Saturday, September 25, 2004
Since it is a relatively new organization, Le Cercle Fran & ccedil;ais has elected only three presidents. Paul Dalbec served as head of the organization from 1984 to 1989, Bernice Killa, from 1990-2000; and current president, George Gauthier, who was elected in 2001. His associate officers are:
Vice president: Jim Dinopoulos.
Secretary: Dalbec.
Treasurer: Mary Jane Lyden.
Trustees are Donald Engel, Killa, Francine Kollay, Magda Marburg, Robert Millonig, the Rev. Edward Neroda, and Michael Starr.
Highlights of the club's activities since its formation are:
1984: Elected officers and trustees and determined the dues, goals and meeting dates of the organizations; showed slides of France; held a French Christmas and Epiphany and Mardi Gras celebrations; marked Bastille Day at a picnic; staged a fashion show and buffet; and held a French Day at the International Institute.
1986: Conducted its first scholarship for students of French.
1987: With a grant from the International Institute Foundation, sponsored a French Festival at Kilcawley Center on the campus of Youngstown University.
1989: Presented Jos & eacute;e Vachon in a concert.
1992: Staged a concert by the Psaltery, Lilianne Labb & eacute; and Don Hinkley.
1994: Marked its 10th anniversary with a program by the Madame Cadillac Dance Theatre of Detroit, Mich.
1995: Sponsored one of its most popular dinner-concerts featuring Elizabeth Hodes, who sang in the style of Edith Piaf.
1996: Held a concert featuring Lucie Therrien.
1999: The 15th anniversary concert was presented by Simone Marchand, a native of Vatan, France.
The 20th anniversary will be observed on Nov. 8 at YSU where there will be a dinner and a concert by Eric Vincent of Paris.