Pétanque a la Côte d'Azur

Sunday June 13 - Steak Picnic and OPEN tournament

Panaché Tournament OPEN TO ALL regardless of ability

Bring family and friends.

Mini pétanque clinic for beginners to be held between 10 and 11

Registration ends at 11:00 a.m. Lunch at 11:30

Cost of lunch is $13.00 per person. Please bring tables/chairs and plates/utensils etc.

Cost of Tournament is $7.00. All games start after lunch. (1pm or before)

No Cash Prizes. Prizes to be awarded by raffle.

Reservations mandatory by Thursday June 11!!!

Please Contact Alain Efron at 415.479.5820 or lutecemeister@gmail.com

TTT 2010 - Fresno Pétanque

Here is the slideshow from the Teach the Trainers event held May 20th-23 in Fresno at the Englemann Winery. The attendees from LPM would like to thank VICTOR NATAF OF THE FIPJP, JOE MARTIN PRESIDENT OF THE FPUSA, THE FRESNO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, TIM CHANNELL, JOYCE SIMPSON, AND ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE FRESNO PÉTANQUE CLUB FOR PUTTING TOGETHER SUCH A GREAT TRAINING EVENT. SEE YOU IN FRESNO FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 20??

LPM Video Log: Montpellier

Here in the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, you’ll discover a little piece of another world. Come take a walk through the town’s center, which is open only to pedestrian traffic – no cars allowed – and hums with terrace cafés, shopping, and parks. Then, soak up some culture with an impromptu performance at the city’s opera house. We’ll even get a crash course in the traditional French game of Pétanque from some locals. You’ll be amazed how fresh and exciting this thousand-year-old city can be!

Los Angeles Pétanque Reporter

The most recent publication of Los Angeles Pétanque club is now on-line and available for viewing. Check out what our Angelinan friends to the south are up to, and bring your balls should you happen to be near their courts.

Pétanque Anyone?

The popular French ball-toss game has migrated to Eugene, where students play for fun, mostly

By Shaun O’Dell

The Register-Guard

Appeared in print: Wednesday, May 26, 2010

---

Laughter, cheers and moans of disappointment followed the clank of metal on metal in a steady rain Tuesday afternoon as players from four high schools, many without raincoats, gathered at Marist High School to carry on the French tradition of ... pétanque.

Rain or shine, the 50 or so students from Churchill, South Eugene, Sheldon and Marist high schools were intent on continuing play until one school could be crowned end-of-season champions.

“These guys are pretty into it. They’re pretty hard core,” said Ryan Baker, vice president and co-founder of the Eugene Pétanque International Club and a French teacher at Marist. “It’s a great place for them to fit in and find community, and that’s a big part of what it’s about.”

Click here for the complete article

May 20: Proclaimed Fresno, "America's Pétanque City" Day

On May 20th, 2010 the City of Fresno, California received the first of two great honors with respect to the game of pétanque. At the Fresno City Hall Chambers, the Mayor and Supervisors declared May 20th to be Fresno: "America's Pétanque City" Day. The added honor is that Fresno and Engelmann Winery hosted Victor Nataf, international training director who taught 32 players from around the country how to go back into their pétanque communities and teach the sport to newcomers.
With a great amount of tireless effort on the part of Tim Channell and others, Fresno is on track to potentially be a world-wide destination for pétanque. Don't blink, as we may see Fresno hosting the world championships in the very near future.

The City of Fresno proclamation ceremony that officially kicked off of the conference on May 20 can be viewed by clicking here. Once the video opens, drag the position bar to 33:52 to view the presentation.

Teach the Trainers

The F.I.P.J.P. - Fédération Internationale de Pétanque et Jeu Provençal is the world governing body of pétanque located in Marseille, France. Part of their international role is to establish national pétanque federations around the world, just like our very own Federation Pétanque USA . One of their other major roles is to travel the world and teach leaders of national federations how to teach pétanque to their affiliate clubs.
During the past three months, Robert Pierre, FPUSA International Liaison, has been in discussions with the International Federation and FPUSA national leadership about bringing their certified pétanque training clinic, “Teach the Trainers” to the United States. The International Federation has agreed to offer one U.S. certified trainer‟s clinic in May 2010, and it will be in Fresno. FPC is proud to host this 4-day event for USA and International pétanque.
Pétanque clubs across the United States will send one or two of their members to receive this certified training. After the completion of the clinic each participant will be listed by the International Federation as a certified pétanque trainer. We are anticipating registering up to 35 FPUSA members in this clinic.



May 20, 2009 — A video rendering on future Fresno, California petanque terrain. Home to the largest and fastest growing petanque club in the United States. Find out more at www.FresnoPetanque.com

Steak Picnic & Open Tournament

Sunday June 13 - Steak Picnic and OPEN tournament

Mini pétanque clinic to be held between 10 and 11
Registration ends at 11:00 a.m. Lunch at 11:30
All games start after lunch. (1pm or before)
No Cash Prizes. Prizes to be awarded by raffle.
Panaché. Bring friends or guests. $13.00 per person.
Reservations mandatory by Thursday June 11!!!
Please Call Alain Efron, 415.479.5820 or lutecemeister@gmail.com

LPM 2010 tête a tête

There proved to be quite an inspiring turnout last Sunday for our tête a tête tournament. 16 gentlemen and 8 ladies formed the competitive ranks. teams from Willits and Sacramento were present as well. Even in spite of some rain and sprinkles that tried to dampen the proceedings , the players were unflappable and play continued. The competition was fierce yet friendly and everyone seemed to enjoy the day.

Click here to watch the slideshow.
LPM would like to thank our own Alain Efron and Dan Feaster of the Willits Boules Club for contributing to the slideshow

Smart option offered in safety building debate

April 22, 2010

MARIN COUNTY supervisors have been talking about a new public safety building near the Civic Center for so long, they've been able to watch the county's fiscal health go from robust to bleeding and the local real estate market go from hot to cold.

So when Kerry Mazzoni, who is challenging two-term incumbent Supervisor Susan Adams, suggests that it's time for the county to shift gears and take a good look at buying the Marin Commons office complex, instead of constructing a $100 million building, she's advancing an alternative that deserves an honest look.

The Marin Commons complex stands near the corner of Lucas Valley Road and Highway 101, close enough to the Civic Center that it could make sense for a new headquarters for the county Sheriff's Department, the Office of Emergency Services and the countywide communications center.

Click here for the complete article.

FPUSA Regional select mixed doubles at La Boule D'or in San Francisco

Hello all!

We would like to see you in Golden Gate Park, Sunday May 30th for the
FPUSA Regional Select Mixed Doubles.

Best regards

Joss and John Krauer


Click on FPUSA to access the official entry form

Lentils & Sausages OPEN tournament

Sunday April 11. 2010

Registration ends at 11:00 a.m. All games start after lunch. (1pm or before)

No Cash Prizes. Prizes awarded by raffle.

Panaché for members & newcomers. Lunch $10.00.

Reservations mandatory by Thursday April 8!!!

Please call Alain Efron, 415.479.5820 or lutecemeister@gmail.com

It Promises to be a fun day of Pétanque and Culinary goodies.
Bring your friends and family,
plates and utensils and
Anyone who you feel might be interested in playing or watching.
After all, it is an open tournament,
the perfect venue to welcome newcomers to pétanque.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

Club de Français Sacramento, FPUSA Tournament

Greetings everyone! Click on FPUSA Northwest Regionals - Select Mixed Triples for all the information regarding the event to be held at the Mather Sports Center in Rancho Cordova, CA on Sunday, May 16th. The weather should be fine so we're expecting a day of fun and friendly competition. Please form your teams now, fill out the registration form and submit your payment no later than the closing date of May 13th. Our flier should have all the information you need, but if you have any additional questions please feel free to call or email Kevin McGill or Reid Evans.

Best Wishes and Happy Pétanqueing!


Tim Dugas
CFdS Secretary

Club de Français Sacramento

6 Ball Tournament

Sunday April 18th, 2010
Mather Sports Center Pétanque Courts
Registration: 0830-0900
Pre-Registration no later than April 15th
Play Begins: 0930
Price: $1.- per ball

There will be teams consisting of 1, 2 and 3 players.

Optional Lunchtime Event:
50/50 Shooting & Pointing Contest
$5.- to participate

The club will provide croissants in the morning and apéritf in the afternoon.

Potluck Lunch
If your last begins with the letters:
A-F, Please bring a main dish.
G-L, vegetable or salad
M-R, cheese or fruit
S-Z, dessert

Questions:

Kevin McGill: 916.233.8327 or mcgillfam@gmail.com

Reid Evans: 916.362.0509 or mrevans1@pacbell.net

Special Hotel Rates

Club Français de Sacramento Web Site

LA BOULE DU DESERT SPRING OPEN PETANQUE TOURNAMENT

Join us four our First Spring Select Triplette Tournament on April 24 & 25, 2010, in Palm Desert.

The tournament will be played over two days, qualifying games on Saturday and the quarter, semi and finals as well as consolantes on Sunday. Entry fee for the two days is $60.00 per team.

Saturday April 24^th, registration starts at 9:30am, games start at 10am.

Sunday April 25^th, games start at 9:30am.

Coffee and croissants will be served on Sunday only. Bring your own lunch.

Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to 1^st place team; 2^nd and 3^rd place teams and winners of the Consolante will receive cash prizes only.

Visit our website www.labouledudesert.net for location of the courts

Sunday night at the Petanque Court Pavilion, dinner will be provided by our Chefs for a lovely Bistro menu consisting of:

Hors d’oeuvre: Fresh Melon with Prosciutto.

Entrée: Blanquette de Veau (Veal Stew in Cream Sauce)

Salad course: Green salad with cheese assortment.

Desert: French pastry.

Price is $25.00 per person, water will be available. but you are welcome to bring your favorite beverage. Dinner will start at 7pm, leaving time to relax and rest after the tournament.

Please complete the following registration form to indicate your interest.

We are looking forward to seeing you in our Desert.

Yours in Petanque,

Gerard Canabou, President

La Boule du Desert

REGISTRATION FORM

TOURNAMENT: La Boule du Desert, Spring Select Triplette

DATE: April 24 & 25, 2010

AT: Palm Desert, California

Team members

1.____________________________ Club_____________________

2.____________________________ Club_____________________

3.____________________________ Club_____________________

*email________________________ *Tel #___________________

Dinner

Number of persons attending Sunday night dinner: _____________

*To indicate your interest, please e-mail your registration to gerardcanabou@earthlink.net by April 8^th, or call him at 760-568-1916 or Cell 760-399-6829.

By April 19^th, please make your check payable to La Boule du Desert for the entry fee and dinner reservation and mail it to:

Gerard G. Canabou

85 Clavel Court

Palm Desert, CA 92260

2010 Nor Cal Cup Results & Slideshow

The 2010 Northern California Commemorative Cup Competition was held yesterday under sunny skies after a few nail-biting days of rainy weather. There were 19 teams representing, San Francisco, Willits, Lamorinda, Petaluma, Healdsburg and of course San Rafael. A lot of intense competition ensued as the various teams fought to have their name engraved on the perpetual trophy, all of whom seemed to enjoy the diversity of engaging in play with some of those not usually able to travel to San Rafael. Five games were played with the over all winners being: Pascal Gravier and Teri Sirico. There was a tie for the second place spot between the teams of Tino Lofaro/Errin McTaggert and Ken del Gobo/Tamara Efron. The players decided upon a 9 point play off, and Ken and Tamara walked off with a surprising and exciting 9-4 victorious effort over last years defending champions to win second place.
Thanks to all who worked to make the tournament a success. Thank you to the people who helped groom the courts in the weeks before and very special bottom-of-our-heart appreciation to Jean and Emily Etcheverry for taking the appearance and maintenance duties of the courts under their wing.

To watch the slideshow of yesterdays activities, click here

SUNDAY March 14 - Northern CA Commemorative Cup.

THE COMPETITION WILL TAKE PLACE AS PLANNED


*****REMEMBER DAYLIGHT SAVINGS STARTS*****

Registration ends at 10:00 a.m. All games start at 10:30 a.m.

Select Mixed Doublettes (1 man & 1 woman). 5 games (swiss system)
First Place: Plaques and names engraved on the perpetual trophy.
Second Place: Plaques
Bring your own lunch. Apéritifs will be served after awards ceremony.

Marin supervisors go forward with $83 million public safety building

Plans for an $83 million public safety complex at the Marin Civic Center moved ahead Tuesday as county supervisors asked firms willing to design, develop and help finance the facility to step forward.

Although a staff report asserted the county has not yet "chosen a specific site location" for the complex, attention is focused on a dog park across from the Civic Center.

Supervisor Steve Kinsey said the county's call for development proposals was a "really significant step in the most significant capital budget the board will do this decade."

Supervisor Hal Brown added, however, that "there's a lot of steps to be taken before we tell someone to start hammering out there."

Officials contend a facility that meets safety standards is crucial to accommodate continuing operations during emergencies, including an earthquake.

The dog park site is the county's "preferred alternative," although other areas, including the "Christmas tree" lot site at the Civic Center and "The Pit" parking lot farther south, as well as sites away from the Civic Center, will be studied, according to David Speer, facilities planning manager at the Civic Center.

"We haven't solidified the site yet," said Supervisor Susan Adams. "You're going to be seriously looking at some off-campus sites," Supervisor Judy Arnold told Speer.

"It's going to be a challenging project, whichever site is chosen," Kinsey said.

Click Here for the complete article.

Los Angeles Pétanque

From our southland pétanque friends, click here to read their latest newsletter.

La Boule D'Or Tournament

SUNDAY MARCH 7- 2010

CONCOURSE 3/3 SELECT TEAMS (2 MEN'S AND 1 WOMEN)

ENTRY FEE $7 REWARDS: 90% OF ENTRY FEE PLUS $ 50 ADDED

END OF REGISTRATION 10 AM - STARTING TIME 10:15

- COFFEE AND CAKE IN THE MORNING

- FOR INFO CALL H (650) 755-2391) OR CELL 650-483-0732

- e-mail jkrauer@aol.com

Pétanque- A sport of Passsion?

France - Shoplifting pétanque player becomes repeat offender

Even if you have only a passing interest in France and things French, the chances are you’ll have heard of pétanque.
It’s a game played by thousands in this country and as with many a sport it can inflame the passions of both participants and spectators.
Unfortunately for one particular young man he took his enthusiasm for it a step too far by stealing a couple of treasured "boules" or balls and getting caught in the act, not once, but twice.
Maybe a word or two on pétanque at this point as even though it’s an international sport, it’s not exactly one of the best known around the world.
There are plenty of better well-informed sources out there describing what it is and where it originates, but succinctly (and therefore probably not entirely accurately) put it’s a sort of French bowls.
Just to emphasise the popularity of pétanque here in France, it ranks as the eighth most played sport in terms of active club membership with apparently more than 362,000 registered players.
There’s a federation governing the sport in this country, championships broken down by sex and age, and of course a French cup.
In fact to find out everything and anything you might ever have wanted to know (or not, as the case might be) there’s the bible of the game available annually in the form of Le Guide Boulisme.
Anyway back to the man who was caught stealing those boules.
The 33-year-old was arrested in the southwestern French town of Dax earlier this week as he attempted to lift a couple of them worth €199 ($US 269) from a store.
No mean feat really as they usually weigh anything between 650 and 800 grammes each and so aren’t exactly the easiest things to sneak out of a shop without being noticed.
Apparently it wasn’t the first time he was "caught in the act" according to the regional daily, Sud Ouest.
He was stopped just last month committing a similar theft, albeit for the smaller amount of €163 ($US220).
All of which means, says the paper, that when his case comes to court he’ll be treated as a repeat offender and runs the risk of not just facing a fine but also a sentence.
And his defence? Well he claims to be quite good at the game but not to "have the means to finance his passion."
So quite literally a French sporting crime of passion - of sorts?
He’ll have the chance to explain himself fully when his case comes to court, but for that he’ll have to wait until April.

Saturday February 14th Tournament CANCELED

The tournament which was to have been held this Saturday, has been canceled due poor weather forecasts and sloppy conditions at the courts.

We look forward to seeing you at the tournament, next month for the honor of having your name on the Northern California Commemorative Trophy for a year.

Registration ends at 10:00 a.m. All games start at 10:30 a.m. Bring your own lunch.
Select Mixed Doublettes (1 man & 1 woman). Plaques, but no cash prizes.
Apéritifs will be served after awards ceremony.

Boulisme Pétanque Newsletter

For all of our Francophiles, here is a wonderful newsletter of and about pétanque in France and throughout the world.

The following is an excerpt from "Boulisme" which talks about the growing interestof pétanque in the Mexican State of the Yucatán.

Des boules au Mexique

Amoureux de pétanque, des Français exilés au Mexique, ont lancé une association visant à l’intégration de leurs compatriotes, notamment par les boules. Une étape vers la création de la fédération mexicaine. Echange avec Pierre De Oliveira, l’un des membres....
Click here to read the complete article.

Get in the Spirit with DECA SPORTS 2

San Mateo, Calif.– Feb. 1, 2010– To celebrate the popular DECA SPORTS franchise, Hudson Entertainment, the North and South American subsidiary of Hudson, has lowered DECA SPORTS 2’s retail price from $29.99 to $19.99. With more than 2.5 million units of the first DECA SPORTS shipped to date, gamers around the world have been enjoying the variety of sports in the series, including winter sports such as ice hockey, speed skating and mogul skiing, in DECA SPORTS 2 for Wii™.

“People around the world are brushing up on knowledge and practice of winter sports,” said Dai Kudo, Director of Consumer Products of Hudson Entertainment.“Now more Wii players will have a chance to experience the diverse games in DECA SPORTS 2 , including three winter sports.”

With the addition of Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection online multiplayer, DECA SPORTS 2 allows players to remotely do battle with other gamers across the country in tennis, ice hockey and dodge ball. The game also features diverse sports such as synchronized swimming, motorcycle road racing, speed skating, mogul skiing and darts, as well as lesser known, but no less exciting, international sports such as pétanque and kendo. Gamers will also be able to design their own teams, customizing uniforms, athlete skills and even the looks of the athletes themselves. DECA SPORTS 2 will truly take the original game’s credo of“the Everybody Sports Game” to the next level.

For more information on DECA SPORTS 2 , please visit Hudson Entertainment at www.DecaSports2.com

The New Dam Party

Dear N Cal Boulistenautes,


Sunday, Jan 31 High: 60 °F RealFeel®: 62 °F Partly sunny

At this time of year that rates as a pretty good forecast, and unless there's a major turn for the worse, this is definitely good-enough weather for our ever-morphing winter boules encounter. Eldon is working on turning out the Mendocino and Coastal representatives and all that remains is to recap some of the basic outlines so you can fill in the details.

There's a new locale. Peggy and David have scouted out the replacement for the now paved parking lot. Click here for directions.

Let's all try to be there so we can start to play at 10:00. If for you this means being there at 9:15, so be it. Some others may interpret it to mean getting there between 9:42 and 9:45.

As always this is a pot-luck, that means bring foodstuffs appropriate for sharing with everyone. We will not have the same cushy setup with the pavillion/tables/firegrate/

restrooms that we have grown used to. There is however a port-o-san and a short hop in a car will get you to more civilized accomodations.

So please bring things like portable tables and chairs or you'll be eating off the roof of your car and sitting on the fenders. Also, since we'll be without running water you might want to fill a couple of big jugs with eau de maison for cleanup, handwashing, coffee making etc. It would be great if anyone who has one of those pop-up awnings brings it, if only to act as an anti-rainfall fetish.

I'm sure I've forgotten something, but don't let that influence your planning. Be prepared for bad weather and then we'll all be pleasantly surprised when it's only mediocre. Anyway, I'm sure someone will chime in to remind me what I left out.

Oh, and don't forget your boules --- remember those rusty things that have been tripping you up on the garage floor since October?

Look forward to seeing you on the 31st,

frank pipal

Club de Pétanque "Bolos de Santa Anita", Guadalajara, México

PÉTANCA A LA MÉXICANA

As most people who are familiar with the game of pétanque may be aware, it is a sport growing in world-wide popularity. What many people may not know however is that one of the countries where we have been seeing growth, is México.
In 1998, in the town of Santa Anita, Jalisco located in the shadow of the city of Guadalajara, capitol of the state of Jalisco, the late Mr. Miguel Angel Iñiguez Sanchez formed the "Bolos de Santa Anita" pétanque club. At first Don Iñiguez started by teaching his sons, Miguel Angel, Luis Fernando, Hector and Alfonso. Later, cousins and then friends were invited to play and be a part of the club. They have two courts, one of which is covered for use during inclement weather. Presently under the leadership of their President, Mr. Ramon Carrillo Aldrete, the club is 16 members strong. If you think that you may find yourself in Guadalajara and would like to play "pétanca a la méxicana", please contact Alfonso Iñiguez Lazcano

As many of you may also know, two of our now ex-pat members, Douglas and Donna have recently settled, 40 minutes away, in the small town of Ajijic (ah-hee-HEEK) located on the shore of beautiful Lake Chapala.

LPM 2010 Calendar

All tournaments will start at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays (except as noted).

For further information, call Christine at: 415-302-5069 or by email at: petanque.marin@gmail.com

Or if you are on your way but going to be late, call Christine at: 415-302-5069

Caution: all data susceptible to change

Saturday March 14 - Northern CA Commemorative Cup.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS STARTS
Registration ends at 10:00 a.m. All games start at 10:30 a.m. Bring your own lunch.
Select Mixed Doublettes (1 man & 1 woman). Plaques, but no cash prizes.
Apéritifs will be served after awards ceremony.


Sunday April 11 - Lentils & Sausages OPEN tournament

Registration ends at 11:00 a.m. All games start after lunch. (1pm or before)
No Cash Prizes. Prizes awarded by raffle.
Panaché for members & newcomers. Lunch $10.00.
Reservations mandatory by Thursday April 8!!!
Please call Alain Efron, 415.479.5820 or aefron3@comcast.net


Sunday May 9 - Potluck Picnic

Registration ends at 10:00 a.m. All games start at 10:30 a.m.
Tête a Tête (Gender Specific). There will be separate male and female tournaments.



Sunday June 13 - Steak Picnic and OPEN tournament

Mini pétanque clinic to be held between 10 and 11
Registration ends at 11:00 a.m. All games start after lunch. (1pm or before)
No Cash Prizes. Prizes to be awarded by raffle.
Panaché. Bring friends or guests. $13.00 per person.
Reservations mandatory by Thursday June 11!!!
Please Call Alain Efron, 415.479.5820 or lutecemeister@gmail.com


Sunday July 17 & 18 - FPUSA WOMEN'S and JUNIOR WORLD QUALIFIER

BOTH QUALIFIERS ARE TWO DAY EVENTS
PRE -REGISTRATION REQUIRED - DETAILS FORTHCOMING


Sunday July 25 - Fourth Annual "Bay Area and Beyond" Interclub Tournament

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
DETAILS FORTHCOMING

Sunday Aug 8

Lentils and Sausage Picnic and Open Tournament
Registration ends at 11:00 a.m. All games start after lunch. (1pm or before)
Cash Prizes.
Panaché for members & newcomers. Lunch $10.00.
Reservations mandatory by Thursday August 5th!!!
Please call Alain Efron, 415.479.5820 or lutecemeister@gmail.com


Sunday September 12 - Lamb Picnic, and OPEN tournament

Panaché Tournament Open to ALL
Registration ends at 11:00 a.m. !!
Casual games before lunch. Games will start after lunch at 1:00 p.m.
Lunch Menu: BBQ Lamb, white beans, salad, cheese & bread.
Free for Members in Good Standing, $13.00 for non-members.
Friends, family and guests are welcome.
No Cash Prizes – Wine awarded by raffle drawing
Additional raffle drawing for a $150.- gift certifcate to PÉTANQUE AMERICA
Reservations are required by the evening of Thursday, Sept. 9
Contact Alain Efron (415) 479-5820 or lutecemeister@gmail.com

Sunday October 10 -

Casual Play for members not wishing to compete in the
FPUSA Mixed Triples being hosted by Lamorinda


Saturday October 24
Business meeting/buffet.
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Reservations by Thursday November ?? mandatory!!!
Please call Alain Efron, 415 479.5820 or Claudie Chourré, 415.456.1778


Sunday November 14

Tournament a la melée. Bring your own lunch
Registration ends at 10:00 a.m. All games start at 10:30 a.m.

December
Happy Holidays!

Fresno Pétanque

Here is the latest newsletter from our neighbors to the not-so-far south. Click here to read it in it's entirety.

Holiday Wishes from LPM

Merry Christmas Everybody,


The Holiday Season 2009 is upon us, yet Christmas and it's traditions don't always bring visions of joy and happiness to everyone. Keep in mind that when you are looking for that perfect gift, that love is the easiest gift to give. Its simple... its elegant... and it lasts a long time. It's always brand new... and if it's returned it brings even more joy. At this time of the year, let us reach out and forget all our bitterness toward our fellow man, extend to him or her, our true hand of love and friendship... because love brings hope... and hope removes doubt...without doubt there is no uncertainty.
With that, all of us at La Pétanque Marinière would like to wish you the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years.

Pétanque Wines at Trader Joe's

It's time to stock up on the popular wine from Michel-Schlumberger in the Dry Creek Valley as it is now available from Trader Joe's in San Rafael. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are all selling for the unheard of $4.99 per bottle.

La Franc Pétanque Boules

Welcome to La Franc pétanque boules from Thailand!


FBT Sports is considered the Sporting Giant of Thailand because of its wide range of sports equlpment and wear manufacturing facilities, and also its dominant marketing and sales activities throughout of Thailand.

Another reason is FBT’s cars and responsibility as a Corporate Citizen committed towards the development of sports in Thailand with its philanthropic contribution as a donor or sponsor since the inception of the company in 1952.

As a manufacturer, a wholesaler and a retailer, FBT can control the quality of its products to the end customers and, at the same time, have the flexibility to suit all types of markets. This allows FBT the advantage of producing high quality products at affordable prices.


Click on video to go to the factory and watch the actual boule making process.

When at the factory click on "area 6" to begin the video.
Click on boule department to see fotos of the boule making area of the factory.

La Franc Pétanque balls are now available directly from
Pétanque America and are approved by the International Pétanque Federation for International Competitions.

Have a Ball this Christmas?

LAPC Newsletter

Click on November issue of the LAPC Newsletter. It is now ready to be perused.

Pétanque Spreads in Northern Florida

Grand opening of The Bakery by Opus 39 in St Augustine, Florida

It seems that since the Pétanque America Open, the sport is catching on in the northeastern part of the state. the following article appeared today in the Historic City News out of St. Augustine, Florida

The Bakery by Opus 39 reported to Historic City News that they will be holding their grand opening next Tuesday, December 15th.

The new Bakery is located behind Opus 39 on Cordova Street.

The Bakery’s retail pastry and bread shop is open to the public for breakfast, coffee, lunch and catering. Wholesale breads, pastries, etc. are available for restaurants.

Historic City News reader and City Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline reported that this is very exciting news. “If you have never tasted the bread at Opus, you should; it’s to die for”, Sikes-Kline said.

Fresh bread with real butter dripping down your elbow as you enjoy it — hot, fresh, right out of their ovens. All breads are made daily to satisfy.

Chef Michael says the deck is great,The Pétanque Court is ready to play and the new patio furniture and fountains are really nice.

36 Hours in Austin, Texas

THE city’s unofficial motto, “Keep Austin Weird,” blares from bumper stickers on BMWs and jalopies alike, on T-shirts worn by joggers along Lady Bird Lake and in the windows of independently owned shops and restaurants. It’s an exhortation for a city that clings to eccentricity, even in the face of rapid development — downtown Austin, for one, is being transformed with a fleet of high-rise condos and a W Hotel, scheduled to open late next year. But this funky college town, known for its liberal leanings and rich music scene, has little to worry about — at least as long as its openhearted citizens, with their colorful bungalows and tattoos, do their part to keep the city endearingly odd. As one local put it: “As long as Austinites keep decorating their bodies and cars, we’re going to be fine.”

part of what happens in 36 hours in Austin is pétanque...

8:30 p.m.
8) FRENCH CONNECTION

There’s something almost Felliniesque about driving down a dark road lined with industrial warehouses, and stumbling onto Justine’s (4710 East Fifth Street; 512-385-2900; www.justines1937.com), bistro. a new, pitch-perfect FrenchOutside, a family plays pétanque on the driveway; inside, groups of friends and couples sit on Thonet chairs at candlelit cast-iron-and-marble cafe tables, as a turntable, manned by the owner, Pierre Pelegrin, plays old jazz and reggae tunes. With atmosphere this good, the meal — Parisian comfort food, and delicious — is just a bonus. Order the duck confit ($15) or the steak frites with pepper sauce ($18).

to see what happens the rest of the 36 hours, click here

Frederic Matocq

Greetings All,

Many of you have already heard that Frederic Matocq, a true gentleman and long-time member of La Petanque Mariniere, passed away last week. Health issues have kept him and his wife Henriette from being active members of the club for some years now. I am grateful to say that I became a member in time to have at least gotten to know him, if only a little. His friendly and gentle nature was always welcome on the courts. I will remember how he always greeted people with a smile. I know that he will be missed by many. He originally came from France in 1953 and worked as a head baker for Bordenave's for 34 years. Frederic was a devoted Catholic and member of Saint Raphael's. He married the love of his life Henriette Lanneretonne in 1960 and had three children Michele, George and John-Claude. Frederic was a long time member of the French League Henry IV. He enjoyed playing pétanque in his retirement years. He is survived by his beloved wife Henriette, his daughter Michele, his son John-Claude, and his one and only granddaughter Marissa all of San Rafael. The light of his life will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched.

The Rosary will be held at Keaton's, 1022 E St., San Rafael, at 7pm on Tuesday, Dec 1st.

The service will be held at Noon on Wed. Dec 2. at St Rafael Church, Fifth Street, San Rafael.

Christine

Pétanque America Open foto montage

Here is the latest slideshow of the Pétanque America Open to be published
Thanks to Christophe Chambers of New York and Gary Jones of North Carolina for capturing some great moments during the Open with such wonderful images.

Click here to watch the slideshow.

Pétanque America Open Finals

Spoiled by a fabulous November weather the Amelia Island Petanque America open showed some fabulous artistry, especially by European Shooting champion and former World Champion Claudy Weibel who was teamed up with his friend Xavier Thibaud from the New York Petanque club. The two proved to be too strong for the rest of the 200 plus competitors. The population of Amelia Island has embraced the century old French ball game and the city of Fernandina Beach has left permanent courts on the side of its brandnew Marina complex. A new league is already in the making and next year we expect an expanded field of players.

Click here to watch a video of the final match. Courtesy of SearchAmelia.com