May 2015 – Page 43 – Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!

Rain in forecast for weekend; forecasters watch river levels

Widespread rain overnight and today was expected to range from a half-inch to more than 1 inch for many areas, according to the National Weather Service.

In some areas, the rain would prolong current flooding, but not induce new flooding, along area streams, creeks and some rivers, the weather service said.

Thunderstorms are possible Friday night through Monday, according to the weather service. It is too early to determine if the storms will be severe, but the potential to produce heavy rainfall likely will lead to new flooding, the weather service said.

A weather graphic from the weather service stated it is possible for more than 2 inches of rain to fall in Kansas City, Kan., through Memorial Day.

While there is a chance of rain in the area through the morning, Wednesday afternoon is clearing, with mostly cloudy skies in the forecast this afternoon, according to the weather service.

A glance at the hydrology charts for the Missouri River at Kansas City, the Kansas River at 23rd Street in Kansas City, Kan., and Turkey Creek at Southwest Boulevard showed that none of them are at the action stage, and are considerably below flood stage on Wednesday morning.

Thursday, the skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 65. Friday, there is a 30 percent chance of rain after 1 p.m. The high will be near 67.

Rain continues in the forecast each day from Friday through Tuesday, according to the weather service.

For more weather information, visit www.weather.gov.

A serenade for mothers at South Branch library

Mother’s Day was celebrated with a serenade on Saturday, May 16, at the South Branch Library, 3104 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan. (Photo from Patty Meza)

by Patty Meza

Hispanic families are traditionally matriarchal, and so, Mother’s Day is regarded as one of the most important holidays for this community. In a Hispanic home, mothers occupy a special place of honor every day of the year, but Mother’s Day is a day of extra special appreciation. It is a holiday that most connect emotionally with Hispanics.

One of the customs we embrace is to get together with a group of friends who are musically inclined. The musicians normally begin sometime not long after midnight on the night before Mother’s Day, making their rounds to first one house and another awakening mothers with the familiar strains of “Las Mañanitas,” Mexico’s lovely all-purpose song for serenades, birthdays, saints’ days and other celebrations.

At South Branch library, a program, Serenata Para Mama, was held on Saturday, May 16, to salute mothers. I had contact with a popular local singer, Sandra Zamora. and she aspired to give her free time and share her talent to a group of kids who wished to learn how to sing. Zamora’s wish was to have the kids perform a special song for their mothers. South Branch staff are truly appreciative of her volunteerism as well as great example and impressive talent.

Zamora also brought in a group of talented musicians who made an appearance to entertain all the mothers who were present. Alexia Romero was one of the performers. Alexia is a new local artist who won “la Voz Mi Raza” 2014.

Patty Meza is an adult services associate at the South Branch, Kansas City, Kan., Public Library.

KCKCC ESOL students celebrate graduation

KCKCC students recently celebrated graduation. (KCKCC photo) — KCKCC ESOL students recently celebrated graduation. (KCKCC photo)

by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC

Graduation came early for 11 students in Kansas City Kansas Community College’s ESOL program when they were recognized for completing the program’s required classes.

“We are always very proud to see students complete their studies and progress to the next step in their life journeys,” said Liz Holloway, ESOL instructor at KCKCC. “Knowing English is the key to success in the United States. Students gain the confidence that they CAN succeed through their improved language skills.”

Denia Baide from Honduras and Novie Iraman from Indonesia spoke during the May 12thgraduation ceremony. Both have been attending classes at KCKCC-Leavenworth.

“These two women have been in the United States for a year, while their husbands, who are officers in their own countries’ military forces are studying at Fort Leavenworth as guests of the U.S. Army,” Holloway said. “They spoke about the importance of making friends and improving their English through our class. Both described this as ‘the best year of their lives.’”

The goal of the ESOL program is to help students improve their English skills. Students can choose academic ESOL or adult basic education ESL classes, depending on their current fluency and personal goals. Students take the COMPASS ESL placement test upon their acceptance to KCKCC. The college uses those scores to determine which classes a student takes while in the program. Any student whose first language is not English or has not developed adequate academic English skills should meet with the ESOL department for assistance.

There are four levels in KCKCC’s program, allowing students to complete ESOL in two years. The program includes reading, listening and speaking, writing and grammar and vocabulary. During the first two semesters, students focus on language fundamentals and only take ESOL classes. Beginning in the third semester, schedules are more individualized, depending on the student’s fluency. Students who are able are given the option of taking classes outside the ESOL program.

“All students who complete our classes are ‘success stories,’” Holloway said of the program’s graduates, but “We were honored to have among our group this year, Kimberly Martinez, who plays on KCKCC’s volleyball team. We were also honored by having Mohammed Alhamami, who has made our ESOL program a true ‘family affair.’ His wife and daughter graduated from our program in December, and his sister, son, two nieces and a nephew are currently attending our classes.”

For more information on the ESOL program, to enroll or to make an appointment, call 913-288-7625 or 913-288-7380. Students can also stop by the ESOL Office, Room 3415, during normal office hours. Information is also available by emailing Liz Holloway ateholloway@kckcc.edu.

Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor at Kansas City Kansas Community College.