INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Independence โ€“ n., freedom from outside control

Federal โ€“ adj., of or being a form of government

Parade โ€“ n., a great show or display,  a public procession

Demonstrate โ€“ v., to show clearly

Patriotism โ€“ n., love for oneโ€™s country

Reflect โ€“ v., to realize, to consider

Expat (Expatriate) โ€“ n., a person who lives in a foreign country

Embassy โ€“ n., the official residence and offices of an ambassador

Homesick โ€“ adj., longing for home and family while absent from them

Colonies โ€“ n., an area over which a foreign nation has control

Highlight โ€“ n., something which is especially interesting

Spectacular โ€“ 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 donโ€™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.ย  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

Happy Independence Day!

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Weekend Classes – End of Year Party!

Itโ€™s hard to believe, but the 2024 – 2025 school year has come to an end!
Sunday, June 15th, was our final day of weekend classes. We wrapped things up with a joyful end of school year partya wonderful celebration and a delicious trip around the culinary world!

We had a tremendous selection of foods: arepas, tacos, dumplings, cheesecake & salads – you name it, we ate it!

The event also featured fantastic performances from each of our classes. Lynneโ€™s W1 class sang the Elvis classic โ€œCanโ€™t Help Falling in Love.โ€ Louisaโ€™s W2 class performed โ€œEverything at Onceโ€ by Lenka, and Joanโ€™s W3 students talked about their favorite places around New York City.

W1
W2
W3

Congratulations to all the students! Have a safe & happy summer – see you all in September!

Lynne’s W1 class
Louisa’s W2 class
Joan’s W3 class
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The Literacy Review

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.

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April Holidays

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 ๐ŸคŸ๐ŸŽธ?

Here are a few more lesser known holidays to celebrate in the month of Aprilโ€ฆ

The first Saturday of April is International Pillow Fight Day. โ€œWhat is International Pillow Fight Day?โ€ 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!

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 โ€œbreakfastโ€ food.

Hug Your Dog Day is on April 10th – Show your dog some love with a big hug. Donโ€™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 donโ€™t have a sibling, maybe consider volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters – โ€œa mentoring organization that pairs adult volunteers with children to help them develop positive relationships and reach their full potentialโ€.

National Pet Day ๐Ÿถ๐Ÿฑ 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 worldโ€™s greatest sandwich:

And finally, if youโ€™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. 

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Spring in New York City

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

๐ŸŒธ Enjoy the Blooming Flowers

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

Central Park โ€“ Walk through the Conservatory Garden or check out the cherry blossoms near the Reservoir.

 ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Outdoor Sightseeing & Views  

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

Roosevelt Island Tram โ€“ Take the tram from Manhattan and stroll along the waterfront. 

 ๐ŸŽญ Festivals & Events

Tribeca Film Festival (June) โ€“ Catch indie films and premieres.

Macyโ€™s Flower Show (late Marchโ€“early April) โ€“ A massive floral display in Herald Square.

๐Ÿšฒ Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking on the Hudson โ€“ Free kayaking at Pier 26.

Bike around Central Park โ€“ Rent a bike and enjoy the fresh air.

-Visit a traditional Chinese garden in Staten Island – New York Chinese Scholarโ€™s Garden

Roosevelt Island Tram โ€“ Take the tram from Manhattan go Roosevelt Island. 

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Food & Drinks 

Smorgasburg (Aprilโ€“October) โ€“ A massive outdoor food market in Brooklyn. 

Queens Night Market โ€“  Over 100 vendors selling merchandise, art, and food in Queens.

๐ŸŽถ Live Music & Culture 

Shakespeare in the Park (starts in May) โ€“ Free performances at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

Jazz at Lincoln Center โ€“ A cozy live music spot.

โšพ 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

๐Ÿฏ Family Friendly Activities

-Come see your favorite animals at the Bronx Zoo

-Donโ€™t like animals – how about fish? Pay a visit to the New York Aquarium.

Childrenโ€™s Museum – The B.C.M offers exhibits and programs for children of all ages.

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W1 Tourism Presentations

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, Lynneโ€™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


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Lunar New Year

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 (1924โ€“2043) and personality traits. What zodiac animal are you?

Rat (้ผ )  

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

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

Ox (็‰›)  

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

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

Tiger (่™Ž)  

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

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

 

Rabbit (ๅ…”)  

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

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

Dragon (้พ™)  

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

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

Snake (่›‡)  

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

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

Horse (้ฉฌ)  

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

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

 Goat/Sheep (็พŠ)  

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

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

Monkey (็Œด)  

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

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

Rooster (้ธก)  

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

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

Dog (็‹—)  

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

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

Pig (็Œช)  

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

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

  

Happy New Year!

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