Message from the Branch President

Dear Friends,

As we start a new year of ESU/LA programs, I’m grateful for the opportunities that you will read about in this newsletter.  The Shakespeare Competition and Awards Dinner, a marvelous talk on pirates and piracy by Adrian Tinniswood , a distinguished British author and historian, continued work on a long range plan to strengthen the branch …all designed to invigorate our branch and extend its reach.

At the national conference in Denver in September, Jean Bruce Poole and I were taken with a debate program for middle school students recently launched by the national office in two cities, Cleveland and Columbus in Ohio.  We have been invited to apply as one of ten cities across the country to undertake it, and since it seems well suited to our diverse school population, as well as reaching a new generation of youngsters, we hope to undertake the planning phase later this year.  We understand that it takes two to three years of planning and organization before bearing fruit, in the form of an organized debate competition, and that seems realistic.  It will require building partnerships within local school districts, and with experienced college teachers, so we urge anyone interested in participating to let us know of your interest.

Change seems to be the reality we face in so many areas of our lives, and the ESU/LA is no exception.  I regret to report that three members of the Board have resigned, for a variety of reasons:  Denise NIghman, our brilliant Program Chair for more years than I care to count; Susan Adkins, who did a fine job as her second in command this past year, and Ramiro Perez, our Treasurer, who has been promoted to a regional director for his firm, a position that requires extensive and frequent travel.  We will miss them all, as each has added special skills, perspectives, and enthusiasm to our meetings.  We will keep you informed as we find members to take their places.  Please let me know if you have any suggestions, as we want to reach out as widely as possible.

Wishing you a peaceful, productive, and happy New Year,

With warm regards,

Peggy C. Spear

President

ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION BOARD 2010-11
 

Christopher Wright, Chairman &  Shakespeare Co-Chair

Peggy C. Spear, President

Jean Bruce Poole, President Emeritus & Shakespeare Co-Chair

Barbara Barbarics, Recording Secretary

Louis Fantasia, Educational Programs

Barbara Martin, Development Consultant

Priscilla Moorman, Corresponding Secretary

Don Cook

Richard Gower

Ginger Menke

Mary-Lois Nevins 

Meredith Parry