The American Women's Group of Languedoc-Roussillon

The AWGLR is an international group of women with an American majority, all seeking the same outcomes - friendship, good company, stimulating group activitives/events. We come together to share our passions, like reading and writing;  cooking and wine tasting; donating and volunteering; assisting and mentoring in order to work towards a common goal: to enjoy our lives together. We also raise funds for causes close to our hearts. Please do not hesitate to contact us at awg.grapevine at Gmail.

As part of this year’s International Women’s Day programming, AWG, with support from the city of Montpellier, would like to invite you to an evening with Kristin Louise Duncombe. Kristin Louise Duncombe is an American author and therapist. Her award-winning memoirs, Trailing and Five Flights Up, are renowned in the global community for exposing the psychological struggles that often come with the expat experience. Kristin has previously come to speak to AWG about her books as well as to share tips on writing.

This time, Kristin will be presenting and discussing her newest book OBJECT: A Memoir of Childhood Abuse and a Shocking Cover-Up at the Highest Ranks of Government. Kirkus Reviews calls OBJECT "a work of great substance; a highly revealing account of abuse, and the struggle to overcome it." Booklife of Publisher's Weekly describes OBJECT as a "devastating, deeply brave memoir that ...shares breathtaking insights on loss, trauma, and resilience." Kristin Louise Duncombe lives in Paris.

Le Bookshop will be at the event with books for sale (cash or check only). The author will be available to sign your copy. An apéro will follow the presentation and discussion. This event is open to the public…please feel free to spread the word and bring your friends.

We look forward to seeing you there !

Dear friends,

Our membership now numbers 84 - perhaps the largest number of members in AWGLR history! Welcome to Anna and her aunt, who has re-joined AWG, and to Lindsay, an American who moved to Montpellier this year from Albania, as well as Christine and her companion, Harley, a ‘golden doodle’ who will melt your heart, have also joined AWG. Please welcome them when you see them!

Don’t miss our Fundraiser/Apéro Dînatoire with a Quiz this month on Saturday, April 26, when we’ll find out who knows what and enjoy good company and great food and beverages. Prizes for the first place team! You should have received an Evite for this event. We’ll also be raising some Euros for our friends at Table d’Anouk who help feed our neighbors every week. More and more AWG members are volunteering on Monday afternoons to help chop and prep yummy meals. If you haven’t had a chance to help out, please reach out to Gretchen who can help you get involved. It takes a village to organize all the great activities and events that AWG hosts every year.

Now is the time to consider if you would like join the amazing team that is the AWG Board. I plan to continue in the role of President for the 2025-26 year, and we are fortunate that Sealia will continue as our Treasurer, and that Wendy and Barbara are continuing in their roles, helping to plan and coordinate events. After two years of doing an amazing job with our monthly newsletter and Friendly Friday Reminders (FFRs), Lori will be stepping down; however, she is willing to train someone new in the ins and outs of the quirky, but super fun Mailchimp platform! Natalie has been our fearless board meeting secretary this year and will also be stepping down. Merci mille fois to both of them!

We are looking to fill the board roles of Secretary and Newsletter/FFR Editor. If either of these positions speak to you, or you would like to run for the position of President, VP of Events or Treasurer, please contact our nominating committee, Kim and Maquita who can provide you with all the details. Our board meets once a month, usually for one hour, on Zoom with the exception of July and August. If Kim and Maquita do not hear from you by April 10, they will begin reaching out to invite members to volunteer.

The election for the 2025–26 board begins on May 1 online and in person at our Annual General meeting (+ Apéro!) which will take place on Tuesday, May 27. (Yes, its in May this year because of City of Montpellier space constraints in June.) You’ll receive details for the AG in the May 1 newsletter as well as a voting ballot. Questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact me or the nominating committee. Its fun and a great way to get to know more AWG members! Sincerely, Jennifer Hodge Jerzyk 2024-25 President