UMaine invites public to Franco American Week

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The public is cordially invited to participate in any and all events in what best can be described as an “extended” Franco American Week, which is being celebrated today through Tuesday, March 6, at the University of Maine in Orono.

We spoke with Victoria Kane, administrative assistant for the director of Franco-American Studies, who told us the hope of organizers of this event is that will become an annual event at UMaine campus and it will be one in which the public participates.

“We really want to get people to come and attend” the events planned to celebrate Franco-American life, she said.

Under the leadership of Susan Pinette, director of Franco-American studies, and Lisa Michaud, communications coordinator of the Franco-American Centre, an enlightening, interesting, educational and entertaining array of events await those who choose to participate.

Kane said Franco American Week is sponsored by the university’s Franco-American Studies, Franco-American Centre, Cultural Affairs Committee, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of English, Department of History, Women’s Studies, The Maine Folklife Center and others.

Should you decide to attend some or all of the events, however, there are two things of which you should be aware.

The first is that while some events are free, there is an admission charge for others.

And the second is if you are planning to visit the UMaine campus, “you need to get a temporary parking pass,” Kane said.

Those passes can be obtained on the first floor of the Memorial Union. If you have questions, you can call ahead, ask for directions, and find out where you can park. Call 581-4947 for parking information.

Kane said there also will be “lots of signs” directing you to the event venues.

Franco American Week begins with a panel discussion of the role of Franco-Americans at the University of Maine at 12:30 p.m. today in the Bangor Lounge of the Memorial Union. There is no charge for this event.

Rhea Cote Robbins of Brewer, author of “Wednesday’s Child,” will read from a work in progress at 12:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, in the FFA Room in the Memorial Union. This event is free as well.

If you live in Aroostook County, or are able to travel north Sunday, Feb. 25, you might like to attend the ninth annual Fiddler’s Jamboree from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Cyr Hall on the campus of the University of Maine at Fort Kent. There is no charge to attend the Jamboree.

Kane said this event is being sponsored by the UMFK French Heritage Council, “and we are incorporating it into our Franco American Week.”

Many people might well be interested in listening to Amy Morin and Harold Lacadie of Old Town as they present their Franco-American Oral History of French Island at 12:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, in the Bangor Lounge of the Memorial Union. This event is free to the public.

If you would like to attend the fourth annual Franco-American Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the York Dining Commons on the Orono campus, you should call Susan Little at 581-4959 to make reservations.

The cost of the dinner is $8.95 plus tax for adults and $5.95 plus tax for children age 10 and under.

Kane said among the items on the “all-you-can-eat” menu are chicken stew, salmon pie, tourtiere, ployes, molasses cookies and blueberry cipate.

You and your family can really kick up your heels, and jam, too, if you bring your instruments, at the “Mardi Gras Soiree,” featuring musicians Don Roy, Michael Parent, Lilianne Labbe, Don Hinkley and Jean-Paul Poulain at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Lengyel Hall on the Orono campus.

Admission to this family-fun musicale-dance is $5 for adults, $3 for students or $10 per family.

Part of the Women In the Curriculum Luncheon Series, a panel will discuss the role of home in Franco-American Culture during the program “Chez Nous: Home and Franco-American Women,” at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, in the Bangor Lounge of the Memorial Union. There is no charge for this event.

Another free, fun event is the Franco-American Music Workshop with Labbe, who will explore Franco-American music while demonstrating clogging and playing spoons at 4 p.m. at York Commons on the Orono campus.

Denis Ledoux will speak about his work on Life Writing at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 1, in the Bangor Lounge of the Memorial Union on the Orono campus during a session on Franco-American Autobiography.

There is no charge for the Ledoux presentation nor for the Franco-American Poetry Reading at 4 p.m. Friday, March 2, in the FFA Room of the Memorial Union.

A lecture and slide presentation by Don Cyr will focus on Acadian history and architecture at 4 p.m. Monday, March 5, in the FFA Room.

Franco American Week ends with the performance of the Louisiana Cajun musicians of BeauSoleil at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, at the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono.

“If there are any orchestra seats left, in the center, the admission would be $22 per person,” Kane said.

Tickets for side orchestra seats are $20 each; the first five rows of the balcony, $17, and the last three rows of the balcony $15 each.

Much thought and preparation has gone into making Franco American Week at the University of Maine appealing to all.

It is the hope of those involved with this celebration that you will choose to attend.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.