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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T143000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
CREATED:20250817T010427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T052611Z
UID:1420-1772884800-1772893800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Branch Mystery Movie
DESCRIPTION:Mystery Movie – Not a mystery this coming year. It will be the family-friendly Pirates of Penzance. Venue: The Alamo Theater. Time: 12:00 Noon.  Children’s best Pirate Hat contest. Winner – free Jumbo Popcorn. Don’t miss this opportunity for the families of our younger members\, or the grandchildren of more seasoned members\, having a great time together watching a true classic on the Big Screen.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/mystery-movie/
LOCATION:Alamo Theatre\, 375 Merchant Walk Square\, Charlottesville\, Virginia\, 22902\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T030000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
CREATED:20260205T231954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T184106Z
UID:1952-1772593200-1772640000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour ESU Mongolia:  How English Was Introduced in an East Asian Country (National Event)
DESCRIPTION:Sponsored by the ESU Mongolia and Central Pennsylvania Branches. \n\n\n\nThe English-Speaking Union is a worldwide nonprofit education-based organization spanning the globe with international branches in 66 countries from Albania to Yemen. All ESUs worldwide are connected through the ESU International Council. The President of the ESU International Council is Professor Bolormaa also known as Bella from Mongolia. This ESU Happy Hour is honored to welcome Bella to present the history of how the English language was first introduced into the East Asian country of Mongolia and its impact on the country. While the official language is Mongolian\, English is taught as a second language in schools and is spoken by a growing percentage of the population. Bella will also tell us the fascinating story of when and how the ESU Mongolia Branch was launched.We invite you to be a part of this special ESU Happy Hour to learn about ESU’s connections and influence worldwide with a focus on the ESU Mongolia Branch. ESU members and Friends of ESU from international branches around the globe will be joining this Happy Hour.This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Mongolia and Central Pennsylvania Branches. 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. About Prof. Bolormaa “Bella”Bella was the first ESU National winner of the 1st Public Speaking Competition in Mongolia and four-time National & International Debate Champion. She is an acclaimed coach\, mentor\, professor of economics\, and founder of Dayan Academy\, and Nest Center for Journalism Innovation & Development in Mongolia. Bella has a broad range of expertise across finance\, banking\, aviation\, and telecommunications industries. She is the President of the ESU International Council\, and the Chairperson of the ESU Mongolia Branch. She has a PhD and MA in Economics from the University of Minnesota and an MBA and BBA in finance from the National University of Mongolia.Happy Hour Cocktail:The most popular and iconic alcoholic beverage in Mongolia is not a Western-style cocktail\, but Airag (or Kumis)\, a lightly alcoholic\, tangy\, fermented mare’s milk drink\, symbolizing hospitality and deeply embedded in nomadic culture\, especially during summer festivals like Naadam. While other drinks like vodka and milk tea (Suutei Tsai) are common\, Airag is the quintessential national drink.Ingredients: Mare’s milk\, fermented with natural yeasts and bacteria\, sometimes mixed with previous year’s ferment.Flavor: Sour\, tangy\, with a yogurt-like taste.Alcohol Content: Low\, typically 2-3%.Cultural Significance: A symbol of hospitality\, unity\, and refreshment\, consumed in large quantities during summer. How it’s Made (Traditional Method):Fresh mare’s milk is collected and poured into a leather sack (khökhüür) or wooden barrel.The mixture ferments over time\, often stirred with a wooden paddle (buluur).It’s ready for consumption during the summer months (mid-June to mid-September).  \n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/happy-hour-esu-mongolia-how-english-was-introduced-in-an-east-asian-country/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
CREATED:20260112T235007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T235010Z
UID:1875-1770825600-1770829200@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Jane Austen and You (National Event)
DESCRIPTION:After 250 years\, why are Jane Austen’s novels still so popular? \n\n\n\nJane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the most famous writers in English literature. Her books are read by people all over the world and have been made into countless TV\, film\, theatre\, and radio adaptations. She is known for her sharp wit\, social commentary on the English Regency period\, and pioneering contributions to the development of the modern novel. Her works—such as Pride and Prejudice\, Sense and Sensibility\, Emma\, and Mansfield Park—blend romance with incisive critiques of class\, gender roles\, and the expectations placed on women in 18th- and early 19th-century society.Austen’s writing is celebrated for its elegant prose\, memorable characters\, and subtle irony. Though she gained limited fame during her lifetime\, she is now regarded as one of the most important and beloved authors in English literature. \n\n\n\nJane Austen’s reputation has reached legendary status in the modern world. Her works have achieved remarkable global recognition\, evidenced by their translation into more than 40 languages. The Jane Austen Society has branches worldwide including The Jane Austen Society of North America which has over 5\,000 members in 83 Regions. Followers of Jane Austen on social media and local clubs total well over 100\,000. \n\n\n\nLast year marked the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth.  To understand why she is still regarded with such affection by fans the world over\, our ESU Happy Hour guest speaker\, John King\, will discuss her family\, her times\, where to start (or return to) her works\, and how to get the most reward from reading her novels. Whether you read Austen often\, or never\, you will enjoy engaging with a writer whose novels have delighted men and women in every corner of the globe for over two centuries.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\n \n\n\n\nAbout John King \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJohn is a current member of the Georgia Region of the Jane Austen Society of North America and a longtime volunteer for many Atlanta civic and nonprofit organizations including past member of the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Opera\, counselor for Boy Scouts of America\, past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Historic Oakland Foundation\, and past Chair of the Program Committee of the Kiwanis Club of Atlanta.For twenty years\, John worked in the sale and implementation of Information Technology solutions\, primarily Enterprise Resource Planning systems. In 2011 he began providing consulting and training to IT sales teams. He has delivered these services on five continents\, to clients that include SAP\, Oracle\, Google\, and IBM.He earned a BBA degree in Marketing from Georgia State University in 1991 and a Master’s degree in Management of Technology from Georgia Tech in 1997. His interests include sailing\, watercolor\, horology\, math\, astronomy\, history\, and English literature.CocktailRegency MocktailInspired by the 19th-century punch tradition with modern non-alcoholic ingredientsIngredients:1 oz brewed black tea (strong\, cooled; Earl Grey or Assam are ideal)1 oz pomegranate juice (or non-alcoholic red wine for a richer base)½ oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)½ oz demerara or simple syrup (to taste)Dash of grated nutmegOptional: orange blossom water (1–2 drops for a floral Regency flair)Garnish: lemon or orange wheel\, optional herbs like mint or thyme
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/happy-hour-jane-austen-and-you-national-event/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260207T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260207T120000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
CREATED:20250817T010049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T000149Z
UID:1418-1770458400-1770465600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Branch Shakespeare Competition at Blackfriars Playhouse
DESCRIPTION:The Shakespeare Competition at Blackfriars Playhouse\, the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton\, Virginia at 10:00. For those who wish to remain for lunch\, we will gather at a nearby restaurant. We want a good Branch showing in the playhouse. Free.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/shakespear-competition-at-blackfriars-playhouse/
LOCATION:Blackfriars Playhouse\, 10 S Market Street\, Staunton\, Virginia\, 24401\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T210000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
CREATED:20250817T005657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T235907Z
UID:1416-1769104800-1769115600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Branch Robert Burns Night at Glenmore
DESCRIPTION:A Thursday – A “Robert (“Rabbie”) Burns” night at Glenmore – complete with the ritual procession of the Haggis and Single Malt Scotch whiskey. Kilts\, Period Costumes\, and Formal Attire are encouraged. This event will be hosted by Glenmore Country Club. Our Branch will be a major sponsor. Details to follow with invitation. 
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/robert-burns-night-at-glenmore/
LOCATION:Glenmore Country Club\, 1750 Piper Way\, Keswick\, Virginia\, 22947\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
CREATED:20251103T040515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T235532Z
UID:1722-1768410000-1768413600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: The American Revolution – Both a Civil and a Global War (National Event presented by Cville Branch President)
DESCRIPTION:As the calendar turns to 2026\, The English-Speaking Union of the United States begins a year-long celebration of 250 years of American independence. Throughout the year\, ESU will feature several Happy Hours that give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on this historic milestone.The American Revolution was a war unlike any other—one of ideas and ideals\, that shaped “the course of human events.” With 165 principal engagements from 1775-1783\, the Revolutionary War was the catalyst for American independence. The Revolutionary War was not just a civil war conflict between colonists who remained loyal to the Crown and those who sought independence from British rule. When other European powers like France and Spain officially entered the war\, it expanded into a global clash of empires—a veritable World War. \n\n\n\nToday’s Happy Hour guest speaker\, Dr. Henry (Phil) Williams III\, president of ESU’s Charlottesville\, VA Branch\, will describe the early beginnings of the war from 1775 through 1783. He will illustrate the eight-year conflict between Great Britain and its thirteen North American colonies beginning with the Battles of Lexington and Concord and ending with the Treaty of Paris in 1783\, which formally recognized American independence. \n\n\n\nWilliams will explain that the true history of the Revolution must not be taught just from an American-centric focus\, but also how England\, the Commonwealth\, and Europe viewed and\, in fact\, taught this period of history quite differently. \n\n\n\nJoin us as the ESU launches a journey toward this landmark event as we  commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Charlottesville\, VA 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 USING THIS LINK:  https://esuus-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A23Lgv5pR1aJ4oqsX5uGCA#/registration \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAbout Dr. Henry (Phil) Williams III \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Williams is originally from Michigan. He received degrees and diplomas from Culver Military Academy\, the University of Virginia\, the University of Edinburgh\, Scotland\, the University of Florence\, Italy\, and two Master’s and a Doctorate in International Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy\, Tufts University.  \n\n\n\nHe has lived in four foreign countries and has studied and worked professionally in four foreign languages: French\, Greek\, Italian\, and Turkish.  \n\n\n\nFormerly a Wall Street and International Investment Banker\, he currently lectures on a variety of topics\, including American History\, Turkey\, and the Middle East. He has been featured on National Public Radio related to several of his interests\, has written many news commentary pieces on Turkey and the Middle East\, and has published scholarly articles on Ottoman and Turkish Law. He has been teaching a course at Koç University\, Istanbul\, Türkiye\, titled “Turkey and America\, East and West – Where the Twain Meet” since 2015.  \n\n\n\nDr. Williams is the President of the Charlottesville Branch of the English-Speaking Union and a past Virginia State President of the Sons of the American Revolution with which he is still active. He served on the board of the American Friends of Turkey for over twenty-three years. He is an avid sportsman with keen interests in equestrian pursuits\, racquet sports and swimming.  He also inherited a love of Antique and Classic cars and has been active in his local car club for many years. Marilyn Williams is his wife\, and they have two grown children\, Margaret and Phillips.  \n\n\n\nWhat did a Revolutionary Period Happy Hour Look Like? \n\n\n\nThe Founding Fathers drank a wide variety of alcoholic beverages\, including whiskey\, run\, ale\, beer\, cider\, wine (Madeira\, claret\, and champagne)\, and punch. Popular drinks often served at official functions included Madeira wine and various punches. Many of the founders had specific preferences; for example\, John Adams favored hard cider and Madeira\, while George Washington was a fan of whiskey and Madeira. Non-alcoholic drinks like cider\, small beer (a low-alcohol brew)\, and coffee were also commonly consumed for refreshment and social reasons. 
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/happy-hour-the-american-revolution-both-a-civil-and-a-global-war-national-event/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
CREATED:20251222T194514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T200216Z
UID:1870-1768284000-1768330800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Event: Churchill and the Middle East (National Event with Fee)
DESCRIPTION:During World War I\, Britain made numerous and often contradictory promises in the Middle East—including the Sykes–Picot Agreement\, the Balfour Declaration\, commitments to Arab leaders\, and support for Wilson’s Fourteen Points—in an effort to secure allies. After the Ottoman Empire collapsed\, Britain faced the challenge of reconciling these conflicting obligations. Winston Churchill\, guided by T. E. Lawrence and Gertrude Bell\, led key meetings and decisions in 1921–22 that ultimately shaped the modern Middle East. \n\n\n\nThis is a virtual eventThe event will begin at 6:00PM ET \n\n\n\nYou can use the link below to register for this event with National: \n\n\n\nhttps://secure.esuus.org/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F29979%2Fstorefront%2F162374 \n\n\n\nFee for Event
URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/virtual-event-churchill-and-the-middle-east-national-event-with-fee/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251210T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251210T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251120T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251123T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251115T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251115T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251109T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251109T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
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:20260405T172236
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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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251001T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251001T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T172236
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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