Confederation of Associations of Families Acadian, Inc.

(C A F A)

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CAFA's Annual Spring Board Meeting was held at Soop's Restaurant in Maurice, La.  The following Board Members were in attendance:  Antoine LeBlanc, Eddie Richard, Shirley LeBlanc, Loubert Trahan, James Bourque, Earlene T. Conover, Woody Hebert, Johnny Comeaux, Ronald Blanchard and Betty Cormier.

President Antoine "A. J." LeBlanc called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. He then welcomed everyone to the Annual Spring Meeting and also encouraged all in attendance to invite an Acadian family to join CAFA.

Secretary Shirley LeBlanc reported on the minutes of the last board meeting, and it was moved by Johnny Comeaux and seconded by Betty Cormier to accept the minutes as stated.  Motion passed.

Treasurer Loubert Trahan gave the Treasurer's Report, and reported on the bsnk balance as of May 5, 2001.  Total amounts paid out for the French Immersion Project totaled $4,345.44.  Johnny Comeaux made the motion to accept the Treasurer's report, seconded by Betty Cormier.  Motion passed.

Loubert stated that the accountant informed him that "our involvement with the French Immersion Project should help us in our tax status."

Eddie Richard gave a report on the French Immersion Project.  He stated that there are 16 Acadian Family Associations at this time participating in the project with a total contribution of over $10,000.  All programs are completed for the exception of Opelousas.  The French teacher there is going to Canada this summer and will make her selection and have it ready for the upcoming school year.

Eddie also stated that both he and his wife, Polly, went to Pierre Part, La. for a presentation of books and supplies to a French Immersion class.  They left with a most impressed knowledge and feeling that Our Project for the French Immersion classes is working.  They saw the results of 4 years of French Immersion after the kids spoke in French and sang songs in French.

He stated that CAFA could not have decided upon a better project by reminding us of our commitments and priorities in our project.  This commitment is first to provide supplies and second to make contact with the schools.

Eddie give credit to his son Zachary for introducing him to Louise Baudoin of Canada who is Director of Foreign Affairs.  She stated that she wanted Eddie to keep in contact with her assistant in regards to the French Immersion Project.  They are interested in helping us financially with our project and also possibly with student exchanges.

A committee consisting of Eddie Richard, Woody Hebert and Johnny Comeaux was formed to develop goals and ideas to be presented to Ms. Baudoin's assistant.

Eddie praised Loubert Trahan on maintaining our web page, www.cafa.org. Loubert takes digital photos when schools are presented with their supplies.

Eddie Richard and Loubert Trahan presented ideas of a Congres type function to be held in Lafayette in association with the Louisiana Purchase-2003 celebration.  The idea was accepted and a proposal and budget was presented to the state.

A. J. LeBlanc stated that Senator Mary Landrieu is seeking federal funds for states involved in the Louisiana Purchase-2003 celebrations.

James Bourque gave a report on CMA-Nova Scotia-2004 stating that very little has changed since the last CAFA Newsletter.  He did note that he found it interesting that no Acadian family wants to have a function in Grand Pre.  He also suggested that if anyone is going to Nova Scotia to contact Cyril LeBlanc so he could possibly arrange some media coverage.

James noted that the problems with some of the organizations is that most of the Acadian families live in New Brunswick and not in Nova Scotia.  Some of the families have organized and their fees are $10.00 - $$15.00 covering membership until the reunion.  He suggests that if one's family has organized, to send in our membership fee now, for it will help them financially and give a feeling of excitement on their.  The also added:  Remember US Funds brings in more dollars to them.

Loubert Trahan suggested that if you have a contact in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick, have them photocopy or scan the pages containing your family names from the telephone book.  It is a good source of contacts.

James stated "Newsletters are one way that we can keep in touch with all our membership", as he thanked Betty Cormier for her efforts in obtaining news from our total CAFA family membership through e-mails.  He received several and the next CAFA newsletter should be out in early June.

Antoine LeBlanc introduced Bernard Chaillot of the Daily Advertiser, Vermilion Parish Office.  The Board asked Mr. Chaillot for his assistance in obtaining more media coverage for CAFA.  One of the topics discussed was a genealogy sections and more Acadian news to be included in the Advertiser.  Mr. Chaillot said he would be happy to discuss this with his supervisors and he would also like to attend our meetings pertaining to the Louisiana Purchase-2003 Celebrations, CMA 2004, and CAFA Board Meetings.

Next, A. J. LeBlanc introduced our guest speaker, Mr. Phillip Gustin, presently with Centre Internationale, Lafayette, La.

Mr. Gustin stated that next year we should begin a program in promoting CMA-2009 to be in Poitou, France.  He also wants to promote the idea of an international CMA Committee.

Mr. Gustin discussed the probability of beginning a monthly, and hopefully a daily, direct flight to Halifax, Nova Scotia, from Lafayette, La.  This flight would cost about $600.  Air and Sea Odyssey has requested a letter from Lt. Gov. Kathleen Blanco showing Louisiana's support in such a venture.  At this time there is a flight scheduled for Sept. 18 and 25th, 2001.  Mr. Gustin will e-mail the details of that flight to CAFA.

The Annual November General Meeting was discussed.  This will be held either Nov. 3rd or 10th, 2001, depending on location and scheduling.  Members will be notified.

Loubert Trahan made a motion to adjourn, that was seconded by Johnny Comeaux, all affirmed, and so the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Shirley LeBlanc, Secretary, CAFA.