2006 ACS Annual Meeting Highlights 

The Acadian Cultural Society held their annual meeting at the Acadien Club in Gardner, MA on October 1st and was attended by well over 100 people.  At this meeting, a new slate of officers for the coming year were elected.  They are as follows:

Lucille Langlois of Quinebaug, CT, president; Doris Leger of Fitchburg, MA, vice president; Lillian Leger of Fitchburg, MA, treasurer; and Louise Bourque of Leominster, MA, secratary.

                                                        
                                                               Left to Right: Jeannine Doucett Caissie, Bruce W. Caissie ,
                                                                                                     Hon. Neal LeBlanc, Paul E. Caissie

Following the election of new officers, outgoing president, Bruce Caissie, introduced a distinguished guest, Mr. Neil LeBlanc, of Nova Scotia, who has just been appointed Consul General of Canada, based in Boston.  The Hon. LeBlanc thanked the Acadian Cultural Society for inviting him and giving him the opportunity to meet so many of his compatriots from the New England area.  He felt it gave him a rare opportunity to explain what his new position entails, and he explained that the fact that he and his family lived in Melrose, MA for four years when he was growing up, has given him a unique perspective of life in this area of the US, as well.  He expressed his desire to generate greater links between the Acadians of New England and those of the homeland in the Maritime provinces.  He will no doubt be a good representative, and one who will make all Acadians proud that he is "one of us".

Other distinguished guests who were in attendance were the mayor of Gardner, Gerald St. Hilaire, State Rep. Robert Rice and city councilor Josh Cormier.  Typical Acadian foods were served, such as poutines rapées, chiar (rappie pie) and fricôt which is a unique type of chicken stew traditionally enjoyed at Acadian gatherings and celebrations.  Music was provided by an Acadian band which entertained with songs in French as well as English.  People were given the chance to mingle, renew old aquaintances, and just enjoy being together on a very nice autumn afternoon with friends who have similar interests.

The Acadian Cultural Society wishes to thank Mr. Paul Poirier, president of the Acadien Club of Gardner, for his support and cooperation in making this one of our most successful and well-attended annual meetings.

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