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Quoi de neuf / Infolettre
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Many in Portland's Franco-American community are reaching out to express their sadness at the tragic events this week in Paris. Click here for a speech (after a brief ad) delivered in French by John Kerry, condemning the attack. Click here for a Washington Post article with background about Charlie Hebdo, here for a French Facebook tribute page, and here for an MSN.com gallery of 23 Reuters photos (each is captioned with the location) of vigils held yesterday throughout Europe.
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The Vous/Tu Diagram & More
The previous bulletin listed some of the most popular 2014 links to revisit. Readers have suggested another favorit e: the tongue-in-cheek chart on when to use "tu" and "vous," developed by William Alexander, author of the book, Flirting With French: How a Language Charmed Me, Seduced Me, and Almost Broke My Heart. Two new links of interest: advanced students and native speakers will enjoy this academic article (published 12/24 on LeMonde.fr), on the evolution of regional accents. On a lighter note, those who enjoyed the previous issue's link to the Brittany children's choir may want to print the lyrics and then play the clip again for an effective exercise.
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Blazers' French Night Tix Almost Sold Out!
There are just a few tickets left for the 7th Annual French Night with the Blazers, set for February 25 at 7:30pm. It's an evening when Portland's French-American community will come  together to cheer on the Blazers' Nicolas Batum as the team takes on the San Antonio Spurs. Specifically for this group event, the Blazers are often able to arrange for Batum to meet up after the game for Q&A. Only a few tickets remain. When purchasing, make sure to take advantage of the special group code found on the event page of the Alliance site. Please consult with our Group Sales Manager, Greg Bauman, with any questions by calling 503.963.3947.
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Current Term Has Openings
Portlanders are turning out in 2015 to learn French at the Alliance - more than 400 students are enrolled for the winter term, which began  Jan. 5 and runs through March 14. Late enrollments are still possible in adult classes from beginner to advanced, and in children's classes. Private lessons are available at any point of the year. The next term begins March 30 so plan ahead using the annual schedule, which is posted online here.
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France Wine Tour Set for April
 This April, travel with a wine expert to the heart of Champagne country and the renowned wine regions of Burgundy and the Loire Valley. Oregon winemaker and Alliance Française member Steve Anderson, from Eola Hills Wine Cellars, will guide this tour, called "Champagne, Chablis and Châteaux." This is the 8th European tour that Eola Hills has organized - the itinerary will include visits to the most famous houses of Champagne, the Hospices de Beaune, the beautiful châteaux of the Loire Valley, and historic WWI and WWII sites. There's time in Paris, too! Three options to choose from, including an excursion to Normandy and ferry to Dublin. Visit the winery's website for tour details, options, pricing and comments from previous tour participants: click here.
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Baby News, Events and More
Baby News: Kathryn Mascorella and her husband Aaron  Reichenberger welcomed their first child, Fitts Anthony, on Christmas Day. Many readers will remember Kathryn from the 5 years she worked in the Alliance administration. Félicitations to the new parents.
Galettes des rois Cooking Class: Just one ticket is left for  the cooking class scheduled for January 15 at St. Honoré Bakery at 3333 SE Division. The bilingual class will be suitable for English speakers and French learners (the previous French-only class was cancelled). For details and the registration link, click here.
Canals and Rivers: The presentation on the highlights of the canals and rivers of France, set for Jan. 23, has just one seat left. Click here for info on the presentation, which will be in English.
Childcare Sought (Posting #1): Mother of two daughters (ages 10 and 11) living near Forest Park is seeking French-speaking (fluent or native) childcare help, Mondays through Fridays, 2:15-6pm. Must have own car. Please contac t colleen.sandieson@nike.com for details.
Childcare Sought (Posting #2): Family in NW Portland near Chapman is seeking French-speaking childcare for a 6 year-old boy, starting immediately. Options include free rent for those wanting to live-in, and also use of a car. Click here for details and contact info.
French in the Pearl: A small group of advanced and intermediate students are hoping to pull together a weekly Conversati on Class at Waterfront Pearl (shown here) on Naito Parkway, to be facilitated by an Alliance teacher. If you are interested in knowing more, email newsletter@afportland.org.
Le Cercle Français begins its 2015 schedule on Jan. 29. The group meets for presentations in French at the First Congregational Church on the last Thursday of each month. The group' s coordinator, Marie-Pierre Wolfe, confirms the following: "Eric John Kaiser, le troubadour français et chanteur-compositeur bilingue, sera le présentateur le jeudi 29 janvier 2015." The group will also enjoy complimentary 'Galettes des rois' generously offered by Pascal Tisseur of La Petite Provence. For details, visit the Cercle page.
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