BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Central Florida - ECPv6.8.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Central Florida
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Central Florida
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20260101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260209T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260209T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T141922
CREATED:20251012T024217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251012T024219Z
UID:1462-1770652800-1770660000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:2026 Shakespeare Competition
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for the Central Florida Branch Shakespeare Competition! School winners from our participating tri-county schools will take the stage to compete for the opportunity to represent our branch in the National Competition in New York City!
URL:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/event/2026-shakespeare-competition/
LOCATION:Orlando Shakes\, 812 E Rollins St\, Orlando\, Florida\, 32802\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/Program-Series.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260211T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260211T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T141922
CREATED:20260103T032403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260103T032404Z
UID:1490-1770825600-1770829200@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Jane Austen and You
DESCRIPTION:After 250 years\, why are Jane Austen’s novels still so popular? \n\n\n\nJane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the most famous writers in English literature. Her books are read by people all over the world and have been made into countless TV\, film\, theatre\, and radio adaptations. She is known for her sharp wit\, social commentary on the English Regency period\, and pioneering contributions to the development of the modern novel. Her works—such as Pride and Prejudice\, Sense and Sensibility\, Emma\, and Mansfield Park—blend romance with incisive critiques of class\, gender roles\, and the expectations placed on women in 18th- and early 19th-century society.Austen’s writing is celebrated for its elegant prose\, memorable characters\, and subtle irony. Though she gained limited fame during her lifetime\, she is now regarded as one of the most important and beloved authors in English literature. \n\n\n\nJane Austen’s reputation has reached legendary status in the modern world. Her works have achieved remarkable global recognition\, evidenced by their translation into more than 40 languages. The Jane Austen Society has branches worldwide including The Jane Austen Society of North America which has over 5\,000 members in 83 Regions. Followers of Jane Austen on social media and local clubs total well over 100\,000. \n\n\n\nLast year marked the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth.  To understand why she is still regarded with such affection by fans the world over\, our ESU Happy Hour guest speaker\, John King\, will discuss her family\, her times\, where to start (or return to) her works\, and how to get the most reward from reading her novels. Whether you read Austen often\, or never\, you will enjoy engaging with a writer whose novels have delighted men and women in every corner of the globe for over two centuries.This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Atlanta Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\nAbout John King \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJohn is a current member of the Georgia Region of the Jane Austen Society of North America and a longtime volunteer for many Atlanta civic and nonprofit organizations including past member of the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Opera\, counselor for Boy Scouts of America\, past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Historic Oakland Foundation\, and past Chair of the Program Committee of the Kiwanis Club of Atlanta.For twenty years\, John worked in the sale and implementation of Information Technology solutions\, primarily Enterprise Resource Planning systems. In 2011 he began providing consulting and training to IT sales teams. He has delivered these services on five continents\, to clients that include SAP\, Oracle\, Google\, and IBM.He earned a BBA degree in Marketing from Georgia State University in 1991 and a Master’s degree in Management of Technology from Georgia Tech in 1997. His interests include sailing\, watercolor\, horology\, math\, astronomy\, history\, and English literature. \n\n\n\nThis Month’s Featured CocktailRegency MocktailInspired by the 19th-century punch tradition with modern non-alcoholic ingredients \n\n\n\nIngredients:1 oz brewed black tea (strong\, cooled; Earl Grey or Assam are ideal)1 oz pomegranate juice (or non-alcoholic red wine for a richer base)½ oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)½ oz demerara or simple syrup (to taste)Dash of grated nutmegOptional: orange blossom water (1–2 drops for a floral Regency flair)Garnish: lemon or orange wheel\, optional herbs like mint or thyme
URL:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/event/happy-hour-jane-austen-and-you/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/Screen-Shot-2026-01-02-at-10.14.38-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260302T153000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260302T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T141922
CREATED:20251012T024920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251012T024921Z
UID:1463-1772465400-1772470800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:March Program with Dr. Martin Greig
DESCRIPTION:You’re invited to hear Dr. Martin Greig as he presents this March’s lecture\, ““British Empire and World War I.” \n\n\n\nThe ESU Central Florida Branch hosts many prominent authors and scholars including ESU’s own Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series named after our founder. These renowned British and American speakers present programs on a wide range of  topics\, including but not limited to\, current events\, history\, language\, literature\, art\, architecture\, and travel. Our programs not only include top-notch speakers and topics\, we also provide refreshments and the opportunity to connect with the community! \n\n\n\n3:30 p.m. Refreshments \n\n\n\n4:00 p.m. Lecture
URL:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/event/march-program-with-dr-martin-greig/
LOCATION:University Club of Winter Park\, 841 N Park Avenue\, Winter Park\, Florida\, 32789\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/Program-Series.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260325T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260325T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T141922
CREATED:20260323T010949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T010951Z
UID:1510-1774454400-1774458000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Churchill’s D-Day
DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, March 25\, 2026 • 4:00 PM ET. Sponsored by ESU Central PA Branch. \n\n\n\nOperation Overlord was the code name for the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Western Europe during World War II\, launched on June 6\, 1944 (D-Day). It was the largest amphibious invasion in history\, involving 160\,000 troops landing across five Normandy beaches. Winston Churchill\, while cautiously supportive\, initially held reservations about potential heavy losses but ultimately ensured its success as a key strategic architect.Allen Packwood\, Director of the Churchill Archives Centre\, will explore Churchill’s often neglected role in the planning and execution of Operation Overlord. He will use key documents from Churchill’s papers to tell the inside story.ESU members and guests are invited to this Happy Hour which gives an in-depth look at this pivotal moment in history as allied forces opened a “Second Front” in Europe\, ultimately liberating France.This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\nAbout Allen Packwood OBE \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs Director of the Churchill Archives Centre at Churchill College at the University of Cambridge since 2002\, Allen has dedicated his career to preserving and illuminating history. A qualified archivist and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society\, he oversees one of the world’s most significant collections of modern political\, diplomatic\, and scientific papers\, including those of Sir Winston Churchill and Baroness Thatcher.His expertise has taken him from curating exhibitions at the Library of Congress to organizing international conferences on the Cold War\, and from Bermuda to Hong Kong\, sharing Churchill’s life story and legacy.Packwood has a BA\, and MPhil (Cantab) and is a Fellow of Churchill College at the University of Cambridge. He was awarded an OBE for services to archives and scholarship in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours. His latest book\, Churchill’s D-Day\, The Inside Story co-authored with General Lord Dannatt\, was published for the eightieth anniversary of Operation Overlord in June 2024. \n\n\n\nCocktail:ManhattanIngredients Whiskey: 2 oz Rye or BourbonSweet Vermouth: 1 ozAngostura Bitters: 2 dashesGarnish: Maraschino cherry or lemon twistInstructions:Combine the whiskey\, sweet vermouth\, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.Stir until well-chilled.Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.Garnish with a brandied cherry or a lemon twist.Like so many cocktails\, their origins and history are lost to the vagaries of time\, leading to intriguing theories\, one including the mother of Prime Minister Winston Churchill as its possible inventor.A widely shared story suggests that the cocktail dates to the 1870s\, and despite being named after the New York City borough\, there’s a connection to the United Kingdom. This story has it that one Dr. Iain Marshall came up with the classic Manhattan recipe while attending a party that was held at the Manhattan Club for Lady Randolph Churchill\, the mother-to-be of the not-yet-born Winston Churchill.Of course\, as most legends do\, this story has been called into question because there are indications that Churchill’s mother was in either France or England at this time. Some dispute this and believe that a bartender going by the name of ‘Black’ invented the cocktail at the famed Hoffman House in New York City
URL:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/event/happy-hour-churchills-d-day/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Screen-Shot-2026-03-22-at-9.05.23-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260406T153000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260406T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T141922
CREATED:20251012T031617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251012T032834Z
UID:1464-1775489400-1775494800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:April Program with Dr. Kevin James
DESCRIPTION:You’re invited to hear Dr. Kevin James as he presents this April’s lecture\, ““Why Scotland Made Britain: The Extraordinary Story of How a Small Country Shaped a Modern Nation and Empire” \n\n\n\nThe ESU Central Florida Branch hosts many prominent authors and scholars including ESU’s own Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series named after our founder. These renowned British and American speakers present programs on a wide range of  topics\, including but not limited to\, current events\, history\, language\, literature\, art\, architecture\, and travel. Our programs not only include top-notch speakers and topics\, we also provide refreshments and the opportunity to connect with the community! \n\n\n\n3:30 p.m. Refreshments \n\n\n\n4:00 p.m. Lecture
URL:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/event/april-meeting-with-dr-kevin-james/
LOCATION:University Club of Winter Park\, 841 N Park Avenue\, Winter Park\, Florida\, 32789\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/Program-Series.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260423T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260425T235959
DTSTAMP:20260405T141922
CREATED:20260323T011418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T011455Z
UID:1512-1776902400-1777161599@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:2026 Annual General Meeting
DESCRIPTION:The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference. The conference\, under the theme “United by Language\, Inspired by Liberty.” The conference program will include the ESU 2026 Annual General Meeting\, social events such as receptions and meals\, breakout sessions\, panel discussions\, and local tours. We invite you to participate in the camaraderie and help us advance our programs that support teachers\, students\, and recent immigrants. \n\n\n\nHIGHLIGHTS \n\n\n\nRevolution in Old New York: Soldiers\, Spies & Statesmen of the American Revolution Walking Tour:Trace the footsteps of revolution through Manhattan’s past and present.Lunch on historic Stone Street or Fraunces TavernOne of New York City’s oldest surviving streets\, originally paved in 1658.andArt of the Gilded Age at The Met Museum Guided TourUncover the brilliance and forgotten voices of the Gilded Age at The Met. \n\n\n\nOur Conference venue will be at the ESU House\, 144 East 39th Street\, and the Shelbourne-Sonesta Hotel\, 303 Lexington Avenue\, New York\, NY 10016. We have a special hotel room at The Shelbourne Sonesta Hotel\, which will be available Thursday night through Saturday night. Hotel prices do not include taxes or additional fees\, and prices are valid through March 23\, 2026. We will have a special opportunity to see the USA finals for the International Public Speaking Competition. Space is limited\, first-come-first-served. \n\n\n\nPrint Registration Form
URL:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/event/2026-annual-general-meeting/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Screen-Shot-2026-03-22-at-9.10.20-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260425T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260427T235959
DTSTAMP:20260405T141922
CREATED:20260323T013336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T013337Z
UID:1517-1777075200-1777334399@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:2026 ESU National Shakespeare Competition Weekend
DESCRIPTION:The ESU National Shakespeare Competition returns to New York City for an unforgettable weekend of fun\, education\, and performance. From Saturday\, April 25 to Monday\, April 27\, students\, parents\, teachers\, and ESU members will gather for three exciting days in the Big Apple. \n\n\n\nCompetition Weekend features a full lineup of activities\, including a New York City double-decker bus tour\, acting masterclasses led by theater professionals\, teacher professional development workshops\, and a Broadway performance. The weekend culminates on Monday\, April 27\, with the National Finals of the ESU National Shakespeare Competition at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi Newhouse Theater\, where our Central Florida branch winner\, De’Mari Marsh\, will take the stage along with the nation’s top student performers!  \n\n\n\nClick below to find out how to support our winner during this special weekend!
URL:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/event/2026-esu-national-shakespeare-competition-weekend/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Screen-Shot-2026-03-22-at-9.18.44-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260504T153000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260504T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T141922
CREATED:20251012T032148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251012T032710Z
UID:1465-1777908600-1777914000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:May Program with Daniel Stashower
DESCRIPTION:You’re invited to hear Daniel Stashower as he presents this May’s lecture\, “The Man Who Created Sherlock Holmes.” \n\n\n\nThe ESU Central Florida Branch hosts many prominent authors and scholars including ESU’s own Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series named after our founder. These renowned British and American speakers present programs on a wide range of  topics\, including but not limited to\, current events\, history\, language\, literature\, art\, architecture\, and travel. Our programs not only include top-notch speakers and topics\, we also provide refreshments and the opportunity to connect with the community! \n\n\n\n3:30 p.m. Refreshments \n\n\n\n4:00 p.m. Lecture
URL:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/event/may-program-with-daniel-stashower/
LOCATION:University Club of Winter Park\, 841 N Park Avenue\, Winter Park\, Florida\, 32789\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/centralflorida/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/Program-Series.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR