MINUTES

CAFA SPRING ANNUAL BOARD MEETING

APRIL 20, 2002

WOODMAN HALL MAURICE, LOUISIANA

Following a joint get-together with French Immersion Teachers, which included a meal, the CAFA Board of Directors meeting was called to order by President Antoine J. Le Blanc. Members present: Eddie Richard, Antoine J. Le Blanc, Shirley Le Blanc, Loubert Trahan, James Bourque, Earlene Conover, Woody Hebert, Johnny Comeaux, Ronald Blanchard, Betty Cormier Ducharme, Dudley Duhon, Lea Ann Lejeune, and Ruby Melanson. Absent were: Daniel Chuck Guidry, and Loretta Jambon.

The minutes of the last annual meeting were approved following a motion by Johnny Comeaux and a second by Ruby Melanson . The Treasurer’s report by Loubert Trahan was approved on a motion by Eddie Richard and second by Earline Conover. He reported that the French Immersion account has funds available and so does the CAFA General Fund.   CAFA has also received from Quebec,  a total of 24,570 volumes of various French books for a value of over $500,000.00 . These are available to various schools with French Immersion programs as well as other schools teaching French including some private schools.

Eddie Richard, Vice-president, gave a report on the La Purchase Celebration by the Acadian family organizations which is being planned for the spring of 2003.  He reported that an application for funds from the State Committee may only provide $5000.00 and that we are not sure that this will happen.  After a discussion on several different possibilities it was moved by James Bourque that a committee of 5 be appointed to develop a plan for a 2003 reunion of all families ant that a meeting then be held to present and discuss this plan with family organization representatives.  Family representatives would then decide what course of action to take. Motion was approved.

In other business, Eddie Richard reported that a Lawyer from Quebec, Canada wants CAFA to look into starting a French Charter School which he is willing to seek funding for.  After much discussion and a report on the International School of Louisiana, New Orleans, La.  by one of it's founders, Ms. Marie-Francoise Sapin Crouch, Ph.D., a motion by James Bourque seconded by Woody Hebert which stated that CAFA act as a catalyst involving other agencies like CODAFIL , USL, and others to investigate the possibilities of establishing a French Charter School was approved.

Eddie Richard then announced a reception on Wednesday April 24 at 4:00 p.m at Centre International in Lafayette to welcome Vaughn Madden, Director of CMA 2004.  All family organizations are invited to have a representative in attendance.  He also reported a contribution by the Scott WOW to the French Immersion program for purchase of materials of instruction. It was suggested that family organizations seek donations from private companies as well as civic organizations to benefit this program. He announced that plans are also in the works for a special Church service on August 15th of each year.

This would involve all family organizations with their family flags followed by a reception which a local bank agreed to sponsor.  More details will be included in next CAFA newsletter.

Brenda Munier, a Lafayette French Teacher, addressed the group. She expressed appreciation for the help on a video that was made available to her group.  She also suggested a joint meeting of CAFA and French Teachers in August of each year.  This is when the teachers report here to start their school year.  At that time she stated that they need help and guidance with housing and other needs.  Woody Hebert recommended that the day's activities, meeting with the French teachers, be repeated more often.

In the final portion of the meeting, President Antoine J. Le Blanc, announced that at this fall’s annual CAFA meeting, officers are up for election. He stated that he will not continue as president. Also there are several Board of Director terms that are up for election. The following board terms are up: Antoine J. Le Blanc, Eddie Richard, Loubert Trahan, Dudley Duhon, Daniel Chuck Guidry, Lea Ann Lejeune, and Loretta Jambon.

The next CAFA newsletter will go out after the committee on the 2003 celebration reports to the families and a decision is made by the family representatives.  After thanking everyone including the cooks, the president adjourned the meeting.

By James Bourque for Shirley Le Blanc, Secretary