Jeanne Pacheco, right, and Terry MacLean enjoy the entertainment Thursday at the La Rencontre luncheon at the Franco Center in Lewiston. The longtime friends attend many of the Franco American social events at the center and were thrilled to celebrate Pacheco’s 91st birthday there Thursday. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Betty Lebrun Mailhot sings “There’s a Hole in the Bucket” on Thursday, accompanied by her husband, musical artist Marc Mailhot of Lisbon, at the La Rencontre luncheon at the Franco Center in Lewiston. The luncheon is a quarterly event of the Parlez Vous French Club, which seeks to bring Franco Americans, French speakers from African nations, and French language learners of all levels together for conversation and companionship. “Language is a common thread between the French Canadian immigrants of the mid-1800s and the immigrants of today,” Denise Scammon, marketing/development director of the Franco Center, said. “We embrace the differences in cultures and languages of our neighbors today. This luncheon is an opportunity to bring the community together.” Andree Kehn/Sun Journal