Minutes of the Meeting of the AFM Comité
July 10, 2018
Tuesday, July 10, Teresa called to order the meeting of the Comité of Alliance Française de Memphis (AFM). Teresa Dalle, Liz Simonian, Juliet Jones, Linda Rush, Lise van Stolk, and Patricia Suttle were in attendance. Aude Bonnot was in France.
Minutes
A motion to accept the May minutes was made by Patricia and seconded by Juliet. All were in favor.
Treasurer’s Report and Membership Update
Treasurer – Teresa reported the bank balance is $3,857.04.
Membership – Liz reported that AFM has 126 paid members
Communications
Retractable Sign – Linda and Don will pick it up this week and bring it to the Fête de 14 juillet.
Old and New Business
La Table – Seven people participated in July Table. No one had touched base with Libro to confirm that AFM would be there on Monday; they did accommodate the group though. A Table evite invitation was not sent out to remind members of Table. Also, a list of Table attendees was incomplete. There was much French spoken, but there were some who came to socialize in English. The Board again discussed the concept of hosting two different Table groups, one for those of all language levels wishing to speak French and another for those wishing to discuss French culture and travel, especially since we often have groups of 20, which is rather large. Teresa said she will be able to go in August and assess the situation. September Table will not meet on the first Monday because that is Labor Day; therefore, Table will meet the following Monday, September 10.
One Book One Federation Book Discussion – Juliet hosted a discussion of “La tête en friche” on June 26 at 7 pm. Linda and Lise led the discussion. Juliet provided light refreshments and gave receipts to Teresa. Five people participated to discuss the book, partly in French and partly in English. Everyone said they really enjoyed this book. Patricia found a movie based on this book on TV. Teresa said maybe we should discontinue the annual reading the AF OBOF book selection. Lise said that it should be continued for those who wish to read and discuss it and said it also gives AFM more credibility.
Book Discussion Evening – Teresa reiterated that in the next AFM year we should have an evening where members can gather to give a synopsis about a book they have read that is set in France or about the French culture. The books would not have to be written in French. Some Board members pointed out that this would not need to replace the annual OBOF book reading.
Dîner Groupe – The dîner groupe met chez Christine Lemons, and Susan Hutson helped co-host the event. The theme was a take-off on the annual Dîner en Blanc which began in Paris 30 years ago. Twelve people attended, wearing white as requested. Most everyone swam as well. The next diner, which will be open to all members of the dîner group, will be hosted by Alyce Price and Robert Burns at his home on the bluffs, overlooking the river. The theme is Apératif Dînatoire which involves aperitifs, wine, and heavy hors d’oeuvres.
La Rentrée – The Esplanade in Cordova has been reserved for September 23; total rental is $610. Teresa will bring two French visitors, one a journalist, to La Rentrée as her guests. Liz said Rouben will make a slide show of trips to France to show on an endless loop. Teresa hopes to have a PayPal account before Rentrée so the treasurer will not be tethered to a registration table.
Bastille Day Event – This annual celebration will take place at the Pickering Center ($375) on Saturday, July 14. Teresa said she cannot use the Costco membership until Lise goes with her to change the Costco user name. Teresa will bring buckets for chilling wine and will buy paper products, meat, chips, nuts, and three cases of wine – one each of red, white, and rosé. Juliet will bring plasticware and boxes of serving ware. Linda will bring 2 glass water dispensers so AFM will not be buying plastic bottles of water, but will instead be using plastic cups. She will also bring everything needed (except table cloths) for a children’s activity center as well as sliced baguettes from Kroger. Juliet will also bring the 7 bottles of Perrier and 8 bottles of sparkling cider that AFM has. Liz will pick up the key for Pickering Center between 8 and 4 on Friday and will ask for the phone number of the ranger who will be on duty Saturday. Liz will buy name tags and plastic tablecloths. She will also play La Marseillaise on her phone with Teresa’s speaker. Patricia will provide words to the anthem and will lead the singing. Everyone will bring their tiny French flags and Board member name tags. Non-members will pay $10 each.
Schedule
5:00 – Board members arrive
6-6:45 – Social time
6:45 – Group photo with new AFM sign
6:55 – Sing La Marseillaise
7:00 – Eat
Entertainment
Teresa will welcome everyone and make announcements.
Lise will distribute and conduct quiz on the Tour de France and other French-related topics, partially submitted by Board members.
The Burch children will sing a French song they learned while living in France.
Jim Eubanks will make médiathèque presentation.
Parker Suttle will make a presentation on the 2018 Tour de France.
Prospective Board Members – These include, but are not limited to, Susan Hutson, Margarita Meier, Cheryl West, and Judy Soberman. They should be invited to the August Board meeting.
Board Member Resignation – Liz said she will resign from the Board at the end of September.
Software Upgrade for AFM – Liz said it takes 20 minutes to process each new member and thinks that Wild Apricot would make membership record maintenance a more streamlined and efficient process. She said the Jewish Sisterhood uses it, and they like it for their newsletter, membership records, website, dues payments, etc. We pay $307 per year for constant contact and have no PayPal type program. Liz, Teresa, and Don Rush will apply for a trial period of Wild Apricot to explore its capabilities. They will also research the capabilities of the programs we currently have to see if an upgrade might be in order. A report will be made of their findings at the August meeting.
The next Board meeting will be held August 22 at 10 am chez Patricia Suttle. A motion was made by Linda to adjourn; Patricia seconded it. The motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Rush, Secretary
July 10, 2018
Tuesday, July 10, Teresa called to order the meeting of the Comité of Alliance Française de Memphis (AFM). Teresa Dalle, Liz Simonian, Juliet Jones, Linda Rush, Lise van Stolk, and Patricia Suttle were in attendance. Aude Bonnot was in France.
Minutes
A motion to accept the May minutes was made by Patricia and seconded by Juliet. All were in favor.
Treasurer’s Report and Membership Update
Treasurer – Teresa reported the bank balance is $3,857.04.
Membership – Liz reported that AFM has 126 paid members
Communications
Retractable Sign – Linda and Don will pick it up this week and bring it to the Fête de 14 juillet.
Old and New Business
La Table – Seven people participated in July Table. No one had touched base with Libro to confirm that AFM would be there on Monday; they did accommodate the group though. A Table evite invitation was not sent out to remind members of Table. Also, a list of Table attendees was incomplete. There was much French spoken, but there were some who came to socialize in English. The Board again discussed the concept of hosting two different Table groups, one for those of all language levels wishing to speak French and another for those wishing to discuss French culture and travel, especially since we often have groups of 20, which is rather large. Teresa said she will be able to go in August and assess the situation. September Table will not meet on the first Monday because that is Labor Day; therefore, Table will meet the following Monday, September 10.
One Book One Federation Book Discussion – Juliet hosted a discussion of “La tête en friche” on June 26 at 7 pm. Linda and Lise led the discussion. Juliet provided light refreshments and gave receipts to Teresa. Five people participated to discuss the book, partly in French and partly in English. Everyone said they really enjoyed this book. Patricia found a movie based on this book on TV. Teresa said maybe we should discontinue the annual reading the AF OBOF book selection. Lise said that it should be continued for those who wish to read and discuss it and said it also gives AFM more credibility.
Book Discussion Evening – Teresa reiterated that in the next AFM year we should have an evening where members can gather to give a synopsis about a book they have read that is set in France or about the French culture. The books would not have to be written in French. Some Board members pointed out that this would not need to replace the annual OBOF book reading.
Dîner Groupe – The dîner groupe met chez Christine Lemons, and Susan Hutson helped co-host the event. The theme was a take-off on the annual Dîner en Blanc which began in Paris 30 years ago. Twelve people attended, wearing white as requested. Most everyone swam as well. The next diner, which will be open to all members of the dîner group, will be hosted by Alyce Price and Robert Burns at his home on the bluffs, overlooking the river. The theme is Apératif Dînatoire which involves aperitifs, wine, and heavy hors d’oeuvres.
La Rentrée – The Esplanade in Cordova has been reserved for September 23; total rental is $610. Teresa will bring two French visitors, one a journalist, to La Rentrée as her guests. Liz said Rouben will make a slide show of trips to France to show on an endless loop. Teresa hopes to have a PayPal account before Rentrée so the treasurer will not be tethered to a registration table.
Bastille Day Event – This annual celebration will take place at the Pickering Center ($375) on Saturday, July 14. Teresa said she cannot use the Costco membership until Lise goes with her to change the Costco user name. Teresa will bring buckets for chilling wine and will buy paper products, meat, chips, nuts, and three cases of wine – one each of red, white, and rosé. Juliet will bring plasticware and boxes of serving ware. Linda will bring 2 glass water dispensers so AFM will not be buying plastic bottles of water, but will instead be using plastic cups. She will also bring everything needed (except table cloths) for a children’s activity center as well as sliced baguettes from Kroger. Juliet will also bring the 7 bottles of Perrier and 8 bottles of sparkling cider that AFM has. Liz will pick up the key for Pickering Center between 8 and 4 on Friday and will ask for the phone number of the ranger who will be on duty Saturday. Liz will buy name tags and plastic tablecloths. She will also play La Marseillaise on her phone with Teresa’s speaker. Patricia will provide words to the anthem and will lead the singing. Everyone will bring their tiny French flags and Board member name tags. Non-members will pay $10 each.
Schedule
5:00 – Board members arrive
6-6:45 – Social time
6:45 – Group photo with new AFM sign
6:55 – Sing La Marseillaise
7:00 – Eat
Entertainment
Teresa will welcome everyone and make announcements.
Lise will distribute and conduct quiz on the Tour de France and other French-related topics, partially submitted by Board members.
The Burch children will sing a French song they learned while living in France.
Jim Eubanks will make médiathèque presentation.
Parker Suttle will make a presentation on the 2018 Tour de France.
Prospective Board Members – These include, but are not limited to, Susan Hutson, Margarita Meier, Cheryl West, and Judy Soberman. They should be invited to the August Board meeting.
Board Member Resignation – Liz said she will resign from the Board at the end of September.
Software Upgrade for AFM – Liz said it takes 20 minutes to process each new member and thinks that Wild Apricot would make membership record maintenance a more streamlined and efficient process. She said the Jewish Sisterhood uses it, and they like it for their newsletter, membership records, website, dues payments, etc. We pay $307 per year for constant contact and have no PayPal type program. Liz, Teresa, and Don Rush will apply for a trial period of Wild Apricot to explore its capabilities. They will also research the capabilities of the programs we currently have to see if an upgrade might be in order. A report will be made of their findings at the August meeting.
The next Board meeting will be held August 22 at 10 am chez Patricia Suttle. A motion was made by Linda to adjourn; Patricia seconded it. The motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Rush, Secretary
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