Dr. Kathleen Stein-Smith will give a presentation beginning at 5 p.m. on March 18, via Zoom, to discuss her book, “The Gift of Languages: Paradigm Shift in US Foreign Language Education.”

Dr. Kathleen Stein-Smith will give a presentation beginning at 5 p.m. on March 18, via Zoom, to discuss her book, “The Gift of Languages: Paradigm Shift in US Foreign Language Education.” Submitted photo

Dr. Stein-Smith, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes académiques who teaches at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, is a dedicated foreign language educator and advocate. “The Gift of Languages,” according to TBRbooks.org, “explores the many advantages of multilingual education and sets the stage for a new paradigm in our approach to teaching and learning languages. The book touches on the issue of foreign language deficit in the US and the changes that need to occur in our schools to better serve our children and our linguistic communities.”

Following her presentation, there will be a Q & A session with the audience. Register for Dr. Stein-Smith’s talk at this Zoom link: https://maine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpcuqqrz4vE9RKRH6kN2GcobCpi6kEjn-B.

Community celebration

On March 25, beginning at 5 p.m., the public is welcome in-person at the Franco-American Collection at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College for a Franco-American Community Celebration: Entrepreneurs Exhibit, Franco Festival Singalong, and Couturier Recognition!

The schedule for the evening is as follows:

5-5:15: “Notre Pain Quotidien/Our Daily Bread: Franco-American Entrepreneurs Sustaining Community” Exhibit Opening in the LAC Atrium Gallery, featuring a welcome from Franco Collection board chair Juliana L’Heureux and commentary by Dr. Mary Rice-DeFosse. Also at this time, we will sign a partnership “Fleur de Lys” agreement with the Quebec Delegation from Boston.

5:45-6:15: Reception with refreshments and beer and wine bar in the lobby outside of the Collection. Piano music will be played by Jeannette Gregoire.

6:15-6:30: Recognition and presentation of memorial plaques in honor of Aliette and Ron Couturier.

6:30-7:30: Lionel Meservier and Eddie Boucher singing favorites from the C’est Si Bon Band and local Franco-American Festivals. Accompanied by Gerry Meservier (drums), Sue Caron (vocals), Lorraine Giasson (vocals), and Michel Giasson (guitar).

7:30-8: Troubadour singalong–the Troubadours will perform some of Aliette Couturier’s favorite songs.

There is no fee for the programs. For more information or to RSVP, contact the FAC archivist, Anna Faherty at anna.faherty@maine.edu or by phone 207-753-6545.