Fall ESU Newsletter

English-Speaking Union - Cincinnati Branch Branch Notes-
Fall 2006

Editor, Margaret Whiting - Phone (513-241-6070) - email: mpwhit @aol.com

September ushered in a new season of lectures and special programs for our ESU Branch. On September 12 Prof. Patrick Allitt of Emory University held court, as members and guests fascinatingly peered through a window on Victorian England. Prof. Allitt's lecture peeled away layers on Victorian society, and provided us a deeper look into Victorian religious beliefs, social customs, politics, education and family life. He kept the window open for approximately forty-five minutes. However, his fascinating lecture and suggested reading relating to this topic will allow the topic to linger further in our minds. Many present said this was the most outstanding program we've had. A part II, with this very adept speaker, should definitely be on the agenda for the future.

The Shakespeare Competition for 2007 is under way-- several ESU members met at Cincinnati Art Academy to judge the 2006-07 Shakespeare Competition Poster Contest, with chairs Bob Amott and Janice Flanagan. Entries were from currently enrolled students at the Academy. We were amazed at the creativity and professional quality of the entries. A winner was selected and we'll soon see the finished product - the 2007 Shakespeare Competition Poster. Bob and Janice are to be commended for the work they do for this program. Two years ago, our local winner won at the National Competition in New York and was awarded a month in England to participate in special programs there. The dates for the 2006-07 Shakespeare Competition and events are noted elsewhere in this program. Please mark your calendars and make an effort to attend.

This past year our Branch sponsored three Travel Study Grants. Many of you attended the June meeting, hosted by Nancy Clagett at Coldstream Country Club, to hear the grant recipients' goals and objectives for their studies and the grants. The work of John LaFreniere and his Committee continues to bring us outstanding applicants for this program. It is my hope our Branch will be able to expand this program. Many thanks to all of you who make this Branch a most viable organization. Check out the events coming up. Our 2006-07 Board and Program Committee are working diligently planning a broad spectrum of stimulating and enjoyable lectures. Please do your part by making every effort to attend meetings, invite guests, offer your comments/suggestion…… and enjoy communication at its best - the English language! -- Dolly Kohls

We started our season with a British accent:
On September 12th at the Queen City Club, while dining on Chicken Marsala and Tiramisu, we heard Dr. Patrick Alllitt speak about "The Unusual Side of Victorian Britain". Dr. Allitt, Professor of History at Emory University, was charming, eloquent, funny, and informative.

Yet to come:
October 16, Tuesday: Ed Stern, Director of Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, discusses "Artistic Literacy in America; Why We Should be Worried about its Decline."

In November we will discover "The Humorous Side of Heraldry" as delivered by Jack Carlson, author of a book by the same name. A member of the White Lion Society in the U.K.

December brings "British Music: Second Fiddle to the Germans?" by Dean Douglas Lowry, Dean of the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.

We can't forget February!!!! We will again have dinner at the Phoenix followed by a performance at Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival.

Speaking of Shakespeare, our 2007 Shakespeare Competition semi-finals will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2007 with finals on Saturday, March 5, 2007. Locations to be announced later. Our thanks to George Ann Wesner who has agreed to help Bob Amott and Janice Flanagan with this program.

An Interesting Day... Sunday, June 14, 2006 The Annual Business Meeting for the ESU Cincinnati Branch
The meeting this year was again held at Coldstream Country Club with the usual delicious Sunday brunch. There was time to munch, mingle, and converse. Activities ceased only for photo-taking.

The Following Members Were Elected to Our Board for the Year 2006-2007:

President: Dolly Kohls
First Vice President: Terry Grundy
Second Vice President: Jane Anderson
Secretary: Suzanne Losekamp
Treasurer: Jayne Floering
Membership: George Ann Wesner
Advisor: Eileen Knollman

Members-at-Large:
Sylvia Benjamin
Dr. Charles Kiely, Jr.
John LaFreniere
Henry Schulhoff
Anne Smith
Margaret Whiting

Committee Chairmen:
Communications/Publicity: Sylvia Benjamin
Editor-Branch Notes: Margaret Whiting
Prospective New Member Reception: Nancy Bove
Page Scholar: Stephen/Suzanne Schweller
Shakespeare Competition: Janice Flanagan/Bob Amott
Travel Study Grant: John LaFreniere

Other Events of the Day:

John LaFreniere, Chair of the Travel Study Grant Committee, introduced two of the winners of this year's Travel Study Grant. The photo on the right: John LaFreniere with Anna McGill and Daniel Glenn. Anna is an English and Literature major at Northern Kentucky University. She will use the grant money to tour and study the language of the Eastern Kentucky Appalachian region. Daniel is a history major at the University of Cincinnati. He is interested in the U.S. and Canadian relationships during the 1810-1850 era. He plans to use the grant money to research this topic in the Public Archives of Ontario in Toronto. A prize was also awarded to Natalie Abell, also from the University of Cincinnati, who was unable to attend the brunch. She is majoring in Archaeology and plans to use the grant to continue her studies in Malta.

A Fun Day... Sunday, July 2, 2006 The Reception for ESU Cincinnati Branch Patrons at the Home of Ginger Pohl
This is an annual event held at a member's home for the Cincinnati Branch members who have joined at the Patron level. These are always delightful affairs with lots of conversation over a wonderful buffet. Many thanks to Ginger Pohl for sponsoring this event in her lovely home this year. Picture on the left below: Nancy Bove, Dolly Kohls and our hostess, Ginger Pohl. Other photos….people just enjoyed themselves!!

Another Fun Day... Sunday, August 20, 2006 The Prospective New Members Reception

Jane Anderson graciously opened her home again this year to ESU members and their "prospective-new-member guests". (32 members and 14 guests.) The event was chaired by Nancy Bove, Prospective Membership Chair, with help from Dolly Kohls. A beautiful buffet was provided along with wine and that fantastic champagne punch that has become a tradition at these receptions. As usual there was more food than one could eat!

Dolly Kohls, George Ann Wesner, (new Board member) and Nancy Bove. John and Judi LaFreniere with ESU Region VI Chair, Keith Eiken
Members and their guests listen to presentations by Dolly Kohls and several other board members about the functions and purpose of the Cincinnati Branch ESU.
Left Photo: Five members of the Columbus Branch ESU joined us for the afternoon. They were interested in our successful new- member program.
The members from Columbus were invited by Eileen Knollman, National Membership Chairman and past chair of the Cincinnati ESU. With Eileen in the picture on the right are members Jodelle Crosset and Sylvia Reid with guest Lu Dixon.