Dear Friends of the French Library
My name is Ned Connolly and I have been a Member of the French Library since 2017. I have a special place in my heart for the French language and related cultures that create the worldwide Francophone community. It is truly a privilege that, thanks to the Center and its ever-growing community, I have a network of other Francophiles with whom I can bavarder and râler daily via email, text, Zoom, and (at-last!) in-person.
As a proud member and supporter of the French Library, I hope you will join me in making a contribution to the 2021 Annual Fund.
The FCC and its programming have been a welcome escape from the isolation that many of us felt during the pandemic. In a time when figuring out basic facts of survival were made that much more difficult (groceries, health, employment, etc.), I am grateful that the FCC was able to adapt, and provided the programming that many of us did not know that we needed. Switching one's brain into a different language, such as with Alors, or onto an escapist and hopeful topic, such as those discussed at the Travel Club, were mentally and socially beneficial.
The Center continues to be innovative in the face of the challenges of the pandemic, and the members have been the beneficiaries: starting the Alors... with the Alliance Française de Chicago was a great way to broaden member's social circles and perspectives. Hosting a virtual discussion amongst female philosophers from around the Francophone world generated not only different geographical perspectives, but also insight into a less-often-heard viewpoint in an otherwise male-majority and historically stuffy field. Lastly, the Center showed and inspired resilience by safely bringing us together outdoors and in a socially distanced manner for limited events throughout the pandemic, including a walk on the Esplanade on the coldest day of the year!
The pandemic necessarily caused many of us to display some nombrilisme and to focus on ourselves and those closest to us. An essential aspect of moving beyond COVID-19, however, is to go beyond thinking just about ourselves and instead to scrutinize the world and our place in it, and how we can help.
The FCC has long been on the forefront of providing programming and opportunities to meet this need. I believe that the French Library has a key role to play in broadening our world views and increasing our self-awareness, and therefore it is necessary to support the Center in its mission. This is why I give to the French Library, and I encourage others to do so as well.
Please consider joining me in supporting the Center by donating to the Annual Fund. Our 2021 goal is $100,000 so every gift counts! Gifts, of any amount, are appreciated and will enable the Center to continue to unite people from many countries and backgrounds with educational, social and cultural programs that inspire all of us to be world citizens.
Thank you for being part of our wonderful, vibrant community, and for your thoughtful consideration. I look forward to seeing you soon online and outdoors au Centre !
Bien à vous,
Ned Connolly
P.S. Please send in your donation quickly and help us get off to a great start! If you prefer to send a check, please send to:
French Library
PO Box 610
Winchester, MA 01890
For more information, please contact Joyce Grippen, Development Director, at 508-930-2525.
My name is Ned Connolly and I have been a Member of the French Library since 2017. I have a special place in my heart for the French language and related cultures that create the worldwide Francophone community. It is truly a privilege that, thanks to the Center and its ever-growing community, I have a network of other Francophiles with whom I can bavarder and râler daily via email, text, Zoom, and (at-last!) in-person. As a proud member and supporter of the French Library, I hope you will join me in making a contribution to the 2021 Annual Fund.
The FCC and its programming have been a welcome escape from the isolation that many of us felt during the pandemic. In a time when figuring out basic facts of survival were made that much more difficult (groceries, health, employment, etc.), I am grateful that the FCC was able to adapt, and provided the programming that many of us did not know that we needed. Switching one's brain into a different language, such as with Alors, or onto an escapist and hopeful topic, such as those discussed at the Travel Club, were mentally and socially beneficial.
The Center continues to be innovative in the face of the challenges of the pandemic, and the members have been the beneficiaries: starting the Alors... with the Alliance Française de Chicago was a great way to broaden member's social circles and perspectives. Hosting a virtual discussion amongst female philosophers from around the Francophone world generated not only different geographical perspectives, but also insight into a less-often-heard viewpoint in an otherwise male-majority and historically stuffy field. Lastly, the Center showed and inspired resilience by safely bringing us together outdoors and in a socially distanced manner for limited events throughout the pandemic, including a walk on the Esplanade on the coldest day of the year!
The pandemic necessarily caused many of us to display some nombrilisme and to focus on ourselves and those closest to us. An essential aspect of moving beyond COVID-19, however, is to go beyond thinking just about ourselves and instead to scrutinize the world and our place in it, and how we can help.
The FCC has long been on the forefront of providing programming and opportunities to meet this need. I believe that the French Library has a key role to play in broadening our world views and increasing our self-awareness, and therefore it is necessary to support the Center in its mission. This is why I give to the French Library, and I encourage others to do so as well.
Please consider joining me in supporting the Center by donating to the Annual Fund. Our 2021 goal is $100,000 so every gift counts! Gifts, of any amount, are appreciated and will enable the Center to continue to unite people from many countries and backgrounds with educational, social and cultural programs that inspire all of us to be world citizens.
Thank you for being part of our wonderful, vibrant community, and for your thoughtful consideration. I look forward to seeing you soon online and outdoors au Centre !
Bien à vous,
Ned Connolly
P.S. Please send in your donation quickly and help us get off to a great start! If you prefer to send a check, please send to:
French Library
PO Box 610
Winchester, MA 01890
For more information, please contact Joyce Grippen, Development Director, at 508-930-2525.
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