Fall Into Fall

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Hello, Friends.

Here in the Midwest, we will feel cooler temperatures in the coming week. Even if the pools were still open, they would not be open because the air temperature is predicted to stay below 70 degrees! This is quite the change from the last week or so when the temperatures were in the upper 80s to mid-90s, and with the humidity it was more than hot, it was sticky!

Community Fun

This time of year, festivals and excused to get together as a community out of doors are rampant. Search local papers and sites for fun things to do. Get out and see friends and neighbors. Meet new people. Locally, we have a great mix of people sharing their heritage. This weekend kicked off with the Fiftieth Anniversary of the City of Carmel with an old-fashioned ice cream social. 

Hamilton County offers more fun. Click for the Top Five Guide. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to find more things to do.

Each county and community offers this type of guide either online or in the paper.

Learn From Our Meetings This Week

Read what we did this week in each of our meetings. This week's meetings covered American English and American Culture foundations to apply.

Pick out tips and techniques and try them. 

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom links. Or come to Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

We got reacquainted in this meeting. Even though we have been studying together and meeting occasionally over the summer. We got down to business toward the end of our hour and talked about Numbers 1-3. 

Chapter 1 is a census of the tribes/families of Israel. This chapter sets up the structure for the entire community as it traveled together. The able-bodied men from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war numbered 603,550. This accounting did not include women, children, elderly, etc. This was a really large party that was counted and accounted for.

Chapter 2 provides a beautiful word picture of how the camps were to be set up. The description reminded us of a kaleidoscope. 

Chapter 3 provides for the spiritual and legal leadership of the people with the appointment of the Levites. This chapter also outlines the terms and the term of these men's service. This chapter also provides for the redemption of the first-born children of all people and animals. These are to "belong to God" and reflects back to the Passover in Egypt. Instead of taking the first-born, the Levites stand itn their place (chapter 3:45)

God provides a plan for the Israelites to live and work together as they sojourn to the promised land.

 

September 21: Continue the story with Numbers 4-6. These chapters outline the responsibilities of the different groups. Chapter five talks about preserving individual households from separation through protecting the larger community from disease. Chapters four and six outline the responsibilities of groups of people composed from people from various tribes who performed special services.

American English Language and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM, Zoom

Breakfast, brunch, lunch, luncheon, working lunch, dinner, or supper? We love to compare an

contrast food traditions across cultures. Food is always a safe and interesting topic of 

conversation. What is your favorite meal of the day? What are your favorite breakfast foods? How do you like your eggs—scrambled, fried, or sunny side up? Do you prefer a sweet or a

savory breakfast?

We worked on critical listening skills today as Carolyn told about attending the USGLC (United 

States Global Leadership Coalition) in Washington, D.C. in June. This opportunity to network 

and brainstorm with government representatives, aides, and others to explore issues of 

concern sounded inspiring. Think about your experience. Have you ever attended a

professional conference, served on a school or community committee, or collaborated with 

others on a project of any kind? What did you learn, accomplish, or contribute? Share your

experience with us in class or explore this in a future homework assignment.

Local, state, and national politics are part of American Culture. We addressed questions about political parties, voting, ballots, absentee ballots, and particular local candidates, and we 

practiced some critical reading by noticing common elements on candidates websites: Home,

Story, Shop, Donate, Help, etc. Where is home for you? If you are an expat or global nomad, that may not be an easy question to answer. If you have kids, where do they call their home country? Is it your home country, or the country where they have grown up?

Thank you for your time and attention. Use something you heard or learned in the coming week. Talk to your husband about politics. Talk to your kids about “where is home.” Practice grammar, usage, and idioms that are new to you.

Examples:

Usual (adjective—which one): We followed our usual schedule today. 

Usually (adverb—how often): We usually begin and end on time.

Threw me off—The noise outside threw me off during the exam.

Fun facts: As you travel across the U.S., enjoy learning each state’s motto and symbols (flag, seal, bird, flower, tree, song). Challenge: Find out the state symbols of Indiana and one other state you have visited (or might visit in the future.)

September 24: For our next meeting, create half page graphic for "home," or choose another idea/word to explore. Take a picture and e-mail it to indyintlfriend@gmail.com.

American English Language and Culture: Thursday, 7:00 -8:30 PM, Room 102, Cornerstone Lutheran Church-Carmel

We met and talked about our families including our brothers, sisters, and in-laws. We learned more about each other. 

We talked about learning English and the challenges of transferring what we already know into listening and speaking language. In this case, since our friend has a Masters Degree in finance with the emphasis on economics, listening to Thomas Sowell's Basic Economics is a great opportunity hear about the field in American English. Borrow the audio book is available through the Libby app and your public library.

Listen and watch Dr. Sowell in this interview. This discussion helps us to understand how American economics has developed. Turn on the CC (Closed Captioning) to read along. Remember you can adjust the audio speed.

Finding a new career is common in the United States. We looked at the Medical Assistant program offered by Allied Health Education Programs through the Trinity Free Clinic. We read through the opportunity to earn this basic degree to get a feel for working in the medical field.

September 24:  For our next meeting, write the answer to the following question from the application. Email your answer or bring it to class.

"What will you put into the program in order to succeed? What are your future goals in the medical field?'

American English for Kids: Friday, 8:00-8:30 PM, private Zoom

We talked about preparing for exams. We continued talking about the "cram" courses that students take to prepare for exams. Our friend said that his teacher said that they had to, "change their mind." This usually means to take a new perspective, decision, or position about something. Literally, though, when we are learning we are changing our minds! So yes, a teacher helps students "change their minds!"

September 25: Teach a short lesson from a chapter of study. Debrief to tell if/how this method helped you recognize your learning.

Words and Phrases and Resources

accounted for: a part of or made up of

sojourn: travel

Welcome to American English and Culture 2026-2027

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

Hello, Friends.

Learning a language is so much more than learning the language. Yes, there is grammar and vocabulary, but that is only the foundation. As we kick off this year (and our football season), we are beginning with strategies for efficient and effective learning. 

In our meetings this week we used a number of learning strategies. Most of these strategies are invisible until we call them out. Be sure to look at what and how we worked (although it never really feels like work) in each of our meetings. We covered a variety of content, but we used the same strategies to grow our understanding of each other and American English.

Back-To-School: Active and Passive Learning

Active learning is when people engage in and participate in learning. Conversation and debate help to identify what is known and how to communicate it to others. Gaps can be filled in through discussion (or to be filled in later). Writing and drawing are creative ways to express learning. Making a model or some product helps to apply and test knowledge.

Passive learning happens in reading and lectures. Passive learning might provide higher points on tests. Passive learning is an efficient way to pass along information, and one-way communications provide the means. A shortfall is that since it is one-way, gaps are hard to discover. Attention can wander and the reader and listener may not even notice which leads to gaps 

How do you learn? Adults learn best with necessity or when there is an intrinsic interest or goal.  

Making Connections

Language learning can be tedious because fluency in the new language feels less natural than a previouly learned language. People often study a language for years, but when faced with conversation or speaking with others in a "job" situation the words get buried. Why does this happen?

Words are not always easy to remember and use in any language, new or old. Your brain is busy running around looking for the words to form sentences. With often used languages, it is like driving familiar route: you get where you are going without remembering the drive. With a new language (or concept) you either have to build or do some maintenance to connect the concepts and words to confidently communicate.

Practice making connections and observations with a brainstorm. Pick a word or phrase. Write down a word or two and embellish with drawings, lines, color.

click image to enlarge

Why this works. There is so much learning going on here. And, if you let your mind run wild it becomes a powerful meditative and mindful tool.

• Pronunciation and/or accent is recognized. In this case, the "ge" and the "ch" can sound the same to some people (these sounds do not exist in other languages). The "u" and "au" sounds can become confused.
• Vocabulary is developed. In this case, each word has a distinctly different meaning that can be discovered in context when listening and writing and comparing.
• Mechanics are developed. Seeing, drawing/writing, and paying attention to sound comparisons brings three physical senses to help clarify differences and make 
• Brainstorms are "roads" between concepts. 

American Holidays and Remembrances in September

September has two notable dates in American culture and history: Labor Day and September 11.

Labor Day simply celebrates all of the people who work. Have a day off. Have a picnic. It is the end of summer and while we still have hot weather ahead of us, our outdoor swimming pools close. As some Friends have observed, Labor Day is a political holiday in other countries. Not here. 

September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked by al-Qaeda terrorists who planned and hijacked commercial jets full of passengers to blow up national economic, military, and governmental sites. Not all the hijackings were successful. That day challenged American culture and security. Twenty-five years later we remember this day. We remember 2977 victims on the jets and at the sites of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, and Pentagon. We remember the passengers that took over a fourth jet sacrificed their lives with the crash in the field in Pennsylvania. We remember the first responders and citizens who worked to rescue and restore our cities and preserve our liberty and freedom.

International Fire and Safety Journal. 

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom links. Or come to Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

September 14: Our journey resumes with the book of Numbers in the Old Testament. Numbers tells the story of the 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the desert before entering the land promised to them by God.

American English Language and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM, Zoom

We got to know each other in this first Zoom meeting. As we shared our background and stories, we practiced listening, echoing, vocabulary, accent training, and so much more! Little did we realize that we had learned so much in two hours. American English study is all about being able to talk to and relate with one another.

September 17: For our next meeting, create half page description of a word or words in the Making Connections section in this Update Post. Email it to indyintlfriend@gmail.com.

American English Language and Culture: Thursday, 7:00 -8:30 PM, Room 102, Cornerstone Lutheran Church-Carmel

We met and got to know each other and set our goals both short term and long term. One of our goals is to become more fluent at work. We noticed that it is hard to bring the correct words to mind in the context of a job.

September 17:  For our next meeting, create half page description of a word or words in the Making Connections section in this Update Post. Bring your work to class.

American English for Kids: Friday, 8:00-8:30 PM, private Zoom

We talked about preparing for exams. Middle School and High School students often take general exams for admission or placement at the next level for learning. One strategy is to read and reread notes and textbooks from previous classes. This is passive learning. We talked about using the Feynman Method and then took about 10 minutes to try it out. 

Identify the Topic: The Three Forms of Water

Explain the topic as if teaching a sixth-grader: 

click to enlarge

We made improvements by adding the temperature notes. 

We talked about the molecule of water and how when it moves slower (cold) it becomes solid, and when it moves faster (hot) it becomes vapor or gas. We waved our hands fast and slow because kids learn better with motion

We talked about how hydrogen two atoms and one oxygen atom make a molecule of water.

September 18: Teach a short lesson from a chapter of study. Debrief to tell if/how this method helped you recognize your learning.

Words and Phrases and Resources

a number of: an uncountable amount (because we do not want to enumerate them-or count them)

call [insert a noun our pronoun here] out: overtly recognize 📣

debrief: give a summary to someone

gap: empty space between two or more things

intrinsic: essential or necessary

shortfall: when something does not meet requirements

Time's Up! Let's get back-to-school!

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

2026-2027 Registration Is Open

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

Hello, Friends.

It is time to go back to school. Our classes and meetings begin after Labor Day (September 7, 2026).

Sign Up Today!

International Friends Registration - Cornerstone Lutheran Church

Summer Conversations

We had some visits and meetings over the summer with some awesome notes and observations. Words in American English can be pronounced in unexpected ways. "Sounding words out" does not always work for listening and speaking. Spelling "rules" are not consistent. Here are some of our finds over the summer.

Seeing and Saying

1. Listen: Use your tech to hear the following words. Say them. 
2. Comment below to share words you have discovered.

Why this works: Seek and find, say, share. 

1. Seek and find: Your search work helps you remember. 
2. Say: Your speaking helps train your ear to hear others and your muscles to speak the words.
3. Share: Language learning is a social activity. Telling others (even as a comment) add what you learned to your 

Here are the words:

• chorus: group of singers, repeating part of a song/music
• choir: a large group of singers
• chore: a routine task (usually household)

• say: speak
• said: spoke
• sad: not happy

• stay: do not leave
• stayed: did not leave
• staid: respectable, not adventurous

• play: take part in a sport or game; a performed story
• played: took part in a game or sport
• plaid: a pattern of alternating colors

Words and Phrases

awesome: noteworthy

finds: discoveries

tech: phone, computer, tablet

Speaking About Sports in the Summer

42 Summer Sports List (sorted by Popularity) Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser

We now have transcripts and episodes are divided into chapters. Be sure to check the AI's work. 

Hello, Friends.

Summer fun and fests continue. The World Cup ends July 19, but there is plenty to do. In the U.S. most schools start back in August (although locally, we have a district or two beginning the end of July). Take advantage of the festivals and music. There are county and state fairs to enjoy the best of the local farmers. Farmer's markets feature fresh crops and other delicious treats. 

Some American Professional Summer Sports:

• NASCAR
• IndyCar
• Baseball
• Women's Basketball
• Tennis
• Golf

There is plenty more to participate in and to follow 42 Summer Sports List (sorted by Popularity). 

The Sports Front

Continuing to look at sports...American sports leagues include different levels of commitment. Amateur play includes:

• Middle School, High School, and Collegiate teams
• Recreational (Rec) teams
• Travel teams
• Club teams

Professional team athletes that are paid to compete. These include major leagues as well as minor leagues that feed athletes to higher levels of competition.

Every sport has it's own format and parents and athletes can plug into locally. Here is an example of the structure for soccer (featuring California).

From U.S. Soccer Parent: Our goal is to empower every soccer parent in the U.S. with the knowledge, resources, and community support needed to confidently guide their child’s journey—from recreational play to elite competition—while helping shape a more transparent, inclusive, and informed youth soccer culture.

Listening Practice

While we are on break from our classes, we are still recording and posting episodes to Sorry! What Did You Say? on Spotify. Hearing native and non-native speakers in conversation can help you understand American English and Culture. Listen to the differences in the speakers as well as the content of the conversation.

Tips: 

• Speed up or slow down the recording. Sometimes you need to slow down to catch nuance or just what is being said. Sometimes you need to speed up to focus your attention and get the gist.
• Read along. The episodes have transcripts that are automatically generated. Do the transcripts match what you hear? Is it your ears or is it the AI?
• Notice the differences in pace and cadence of each speaker. Part of this is personal "style" and part of this is carry over from original language. Singing is a great way to learn the cadence of a language, even if you don't know all the words (and who knows and sings all the right words...no one You've Been Singing These 30 Songs Completely Wrong). 

Words and Phrases

feed: supply

follow: watch or keep track of

get the gist: understand the concept or poing

plug into: connect to a network or a system

plug in: connect a device to power (plug in the lamp)

Happy Independence Day, U.S.A.!

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser

We now have transcripts and episodes are divided into chapters. Be sure to check the AI's work. 

Hello, Friends.

We are so excited and thrilled to share our 250 birthday. Every city and state has special celebrations planned. The weather is predicted to be hot, but this is not unusual for summer. 

Welcome to FIFA Fans. You have brought your patriotism and your love of the sport. We hope you have a great Independence Day on top of your World Cup celebrations.

The Reader's Digest always is spot on with memes that express conventional wisdom and American Culture. Enjoy!

 

Supreme Court Opinions

Before the Independence Day holiday, the Supreme Court weighed in on a number of issues this last week. 

This last week a good number of rulings were decided by the Supreme Court. The outcome of these decisions are called "opinions" and provide guidance for the lower courts. There were a number of issues that are critical to the American public. Once decided, the ball is back in the court of Congress to pass laws or Constitutional Amendments or to the Executive branch (the president and staff) to fulfill the requirements of decisions. The Supreme Court does not make laws or execute (follow up with action), it decides the legality of the cases placed before it. 

Read the decisions for yourself. The justices consider the Constitution as well as prior rulings and cases presented to the court. The court is thorough in explaining the written status of the opinions:

"Opinions are posted on the website upon release in slip opinion format. Slip opinions remain posted until replaced with opinions edited to reflect the usual publication style of the United States Reports..."

This YouTube from  TED-Ed Talks from 2016 (notice the president is Barak Obama in the drawings) provides an explanation for how justices are appointed and more about their service. 

Welcome July and Happy 250 Birthday U.S.A.!

 Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser

We now have transcripts and episodes are divided into chapters. Be sure to check the AI's work.

Happy Independence Day, Friends.

Welcome to the United States' greatest Federal holiday of the year! This year we are celebrating 250 years of freedom. Pregame celebrations began earlier this month, but the main event falls on a Saturday this year. In our local area, the different townships are staggering their parades which allows us to watch and participate. So, if your band is marching in the morning, you can watch a neighboring town's parade in the afternoon.

Fireworks, Concerts, Parades, Picnics, Fairs, and Festivals

Every community hosts events a party for Independence Day (or the Fourth of July). Pick one or two or more!  The Indiana Farm Bureau offers a nice article and schedule with links to the various events including festival sites. If you are elsewhere, search "fireworks" to see where to go for the show nearest you, or just ask around.

Comment to add your tips or opportunities.

Here in Indiana, the sunsets and it does not get fully dark until after 10:00 PM. Be ready to stay up late to see firework shows.  There are tricks and tips for parking and the best views that are different for every community. Regardless, here are tips for the day:

• Be prepared to wait in traffic when you leave.
• Watch in a safe location and be respectful of private property.
• Stay hydrated. We have had some wonderfully cool weather leading up to next week, but the Midwest summer heat and humidity are sure to show up for the Fourth.
• Use sunscreen.
• Be prepared for people in parade to throw candy. (Sometimes you get more candy than Halloween!)
• Watch for flyovers. 
• Be safe with you own fireworks and clean up afterwards.
• Be safe as you drive home and enjoy other people's personal fireworks.

FIFA Hospitality: 

We love our more than 3.6 million soccer fans! We are so glad that you are enjoying your time here and posting your impressions of our country. We love your stories and totally agree that Ranch Dressing is a food group of its own. Thank you for singing your patriotic songs and sharing your fan customs. 

They came for the World Cup. They fell in love with Buc-ee’s and ranch dip. is an article from NBC Tic Toc, X, and Facebook are all featuring stories of people experiencing what Americans find common. It is great to see our Walmart, Taco Bell, Target, Costco, and other stores and restaurants enjoyed.

• The real heros are the fans. 
• Japan doesn't talk trash, they take it out.
• The Best Sleepover Ever 

Words and Phrases

ask around: ask a variety of people for advice and for information

pregame: parties before the main event

Welcome June, FIFA, Summer Vacation

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser

We now have transcripts and episodes are divided into chapters. Be sure to check the AI's work.

Hello, Friends.

It's summertime and the living is easy! Here in the states, we take our summer seriously. Seriously, let's go to the pool, take a road trip, go to camp, read a summer novel, bar-b-que, street fairs, fests, outdoor concerts. Take the plunge and jump in with both feet! 

This summer we get to host the FIFA 2026 World Cup. 

International Friends is on break, but you might notice some meetings pop up here and there. Most of our Friends, though, are busy with kids and vacations and heading back to home countries for a visit. Carving out time to meet over the summer is not easy.

America 250 and the National Archives in Washington D.C.

Free and Independent: Special Major Exhibition Opens as a “Celebration of the Declaration” shares the riveting story behind America’s most important founding document.

The Charters of Freedom are the documents of, by, and for the American people that are documented in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The handwritten documents are on display in the National Archives. Take a virtual peek. These documents were quickly drafted during dramatic times.

Read the history of the Declaration of Independence straight from the Archives. The story of the people that worked to define and preserve the ideals and freedom that we enjoy today.

Citizen Voice on the Hill

I had a fantastic opportunity to go to Washington D.C. and meet with Indiana congressional members or their staff to advocate for funding to be included in our federal budget for international initiatives. Since Congress had just convened, many of the members were in meetings. In some cases, we met with a staffer who took notes, answered questions, and directed us to further contact and opportunities to meet.

While all of the meetings were relatively brief, we all found that we were welcomed into the offices of the representatives and listened to. Meeting as a non-partisan group gave our message a that could be carried across the aisle.

Football or Soccer?

Welcome to the U.S. for football (or, as we say, soccer). The Netherlands brought their orange, double decker bus See More Here. Meanwhile. the Japanese don't talk trash, they take it out! Thank you for bringing your best and most fun to the U.S.

We hope that you have a great time! Excuse us if we say, "soccer". We won't change our "football".

Casual Business Conversation 

American culture follows a certain pattern that is used in many conversational situations both socially and formally. 

General, polite greeting: Hello. Good to see you. How have you been? What have you been up to? (not specific to our "work" topic).

A back and forth about general health and life for a couple of sentences. 

During this part of the conversation, find out about your colleague's current projects, needs, direction.

Introduce the specific topic about the meeting. This is for you to introduce. Please change the topic to the point of this meeting to the focus or goal of the meeting.

Begin with some general information

Lead your target colleague to ask questions and learn details. 

Include personal details for to add memorable interest and focus. Use "interesting" language like adjectives.

Wrap up and summarize the content in a couple of sentences (main points or ideas).

Ask if your colleague has any questions.

Set the next action which could be the date/time and agenda for the next meeting and the purpose.

Thank you and goodbye statements.

Try this formula out in different situations. Observe whether simple or more complex sentences structures work the best in this type of conversation.

American English for Kids Summer Program

Email International Friends for the restricted summer link.

This summer we are meeting on Zoom, 8-8:30 AM Eastern Daylight Savings Time on Zoom

• Wednesday, June 24.
• Wednesday, July 1 
• Thursday, July 30

We are practicing a Casual Business Conversation format. See the above article.

Words and Phrases

advocate: speak in behalf of or support

back and forth: giving and sharing in a conversation 

carving out time: making time, adjusting a schedule to do something

Congress: the law-making branch of the U. S, government that includes the Senate and the House of Representatives

convened: assembled or come together as a body

initiatives: legislative actions

 staffer: one of the group of people appointed to support or assist a member of congress

While all of the meetings were relatively brief, we all found that we were welcomed into the offices of the representatives and listened to. Meeting as a non-partisan group gave our message a that could be carried across the aisle.

Congratulations and Happy Semiquincentennial

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser

We now have transcripts and chapters! 

Hello, Friends.

It’s summertime, and the language is easy.  

This summer it is back to basics with a twist (presented in a different or unusual way). Fire up (get excited or start something) some new techniques to kick up (get stronger) and crank up (get more intense or louder) communication skills and language learning. Understand language and language learning to grow.

We are going to go back to basics in honor of 250th anniversary of the United States. Learn the language of our founding documents and compare the words and styles to today's (current) language.

Words for a Reason. Words for a Season.

Vocabulary is what vocabulary is. 

What is vocabulary? A list of words specific to a person, situation, or topic. So, what words do you need and what words do you use. And then how do you find and use them? 

There are words you use for times of fun.

There are words you use to get stuff done.

May is for graduations and congratulations.

Say congrats to the kids throwing their hats.

Play with your words:

Repeat a phrase and end with a rhyme

Count the beats to keep the time.

Semiquincentennial, Bisesquicentennial, Sestercentennial

These grand and auspicious words are the title for the celebration of 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of the United States. Can you pronounce them? Ask a native American language speaker. Get ready for good giggle. American English words are made of combinations of other words (often from other languages). These three words are great examples of this type of word. And they will only be important until July 4, 2027 when the United States turns 251 years old.

Semiquincentennial: the Roman way to say halfway to 500 years

Semi: half of

Quin: five

Centennial: 100-year anniversary

Bisesqui: twice 150

Centennial: 100-year

Ses (from semi): meaning half

Tercentennial: three hundredth anniversary

literally signifying a two hundred fiftieth anniversary

Semiquincentennial, Bisesquicentennial, Sestercentennial, or Quarter Millennium: all mean 250th anniversary. 

America250 or America at 250 are two other titles.

Fun read resources (not found by AI)

Why “Semiquincentennial” for Norfolk’s 250th?--Notice that what makes David S. Potter credible is that he is the son of longtime residents of Norfolk.

The Meaning of the ​​Semiquincentennial--This historical six-minute read provides the historical background along with a prospective perspective. Look at the bottom of the screen. There is a button to listen to a perfect broadcaster read of the article.

Rage and the Republic by Jonathan Turley 

This book provides insight into the American (and other revolutions). The United States is in a new era of AI and robotics and radical reformers who are calling to scrap our Constitution. Turley "offers a hopeful account of how the lessons of the past can guide us into the future." Listen on the Libby libery app.

The Declaration of Independence

Read the Declaration of Independence in its original language. This fancy language is not common, but the sentiment that drove the founding fathers (yes, they were all men) to organize the ideas and wishes into these phrases. 

Storytelling and American History

Beyond the Headlines: Veteran Stories, June 26, 2:00-4:00 PM A panel of veterans will share stories  with some going back to the Revolutionary War. Learn how communication and technology have evolved and shaped our military. Bring the family.

Wrapping up 2025-2026

 Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

Hello, Friends.

May is upon us. We are meeting for the last time for this year. Is this really a break? Probably not. We have plans to get together once a month. The summer will fly by just as quickly as the school year did!

I have really enjoyed growing with everyone this year either in our classes on Zoom, through these updates and through our podcast. 

Sorry! What did you say? Podcast? Yep! Keep up to date and practice your listening. We have some great episodes recorded to produce and release. We have some great episodes waiting in the wings to be recorded. Listen, like, follow, comment! Let us know what you want to hear next.

Maslow and Memoirs and More

In conversations about memoirs, Maslow's Hierarchy came up. While this model is debated, it has stood the test of time. Articles and discussions and studies show that many people are content with meeting their social and esteem needs. 

A Very Well Mind offers a brief overview of the hierarchy and how it can be used.

A Few Fun and Festivities in May

May 9, 10 AM-4 PM:  Art Fair on the Square, Noblesville

May 16: Indiana Peony Festival, Noblesville

May 16:International Festival, Westfield

Find a Farmers Market

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

Near the end of the year, we start setting our calendars for the coming year. As we are wrapping up Leviticus: Leviticus 23 offers a calendar of the feasts. Hebrew for Christians offers descriptions of how the feasts are and were celebrated. 

Leviticus 24 gets back to giving instruction and telling stories that clarify the given instruction. Once again, the role of the priests and their mutual care by God through the people are illustrated. This chapter underlines that these people are set apart and that the most holy part of their share should only be consumed in the temple.

The second story in Leviticus 24 deals with cursing and blaspheming (the second commandment). When the people take the man to Moses for breaking this law, they are to lay their hands on his head (to recognize/acknowledge his guilt, the community shares in the responsibility of enforcing the law--not arbitrary but formalized according to the law) and then the entire community is to stone him. In addition, this law was enforceable not only for the Israelites, but for foreigners. Leviticus 24: 17-22 cites the famous "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" quote. It does not imply or indicate that the Israelites should take the enforcement into their own hands but should follow authorized legal proceedings. 

May 4: We completed Leviticus. The last three chapters were full of information about how to live a good life with God and with each other as the Israelites would go into the promised land. God does not leave them hanging. He is clear about the consequences of breaking their covenant with Him.

June 15: We are Zooming to touch base and hear about the summer travels and celebrations! Happy Summer!

American English Language and Culture: Thursday, 9:00AM- 11:00 AM, Zoom

Discussing our gifts, talents, aptitudes, and career paths, we shared mini-memoirs before our gathering next week. With the prompt "Learn one, do one, teach one" we recalled how experiences have helped us discover who we are and what we are meant to do with our lives. Once we have gained life and work experience ourselves, we can "pay it forward" by teaching what we know to others.

Wise words from wise women:

• Plan to fail.
• Learn from mistakes.
• Welcome change.
• Expect challenges.
• Enjoy every season of life.
• Dignify all the roles you play. They ALL matter.
• Nurture relationships.
• Be a critical thinker.
• Seek the truth.
• Search for evidence.
• Show empathy for others. Seek to understand.
• Be reliable.
• Just do it!
• Don't procrastinate.
• Seize the day.
• Life is short. Make it count!
• Stay young at heart.
• Daydream! Escape, imagine, relax, explore possibilities, experience wonder, feel refreshed.

Homework: Collect your thoughts to share your memoir at our pizza party on Thursday,

May 7: Last day of classes...Pizza party! Bazbeaux Pizza 111 West Main Street, Carmel

American English for Kids: Friday, 6:00-6:30 PM, private Zoom

We are looking into May for dates without a conflict to work on our memoirs and finalize our year. Maybe we will go into writing mode?

Words and Phrases and Punctuation

The Colon: Colons function like an “equals sign,” introducing or emphasizing what follows. They are used to:

• Introduce lists: During the inspection, I saw the following: a dead rat, a live rat, dozens of cockroaches, and countless ants. 
• Introduce explanations or elaborations: He blamed his divorce on one thing: beer. 
• Introduce quotations: He said: “Curiosity killed the cat, but for a while I was a suspect”. 

The Comma: 

Moving into May

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

Hello, Friends.

April is ending and May is beginning. May is a great month in the U.S. for endings and beginnings:

• School is ending and summer break is beginning
• Graduation (from high school or college) and adulting is beginning
• Winter/spring is ending and spring/summer is beginning

For people in the United States, Memorial Day and Mother's Day are key holidays in May. Do not plant outdoors until Mother's Day (or be prepared to plant again after Mother's Day). Yes, there are exceptions.

Save the Date

Japanese Spring Festival 

May 3, 2026

12:00-5:00 PM

1 Civic Square Carmel

MOMoirs

Mother's Day is coming up. What are your memories of your mom? What are your memories as a mom? How do you celebrate this day?

I thought I knew my mom. Then I found a grainy Polaroid that forced me to reconsider.

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

We plan on finishing Leviticus by the end of this year which is the first week in May. We dug deep into Leviticus 21 and 22. In contemporary Christianity, priests/pastors declare forgiveness of sins. While only God can forgive sins, one of the responsibilities of the priest/pastor/leader is to declare (after the people confess) that a person's/congregation's sins are forgiven once and for all through Jesus. For example:

• The Catholic priest says, "...I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
• The Lutheran minister says: "In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
• The Methodist order of worship states: "The confession should be followed by declaration of pardon, which may be as simple as, "In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!" Confession and pardon together remind us that we are sinners saved by grace."

Is any of this different from Old to New Testaments? In Leviticus, priesthood (and roles, practices, responsibilities) is established. The new covenant involves the Word because the final sacrifice is done through Jesus' death and resurrection.

April 27: Read beginning with Leviticus 23 which is about festivals. 

American English Language and Culture: Thursday, 9:00AM- 11:00 AM, Zoom

You are storytellers. You remember things about your life. You CAN write a memoir--your memory of a slice of life that was significant to you in some way. During our warmup, you spoke memoirs. We heard stories about travel, and volunteer work, and relocation, and parenting, and grand parenting. The details frame a story, but the motivation and feelings around the details finish the story. We heard about a sense of adventure, a desire to help, a sense of gratitude, a fear of judgment--both judging others and being judged. We heard about fear, and determination, and anxiety, and dignity, and indignity, and courage. We noticed how our culture and values may put us in conflict with the world around us or with ourselves. From our own narratives and those in films we had viewed recently, we observed the arc or frame of most stories. They have a beginning, middle, and end. They usually have a hero or protagonist. They usually start with some spark or conflict, even an internal conflict. The details build to a climax or turning point (rising action) and then approach a resolution (falling action) or realization. Memoir may follow a slightly different pattern. The conflict may be small or large. You yourself or someone else may be the hero. Maybe the conflict isn’t fully resolved, but you learned something about yourself, about others, or about the human condition. Be brave. Just tell us a story. We look forward to sharing and learning from each other's memoirs at the pizza party in May.

April 30: Spend some time daydreaming this week. Tell us next week what came to mind during your moments of revery. Were they wishes, memories, imaginings?

International Friends Wrap-Up: Memoir Month

Not everyone can make every meeting as we wrap up the year. Here is the end of year plan: follow along. Even if you are not coming to class, try these steps to better tell your story.

• April 9: Talking about a memoir. A slice of your life.
• April 16: Priming the pump: three things that stopped me in my tracks (from Now Write! Nonfiction Sherry Ellis) Notice three things that stopped you in your tracks throughout the week. What is common about these things? What is uncommon?
• April 23: What is the conflict? Who is the hero? Stories need conflict to move them along. 
• April 30: Watch one. Do one. Teach one. How does your learning, experience, and then help someone else learn inform your memoir?
• May 7: Last day of classes...Pizza party! Bazbeaux Pizza 111 West Main Street, Carmel

American English for Kids: Friday, 6:00-6:30 PM, private Zoom

We are looking into May for dates without a conflict to work on our memoirs and finalize our year. Maybe we will go into writing mode?

Words and Phrases and Resources

adulting: performing the acts typically associated with being an adult (paying rent, taxes; making medical appointments; getting insurance; finding living accommodations) and do not include getting a pet that is left with parents when life circumstances change adulting means that you take that pet with you...

Christian denominational discussions: conversations related to the various branches within the Christian church

dug deep into: thoroughly examine (dig deep into)

narratives: stories

once and for all: finally; now and for the last time

priesthood: the office of a priest

spend some time: 

A Bit for April

 Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

Hello, Friends.

I don't know about you, but I have spring fever. I am ready to plant a garden and pack my bags for a summer get away, but we still have the opportunity for frost. Start getting your agendas together for the summer. 

License and/or Permit

As you think of summer, be sure to have the right licenses and permits to enjoy your time. If you want to go fishing, be sure that you have a fishing license if you are dipping your line in public waters (and you are of legal age). If you take your family to go fishing on the White River, your license will cover your children. If your kids are fishing, and you are there, you will need a license. Indiana is a pretty typical state for these types of recreational licensing. Take a look here, and then compare this to your home state.

• A license gives ongoing authority to participate in something (a fishing license to use in a particular state public water for a set time)
• A permit gives temporary approval for an action (a building permit to add a patio)

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

We read/talked about Leviticus 17-20. These chapters continue to provide detail about how the Israelites were to live and maintain their relationships with God and with each other. 

• Leviticus 17 is about food practices. 
• Leviticus 18 specifies that the Israelites should not people should not have sex with family members and should protect their family from being victims. At first, we feared this would be an awkward discussion, but God is quite straightforward. We found ourselves smiling at the "you should know this" type of commentary.
• Leviticus 19 covers "various laws" that include extensions of the original 10 Commandments. 
• Leviticus 20 lists the consequences of committing any of the sins talked about in the preceding chapters.

April 21: Three chapters to go!

American English Language and Culture: Thursday, 9:00AM- 11:00 AM, Zoom

Our conversation turned to talking about American English and comparing it to Korean. We leaned into talking about how our languages written forms represent our auditory forms. Korean evolved from Chinese writing, and many countries use Chinese written words within the various languages. These "words" are often pronounced in the various languages even though they have a common Chinese written 

April 23: We are talking about conflict and resolution in our story. Does every story need a hero?

International Friends Wrap-Up: Memoir Month

Not everyone can make every meeting as we wrap up the year. Here is the end of year plan: follow along. Even if you are not coming to class, try these steps to better tell your story.

• April 9: Talking about a memoir. A slice of your life.
• April 16: Priming the pump: three things that stopped me in my tracks (from Now Write! Nonfiction Sherry Ellis) Notice three things that stopped you in your tracks throughout the week. What is common about these things? What is uncommon?
• April 23: What is the conflict? Who is the hero? Stories need conflict to move them along. 
• April 30: Watch one. Do one. Teach one. How does your learning, experience, and then help someone else learn inform your memoir?
• May 7: Last day of classes...Pizza party! Bazbeaux Pizza 111 West Main Street, Carmel

American English for Kids: Friday, 6:00-6:30 PM, private Zoom

We talked about the difference between an autobiography (a person writes the story of his or her life in a factual manner) and a memoir (a person tells a story from his or her life in a reflective manner that describes the feelings and lessons learned).

We recounted how English words are made of meaningful units or clumps. 

April 24: No class--a tennis match

May 1: No class--teacher conflict

May 8: Tell your memoir story.

Words and Phrases and Resources

auditory: heard

common: elements that are the same

cover: take care of, include

lean into: embrace a situation (Since I painted my living room purple, I am going to lean into royal decor)

lean in to: actively engage in a situation or challenge (Can you substitute and for to? lean in and listen)

April Memory Making and Writing

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

 Hello, Friends.

Warmer days. Cool nights. April is famous for showers (that bring the May flowers). Spring breaks are winding to a close and we are looking forward to the end of the school year. In the United States, Summer begins on Memorial Day, which is the first Monday in May (more about that later). While classes may run into May. Families are planning for summer camps and events. Check locally for summer programs for children. Resources include and are not limited to:

• Librarys
• Scouting
• 4-H
• Parks and Recreation
• Churches and Vacation Bible Schools
• Schools
• Colleges and universities
• Community and clubhouses

People are planning their vacation. You may be returning to your home country to visit family, or you may take the time to explore North America. 

International Friends Wrap-Up: Memoir Month

Not everyone can make every meeting as we wrap up the year. Here is the end of year plan: follow along. Even if you are not coming to class, try these steps to better tell your story.

• April 9: Talking about a memoir. A slice of your life.
• April 16: Priming the pump: three things that stopped me in my tracks (from Now Write! Nonfiction Sherry Ellis) Notice three things that stopped you in your tracks throughout the week. What is common about these things? What is uncommon?
• April 23: What is the conflict? Who is the hero? Stories need conflict to move them along. 
• April 30: Watch one. Do one. Teach one. How does your learning, experience, and then help someone else learn inform your memoir?
• May 7: Last day of classes...Pizza party! Bazbeaux Pizza 111 West Main Street, Carmel

Is American English Difficult?

People are saying that English is a tough language to learn. Adults who learn English throughout school and are fluent readers can be intimidated when they are called upon to speak. Our written language is not a phonetic language, or is it?

• English is not Phonetic by Joseph Essburger argues that it is English spelling that is the problem for some people.
• Is English a Phonetic Language by Thurston Womack comments that English is phonetic (because it is spoken) but that the letters or physical representation (written) was not imposed after the fact, but has evolved and grown with the language. By the time children are six years old, they have the basic sounds, grammar patterns, and a fundamental vocabulary mastered. Language growth and development is a lifetime project.

Listening and speaking can be easy. With today's tools, dictating and then correcting writing is one way to overcome fears and hesitancy. Notice the surprise spellings and/or pronunciations. 

Remember that no matter what language you are most comfortable in, you are always building vocabulary and experiences. Remember to coordinate and orient English with other languages to keep words from being "filed" in a "language" space in your brain rather than in practical locations.

There are many tools out there to help you. This one from Scribens offers grammar, paraphrasing and much more.

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

Our journey in Leviticus is taking us through more religious mandates to bring reconciliation between God and the people as well as between the people. Leviticus 13-15 talk about skin diseases and bodily discharge. These things could convey disease within the community. These "treatments" offer solutions rather than singularity. Chapter 16 speaks of atonement, reconciliation or reparation, which includes placing the sins on a goat: 

20 “When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. 21 He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head. He shall send the goat away into the wilderness in the care of someone appointed for the task. 22 The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a remote place; and the man shall release it in the wilderness.

This is the origin of a "scape goat"!

April 13: Leviticus continues with discussions that protect the health and wellbeing of individuals and the community.

American English Language and Culture: Thursday, 9:00AM- 11:00 AM, Zoom

Vocabulary and Context: Remember when . . . ?

We had an interesting discussion about traditions and family heirlooms. Some cultures discard personal items after someone has passed away. Objects can spark memories and nostalgia. Treasures can be large or small, tangible or intangible, but memory of people and places is a timeless and precious gift. In eulogy and through memoir, we connect with others through shared human experiences across cultures, languages, and traditions. In the weeks ahead, we will continue to explore memoir and to compose our own. At the pizza party in May, we will enjoy sharing a story of the events and emotions of a memory that changed, informed, or affirmed us in some way.

April, 16: Continuing to work on our individual memoirs, here are some pump priming activities:

• List three things that "stop you in your tracks" this week. What do these observations have in common? How do they seem different?
• Explore a sense of place. In your mind, put yourself in a specific place in your memory.
• List as many sensory details of this place as you can. How do you feel when you re-live this experience?

American English for Kids: Friday, 6:00-6:30 PM, private Zoom

We talked about return to school, Artimis mission, and a little about quantum physics.

April 17: We will look at this video and talk about the concepts and how this teacher helps us understand complicated concepts.

Richard Feynman lecture on quantum mechanics and nature: 

Here is a good biographical video that explains Feynman's life.

Notice the story telling as they recount Richard Feynman's life.

Words and Phrases and Resources

eulogy: an expression of words at a funeral or memorial service to honor the person who has passed away (died)

looking forward to: anticipating

memoir: our own retelling of meaningful stories and events in our lives

nostalgia: heartfelt longing for the past and people of the past

object memory:

passed away: died

recount: tell someone about something, give an account or an eaperience