Enrollment is now in progress for the 10-week Winter Term that runs January-March. There's something for everyone, from True Beginners who want to experience the language for the first time, to contemporary literature for those wanting to maintain a long-held mastery of the language. There are three options for enrolling: enroll securely online at www.afportland.org, or by calling the Alliance office, or by attending the Open House on Thursday, Dec. 11. Enroll on or by Dec. 11 and get a 10% discount off the class fee!  Questions? Call our office at 503.223.8388 or emailing info@afportland.org.  

Two options for French-themed holiday shopping in Portland!

  FAIS Holiday Market: The public is invited to attend the French American International School's Holiday Market in the school's gym near Forest Heights (8500 NW Johnson Street, near the intersection of NW Cornell and NW Miller), Saturday, Dec. 6, 10am-3pm. Enter the free class raffle at the Alliance booth, chat with French vendors, and do some holiday shopping.     

  MAISON ECLECTIQUE, owned by Alliance members Veronique Landier (from Paris) and her husband Philippe (from Bordeaux), has just stocked up on holiday inventory that features authentic, time-tested products from artisans and vendors in France who have years (and sometimes centuries) of history. Shop for Provence linens, Opinel knives, Charrier perfumes, berets, CDs and more. Visit the store at SE Division and 37th, as well as their Facebook page, to find French-themed gifts. And don't forget, Alliance members save 10% on purchases.   

   OTHER TIPS: Costco currently has cases of Perrier on sale ($3.50) off. . . If you missed the Beaujolais Nouveau wine (released Nov. 20) you may be able to find Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau at Safeway, New Seasons and World Market. Other places such as Bales Thriftway and Costco have already sold out of the popular seasonal wine. 

New to the Alliance or wishing to talk with a teacher to discuss options before confirming your class registration? Wishing to connect with other Francophiles, practice your French, or find out about the benefits of membership in the nation's 8th largest Alliance? Then stop by the historic Kamm House in Goose Hollow (near Providence Park, formerly PGE Park and Jeld-Wen Field) on  Thursday, Dec. 11, for our complimentary Portes Ouvertes (Open House), 6:15pm to 7:45pm. Current and prospective members and students are invited to come by to socialize, enjoy refreshments (including gourmet chocolates) and get to know the Alliance programs. Free parking in our nearby lot.  

On Friday, January 23 at 6:15pm, Neil and Joan Malling will present on the highlights of the canals and rivers of France. The Mallings have skippered their own boat through the inland waterways of France since 2002. They will share highlights of their travels on the Seine and Rhone rivers as well as canals in Burgundy and the South of France. They will also compare the pleasures of traveling on a river cruise with the intimacy of cruising by hotel barge. Joan and Neil have presented to Alliance members several times over the past few years; this presentation contains new and updated information. Reserve in advance, $5 for Alliance members and $10 for non-members. Click here for online reservations for the January 23rd presentation. 

Claudine Fisher, the former Honorary Consul of France in Oregon, helped celebrate the special recognition of members of the French-American community at the recent Beaujolais Nouveau festival at the Heathman. A key honoree  was Mr. Don Young (shown here at right), who was named Vigneron d'Honneur for the festival, as its longtime ambassador and supporter. These and other photos will  be available for viewing online next week, compliments of the Alliance and professional photographers Katharine Kimball and Heather Heaton.