Georges Simenon was a prolific Belgian writer, most famous for his novels, des romans policiers, involving le Commisssaire Maigret. Simenon himself had a fascinating life in Paris, New York and Lausanne; his Wikipedia page gives a good overview. He wrote a total of 200 novels, many of which were adapted to film and TV (reaching a total of 171 productions). Thanks to a generous book donation to the Alliance bibliothèque, you will now find anywhere from 15-20 Simenon titles on the shelves at the Kamm House, free for loan to members. Simenon's books are also popular in Alliance  classes, including the current term's Saturday literature class.

With the summer being chock-full of French-connected events, here's a list of some handy links. For tickets to the Concours de Tartes aux Fruits tickets on August 8 (which are selling quickly), click here. To enter as a Chef in the Concours de Tartes aux Fruits, representing a restaurant or bakery, click here. To enter as a Waiter in the Portland Waiters Race, click here. To indicate you are planning to come to an organizational meeting of a French public-speaking group on July 19 (note: for upper-intermediate speakers to native fluent), click here. To find out about the authentic French prix-fixe dinner at Le Bouchon restaurant on July 14, click here; that July 14 event celebrates Le Bouchon Restaurant's 15th anniversary.  To volunteer specifically for helping at the Bastille Festival on July 13 in Director Park, click here. Lastly, to pick up a summer French class, (there's still time!), visit www.afportland.org or call 503.223.8388.

Children's Summer Camps at the Alliance begin next w eek - space is available in all camps, which are open to students of all levels of French (beginner to fluent) and from ages 3 to 14. Throughout the week-long camps, students will explore and develop the French language through myriad activities, including arts & crafts, song, dance, games and sports. Click here for the camp flyer and call the Alliance at 503.223.8388 to enroll your child.