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Portuguese language class sign-ups accepted
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It’s still not too late to take part in the Portuguese language class being offered by the Manteca Parks and Recreation Department.

But those who want to join the student roster for the current class being offered must register no later than Thursday, Sept. 15, with the Parks and Rec office.

There are a number of ways to register: online, by mail, walk-in, by fax, or by dropping off the completed form after office hours. Drop-off registrations, however, are not processed right away but at random with the next day’s other business mail. Drop off points are the Parks and Rec office door mail slot or in the City of Manteca Payment Drop Box in front of City Hall on Center Street.

The fee for the Portuguese class is $75 per participant; non-resident fees will apply. Classes will be held every Thursday at the Manteca Senior Center for eight weeks, from 6 to 8 p.m. The last class will be on Oct. 27.

The first class was held Sept. 8; however, sign-ups can still be accepted on Thursday. No sign-ups will be taken after that.

 “The class is geared to those who wish to improve their conversational Portuguese,” said class instructor, Mary Del Pino.

“Vocabulary, conjugation, dialects and nasal nuances of the language will be covered. This is an enrichment class, and should not be thought of as a college-credit class or course,” she clarified.

Handouts will be given from time to time but participants are advised to bring along a notebook.

Del Pino, who is fluent in Portuguese, is a certificated teacher who has taught English as a Second Language. She has also taught a series of Portuguese cultural classes at the Senior Center in Manteca for the past two years. Recently, on Aug. 11, she was the featured guest speaker at the Manteca Historical Museum’s monthly program. Her topic was Portuguese immigration and the Portuguese community in Manteca.

Those who are interested in registering online can download a copy of the registration form by logging on to the city web site at http://www.ci.manteca.ca.us/parks/ and simply follow the instructions. Completed registration forms may be faxed to (209) 923-8953; however, credit card payment will be required.

The Manteca Parks and Recreation office is located at 252 Magnolia Avenue just behind City Hall, tel. (209) 456-8600.

The Manteca Senior Center is located at 295 Cherry Lane behind the Police Department office on West Center Street.