LE CERCLE FRAN & ccedil;AIS 20th anniversary celebrated at dinner

YOUNGSTOWN -- Le Cercle Fran & ccedil;ais de Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania concluded its 20th anniversary celebration April 17 with a recognition dinner held at Sacred Heart Polish National Church.
Among the guests was Dr. Paul Dalbec, who, together with Marguerite Perlich and Juliette McNally, founded the organization.
Following dinner, an awards program was held for longtime members and those who have served on the executive committee and in other positions of the executive board.
In attendance were the winners of the 2005 Le Cercle Fran & ccedil;ais Scholarship contest for students of French. Rev. Edward Neroda presented the $500 Donald R. Engel Memorial Scholarship to Justine Pendel, and Francine Kollay presented the $500 Huguette Spenil Memorial Scholarship to Bella Delgros. Both recipients are French majors at Youngstown State University.
The dinner and program were organized by Robalee Dinopoulos and Michael Starr.
About the group
Since its inception in 1984, Le Cercle Fran & ccedil;ais has promoted the French language and culture in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. In addition to its scholarship program, the nonprofit group has organized lectures, film series, concerts and celebrations of French holidays over the years.
This year's executive committee consists of George Gauthier, president; Jim Dinopoulos, vice president; Dalbec, secretary; and Mary Jane Lyden, treasurer. Past presidents include Bernice Killa and Dalbec.
For information, write to Le Cercle Fran & ccedil;ais, P.O. Box 1464, Youngstown, 44501 or call Dalbec at (330) 533-1284 or Starr at (330) 799-2686.