| Monmouth Co.Branch President, Richard Biernacki playing piano for the English Music Hall, June 10, 2007 at Historic Bingham Hall, Rumson, NJ |
| Board Members of the ESU Monmouth Branch. July 6, 2008 |
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Welcome to the Monmouth County, New Jersey Branch of the English-Speaking Union of the United States! We are in what is known as the Garden State. The opportunities for the work and advancement of the ESU are as plentiful as the wonderful foods and produce of this great State – and we have great seafood and the shore in the area of this Branch. Come visit us! |
In Celebration of Our 50th Anniversary, The Monmouth County Branch of the English-Speaking Union hosted a Gala on Friday June 6, 2008. The Branch was initiated in 1958 under the guidance of Sir Frederick and Lady Hervey-Bathurst and Mrs. Frederick (“Zizi”)Frelinghuysen. Since its inception, the Branch has worked closely with the National Headquarters in New York City and has sent Monmouth County educators to study at summer programmes in England. In recent years, most of the selected teachers have studied at the Globe Theatre in London. Another Branch activity has been the Shakespeare Competition, which has brought together talented young people for our local event and sent the winners to the national contest at Lincoln Center in New York.
The black tie optional Gala was held at the Rumson Country Club, the site where the organization began in 1958. A fabulous English style roast beef dinner was preceded by an hour of open bar and elaborate hot hors doeuvres. John Rathman, graphic artist extraordinaire, created an ad journal filled with historical information about the organization that was researched and compiled by Roberta Van Anda, the event Chairman. Special thanks to Shirley Adler for sharing her voluminous scrapbooks and to Marguerite Henderson, former Society writer for the Red Bank Register and Asbury Park Press, for all of her columns which provided the facts for the history. Robin Blair put together a silent auction featuring English style treasures that had the attendees running out to check their bids all evening. Beautiful roses grown and arranged by Shirley Adler added a touch of elegance to the tables. National President and Executive Director Alice Boyne came from New York City and led the Champagne Toast honoring this Branch on its 50 years of existence. Among the other distinguished guests was NJ Senator Sean Kean, who presented President Richard Biernacki with a Resolution from the New Jersey Legislature congratulating the English-Speaking Union on its service to Monmouth County teachers through the English Summer School scholarships and other educational opportunities.
Bruce Foster, yes, a descendant of Stephen Foster of “De Camptown Races”, entertained with piano and guitar music. At the end of the event, we enjoyed two tunes reminiscent of our Music Hall shows that we have done for the past two years. They set the stage for plans to do another show next year as “your own, your very own” will take you back to the turn of the last century for an evening of silly songs and mindless humor.
The Gala Committee consisted of the ESU Board of Directors members Robin Blair, Branch Secretary David Henritzy, Branch Treasurer Jean Paul and Margaret Elard, Immediate Past President Shirley Adler, Branch Vice-President Joel Fleming, Eleanor Milazzo, Ron and Nanette Brown, Barbara Nevius, John Rathman and Branch President Richard Biernacki. It was chaired by Roberta H. Van Anda.
Anyone who has an interest in the United Kingdom, its art, literature and culture and the English Language should feel at home with this warm and inviting group. Join us as we continue to celebrate our 50th Anniversary and begin our 51st year as an active and outward looking organization.
See  from the Gala.
TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP FOR SUMMER STUDY 2009
The Monmouth County Branch of The English-Speaking Union is proud to announce that it is, once again, offering a scholarship to a high school teacher of English, drama or social studies for summer study in one of three British University Summer School programs: The International Globe Centre in London, Oxford University or Edinburgh University. Since the early 1960's, the Monmouth County NJ Branch has awarded over twenty such scholarships to high school teachers who have benefited from these comprehensive and unique international programs and have returned to share their experiences with our branch members at Scholars' Teas. In addition to full tuition, the scholar receives a $250 Treadwell Travel Grant. All interested parties are encouraged to use the link below to access inforemation on the programs (BUSS Program Information) and to apply by linking to the Scholarship Application on this site and following the directions.
For more information on the BUSS Scholarship Program see the brochure
To apply for the 2009 Teacher Scholarship complete and return the BUSS Scholarship Application
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