Category Archives: Holidays/Culture
Are You a U.S. Citizen? Prepare to Vote!
The next national election will be on November 6, 2018. In Massachusetts, we will vote for one senator (currently Elizabeth Warren), and our representative to the U.S. House of Representatives. We will also vote for state governor (currently Charlie Baker), our state senator and representative, and other state officials.
If you are a U.S. citizen, and are at least 18 years old, you can – and you should – vote in government elections – local, state, and national. BUT – you must be registered to vote. It’s quick and easy. You need to register before you can vote for the first time, and update your address every time you move.
If you want to vote in this election (in Massachusetts), you must be registered by Wednesday, October 17th.
- In Massachusetts, you can register online
(You can also confirm that you are already registered) - In most other states, it’s easy to register online at VOTE.GOV
- There’s more detailed information on how to vote at USA.gov
- Here’s an example of the mail-in voter registration form in Massachusetts
- You can also get help at the Clerk’s Office in your City Hall or Town Hall
Are you almost a citizen? MIRA and many organizations in Massachusetts provide services to help you become a citizen. Framingham Adult ESL offers citizenship classes to help you prepare for the citizenship test.
The States of the United States
The United States has 50 states. How many have you visited? Can you say the names of 10 states?
Look at this Seterra map, with more choices, where you can practice learning the names of the states and test yourself.
There is also a $2 app for iPhone and Android.
Flag Day
The Flag Day holiday is on June 14th. It celebrates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777. It’s common for people to display their U.S. flags on this day, but businesses, schools, etc stay open as usual.
This year, the city of Framingham will have a Flag Day Parade – on Sunday June 10th, starting at 2:30.
Baseball Idioms
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the United States. There are many expressions – ‘idioms’ – used commonly that come from baseball. A few examples:
- Someone who is “on the ball” is a person you trust to get something done. They are knowledgeable and responsible.
- Someone who “strikes out” fails at something (there are other meanings too).
For example: He asked for her phone number, but he struck out. - If you “Go to bat” for someone, it means that you help or support them.
If you know the rules of how to play baseball, it can really help you to understand these idioms better – and also to watch a game on TV, or even better, at the baseball park.
Are You a U.S. Citizen? Prepare to Vote
The next national elections will be on November 6, 2018. In Massachusetts, we will vote for one senator (currently Elizabeth Warren), and our representative to the U.S. House of Representatives. We will also vote for state governor (currently Charlie Baker), our state senator and representative, and other state officials.
If you are a U.S. citizen, and are at least 18 years old, you can vote in government elections – local, state, and national. BUT – you must be registered to vote. It’s quick and easy. You need to register before you can vote for the first time, and update your address every time you move.
- In Massachusetts, and most other states, it’s easy to register online at VOTE.GOV
- There’s more detailed information on how to vote at USA.gov
- Here’s an example of the mail-in voter registration form in Massachusetts
- You can also get assistance at the Clerk’s office in your City Hall or Town Hall
Are you almost a citizen? MIRA and many organizations in Massachusetts provide services to help you become a citizen. (Framingham Adult ESL offers citizenship classes)
Massachusetts Women
In honor of International Women’s Day, the Boston Globe has published an interesting collection of “notable women and events in Massachusetts history“. It includes the teacher Christa McAuliffe, who grew up in Framingham.
In Like a Lion and Out Like a Lamb
There’s a proverb that says “March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.” It starts with cold, wintry weather, but usually ends with much nicer spring-like weather. At least here in the greater Boston area, the month of March has certainly come in like a lion.