News And Events

News And Events

2019 Shakespeare Contest Winners

Andreas Bassett (with lovely fiancee Amelia), Sarah Moore, and Lauren Griffith, the 2019-20 winners of the ESU's UW English Department Graduate Recruitment Scholarships, all came to the March reception. They spoke about their teaching, research, and how their first year is going. One of them is looking at certain aspects of ecology by studying medieval manuscripts. And at least one of them is doing Shakespeare. ESU members had a great time conversing with them. And now, we need underwriting so that they and English Graduate Studies Professor, Juliet Shields, may attend the May 11th Annual Meeting and lunch at the Seattle Yacht Club. Lunch is $45, so three people contributing a modest $15 can fund an attendee. Please let me know if you can fund part of all of a lunch for this worthy group. Our winners are wonderful future teachers!

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English-in-Action

English-in-Action had to take a brief break due to recent snow events but we are back to regular meetings. One of our students has had to return to her home country, so we are seeking new participants. If you know of people who speak English as a second language and are looking to polish their conversational skills in a friendly group, please contact our chair, Marlene Holbrook, by calling her at (425) 218-6230. In addition to tutoring sessions each Tuesday at University Lutheran Church in the U-District, we do interesting field trips to museums and historic sites. We hope that some of the students will be able to attend the Seattle AGM in May so that other members may meet them. They are wonderful students!

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Happy 100th Birthday Ethel!!

News Photo

Ethel and James Kemp-Slaughter

Ethel Kemp-Slaughter was born to a prominent pioneering family. The Kemp family tree with strong English roots produced many branches with Kemps pioneering Washington State and all over the United States.
Ethel Kathleen Kemp was born March 21, 1919, preceded by her brother Walter and sister Elizabeth. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Prosser. There Ethel grew up and eventually graduated in Education from Central Washington University. During her first year of teaching, she met Hugh Slaughter. They were married in 1943. The couple had two sons, Michael and James. After they moved to the 'Village" of Bellevue, Ethel continued her teaching career retiring in 1982 after 32 years of teaching.
Ethel has been active in so many charitable and educational organizations it is hard to name them all. Our own Seattle branch ESU had benefitted greatly from Ethel's grace and charm at our receptions and events. We have been so fortunate to have both Ethel and her son, James, involved in our group and its many activities. Once again, Happy Birthday Ethel!
—Pat Wilson, Editor

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Donations...

Our branch would like to acknowledge the kind donations from some of our members recently. Christine Harrington, Avery Allen Cox, James Smith, Brian D, Wright and Heidi Renz. We are so appreciative of their donations.

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Two opportunities to be of service to Seattle ESU

WEBMASTER
Ed Atwood had done an outstanding job as the Webmaster for the Seattle Branch, working diligently with National Headquarters to keep our branch website updated and properly functioning. Under his stewardship the Seattle site has been recognized by National as one of the best in the United States. Ed now needs to focus his energies
in other directions, so the Branch needs a new volunteer to coordinate with National on the maintenance of the site. All that is needed is a basic understanding of website function and utilization, and a willingness to work with National to keep the site updated. Please contact Ed for details, ed@2atwoods.com.

AUCTION COORDINATOR
Fred Kleinschmidt and Loveday Conquest have coordinated our semi-annual auctions at the Holiday Ball, Summer Garden Party, and occasionally at the Annual General Meeting for decades. Members have generously donated items and events over the years in contribution to our fundraising efforts, which Fred and Loveday have housed and sorted for the optimal mix at the most appropriate occasion. It's now time for them to pass that responsibility along to other members. This activity is very important to the Branch, not only for the funds directly raised, but also for the tax savings in making every major event a demonstrable fundraiser! Please contact Fred for details, fred.i.kleinschmidt@gmail.com.

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You Are Invited.

Our branch sponsors a yearly Shakespeare Contest for the area high schools. On Sunday, March 3, it will be held at the Frye Museum at 14 pm. The Frye is a great place to stop for lunch and check out the old favorites as well as the new exhibits.

The students are wonderful to watch. They are enthusiastic about the Bard and it shows in their presentations. Come and bring a guest or two to have an enjoyable afternoon. The event is FREE?!

Susan Wilson is the event Chairperson and she is helped by a group of dedicated members. They can always use additional committee members. See you there!

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Passages...

ESU member, Masonic Brother, and longtime friend Donald Stewart McKenzie died at home in Queen Anne in the loving company of his bride of nearly 30 years, Elizabeth Buzzell McKenzie, and close friends and caregivers, Ardi and Fred Lipton, Don had been on hospice, and had subsequently suffered a recent stroke, so his passing was not unexpected.


He was an ardent Scot and ballroom dancer, and regretted not being able to attend this year's Christmas Ball, He and Elizabeth enjoyed years of far-ranging travels from Scotland to the Holy Land, and consistently made the most of what life had to offer them. While we will miss him greatly, he is finally at rest.


At this time Elizabeth would welcome cards of condolence, but no telephone calls or visits please. She is still recovering from her own recent injuries. Thank you for your considerate response to her situation.

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ESU Seattle Branch Nominating Committee...

The Nominating Committee is currently meeting and welcomes your suggestions for board members and/or officers. As is usual, we request your suggestions in writing with some background information. Be sure you have discussed the nomination with the person you have nominated!


The best board members are those who have been active in branch committees or other ESU activities. We are always interested in hearing from members who are interested in serving on the board this year or in the future. Please address your suggestions to Alan Waggoner, Chairperson.

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The Last Word...

January is the time for New Year resolutions. Most often we resolve to lose 5 pounds, eat healthy, exercise or watch our budget. This year I suggest a new goal.

For those of you who belong to AARP, you received a newsletter telling all of us that November was NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH. I really intended to write this column a bit earlier to coincide with the event but with all the space taken over for ESU events this is the first month I could spare a space for my thoughts.

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President's Corner...too

Seattle branch member Heidi Renz has pledged an annual, on-going gift of $100 to our Scholarship Fund each December in honor of Loveday Conquest for her valuable work as liaison with the English Department at the University of Washington in awarding our annual scholarships. Additionally, she has pledged an annual gift of $50 each February to the Shakespeare Fund in honor of Eleanor Monroe for her enthusiasm and commitment to the program over many years.


I would like to personally thank Heidi for these commitments; they are a reminder that scheduled pledges, whether monthly or annually, can be extremely valuable to our annual budget planning. I also would like to encourage as many of you as possible to build on Heidi's initiative in supporting our branch activities. ~Bill Maschmeier

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The English-Speaking Union

Seattle Branch

Seattle Branch Landmark Photo

Welcome to the ESU

The ESU celebrates English as a shared language to foster global understanding and good will by providing educational and cultural opportunities for students, educators, and members.

To find out more about our programs click here.