{"id":396,"date":"2023-02-23T14:20:03","date_gmt":"2023-02-23T14:20:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esustage.wpengine.com\/kansas-city\/?page_id=396"},"modified":"2025-09-17T00:29:39","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T00:29:39","slug":"our-community","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.esuus.org\/charlottesville\/who-we-are\/our-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Community"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Our Community: President’s Message <\/div>\n \n \n
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Dear Members and Prospective Members,<\/p>\n

The English Speaking Union E<\/strong>xpands minds, S<\/strong>trengthens friendships, U<\/strong>nlocks opportunities \u2013 through the use of the English language.  Our diverse educational programs highlight the broad base audience we serve\u2014students, educators, English-language learners, new immigrants, and members.<\/span>                                                                                                                                                       <\/p>\n

Where are youth are concerned, the English-Speaking Union believes every child should be able to make their voice heard. We believe that the ability to progress and to thrive in life relies on oracy \u2013 speaking and listening \u2013 skills, which are not currently a prominent part of the school curriculum. Our debate, public speaking and cultural exchange programs help young people to engage with the world, to speak more confidently and to listen to and understand different points of view. These skills improve young people’s attainment, emotional intelligence, and social skills, helping them to live their lives to the fullest.<\/p>\n

The dues are $45.00 for Educators, $75 for Individuals, and $125 for Dual (Couples) per year. The fees are a small price to pay to support local and National philanthropies which are aimed at leveraging the ESU mission, both here and around the world.  National Patron memberships are also available.<\/p>\n

You can join or rejoin using the Membership Tab on the websit or use the button below.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n \n\n

\n Join Charlottesville ESU<\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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The English-Speaking Union<\/h5>\n \n

Charlottesville Branch<\/h2>\n \n

Charlottesville ESU Officers<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n
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President: Henry P. (Phil) Williams III<\/p>\n

Vice President: Bonnie DeAtley<\/p>\n

Treasurer: H. Michael O\u2019Donnell<\/p>\n

Secretary: Melodie Hagspiel<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

Charlottesville ESU Board of Directors<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n
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2024-2026:<\/p>\n

Geoffrey Close, Constance Paske, Pam Calary<\/p>\n

2024-2027:<\/p>\n

Fay Cunningham, Holly Britt, Melodie Hagspiel<\/p>\n

2025-2028:<\/p>\n

Gary Green, Ginna Kelly, Cindy Ryan, Jerry Keifer, Jami Bogdanich, Alison Wiley<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

Advisory to the Board<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n
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No active advisory board members at this time.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

Committees<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n
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Smith TLAB Fellowship:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fay Cunningham (Chair), Debbie Pruett, Richard Kelly<\/p>\n

Event Registration:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Phil Williams<\/p>\n

Invitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Phil Williams<\/p>\n

Hospitality:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Constance Paske (Chair), Ginna Kelly<\/p>\n

Membership Directory:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Charlotte E. Chumlea<\/p>\n

Nominating:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Staci Littleton<\/p>\n

Program:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Phil Williams (Chair)<\/p>\n

Recruiting:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cindy Ryan (Chair), Holly Britt, Phil Williams<\/p>\n

Shakespeare Competition:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fay Cunningham (Chair), Debbie Pruett, John Crawford, Melodie Hagspiel<\/p>\n

Special Events:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ginna Kelly, John Crawford<\/p>\n

Web Site:  <\/strong><\/p>\n

Jerry Keifer (Chair), Elizabeth Chumlea <\/p>\n

Photo Reporting:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Phil Williams (Chair), Pam Calary, Melodie Hagspiel<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

Past Presidents<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n
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2014-2020<\/p>\n

Dr. Julia Churchill Van de Water<\/p>\n

2011-2014<\/p>\n

Mrs. William G. Taylor III<\/p>\n

2007-2011<\/p>\n

Dr. Henry P. Williams III<\/p>\n

2003-2007<\/p>\n

Mrs. A. James Hardaway<\/p>\n

2001-2003<\/p>\n

Mr. Guy F. Miller<\/p>\n

1999-2001<\/p>\n

Mr. Norman A. Graebner<\/p>\n

1998-1999<\/p>\n

Mr. Norman J. Setter<\/p>\n

1996-1998<\/p>\n

Mr. Donald T. Ubben<\/p>\n

1994-1996<\/p>\n

Mr. Edmund W. Morris<\/p>\n

1992-1994<\/p>\n

Mr. Norman A. Graebner<\/p>\n

1990-1992<\/p>\n

Rear Admiral Thomas E. Bass III<\/p>\n

1988-1990<\/p>\n

Mr. J. Wilson Newman<\/p>\n

1986-1988<\/p>\n

Mr. Theodore Caplow<\/p>\n

1983-1986<\/p>\n

Mr. Arthur F. Stocker<\/p>\n

1979-1983<\/p>\n

Mr. Edward C. Eisenhart<\/p>\n

1978-1979<\/p>\n

Mr. Paul O. Hirschbiel<\/p>\n

1976-1978<\/p>\n

Mr. Marion K. Kellogg<\/p>\n

1972-1976<\/p>\n

Mr. Kenneth W. Hinks<\/p>\n

1970-1972<\/p>\n

Mr. C. Walter Barrett<\/p>\n

1967-1970<\/p>\n

Mr. Kenneth W. Hinks<\/p>\n

1962-1967<\/p>\n

Mr. Francis Brawley<\/p>\n

1961-1962<\/p>\n

Mr. Arthur F. MacConochie<\/p>\n

1958-1961<\/p>\n

Col. Francis Pickens Miller<\/p>\n

1955-1958<\/p>\n

Col. Clark J. Laurence<\/p>\n

1954-1955<\/p>\n

Mr. James Hart<\/p>\n

1953-1954<\/p>\n

Mr. Austin Kilham<\/p>\n

1952-1953<\/p>\n

Mr. Robert Gooch<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n