Past Events

Thank you, John. You have put together an elegant gathering of interesting people and activities. –Dale Gaber

2022

Jan 18, 2022 1:00 pm | Annual Meeting and Lunch | National Arts Club

There was be a brief overview of the club for 2021, which may be found on the homepage, and a look at plans for 2022. 

Speaker: Francis Dubois on Clemenceau’s New York Years

Prime Minister of France from November 16, 1917 – January 20,  1920, Georges Clemenceau was graduated as a doctor of medicine on 13 May 1865, founded several literary magazines, and wrote many articles, most of which attacked the imperial regime of Napoleon III. After a failed love affair, Clemenceau left France for the United States as the imperial agents began cracking down on dissidents and sending most of them to the bagne de Cayennes (Devil’s Island Penal System) in French Guiana.

Clemenceau worked in New York City during the years 1865–69, following the American Civil War. He maintained a medical practice, but spent much of his time on political journalism for a Parisian newspaper, Le Temps. He taught French in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and also taught and rode horseback at a private girls’ school in Stamford, Connecticut, where he would meet his future wife. During this time, he joined French exile clubs in New York that were opposing the imperial regime.

As part of his journalistic activity, Clemenceau covered the country’s recovery following the Civil War, the workings of American democracy, and the racial questions related to the end of slavery. From his time in America, he retained a strong faith in American democratic ideals as opposed to France’s imperial regime, as well as a sense of political compromise that later, would become a hallmark of his political career.

2021

Calendar of Live and On-line Meetings 2021

Meetings take place on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise specified.

Tues, December 14th, 7:00 pm | Dîner de fête | National Arts Club |15 Gramercy Park South (East 20th St and Park Avenue South)

Our guest of honor was Vice-Consul Damien Laban

Damien Laban took up his position as Deputy Consul General of France in New York on August 29, 2020. As Deputy Consul General, Mr. Laban assists the Consul General in promoting France’s influence and interests across the tristate area of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, as well as Bermuda. Together, they serve a community of 80,000 French citizens, whose vitality actively contributes to the visibility of France in the United States.

A native of Perpignan in Southern France, Mr. Laban holds a degree in Economics and the Social Sciences from the University of Perpignan.

Laban previously served France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in San Francisco, Kuala Lumpur, Los Angeles, Budapest, Tel Aviv, and Buenos Aires.

From 2013 to 2017, he was in charge of bilateral relations with Senegal, Gambia, and Cabo Verde as part of the Directorate of West Africa in the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Damien is fluent in English and Spanish, is married to Rebecca and is the father of four children.

Soirée d’automne | Tuesday, November 16th, 7:00 pm | Bistrot Léo | 60 Thompson Street | SoHo

It’s time to get out your elegant gown and evening shoes or dapper jacket for our annual Soirée d’automne, this year in the posh Bistro Léo at 60 Thompson Street in SoHo. The chef proposed Brie and fig canapés, deviled eggs with caviar, mini lobster rolls and Léo sliders.

Tuesday, October 19th, 7:00 pm | Dinner | National Arts Club

Guest speakers and club members Ellie Abdi and Patricia Forelle spoke on Marie Antoinette. Internationally recognized expert in education with extensive experience in various academic roles from Pre-K to doctoral studies, Dr. Ellie Abdi is a researcher and faculty member in various US institutions, in addition to being an Associé de recherche and Professeur associé at the Université de Reims and an Advisor for the Physical Activity Office at The American University of Paris. Dr. Abdi’s research, interviews, and articles have not merely been published in various international and national peer-reviewed journals and sites; she is an invited guest and keynote speaker at many scientific conferences. Ellie holds a Master of Education in Philosophy for Children from Montclair State University in New Jersey and an Education Doctorate from Northcentral University in San Diego, with a dissertation on learning disabilities. Author of four books and more than 30 published journal papers, she is in process of publishing her fifth book named Farewell My Queens: From Marie Antoinette to Farah Diba. Patricia Forelle, artist/social historian has an interest in French culture, manners and theatre particularly 17^th-19^th centuries. She has lectured widely on the French court, music and dance, including past lectures for PAC and the National Arts Club. Her costume work has earned her two nominations (2011 & 2014) from New York City Dance Awards (the “Bessies”). She is a cheerleader for French literature, leading a group of American women reading and discussing in French (bien sûr) contemporary French authors, now in its eleventh year. Her paintings are currently included in juried exhibitions. Patricia has read widely on Marie Antoinette, often including her in her lecture topics. She is intrigued by the many faces of Marie Antoinette and wishes to share her findings with you. Patricia holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Boston College and an M.A. in French Language and Civilization from NYU. She divides her time between New York and France.

Tues, Sept 21st, 7:00 pm | Dinner | National Arts Club

Guest Speaker author Edmund White Edmund Valentine White III (born January 13, 1940) is an American novelist, memoirist, and an essayist on literary and social topics. From 1983 to 1990 White lived in France. In 1984 in Paris he was involved in the foundation of the French HIV/AIDS organisation, AIDES. During this period, he brought out his novel, Caracole (1985), which centres on heterosexual relationships. After returning to America White maintained his interest in France and French literature, publishing Genet: a biography (1993), Our Paris: sketches from memory (1995), Marcel Proust (1998), The Flaneur: a stroll through the paradoxes of Paris (2000) and Rimbaud (2008). Photo: September Dawn Bottoms/The New York Times See the New York Times article here. Read his full biography here. View photos in the Gallery.

Tues, August 24th, 6–8 | Après-work summer en ville |  | Le Baratin | 26 Greenwich Avenue (btw 6th & 7th Aves)

Members not summering in France or the Hamptons got together for a casual après-work drink and hors d’oeuvres.

Wednesday, July 14, 2021, 6:30 | SummerStage, Central Park

Co-presented by the Consulate General of France in New York, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) and the Committee of French Speaking Societies (CAFUSA) In a first for New York City, the Consulate General of France in New York, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF), and the Committee of French Speaking Societies (CAFUSA) presented a special Bastille Day Celebration in Central Park, featuring jazz, dancing and a film.

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Tuesday, July 13th, 7:00–9:00 Pre-Bastille Jazz, Sailing and Wine Tasting

Tuesday, June 15, 1:00 pm | Luncheon | National Arts Club

Guest Speaker: Photographer Miles Ladin Rihanna posing in front of an admiring Zac Posen. Scarlett Johansson making an entrance. Sarah Jessica Parker primping in the front row. These are just some of the images Miles Ladin captured through the Nineties and the Aughts. Straddling the line between candid and staged, social chronicle and glamour shot, Ladin specializes in catching famous faces when they least expect it. Fans of the photographer can find some of his best celebrity snaps at his alma mater, Connecticut College in New London, this fall. 

We are also excited to try the club’s new and first female Executive Chef Ashley Merriman’s first meal for us. She is proposing a French springtime meal, served family-style, as follows: Radishes with sweet butter and kosher salt Pâté de campagne Asperges vinaigrette Le Grand Aioli Salade verte For dessert, dark chocolate pot de crème.

About a dozen members and friends met over brunch to watch the Men’s Finals of the Roland Garros French Open tennis tournament. Chef John made eggs Bennett and the rosé kept flowing.

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Saturday, June 12, 7-10 pm | Live Jazz at The Greenroom, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Live jazz, delicious pastries, flowing wine…

Our member, Thomas Garret, cordially invited us to The Greenroom’s first live event since 2019!

Held in his hidden speakeasy loft, we enjoyed exceptional live jazz by The Bailsmen Quartet, sipped bubbly, and had a taste of the new, exclusive Greenroom Pastries Collection by the one and only Chef Corentin Poirier Martinet. Guest pulled their favorite pre-pandemic suit or dress from the back of their closets, and wore stylish socks, to protect the wood floors.

 

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May 18, 2021 | 7:00 pm | Château Village

Potential and new members from 2020 and 2021 were invited to meet members of the board at a reception at Château Village, the Greenwich Village home of club president John F Bennett. A buffet supper was served au jardin.

We fêted the fourth anniversary of our Junior Member Launch, the advent of le printemps à Paris and recovery in New York, on the beautiful terrace at Upstairs at the Kimberly! About 20 members and friends met en plein air for our first live event since “the pause” for a selection of fine wines and exquisite hors d’oeuvres. 145 East 50th Street | New York, NY 10022  

March 16th, 6:30 | Mardi Apéro Virtuel | Sandrine Mehrez-Kukurudz

In honor of le mois de la Francophonie, this Tuesday’s apéro will be mostly en français! Born and raised in France, Sandrine Mehrez Kukurudz has had several lives. After studying economics at the Sorbonne, she became a press and radio journalist before joining the strategic planning team at famous advertising agency BBDO in Paris. She is then recruited by the one who will soon become her husband. After years of producing major events in France, including the spectacular celebration by Jessie Norman of the last total eclipse of the Millennium, in front of the Reims Cathedral, and in the presence of half-a-million spectators, the family decides to move to the USA in 2006. After living in Florida for 7 years and producing, among other projects, a series of major art fairs during Art Basel Week, Sandrine arrives in New York in 2013 where Paul Bensabat asked her to produce – with her husband – Taste of France, then Best of France. Since then, their agency has signed numerous events promoting French excellence in the United States and Franco-American friendship, such as the 70th anniversary of D-Day for The French Will Never Forget. In her spare time, Sandrine is an author and decided – a few months ago – to put her professional expertise at the service of French-speaking authors around the world. She created the “Rencontre des Auteurs Francophones” platform, which has already brought together more than 75 authors from 16 countries. Included in her regular programming: A weekly series of interviews , virtual and live events, an authors’ blog, an online bookstore with 120 books, and the constant promotion of the participating Francophone authors … This exciting French-speaking adventure has only just begun.

Apéro Virtuel|Mardi Gras, Feb 16th at 6:30

Paul Glenshaw on his and Darroch Greer’s film: The Lafayette Escadrille, premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2020. View the teaser here. Happy Hour with the Lafayette Escadrille promotes the film “The Lafayette Escadrille,” the first comprehensive documentary about the American volunteers who flew for France before the US entered WWI. It’s a great story of the long alliance of France and America, about the birth of American combat aviation, and how WWI shaped the 20th Century. Plus it’s full of great character, and a lot of great airplanes. The film was completed in January 2020 and premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Alas, COVID has shut down in-person screenings. The good news is that the team is on the cusp of releasing the film to the public. The final fundraising push to get the film released – with a goal of $75,000 to match a grant from corporate sponsor, FedEx, is a fun, online, behind-the-scenes preview for the full-length film. It’s called “Happy Hour with the Lafayette Escadrille.” The idea was developed with the French-American Chamber of Commerce in DC, and has been repeated with a wide number of organizations, from the Air Force Association to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

• View the 20-minute version of The Lafayette Escadrille prior to the apéro:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvIEDVIW4AU
• We open the Apéro with popping of corks for a virtual cocktail party. We’ll demonstrate how to make the Lafayette Cocktail, half Champagne & half Cognac, as shown in one of the Escadrille’s favorite bars in Paris. Have the ingredients on hand so you can make and enjoy the cocktail. We will make the traditional Paris American Club toast.
• The “Making The Lafayette Escadrille” presentation follows, with discussion of future screenings of the full film.
• Make a tax-deductible donation to The Lafayette Escadrille documentary project.

Paul Glenshaw’s lifelong passions over several disciplines all fuel the same goal: storytelling. In addition to being an instructor and lecturer for the Smithsonian Associates, Paul is co-director, writer, and producer of the just completed documentary The Lafayette Escadrille. He is a frequent contributor to the Smithsonian’s Air & Space magazine, and recent drawing projects in crude work with the Folger Shakespeare Library and the National Museum of Health and Medicine. He is also a writer and producer for the theater, radio, museum exhibits, interactive media, and STEM education. He lives in Silver Spring, Maryland and is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis.

Wed, Jan 20, 2021 at 6:30 pm: Consul Général Jérémie Robert

Jérémie Robert, 43, took office as Consul General in New York on September 3, 2020. Since September 2018, he was advisor for Africa, Development and Global Affairs in the office of the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves le Drian. In this capacity, he contributed to the renewal of France’s relations with Africa and the rebuilding of its development policy, and worked on the management of the crisis in the Sahel. He has worked for France’s global priorities, in particular the preservation of global public goods such as global health, climate and biodiversity. During his career at the Quai d’Orsay, which he began in 2003, he served in the Africa and Indian Ocean Department, on Sudan (2003-2006) during the Darfur crisis ; in Nairobi, as France’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme and Adviser on Somalia (2006-2009) ; in New Delhi (2011-2014) as Coordinator of the Political Chancellery ; in Yaoundé (2014-2016) as Number Two of our Embassy in Cameroon and as Assistant Director for West Africa (2016-2018). He worked for the European Union in Kenya (2010-2011). Jérémie Robert is a graduate of the Institut Politiques de Strasbourg and holds a master’s degree in international relations. He is married and father of two children. If you missed his discussion, you may view it here. Also, learn about mapstr, an app to help you find and support French businesses in New York City.

Jan 20, 2021

Tribute to former Paris American Club President from 1999 to 2015 Kevin MacCarthy Photo Tribute Kevin MacCarthy passed away of natural causes on December 3rd, 2020 in New York City at the age of 79. We will hold a moment of silence in his honor at the beginning of the January 20th Apéro. Kevin was a fifth generation Washingtonian where he attended Gonzaga College High School.  He continued his education at the College of the Holy Cross in Worchester, MA.  After graduation, Kevin spent a year in Metz, France, teaching English in a French high school, becoming completely fluent in French. Kevin’s love of French culture and the French language continued for the remainder of his life.  Upon his return to America, Kevin became a Special Agent in the FBI and, while taking night classes, he obtained a law degree from The Catholic University of America.  Kevin then moved to New York City, where he founded his own firm, Kevin MacCarthy Associates, which specialized in international law.  A unique highlight in Kevin’s life was his opportunity to serve as the NYC-based manager of the French companies, Métalliers Champenois and Atelier Gohard, during the period, 1984 – 1987, when, at the request of the Statue of Liberty Foundation, they recreated the original Bartholdi torch and flame of the Statue of Liberty.  In the restoration of the statue, the torch and flame were the only items that were replaced through a design that kept with Bartholdi’s own drawings.  Upon seeing how the new flame turned out to be such a magnificent work of art, Kevin successfully engaged the International Herald Tribune to join him in making a second flame, identical to the one on Liberty Island, and presenting it as a sign of “amitié” to the French People. This second Liberty Flame was installed at the Place de l’Alma in Paris by the then Mayor of Paris, Jacques Chirac, on May 10, 1989. One of Kevin’s last trips outside of his NYC apartment was a visit to Liberty Island where he proudly had his picture taken in front of the statue which held “his” torch and flame.  Additionally, Kevin was honored to serve as president of the Paris American Club in New York City for 15 years.  He leaves behind his wife, Mireille MacCarthy, his two daughters Nathalie and Valérie, and his three grandchildren upon whom he doted, Gabriel, Sebastian, and Ariana.

Please go to the tabs by year under Past Events to view prior years’ events.