Katharine C: AWG Thanksgiving 2016

Editor:  if anyone would like to see Sonia's full album of photos, please send Kath C an email and she will forward it. (It's on Dropbox)

Photo credits:  Sonia G and Sylvia D

A happy group of about 90 members and their families convened at Domaine de Fondespierre
to celebrate one of America's best-loved holidays.

The event went off very smoothly, due to its well-syncopated management by Cerese.  Pam, amongst others, was there early, to set up and decorate the tables.

Pam with the decorations sourced from the garrigue by Peggy R and Sue Rich of the Garden Group

Mariannick and Sheila handled check-in

Maggie handled a guessing competition for candy corn.......

... as well as all the raffle prizes

 The festivities began with an apero hour, and Denise's sparkling cranberry
cockail was enjoyed by all.  

Denise tending bar

Laurent and Phil larking around in the kitchen - and carving the turkeys

Noel sets up the buffet tables for our turkey banquet

Before lunch, a group of parents and children read texts describing Thanksgiving and what it means to us.  Robin C led us in a blessing and prayer before lunch.  (Sorry:  no photos of children appear on Scriveners, but they had a good time). 

A cornucopia of turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, side dishes and salads....

..... followed by desserts:  pumpkin, apple, pecan pies, and more

Linda, Cerese, and AWG President Mary-Catherine

A lot of work went into this event, and everyone enjoyed themselves.  Many thanks to Cerese who brought it off with her customary star quality.   And thank you to everyone for supporting the fundraising activities, including book sales,  the proceeds of which support FAWCO.  Bouquets were given to Cerese and Sylvia, and a splendid azalea plant was given to Mary Catherine for her birthday. Sylvia presented Laurent with the gift of a book in thanks for his many years of  kitchen duty carving turkeys.    Many thanks to the official photographer of the day - new member Sonia G.  

Gerard P, Michel L, Serge P

Linda and Rachel

Gian-Carlo and Bob

Gerard, Alexandre, Michel and Bruno

Orla and Jan

Candy corn guessing winner was Reinaldo

Mireille won a raffle basket

 And then there was singing:

Cerese, Guilhem, Mary Catherine and Rachel

Cerese provided song sheets of classics like Old Suzanna ("come from ALABAMA with a banjo on my knee") which Mary Catherine and Rachel sang.

Noel and Cerese boogie it up

Alexia ...

.... and Jessica both sang Chestnuts Roasting on an open Fire

Fellowship, turkey dinner, raffles, our families, singing  and THANKS- this was the AWG Thanksgiving 2015.

Thanks go to Sonia G, our new AWG member, who was the "official" photographer for the AWG
event.  Say hallo to her next time you're at an AWG event.  Nice work, Sonia, thank you.