We are a growing and expanding school, specializing in the learning and study of French, Italian and newly added Spanish. We are looking for energetic, enthusiastic and talented people to join our team.
Bastille day in France is similar to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States. Both ended an era of absolute monarchy to give way to a new, democratic government. Today it is celebrated by military parades, festivals, and parties, similar to the Fourth of July in the United States. The parade down the Champs-Elyssées includes not only the French militia, but in recent times has also included the military of France’s allies.
In Paris, there is a celebration both the night before and the day of July 14th. There are many parties and galas which take place on the evening of the 13th. On the 14th itself, the parade is led by the President of France, and is followed overhead by military plans in formation. They march from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, among many others, were beheaded. Later on that night, there are fireworks which take place at the Place de Trocadéro, the building directly across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower and the headquarters of the French military.
School’s out but not for The Language Learning Institute! We just completed our Learn to Speak French Camp for kids and all had a great time. They were sad to see it end.
Our Learn to Speak Russian Camp for kids is planned for the week of July 26th. Join us for all kinds of fun, games and songs in Russian. There is still time to sign up!
Don’t forget our Welsh classes starting this summer on July 14th the first time. We are very excited about the debut of this language to our course offerings.
Our regularly scheduled classes end July 19th and will resume after Labor Day. All private lessons and semi-private classes will continue through the month of August. The private lessons and semi-private classes are perfect for those who enjoy travelling; they offer more flexibility in scheduling.
Our newsletter is missing one of our writers this month. Passport to the Francophone World by Nouara will not be appearing this summer. Nouara is travelling with her family. Next month we will have a new writer and a new subject to delight and entertain you.
Be sure to plan ahead for September. We will be listing our fall classes on our site, www.languagelearninginstitute.com, by July 19th. For your convenience, you can register on line. If you have any questions regarding where you belong, be sure to give us a call. We are here to help.
We are coming up to two great national holidays this month: the 4th and the 14th of July! Be sure to read about them here in our newsletter. If you are French speaking, be sure to join us for our French Conversation Table at Chez Daisie on July 21st at 6pm for fun, friends, conversation and great crêpes!
Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend! Stay safe and cool! Enjoy the summer fun!
Best to you,
Nancy Scarselletta Owner/Developer The Language Learning Institute 518-346-7096
Stop by and get a good meal, gift, or check out our latest promotional material!
Independence Day
Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.
Eleonora’s Secret – Castelli – a hill town made of ceramics, and so much more
Prior to meeting two students in my Italian class, I had never heard of Castelli. During our classes, they shared their experiences in this wonderful hill town…I thought I’d share it with all of you! This small village rising on a rock, dominated by Mount Camicia and with fabulous views of Gran Sasso, the highest point in Italy, is a favorite destination for those looking for a classic hill town. Castelli is famous for its hand-painted maioliche, or ceramics – a centuries-old tradition in the area thanks to its local deposits of clay and its inhabitants, some of the most talented ceramicists in Italy. Even if you haven’t come to this town for the ceramics, strolling through the charming streets and alleys will transport you to ancient Roman times and the Renaissance.
Castellian ceramic art, which was at its pinnacle from the 16th through 18th century was collected by the nobility of Europe for centuries and, appears to have extremely antique origins. It was probably the Benedictine monks, who first introduced glazed ceramics around the 12th century. Castelli maiolica was a favorite dinnerware of Russian Tsars. One of the most valued collections of Castelli ceramics is now housed at the Winter Palace of the Hermitage State Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. Castelli’s main church, San Donato whose modest appearance is deceptive as, upon entering the church, one cannot help admiring the tiled ceiling believed to have been decorated by the ceramics master Oracio Pompei or artists working from his studio with coats-of-arms, arabesques, human figures and animals.
Today, Castelli hosts an art institute and ceramics museum as well as many ceramics shops and studios. The Castelli ceramic museum is situated in the cloisters of an ancient convent, just outside the town, where display boards show the working methods and fragments discovered during archeological research. In August, a large market exhibition of current ceramic production is set up but it is possible to wander around the streets of the town anytime of the year and come across numerous craft shops and stores. Prices vary greatly depending on the type and decoration, the choice ranging from simple rustic-like crockery with the typical “floracci”, to the most refined imitations of antique collections maybe even decorated in pure gold. Monogrammed dinner-services can also be ordered or particular objects commissioned and decorated to one’s own personal taste, thus making the most of the workmanship of the craftsman.
During the last month, it seems as though the entire world media has been focused on one event: the World Cup. Football, or soccer as we call it here in the United States, is a cherished sport throughout the world, uniting fans and players on a global scale. In France, the spirit for Les Bleus has not diminished since they made it to the final round four years ago, and won the World Cup in 1998. Hopes were high as they went into the 2010 World Cup. However, France had a controversial and disappointing finish. France ranked last in their group, which consisted of three other countries: Uruguay, Mexico, and South Africa. This means they will not be advancing onto the next round, and they will have to wait another four years to restore their legacy at the World Cup.
The former coach, Raymond Domenech had many controversies with the team and with other coaches. Now, a new coach has been appointed for the French team, Laurent Blanc. Blanc hopes to restore the integrity of the team and the spirit of the French people before Euro 2010, which is a competition between European football teams that takes place in the fall. The French are hopeful that Blanc, who was a former team member of Les Bleus and helped win the 1998 World Cup, will give the team and the nation the drive they need in order to recover from their performance in South Africa.
Thank you for your interest in our school. Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to anyone who might be interested in learning about the Language Learning Institute and our programs and events.
Best regards,
Nancy Scarselletta The Language Learning Institute, LLC
“I have been on three of Nancy’s Learn French and Travel programs. Prior to departure, Nancy offers introductory programs, where travelers become acquainted with each other and learn about the regions they will be touring. Before each tour, there is also a wine and cheese tasting where group members become acquainted with the wines and cheeses of the regions to be visited. Nancy’s tours visit buildings and places of historic interest as well as various museums. Nancy’s small groups enjoy comradery and good food. I have found Nancy’s tours to be both educational and enjoyable.”
Prior to meeting two students in my Italian class, I had never heard of Castelli. During our classes, they shared their experiences in this wonderful hill town…I thought I’d share it with all of you! This small village rising on a rock, dominated by Mount Camicia and with fabulous views of Gran Sasso, the highest point in Italy, is a favorite destination for those looking for a classic hill town. Castelli is famous for its hand-painted maioliche, or ceramics – a centuries-old tradition in the area thanks to its local deposits of clay and its inhabitants, some of the most talented ceramicists in Italy. Even if you haven’t come to this town for the ceramics, strolling through the charming streets and alleys will transport you to ancient Roman times and the Renaissance. 
century was collected by the nobility of Europe for centuries and, appears to have extremely antique origins. It was probably the Benedictine monks, who first introduced glazed ceramics around the 12th century. Castelli maiolica was a favorite dinnerware of Russian Tsars. One of the most valued collections of Castelli ceramics is now housed at the Winter Palace of the Hermitage State Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. Castelli’s main church, San Donato whose modest appearance is deceptive as, upon entering the church, one cannot help admiring the tiled ceiling believed to have been decorated by the ceramics master Oracio Pompei or artists working from his studio with coats-of-arms, arabesques, human figures and animals.
Today, Castelli hosts an art institute and ceramics museum as well as many ceramics shops and studios. The Castelli ceramic museum is situated in the cloisters of an ancient convent, just outside the town, where display boards show the working methods and fragments discovered during archeological research. In August, a large market exhibition of current ceramic production is set up but it is possible to wander around the streets of the town anytime of the year and come across numerous craft shops and stores. Prices vary greatly depending on the type and decoration, the choice ranging from simple rustic-like crockery with the typical “floracci”, to the most refined imitations of antique collections maybe even decorated in pure gold. Monogrammed dinner-services can also be ordered or particular objects commissioned and decorated to one’s own personal taste, thus making the most of the workmanship of the craftsman. 
