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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251115T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251115T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20251016T204718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T201627Z
UID:1129-1763200800-1763208000@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.Ideal 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\nRegister Here
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/exploring-shakespeares-women-a-professional-development-workshop/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2025/10/women-of-shakespeare.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251210T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251210T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20251010T020628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T200117Z
UID:1109-1765382400-1765386000@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 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. \n\n\n\nToday\, 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. \n\n\n\nToday’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. \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.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/happy-hour-a-brief-history-of-toys-for-tots/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2025/10/Happy-Hour-December-25-1024x579-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251210T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251210T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20251118T151844Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T152524Z
UID:1160-1765389600-1765400400@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:ESU Shreveport Branch Meeting: Helen Bissell - Talks About Abe's Story
DESCRIPTION:Helen Bissell talks about the Holocaust and emphasizes that the lessons of the history should never be repeated. Through her powerful storytelling\, she shares the harrowing experiences of living during the Holocaust\, inspiring individuals to overcome their own obstacles. Abe’s Story is a book by Abram and Joseph Korn about Abe Korn and his survival of the Holocaust.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/helen-bissell-talks-about-abes-story/
LOCATION:Shreveport Club\, 410 Travis Street\, Shreveport\, Louisiana\, 71101\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2025/11/Abes-Story-cover1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260114T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260114T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20251120T153305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T153308Z
UID:1164-1768406400-1768410000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:The American Revolution: A Civil and a World War
DESCRIPTION: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 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\, 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.   \n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/the-american-revolution-a-civil-and-a-world-war/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2025/11/American-Revolutionn.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260122T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260122T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20251210T155354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T155703Z
UID:1168-1769104800-1769115600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Shreveport Branch Meeting - Shreveport Opera Express Performance
DESCRIPTION:The Shreveport Opera Resident Artist Program allows emerging professional singers and pianists the opportunity to receive training within a professional opera company.  We are pleased to have Gwenyth Sell\, Soprano; Cambria Metzinger\, Mezzo-Soprano; Jeremy Do\, Tenor; Justin Ramm-Damron\, Bass-Baritone; and Robert Cruz\, pianist.  They will perform “Operatizers” (a concert of Opera Arias and Musical Theater Pieces).
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/shreveport-branch-meeting-shreveport-opera-express-performance/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2025/12/Sport-Opera.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260131T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260131T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20260124T164232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T164234Z
UID:1172-1769853600-1769860800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Shakespeare in Song: An Online Professional Development Workshop
DESCRIPTION:The ESU is excited to offer this exclusive professional development session\, presented live via Zoom from Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Shakespeare in Song will explore how Shakespeare used music to enhance mood\, develop character\, and support storytelling\, as well as how these techniques can be used to engage modern students.This workshop will be led by Dr. Emily Baines\, a professional musician\, lecturer\, and musical director who works with the Globe\, throughout Europe\, and specializes in historical woodwind instruments. Educators will be guided through the music of the plays\, from Elizabethan ballads to contemporary adaptations. Performing live on period instruments\, Dr. Baines will share practical strategies for integrating music into classroom instruction\, connecting Shakespeare’s world to modern musical composition.This special PD offering is made possible by support from the Frederick Loewe Foundation. \n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/shakespeare-in-song-an-online-professional-development-workshop/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2026/01/Shakespear-1-31.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260211T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260211T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20260124T164706Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T164707Z
UID:1175-1770822000-1770825600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Jane Austen and You
DESCRIPTION:After 250 years\, why are Jane Austen’s novels still so popular?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 KingJohn 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 Special Give Away: After the Q&A\, we will give away two sets of Jane Austen novels. Happy Hour Committee member\, Jeff Schnabel\, is donating a set of all six Jane Austen novels. And Happy Hour Committee member\, Susan Phillips\, is donating a set of three Jane Austen novels.The random drawings will be offered to those who are still online at the time of the drawings. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/happy-hour-jane-austen-and-you/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2026/01/Jane-Austen-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260226T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260226T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20260124T165742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T165743Z
UID:1178-1772128800-1772139600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Shreveport Branch Meeting Notice - Dr. Sam Cannon talking about Latin America and US History and Relations with Meal to Follow
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Sam Cannon was born\, raised\, and home-schooled here in Shreveport\, Louisiana. At the age of 19 he moved to Mexico City for several years. Upon returning to Shreveport\, he formally studied Spanish at BPCC and LSUS. Afterwards\, he pursued graduate degrees in Latin American & Iberian Literatures\, Cultures\, and Languages from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the University of Texas at Austin. Currently\, Dr. Cannon is an Associate Professor of Spanish at LSUS. His research explores popular culture representations of political violence\, as well as artistic depictions of justice in Latin American literature\, cinema\, and comic books. Recently\, he edited and published the graphic novel memoire “Clandestine Stories: Two Siblings Under Dictatorship in Chile” by Ariel & Sol Rojas Lizana. Dr. Cannon teaches courses on the Spanish language\, Latin American literatures and cultures\, sequential art\, Latin American cinema\, and Latin American comics and graphic novels. His current research is focused on Surrealist\, Esoteric\, and Mystic artists from Chile and Mexico since the beginning of WWII through the present and their relationship to US pop­culture in the 1960s-1970s.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/shreveport-branch-meeting-notice-dr-sam-cannon-talking-about-latin-america-and-us-history-and-relations-with-meal-to-follow/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2025/09/Shreveport-Club.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260305T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260305T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20260217T212437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T213513Z
UID:1186-1772726400-1772730000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour ESU Mongolia: How English Was Introduced in an East Asian Country
DESCRIPTION:Sponsored by the ESU Mongolia and Central Pennsylvania Branches \n\n\n\nThe 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 Hourto 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).  \n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/happy-hour-esu-mongolia-how-english-was-introduced-in-an-east-asian-country/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-03-at-2.48.24-PM-2-Magnolia-3-5.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260325T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260325T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20260325T171519Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T171616Z
UID:1190-1774450800-1774454400@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Churchill’s D-Day
DESCRIPTION:Operation Overlord was the code name for the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Western Europe during World War II\, launched on June 6\, 1944 (D-Day). It was the largest amphibious invasion in history\, involving 160\,000 troops landing across five Normandy beaches. Winston Churchill\, while cautiously supportive\, initially held reservations about potential heavy losses but ultimately ensured its success as a key strategic architect.Allen Packwood\, Director of the Churchill Archives Centre\, will explore Churchill’s often neglected role in the planning and execution of Operation Overlord. He will use key documents from Churchill’s papers to tell the inside story.ESU members and guests are invited to this Happy Hour which gives an in-depth look at this pivotal moment in history as allied forces opened a “Second Front” in Europe\, ultimately liberating France.This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \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\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/shreveport/event/happy-hour-churchills-d-day/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2026/03/Churchhill.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20260327T162231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T162232Z
UID:1201-1775757600-1775768400@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Shreveport Branch ESU meeting is on Thursday\, April 9\, 2026. Our speaker is Dr. Bob Robinson.  His talk will be “The Curious Case of Benjamin Franklin: Inventor\, Innovator\, and Problem Solver.” 
DESCRIPTION:We have a great program planned for our next ESU meeting on Thursday\, April 9\, 2026. Our speaker is our own Dr. Bob Robinson.  His talk will be “The Curious Case of Benjamin Franklin: Inventor\, Innovator\, and Problem Solver.” 
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/shreveport-branch-esu-meeting-is-on-thursday-april-9-2026-our-speaker-is-dr-bob-robinson-his-talk-will-be-the-curious-case-of-benjamin-franklin-inventor-innovator-and-problem-so/
LOCATION:Shreveport Cub\, 410 Travis St\, Shreveport\, Louisiana\, 71101\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2025/09/Shreveport-Club.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260415T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260415T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20260325T172146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T172222Z
UID:1192-1776272400-1776276000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Adelaide Robineau: Breaking the Porcelain Ceiling
DESCRIPTION:Adelaide Alsop Robineau\, (1865-1929) is considered one of America’s preeminent studio potters. She began her ceramics career as a china painter\, painting designs on porcelain blanks produced by other craftsmen. After moving to Syracuse with her husband in 1901\, Robineau started experimenting with making her own porcelain forms.She quickly became a master of the medium\, known for decorative techniques that included intricate excising and carving away of clay. Robineau developed an innovative approach to glazing her ceramics\, experimenting with\, and perfecting complex crystalline glazes in greens\, blues\, ivory\, and gold.In 1910\, Adelaide Robineau created The Scarab Vase\, a porcelain masterpiece that famously took 1\,000 hours of laborious hand-carving to complete. Garth Johnson\, the Everson Museum of Art’s Paul Phillips and Sharon Sullivan Curator of Ceramics will explain how Robineau sparked a revolution in ceramics\, and why she deserves to be seen as a feminist icon. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the Syracuse Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link.REGISTER HEREAbout Garth JohnsonWriter\, curator\, and educator\, Garth Johnson is the Paul Phillips and Sharon Sullivan Curator of Ceramics at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse\, New York. Before arriving at the Everson\, Johnson served as the Curator of Ceramics at the Arizona State University Ceramics Research Center. Johnson has also exhibited his work and published his writing nationally and internationally\, including contributions to the recent books Funk published by Natsoulas Press and Funk You Too: Humor and Irreverence in Ceramic Sculpture published by the Museum of Arts and Design. Johnson is a self-described craft activist who explores the craft’s influence and relevance in the 21st century. His research interests range from 1960s and 70s artist-led movements in the field of ceramics to the intersection of clay\, video\, and performance.CocktailOld PalThe Old Pal is a Prohibition-era cocktail\, a variation of the Negroni\, made with equal parts rye whiskey\, Campari\, and dry vermouth\, typically stirred and garnished with a lemon twist. It is known for being drier and spicier than its cousin\, the Boulevardier (which uses sweet vermouth)\, with the rye providing a peppery kick. Ingredients1 oz Rye Whiskey\, 1 oz Campari\, 1 oz Dry Vermouth\, and Lemon peel for garnish.Use French vermouth to celebrate Robineau’s French husband\, Samuel\, plus Campari to celebrate Robineau’s triumph at the 1911 World’s Fair in Turin\, Italy.Combine all three liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass (with a large ice cube). Garnish with a lemon twist\, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.  \n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/happy-hour-adelaide-robineau-breaking-the-porcelain-ceiling/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260423T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20260126T180101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T180532Z
UID:1180-1776931200-1777136400@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:2026 Annual General Meeting
DESCRIPTION:The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference. The conference\, under the theme “United by Language\, Inspired by Liberty.” The conference program will include the ESU 2026 Annual General Meeting\, social events such as receptions and meals\, breakout sessions\, panel discussions\, and local tours. We invite you to participate in the camaraderie and help us advance our programs that support teachers\, students\, and recent immigrants. \n\n\n\nHIGHLIGHTS \n\n\n\nRevolution in Old New York: Soldiers\, Spies & Statesmen of the American Revolution Walking Tour:Trace the footsteps of revolution through Manhattan’s past and present.Lunch on historic Stone Street or Fraunces TavernOne of New York City’s oldest surviving streets\, originally paved in 1658.andArt of the Gilded Age at The Met Museum Guided TourUncover the brilliance and forgotten voices of the Gilded Age at The Met. \n\n\n\nOur Conference venue will be at the ESU House\, 144 East 39th Street\, and the Shelbourne-Sonesta Hotel\, 303 Lexington Avenue\, New York\, NY 10016. We have a special hotel room at The Shelbourne Sonesta Hotel\, which will be available Thursday night through Saturday night. Hotel prices do not include taxes or additional fees\, and prices are valid through March 23\, 2026. We will have a special opportunity to see the USA finals for the International Public Speaking Competition. Space is limited\, first-come-first-served. \n\n\n\n$650 \n\n\n\nPrint Registration Form
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/2026-annual-general-meeting/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T091641
CREATED:20260327T162948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T162950Z
UID:1203-1778781600-1778792400@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Shreveport Branch Meeting on Thursday\, May 14\, 2026 will be Shannon Terry Wiley who will speak on her latest book\,Yellow September
DESCRIPTION:Shannon Terry Wiley who will speak on her latest book\,Yellow September about the 1873 Yellow Fever Epidemic.  She has done extensive research and should be a most interesting presentation.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/shreveport/event/shreveport-branch-meeting-on-thursday-may-14-2026-will-be-shannon-terry-wiley-who-will-speak-on-her-latest-bookyellow-september/
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