Category: Events

April Holidays

US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

April is known for many things: the start of spring, Arbor Day, as well as Easter & Passover. But did you know it’s also known as National BLT Sandwich Month and International Guitar Month 🤟🎸?

A B.L.T Sandwich ( Bacon, lettuce & tomato )
Kirk Hammett – guitarist for Metallica

Here are a few more lesser known holidays to celebrate in the month of April…

The first Saturday of April is International Pillow Fight Day. “What is International Pillow Fight Day?” you ask. Read all about it here.

Sometimes getting dressed in the morning can be a challenge – no worries! On April 6th come to work/school in your pajamas for National Pajama Day.

No Housework Day on April 7th says it all. Take the day off from your household chores and rest; maybe watch a movie or drink some wine- do the dishes tomorrow, they can wait!

Image gallery image

April 7th is also National Coffee Cake Day, so why not grab a cup of coffee to pair with this sweet treat. Not sure what coffee cake is? Check out this YouTube video and learn all about this deliciously mis-understood “breakfast” food.

Hug Your Dog Day is on April 10th – Show your dog some love with a big hug. Don’t have a dog, maybe consider adopting one!

National Siblings Day is on April 10th. If you have a brother or sister, reach out to them to send your love. If you don’t have a sibling, maybe consider volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters – “a mentoring organization that pairs adult volunteers with children to help them develop positive relationships and reach their full potential”.

National Pet Day 🐶🐱 is April 11th. Do you have a pet? Maybe you want another pet? Check out the ASPCA and adopt a new cat or dog today.

If you love bread and cheese, Grilled Cheese Day on April 12th is perfect for you. Check out this video on how to make the world’s greatest sandwich:

And finally, if you’re tired of all the music streaming services, maybe head to your local record store on April 20th for National Record Store Day. Check out this list of the top ten record stores in New York City. 

Share this:

Spring in New York City

US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

Spring in NYC is amazing—perfect weather, blooming cherry blossoms, and lots of outdoor activities. Here are some top recommendations: 

🌸 Enjoy the Blooming Flowers

– Brooklyn Botanic Garden – The Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura Matsuri) is a must-see.

– Central Park – Walk through the Conservatory Garden or check out the cherry blossoms near the Reservoir.

 🏙️ Outdoor Sightseeing & Views  

– The High Line – A scenic walk with art, gardens, and views of the city.

– Roosevelt Island Tram – Take the tram from Manhattan and stroll along the waterfront. 

 🎭 Festivals & Events

– Tribeca Film Festival (June) – Catch indie films and premieres.

– Macy’s Flower Show (late March–early April) – A massive floral display in Herald Square.

🚲 Outdoor Adventures

– Kayaking on the Hudson – Free kayaking at Pier 26.

– Bike around Central Park – Rent a bike and enjoy the fresh air.

-Visit a traditional Chinese garden in Staten Island – New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden

– Roosevelt Island Tram – Take the tram from Manhattan go Roosevelt Island. 

🍽️ Food & Drinks 

– Smorgasburg (April–October) – A massive outdoor food market in Brooklyn. 

– Queens Night Market –  Over 100 vendors selling merchandise, art, and food in Queens.

🎶 Live Music & Culture 

– Shakespeare in the Park (starts in May) – Free performances at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

– Jazz at Lincoln Center – A cozy live music spot.

⚾ Sports

-See a Mets baseball game at Citi Field in Queens or a Yankees game in the Bronx.

-Watch a soccer game at the NYC Football Club

🐯 Family Friendly Activities

-Come see your favorite animals at the Bronx Zoo

-Don’t like animals – how about fish? Pay a visit to the New York Aquarium.

–Children’s Museum – The B.C.M offers exhibits and programs for children of all ages.

Share this:

W1 Tourism Presentations

US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

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.

The Irish Hunger Museum

Merchant’s House Museum

Green-Wood Cemetery

Share this:

Lunar New Year

US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment
2025 is the Year of the Snake

Lunar New Year is a major holiday celebrated in many East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Mongolian traditions. It marks a fresh start, emphasizing themes of family, prosperity, and good fortune. Key traditions include a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, exchanging red envelopes with money to symbolize luck, cleaning and decorating homes with red banners and lanterns, and vibrant community festivities like fireworks and lion dances to ward off evil spirits.

The holiday also incorporates the Chinese zodiac, with each year linked to one of 12 animals, such as the Rabbit, Dragon, or Tiger. This year, Lunar New Year begins on Wednesday, January 29th. Celebrations often span up to 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival, which this year falls on Wednesday, February 12th.

Below are the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, including their associated years (1924–2043) and personality traits. What zodiac animal are you?

Rat (鼠)  

Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032  

Traits: Intelligent, resourceful, adaptable, charming, quick-witted, ambitious. 

Ox (牛)  

Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033  

Traits: Reliable, hardworking, patient, strong, disciplined, determined. 

Tiger (虎)  

Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034 

Traits: Brave, competitive, confident, unpredictable, energetic, ambitious. 

 

Rabbit (兔)  

Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035  

Traits: Gentle, compassionate, elegant, cautious, responsible, friendly. 

Dragon (龙)  

Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036  

Traits: Charismatic, energetic, ambitious, confident, adventurous, innovative. 

Snake (蛇)  

Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037  

Traits: Wise, intuitive, enigmatic, elegant, private, determined.  

Horse (马)  

Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038  

Traits: Energetic, free-spirited, sociable, adventurous, optimistic, independent. 

 Goat/Sheep (羊)  

Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039  

Traits: Creative, kind, empathetic, gentle, sensitive, nurturing. 

Monkey (猴)  

Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040  

Traits: Witty, clever, curious, mischievous, energetic, innovative.  

Rooster (鸡)  

Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041  

Traits: Observant, hardworking, practical, outspoken, confident, punctual. 

Dog (狗)  

Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042  

Traits: Loyal, honest, trustworthy, protective, selfless, reliable.  

Pig (猪)  

Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043  

Traits: Generous, good-natured, diligent, sincere, kind, optimistic.

  

Happy New Year!

Share this:

Daytime and Evening Holiday Parties

US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

HOLIDAY PARTIES (Jingle Bell) ROCK!

There was plenty of good cheer, food, and fun at the University Settlement’s Holiday Parties this year. The Daytime and the Evening classes contributed dazzling dishes from their home countries. The music, the festive decorations, and the games added to the fun. Both teachers and students celebrated the winter holiday season and had an excellent time together!

Setting up for our Daytime students was as much fun…
…as the party!

We played games to see who would eat first:

and then we ate!

Waiting to eat.

Abby and her students:

What’s a party without presents and reindeer?

And Joe and Christine celebrated with their students!

Our Evening classes had an equally good time!

The games were so exciting!

Time to eat!

All our friends together, celebrating:

Our Evening teachers:

  • Gallery Image
  • Gallery Image
  • Gallery Image
  • Gallery Image
  • Gallery Image
And then the dancing started….

AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL.

Share this:

Weekend Holiday Party

US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

Our W1, W2, and W3 weekend holiday party this year was a festive celebration full of laughter, good food, and great company!

W2 class talking
W2 class
ring toss game
W3 class
W3 class
ring toss one
ring toss two
ring toss three
ring toss four
ring toss five
ring toss six

We enjoyed a delicious potluck lunch with food and treats from all over the world.

food one
food two
food three
food four
food five

What made the day truly special, however, were the wonderful performances from each class. Whether it was singing a holiday Wham! tune, karaoke to Jingle Bells, or sharing things we are thankful for, it was clear that the joy of the season was in full swing.

Happy Holidays from our weekend classes!

W1 Class
W2 Class
W3 Class

Share this:

Fun and Free in NYC in October!

US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

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

Share this: