BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ESU - ECPv6.8.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:ESU X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.esuus.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for ESU REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T160000 DTSTAMP:20260530T040013 CREATED:20260203T201041Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T210843Z UID:10294-1772722800-1772726400@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour ESU Mongolia: How English Was Introduced in an East Asian Country DESCRIPTION:Sponsored by the ESU Mongolia and Central Pennsylvania Branches. The English-Speaking Union is a worldwide nonprofit education-based organization spanning the globe with international branches in 66 countries from Albania to Yemen. All ESUs worldwide are connected through the ESU International Council. The President of the ESU International Council is Professor Bolormaa also known as Bella from Mongolia. This ESU Happy Hour is honored to welcome Bella to present the history of how the English language was first introduced into the East Asian country of Mongolia and its impact on the country. While the official language is Mongolian\, English is taught as a second language in schools and is spoken by a growing percentage of the population. Bella will also tell us the fascinating story of when and how the ESU Mongolia Branch was launched.We invite you to be a part of this special ESU Happy Hour to learn about ESU’s connections and influence worldwide with a focus on the ESU Mongolia Branch. ESU members and Friends of ESU from international branches around the globe will be joining this Happy Hour.This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Mongolia and Central Pennsylvania Branches. 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. Register HereAbout Prof. Bolormaa “Bella”Bella was the first ESU National winner of the 1st Public Speaking Competition in Mongolia and four-time National & International Debate Champion. She is an acclaimed coach\, mentor\, professor of economics\, and founder of Dayan Academy. Bella has a broad range of expertise across finance\, banking\, aviation\, and telecommunications industries. She is the President of the ESU International Council\, and the Chairperson of the ESU Mongolia Branch. She has a PhD and MA in Economics from the University of Minnesota and an MBA and BBA in finance from the National University of Mongolia.Happy Hour Cocktail:The most popular and iconic alcoholic beverage in Mongolia is not a Western-style cocktail\, but Airag (or Kumis)\, a lightly alcoholic\, tangy\, fermented mare’s milk drink\, symbolizing hospitality and deeply embedded in nomadic culture\, especially during summer festivals like Naadam. While other drinks like vodka and milk tea (Suutei Tsai) are common\, Airag is the quintessential national drink.Ingredients: Mare’s milk\, fermented with natural yeasts and bacteria\, sometimes mixed with previous year’s ferment.Flavor: Sour\, tangy\, with a yogurt-like taste.Alcohol Content: Low\, typically 2-3%.Cultural Significance: A symbol of hospitality\, unity\, and refreshment\, consumed in large quantities during summer. How it’s Made (Traditional Method):Fresh mare’s milk is collected and poured into a leather sack (khökhüür) or wooden barrel.The mixture ferments over time\, often stirred with a wooden paddle (buluur).It’s ready for consumption during the summer months (mid-June to mid-September).  URL:https://www.esuus.org/event/happy-hour-esu-mongolia-how-english-was-introduced-in-an-east-asian-country/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-03-at-2.48.24-PM-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T170000 DTSTAMP:20260530T040013 CREATED:20260218T165737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T223327Z UID:10492-1774454400-1774458000@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. Operation 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.Register HereAbout Allen Packwood OBEAs 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.Cocktail:ManhattanIngredients Whiskey: 2 oz Rye or BourbonSweet Vermouth: 1 ozAngostura Bitters: 2 dashesGarnish: Maraschino cherry or lemon twist Instructions: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/event/happy-hour-churchills-d-day/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Picture1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T190000 DTSTAMP:20260530T040013 CREATED:20260323T155650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T155747Z UID:10799-1776276000-1776279600@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Adelaide Robineau: Breaking the Porcelain Ceiling DESCRIPTION:Adelaide Alsop Robineau\, (1865-1929) is considered one of America’s preeminent studio potters. She began her ceramics career as a china painter\, painting designs on porcelain blanks produced by other craftsmen. After moving to Syracuse with her husband in 1901\, Robineau started experimenting with making her own porcelain forms. She quickly became a master of the medium\, known for decorative techniques that included intricate excising and carving away of clay. Robineau developed an innovative approach to glazing her ceramics\, experimenting with\, and perfecting complex crystalline glazes in greens\, blues\, ivory\, and gold.In 1910\, Adelaide Robineau created The Scarab Vase\, a porcelain masterpiece that famously took 1\,000 hours of laborious hand-carving to complete. Garth Johnson\, the Everson Museum of Art’s Paul Phillips and Sharon Sullivan Curator of Ceramics will explain how Robineau sparked a revolution in ceramics\, and why she deserves to be seen as a feminist icon. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the Syracuse 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.REGISTER HEREAbout Garth JohnsonWriter\, curator\, and educator\, Garth Johnson is the Paul Phillips and Sharon Sullivan Curator of Ceramics at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse\, New York. Before arriving at the Everson\, Johnson served as the Curator of Ceramics at the Arizona State University Ceramics Research Center. Johnson has also exhibited his work and published his writing nationally and internationally\, including contributions to the recent books Funk published by Natsoulas Press and Funk You Too: Humor and Irreverence in Ceramic Sculpture published by the Museum of Arts and Design. Johnson is a self-described craft activist who explores the craft’s influence and relevance in the 21st century. His research interests range from 1960s and 70s artist-led movements in the field of ceramics to the intersection of clay\, video\, and performance.Cocktail Old PalThe Old Pal is a Prohibition-era cocktail\, a variation of the Negroni\, made with equal parts rye whiskey\, Campari\, and dry vermouth\, typically stirred and garnished with a lemon twist. It is known for being drier and spicier than its cousin\, the Boulevardier (which uses sweet vermouth)\, with the rye providing a peppery kick. Ingredients1 oz Rye Whiskey\, 1 oz Campari\, 1 oz Dry Vermouth\, and Lemon peel for garnish.Use French vermouth to celebrate Robineau’s French husband\, Samuel\, plus Campari to celebrate Robineau’s triumph at the 1911 World’s Fair in Turin\, Italy.Combine all three liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass (with a large ice cube). Garnish with a lemon twist\, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.  URL:https://www.esuus.org/event/happy-hour-adelaide-robineau-breaking-the-porcelain-ceiling/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Picture1-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260425T235959 DTSTAMP:20260530T040013 CREATED:20251202T180103Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251204T212902Z UID:9904-1776902400-1777161599@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. \nHIGHLIGHTS \nRevolution in Old New York: Soldiers\, Spies & Statesmen of the American Revolution Walking Tour:\nTrace the footsteps of revolution through Manhattan’s past and present.\nLunch on historic Stone Street or Fraunces Tavern\nOne of New York City’s oldest surviving streets\, originally paved in 1658.\nand\nArt of the Gilded Age at The Met Museum Guided Tour\nUncover the brilliance and forgotten voices of the Gilded Age at The Met. \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$650 \nPrint Registration Form \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Register Here URL:https://www.esuus.org/event/2026-annual-general-meeting/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AGM-Header-v2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260425T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260427T235959 DTSTAMP:20260530T040013 CREATED:20260129T165919Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T140037Z UID:10244-1777075200-1777334399@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.Competition 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 the nation’s top student performers take the stage.Join us for a weekend that brings Shakespeare to life! URL:https://www.esuus.org/event/2026-esu-national-shakespeare-competition-weekend/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DSC_0743-1-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T180000 DTSTAMP:20260530T040013 CREATED:20260507T175313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T180036Z UID:11028-1778691600-1778695200@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Exploring Elizabeth I In Her Own Words DESCRIPTION:The New York City Branch of the English Speaking Union invites you to join us on May 13\, 2026 at 5PM EDTESU National Board Member Mary Coleman Way in Conversation with Tamara Meneghini onElizabeth I: In Her Own WordsA critically acclaimed one-woman play\, by Carole Levin\, in collaboration with Tamara Meneghini and Sabin Epstein\, which combines her own letters and speeches\, the poetry of Shakespeare\, and music of the period to reveal a complex woman and ruler reflecting on her life and reign. The play\, which has performed to sold out shows at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival\, explores her inner thoughts\, fears\, loves\, and triumphs\, from the the Spanish Armada to her relationships with her cousin\, Mary\, Queen of Scots; her mother\, Anne Boleyn; and her sister\, Mary Tudor. Challenging perceptions of the “Virgin Queen”\, Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words tackles the topic of her suitors Robert Dudley and the Earl of Essex. The program will include excerpts from the performance.REGISTER HEREAbout Tammy MeneghiniTammy Meneghini is the co-creator\, collaborating writer\, producer\, and plays the role of Elizabeth I inElizabeth I: In Her Own Words\, a full-length solo play.  She has toured the play to various theatres and venues in the United States\, as well as being featured at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024\, receiving 4 and 5-star reviews to sold out audiences.  She is an accomplished actor and director\, based in Colorado\, where she works frequently onstage and off.  Currently\, she is in the BETC (Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company) production of Mary Jane\, by Amy Herzog.  She is one of the founders of the Rocky Mountain Artists Safety Alliance and collaborated with regional theatre companies to create the Community Standards for Theatre for the Colorado Theatre Community. She is on the faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder\, where she teaches courses in acting\, movement\, voice\, musical theatre\, and the annual senior showcase of work in NYC.  Her work on the Elizabeth Project continues to grow and play to receptive audiences far and wide.  For more information\, please visit:www.tamarameneghini.com About Mary Coleman WayMary Coleman Way has made a lasting impact on the theater community by dedicating more than a decade to leading Southwest Shakespeare Company\, where she is now Vice President of the Board of Directors. A multifaceted artist\, she is a member of the League of Professional Theater Women\, an NEA adjudicator\, and a frequent participant in classical theater auditions and ESU\, Kennedy Center\, and HSMT competitions. She is also a writer for film\, stage\, and television\, a director\, composer\, and administrator.  Mary’s commitment to the arts is furthered through her active involvement on the Boards of Arizona Citizens for the Arts\, Southwest Shakespeare Company\, and the National Board of the English Speaking Union. Beyond Shakespeare\, Mary\, alongside her husband\, founded Fit Via Vi\, a film production company that has expanded to include Broadway and TV\, earning several Tony and Oscar nominations. Most recently\, the company produced Redwood\, the highly acclaimed Broadway musical starring Idina Menzel\, Sugarcane\, a 2025 Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary\, and ARCO\, a 2026 Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature Film. \nHappy Hour Cocktail                                                                                                Queen Elizabeth loved a good beer. So take out a Blue Moon with a refreshing slice of lemon or lime\, and enjoy! Cheers! URL:https://www.esuus.org/event/happy-hour-exploring-elizabeth-i-in-her-own-words/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unnamed-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T180000 DTSTAMP:20260530T040013 CREATED:20260406T213247Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T180544Z UID:10892-1780506000-1780509600@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: The History of Shakespearean Theatre in Hawaii DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, June 3\, 2026 • 5:00 PM ET\nSponsored by the ESU Hawaii and Seattle Branches\n \nDid you know that Edwin Booth\, brother of John Wilkes Booth (President Lincoln’s assassin)\, performed Shakespeare plays in the Kingdom of Hawaii in the 1850s? And he wasn’t alone. The Hawaiian Kingdom hosted many actors who came to the fabled islands to perform Shakespeare. Our guest speaker\, Professor Mark Lawhorn\, will speak on the history of Shakespearean theatre in Hawaii. He put together a detailed display on this topic for the exhibit of Shakespeare’s First Folio at Kapi’olani Community College in 2016.\n \nThis ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Hawaii and Seattle Branches. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required. \nREGISTER HERE \nAbout Mark Lawhorn\, PhD\n\nMark Lawhorn is Professor of English at Kapi’olani Community College\, Honolulu\, Hawaii. In 2016\, he spearheaded the acquisition of a copy of the First Folio as part of the national tour of First Folios in all 50 States to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Kapi’olani Community College was the only community college selected to host a copy of the treasured collection during its tour. Lawhorn is the President of the ESU Hawaii Branch and is a member of ESU’s National Board of Directors. URL:https://www.esuus.org/event/the-history-of-shakespearean-theatre-in-hawaii/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Picture1-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260624T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260624T180000 DTSTAMP:20260530T040013 CREATED:20260422T200941Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T174733Z UID:10950-1782320400-1782324000@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: America: Made in Virginia DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, June 24\, 2026 • 5:00 PM ET\nSponsored by the ESU Richmond\, VA Branch\n \nWith the Commander of the American Forces from Virginia\, four of the first five Presidents from Virginia\, the authors of the Declaration of Independence\, the Bill of Rights\, and the Constitution from Virginia\, an early Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from Virginia\, multiple signers of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia and\, indeed\, the very land on which Washington D.C. stands from Virginia\, it is safe to say that Virginia was indispensable in the creation of our country.  Ellen LeCompte\, President of the ESU Richmond VA Branch\, will share the people\, places\, and things that Virginia contributed to successfully establishing our democracy.\n \nThis ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the Richmond\, VA 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. \nREGISTER HERE \nAbout Ellen LeCompte\n \nEllen LeCompte is president of the ESU Richmond Branch\, a former Regional Chair\, and an ESU SSE alumna. She is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and is a proud Virginian and an acknowledged expert on the UK listed by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of their top Advisors in the United States. She has co-authored two books on the late Queen Elizabeth II’s historic relationship between Virginia and Great Britain. In 2025\, Ellen was honored by King Charles III to be made a Dame of the Order of St John\, one of Britain’s oldest chivalric orders dating back to the 12th century.\n  \nCocktail\nIt should be a Mint Julep served in a pewter Jefferson Cup—preferably made with Bourbon from George Washington’s distillery at Mount Vernon!\n \nIngredients\n8 mint leaves\n1/4-ounce simple syrup*\n2 ounces bourbon\nGarnish: mint sprig\nGarnish: Angostura bitters (optional)\nSteps\nIn a silver or pewter cup or rocks glass\, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup.\nAdd the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice.\nStir until the cup is frosted on the outside.\nTop with more crushed ice to form an ice dome and garnish with a mint sprig and a few drops of bitters (optional).\n*Simple Syrup Ingredients\n1/2 cup granulated sugar\n1/2 cup water\nPrepare Simple Syrup\nAdd the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.\nStir until sugar is dissolved.\nLet cool\, then pour into a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid.\nSimple syrup will keep\, refrigerated\, for about one month. URL:https://www.esuus.org/event/happy-hour-america-made-in-virginia/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Picture1-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260712T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260716T235959 DTSTAMP:20260530T040013 CREATED:20260514T173909Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T151926Z UID:11118-1783814400-1784246399@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:ESU 2026 Founder’s Award Gala and National Patron Tour “Ovid and Shakespeare’s Metamorphoses” DESCRIPTION:Dear Friends\, \n\n\n\nThank you again for being part of the truly special week in New York City this past April — a week that brought together the Annual General Conference\, the National Shakespeare Competition\, and\, as its highlight\, the Celebrate Legacy – Inspire the Future reception marking the 25th anniversary of the ESU House and honoring the leadership donors to the first-ever ESU Capacity Building Campaign. We appreciated the support\, enthusiasm and generosity you brought to the evening. Your presence made the event truly memorable\, and we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to the ESU. \n\n\n\nI am delighted to reiterate the wonderful news I announced that evening: in just one year\, the ESU Capacity Building Campaign has raised over $900\,000\, more than 90% of our $1 million goal\, thanks to you\, our most generous leadership donors. With one year remaining in the Campaign\, we will soon open this effort to the broader ESU community. I have every confidence that they will follow your example and help us exceed our goal. \n\n\n\nWe are profoundly grateful for the generous contributions of so many of you in attendance. Among our leadership supporters is Mr. Donald Best\, who will be the honoree of the 2026 Founder’s Award Gala in London on July 14 at the Oxford–Cambridge Club. \n\n\n\nMr. Donald Best is a distinguished Board member\, devoted steward of our mission\, passionate internationalist and one of the ESU’s most generous donors. His commitment to the ESU of the United States has extended far beyond our national borders: for many years he has championed ESUs around the world and enthusiastically promoted the global fellowship at the heart of our mission. \n\n\n\nHis recognition will be a highlight of an extraordinary week of activities surrounding the Gala. \n\n\n\nUnder the theme of Metamorphoses and guided by Dr. Catherine Loomis\, our program in and around London will feature a series of specially arranged visits to palaces and cultural institutions\, offering behind-the-scenes access and opportunities to meet members of historic families\, distinguished scholars and individuals whose work and insights illuminate the week’s theme. These exceptional experiences\, together with intimate receptions and shared moments with the international ESU community\, will culminate on Tuesday evening\, July 14\, with the Founder’s Award Gala at the Oxford and Cambridge Club honoring our dear friend Donald Best. \n\n\n\nIt promises to be a remarkable week of celebrations\, and I very much hope some of you will join us. Space is limited to 16 participants\, so I encourage you to reserve your place soon by following the link provided. \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE  \n\n\n\nThank you once again for your support\, your friendship\, and your belief in the ESU’s mission. I look forward to seeing you in London. \n\n\n\nWith warm regards\,Dr. Quinn PeeperChairman\, The English-Speaking Union \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Online Registration \n PDF Registration Form\n Itinerary\n Participant Agreement URL:https://www.esuus.org/event/2026-national-patron-tour/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/quinn-letter.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260715T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260715T180000 DTSTAMP:20260530T040013 CREATED:20260528T180300Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T180302Z UID:11198-1784134800-1784138400@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Halifax Resolves DESCRIPTION:During the 250th Anniversary of the birth of our nation\, many focus on the colonial activities centering around New England. A little-known event occurred in North Carolina in the little village of Halifax that helped turn the tide and create our nation. The Halifax Resolves and the three North Carolina Delegates that attended the Second Congressional Congress were the catalysts that brought us to the founding of the United States of America. \n\n\n\nWe invite all ESU members and guests to be part of ESU’s continuing celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary with this Happy Hour. Brian Burns will describe a historic event that was the first official action for independence from any of the thirteen British colonies in continental North America. \n\n\n\nThis ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Sandhills Pinehurst\, N.C. Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE \n\n\n\nAbout Brian Burns \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrian Burns is a retired Army Officer living in Pinehurst\, NC. He is thePresident of the Sandhills Pinehurst\, N.C. Branch of the ESU. He is also onthe ESU Happy Hour Committee\, and a member of the ESUUS NationalBoard of Directors. An avid military historian\, Brian earned his degrees inUS Military History from Purdue University and the University of Arkansas.With many of the battlefields of the American Revolution and the Civil War within \n\n\n\ndriving distance\, Brian has traveled and visited most up and down the Eastern Seaboard.Although not known for the most famous actions in the American Revolution\, as wecelebrate the 250 th Anniversary of the United States\, he will show how North Carolinaplayed a significant role in the formation of our nation. \n\n\n\nCocktail:Colonial Rum PunchMake ahead: Oleo Saccharum (the colonial secret weapon) Peel strips of lemon zest andtoss with ½ cup of sugar and let rest for 30 minutes. The oils from the peel dissolve intothe sugar\, creating a fragrant\, silky syrup.Prepare:Combine one shot of rum\, ½ cup of citrus juice and one tablespoon of oleo saccharum.Add cold water (or cooled black tea for extra depth – a popular colonial trick). Add alarge ice cube and enjoy. URL:https://www.esuus.org/event/happy-hour-halifax-resolves/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-28-at-12.32.41-PM.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR