Classes Resume
WeÕve been on vacation so long you may need a reminder that classes resume this Friday, January 9th. WeÕre looking forward to seeing everyone.
Leftover holiday treats are welcome in the Social Room. Bring them along even if you havenÕt signed up to do so.
Upcoming Noon Programs
Italian Program on Friday, January 9th at noon: Max Ambrosio will speak (in Italian) about his hometown of Brescia. Located in Lombardy, in northern Italy, Brescia has been an important regional center since pre-Roman times. Join us after classes at 12:00 for what promises to be an entertaining and informative talk!
French Program On Friday, January 30th at noon: Anne de Montille, a native of France, will speak in French about the arrondissements (districts) of Paris, where she was born and raised. Anne has a BA in History from La Sorbonne, a Master of Political Science from the University of Law in Paris, and a year of study toward a doctorate in Communication/Public Relations/Advertising, at La Sorbonne. She speaks French, English, German, and Spanish.
Lyric Opera Program on Friday, February 6th at noon: Don Dagenais, a board member of the Lyric Opera Guild, will speak (in English!) on the upcoming production of Giuseppe VerdiÕs La Traviata, which will be presented (in Italian) by the Lyric Opera starting on March 14th.
French Program on Friday, March 6th at noon: Helene Cohen, a native French speaker from Montreal, Canada, will speak in French about Carla Bruni, wife of Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France.
Condolences
Jane Loftus Fazio Hahan, former president of La Causerie (1995-1997), passed away on November 18, 2008 at the age of 85. She was a lifelong Francophile and fluent in French. She also earned a BA in Spanish and worked for a period of time as a translator. We extend our sympathy to her family.
Epiphany Church Service in French
St. PaulÕs Episcopal Church (11 E 40th St., Kansas City, MO) will offer La Fte de LÕEpiphanie, church services in French, on January 6th at 6:00 pm. Tout le monde est le bienvenu – Everyone is welcome! Even if you donÕt study French, or donÕt feel youÕre fluent, the church invites you to come for the experience.
Holiday Party
About 50 members enjoyed the holiday party on December 12th. Special thanks to our social chairs, Carol Cowden and Jeff Piehler, for all their efforts to make it enjoyable. We ate very well, sampling from a wide variety of dishes prepared by members. The cheese tasting provided by Better Cheddar was a special treat and cause for great conversation (particularly the one that is sometimes fermented in caves with the friendly help of maggots).
Because of the generosity of our members, each of our teachers received a $100 bonus along with a gift bag full of Kansas City treats, including caramel corn from Velvet Crme Popcorn and a bottle of Gates Barbeque Sauce (intended to be enjoyed separately, of course). Thanks to all of you who contributed to the holiday bonus fund.
Snow Policy
La Causerie Franaise follows the Shawnee Mission School District practice on snowy or icy days. If the Shawnee Mission District closes its schools due to bad weather, La Causerie will also be closed. In case of inclement weather, please listen to the list of school closings on television and radio or check the DistrictÕs website.
January 9 Classes resume; Italian program with Max Ambrosio at noon
January 30 French Program with Anne de Montille at noon
February 6 Lyric Opera Program with Don Dagenais at noon
March 6th French Program with Helene Cohen at noon
First person to call: Alicia Girardeau, assistant to the board. Home: 816-237-1710 Cell: 816-582-1711
President Dalene
Bradford
1st Vice President (Membership Chair) Judith
Walter
2nd Vice President (Social Chair) Jeff
Piehler (co-chair)
Carol
Cowden (co-chair)
Secretary Judy
Pearlstein
Assistant Secretary (Newsletter) Paula
Kartus Treasurer Inez
Pennington
Assistant Treasurer (Textbook Chair) Joan
Daniels