Category: Community Events

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY

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VOCABULARY:

invade – v., to take over a land or territory

violently – adv., to do something with force and anger

flourished – v., to thrive, to grow well

harmony – n., getting along, working together

tribes – n., groups of people who share a culture

throughout – prep., all over, everywhere

colonize – v., to take control of a new place

concern – n., caring, wanting someone to feel safe or feel better

dominance – n. control, authority

Indigenous – adj., being the people who originally lived in a region

proclaim – v., to announce for the public to know

resilience – n, able to recover quickly from difficulty

determination to preserve – expression, to have a firm goal to protect something

campaign – n., a series of planned actions to reach a goal

displacement – n, forced out of a home territory

assimilation – n., when minority groups absorb the characteristics of the dominant culture

What, exactly, is this day? It is a day to remember and honor the Native Americans, the people who lived here long before white settlers invaded and violently took their land.

Over 400 years ago, a peaceful society flourished in the Americas. The Native Americans lived with each other and in harmony with nature. They worshiped the earth and the sky, and took good care of their children and their elders. There were many different tribes of Native Americans throughout what is now the United States.

Europeans arrived after Columbus’ discovery of North America and soon colonized the new country. They did this without respect or concern for the people who were here before them. Terrible fights between the white people and the Native Americans led to white dominance over the lands that had belonged to the tribes.

President Biden, in 2021, became the first U.S. president to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day officially.

He proclaimed the second Monday in October as a day to honor Native Americans, their “resilience and strength” and determination to preserve “land, language, spirit, knowledge, and tradition,” even as they have faced a “centuries-long campaign of violence, displacement, assimilation, and terror,” he said.

with thanks and acknowledgement to NPR:

https://www.npr.org/2021/10/11/1044823626/indigenous-peoples-day-native-americans-columbus

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Dancin’ the (summer) night away…

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Vocabulary:

To take advantage — exp., to enjoy something that’s given to you, usually at no cost.

waterfront — n. the edge of a body of water; a lake, ocean, or river shoreline.

revel — v., to enjoy something very much, to celebrate

beloved — adj., something that is deeply loved.

culture — n., a set of beliefs, values, and behaviors belonging to a group of people.

Do you like to dance? Do you like free events? Do you like taking advantage of NYC’s summer offerings?

There are many opportunities to have fun on the dance floor this summer. Here are a few:

Sunset Salsa on the river!

Sunset Salsa is a Thursday evening salsa series at Pier 76 in Hudson River Park, bringing outdoor dancing to Manhattan’s west side.

The evening starts at 6:30 PM with a beginner-friendly salsa lesson, then opens into social dancing from 7:15 PM. Talía Castro-Pozo leads and curates the series.

The waterfront setting gives the event a relaxed summer feel, with room for new dancers to jump into the lesson and experienced dancers to stay for the social. It is a strong option for anyone looking for an outdoor salsa night with Hudson River views.

For dancers who want salsa outside a studio or club, Sunset Salsa offers a lively summer gathering along the river.

Modern Dance

Modern dance in Bryant park!

Saturday mornings, 10 – 11 am through September 19th. Experience the joy of movement with dancers from the world-renowned Limón Dance Company, this free modern dance class is open to all levels and ages. Join us this summer and revel in the joy of dance!

https://bryantpark.org/activities/limon-dance

Zumba in Gotham Park!

Ger ready for Zumba under the Brooklyn Bridge! Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 5:30 – 6:15. All ages and abilities welcome! Come and dance, sweat, and have a great time with friends and fellow Zumba enthusiasts. No experience requires, just come with a positive attitude and be ready to move to the music. Dates and ticket availability below.

Register on Eventbrite

https://vinylnightsnyc.com/events

 Vinyl Nights is a beloved NYC institution – celebrating dance, music, club & DJ culture. 

Experience what it was like to party in NYC in the early 70’s to the 90’s, when DJ’s played strictly Vinyl.  Dance to the hits that shaped NYC – Disco, Funk, Soul, House, Boogie, Latin, Freestyle and 80’s & 90’s Hip Hop.  

Have fun and we hope you can sleep late the next day!

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Summer Activities 😎

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There’s something special about New York City on a summer evening. On a hot day, the air cools down in the evening, the breeze off the river feels refreshing, and parks across the city are busy with people enjoying movies, concerts, and theater under the stars. Best of all, many of these events are completely free.

If you’re looking for some fun outdoor events in NYC this summer, here are three you won’t want to miss.

Movies at Brooklyn Bridge Park 🎥 🍿

Watching a movie with the Manhattan skyline in the background is hard to beat. Brooklyn Bridge Park’s popular Movies with a View series returns to Harbor View Lawn (Pier 1) for its 26th season.

Movies are shown every Thursday evening in July and August. The lawn opens at 6:00pm, and the movie begins at sunset.

This year’s lineup includes:

  • July 16: Bend It Like Beckham
  • July 23: The Talented Mr. Ripley
  • July 30: Clueless
  • August 6: Jurassic Park
  • August 13: Do the Right Thing
  • August 20: Bridesmaids

If you’re planning to go, arrive early. Seating on the lawn fills up quickly, so getting there when it opens gives you plenty of time to grab a good spot.

link: https://brooklynbridgepark.org/event-series/movies-with-a-view/

Free Shakespeare in Central Park 🎭

To go or not to go? That shouldn’t even be a question. Go! The Delacorte Theater is welcoming audiences back for another season of Free Shakespeare in the Park, one of New York City’s favorite summer traditions.

This year’s production is The Winter’s Tale, directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan.

  • The Winter’s Tale, running from July 25 – August 23

Tickets are free and are available the day of each performance. You can wait in line at Central Park, visit one of the ticket distribution locations in the five boroughs, or enter the digital lottery through the TodayTix app.

link: https://publictheater.org/free-shakespeare-in-the-park/

Art and Performances on Governors Island 🎺

Governors Island is a 172-acre island in New York Harbor, just a short ferry ride from Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s the perfect summer escape, with scenic parks, public art, historic sites, bike paths, food vendors, and cultural events – all set against some of the city’s best skyline views.

Along with beautiful views, bike paths, and plenty of green space, the island hosts a variety of events as part of the River To River Festival. Presented by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), the festival features public art, live performances, and interactive exhibits throughout the summer.

Upcoming events:

  • The Unintended Blues is a new exhibition by Leslie Wayne featuring paintings and multimedia works that explore rising sea levels, melting Arctic ice, and the impact of climate change on the natural world. – Friday, July 24 – Sunday, September 27
  • Esperanza Spalding: In Concert – August 8 at 7:00 pm

River To River Festival link: https://lmcc.net/river-to-river-2026/

Governors Island link: https://www.govisland.com/

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School’s out!

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Ornate vintage carousel with decorative horses and warm lights glowing

“…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!

And E4 graduates, so proud!

To watch the E4 diploma ceremony and awards:

“Kahoot-ing” to see who eats first:

Students getting ready for summer!

Nothing like a disco ball to make a great party!

HAVE A FANTASTIC SUMMER AND SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!

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May the best team win!

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VOCABULARY:

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.

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Memorial Day

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Key Vocabulary

  • (to) Honor (verb): To show deep respect or admiration for someone or something.
  • (to) Mourn (verb): To feel or express deep sadness, especially because of someone’s death.
  • (to) Serve (verb): To perform duties for a person, group, or country—especially in the military.
  • Communities (noun, plural): Groups of people living in the same area or having common interests.
  • Graves (noun, plural): Places in the ground where people are buried after death.
  • Recognition (noun): The act of acknowledging or honoring something or someone.
  • Solemn (adjective): Serious, respectful, and often sad or reflective in tone or mood.
  • Remembrance (noun): The act of remembering or honoring the memory of someone or something.
  • Marks (verb): Indicates or shows something significant; to signal or commemorate an occasion.
  • Unofficial (adjective): Not formally recognized or authorized, but commonly accepted or understood.
  • Associated with (verb phrase): Connected or linked to something in meaning, use, or relationship.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday for honoring and mourning military service members who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is observed annually on the last Monday of May.

Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday began on May 30, 1868, when communities decorated the graves of Civil War soldiers with flowers and flags. Although several towns claimed to be its birthplace, the holiday gained national recognition after General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic issued a proclamation establishing it, which lead to its nationwide observance.

In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend for federal employees.

Note the riderless horse, with boots turned backwards. This is a symbol of a fallen soldier, who will never ride again.

Today, Memorial Day is observed across the country through visits to cemeteries and memorials, the placement of flags and flowers on military graves, and community parades and ceremonies that honor fallen service members.

While it remains a solemn day of remembrance, Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer, often associated with cookouts, retail sales, and travel.

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Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A Message of Hope and Equality

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Every January, people in the United States honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, a time when many Americans fought for equal rights for all people—no matter their skin color.

Vocabulary:

  • Equality – the state of being equal, especially in rights and opportunities
  • Justice – fairness in the way people are treated
  • Peaceful protest – showing disagreement without violence
  • Civil rights – the rights of citizens to freedom and equality

Dr. King believed in peaceful protest. He gave powerful speeches, including the famous “I Have a Dream” speech, where he spoke about a future where children of all races could live and learn together in harmony. His words inspired millions and continue to give hope today.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a holiday. It’s a day to remember the importance of justice, kindness, and respect. Many people celebrate by volunteering in their communities, helping others, and learning more about history.

📝 Try This:
Write a short paragraph about a dream you have for a better world. Use words like “peace,” “respect,” and “hope.”

Dr. King’s dream was big—but he showed us that change begins with one voice. What will your voice say today?

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