Dear Members and Friends,
As the year comes to a close, we invite you to join us in embracing the festive spirit with the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando. December is a month of celebration, reflection, and connection, and we’re thrilled to host our Holiday Picnic—a joyful gathering with food, fun, and activities for the little ones!
To allow everyone time to enjoy the season, we will not be screening a movie this month. We know it’s a busy time, but we hope to see you at the picnic to celebrate together.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season, and we look forward to celebrating with you soon!
Warm regards,
Enjoy this month’s newsletter!
For the second year in a row, the Center for International Studies (CIS) at Dr. Phillips High School warmly welcomed 24 French students from Strasbourg Amitié USA.
This special connection between the two organizations was made possible through the efforts of the AFGO, which brought them together. In just two years, nearly 50 French students have enjoyed an unforgettable homestay experience, immersing themselves in the American way of life for 15 days while creating cherished memories with their host families in Orlando. Many beautiful friendships have already blossomed, with some American families even visiting their French “kids” in Strasbourg.
This June, it will be the Americans’ turn! A group of 23 students from Dr. Phillips High School will travel to France for 15 days, exploring Strasbourg and Paris while staying with French host families to experience life the French way.
Acting as a bridge between the two cultures, the AFGO is proud and thrilled to see these heartwarming friendships flourish, building lasting connections between Orlando and Strasbourg.
A Special Collaboration with Steph Carse
In September, Steph Carse reached out to the Alliance Française, seeking French-speaking kids and adults to finalize the French audio version of his Christmas songs movie. We were thrilled to connect him with our community members who helped bring his project to life!
A talented singer and producer, Steph brings his creativity and love for music to life in this film. His movie, filled with Christmas songs, is now available in French on Amazon Prime.
It’s a perfect example of the kind of collaboration we love to foster at the Alliance Française: helping
connect talent within our community to make things happen!
Bravo to Steph for his work, and thank you to everyone who contributed their voices to this special project.
Upcoming Beginner French Class
Start the new year with a fresh resolution: learning a new language! Join our in-person Beginner French Group Class, held on Mondays from 6 PM to 8 PM, starting January 6th. Taught by Véronique, a dedicated and passionate instructor, this class is the perfect way to embark on your journey into the French language and culture. Begin 2025 with a new skill and a fun, supportive group. Don’t wait—reserve your spot today!
Discover France and Its Culture: Languedoc-Roussillon and Occitanie
Embark on a fascinating journey through the history, art, and traditions of the Languedoc-Roussillon and Occitanie regions with Discover France and Its Culture! Seasons 37 and 38 of this engaging conference series began on Friday, November 15th, and will conclude on February 8th. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the wonders of these unique French regions and deepen your understanding of France’s diverse culture with Muriel!
Join us for a festive Holiday Picnic with a potluck lunch, pétanque, holiday crafts for kids, and a delicious bûche offered by the Alliance Française!
- Date: Sunday, December 15th
- Time: 12:30 PM – Potluck lunch followed by pétanque
- Location: Mead Botanical Garden
Everyone is welcome, and we’d love to have volunteers join us as well. We look forward to celebrating the season with you!
Marie’s Literary Journey in France
Marie, our board vice president, has an extraordinary experience in France, sharing her passion for history and literature!
As part of the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of Strasbourg’s liberation, her debut weekend with Raymond: 1939, mon grand-père Alsacien avait 20 ans at the Military Book Fair in Strasbourg was a great success. The event was beautifully organized in a stunning setting, with many visitors stopping by to discover her work.
Her weekend at the Colmar Book Fair also went wonderfully, highlighted by a memorable moment at the Café de l’Histoire.
Next stop? A special presentation and book signing at the iconic Brasserie Michel in Strasbourg with the Amis du Mémorial Alsace-Moselle on Thursday, December 12th.
During her stay in Alsace, Marie is also visiting high school classrooms to address the complex history of the Third Reich’s annexation of Alsace from 1940 to 1945. Her goal is to raise students’ awareness of the challenging history of her region.
We’re so proud of Marie’s journey and her dedication to preserving history through her writing.
Samar Salamé Hawat’s Holiday Opera Concert
We are excited to highlight the amazing Samar Salamé Hawat, our talented soprano from the recital night, who will be performing a holiday opera concert organized by the City of Winter Garden on December 14th and 21st.
This festive event promises to be a wonderful celebration of the season, filled with beautiful music and holiday cheer.
Samar’s passion for music and her artistry are truly inspiring, and we are proud to support her in this special performance.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience her talent live!
Join or Renew Your Membership!
Please don’t forget to renew your membership, and if you’re not yet a member, we’d love for you to join our community! Being a member comes with great perks and helps support our mission. Don’t hesitate—come join us!