Thanksgiving Luncheon at the Senior Center at 189 Allen Street
On Wednesday, November 25th, students from our CCR-P class volunteered to serve Thanksgiving lunch to seniors at University Settlement’s Senior Center, located at 189 Allen Street. Our students helped prepare the dining area, greeted seniors as they arrived, and served a hot holiday meal to more than 100 community members. They worked alongside staff and other volunteers to create a warm, festive atmosphere, and many seniors expressed their appreciation for the kindness and support. It was a meaningful opportunity for our class to give back to the community and to experience the spirit of Thanksgiving in action.
Many people like summer sunshine, but too much heat can be dangerous and unhealthy. Hot and humid weather can cause heat illness and even death. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, you need to cool down quickly!
Heavy sweating
Muscle cramps
Light headedness, feeling faint
Headache
Decreased energy
Loss of appetite, nausea
Luckily, New York City has increased the number of ways to Keep Cool during heat emergencies. The parks department has concentrated on water features, drinking fountains, and tree cover as ways to beat the heat outside.
Here’s a link to a map of all the places where you can cool off:
Spray showers are fun and feel great for kids. The sprinklers are turned on when the temperature reaches 80 degrees F. These are indicated on the map as well as the beaches and outdoor pools that are open to all. NYC even provides free sunscreen at the pools.
There are thousands of drinking fountains across the city – even some for pets!
The map also shows the parks with thick tree coverage, as well as the shadiest blocks to walk.
Another option: If you’re looking for a fun and safe way to beat the heat, consider requesting an official hydrant opening. You can go to your local firehouse and they might open and close a hydrant safely for you.
And if you’re not an “outdoors person,” NYC has many cooling centers. They are located in air-conditioned facilities that offer people relief from the heat, such as:
Most important: drink lots of water even if you’re not thirsty, wear loose light-colored clothing, and avoid sun and strenuous outdoor activity between 11 AM and 4 PM.
Summer is finally here! Looking for fun and adventure during these long, hot days? Here are ten great things to do in and around New York City this summer.
10. Visit a museum!
Too hot outside? Visit an air conditioned museum for free or pay-what-you-wish.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/ (New York State residents and students from NY, NJ, CT can pay what they wish).
Queens County Farm Museum: https://www.queensfarm.org/ (A working farm in the city, often with free admission or low-cost events).
9. Explore a Botanical Garden
Escape the heat of the city and immerse yourself in nature at one of NYC’s beautiful botanical gardens.
Check out Smorgasburg: A must-visit for foodies, this open-air food market features dozens of local vendors.
Smorgasburg: https://www.smorgasburg.com/ (Check their website for current weekend locations and hours in Williamsburg, Prospect Park, and the World Trade Center).
4. Visit Governors Island
Take a short ferry ride to this car-free island for bike rentals, hammocks, art installations, and stunning skyline views.
Parade – n., a great show or display, a public procession
Demonstrate – v., to show clearly
Patriotism – n., love for one’s country
Reflect – v., to realize, to consider
Expat (Expatriate) – n., a person who lives in a foreign country
Embassy – n., the official residence and offices of an ambassador
Homesick – adj., longing for home and family while absent from them
Colonies – n., an area over which a foreign nation has control
Highlight – n., something which is especially interesting
Spectacular – adj., striking, sensational
On July 4th, Americans all over the world celebrate Independence Day. In the United States, it is a federal holiday, so many people don’t have to work. Parades, picnics, and barbecues take place during the day, with fireworks lighting up the sky at night. Americans demonstrate their patriotism on July 4th, reflecting on their freedom and the things they love about their country.
American expats living out of the United States still observe the 4th of July. American embassies all over the planet host parties and events. Individuals celebrate with their friends, and many get a little homesick.
The holiday marks the separation of the 13 colonies from the rule of Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence (the document) was completed on the 4th of July, 1776. But it was not signed until August!
A highlight of Independence Day in New York City is the evening fireworks display, this year to be held near the Brooklyn Bridge, on the lower East River. The spectacular display is the largest Independence Day celebration in the nation. For more information and where to watch the fireworks: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/where-to-watch-the-4th-of-july-fireworks
We’re excited to share news about The Literacy Review, an annual journal that showcases powerful writing from adult literacy programs throughout New York City.
Each year, The Literacy Review brings together diverse voices and perspectives, providing a platform for writers from ESOL and ABE (Adult Basic Education) programs – including several students from our own program here at University Settlement.
The newest edition, Volume 23 (LR23),was recently released, and there was even a celebration for its launch at NYU.
New York City, as everyone knows, is a famous tourist destination. Some of its most well-known landmarks include the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park.
This weekend, Lynne’s W1 class did an amazing job introducing the W2 and W3 classes to some other great, lesser-known places to visit in New York, including the Irish Hunger Memorial, the Noguchi Museum, Historic Richmond Town, the African Burial Ground, Federal Hall, Fraunces Tavern, Roosevelt Island, Green-Wood Cemetery, Dykeman House, the Eldridge Street Synagogue Museum, Gracie Mansion, the Merchant’s House Museum, and Castle Clinton.
