October Events For Alliance Française Begin At Starbucks

SOUTHBURY —  Alliance Française of Northwestern Connecticut is planning three events during the month of October, all of which are open to the public.

On Saturdays, October 7 and 21, the group will meet for Café Conversations at Starbucks Coffee in Southbury Green shopping center. The program will run from 10 am to noon. The shopping center is at 775 Main Street South.

During Café Conversations, a timely subject will be chosen for conversation, based on an article which will be read by all participants before the discussion begins. It is suggested that anyone interested in attending arrive promptly at 10 in order to allow time to read each weekend’s article. Whether a beginner or longtime student of French language, the group encourages participation by all ages and education levels.

On Wednesday, October 18, the group will host a dinner meeting at Tartufo’s Restaurant. Guest speaker Cecile Cohen will discuss, in French, selected works of modern French literature and how they impact and reflect French thought and concerns in the 21st Century. Ms Cohen is the regional director of the world language division of University Book Stores at Yale, Princeton and University of Pennsylvania.

The dinner meeting will convene at 5 pm for cocktails, with Ms Cohen expected to begin her program at 5:30. Dinner will follow. Cost will be $24 to $31 per person, depending upon the entrée selected by each guest (prices include tax and gratuities); there are five entrée choices.

Tartufo’s requests that reservations be made to the restaurant directly no later than October 14. The restaurant, which is located at 900 Main Street South, can be contacted by calling 267-7548.

The Alliance Française is part of a global network of learning and cultural centers. The alliance in the United States is affiliated with the century-old worldwide network that was established at the Alliance Française de Paris in 1883.

The first Alliance chapter in the United States was established in 1888. Today there are 145 chapters in 45 states, which serve more than 30,000 members nationwide.

Through educational and cultural programs, the Alliance Française offers a unique opportunity to experience the French language and culture. The mission of the Alliance Française is to increase understanding of the French language, literature, history and culture and to encourage cultural exchange and mutual understanding and friendship.

For additional information concerning Allegiance Française of Northwestern Connecticut or any of its October events, call 263-4096.