U.S. Holidays

The US is a country filled with many different kinds of cultures and traditions so that means that there's also many kinds of holidays as well. Because there is just so many holidays that many people outside the US don't know about I wanted to make a little calendar list of all of the them for you guys.

September

Sept 1 Labor Day

Sept 6 Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day
Sept 7 National Grandparents Day
Sept 11 Patriot Day

Sept 17 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

Sept 19 National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Sept 23 September equinox

Sept 28 Gold Star Mother's Day

October
Oct 6 Child Health Day
Oct 9 Leif Erikson Day
Oct 13 Columbus Day
Oct 15 White Cane Safety Day
Oct 16 Boss's Day
Oct 18 Sweetest Day
Oct 23 Diwali/Deepavali
Oct 31 Halloween

November
Nov 2 Daylight Saving Time ends
Nov 11 Veterans Day
Nov 27 Thanksgiving Day

DecemberDec 1 Cyber Monday
Dec 6 St Nicholas' Day
Dec 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Dec 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Dec 17 Pan American Aviation Day
Dec 17 Wright Brothers Day
Dec 21 December Solstice
Dec 24 Christmas Eve
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Kwanzaa
Dec 31 New Year's Eve

JanuaryJan 1 New Year's Day
Jan 13 Stephen Foster Memorial Day
Jan 19 Martin Luther King Day

FebruaryFeb 1 National Freedom Day
Feb 2 Groundhog Day
Feb 6 National Wear Red Day
Feb 14 Valentine's Day
Feb 16 Presidents' Day
Feb 17 Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday
Feb 19 Chinese New Year

March

Mar 1 St. David's Day
Mar 2 Read Across America Day
Mar 8 Daylight Saving Time starts
Mar 17 St. Patrick's Day
Mar 20 March equinox

AprilApr 5 Easter Sunday
Apr 6 National Tartan Day
Apr 13 Thomas Jefferson's Birthday
Apr 15 Tax Day
Apr 21 National Library Workers' Day
Apr 22 Administrative Professionals Day

MayMay 1 Law Day/Loyalty Day
May 2 National Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Day
May 5 Cinco de Mayo
May 6 National Nurses Day
May 7 National Day of Prayer
May 10 Mothers' Day
May 15 Peace Officers Memorial Day/National Defense Transportation Day
May 16 Armed Forces Day
May 20 Emergency Medical Services for Children Day
May 22 National Maritime Day
May 25 Memorial Day/National Missing Children's Day

JuneJun 6 D-Day
Jun 14 Flag Day
Jun 21 June Solstice
Jun 21 Fathers' Day

July
Jul 4 Independence Day
Jul 26 Parents' Day

AugustAug 14 My Birthday!!! :P
Aug 19 National Aviation Day
Aug 21 Senior Citizens Day

These are just a few in the many number of holidays celebrated in the US and most I have never heard of before. But I do hope this list helps you to recognize or learn some of the holiday's that we celebrate or observe here. I hope you all have had a wonderful summer and I can't wait to meet you guys in the next few weeks!

by Kemia
For a list of holidays and breaks at EMU, visit http://www.emich.edu/registrar/calendars/.

Top 10 Must See Places in Michigan!

While attending EMU you are not limited to just Ypsilanti and the surrounding cities
in the area. Michigan is a huge place and has a variety of things to offer for people to see. So I have compiles a list of the top 10 places that I think are a must see when your in Michigan.

10. The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village

The Museum not only shows the life of Henry Ford and the history of the Ford Motor Company but also shows artifacts from America's history as well. Some of these artifacts are the bed used in army camps by President George Washington, the chair President Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was assassinated and the limousine President John F. Kennedy was riding in when he was assassinated.

Next to the museum is Greenfield Village which is a living history museum that shows life in America in its early days. It also includes a farm, Thomas Edison's workshop and a Ford's Model T car.

9. Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth a.k.a "Muth" a.k.a. "Little Bavaria", is a little German city in Michigan. The town was founded by Bavarian immigrants from Germany back in 1845 and the town (as well as the surrounding towns) still holds on to these roots. The city is mostly known for Bronner's Christmas Wonderland which is supposedly the worlds largest Christmas store.

Me and my family used to visit every year to visit the Bavarian-themed shops and restaurants. It really is an interesting little town and I recommend anyone in Michigan to stop by.

8. Mackinac Island

To get to this gorgeous little place you take a ferry boat and once you finally get there you are taken back to a Victorian time. Motorized vehicles are banned so bicycles, horseback, and horse-drawn carriages are the norm. The island is a national historic site and the majority of the island is a national park. I have never been there myself but the island hosts lilac, fudge, and music festivals.

7. Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes is a National Lakeshore that takes up a large portion of Michigan's eastern coastline. This park was mainly established for its beauty and it includes forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena.

I have never been to this park either but in 2011 the area won the title of "The Most Beautiful Place in America" from Good Morning America.

6. Great Lakes

Michigan is surrounded by three lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. Lake Michigan has the largest surface area of any freshwater body in the world and tons of people come here to camp, swim, picnic, fish and hike. On the coastline of the lakes include beach towns, wineries, golf courses, lighthouses, and amusement parks. I have had the privilege to visit all of these lakes as well as 4 of the 5 total great lakes (the fourth being Lake Ontario). All of them are equally gorgeous so you only need to visit one.

5. The General Motors Building

The General Motors Building is the tallest building in Michigan and is still home to General Motors and sits in the city of Detroit. Inside the building includes shops, restaurants, a hotel, and other businesses that you can visit. Also the building houses a movie theater that me and my friends used to regularly visit which shows movies for 5$ before 6:00 p.m. Behind the building is the river walk which sits on the Detroit river across from Canada. You can walk up and down this riverfront and just enjoy the sights or go get an ice cream and ride the carousel. It is a nice change from the hustle and bustle of the city.

4. Dearborn
The city of Dearborn was the home of Henry Ford and is the world headquarters of the Ford Motor Company. Even though this city was settled by French farmers in the 18th century, it is known for having the most people of middle eastern descent outside of any middle eastern country. So because of this fact it is not uncommon at all to see signs in Arabic or buildings, shops, and restaurants dedicated to middle eastern culture.

3. Belle Isle

Belle Isle is an island state park located on the Detroit River and is between the US and Canada. It is connected to Detroit by the MacArthur bridge and is the largest city-owned island park in the US. The island is home to the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Belle Isle Conservatory, the Belle Isle Nature Zoo, the Detroit Yacht Club on an adjacent island, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, a Coast Guard station, a municipal golf course and many other numerous monuments.

 

2. Ambassador Bridge/Detroit-Windsor Tunnel


The Ambassador Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects Detroit with Windsor, Ontario, in Canada. It is the busiest international border crossing in North America and is one of the only two Canada–US border crossings, the other being the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is an underground tunnel connecting Detroit with Windsor, Ontario in Canada. So if you are planning on visiting Canada these will be your ways of getting there.

1. Motown Historic Museum

Because I am an avid music lover my top place to see in Michigan is Hitsville USA/Motown Historic Museum. It was the first studio and offices of Motown Record Corporation  where the company got its first start to produce hit records. You can go in and see where stars like Smoky Robinson and the Miracles, Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Temptations, the Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye stood as they recorded music. Also it was not only a recording studio but was once the home of Berry Gordy Jr. who is the founder of Motown. You can view exhibits explaining the company's entire history, listen to Motown music and buy souvenirs.

There are so many things Michigan has to offer, too many to list but I hope that my list helps you to narrow your decision on a place to visit or tour during your stay here.

by Kemia

Getting around Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor and beyond

Bus- The Ride 

Around the EMU campus

There is a bus that has a route around campus and to the College of Business that does not required the EMU discount pass, but only requires you to have an EMU ID card.

In Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor

Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor have an excellent bus system that helps students get around. EMU students can get a discount monthly bus pass. These bus passes can be bought at the Parking office in the Public Safety building and the Cashier's office in Pierce Hall. Using Google Maps, you can select the bus icon and figure out the bus routes and how long it takes to get to your destination.

Express Ride

The bus system also has special passes (different than the EMU discount passes) called ExpressRide to get to Chelsea and Canton from Ann Arbor.

AirRide

The AirRide is a bus that goes between the Detroit Metro Airport and Ann Arbor.

 

Hertz on Demand

EMU has a car share program that allows students to rent a car right on campus! Click here for more information about the Hertz on Demand program.

 

Parking your car on campus

Some students choose to have a car on campus. To park the car on campus, a student must have a parking hang tag (parking pass). Parking department in the Public Safety building can assist students in purchasing parking passes. To see where students may park, visit http://www.emich.edu/maps/campus_map.pdf.



As a reminder, the State of Michigan requires all cars to have valid registration and car insurance. The Michigan Secretary of State has information about owning a vehicle.

OIS hosts the Secretary of State and Social Security Administration on campus each September. To learn more about this event, visit https://www.emich.edu/ois/ssndlday.html.

Do you have questions? Leave a comment!
by: Emily, Office of International Students Advisor

Things you must do whilst going to school in Michigan

Going to school in Michigan is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you must take advantage of! There are so many places to see and do within a few hours drive away from campus (most are even closer). No matter if your interest are based around outdoor activities, or something more sight-based, I have a list of four places that are a MUST-DO whilst you are here, and hopefully one of these you will find interesting!

The first on the list is something close to campus (less than an hours drive away) – The Detroit Eastern Market. The Detroit Eastern Market is held each Saturday, and is a huge event within the Detroit area. If you’re willing to spend a morning or afternoon slowing making your way through the stalls, than this is the activity for you. Going to the Detroit Eastern Market is a perfect place to see local produce, and invest money back into the Detroit community. Here is a link to it’s website: http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com

Next up is for those of you who are into the thrill of adventures: Cedar Point. Now, although this theme park is located in Ohio, it is less than two hours away from campus! This is also a great way to have a reason to see another state in America outside of Michigan. Cedar Point has many rides and if you enjoy the water, there is a water park just next door. Cedar Points’ website: https://www.cedarpoint.com

The final two activities on the list are natural wonders that you must see: Sleeping Bear Dunes and Niagara Falls. Lets start off with Sleeping Bear Dunes. Sleeping Bear Dunes has the biggest sand dunes that I have ever seen! They are located at Lake Michigan (one of the five great lakes) and it is about a ten minutes walk down the dunes to get to Lake Michigan, however, about an hour and a half climb to get back up to the top. I know that it sounds exhausting, but the view is amazing, and it is always nice to have a swim in the clear-water lake before climbing back up. Here is Sleeping Bear Dunes website: http://www.sleepingbeardunes.com . The other is Niagara Falls. I’m sure most of you have heard of Niagara Falls and how is it located in both Canada and America, but if you want my personal opinion the drive to the Canadian side of the falls is worth you time. You are able to visit the falls year round, and so no matter when you go I’m sure it will be an experience to remember. You could go in Winter, and you might be lucky enough to see the falls frozen, or if you don’t enjoy the could too much, maybe going in Fall or Spring is the time for you. The website: http://niagarafallstourism.com

Although not all of these activities will sound exciting to you, I hope at least one does, as they really are worth you going an experience each place as their own. I encourage you to make the most of your time in America and see as many places as you are able to whilst you are here.

by Adele

To meet our HELLO! team, visit www.emich.edu/ois/teamhello.

For a complete checklist, visit www.emich.edu/ois/checklist.