Kansas City

Happy Hour: A Chip Off Queen Victoria’s Block
2025-05-14 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Sponsored by the ESU Charleston Branch.Queen Victoria (1819-1901) is one of the best loved monarchs. Her reign of 63 years and 216 days, which was longer than those of any of her predecessors, constituted the Victorian era. The British Empire reached its peak during her rule. Almost within touching distance of our own time, her story is so familiar to us it seems unlikely that there is much new to discover. This ESU Happy Hour will uncover amazing and little-known aspects of Victoria’s family.Victoria`s mother, the Duchess of Kent, had already been married and widowed before her wedding to a son of George III. From her first husband, she had a daughter, Feodora, who came to live in London when her mother remarried. At Kensington Palace she married the Prince of Hohenloe Langenberg.Their son, and Queen Victoria`s nephew, was Prince Victor Gleichen. After distinguished service in the British Navy, Prince Victor took up a career as a sculptor, working from his apartments in St James` Palace. Quickly becoming the Victorian sculptor of choice, his work is found in collections throughout Britain, and especially in the Royal Collection. Two of his children followed in their father’s footsteps. One daughter, Feodora, became an even more successful sculptor, exhibiting at the Royal Academy on more than a dozen occasions. Helena, an early suffragist who served on the Western Front during WWI, was an accomplished artist.Our guest speaker, John Vigar, takes a close look at Prince Victor and tells the remarkable story of the Gleichen family of sculptors. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Charleston Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online, free, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required.

Register Here

About John Vigar, MA FSA Scot FRSA

John Vigar has been described as one of the most popular commentators on English history. He lectured for the University of Kent from 1992 to 2010, teaching a variety of architectural and social history studies, and has worked on a sessional basis for many other academic institutions. He has been a regular tutor at Denman College for over 35 years and is now part of their Denman at Home program. An enthusiastic and popular approach to his subject ensures that he has a large following of regular students. In addition to his contracted lectures John is a popular speaker at meetings of many groups including The Arts Society (NADFAS), the National Trust, and historical societies country-wide. His lecture tours to public libraries and colleges in Germany where he speaks on English literature and its links with topographical history are well received. John proudly states, “I`m keen to bring [my lectures] to life through a series of amusing and accessible presentations, and after one of my lectures you`ll never see history as a dull and dry subject again!”

Happy Hour: Kansas City: Home of Disney’s Original Animation Studio
2025-06-04 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago)
Walter Elias Disney (1901-1966) was born in Chicago, IL. The Disney family moved to Kansas City in 1911 where nine-year old Walt delivered newspapers with his brother, Roy. Six years later, Walt attended classes at the Kansas City Art Institute. Founded in 1885, the Kansas City Art Institute is one of the oldest and most respected art and design colleges in the U.S. In 1918, during World War I, Walt served in France with the Red Cross.

In May, 1922, Disney founded his first professional film studio in Kansas City, Missouri. He named it Laugh-O-gram Films. He rented an office suite on the second floor of the then-new building on 1127 E. 31st Street in Kansas City, a building designed by noted Kansas City architect Nelle Peters. Walt and his young crew made inventive cartoons, including several loosely based on classic fairy tales such as Cinderella and his first Alice comedy, Alice’s Wonderland.

Despite the short life of Laugh-O-gram Films, it was the foundation of Walt Disney’s remarkable career and of The Walt Disney Company of today. Laugh-O-Gram was “the cradle of Hollywood animation.” Although animation has been produced for nearly 20 years on the east coast, Walt Disney and the Kansas City animators who followed him to Hollywood were the first to produce animation there.

The Laugh-O-gram Films office is where Disney first met and befriended a real-life mouse scampering on the office floor. Before Walt moved to Los Angeles, he made a point of taking his mouse companion into the countryside so he would not fall victim to the cats which lived in the restaurant on the first floor of the Laugh-O-gram building. It is said by some that this provided Disney with the inspiration for his most well-known creation: Mickey Mouse.

Decades have passed since Disney moved to Los Angeles in 1923. The old building on 31st Street in Kansas City fell into decay. Then, when the building was facing demolition, local real estate developer, Butch Rigby, joined with Columbia, Missouri, attorney Dan Viets and others to form a non-profit corporation, Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. Through years of perseverance and fundraising efforts, the old “Laugh-O-gram” building on 31st Street is now undergoing a massive, multi-million-dollar renovation dedicated to the legacy of Walt Disney.

Our guest speaker for this ESU Happy Hour is Dan Viets, President of Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. With photos and other images, Dan will share his vast knowledge of Walt Disney, the history of the Laugh-O-gram building and describe the services and activities planned for the building. The ESU Kansas City Branch sponsors this ESU Happy Hour. ESU Happy Hour programs are online, free, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required.

About Dan Viets

Dan Viets is President of Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. He joined Thank You Walt Disney shortly after it was formed in the mid-1990s. He has served on the TYWD Board for more than 25 years.Dan is co-author of the book, Walt Disney’s Missouri: The Roots of a Creative Genius, published by The Kansas City Star. He has also authored articles about Walt Disney’s Missouri history published by the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Truman State University, the Missouri Historical Society, the Jackson County Historical Society, and others.

Dan has lectured for many years about Walt Disney’s Missouri history on behalf of the Missouri Humanities Council/State Historical Society of Missouri. He has made presentations at the Walt Disney Boyhood Hometown Museum in Marceline, Missouri, the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, as well as to Disney employees at Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World in Florida, Walt Disney/Pixar Animators, and at the national convention of Disneyana Fan Club in Anaheim, California. Dan has a degree in Philosophy and Psychology and a Juris Doctorate in Law from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

Cocktail:Scotch Mist was Walt’s favorite drink for a reason. It’s complex yet refreshing, the perfect cocktail to sip slowly on the patio at the end of a warm day.2 ounces of Scotch whiskey1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice1/2 ounce of simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)Soda waterCrushed iceLemon twist

Queen Mary 2 Cruise Line
2025-06-06 00:00 - 2025-06-13 23:59 (America/Chicago)
ESU members and Friends of ESU are invited to experience an iconic journey on Queen Mary 2 with Cunard Cruise Lines. This is an ocean journey unlike any other. A chance to escape the real world and indulge in life’s greatest pleasures. This westbound seven-night cruise departs Southampton, England on June 6 and arrives in New York City on June 13, 2025.

Transatlantic cruises are as iconic now as they were in 1847 when the first Cunard ship made its historic journey. A Transatlantic Crossing offers an opportunity to completely relax, relishing days at sea spent enjoying life on board your ship in any way you wish.

Ben Martin, ESU Kansas City’s Programming Chair, is organizing and hosting this trip for ESU members and their friends. For those arriving in London several days ahead of cruise departure, there are pre-cruise packages in London available. ESU is also working on organizing a special ESU event in London pre-departure. Watch for more details coming soon. Please contact Ben Martin for pricing options and more details on this cruise. He can be reached at (816) 522-8387 or brmbj3@gmail.com.

New York City Week
2025-06-10 08:00 - 2025-06-13 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us for New York City Week, a dynamic celebration of culture, history, and community in partnership with the ESU’s Andrew Romay Center for New Immigrants (ARNIC). This exciting lineup of events includes, the Big Onion Walking Tour, an Immigrant Programs Luncheon, the ARNIC Graduation, and Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical.

June 11, 2025 – Immigrant Programs Luncheon – A special gathering to celebrate and support programs that empower and uplift immigrant communities.June 12, 2025 – Big Onion Walking Tour & ARNIC Graduation – Discover the fascinating immigrant history of New York City on this expert-led walking tour, followed by the ARNIC Graduation Ceremony, honoring the newest graduates of the Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center (ARNIC). The ceremony, held at the ESU national headquarters, celebrates the resilience, hard work, and success of our inspiring new immigrant students.June 13, 2025 – Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical – Experience this critically acclaimed, darkly comedic musical that tells the incredible true story of one of WWII’s most daring espionage operations.As part of the festivities, don’t miss our Showtime Shindig, a dazzling evening of entertainment and connection.

Only 20 spots available! Tickets for New York City Week events are available for individual purchase or as part of a package—customize your experience and celebrate the best of New York your way!Reserve your spot today!

The End of WW II 80 Years On: A Conversation with Leading Historians
2025-06-10 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
All ESU members and Friends of ESU are invited to a free online conversation with leading historians to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. This special event features renowned experts who will share unique insights and reflections on one of history’s most consequential global conflicts and its enduring impact.

The distinguished panelists are General the Lord Dannatt, Member of the House of Lords and former Chief of the General Staff, and Allen Packwood OBE, Director of the Churchill Archives Center at Cambridge University, Cambridge, England.

Following the success of their collaborative work, Churchill’s D-Day: The Inside Story, the panelists will explore the final chapters of the war, its aftermath, and the contemporary relevance of this pivotal moment in world history marking eight decades since the war’s conclusion.

While this online program is not part of our ESU Happy Hour programs, we occasionally find extraordinary online programs of interest to ESU members and guests. This program is hosted by the National Churchill Leadership Center and moderated by acclaimed author and historian Katherine Grace Katz. This will be a thought-provoking discussion you won’t want to miss.

When: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 3:00 pm CT

Tickets: Free to attend but registration is required to receive webinar link.

About the Panelists:

General The Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL

Richard Dannatt served as a soldier for forty years, concluding his career as Chief of the General Staff—the professional head of the British Army. In 2011, he became an independent member of the House of Lords. He is a frequent commentator on defense and security issues in the media. He divides his time between London and his family home in Norfolk. He is a Deputy Lieutenant for both Greater London and Norfolk.

Allen Packwood OBE

As Director of the Churchill Archives Centre 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. Last year saw the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the 150th anniversary of Churchill’s birth, and Allen and Richard’s book has brought fresh insights to this pivotal moment in history.

ESU Festival Group Night: Love's Labour's Lost
2025-06-25 18:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago)
Love’s Labour’s Lost is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and endearing comedies. Taking an oath to isolate themselves from the oh-so-trivial distractions of women and LOVE, four men think that a focus on study, self-improvement and celibacy is the key to personal success. But when a Princess and her three companions arrive, the allure of abstinence begins to evaporate…something’s gotta give. Relish the chance to bask in summer love with this early comedy of Shakespeare’s. This is a must-see production by the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and directed by Sidonie Garrett. ESU members and friends are invited to this special evening on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Curtain is 8:00 pm.

This promises to be a spectacular production with lavish stage sets, colorful costumes, and featuring an all-star cast. Southmoreland Park is the perfect outdoor setting to bring Love’s Labour’s Lost to life and share a beautiful evening in the park with friends and family.

When: Wednesday, June 25, Curtain is 8:00 pm

Where: Southmoreland Park, just west of the Nelson-Atkins Museum.

Seats: We will have reserved seats near the stage at a discounted group price.

Tickets: We have arranged a group discount price of $22.00 per seat. To purchase your tickets, simply phone the Festival’s office at (816) 531-7728. Tell them you are ordering a reserved seat(s) for the “ESU Group” so you will get the discount price. You can pay over the phone by credit or debit card. When you arrive at the Park, just tell the staff at the entrance you are part of the ESU Group and have a reserved seat.

6:00 PM—Gates open.

6:30 and 7:15 PM—Pre-Show Parody: The Festival’s teen apprentice troupe called Team Shakespeare presents a hilarious parody of the Festival play. The parody will amuse both children and adults while helping them understand the plot of Love’s Labour’s Lost. You will find the performance between the Festival Gate and the seating area. Two performances: 6:30 or 7:15 PM.

7:00 PM–Show Talk: “Show Talk,” gives audiences an entertaining and educational preview of the play. Show Talk begins at 7:00 pm located near Festival entrance.

8:00 PM—This production runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Food Options—

A. You may bring your own picnic basket with food and drink items of your choice.

B. You may purchase food and beverages from the various vendors at the park.

C. Other snacks are available too…funnel cakes, kettle corn, soft drinks, bottled water and more!

Parking: Allow yourself plenty of time to park and walk to the Festival’s entrance.

Carpooling: If anyone wants to use their car to carpool to reduce the number of cars, let us know and we will pass along information so members can contact the carpool drivers to make pick up arrangements.

Weather: It’s usually very pleasant in the park by showtime. Watch forecasts and plan accordingly.

Friends of ESU and Guests: If you have friends or relatives who would like to join our group at the discounted price, please feel free to invite them.

Questions?: Call Ben Martin at (816) 522-8387. We hope to see you on June 25th at Southmoreland Park!

ESU 2025 Patron Tour: Nelson on Shore and at Sea: A Life of the British Admiral
2025-07-06 00:00 - 2025-07-14 23:59 UTC
The English-Speaking Union In Partnership with Sea Cloud Cruises Presents2025 National Patron Tour Nelson on Shore and at Sea: A Life of the British AdmiralWith Author and Lecturer Flora FraserJuly 6-14, 2025Naples to MaltaSet sail on an extraordinary journey through history aboard the magnificent Sea Cloud Spirit, retracing the footsteps of one of Britain’s greatest naval heroes, Admiral Horatio Nelson. This exclusive voyage, co-hosted by the English-Speaking Union and Sea Cloud Cruises, offers a unique blend of luxury, adventure, and intellectual stimulation.By day, explore picturesque ports and historic sites central to Nelson’s career and private life. By night, dine under the stars and engage in stimulating conversation with fellow history and adventure enthusiasts.Tour Highlights•Sail from Naples to Malta on board Sea Cloud Spirit, ranked among the best luxury passenger ships in the world.•This three-mast windjammer’s 28 sails are hoisted by hand for authentic sailing experience.• Enjoy lectures by renowned biographer Flora Fraser• Visit key locations in Nelson’s Mediterranean campaigns• Visit the ports of Naples, Capri, Trapani, Palermo, Naxos, Syracuse, and Valletta, Malta• Experience the thrill of sailing on a tall ship in Nelson’s wake• Indulge in luxurious accommodations and gourmet cuisineAbout ESU Patron ToursThe ESU National Patron Tours enhance our Patrons’ engagement with the ESU community through bespoke experiences of cultural enrichment, educational exploration, and unforgettable adventures.

For more information about the tour and how to sign up please contact Rossana Ivanova at rivanova@esuus.org, (862) 224-4244.

Berkley Lecture: Diplomacy and U.S. National Security
2025-07-15 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
ESU members and guests are invited to a special lecture program hosted by the International Relations Council (IRC). This luncheon welcomes guest speaker Ambassador Joseph Manso (Ret.), former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of International Organization Affairs with the U.S. Department of State. This program is part of IRC’s Berkley Lecture Series. IRC welcomes all ESU members to this program.

The work of members of the foreign service and the armed services of the United States of America are vitally important to our nation’s national security and foreign policy. For the 2025 Berkley Lecture, we will explore this deep link through the expertise of our Berkley Lecturer, Ambassador Joseph Manso. As a former U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, a former faculty member of the National War College, and a seasoned member of the Senior Foreign Service, Amb. Manso is uniquely positioned to speak on this critical intersection of National Security And U.S. Diplomacy.

Amb. Manso will help to break down this nexus – speaking on the evolving challenges of global security – including key issues like weapons nonproliferation, alliance-building, and transnational threats, answering questions like: How do the functions of our nation’s diplomatic channels intersect with the operational and policy demands of our national security to combat these threads? What structures and processes inform and protect the deep link between diplomacy and national security? What gaps exist between the diplomatic corps and military officials, and how does this affect our policies and actions?

Our military and our diplomatic corps are the two major leadership groups representing the United States abroad, understanding their intersection is crucial in having a more complete understanding of U.S. Foreign Policy. To sharpen your understanding, we formally invite you to join the International Relations Council for our 2025 Berkley Lecture!

When: Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Where: Grand Street Café, 4740 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, MO

Tickets: Discounted tickets for IRC and ESU members: $65.00 all-inclusive including tax and gratuity. To purchase tickets online, click here then for “ESU Members,” select number of tickets, then click “Proceed.”

Luncheon: Ticket price includes parking, a delicious buffet lunch, choice of soft drink, and dessert. A cash bar will be available.

About Ambassador Joseph Manso (Ret.)

Ambassador Manso most recently served as the United States Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service. Mr. Manso’s most recent prior positions were as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs (IO), Director of IO’s Office of United Nations Political Affairs and Director of the Office of European Security & Political-Military Affairs in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.

Amb. Manso has extensive experience in multilateral affairs, as well as military and law enforcement matters. He has served on the faculty of the National War College, as the U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative to NATO, and as the Director of the Americas Program in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). Amb. Manso has also completed assignments at the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the U.S. Mission to the UN in New York, where he was an advisor and a member of the U.S. delegation to the Security Council.

Prior to entering the Foreign Service in 1985, Mr. Manso worked in law and banking in New York and Madrid. He holds a B.A. in History from Fordham College and a Juris Doctor from Fordham Law School. Mr. Manso also completed doctoral study in international law at the University of Madrid.

About the Berkley LectureThe Berkley Lecture was founded in 1996 and brings an expert in foreign policy and global affairs to the Kansas City area. The lecture was established through the Berkley Endowment to honor the IRC’s founder and his decades of service, and to provide a platform for engaging community members in understanding critical global issues. Past Berkley lecturers include former U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford (2014), Gerald Seib (2011), The Honorable Thomas R. Pickering (2005), and Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr. (1998).

Inside the Reagan White House by Frank Lavin
2025-08-05 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
The International Relations Council (IRC) is hosting a lecture about the Reagan years in the White House. IRC is inviting all ESU members to this lecture.

Ronald Reagan’s presidency concurred with some of the most remarkable world events in modern history, from the end of the Iran hostage crisis to the Reykjavik summit with Mikhail Gorbachev. As a member of the National Security Council and White House staff, guest speaker Frank Lavin had an inside view of the Reagan administration, and he’s compiled his stories into his new book Inside the Reagan White House: A Front-Row Seat to Presidential Leadership with Lessons for Today. Join us as he shares his insider perspective on the Reagan assassination attempt, Ollie North and the Contras, the 1998 Bush-Dukakis contest, and so much more. This will be a lecture you will not want to miss.

“Frank Lavin was there for much of the Reagan years, seeing the revolution up close and personal. Now, this witness to history has written it down in great detail for the benefit of all.” –Craig Shirley, author of Reagan’s Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All

When: Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 6:30 pm

Where: The Offices at Park 39, 300 E 39th St, Kansas City, MO

Tickets: ESU members and guests: $10.00. Click here to register and purchase ticket(s). Register at “IRC Member” price category.

Book Signing: Lavin’s book may be purchased on the registration page or at the lecture. Book signing after the lecture.

About The Speaker: Frank Lavin

Frank Lavin was the White House political director for the Reagan administration and a member of his National Security Council. He also served in both Bush (41/43) administrations, working in the Department of Commerce, Department of State, National Security Council, and the White House. Lavin was previously U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, where he helped negotiate the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. He is active in U.S.-Asia policy, U.S. domestic politics, and trade policy matters.

King Charles' Birthday Tea Party
2025-08-09 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Bohet House, 343 W. Liberty Drive, Liberty, Missouri, United States
Saturday, August 9, 2025 • 10:30 am

2:30 pm seating SOLD OUT

You are cordially invited to attend one of our biggest social gatherings of the year—A tea to celebrate King Charles III’s upcoming 77th birthday on November 14. This will be an ESU Tea Party fit for a King!

Our tea party will include a variety of tea sandwiches, sweets, Brenda’s signature scones, Mock Devonshire cream, fine fruit butter or fruit jams and premium tea. Brenda Hedrick, the owner and proprietress of Anna Marie’s Teas proudly proclaims, “This is not just any tea party–our tea experiences are delightfully extravagant!” This is a special occasion not to be missed!

This English tea will be held in the Bohnet House in Liberty, MO., which is a stately 3-story, 5,000 square foot home built in 1913. The house boasts Frank Lloyd Wright details–oak trim, 3 fireplaces and large open spaces. Its large wraparound porch and period American, French and English antique furnishings create the perfect setting for tea parties–served on a special collection of china and silver.

Our teas will include a special champagne toast to HRH King Charles’ 76th birthday and we will again have our popular Trivia Quiz as well as some special door prizes.

When: Saturday, August 9, 2025. Choose either 10:30 am. 2:30 pm seating SOLD OUT

Where: Bohnet House

343 W. Liberty Dr. Liberty, MO.

Directions and map: Click here

Tickets: $39 per person. All-inclusive, including taxes and gratuities. Click here to purchase tickets.

Friends and Guests: We welcome friends and guests so please bring your friends. Our popular ESU Teas have sold out the last ten years and we encourage you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible so you won’t be disappointed.

Parking: Parking is limited around Bohnet House. Please carpool where possible. If anyone wants to use their car to carpool to reduce the number of cars, let us know and we’ll pass along information so members can contact the carpool drivers to make pick up arrangements.

Questions? Contact Jim Paszkiewicz at (816) 807-3229.

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.

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
