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GREENBURGH, NY - Gabriela Rosas and her son Greemer Gonzalez walked towards a potluck lunch spread of chips and salsa, lentils, carrot salad, rice-filled peppers, perogies and cheese bread. While Rosas often attends the Greenburgh Public Library's Spanish/English conversation group, this week she brought Greemer to the special celebration of traditional Spanish food.
Since February, Wednesday afternoons at the library have been home to Diana Lennon's informal Spanish language meetings. Lennon, the library's Spanish liaison, began the classes as a way to help English speakers learn Spanish and to help Spanish speakers learn English.
"I feel like that's my job here," said Lennon. "It's to bring people together who wouldn't have normally crossed paths."
The class builds vocabulary, teaches expressions and helps with pronunciation. Greenburgh resident Gary Degaetano said Lennon's greatest skill is creating the speaking groups, pairing beginners with natives.
Ilene Rose, a frequent attendee from Greenburgh, called Lennon "motivating" with "great ideas." Ting Louman from Purchase applauded the groups helpfulness and patience.
Dobbs Ferry resident Olinda Salazar was happy to share her recipe for Huancayo Potatoes, a Peruvian potato dish made with feta cheese, unsalted crackers, yellow pepper, salt, evaporated milk and egg.
"I didn't expect a lunch like this," said Harold Rose of Greenburgh. "This is fantastic."
The Spanish/English conversation group meets Wednesdays at 2 p.m. but will be on hiatus during July and will return August 3.
To join call 914-721-8200.
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