Chers collègues,
As the newly elected co-presidents of the AATF, we would like to thank you for your vote of
confidence for the next two years. Congratulations are in order to Chris Kimball-Kelly who will
serve as vice-president. We are also deeply grateful to Joanne Silver who has accepted to continue
in her capacity as secretary/treasurer. Her efficiency, commitment, and general graciousness in all
she does are qualities that we truly appreciate. As we begin our term, on behalf of the entire
membership of the Philadelphia AATF, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Elaine
Danford and Kim Marucci, our out-going co-presidents, for their 4 years of dedicated service to our
organization.

Looking to the future, our vision is to continue to serve the current needs of our members. At the
same time, we want to explore new ways of preserving and enhancing the French programs in our
area. The logical means to this goal are new members at all levels of teaching, an increased
visibility within the wider community, and a renewed energy within our organization through fresh
ideas. To this end, strengthening our relationship with all francophone organizations in the
Philadelphia area such as the Alliance Française, Philadelphie Accueil, La Chambre de Commerce
Franco-Américaine, French-American Cultural Foundation, etc. would be an obvious plus. We look to
all members to help us in these endeavors. As we are in the process of planning both the dates and
programs for the year 2009-2010, we would welcome any suggestions for interesting programs that
you might have. As we finalize our plans for this fall, we ask that you check the AATF website for
dates and times of the events.

Félicitations to all our Grand Concours winners and to their teachers who continue to encourage
them, and a grand merci to Sister Mary Helen for organizing the administration of the test and the
awards ceremony. We look forward to seeing you at the Distribution des Prix at Chestnut Hill
College on Wednesday, May 13 at 7 pm.
Bonnes vacances d’été !
Amitiés,
Rita Davis rdavis@agnesirwin.org
Susan Ledieu susanledieu@gmail.com

Ordre des Palmes académiques
Joanne Silver, retired teacher of French and Secretary-Treasurer of AATF Philadelphia Chapter, has been named Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes académiques by the French Government. The Palmes, a decoration established in 1808 by Napoléon Bonaparte, recognizes outstanding scholarship and achievement in promotion of French culture and language, which Joanne has achieved in many ways. Her company, Beach Lloyd Publishers, seeks to honor Franco-American historical and ideological ties and to globalize history’s lessons, principally by publishing in French and English the memoirs of World War II and Holocaust survivors. On April 30, Ambassador of France to the United States Pierre Vimont and Education Attachée Catherine Pétillon will travel from the Embassy of France in Washington DC, to confer the award at a ceremony in Philadelphia.

Barbara Barnett at the Secondary School Level and Rodney Taylor at the Middle School Level have received the 2009 Dorothy S. Ludwig Excellence in Teaching Award from the American Association of Teachers of French. The purpose of the award is to recognize teachers who have demonstrated excellence and commitment in the teaching of the French language and Francophone cultures and literatures. Nominees were evaluated for evidence of outstanding teaching experience, professional growth and development, and contribution to the profession. An official presentation will be made at the Awards Banquet in San Jose, California, in July 2009 at the 82nd Annual AATF conference.

Our listserv is exclusively for members of both National and Philadelphia Chapter AATF, so be sure to include the $8.00 Chapter dues when you renew National membership in the fall. We send reminders of meetings and other French-related events, as well as news to supplement the most recent newsletter. The complete Listserv Policy is on our site, www.aatfphila.org. Members can request that open French positions be posted. If you are not on the listserv and would like to be included, please send a message to BEACHLLOYD@erols.com And of course, if you would like to have your e-mail removed or changed, please let Joanne know.

From May 29 through September 7, 2009, the National Constitution Center will host NAPOLÉON, an exhibition offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore the private life of the Emperor of France and to see beyond the legend to gain an understanding of this complex figure as a man and political leader whose actions reshaped the landscape of Europe and America.		Napoleon Crossing the Alps
Created from the extraordinary collection of First Empire authority and author, Pierre-Jean Chalençon, NAPOLÉON showcases rare, personal belongings of Napoléon I, as well as some of the most famous depictions of him by important artists of the time. The exhibition’s tour marks the first time the Chalençon Collection has been seen in North America and the first time a number of items on display have ever been seen by the general public. NAPOLÉON is a 6,000 square foot traveling exhibition from the Russell Etling Company. The exhibition is produced and distributed by Exhibits Development Group in cooperation with Cultural Arts Entertainment Group.

May 13 at 7 p.m. Distribution des prix/Grand Concours Chestnut Hill College May 21 at 6 p.m. Joint venture with the Alliance Française: presentation of the book Vidalia in Paris/Chocolate in Philadelphia, at the Naked Chocolate Café, 30 South 18th Street $15.00 for AF/AATF members (includes hot tea, coffee or a small hot chocolate, and a pastry). May 29–September 7 Napoléon exhibit at National Constitution Center June 1 and June 2 DELF examination at Rosemont College: Levels A1 and A2: June 2 Levels B1 and B2: June 3 Questions: contact Marilyn Conwell: Conwell@rosemont.edu July 2–5 AATF National Convention in San Jose, CA July 19–24 Pennsylvania Governor’s Institute Fall AATF Philadelphia Chapter program and date - TBA Oct. 16–17 PSMLA Conference Millersville University November 4–10 National French Week November 20–22 ACTFL 2009 Annual Conference and World Languages Exposition