 | | | Lafayette's statue was adorned with flowers Sept. 6, courtesy of Whole Foods. Photo Sophie Braccini
| | | | | | A date to celebrate in Lafayette is Sept. 6 - the birthday of the marquis who gave the city his name. This year, Catherine Jolivet, the dynamo director of French for Fun School, took the opportunity to organize a party on the Plaza, next to the marquis' statue, and to start drumming support to revive the Langeac Society.
What is the Langeac Society? It is named after Langeac, the small French town where Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette was born 256 years ago. In the '80s and early '90s a group of Lafayette Francophiles worked with city officials, and a Sister City agreement was formed. Unfortunately, members of the Society moved on or aged out, and the activities dwindled. However, the Sister City status still exists and Jolivet wants to give it new life.
She enrolled the support of Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jay Lifson, who is always ready to help, and got approval in June from Mayor Mike Anderson and Town Manager Steve Falk. At the same time, Jolivet's mother visited with Langeac's officials and found similar enthusiasm.
The birthday party was just a first and Jolivet has many more ideas to revive the relationship with Langeac, including cultural trips, commercial relations, and exchange student opportunities. She is also looking for volunteers to help organize. If interested, contact her at madame@frenchforfun.com.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA