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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260325T130000
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DTSTAMP:20260621T111150
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UID:1378-1774443600-1774450800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Churchill’s D-Day
DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, March 25\, 2026 • 4:00 PM ET. Sponsored by ESU Central PA Branch. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperation Overlord was the code name for the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Western Europe during World War II\, launched on June 6\, 1944 (D-Day). It was the largest amphibious invasion in history\, involving 160\,000 troops landing across five Normandy beaches. Winston Churchill\, while cautiously supportive\, initially held reservations about potential heavy losses but ultimately ensured its success as a key strategic architect. \n\n\n\nAllen Packwood\, Director of the Churchill Archives Centre\, will explore Churchill’s often neglected role in the planning and execution of Operation Overlord. He will use key documents from Churchill’s papers to tell the inside story. \n\n\n\nESU members and guests are invited to this Happy Hour which gives an in-depth look at this pivotal moment in history as allied forces opened a “Second Front” in Europe\, ultimately liberating France.This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\nRegister Here \n\n\n\nAbout Allen Packwood OBE \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs Director of the Churchill Archives Centre at Churchill College at the University of Cambridge since 2002\, Allen has dedicated his career to preserving and illuminating history. A qualified archivist and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society\, he oversees one of the world’s most significant collections of modern political\, diplomatic\, and scientific papers\, including those of Sir Winston Churchill and Baroness Thatcher.His expertise has taken him from curating exhibitions at the Library of Congress to organizing international conferences on the Cold War\, and from Bermuda to Hong Kong\, sharing Churchill’s life story and legacy.Packwood has a BA\, and MPhil (Cantab) and is a Fellow of Churchill College at the University of Cambridge. He was awarded an OBE for services to archives and scholarship in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours. His latest book\, Churchill’s D-Day\, The Inside Story co-authored with General Lord Dannatt\, was published for the eightieth anniversary of Operation Overlord in June 2024. \n\n\n\nAs Director of the Churchill Archives Centre at Churchill College at the University of Cambridge since 2002\, Allen has dedicated his career to preserving and illuminating history. A qualified archivist and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society\, he oversees one of the world’s most significant collections of modern political\, diplomatic\, and scientific papers\, including those of Sir Winston Churchill and Baroness Thatcher.His expertise has taken him from curating exhibitions at the Library of Congress to organizing international conferences on the Cold War\, and from Bermuda to Hong Kong\, sharing Churchill’s life story and legacy.Packwood has a BA\, and MPhil (Cantab) and is a Fellow of Churchill College at the University of Cambridge. He was awarded an OBE for services to archives and scholarship in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours. His latest book\, Churchill’s D-Day\, The Inside Story co-authored with General Lord Dannatt\, was published for the eightieth anniversary of Operation Overlord in June 2024. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nCocktail: ManhattanIngredients Whiskey: 2 oz Rye or BourbonSweet Vermouth: 1 ozAngostura Bitters: 2 dashesGarnish: Maraschino cherry or lemon twistInstructions:Combine the whiskey\, sweet vermouth\, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.Stir until well-chilled.Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.Garnish with a brandied cherry or a lemon twist.Like so many cocktails\, their origins and history are lost to the vagaries of time\, leading to intriguing theories\, one including the mother of Prime Minister Winston Churchill as its possible inventor.A widely shared story suggests that the cocktail dates to the 1870s\, and despite being named after the New York City borough\, there’s a connection to the United Kingdom. This story has it that one Dr. Iain Marshall came up with the classic Manhattan recipe while attending a party that was held at the Manhattan Club for Lady Randolph Churchill\, the mother-to-be of the not-yet-born Winston Churchill.Of course\, as most legends do\, this story has been called into question because there are indications that Churchill’s mother was in either France or England at this time. Some dispute this and believe that a bartender going by the name of ‘Black’ invented the cocktail at the famed Hoffman House in New York City
URL:https://www.esuus.org/seattle/event/happy-hour-churchills-d-day/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Happy Hours
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260305T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260305T130000
DTSTAMP:20260621T111150
CREATED:20260209T045301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T051229Z
UID:1366-1772712000-1772715600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour ESU Mongolia: How English Was Introduced in an East Asian Country
DESCRIPTION:Sponsored by the ESU Mongolia and Central Pennsylvania BranchesThe English-Speaking Union is a worldwide nonprofit education-based organization spanning the globe with international branches in 66 countries from Albania to Yemen.All ESUs worldwide are connected through the ESU International Council. The President of the ESU International Council is Professor Bolormaa also known as Bella from Mongolia. This ESU Happy Hour is honored to welcome Bella to present the history of how the English language was first introduced into the East Asian country of Mongolia and its impact on the country. While the official language is Mongolian\, English is taught as a second language in schools and is spoken by a growing percentage of the population. Bella will also tell us the fascinating story of when and how the ESU Mongolia Branch was launched.We invite you to be a part of this special ESU Happy Hour to learn about ESU’s connections and influence worldwide with a focus on the ESU Mongolia Branch. ESU members and Friends of ESU from international branches around the globe will be joining this Happy Hour.This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Mongolia and Central Pennsylvania Branches. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. Register HereAbout Prof. Bolormaa “Bella”Bella was the first ESU National winner of the 1st Public Speaking Competition in Mongolia and four-time National & International Debate Champion. She is an acclaimed coach\, mentor\, professor of economics\, and founder of Dayan Academy\, and Nest Center for Journalism Innovation & Development in Mongolia. Bella has a broad range of expertise across finance\, banking\, aviation\, and telecommunications industries. She is the President of the ESU International Council\, and the Chairperson of the ESU Mongolia Branch. She has a PhD and MA in Economics from the University of Minnesota and an MBA and BBA in finance from the National University of Mongolia.Happy Hour Cocktail:The most popular and iconic alcoholic beverage in Mongolia is not a Western-style cocktail\, but Airag (or Kumis)\, a lightly alcoholic\, tangy\, fermented mare’s milk drink\, symbolizing hospitality and deeply embedded in nomadic culture\, especially during summer festivals like Naadam. While other drinks like vodka and milk tea (Suutei Tsai) are common\, Airag is the quintessential national drink.Ingredients: Mare’s milk\, fermented with natural yeasts and bacteria\, sometimes mixed with previous year’s ferment.Flavor: Sour\, tangy\, with a yogurt-like taste.Alcohol Content: Low\, typically 2-3%.Cultural Significance: A symbol of hospitality\, unity\, and refreshment\, consumed in large quantities during summer. How it’s Made (Traditional Method):Fresh mare’s milk is collected and poured into a leather sack (khökhüür) or wooden barrel.The mixture ferments over time\, often stirred with a wooden paddle (buluur).It’s ready for consumption during the summer months (mid-June to mid-September). 
URL:https://www.esuus.org/seattle/event/happy-hour-esu-mongolia/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Happy Hours
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260114T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260114T150000
DTSTAMP:20260621T111150
CREATED:20251119T014834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251204T185758Z
UID:1317-1768399200-1768402800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: The American Revolution: A Civil and a World War
DESCRIPTION:January 14\, 2026 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm EST\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs 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. \n\n\n\nThe 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 13 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 IIIDr. 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\, run\, 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.   \n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://www.esuus.org/seattle/event/american-revolution/
CATEGORIES:National,Online Events,Virtual Happy Hours
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251210T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251210T150000
DTSTAMP:20260621T111150
CREATED:20251111T000903Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T013640Z
UID:1291-1765375200-1765378800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: A Brief History of Toys for Tots
DESCRIPTION:From its humble beginnings in 1947\, the wife of a Marine Reserve Major wanted to donate 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 the job done. The project was a huge success and was officially adopted by the Marine Corps in 1948 and went nationwide almost immediately. \n\n\n\nToday\, Toys for Tots is recognized as an official activity of the Marine Corps and part of the official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve. For the past 77 years\, the Toys for Tots program along with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve have led a campaign to collect new and unwrapped toys\, providing millions of gifts annually to underprivileged children during the holiday season. \n\n\n\nToday’s Happy Hour guest speaker is Major Gunnar Spafford\, USMC (Ret.) who is the Deputy Vice President of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The Foundation has supported Toys for Tots since 1991. Major Spafford will describe the history of Toys for Tots and how it has become a worldwide program. The Major will also explain the goals of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. \n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nAbout Major Gunnar Spafford\, USMC (Ret.) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMajor 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. \n\n\n\nAs 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. \n\n\n\nAfter 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. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nClick here to register
URL:https://www.esuus.org/seattle/event/toys-for-tots/
LOCATION:https://www.esuus.org/event/hhdecember25/
CATEGORIES:National,Online Events,Virtual Happy Hours
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251115T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251115T100000
DTSTAMP:20260621T111150
CREATED:20251111T005017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T005722Z
UID:1296-1763193600-1763200800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Shakespeare’s Women: A Professional Development Workshop
DESCRIPTION: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. \n\n\n\nIdeal for secondary English and drama teachers\, especially those involved in the ESU National Shakespeare Competition. Participants may be eligible for Professional Development credit. \n\n\n\nClick here to register
URL:https://www.esuus.org/seattle/event/shakespeare-women/
CATEGORIES:National,Online Events,Virtual Happy Hours
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240612T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240612T160000
DTSTAMP:20260621T111150
CREATED:20240517T163055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240517T163056Z
UID:1001-1718204400-1718208000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: The Great Siege of Malta and the Fate of Empires
DESCRIPTION:Sixteenth century European historians will find this ESU Happy Hour fascinating and one of tremendous significance. The Great Siege of Malta\, a four-month battle from May 18 to September 11\, 1565\, is considered one of the most ferocious conflicts in military history. Rarely have the odds been so unequal and the stakes so high. \n\n\n\nIn 1565 Malta was the key to Europe. And during the summer of that year\, the future of Western Civilization was decided. The Ottoman Empire had extended its control over most of the Mediterranean. If the tiny island of Malta could be captured\, it could become the staging ground for the invasion of critical ports in Europe. \n\n\n\nIt was an epic struggle\, a remarkable tale of resolve and leadership\, of disunity in command\, and disunity among allies. Historically\, the Great Siege of Malta was one of the bloodiest and most fiercely contested battles of the sixteenth century. \n\n\n\nDr. Wayne Bowen\, Professor of History and Associate Dean for the College of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Central Florida\, draws us into this four-month siege on the island of Malta. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Central Florida Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/seattle/event/happy-hour-the-great-siege-of-malta-and-the-fate-of-empires/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Happy Hours
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240522T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240522T160000
DTSTAMP:20260621T111150
CREATED:20240517T163600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240517T163605Z
UID:1003-1716390000-1716393600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Discovering Faulkner’s American South in 1990s Pakistan with Dr. Saima Sherazi
DESCRIPTION:Sponsored by the ESU Central Pennsylvania Branch \n\n\n\nThe 1990s found agrarian societies in Pakistan undergoing profound transitions\, not unlike the American South in the first part of the twentieth century. William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury” captures the stark confrontation between waning Southern aristocracy (the Compson family) and the ascendant middle class represented by the Snopes family. \n\n\n\nDr. Saima Sherazi will take us through the experience of coping with societal change\, especially when that change occurs in a setting with entrenched social hierarchies and gender roles. That setting could be rural Pakistan\, or the American South of the 1920s. In either place there is upheaval – urbanization and industrialization collide with traditional dynamics of gender and class.  Dr. Sherazi will share her experience of teaching Faulkner in an all-girls college in a still conservative Pakistan – far removed from the American South\, but nonetheless undergoing similar social upheavals. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Central PA Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required. All programs take place on Eastern Time.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/seattle/event/happy-hour-discovering-faulkners-american-south-in-1990s-pakistan-with-dr-saima-sherazi/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Happy Hours
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