Click here for PDF version.

Franco-American Centre Franco-Américain

Celebrating French Language, Culture & Heritage since 1990
September 2019 Newsletter
Bulletin de septembre 2019

Été 2019 en bref

Summer in Review

As the summer winds down and the crisp fall air reminds us another season is upon us, we like to look back on the events that are now history, but not forgotten. Here’s a look at key dates for the summer of 2019. Thank you all for the fond memories!

2019 NH PoutineFest

What a day!! On June 23rd, the FAC hosted the annual NH PoutineFest. We were very excited to be at our new venue at the beautiful Anheuser Busch grounds in Merrimack.

Thanks to the extra space, we were able to offer so much more to our guests. We had a stage for bands and special announcements, including the special presentation of the Franco-American of the Year Award to Miss Doris Proulx.
We also had a Kids’ Corner with face painting, games, coloring books and special kids swag! At the entrance, we had violinists and dancers waiting to greet you with traditional Quebec music and dances. And, of course, the raison d’être of the Fest, the Poutine! Samples were steaming hot and delicious! Competition was fierce, so many great restaurants to choose from. In the end, however, The Foundry from Manchester, NH, won the coveted Championship Belt. Everything was so delicious! A special Thank You to all our volunteers, we could not run this event without you!

Letter from the President

Over the past several years, there has been remarkable new interest in ancestry research. DNA home test kits and genealogy websites are leading people to uncover the story of their families’ histories.
In NH, that story is likely to involve French ancestry more than any other group. In fact, Granite Staters have a nearly 1 in 4 chance, higher than any other state, that they will discover French in their family tree.
These are not just dull numbers. They hint at a story. How did that French get there? What effects on the broader culture has it left? How do people identify with it today?
Part of the mission of the Franco-American Centre is to be here when people begin to understand the French influence in their own lives, and help them to become more in touch with it.
Over the last 29 years, we’ve run a French language school, held speaker events, and exhibitions of art and film. These, and more, have served to tell the tales of adversity and success that give context to the modern Franco-American presence. The Franco-American Centre celebrates the present day as well. We hold food festivals (NH PoutineFest, Beaujolais Nouveau Gala), monthly discussion groups, and straight-up parties (Mardi Gras, Soirée Noël). We are working to enliven the culture we’ve inherited, and we’re having fun doing it!
If you’re reading this and you’re just discovering your own French ancestry, or just developing an interest in French, bienvenue! We welcome you to discover what we offer! Follow us on Facebook. Come to our events.
If you’re already aware of the FAC and are committed to seeing the community goes on for generations to come, then I’m asking for your help.
The activities of an organization like the FAC don’t just happen. They depend on the contributions of volunteers, sponsors and donors.
If you’re a regular attendee to an event, I encourage you to ask the organizer how you can help. From simple chores like setting up to following your muse and starting a whole new activity, the FAC depends on people! If time is difficult to spare, please consider a monthly pledge.
If you are in business, we would be happy to spread the message of your brand at our events and via our online channels. Please contact [email protected] to start a conversation.
Merci beaucoup et j’ai hâte de vous voir à nos événements!
Joe Theriault
President, Franco-American Centre

2019-2020 Board of Trustees

Annual Incorporators Meeting

The summer started June 13th at the FAC with our annual Incorporatos’ meeting. As always, the meeting allows the FAC staff and Board of Trustees the opportunity to update the Incorporators on FAC happenings and share plans for upcoming events and activities. During the course of the meeting, the Incorporators elected the members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) for the 2019-2020 year. After the annual meeting, the newly elected BOT voted for the Executive Board: President, Joe Theriault; Vice-President, Jo-Ann Belanger; Treasurer, Doris Ballard and Secretary, Joanne Craighead. Thank you all for your support. We are excited about the coming year working hand in hand with the FAC Board!

 

Franco-American of the Year – Miss Doris Proulx

Congratulations Doris Irène Proulx, Franco-American of the year! Doris was born and raised in Manchester New Hampshire, grew up bilingual in French and English. The culmination of her education earned her Masters of Education degree. She then dedicated 38 years as a guidance counselor at Manchester High School West

.
Miss Proulx wishes to convey her sincere appreciation for this award and vows to continue to promote our French language and heritage. You can find her biography in our previous blog post.

 

 

Franco-American Heritage Baseball Game

On June 24th, the Fisher Cats hosted a Franco-American Heritage baseball game. The team wore a Montreal Expos style jersey for the occasion and added plenty of French-Canadian flair to the day, including an announcer from Quebec. A great time was had by all!

Fisher Cats in their Franco Shirts!

FAC Staff guests.

 

 

Acadian Family Day

The Acadian family day was a success with about 30 people attending ranging in age from 2 to 72. Joining with Acadians around the globe in celebrating the rich Acadian heritage, participants shared picnics while playing games to the beat of Acadian and Cajun tunes.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Halfway to Mardi Gras

Halfway to Mardi Gras was a success this year at Madear’s! We enjoyed crawfish stuffed deviled eggs, fried chicken, collard greens, boudin balls, mac and cheese, and King Cake! Everything was so delicious! We had families and friends joining together to celebrate the halfway point to Mardi Gras! There were drinks to be had and a bit of dancing from the little ones! Madear’s authentic Cajun atmosphere and food created a festive environment where everyone could be Cajun for the evening.

 

Get Involved!

The FAC is always planning various events and activities. Make sure you don’t miss out!

• Sign up to receive our email notifications.
• Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• Visit FACNH.com regularly, we’re constantly updating our calendar.

2019 Coming Events:

And so much more!