. Lewis are instructors in the Department of English at the University of New Orleans. Dr. Werner received her B.A. from St. Lawrence University and both her M.A. and Ph.D. from Tulane. Robin’s research and pedagogical interests are in Victorian Literature\, Women and Gender Studies\, Theatre History\, and Fantasy and Horror Literature. She has taught a variety of special topics courses on children’s fantasy literature\, supernatural fiction\, and Victorian gender roles. \n\n\n\nDr. Lewis’ doctoral degree is in British and American Modernism and Performance Studies. In addition\, she has a dance background and taught classical ballet for many years. Her specialty is dance in literature and her dissertation “Dance for the World is Dead” examines the centrality of dance aesthetics to the style and structure of modern epics\, including James Joyce’s Ulysses\, William Carlos Williams’ Paterson and H.D.’s Helen in Egypt. She has given numerous conference papers and has published in the field\, as well. \n\n\n\nDr. Lewis teaches undergraduate literature courses in drama\, fiction\, American and British literature\, as well as New Orleans literature\, both onsite and online\, in addition to courses in Women’s Studies. \n\n\n\nCocktail:Mademoiselle d’Styria1.5 oz dudognon champagne cognac•1 oz Lilette Rosé •1 oz Giffard pêche du vigne•0.5 oz Pierre Ferrand dry curaçao•0.5 oz lemon juice•2 dashes Angostura bitters Shaken & served up in a coup glass with a lemon twist
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/happy-hour-vampire-literature-an-anthology-national-event/
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