The Rules of Conversation: Well-known author Pamela Druckerman (who presented at the Alliance a couple years ago) published an
article last week in the
NY Times, titled "Decoding the Rules of Conversation." In it she uses an incident in a Paris schoolyard to contrast French, British and American styles of conversation, in particular in the realm of "put-downs." After reading the main article be sure to scan the readers' comments as well, for additional perspectives.
Paris Radio Broadcasting from Portland: A team from Radio Nova in Paris traveled last week to Portland and broadcasted daily from our city (from March 16-20), for their 6:30 to 9:30 programming. The Alliance assisted with suggestions for their interviews - click
here to look at the highlights of the daily programming. Look at the section "Les bient
ôts de l'
émission" and then click backwards as needed to see titles beginning with "Portland."
Job Posting 1 - French Teacher Sought: Community Ed of Portland Community College is seeking a French teacher to teach a non-credit adult class, Level 1, in Hillsboro, for the spring term which begins 3/31. The location is Willow Creek Center. Email laura.hall4@pcc.edu.
Job Posting 2 - Childcare Sought: Mother of two daughters (ages 10 and 11) living near Forest Park is seeking French-speaking (fluent or native) childcare help, Monday through Wednesdays (flexible) and sometimes Fridays, 2:15-5:30pm. Must have own car. Contact colleen.sandieson@icloud.com or call 503.545 1203.
Summer Camps in Lake Oswego: ILA French Immersion School in Lake Oswego is accepting registrations for i
ts summer programs for Maternelle (PS, PK,K) and Elementary age children. Weekly camp topics include art, African dance and drumming, yoga, music, soccer, climbing and more. The summer program, offered in both French and English, runs from June 29 to August 21, 2015. Click here for details.
Interested in Pétanque? Remem
ber that the Portland Pétanque club plays in Westmoreland Park every Wednesday and Sunday at noon (click
here for their website). The club welcomes newcomers and experienced players - all levels. On June 13 and 14, 2015, the club will host the National Men's, Women's, and Mixed Doubles' Tournaments. Some of Portland's local tournament players have recently participated in tournaments as far away as Maine in the U.S. and Nice in France. Come join the fun among the group's many competitive players and social players. Questions? Contact board member Jan Kirtland at
janetv4013@yahoo.com.
Got a patio set to donate? The Alliance is seeking a donation of outdoor furniture for its new downstairs patio at the Kamm House. A round or rectangular table with four to six chairs would be ideal for classes "en plein air." Tax-deductible underwriting (donations) also are welcome - a nice set can be had for $300 from Costco! Able to help? Email
info@afportland.org.
Traveling with Teens in Paris: Earlier this month
The Globe and Mail (a Cana
dian national newspaper) published an article on things to do when traveling with teens in Paris, including lots of links to additional blogs and sites. Click
here for the article.
A Recent French Morning Article asks the question, why is ride-sharing not taking off in the U.S. as it is in Europe, where
BlaBlaCar has 10 million members? Click
here to test your reading c
omprehension on this timely topic:
Pourquoi le covoiturage ne démarre pas aux Etats-Unis? "Tide of the Century" at Mont-Saint-Michel: Many are flocking to Normandy to see the "la marée du siècle" as reported in the past few days by the BBC (in English, click
here) and by France24 (in French, click
here for background video and photos). The official website of Mont-Saint-Michel has plenty of practical info in English and in French; click
here and then select the French or British flags.
from the traditional gala dinner format to a large online auction that will allow even more supporters to join in the fun! The auction will feature restaurants, travel, products and services - many with a French flair - and will be open for bids in May. Look for more updates in this bulletin and contact 
e Beard, Hubert Theurier, Maxine Borcherding, and Terri Fogarty. Topics will include tips for exploring Paris on a budget, the trendiest destinations in France (and why), regional highlights, cruising options and formats, specialty themed tours led by Oregonians in France, and a segment on key idiomatic expressions for travel. The seminar, coordinated by the nonprofit 
in the Champagne area and has a Master's in Anthropology as well as certification in Communications, Computer Graphics and more. From 2009 to 2011, she served as the Cultural Manager for the Alliance Française in Perth, Australia. Most recently, she worked in Nîmes as Logistics Manager and Assistant Program Manager at a music event venue. In Portland she'll be interning in cultural events, operations and more. Bienvenue, Jeanne!
almost fluent, the Alliance has a class for you in the spring term that begins March 30. Choose from many general French language classes or select specialized skill-strengthening or literature classes.
by ages 5-6, 7-10 and 11-14. Low/medium intermediate to advanced levels of French are welcome to these camps where children and teenagers will explore French in interactive ways including arts and crafts, song, dance, music, games, sports, and more (activities appropriate to age). With projects both in and outside the classroom, the camp will provide a balance of activities, relaxation and class work. Snacks will be provided. Click 
