Thanks to our two experienced niçois members, Jean-Marie and Marcel, the Alliance Française of Northwestern CT had for the first time a Pétanque league that ran from June through October 2016. Trainings were held at in May so that each “non-initiated” player could learn the proper techniques, the rules of the game and some strategy.

Each of the 16 league participants played at least one game against all the others, in teams of two, rotating the teams three times. Maître Jean-Marie maintained and updated regularly the spreadsheet with the schedule of games to be played, points scored from each game and helped to coordinate new scehdules each time someone had a conflicting schedule. Fortunately, we had two courts for the matches: one in Southbury and one in Bethlehem. Part of the fun was the ‘après-jeu’ snacks and Pastis” served after each match.

The weather cooperated for most of the summer up until the final round that was scheduled for Sunday, the 9^th of October, bien sûr, when Hurricane Matthew decided to come up the coast. Since the celebratory dinner was already in the works, we came together anyway to enjoy some delicious potluck hors d’oeuves and delightful conversations.

Miraculously, the rain stopped early enough to allow the top four players: Marcel, Jean-Marie, Terri and Jim D, to play their final round. The weather was not ideal – around 53 degrees and damp, but having been exposed via Twitter to #ExtremePetanque, the players decided they were up to the challenge! (Notice the change of clothing from the early hot summer matches in shorts to the ponchos, sweaters, jackets and hats for the finals.)

To add to the excitement, there was a tie for first place so Terri and Jean-Marie had to play another game: finishing just before dark.

WINNERS: 1^st place Gold was Jean-Marie, 2^nd place Silver was Terri and 3^rd place Bronze was Jim D and 4^th place was Marcel. Once the medals ceremony was concluded, everyone went back inside to get warm and eat our final courses, including cheese and dessert and some sparkling wine.

We’re sure to have another league next year so watch for the signups in late Spring. You won’t want to miss out on all the fun!

It’s clear when you watch the videos that these players were the top four.

THERE ARE MORE PHOTOS OF THE SEASON AND THE FINALS

During the recent GIVE LOCAL of Greater Waterbury & Litchfield Hills fund raising campaign the Alliance Francaise of Northwestern Connecticut was extremely fortunate to receive $1720 from more than 25 generous members and friends.

We recently received the information regarding the website transaction fees – slightly reduced to compensate for the website glitches that happened for most of the first day of giving. More importantly, we were delighted to be awarded $151.12 in bonus funds from the Connecticut Community Foundation and its generous sponsors.

These funds will enhance our French Language School, provide funds for instructional resources such as guides, textbooks, CDs and DVDs; help us develop training workshops for area French language teachers and support guest speakers for our cultural and educational programs.

We wish to thank all our generous donors who believe in and support our mission to promote the French language and the many cultures of the Francophone world.

Donations are always welcome. Click HERE to go to our DONATIONS page.

AFNWCT Board of Directors roles & responsibilities:

• Provide the overall leadership and strategic direction to AFNWCT
• Set policies
• Ensure adequate resources to carry out the mission and vision of AFNWCT
• Serve as ambassador to the community, encouraging others to support AFNWCT

To volunteer for any of the following Officer or Board of Director positions, please click HERE to submit your name to the Nominating Committee or call (203) 707-0710 no later than June 15.
A brief description of the open positions are as follows:
President: Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to develop and implement programs and strategies to make continuous progress towards the achievement of our core mission. Maintain the fiscal integrity of the organization to reflect present needs and future potential.
Vice President: Preside at meetings in the absence of the President. (Ideally this position is combined with a Committee Chair position.)
Secretary: Record the minutes of meetings of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and of the general membership and any other meetings as may occur.
Treasurer: Record all financial transactions; maintain the membership list; prepare and submit quarterly reports to the Board of Directors, present the Annual financial report to the general membership at the Annual meeting.
Language School Director: Organize class schedules, manage potential student inquiries; select teachers, conduct routine observations and evaluations of teachers and devise and implement a student satisfaction/evaluation form.
Program Committee Chair: Plan and organize the annual calendar to include at least one special educational or cultural event per quarter; collaborate with guest speakers and other committee chairs to implement and publicize the educational and cultural programs.
Membership Committee Chair: Develop techniques to recruit new members; seek out and procure business partnerships that increase the value of being a member; help new members feel welcome and become involved.
Hospitality Committee Chair: Provide a warm, inviting environment for attendees; collaborate with program committee and volunteers to ensure the set-up and cleanup of special events.
Publicity Committee Chair: Collaborate with program committee to ensure events and programs are publicized through print, on-line and social media; assist in managing official afnwct.org website, Facebook, Twitter and other such website accounts.
Board Member/Legal Consultant: Review governing documents and contracts for the Board; assist in ensuring legal compliance of state and federal laws.
Board Member: Please identify your area of expertise where you feel you can add value to our organization.

To be considered for any Board position, please be sure to submit your name to the Nominating Committee at: conseil@afnwct.org no later than June 15. All Members (no matter how long you’ve been a member) are welcome and encouraged to join the Board.

WE ALSO NEED:
Committee Member Volunteers: (Program, Membership, Hospitality and Publicity: see descriptions above) Please send your name to volunteer to assist with any or all of these committees by clicking HERE.

Thank you for your consideration and continued support!
Best regards,
Marda Gutierrez, President

One of my favorite French traditions is giving bouquets of Muguets (Lily of the Valley) to friends and family members for the 1st of May.  I love its fragrance and their delicate bells-shaped white flowers accented against the tall green leaves make a beautiful display – indoors and out.

The Muguet, originally from Asia and Japan more precisely, has adapted to the climate of France since its arrival during the Middle Ages. It has long time been a symbol of renewal and Spring and, since Charles IX started the tradition of offering Muguets on May 1, as a token of “bonheur” or good luck.

Since 1936, it has also been associated with Labor Day, celebrated in France on May 1st. Long ago, when workers would demonstrate, they would wear a red triangle on their lapel as a symbol of the 3 divisions of time in a day: work, sleep and leasure. The triangle was replaced by the “églantine” rose and then by the Muguet.

For weeks leading up to the 1st of May, in France, in preparation of the holiday, you would easily find plants and bouquets sold in florist shops and on street corners… This year, remarkably for our New England weather, you’ll probably find them in your own yard! So have a look around, pick a few flowers and leaves and share them with your friends and family!

Bonne Fête!