Meet-up and More!

Hello, Friends.

For a fall break, I did get to see so many of you. And I got to see and catch up with a few Friends who are living the life here in Indiana. It was so nice to see them again and hear about what they have been doing since leaving our classes. Keep in touch. Join our socials when you can. Shoot me an e-mail. I think of our alumni often and like to hear what you are doing.

Classes and meetings continue on the regular schedule this week with the exception of our English Classes on Thursday. We have our first, in-person meet-up as a school in place of our Zoom classes. We will open the Zoom room, so you can Zoom over and say "Hi" if you don't live locally.

Our First Meet-Up

October 20, 10:00-12:00, at Cornerstone Lutheran Church: 4850 East Main Street, Carmel

Join us for a pumpkin carving, tailgate in the parking lot. 

Bring a snack to share. Bring your own drink. 

Bring a pumpkin to carve into a Jack o Lantern (bring a knife and a large spoon)

Come to meet and chat and socialize in person. Bring your family, friends, kids. Everyone is welcome, even if you are not currently taking classes with us. 

American English Accent Observations and Tips

I got to sit in on the American Accent Training Class and learned about many fun places to visit in the Indianapolis area. This class is doing a great job listening and hearing American English sounds and subtilties. One note that is important when learning English is that "often what you hear is very different from what you see on paper." English is not a phonetic language, so when words are "borrowed" from other languages, they often retain a close to original spelling, even when it breaks English phonetic rules. As a rule, the standard American Accent is the Midwest accent (like the one you find here in Indianapolis!). Sometimes there are acceptable, subtle differences in pronunciation. 

Have

We use the word "have" in many different ways and contexts.

• have: possess
• have to: must, need to
• have at it: to try or do something, do something with great energy
• won't have it: not tolerate something
• have it all: possess or get everything one wants 

Sandhill Cranes Are Back

Indiana is a flyway for Sandhill Cranes. The Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area hosts these travelers. The DNR (Department of Natural Resources) counts of the migration begins in October and generally lasts through the end of December. Click here to see the current count and to learn more about the migration, the best time to visit and see this natural wonder.

November Elections 

Midterm elections are an important part of the government cycle in the United States. Many local governmental positions are filled. This year, school board elections are front and center. Carmel Clay Schools have three open positions, but voters cast their votes for three board members across the district. Click on the link to learn more about this important election and hear the candidates answer questions. Carmel School Board and Panel Interviews from the Hamilton Country Reporter

The Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States

This amendment sets dates for terms of office and provides for the succession of office holders. Read more.

Section 1

The terms of the President and the Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

Section 2

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.

Section 3

If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the President, the President elect shall have died, the Vice President elect shall become President. If a President shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the President elect shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice President elect shall act as President until a President shall have qualified; and the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a President elect nor a Vice President elect shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act as President, or the manner in which one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act accordingly until a President or Vice President shall have qualified.

Section 4

The Congress may by law provide for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the House of Representatives may choose a President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them, and for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the Senate may choose a Vice President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them.

Section 5

Sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on the 15th day of October following the ratification of this article.

Section 6

This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission. 

Bill’s Tip: bottleneck

aviary: pertaining to birds

catch up: talking with people to find out what has happened since they last saw each other

flyway: a route regularly used by migrating birds

lasts: continues to exist through a period of time

living the life: enjoying all the things that life has to offer

natural wonder: something or someone that is amazing 

ratified: gave formal consent, make official

sit in on: attend

succession: plan for replacing leaders