It’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 party – a 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. Lynne’s W1 class sang the Elvis classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Louisa’s W2 class performed “Everything at Once” by Lenka, and Joan’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!
Sustenance — n., nourishment that maintains life, food.
potential — n., adj., able to come into being; possible
bountiful — adj., as much or more than is needed, abundant
mimic — v., to copy or imitate
approximately — adv., about, almost exact
Traditionally, people celebrated the return of light, life, fertility, and the potential for a good harvest on the summer solstice. The summer months bring a bountiful harvest and the foods served at solstice gatherings mimic the sun. Round, sun-colored fruits like lemons, oranges, peaches, and nectarines are the flavor of the day as well as vegetables like yellow squash, corn, and tomatoes.
Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Wash and chop the vegetables into approximately 1-inch pieces.
Spread the vegetables out over a large baking sheet (or two, if needed) so they’re in a single layer and not piled on top of one another. Drizzle the olive oil over top, then add the basil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables until they’re evenly coated in oil and spices.
Roast the vegetables for 30-40 minutes, stirring once or twice (every 15-20 minutes or so), until the vegetables are soft and browned on the edges. Taste the vegetables and add another pinch of salt if desired. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over top just before serving.
I like to add an extra pinch of salt after roasting, so you get some salt sitting on the surface to give each bite a little pop. I also like to sprinkle with a little fresh parsley for freshness and to add a pop of color, but that’s optional.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Our W1, W2, and W3 weekend holiday party this year was a festive celebration full of laughter, good food, and great company!
We enjoyed a delicious potluck lunch with food and treats from all over the world.
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.
