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Welcome to the Federation!

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Le Mot de la Présidente

 

Chers Amis;

At no time in these past two decades has Franco-American amitié been more important. Faced with uncertain times, we must work diligently to preserve, enhance and cherish our bonds with France, continuing our union for our common objectives.

Remembering that our network is only one of many that associate worldwide, we share the joy of fostering our friendships with France globally, and always improving our mission to embrace French language and culture.

Our Federation has been guided by many gifted volunteers over the years and it is a perfect moment to thank those board members whose terms have concluded, but leave their wisdom behind for all of us:

Jane Bernbach
Mary Emory
Wes Green

Thanks to each of you for your many contributions.

My thanks also, to Julie Lindquist and Claude Schlesinger for their generous donations of time to the Federation, we regret that you will not be continuing with us.

2009 will offer us many challenges. Every effort to retain our cultural and pedagogical grants will be made, remembering that deep pockets will have shorter hems this year. It will be a time for innovation and creative thinking when grant applications are made.

Each of you is represented by the Federation, and each of you is asked to share ideas that you may have with all the board members who represent you. As 2009 arrives, je vous adresse mes voeux les plus sincères de bonheur et santé, pour cette nouvelle année,

 

Mimi C. Gregory, Présidente

 

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The Federation Announces New Officers and Directors for 2009-2010

Mimi Gregory Elected New President

 

At the October 2008 National Meeting and Conference in Naples FL, the Board membership of the Federation elected:

President - Mimi Gregory (AF de Bonita Springs FL)

Vice Presidents:

Becca Brodarick (AF de Louisville KY)

Marie-Laure Arnaud (AF de Charleston SC)

Jack McCord (AF de Chicago IL)

Treasurer: Carole Crosby (AF de Grosse Pointe MI)

Corporate Secretary: Matthew Wyatt (AF de Nashville TN)

The Membership elected as new Board Members:

• Carole Crosby, (AF de Grosse Pointe MI)
• Matthew Wyatt (AF de Nashville TN)
• Eileen Brau (AF de Puerto Rico)
• Alwyn Rogier-Chapman (AF de Grand Rapids MI and AF de Charleston)

The new Board members serve, effective immediately, for a three year term with the possibility of a second 3-year term.

The Membership also approved the following amendment to the By-Laws:

• Henceforth, the Federation President will serve a 2-year term, with the possibility of re-election to a second 2-year term. The President will take office on January 1 following the election.
• Mimi Gregory's term of office will be 2 years with the possibility of a second 2-year term. She will take office January 1 2009.

The following members of the Board have retired at the expiration of their second 3-year terms:

• Jane Bernbach
• Mary Emory
• Wes Green

Jane Bernbach will remain President until December 31 2008 to ensure a smooth transition of the President's responsibilities. Other current officers will also remain in office until December 31, 2008

The following members of the Board did not stand for re-election to their second 3-year term:

• Julie Lindquist
• Claude Schlesinger

Dr. Christopher Pinet has resigned from the Federation Board.

 

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Prix de la Plume for 2008 Awarded to Claude Schlesinger

The Prix de la Plume, awarded yearly by the Federation for excellence in areas related to writing or publishing, has been awarded to Claude Schlesinger of the AF de la Nouvelle Orléans in recognition of more than ten years of service to the Federation.

 

Claude is a New Orleans native and former President of the AF de New Orleans. Claude and his family have always been devotees of France and French culture. He believes in promoting the French culture and language in the United States, particularly since it played such a prominent role in our Nation's history and in Louisiana's development, in particular. He also believes in promoting the exchange of the French culture and history with the American people who oftentimes (especially recently) have a somewhat isolationist perspective.

 

Previous winners of the Prix de la Plume include;

- Joe Rivlin (AF de Portland OR)

- Mary Emory (AF de MIlwaukee WI)

- Rebecca Valette (President, French Library Alliance Française de Boston)

 

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Great Photos from the Naples FL Annual Meeting

The Federation's Annual Meeting and Convention in Naples FL was a great hit and we took some very good photos, almost all taken by Larissa Rolley. You can see them online on the Federation's Picasa site. Here are a few but make sure to take a look at all of them.

Federation of Alliances Françaises - USA       Tel: 800-6 FRANCE       E-mail: federation@afusa.org
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