LiseMichaudLandryMy last column! I am overwhelmed by a strange feeling while sitting down to write it. For the last ten years, at each Brelan’s issue, it was with great pleasure that I tried to inform you of what was cooking in our Association.

And yes, life goes on carrying so many good things!

On June 6th, 2015 in Quebec City was held our Annual General Meeting. Some twenty-five people attended. Among those, two ex-Presidents, Vincent from Quebec City, and Jean from Sept-Iles. We also met two newcomers, Réal and Charlaine from the Québec area, and many “regulars”, among them Lauréat from Laurierville, and Jean from St-Quentin, New Brunswick. Many others were also present, including the members of our Administration Council, and Andrée, layout editor of Le Brelan since 2011. Such good and nice people!

Frankly, I questioned myself prior to this meeting. I was rather afraid that we would not find replacement for the President and first Vice-President, Raynald and I having decided to leave the AFMI ship. I have to confess that I was so wrong to question myself. In fact, when the election took place, Réal and Charlaine accepted to jump aboard. Once the election was over, the new Executive Council met and here are the results of their deliberation:

  • Madelaine Dubé Michaud is now President (she was second Vice-President).
  • Réal Michaud is first Vice-President.
  • Charlaine Michaud becomes second Vice-President.

Congratulations! For their great generosity, I thank them from the bottom of my heart in the name of all our members and mine also. With you, our Association will go further.

The treasurer also presented the financial statement for the year ending March 31st, 2015. Although there is a slight deficit of 55$, our finances are in good health. Thank you Réjean!

In recognition for Raynald’s great work during the past six years, we offered him a very nice pen engraved with his initials. Many thanks Raynald for your contribution. And to Andrée, who will no longer edit the layout of Le Brelan, we offered a few pages... a nice note book that will enable her to mark down her thoughts or souvenirs. Thanks Andrée!

I have to talk about the tribute I received after lunch Saturday. Andrée read a fantastic document, written by her of course (see pp. 12 to 15, Le Brelan, july 2015). She related the different events which occurred during my presidency. I was also offered a few meaningful souvenirs. I was deeply moved by such consideration; my tears were also very sincere.

In 2005, I attended my first General Meeting. Then, I could not imagine that I would get deeply involved for so many years. I was elected first Vice-President, replacing Julien. However, while our President was ill, I had to act as President. In 2006 in Kamouraska, I was elected President, re-elected in Edmundston in 2009, and in Quebec City in 2012. I have never regretted my engagement in our Association.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank the members of the first Administration Council I presided. Julien, Louis, Magdeleine, Claire, Blandine, and Jean-Eudes showed the way, and encouraged me a lot.

AFMI brought me great satisfaction. Of course, I would have liked to do more, such as visiting the Michauds of all regions but, as we say “No one is bound to do the impossible”. However, at all the various meetings, either with the administrators, the Annual Meetings, or on other occasions, I have always appreciated meeting with those attending. I will alway cherish those memories.

The most important thing the Association has given me is the pride to carry the name MICHAUD. Of course, I am my father’s proud daughter; but bearing the name is now so precious to me. I am so proud.

Many thanks to all. You have given me the chance to meet so many marvellous people. Thanks to the Administration Council team for your friendship and camaraderie.

 

Lise Michaud Landry (no 1375),
ex President