AFNWCT Receives Town Recognition

Our organization received an award at the Southbury Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held on October 25 at B’nai Israel in Southbury. Attending and representing our group was Lea and Anik de Giverny Claflin, Carol Donahue and Marda Gutierrez.

IMG_5848Our Group award is now hanging in our AF Center and reads:

Citation for Voluntary Service

Town of Southbury

Volunteer Appreciation Committee

Let it be known that

Alliance Francaise of Northwestern CT

Is hereby recognized as an organization that has rendered significant contributions
for the enhancement of our Town and the betterment of our residents.

Providing a truly remarkable contribution with the gift of Education

Whereas this Citation for Voluntary Service is presented on behalf of the
residents of the Town of Southbury

This the 25th Day of October 2015

Nancy Callahan was also recognized with a citation as an Exemplary Personal Service Recipient. She was nominated for this award in particular for her work on our special “La Vie Parisienne” May 3 Fundraiser, where she created three Parisian street “scenes”: a Montmartre Café, a Seine River used book stall, a Flower cart and special blue. white and red flower table decorations for all the tables. When people entered the room, they felt like they had been transported to Paris! Typically, Nancy starts planning the overall “look” and theme months before an event and then begins collecting objects, paper products that match a color scheme, special items that will enhance the theme… She then spends hours prior to an event to set everything up as according to her creative vision. She makes the room look inviting and beautiful. She always stays afterwards to help clean up. Her hard work in contributing to the overall success of an event goes above and beyond the call of volunteer duty.

At our Annual Meeting, Nancy was also recognized as “Volunteer of the Year” and presented with a gift certificate in appreciation for her work this past year.

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AFNWCT Annual Meeting – Saturday, October 17

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The Alliance Française of Northwestern CT Annual General Meeting

On Saturday, October 17, several members attended a pre-meeting reception with a delicious breakfast of croissants, fresh fruit and hot beverages prior to our official meeting.IMG_5825

Annual Meeting Agenda:

  1. 2014-2015 Financial Report
  2. Language School Report
  3. Membership Report
  4. Activities & Committee Reports
  5. Overview of Culturethèque
  6. Presentation of 2015-2016 Budget
  7. 2015-2016 Programs

This meeting was a good opportunity to better understand your organization, learn about last year’s accomplishments and suggest ideas to move us forward to sustain and grow our organization… Those who are interested in receiving a copy of the presentation may send an email to afnwct@afnwct.org.

volunteerBecome more involved by serving on a committee. Most members find it quite fulfilling to actively serve on a committee.

Here is a list of our Committees, their Chairperson and contact info in case you have questions or would like to volunteer your time:

  • Hospitality: Nancy Callahan hospitalite@afnwct.org
  • Program: Chair position OPEN programmes@afnwct.org
  • Language School Advisory: Chair position OPEN ecole@afnwct.org
  • Membership: Rolly Grover cotiser@afnwct.org
  • Finance: Jean-Marie Gutierrez, finances@afnwct.org
  • Website: George Roberts, web@afnwct.org
  • Publicity: Mary Conseur, publicity@afnwct.org
  • 2016 95th Anniversary Event: Gail Gros/Nancy Callahan

Heures d'OuvertureWe’re also seeking volunteers who would like to help us maintain a set schedule of weekly or monthly Office Opening times. We would publish these times on our website to communicate when the AF Center is open so members and interested people can come by, browse/borrow from our vast French Mediathèque collection and/or ask questions. Please send me an email (afnwct@afnwct.org)  if you are interested in volunteering 2-3 hours/month.

Thank you for your continued support and membership.

Marda Gutierrez, President

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