FAC NAMES ROGER LACERTE 2010 FRANCO-AMERICAN OF THE YEAR

June 27, 2010 - The Franco-American Centre hosted Manchester's celebration of St. Jean Baptiste (La Fete de la Saint-Jean), the patron saint of French-Canadians, and named Roger Lacerte of Lowell, Massachusetts, as the FAC's Franco-American of the Year. Mr. Lacerte is a father of five and long-time volunteer in many cultural organizations throughout the area. He is owner of La Librairie Populaire on Orange Street in Manchester. Mr. Lacerte is also the host of the Sunday morning radio program, "Chez Nous," on WFEA AM 1370 radio.

ST. MARY'S BANK IS 2010 IINH GOLDEN DOOR AWARD RECIPIENT

May 23, 2010 - In honor of the Franco-American community, the International Institute of New Hampshire presented the 2010 Golden Door Award to St. Mary’s Bank at an outdoor celebration held at the Franco-American Centre in Manchester. The award celebrates a U.S. citizen of foreign birth or of first generation extraction who has made outstanding civic contributions through a life of reputation, accomplishment, and character. The award’s title makes reference to the final line of Emma Lazarus's sonnet inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty: “I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”