2022 And Beyond!

Hello, Friends.

Welcome back after a nice break. Be sure to look at the notes for each of our offerings. Some of our meetings will be on break until February. Our format for International Friends is evolving to accommodate the current needs of our Friends. Feel free to join any of our events.

Indiana Fun: The Great Dineout

One Last Ornament

Have you finished putting away your Christmas decorations? Probably not. There is always one last ornament or decoration that escapes being put in the bin. Where did you find yours? Have you found it yet?

 

COVID-19 Quarantine Changes and Omicron 

The CDC has changed the quarantine restrictions to five days symptomatic followed by five days of mask wearing and a return to your normal activities if your fever and other symptoms have resolved (otherwise remain in quarantine until these have ended). The CDC Quarantine and Isolation page has very thorough instruction for positive test and close contact.

Updated guidelines are being implemented in our local schools, public and private locations such as libraries and senior living facilities are restricting access. Be sure to check your email for current information and websites for updates.

Recycling

Indiana communities recycle, but one misplaced piece of trash can contaminate the whole bin. The Hazardous Waste Facility for Hamilton County costs increased from $40,000 to more than $100,000 mostly due to fines. 

Hamilton County Hazardous Waste Facility information and site.

General recycling guidelines:

American Sign Language: Monday, 5:30-6:30 EST (GMT-5) 

Classes restart January 10. We are looking forward to getting together, learning, and growing. Give it a try this semester!

January 10: Our first class of 2021

International Bible Study: Tuesday, 9:30-10:30 EST (GMT-5)

While it is considered a religious book, the Bible offers many opportunities for discussion about society, history and philosophy. Join us as we continue to read the Epistles or letters to the newly formed churches. 

January 11: The Zoom room will be open to explore our next topic. 

International Friends: Tuesday, 10:30-12:00 EST (GMT-5)

We met and compared notes from the holidays. There are many opportunities to learn for free.

• Indy Reads offers ELL (English Language Learners): ELL – Indy Reads
• Indianapolis Library offers many opportunities to meet and learn new things.

We talked about what do we specifically need to know to have a good life in Indiana (or anywhere). Often moves mean changes in our perspectives and goals. We decided to explore our careers and how to move forward in our interests and passions.

January 11: Join us for a presentation about the IT department including help desk functions.

Casual Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 PM (GMT-5), Zoom

We had a great chat about many subjects. We did talk about different options for learning and practicing. YouTube offers many options. Speak English with Vanessa is a fun and engaging resource. This YouTube goes through 84 English Lessons and is fun. She uses actual items, so there is no need to translate (the best way to learn!). Have you heard some of the things she references differently? For example, she talks about button up shirts, but you will also hear people call them button down shirts. Bring your differences.

January 12: Come and chat. 

English Classes: Thursday, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM EST (GMT-5) 

We had a great visit catching up. We chatted about what we did over the break. Friends still on vacation zoomed over to say hello. It is good to see families together, especially our families that are classmates!

January 13: Write about your New Year's Resolution. What is your resolution? Why did you choose it? How are you going to accomplish it? Email your writing to Carolyn by Wednesday, January 12. We will speed chat in small groups next week. These lightening rounds will help you build your confidence in speaking about yourself and your goals and plans. You are essentially practicing an Elevator Pitch. 

Kids' Conversation: Friday, 4:30 PM-5:00 PM EST (GMT-5)

It was super fun to catch up with each other and learn about how we celebrated Christmas and the holiday break. We talked about gifts and family get togethers.

January 14: Join us as we chat around the world and practice our English practically!

contaminate: make something impure or poison something
due to: as a result of, because of

get togethers: social meetings
implemented: enacted

offerings: opportunities

restricting access: limiting how many people can enter a building or how they can enter