This year, for the first time ever, The Canadian Snowbird Association held a Winter Information Meeting entirely in French. The event was researched, promoted and coordinated by CSA Director Roland Bélanger (Quebec/Florida). His tireless efforts were instrumental in achieving success with this event held at the Bailey Concert Hall at Broward Community College in Davie, Florida.

Over four hundred francophone Canadian Snowbirds joined us for the afternoon that featured the entertainment of Lucie Thibodeau, Les Violins d'Amerique and Pierre Poirier. A special greeting "en francais" was presented by CSA President, Gerry Brissenden and the President's address was delivered by First Vice-President Lewis Kehoe on Mr. Brissenden's behalf.

The most exciting feature of this meeting was all the new faces who had never heard of the CSA before. This is what exemplified the tremendous effort put forth by Mr. Bélanger, who winters in the area. He literally spoke to each and every family represented at the event, explaining what the CSA is and why supporting the association in turn helps them protect and enjoy their warm winter lifestyle. Special thanks should also be extended to Lucie Thibodeau for her help in arranging entertainment, advertising and production. Her poise, decorum and desire to do things the way they should be done was a shining representation of what the CSA is all about.

It is a profound realization to appreciate how much of a barrier our languages truly represent when sharing our thoughts and ideas. May this step in our evolution lead to more support and activities with our friends from "La Belle Province".