C4

Eric Kennedy

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Speak Up

One thing that January is sure to see, is the arrival of yet another set of resolutions for many a Saint Johner. But the New Year is also a natural time to take stock of the year gone by and savour the highlights. For Saint John's francophone community, 2008 was a year marked with numerous highlights. Let's take a look at some of them.

Without doubt, the most significant event for the French community during 2008 was the Grand Frolic which marked the end of expansion construction at the Centre scolaire-communautaire Samuel-de-Champlain.

Two years of dust and noise officially came to a close on May 30 and was toasted by the numerous dignitaries present, representing the various levels of government. More than 53,000 square feet of new space had been added to what is unquestionably the nerve centre of the community, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2010.

Celebrations highlighted and expressed the theme "on to new horizons". The day began with a press conference and opening ceremony, followed by a wide variety of activities for all ages throughout the centre. The day finished with a bang, thanks to the sold out performance of Carte blanche aux artistes d'Ode.

There were, of course, other highlights throughout 2008, including Saint John's first ever French-language record launch, thanks to the artistic efforts of local group Tradition. A full house enjoyed their launch show at the Théâtre Louis Vermeersch. This accomplishment was a promising start for a group that's already quietly working on material for a second album. Keep your ears open!

Efforts toward the eventual creation of a French-language school in the Kennebecasis Valley constitute another indicator of the overall health of Greater Saint John's francophone community. We started hearing about this exciting initiative in the fall. Looking ahead and growing out of a healthy confidence in our population, the French community undertook a wide-scale public consultation beginning in October with the intent of establishing a strategic five-year plan upon which to base future projects and planning.

All in all, a favourable wind is already blowing over Saint John for this New Year and the French community is proud to be part of it!

Upcoming Events:

* Série Rido : La revue acadienne (The Acadian year in review). Jan. 30, 8 p.m. at the Théâtre Louis Vermeersch, 67 Ragged Point. Truly an annual tradition, this program showcases the people and events that marked 2008 both in Acadie and lands abroad. Cast members include André Roy, Robert Gauvin, Mireille Blanchard, Jean-Sébastien Lévesque and Samuel Chiasson. Laugh-guaranteed! Information and tickets: 658-4600.

* Jan. 30, 8:30 p.m. (during the Acadian review's intermission), at Centre Samuel-de-Champlain's Salon Irène Grant-Guérette, 67 Ragged Point. Launch of Luc Dugas' art exhibit Parfum de fleurs. Free. All welcome. Info : 658-4600.

Eric Kennedy is the director of communications for the Regional Association of Francophone Communities for Saint John. His column appears in both English and French every Monday.