The Italian workshop has been an institution at Albuquerque's Bear Canyon Senior Center for several years, and it's wildly popular. Workshop leader, Alex Trujillo, reports that the group is at capacity, with 21 students. But don't let that deter you from calling the Center and leaving a message for Alex. Participation fluctuates as people go on vacation or move away, and he'll put you on a waiting list.

We have it on good authority that the wait is worthwhile. Alex Trujillo was raised in an Italian neighborhood in Raton, NM. He is a linguist and his resume is impressive. His first order of business is to make his weekly workshop fun and interactive. That's why he calls it a workshop and not a class. Participants read articles about Italy, answer and pose questions and become familiar with Italian vocabulary and expressions. Sessions are lively and interesting from the point of view of both Italian language and culture. It's not necessary to have any background or familiarity with the language to join the group and start learning. Interested? Leave a message for Alex at the Bear Canyon Senior Center at 4645 Pitt, NE, Albuquerque, 505-767-5959.

Source: Italy in New Mexico