Pardon Their French, Club with "F" as in "Funny" Name Celebrates 1st Anniversary

FFFF? Translation, s.v.p.! Fun French For Free isn't exactly a name you would expect for a group of sophisticated Francophiles.  But then again, when Bonifacio "Bob" Velasquez posted a blurb on Summit Patch last October, inviting the public to join an informal French group he was starting, he wasn't quite sure who, if anyone, would show up. 

As it turns out, in just one year, a bunch of people who love to sit around and practice their French, has grown from just a few to about a dozen folks.  And while some are beginners, there are many in the club with a certain savoir-faire for foreign languages. 

Mr. Bonafico told Patch, "I started Fun French For Free (FFFF) because I knew that this area needed a culturally stimulating outlet to practice a lovely, rich language with as little pressure as possible.  I like this group because it represents what could be accomplished when people understand the concept of supportive sharing.  I'm very proud of every single person in FFFF."

Group members occasionally venture out to watch a French film together at a local library, or at Robert's Chatham Theatre. To mark the one year milestone, the club decided a formal dinner was in order, and enjoyed a prix fixe menu during restaurant week at Rob's Bistro in Madison.  

Mr. Bonafico added, "I'd like to thank Rob's Bistro for tolerating such an animated and noisy group.  We really tried to keep it down but we enjoyed the food, the atmosphere and the kind service almost too much."

New members are always welcome; no registration is required.  The club meets Monday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. at Weichert Realty, located 474 Morris Ave. in Summit.