Category: Community Events

Fun and Free in NYC in October!

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Field of Light  https://www.fieldoflightnyc.com/ Wander across 6 acres, through an installation of almost 19,000 spheres of light, and enjoy the beautiful shifting colors.  With the skyline on one side, and the East River on the other – this will be a walk you’ll remember! (Now through the end of 2024.)

For some outdoor cinema fun, Movies Under the Stars – Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Friday, October 18th 7:00 – 9:00 pm

In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters.

In Kissena Corridor Park, Queens (at entrance – Colden Street and Elder Avenue)

https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2024/10/18/movies-under-the-stars-ghostbusters-frozen-empire

Saturday, October 19th 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Field Guide: Fire Feast

At Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens  

We come together to consider foods that signify moments of togetherness. This fire feast is to give energies back, to consider our togetherness and how we strive for freedom of others.

https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/socrates-sculpture-park

Hatha Yoga

October 16th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

at NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene- Bedford-Stuyvesant Center, Brooklyn

Find peace and Zen — Immerse yourself in hatha yoga, a class suitable for everyone.

https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2024/10/16/hatha-yoga

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📢 Join Our Intermediate to Advanced ESOL Classes!

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REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN FOR THE CURRENT 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR.

Are you looking to enhance your English language skills? Look no further! Our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes are now open for registration. Although our classes began in September 2023, we still have a few openings for daytime and weekend schedules, just for intermediate to advanced English language learners.

Daytime Classes:

  • Mondays to Thursdays (4 days)
  • 9:00am – 11:00am OR 11:00am – 1:00pm
  • Intermediate level and above

Weekend Classes:

  • Saturdays to Sundays (2 days)
  • 9:30am – 12:30pm
  • Low advanced level

If you complete the interest form for these classes that are currently open for registration, you will be added to a class mid-year, and expected to study until the end of June 2024. If you would like to start in a new class or new school year, please revisit this page or our Facebook page for updates in mid-July 2024.

Please note, evening classes and basic level courses are not currently open for registration. If you need evening classes or basic English instruction, please return to this page in mid-July 2024 for updates.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a NYC resident and provide proof of address
  • Must be able to attend for the remainder of the school year in-person

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

  • Students will be given a placement test to determine English level.
  • Classes started in September 2023 and will end in June 2024.
  • Classes are free and the program will provide textbooks.
  • Classes are not bilingual, and students are encouraged to speak English only.
  • Spaces are limited! Registration will close once daytime and weekend seats are filled.

🔗 Complete the interest form by clicking the link here or on the image above. 🔗

After completing the interest form, our staff will contact you via email to invite you to an information session. Please check your inbox and spam/junk folder.

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April is Arab American Heritage Month

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From actors like Rami Malek and Tony Shalhoub, musicians such as French Montana and Shakira, to politicians such as George Kaseem and James Abourezk, Arabic Americans have contributed to the fabric (1) of American history and culture. 

Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017, with just a handful (2) of states participating.

In 2022, Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and 45 state governors issued proclamations commemorating the initiative.

Check out the video below to learn more about Arab American Heritage Month, why it’s so important, and how we can all be better Americans by learning about each other’s heritage!

Phrases: 

1. The fabric of (something) –   the basic structure of (something)

2. Just a handful- only a small amount

References: National Arab American Heritage Month – Arab America Foundation %

List of Arab and Middle Eastern Americans in the United States Congress – Wikipedia

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St. Patrick’s Day!

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It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day in NYC!

Originally, St. Patrick’s Day began in Ireland as a Catholic holiday, but over the years it has grown into a festival of Irish culture. A week-long celebration of Irish music, theater, and visual arts takes place in many regions of Ireland. Family get-togethers are also important, as people sit down for a special meal. The feast of corned beef and cabbage, though, is an American tradition; in Ireland one is more likely to find bacon or a savory roast chicken on the table. 

Although the St. Patrick’s Day Parade has become a part of celebrations in Ireland these days, it’s the result of an American influence, where the tradition was created by homesick Irish immigrants. More recently, St. Patrick’s Day has become a highly marketable and promoted event in Ireland, resulting in an attractive draw for tourists visiting the country.

The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade dates back to March 17, 1762, when it was first organized by a group of homesick Irish immigrants and Irish military in the American colonies of NYC. Participants enjoyed  the freedom to speak Irish, wear the color green- which was banned in Ireland at the time, sing native songs, and play the bagpipe.

These things gave powerful meaning to those people who fled their homeland.

Join in the fun! Come to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

The NYC Parade is held on March 17th and begins precisely at 11:00 AM. The Parade marches up Fifth Avenue beginning at East 44th Street and ending at East 79th.  

Reference: CUNY Baruch: NYCdata | Uniquely NYC (cuny.edu)

  1. Homesick- adj the feeling of missing your home
  2. Banned-adj not allowed
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