The Boston Globe, July 19, 2009
Cindy Cantrell

SAVORING BASTILLE DAY

When her husband was transferred to Paris for his job about 20 years ago, French teacher Cynthia Edelman served as their informal translator during the three years they lived there. In 1995, the couple moved to Acton, where Edelman founded a school, French in Acton, to help local residents develop their foreign language skills.

To commemorate the French independence holiday of Bastille Day, Edelman hosted a dinner Tuesday at Brasserie Jo in Boston. Twenty-six of her adult students and their spouses from 10 towns turned out for an authentic French meal of summer salad or vichyssoise; seared jumbo scallops or chicken Riesling blanquette; and strawberry Nutella crêpe.

The evening featured a spontaneous rendition of "La Marseillaise," the French national anthem, as well as relaxed conversation in English and all levels of French. The only thing missing, Edelman quipped, was fireworks.

"Teaching French is my job, it’s my love, it’s my passion," she added. "I like to think everyone had a good time, but most of all, I hope they all learned something."

For more information about Edelman’s school, visit www.frenchinacton.com.