Do you enjoy writing? Do you want to get better and feel more confident? The Advanced Writing Class at University Settlement is a welcoming place for you. It is open to anyone who loves writing and wants to improve. In this class, people learn together, share ideas, and support each other as writers.
The class is taught by a professor from New York University (NYU). NYU is a respected university with a strong writing program. This means students can learn from an experienced teacher who can help them grow, improve their skills, and try new ways of writing.
At the end of the year, students have the special chance to see their work published in a collection of writing. This is a proud moment for many writers. It is also a wonderful way to celebrate each person’s hard work, progress, and voice.
If you or someone you know may be interested, please reach out to the Adult Literacy office at the beginning of the school year. We would love to welcome new writers into our community. Whether you have been writing for years or are just starting again, this class is a place to learn, connect, and grow.
For many of us, summer is the time when we have more time for ourselves. No classes, no rushed schedule of school, kids and work. Things move at a slower pace, maybe it’s the heat of a NYC summer, but maybe it’s just all of us taking the time to slow down a little, a change from the busy-ness of the rest of the year. What’s better to do with this found time than read a book? Or read several books?
First things first! Get a library card!
If you’re 13 or older, and live, work, attend, or pay property taxes in NY State, you are eligible for a card. Your card can be physical or digital.
If you prefer to complete the application for a physical library card in person, please visit an NYPL location with proof of ID and address. Find a location near you.
The New York Public Library even has a special card for this year!
With thanks to the New York Times, University Settlement has prepared a reading challenge list:
📖 ☐ Read a really short book. 📘 ☐ Read a really long book. 🕵️ ☐ Read a mystery book. 🎬 ☐ Read a book that’s been adapted for a movie. ☀️ ☐ Read a book that takes place in the summer. 🎧 ☐ Listen to an audiobook.
Independence – freedom from another country’s rule
Colony – land controlled by another country
Fireworks – colorful explosions in the sky
Parade – a public celebration with marching bands and floats
Patriotic – Showing love, pride, and support for your country
Semiquincentennial – 250 year celebration
The 4th of July ( Independence Day ) is a national holiday in the United States. It marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, on July 4, 1776, when the 13 colonies officially broke away from Great Britain.
These days, people celebrate it in all kinds of ways. Families and friends have barbecues or picnics, head to parades, spend the day at the beach or a park, or go to The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island.
Cities and neighborhoods decorate their neighborhoods in red, white, and blue, and people dress in patriotic colors. One of the biggest traditions is watching fireworks at night. For a lot of people, the Fourth feels like the start of summer!
This year, the United States is also celebrating its 250th birthday, the Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since we gained our independence.
In New York City, this year’s celebration is especially large, with events honoring both the 250th anniversary and the 50th Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular. Fireworks are planned to launch from the Brooklyn Bridge, the Lower East River, and the Lower Hudson River, starting around 9:25pm.
Some 4th of July Activities in NYC
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular (around 9:25pm): Featuring over 85,000 fireworks and a new laser show from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Sail4th 250 (July 3rd to 8th): A massive maritimeprocession of over 70 tall ships and naval vessels in New York Harbor.
Times Square Ball Drop (July 3rd): For the first time, the New Year’s Eve ball will drop eight times to mark midnight in all US time zones, celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Homecoming of Heroes Parade (July 6th): A parade in Midtown honoring veterans and first responders.
Fireworks Viewing Locations
Manhattan: Public viewing areas along the FDR Drive.
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Prime viewing for bridge-centered effects, requiring a free ticket issued by the city.
South Street Seaport: A prime spot for lower East River views.
Jersey City Waterfront: Exchange Place offers a full-day festival with views of the Hudson River show.
Rooftop Events: Special events are available at venues like Lost in Paradise Rooftop (Long Island City), Virgin Hotels NYC (Midtown), and Edge NYC.
“…And the seasons, they go round and round, and the painted ponies go up and down…”
Ahhh…another school year finished, another step forward for our students. Celebration filled the rooms at University Settlement these past weeks — people getting promoted and people graduating and moving on from their English classes to bigger and better adventures.
After ten months of getting up early and coming to class, or finishing a long day of work and coming to class —
Everyone had reason to PARTY!!
Lucian’s opening remarks:
Our daytime classes celebrated in style:
amazing food!
The big moment for CCRA and CCRP graduates!
:
Our happy recipients of punctuality and attendance awards!
Our W1, W101, W2, and W3 classes came together this past Sunday to celebrate the end of a tremendous year. We are incredibly proud of everything our students have achieved and grateful for the enthusiasm, hard work, and support that made this year such a success.
The party also featured fantastic performances from each of our classes. 🎶 🎤
Allis’s W1 class performed a creative version of the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” as a spoken-word piece written by her class. Lynne’s W101 class performed the karaoke favorite “Stand by Me.” Erica’s W2 class performed an original poem co-written by her students. And finally, Gabe’s W3 class performed the timeless Sinatra classic “My Way.”
Check out the tremendous performances from our weekend classes! 🎶 🤩
We enjoyed food from all over the world: sandwiches, pasta, cakes, pies, sushi, dumplings, cheesecake, and salads – there was something for everyone! 🥙 🫔 🎂 🍩 🥟
And of course, no party is complete without dancing! Our W1 class ended the day with a wonderful Turkish dance performance. 💃 🕺
Congratulations to all our W1, W101, W2, and W3 students! Have a safe and happy summer – we look forward to seeing you again in September! 😀
Competition — n., a contest to see which participant is the best
Host nation — n., the country where the event will be held
Stadiums — n., a large field surrounded by many seats for a large audience
Championship — n., the final game where the winner receives the trophy
Minimal — adj., the smallest amount possible
The FIFA World Cup is starting this month! This international football (soccer) competition occurs every four years. Teams from all over the world compete to win the World Cup Trophy. Only the best teams in the world can be part of this competition.
There is also a competition for the host nation, the country where the games will take place. Many countries want to host the matches because millions of people watch them. Some are in the stadiums to watch in person, but most watch on television. More people watch the World Cup matches than watch the Olympics!
The FIFA World Cup is being played in 16 different cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 48 teams will play 104 matches, and the championship game will be played in New Jersey, just a short distance from New York City!
Many people also love to play soccer. Equipment is minimal — all that’s needed is a ball and some feet! No wonder football is played all over the world.
Oasis, n. – some place that provides refreshing relief
Tranquility, n. – peacefulness, calm
Maintain, v. – to take care of
Stumble, v. – to trip or to find something unexpectedly
Distinctive, adj. – something which stands out from its surroundings
Flora, n. – plant life
Contemplation, n. – deep thought or meditation
Drown out the noise, expression – to cover up noise
New York City has plenty of pavement, but did you know there are also little pockets of green space? Nature turns up in unexpected places and we’re providing a list of secret gardens that will be fun to explore this summer.
First up, the Creative Little Garden, “an oasis of tranquility in New York’s East Village.”
Located at 530 East Sixth Street, between Avenues A & B, the Creative Little Garden has been a “community backyard,” maintained by volunteers from the neighborhood since 1978. You can sit and relax, have your lunch, or just enjoy the landscaping.
Heading north and west, we stumble into the Jefferson Market Garden, now celebrating 50 years in Greenwich Village. This garden welcomes everyone, and drinks are permitted, but not food. They have a “blooming guide” on their website, https://www.jeffersonmarketgarden.org/bloom-guide so you can plan to visit your favorite flowers. Open from April to October, this garden is located on Greenwich Avenue, between 6th Avenue & West 10th Street.
The gardens at St. Luke-in-the-Fields are special and extensive. You are welcome to visit “some of the most distinctive and admired gardens in New York City, comprising more than two-thirds of an acre of walks, lawns, and a fine collection of garden standards…and native American flora.” These gardens are open for quiet contemplation; cell phone use, smoking, and pets are not allowed.
Another lovely urban green space can be found on the east side of Manhattan, at Tudor City (between First and Second Avenues, just south of 42nd street). Tudor City Greens is open to the public daily between 7 am and 10 pm. They also host events, from Halloween parades to Afternoon Teas.
Finally, we recommend a visit to Greenacre Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With plenty of seating to enjoy the sound of the waterfall (and drown out the noise of the city!) this beautifully landscaped pocket park is at 217 East 51st Street, between Second and Third Avenues.
