Submitted

The Salisbury chapter of the English-Speaking Union has seven blockbuster programs scheduled for its 2024-25 season. Starting September 19, 2024 through April 17, 2025, topics will cover the gamut including world affairs, politics, literature, arts, history, the Notre-Dame cathedral restoration, and music. Membership dues have increased proportionate to what national headquarters is now extracting, but our new policy allows non-members to attend our programs for a slightly higher dinner fee than members. Hope to see you there!

Sept. 19: Malcolm Nance

Malcolm Nance is an international counter-terrorism, intelligence and foreign policy expert who will share his vast knowledge about the very real threats to American and Western democracy from both inside and out. Nance spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy specializing in naval cryptology, has testified before Congress, authored several books, lectures widely and regularly appears on multiple media outlets.

Oct. 17: Dr. Michael Bitzer

Dr. Michael Bitzer is always our cherished “go-to” analyst on all things political and is ready to share his expertise about what our political landscape looks like as we approach one of our more contentious national elections. Dr. Bitzer has been a Catawba College professor for more than two decades, currently chairs its politics department and is a much sought-after political observer.

Nov. 21: Dr. David Nordloh

Mark Twain has been called “The Lincoln of our Literature” for the transformative figure he carved as a storyteller. Retired Indiana University English professor emeritus Dr. David Nordloh will share the breadth and depths of this elemental American personality highlighting Twain’s powerful language skills in revealing the human condition, especially in his classic book “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Jan. 23, 2025: Eric Melton

Eric Melton is a caricature artist — no, NOT a cartoonist. What’s the difference? Learn how this local award-winning phenom from Concord developed his signature style starting in kindergarten. And you could walk away with one of his masterpieces! We’ll draw the names of several attendees and Eric will sketch you on the spot!

Feb. 20, 2025: Tim Allen and Steve Miller

You surely know about the Underground Railroad’s land routes, but did you know that thousands of slaves escaped on ships from our N.C. coastal communities known as the Maritime Underground Railroad? Co-authors Tim Allen and Steve Miller have amazing stories to tell about how slaves did it, their unique communication systems, who helped them, and where they ended up.  

March 20, 2025: Michel Picaud

Michel Picaud, one of the most preeminent experts on the restoration of the Notre Dame cathedral, will regale us on the painstaking efforts to bring this world-renowned gem back to life from a devastating fire five years ago to its joyous reopening in December. Picaud heads the leading international fundraising organization for Notre Dame and has witnessed every step of the process.

April 17, 2025: Steve Friedman

We end our season on a high note — literally! Steve Friedman is an internationally recognized Broadway Musical historian, classically trained tenor, and one-time actor himself who will entertain us with a peek inside the Golden Age of Musical Theater of the ‘50s and ‘60s. We’ll hear behind-the-scenes back stories and plenty of our favorite songs!

 

Annual membership dues: $70/single or $125/couple. To join or learn more, go to: https://www.esuus.org/salisbury

• Member Dinner Program fee: $50 per person

• Non-Member Dinner Program fee: $70 per person

• Location: Country Club of Salisbury

• Time: 6:30 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. presentation

For dinner reservations, contact President Gerry Wood:

Email: gerry@oldyorkllc.com

Mail: 531 Muirfield Way, Salisbury, NC 28144

Phone: 704-213-6008