Happy Hour: The Battle of Britain
2025-08-20 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
June, 1940—In the past two months, Nazi Germany has conquered Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Great Britain stands alone against the formidable German war machine. Now, Germany decides to bring Britain to its knees. In order to do that, Goering’s Luftwaffe must win air superiority over the English Channel and Southeast England. The Battle of Britain is about to begin. It is up to the outnumbered British Royal Air Force—”The Few”—to stop the Germans.

Please join Seattle’s Museum of Flight volunteer Bob Fishman for an in-depth look at a turning point in history—how the RAF defeated the Luftwaffe and saved Britain and perhaps the world from Nazi domination—the aircraft, the strategy, and the tactics including the first use of radar & ground control to manage an air battle. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Seattle 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 Here

About Bob Fishman

Bob Fishman has been a member of Seattle’s Museum of Flight and twelve years ago, as a volunteer, began giving tours of the Crew Compartment of the Full Fuselage Trainer. He also trained other volunteers. Bob has been an active member of the Museum Speakers’ Bureau, giving talks on World War II, aviation, and space history.

He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and subsequently earned Master’s and Doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering. After eight years on active duty as a Naval officer, he had a 40-year career in the electric power generation business as an engineer, project manager, and executive. In 2023, Bob returned to the U.S. Naval Academy as a Distinguished Visiting Professor in Engineering where he is teaching the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps leaders.

Bob attended the National Test Pilot School in Mojave, CA and is an instrument-rated private pilot with over 3,200 hours in fifteen different aircraft models.

Cocktail:Bob’s Favorite spirit:Glenlivet 12-year-old single malt, served neat.Drinking whiskey “neat” means that it’s served at room temperature and without any mixers or anything that would dilute the serving, like ice or water.In 1824, a businessman named George Smith applied for one of the first licenses in the Speyside region of Scotland and opened the doors to The Glenlivet Distillery. Glenlivet, translated from Gaelic, means “valley of the smooth flowing one” and is most likely referencing the nearby River Livet.

Happy Hour: J.R.R. Tolkien: Myth & Modernism
2025-09-10 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
J.R.R. Tolkien was a towering figure in the world of twentieth-century English letters. His labors on Beowulf continue to shape the literary landscape, his work on the Oxford English Dictionary still serves, and his groundbreaking thoughts about the role and purpose of fairy stories gave focus to the thoughts of C.S. Lewis and other Inklings. The Rev’d. Andrew Lazo returns to speak to the ESU about Tolkien’s approach to myth and language in his own period—an approach that still speaks call on our age as well.

This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Central Florida 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 Here

About Andrew Lazo

The Rev. Andrew Lazo is an internationally-known speaker and writer specializing in C.S. Lewis and the Inklings. Andrew earned his Master’s in Modern British Literature from Rice University where he was a Jacob K. Javits fellow in the Humanities. He is a frequent speaker around the U.S. and U.K. and has authored several articles on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. In 2009, Andrew published Mere Christians: Inspiring Encounters with C.S. Lewis. In 2014 he also was honored to transcribe, edit, and publish a previously unknown book by C.S. Lewis, “Early Prose Joy,” which was Lewis’s very first spiritual autobiography. For ten years he taught English and C. S. Lewis at St. Thomas and Houston Christian High Schools in Houston. After finishing studies for an M. Div. (with Honors) at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA in May 2022, Andrew was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church in January 2023 and serves as the Apprentice Rector at Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden, FL. He is also pursuing his doctorate in Romantic Theology at Northwind Seminary, where he serves as a Distinguished Lecturer. Andrew is married to author and speaker Dr. Christin Ditchfield Lazo. For more than fifteen years, Andrew has been working on a long-awaited study of Till We Have Faces, making groundbreaking discoveries all along the way. The results of his ongoing research have led him to give talks to the Mythopoeic Society in 2016 as Scholar Guest of Honor; in the summer of 2017, Andrew served as a plenary speaker at the C.S. Lewis Foundation’s 2017 Summer Institute in Oxford and Cambridge. The talks in the Myth of Love series will be published as chapters of his forthcoming book.

IRC 2025 Global Honors Evening
2025-09-25 17:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Julie Robinson, president of the English-Speaking Union Kansas City Branch (ESU), will receive the “Academic Leadership” award at the International Relations Council’s (IRC) Global Honors Evening on Thursday, September 25 at the Kansas City Art Institute.

The Global Honors Evening recognizes individuals and organizations for contributions to foreign policy and global affairs, international commerce, or the Kansas City community. This year’s Global Honors Evening will recognize efforts and achievements of a selection of distinguished guests and awardees under the theme of “Celebrating Kansas City’s Global Impact.”

In addition, Global Ties KC, an independent nonprofit volunteer service organization, will receive the IRC Global Honors Award for “Contributions to the Community.”

ESU congratulates Julie for this well-deserved IRC Global Honors award and for her continuing leadership, support, and commitment to the English-Speaking Union as well as her dedication to the Kansas City Public Library’s Refugee and Immigrant Services Empowerment program.

All ESU members and guests are invited to attend this special celebration which will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, Keynote Speaker, Rebecca Zimmerman, and the chance to meet some of Kansas City’s most notable and beloved global citizens.’

When: Thursday, September 25, 2025, 5:30-9:00 pm

Where: Kansas City Art Institute, Epperson Auditorium, 4415 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City, MO.

Registration: ESU members and guests: $100 all inclusive For more details and to register: Click here

About Rebecca Zimmerman

The Keynote Speaker for the Global Honors Evening will be Rebecca Zimmerman. She will receive the Global Honors Distinguished Service Award for International Statesmanship. Zimmerman was the former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs. She was responsible for advising the Secretary of Defense and other senior defense leaders on defense continuity and mission assurance; homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities; Artic and global resilience; and U.S. defense and security policy for Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
2025-09-27 13:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago)
We’ve all been waiting. Now it’s here. DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, the beloved cinematic return of the global phenomenon (rated PG). In the summer of 1930, the Crawleys grapple with the threat of social disgrace when Mary finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble.

The English-Speaking Union Kansas City Branch is hosting a private screening of the third and final movie version on Saturday, September 27. All ESU members and guests are invited to this screening. Watch the trailer here

We will have drawings for special door prizes at the end of the movie including Downton Abbey The Grand Finale posters suitable for framing and other surprises just for those attending this exclusive private screening.

When: Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 1:30 pm.

Where: B&B Overland Park 16 Theatres, 8601 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS.

Tickets: $19.95 per person. No discounts or passes please.

Print a copy of your confirmation email after you have purchased your ticket(s) online and bring to theatre for admission. Tickets can only be purchased online. Tickets for this special screening will not be available for sale at the theatre boxoffice. No reserved seats. Doors open 30 minutes before the start of the movie.

What should I wear? You may wear whatever suits you. This Grand Finale of Downton Abbey takes place in 1930. Any period dress is welcome but not required. Fascinators and wide-brimmed hats were popular in the early 1930s and, for men, fedoras and derbies were in style.

Invite friends and family: Even though the movie opens to the public on September 12, we encourage you to wait and see the movie at our exclusive private screening on September 27. Or see it a second time at our private screening. This private screening is open to the public and we encourage you to invite your friends and family. Questions? Please call Jeff Schnabel (816) 878-1239.This private screening is an ESU fundraiser. Net proceeds from ticket sales directly support our educational programs, especially our annual Shakespeare Competition for high school students in the Kansas City metro area. Learn more about ESU’s programs at www.esuus.org/kansascity.

Happy Hour: Vampire Literature: An Anthology
2025-10-01 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Co-Authors Dr. Robin Werner and her colleague, Dr. Elizabeth Lewis, will discuss their book titled Vampire Literature: An Anthology. Specifically, they will talk about the anthology’s inspiration and the challenges of the creation process.

Vampire Literature: An Anthology is the first anthology designed specifically to introduce students and general readers to the history, theory, and cultural impact of the literary vampire. With coverage from the early nineteenth century to the twenty-first, Vampire Literature: An Anthology brings together a wide range of texts from many eras and collects work by American, British, Irish, and Caribbean writers. The focus is on shorter prose texts, primarily short stories and novellas; in a few cases, longer works are excerpted. A range of illustrations, from political cartoons to film stills, is also included.

Don’t miss this discussion on an often-misunderstood genre of literature by highly acclaimed authors who bring considerable research into the topic. 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.

Register Here

About the Co-Authors:

Dr. Robin A. Werner and Dr. Elizabeth M. Lewis are instructors in the Department of English at the University of New Orleans. Dr. Werner received her B.A. from St. Lawrence University and both her M.A. and Ph.D. from Tulane. Robin’s research and pedagogical interests are in Victorian Literature, Women and Gender Studies, Theatre History, and Fantasy and Horror Literature. She has taught a variety of special topics courses on children’s fantasy literature, supernatural fiction, and Victorian gender roles.

Dr. Lewis’ doctoral degree is in British and American Modernism and Performance Studies. In addition, she has a dance background and taught classical ballet for many years. Her specialty is dance in literature and her dissertation “Dance for the World is Dead” examines the centrality of dance aesthetics to the style and structure of modern epics, including James Joyce’s Ulysses, William Carlos Williams’ Paterson and H.D.’s Helen in Egypt. She has given numerous conference papers and has published in the field, as well.

Dr. Lewis teaches undergraduate literature courses in drama, fiction, American and British literature, as well as New Orleans literature, both onsite and online, in addition to courses in Women’s Studies.

Cocktail:Mademoiselle d’Styria1.5 oz dudognon champagne cognac•1 oz Lilette Rosé •1 oz Giffard pêche du vigne•0.5 oz Pierre Ferrand dry curaçao•0.5 oz lemon juice•2 dashes Angostura bitters Shaken & served up in a coup glass with a lemon twist

The Questionable Identity of William Shakespeare
2025-10-23 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
The question may be met with chagrin by traditionalists, but to some, the identity of William Shakespeare is not positively decided. Dr. Felicia Hardison Londré, Ph.D, presents a thought-provoking analysis on the Shakespeare authorship question. This free lecture program is at 10:00 am on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Grant Hall Recital Auditorium, 5200 Charlotte St., Kansas City, MO., University of Missouri at Kansas City Campus. Parking is immediately south of Grant Hall. Small fee for parking.

Was it William Shaksper of Stratford-upon-Avon or Edward De Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford or some other playwright of the time? Dr. Londré delves into the sensitive question of authorship in an illustrated presentation.

Dr. Londré, Curators’ Distinguished Professor Emerita of Theatre at UMKC, is the honorary co-founder of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and was the founding secretary of the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America. In 1999, she was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Dr. Londré has held visiting professorships at Hosei University in Tokyo and at Marquette University in Milwaukee. She has lectured internationally in cities including Beijing, Nanjing, Tokyo, Osaka, Venice, Rouen, Caen, Paris (Sorbonne), Brussels, Moscow, and a lecture tour of Hungary. She began presenting lectures on the Shakespeare authorship question in 1991 and has since presented this lecture to open-minded intellectuals (and others) to audiences in Hungary, Japan, China, and many American cities.

While the English-Speaking Union does not endorse any particular position on this controversy and remains neutral on the Shakespeare authorship question, it does welcome and encourage debate on this centuries-old topic. Debate promotes critical-thinking skills so educators, students, scholars, and the general public can begin to develop their own opinions on the controversy.

“It’s the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”—Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC)

Happy Hour: The Lost Heirs: The Rise and Fall of the D’Oyly Carte Dynasty
2025-11-05 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
The name D’Oyly Carte is recognized throughout the world because of Richard D’Oyly Carte’s partnership with Gilbert and Sullivan, which produced fourteen famous comic operas during the last quarter of the 19th Century such as H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Mikado.

Richard D’Oyly Carte (1844-1901) was one of the greatest impresarios of his age as well as a shrewd businessman who realized the potential of Gilbert and Sullivan’s work and worked closely with them to produce and promote their operas. The company became renowned for its high-quality productions featuring talented singers, musicians, and actors. It was the success of these operas that paved the way for D’Oyly Carte’s other achievements—building his own theatres and establishing a chain of luxury hotels that included The Savoy Hotel, Claridge’s and The Berkeley in London.

A gripping new book by author James Stebbings sheds new light on the untold story of the D’Oyly Carte family – and the tragic loss of two heirs that ultimately led to the dynasty’s downfall. ‘The Lost Heirs – The Rise and Fall of the D’Oyly Carte Dynasty’, tells the story of Lucas and Michael D’Oyly Carte, the son and grandson of the legendary theatrical impresario and hotelier, Richard D’Oyly Carte.

Richard D’Oyly Carte’s empire spanned both the worlds of theatre and luxury hotels. Yet, the story of two of his heirs, Lucas and Michael, has long been overlooked – until now. James Stebbings delves into the lives of these two young men who were destined to carry on the family legacy, but whose untimely deaths sent shockwaves through the D’Oyly Carte family.

Today, the legacy of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company lives on through recordings, revivals and adaptations of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, which continue to be loved by audiences around the world.

James Stebbings’ presentation is coming to ESU audiences from his hometown in Norfolk County, England. His talk is illustrated with rare photographs and images. If you are a fan of Gilbert and Sullivan, a theatre history enthusiast, or anyone intrigued by the dramatic rise and fall of one of Britain’s most celebrated dynasties, this Happy Hour is for you, sponsored by the ESU 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 Here

About James Stebbings:

James Stebbings has had a life-long love of the theatre, especially the musical theatre and the world of drama and theatrical entertainment, participating whenever he has had the opportunity. Before retirement, James worked in financial management in London for a US energy company, but his passion was always the musical theatre about which he writes and talks.

After his retirement he moved to Norfolk in the East of England which gave him time to focus on subjects he loves. This includes organizing music festivals, managing and representing some professional performers, creating and performing in historical enactments for a local museum, and performing in a musical duo. His newest book, The Lost Heirs – The Rise and Fall of the D’Oyly Carte Dynasty, was just published in April, 2025.

James is a familiar figure with ESU Happy Hour audiences giving presentations on Gilbert and Sullivan in 2021, the story of the sinking of the Lusitania in 2022 and, also in 2022, James was a featured speaker at four ESU US Branches in the Evelyn Wrench Lecture series. Cocktail:T.N.T. CocktailThe Fifth of November in the UK is known as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night remembering when, in 1605, Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the British Parliament. I thought it appropriate therefore that we mark it with a T.N.T. cocktail from The Savoy Cocktail Book.

Equal parts:Canadian Club WhiskyAbsintheInstructions:Fill a mixing glass with ice cubesAdd the whiskey and absintheStir well until chilledStrain into a chilled shot glass or coupeStir, don’t shake: Though Prohibition-era recipes often called for shaking, modern practice suggests stirring spirit-only cocktails to chill them without adding air, which gives them a frothy texture.

Exploring Shakespeare’s Women: A Professional Development Workshop
2025-11-15 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Join the ESU for an exclusive online professional development workshop live via Zoom from Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Explore four of Shakespeare’s most fascinating women—Juliet, Lady Macbeth, Beatrice, and Hero—through an interactive session connecting critical writing with rehearsal-room practice. Gain fresh strategies for engaging students with themes of gender, relationships, and power in Shakespeare’s works.

Ideal for secondary English and drama teachers, especially those involved in the ESU National Shakespeare Competition. Participants may be eligible for Professional Development credit.

DBE Kansas Proudly Hosts: The 38th Annual British Faire and Tea
2025-11-15 10:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago)
The British Are Coming! All ESU members and guests are invited to the 38th Annual British Faire sponsored by the Daughters of the British Empire in Kansas. This annual fundraising event benefits retirement communities and local charities. Some of the events and activities at the British Faire:

Traditional British Afternoon Tea Celtic Jewelry

The Best local British vendors Antiques

Crafts, Books Specialty foods and cheeses

Christmas crackers Variety of teas

When: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 10:00 am to 3:30 pm

New Location: Community Covenant Church, 15700 W 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa, KS

Admission for the British Faire is $5 for anyone 14 years and up. Kids in FREE!

Purchase tickets at door.

Sit-down tea tickets go on sale September 3 at 6:00 amTea in a Box tickets go on sale September 3 at 6:00 am

Click here for more details This is a fun event for the whole family with activities and events for all ages. The Kansas City Branch of the ESU will have an Informational Booth at the Faire so be sure to stop by and have your photo taken to be added to our Facebook page.

The Earl and Countess of Derby Invite the English-Speaking Union to A Magical Holiday Weekend at Knowsley Hall
2025-11-20 08:00 - 2025-11-23 17:00 (Asia/Karachi)
The Earl and Countess of Derby Invite the English-Speaking Union toA Magical Holiday Weekend at Knowsley HallPrescot, Merseyside L34 4AG EnglandNovember 20–23, 2025

From $2,500 pp double / $3,400 pp single in an Executive SuiteUpgrades to Deluxe and Royal Suite/Lord Derby’s Suite available

Step into the enchantment of the holiday season with an exclusive invitation from the Earl and Countess of Derby to spend a luxurious weekend at historic Knowsley Hall, a magnificent estate nestled in the English countryside.

Knowsley Hall has been in the ownership of the Stanley family for over 600 years. Set within 2,500 acres of a private walled estate, located near Liverpool, the hall has been welcoming royalty and distinguished guests since 1495.

For more information or to secure your reservation contact Rossana Ivanova, rivanova@esuus.org, (862) 224-4244.

Think & Drink
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
ESU members and guests are invited to an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. Think and Drink is a one-hour lecture program launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area, south of downtown KC. The Think and Drink lecture series is held on the first and third Thursday of every month and brings together experts, academics, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. No topic is off the table.

Lara Gray, owner of Casual Animal Brewing Co., comments on Think and Drink, ““It’s meant to be informative, but it’s meant to be social and fun as well,” Gray says. “We certainly want people to be able to come and learn something they didn’t know before but also be able to engage in discussion with each other as well as with the speaker.”

“It’s one of those things where you didn’t know that you wanted to learn about these things, but if you’re grabbing a pint and sitting and listening, you’re kind of intrigued that now you know more about volcanoes.”

The lecture programs are community-driven events and powered by a collaboration between UMKC, Linda Hall Library, The Third Place Historian, and Casual Animal Brewing Company.

The lecture programs are normally held at the Casual Animal Brewing Company in the East Crossroads, but for this next lecture only—November 20—the program will be held at the Linda Hall Library.

What: Think and Drink Lecture topic: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: The History and Impact of Vehicles in Kansas City.

When: Thursday, November 20, 2025, 6:00-7:00 pm

Where: Linda Hall Library, 5109 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO

Cost: Although Think and Drink events are free to attend, this November 20 Think and Drink event has reached capacity. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email lipkak@lindahall.org. If a seat is available, you will be notified by email that you can register for this event. We encourage you to register now for the December 4 and December 18 Think and Drink events below.

If you are able to attend the November 20 Think and Drink event, here are more details about the event and bios of speakers. Click here.

Parking: Free parking at the Library

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Upcoming Think and Drink Lectures—Save these dates!

December 4, 2025: “The Surprising & Jolly History of Santa and Christmas Traditions in America”

Location: Casual Animal Brewing Co., 1725 McGee St., Kansas City, MO.

More details and to Register, click here.

December 18, 2025: ”Crises to Watch in 2026: Humanitarian Need Amid Geopolitical Disorder”

Location: Casual Animal Brewing Co., 1725 McGee St., Kansas City, MO.

More details and to Register, click here.

Think & Drink: History of Christmas Traditions
2025-12-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Just in time for the holidays! The first Think & Drink program in December is The Surprising & Jolly History of Santa and Christmas Traditions in America. This holiday program brings out the spirit of the season.

From Dutch settlers’ tales of Sinterklaas to Coca-Cola ads, shopping malls, and holiday parades, the Santa Claus we know today has a fascinating backstory. Join The Third Place Historian, Erica Benson, for a cozy, story-packed talk tracing how America invented its own version of Santa and reshaped Christmas into the celebration we recognize now. We’ll explore the quirky symbols, surprising traditions, and cultural shifts that turned a winter’s holiday into a national season of cheer.

Think & Drink lectures are free to attend and open to all ESU members and the public, but registration is required. These Think & Drink lecture programs often reach capacity, so we encourage ESU members to register now. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register.

When: Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6:00 pm

Location: Casual Animal Brewing, 1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City, MO

About Erica Benson:

Erica Benson is a seasoned historian and educator with over a decade of experience teaching U.S. history at the college level. She holds multiple degrees in history, including a Master’s degree in North American history, and brings a deep scholarly background to her work in both academic and public history.

A recipient of the prestigious James Madison Congressional Fellowship, Erica has participated in numerous elite history seminars and institutes, continually advancing her expertise in American political and social history. Her commitment to historical education extends beyond the classroom—she is a contributing writer for the National Women’s History Museum and an advocate for gender equality issues and the Equal Rights Amendment.

Erica’s work is grounded in a passion for making history accessible, engaging, and relevant. Her lectures are known for combining rigorous scholarship with compelling storytelling, offering fresh insights into the complexities of the American past.

About Think & Drink Lecture Series:

Think & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts, academics, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. No topic is off the table.

Upcoming Think & Drink Lecture:

When: Thursday, December 18, 2025, 6:00 pm

Location: Casual Animal Brewing, 1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City, MO

Topic: Crises to Watch in 2026: Humanitarian Need Amid Geopolitical Disorder

Humanitarian needs, global hunger, and forced displacement are all near record highs at the same time as governments cut aid budgets and support for the world’s most vulnerable. Learn about which crises and conflicts are at the top of the International Rescue Committee’s 2026 Emergency Watchlist, as well as the geopolitical trends driving them. Guest speaker: Ken Sofer, Founder & Principal, New Colossus Advisors; UMKC Foreign Policy Professor.

Happy Hour: A Brief History of Toys for Tots
2025-12-10 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
From its humble beginnings in 1947, the wife of a Marine Reserve Major wanted todonate dolls to a charity that would distribute the toys to children in need. Sheconvinced her husband to create one. He looked to fellow Marine reservists to get thejob done. The project was a huge success and was officially adopted by the MarineCorps in 1948 and went nationwide almost immediately.

Today, Toys for Tots is recognized as an official activity of the Marine Corps and part ofthe official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve. For the past 77 years, the Toys for Totsprogram along with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve have led a campaign to collect newand unwrapped toys, providing millions of gifts annually to underprivileged childrenduring the holiday season.

Today’s Happy Hour guest speaker is Major Gunnar Spafford, USMC (Ret.) who is theDeputy Vice President of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The Foundation hassupported Toys for Tots since 1991. Major Spafford will describe the history of Toys forTots and how it has become a worldwide program. The Major will also explain the goalsof the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Sandhills 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.

About Major Gunnar Spafford, USMC (Ret.)

Major Spafford joined the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in August 2023 as the Deputy Vice President of Business Development working within the Marketing & Development department. Major Spafford served in the United States Marine Corps as both an enlisted infantryman and a military police officer before being competitively selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program to receive education and training to become a Marine Corps Officer.

As a Military Policeman, he served in multiple billets to include Assistant Special Operations Chief, Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of a weapons storage facility, Watch Command, Patrol Supervisor, Special Reaction Team (SRT), and SRT sniper. As an officer, Major Spafford served as Deputy Provost Marshal, Executive Officer, Operations Officer, and Senior Operations Officer before fulfilling his final role as a Manpower Program Manager for Headquarters Marine Corps, Manpower & Reserve Affairs.

After 25 total years of service, Gunnar retired from the Marine Corps and continued as a strategic and innovative Project Management Professional with a diverse background in program leadership and process improvements, most recently working as the Deputy Director for Manpower & Personnel for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

A Christmas Carol
2025-12-10 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago)
All ESU members and Friends of ESU are invited to this holiday classic produced by KCRep. This production of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a blend of classic storytelling with lively and energetic performances by an all-star cast.

For more than 40 years, Kansas City’s beloved tradition has created holiday memories for families all around our community. Gary Neal Johnson has been at the helm as the venerable Ebenezer Scrooge since 2000, for more than an estimated 1100 performances, but after 24 years, this 2025 production of A Christmas Carol will be his last in the role.

Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays. You’ll meet the Cratchits, Tiny Tim, and the irresistible Fezziwigs, and hear the haunting and joyous Candlelight Carol — all this and more, to kindle your Christmas spirit.

Create Christmas memories that will last for many seasons to come and celebrate Gary Neal Johnson’s incredible legacy!

When: Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Curtain: 7:00 pm

Where: Spencer Theatre, UMKC Campus, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO

Tickets: We have special discounted group tickets at $31.20 and they are waiving the processing fee for us. Call the KCRep boxoffice at (816) 235-5771. Ask for Rhiannon Minster and tell her you are with the ESU Group to purchase ticket(s) to A Christmas Carol on December 10. Purchase with credit or debit card. Pick up your ticket(s) in lobby at Will Call desk under name “ESU Group.” Our seats will be in blocks of 4, 3, 2, or singles near the stage. Boxoffice hours: Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm. If no answer, leave message and Rhiannon will return your call.

Parking: Free parking is available in the parking lot on the east side of Spencer Theatre. Or additional free parking is available at the UMKC Cherry Street Parking Garage (5009 Oak St.) on the fifth floor which has a skywalk to Spencer Theatre or on level 6.

Group Photo: After the performance, we will meet in the theatre lobby for a group photo.

Questions? Call Jeff Schnabel (816) 878-1239 or email: jschnabelkc@gmail.com Don’t miss this chance to get together with other ESU members and meet new members. We hope you will share the season with the people you love at A Christmas Carol.

Think & Drink: Crises to Watch in 2026
2025-12-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Humanitarian needs, global hunger, and forced displacement are all near record highs at the same time as governments cut aid budgets and support for the world’s most vulnerable. Learn about which crises and conflicts are at the top of the International Rescue Committee’s 2026 Emergency Watchlist, as well as the geopolitical trends driving them.

Think & Drink lectures are free to attend and open to all ESU members and the public, but registration is required. These Think & Drink lecture programs often reach capacity, so we encourage ESU members to register now. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register.

When: Thursday, December 18, 2025, 6:00 pm

Location: Casual Animal Brewing, 1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City, MO

About Guest Speaker: Ken Sofer

Ken Sofer is a policy expert, advocate, and strategic communicator with more than 15 years of experience advising global civil society, think tanks, and senior executives. He is the Founder & Principal of New Colossus Advisors, a strategic consulting firm focused on bringing advocacy and communications together to drive human-centric impact. In addition to his work leading New Colossus, Ken is a foreign policy professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Prior to founding New Colossus, Ken worked for the humanitarian aid charity, International Rescue Committee (IRC), which supports people in more than 50 countries whose lives have been shattered by crisis and conflict. He supported the organization’s mission as a policy advisor and speechwriter for the President & CEO, as well as leading the organization’s advocacy on issues ranging from child hunger to the climate crisis. Ken has also worked on US national security issues for the DC-based think tank the Center for American Progress and served as a foreign policy advisor to a presidential campaign.

About Think & Drink Lecture Series:

Think & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts, academics, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. No topic is off the table.

Virtual Event: Churchill and the Middle East
2026-01-13 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago)
During World War I, Britain made numerous and often contradictory promises in the Middle East—including the Sykes–Picot Agreement, the Balfour Declaration, commitments to Arab leaders, and support for Wilson’s Fourteen Points—in an effort to secure allies. After the Ottoman Empire collapsed, Britain faced the challenge of reconciling these conflicting obligations. Winston Churchill, guided by T. E. Lawrence and Gertrude Bell, led key meetings and decisions in 1921–22 that ultimately shaped the modern Middle East.

This is a virtual eventThe event will begin at 6:00PM ET

$10-30

The American Revolution: A Civil and a World War
2026-01-14 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
As the calendar turns to 2026, The English-Speaking Union of the United States begins a year-long celebration of 250 years of American independence. Throughout the year, ESU will feature several Happy Hours that give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on this historic milestone.The American Revolution was a war unlike any other—one of ideas and ideals, that shaped “the course of human events.” With 165 principal engagements from 1775-1783, the Revolutionary War was the catalyst for American independence. The Revolutionary War was not just a civil war conflict between colonists who remained loyal to the Crown and those who sought independence from British rule. When other European powers like France and Spain officially entered the war, it expanded into a global clash of empires—a veritable World War.

Today’s Happy Hour guest speaker, Dr. Henry (Phil) Williams III, president of ESU’s Charlottesville, VA Branch, will describe the early beginnings of the war from 1775 through 1783. He will illustrate the eight-year conflict between Great Britain and its thirteen North American colonies beginning with the Battles of Lexington and Concord and ending with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which formally recognized American independence.

Williams will explain that the true history of the Revolution must not be taught just from an American-centric focus, but also how England, the Commonwealth, and Europe viewed and, in fact, taught this period of history quite differently.

Join us as the ESU launches a journey toward this landmark event as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Charlottesville, 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.

About Dr. Henry (Phil) Williams III

Dr. Williams is originally from Michigan. He received degrees and diplomas from Culver Military Academy, the University of Virginia, the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, the University of Florence, Italy, and two Master’s and a Doctorate in International Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University.

He has lived in four foreign countries and has studied and worked professionally in four foreign languages: French, Greek, Italian, and Turkish.

Formerly a Wall Street and International Investment Banker, he currently lectures on a variety of topics, including American History, Turkey, and the Middle East. He has been featured on National Public Radio related to several of his interests, has written many news commentary pieces on Turkey and the Middle East, and has published scholarly articles on Ottoman and Turkish Law. He has been teaching a course at Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye, titled “Turkey and America, East and West – Where the Twain Meet” since 2015.

Dr. Williams is the President of the Charlottesville Branch of the English-Speaking Union and a past Virginia State President of the Sons of the American Revolution with which he is still active. He served on the board of the American Friends of Turkey for over twenty-three years. He is an avid sportsman with keen interests in equestrian pursuits, racquet sports and swimming. He also inherited a love of Antique and Classic cars and has been active in his local car club for many years. Marilyn Williams is his wife, and they have two grown children, Margaret and Phillip.

What did a Revolutionary Period Happy Hour Look Like?

The Founding Fathers drank a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including whiskey, rum, ale, beer, cider, wine (Madeira, claret, and champagne), and punch. Popular drinks often served at official functions included Madeira wine and various punches. Many of the founders had specific preferences; for example, John Adams favored hard cider and Madeira, while George Washington was a fan of whiskey and Madeira. Non-alcoholic drinks like cider, small beer (a low-alcohol brew), and coffee were also commonly consumed for refreshment and social reasons.

Jane Austen and You
2026-02-11 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 • 4:00 PM ET

Sponsored by the ESU Atlanta Branch

Jane 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.

Jane 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.

Last 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.

About John King

John 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.

CocktailRegency MocktailInspired by the 19th-century punch tradition with modern non-alcoholic ingredientsIngredients: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

2026 Shakespeare Competition
2026-03-01 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
2026 National Shakespeare Competition

Kansas City Branch Finals

March 1,2026 • 2:00 – 4:00 pm CST

Join us for our 42nd annual Shakespeare Competition in Kansas City as KC metro area high school students compete for First Place with the winner advancing to the National Finals in New York City in April 2026. Students perform Shakespeare monologues and recite sonnets in three qualifying stages: school, branch, and National levels.

This Competition helps students develop speaking and critical-thinking skills while they explore the beauty of the language and the timeless themes in Shakespeare’s works. By preparing a monologue and sonnet for public presentation, students bring Shakespeare to life in their own way and learn to express his works with understanding, clarity, and feeling. Approximately 2,500 teachers, 15,000 students, and 750+ schools in nearly 50 ESU branches participate each year.

For your high school to participate in the Kansas City Branch Competition, a sponsoring teacher will need to organize a competition at your school. The sponsoring teacher also needs to register your school’s competition with the ESU. The deadline to submit the School Registration Form is February 10, 2026. The deadline to hold your school competition and report your school’s winner to the ESU is February 20, 2026.

All materials including the online School Registration Form, teacher and student handbooks, and packets of monologues and sonnets are located here.

Contact Kansas City Branch Competition Coordinator Dan Bukovac for questions: dan.bukovac@gmail.com

2026 Annual General Meeting
2026-04-23 00:00 - 2026-04-26 23:59 (America/Chicago)
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.

HIGHLIGHTS

Revolution 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.

Our 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.

$650

Print Registration Form
