Congratulations to new officers: Belinda Willis, president; Deborah Marquardt, vice-president; Mary Aldridge, secretary, and Connie Buffa, treasurer, who were elected at the 2015 annual meeting on Jan. 18 This leadership team has a lot on its plate as our membership prepares for several significant events this year.

* It is the 25th anniversary of our relationship with Port-Vendres. Five ambassadors from Port-Vendres, including Mayor Jean-Pierre Romero, will arrive June 2 to participate in festivities surrounding the arrival of the celebrated ship L’Hermione. More on this to come!

* Sister Cities Yorktown is sponsoring a gala to help raise money for the L’Hermione events in Yorktown. That event is May 20. Contact Belinda Willis for ticket information.

* French Market, April 18, our biggest ever and the first on the Yorktown waterfront.

* Student exchange #1, with 10 York County students departing on March 31 for France and Spain. Watch the blog for updates from our travellers.

* Student exchange #2, when students from Port-Vendres and Ceret, France, visit Yorktown for Yorktown Day.

* Bastille Day, July 14. Details to come.

* October Wine Festival — a big fundraiser for SCY. Volunteer now!

It is an exciting year. Don’t miss out on anything.