Recently a writer doing research on a book about Greenpoint interviewed me about life in Greenpoint and the Polish community came up. I explained how unique NYC is in that Polish immigrants could live here and never learn English. They could read the paper, get groceries, go to the doctor, work, get legal services – all in Polish.
It reminds me of my Aunt Grace who immigrated from Italy and lived in Ridgewood for 50 years, getting by with hardly any English. At age 70 she decided to get her American citizenship, and during the interview when they asked her who the first president of the United States was, she said, “Ronald Regan – very nice man.” Aunt Grace somehow passed, and I hope they’ve become stricter on the exam.
While I’m doing a poor job selling it, learning English is a good thing and will help create more opportunities for education, work and socializing. And of course – the ability to read this fine blog!
St. Nicks Alliance is offering FREE English classes for speakers of foreign languages, at both the Williamsburg (850 Grand St.) and Greenpoint (424 Leonard) Beacon Centers. They begin Saturdays – March 16th from 10am-1pm & Mondays – March 18th 6:30-8:30pm, respectively. Each class has 12 sessions. Classes are for beginning and intermediate English learners, and are open to those 18 or older.
Register in person on weekdays from 1-6pm at the Williamsburg Beacon, and from 1-7pm at the Greenpoint Beacon.
For more info, call the Williamsburg Beacon at 718-302-6827 x10, or the Greenpoint Beacon at 718-388-5585.
Go get learned, Greenpoint!
Vere do I sine?
Fantastic! I can’t wait to sign up my mom. I’m glad that I can finally find her something intersting to do in Greenpoint. Not too many things to do in the neighborhood for the spanish speaking residents. 🙂