This content was published: January 9, 2012. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Conversation Cafe gears up for a second term at Southeast
Photos and story by James Hill
The Conversation Cafe opened its doors to the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) community at Portland Community College’s Southeast Center last October. And now it will be a regular venue of sharing and entertaining again this term.
The cafe welcomes all ESOL students and native English-speaking students, faculty and staff.
The cafe opens from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., every Friday, and is held in Room 123, Mt. Tabor Hall, Southeast Center. Come join facilitator, Monica Wolfe for free coffee, treats, and conversation. Sit back, laugh, meet someone new, and watch an entertaining show. All the while you will practice speaking English and learn more about the many cultures that are present in this city.
The program is intended for adult students who have a basic understanding of the English language. The cafe has been a success due to the efforts of facilitator Monica Wolfe, ESOL Instructors Jennifer Hall and Sharon Hennessy, Adult Basic Skills Program Director Tanya Batazhan, Bonnie Young and Rose Laguerre.
“I see that the Conversation Café fulfills a unique purpose of the Southeast Center’s diverse community,” said Batazhan. “This is a true place of diversity, where people enjoy and honor the differences and have fun.”
The cafe welcomes all ESOL students and native English-speaking students, faculty and staff. Every week attendees can expect to meet more than 60 people at the cafe. From playing trivia games to dancing to world music the cafe sessions are always fun and inviting.
Representatives from PCC Career Pathways, ASPCC and the Women’s Resource Center have donated their time and services to educate and enhance student learning at the cafe. Local businesses like Le Petite Provence, Grand Central Bakery, New Seasons Market, and Starbucks have donated food and drinks to The Conversation Cafe.
For more information, call the Southeast ESOL program at (971) 722-6255, or email: conversation_cafe@lists.pcc.edu.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »