In an attempt to offer a resource to immigrants, free English classes will be taught at the Johnson County Republican Party Headquarters in Cleburne.
“One of the big issues in the public eye is immigration,” Johnson County GOP Chairman Dan Hunt said. “If we are going to make a big deal about immigrants learning English, then we need to provide ways for them to learn it.”
Maryjane Brady of Alvarado will teach conversational English to adults. She presented the idea to the party’s executive committee in August, and the committee allowed her to hold the classes at the headquarters, 210 S. Main St.
“Maryjane has done this type of work in her life, and we thought since she is willing to invest her time, we wanted to provide a place for the classes,” said Roy Giddens, treasurer of the Johnson County Republican Party. “If she can help people learn English, that’s wonderful.”
Hunt said the executive committee believes Brady’s idea is fantastic.
“This is a way to provide service to the community with very little expense,” he said. “It is a very valuable service.”
Brady, who has been known to put on tap shoes and dress like a clown to entertain others, said she wants the classes to be interactive and fun for her students.
“I believe in animated teaching to illustrate language,” she said. “I love playing with language. It is such a fun thing to me.”
While living in Mexico, Brady taught three children to speak English. The experience gave her a desire to teach English to people who live in Johnson County.
“I love working with Mexicans,” she said. “They have such a wonderful sense of humor.”
Basic conversational English will be taught through jokes, songs, pictures, fill-in-the-blank worksheets and conversation.
Beginners will be separated from more advanced speakers so those who are more advanced can move as fast as they are able, she said.
Students will need to come twice a week to maintain progress, Brady said. They will have homework and would benefit from having someone at home who can work with them, she said.
“This is a way for the Republican Party to show the Hispanic community that we are here and they can interact with us,” Hunt said. “They will be able to hear directly from us and learn what we are about.”
Classes will be held from 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Tuesday. For information, call Brady at 817-783-7228.
Local News
Free English classes for adults will begin Tuesday
GOP says it wants to help immigrants
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May/June 2012 Community Life magazine
The May/June 2012 edition of Community Life magazine is available for online viewing. Click here to view.
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Primary election today
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator. Primary election day hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must vote at their precinct location. For information visit the Johnson County Election Office’s website at www.JohnsonCountyElections.com or call 817-556-6197.
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Officials, residents remember those who gave it all
A robust breeze alleviated the heat somewhat Monday morning at Cleburne Memorial Cemetery, but also played pandemonium with the setting up of a memorial table for POW and MIA veterans. Wind tipped a vase holding a single rose shattering it on the pavement. A hastily retrieved replacement held out but at one point toppled causing water to spill inches shy of the public announcement speaker.
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A mother’s love, one day at a time
To everyone else, it was a regular Thursday. It was almost the weekend, almost summer break, time for vacation or time with family.
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Candidates vie for Pct. 2, 3 seats
County voters will weigh in on three Johnson County Commissioners Court seats up for election on Tuesday. In addition to the five-candidate Precinct 1 race, voters living in precincts 2 and 3 will also vote for the commissioner of their choice.
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Primary could decide constables
Ten candidates, all Republican, compete in their four respective precincts in the May 29 primary. With no Democratic opponents to face in November’s general election, the primary should decide the winner of all but one possible race.
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Voters urged to check for possible precinct changes
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator.
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Early voting numbers well short of ’08
Early voting turnout in Johnson County’s Democratic and Republican primaries totaled 3,914 as of Friday morning. That total includes 309 votes in the Democratic Primary and 3,605 in the Republican Primary.
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Yellow Jackets headed to finals
GRAHAM — The Wichita Falls Rider pitching staff swam with sharks for most of five innings Friday, avoiding all but a few love taps and playful nips from Cleburne batters.
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Changes at Splash Station
Splash Station officially opens for the summer season this weekend, and those who frequented the park in years past may notice some modifications.
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