A Magazine for the Women of • March 2014 CarpetBuyer_HHP_210x143_aw2_op.pdf 1 13年8月5日 下午6:23

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The American Women’s Association of Hong Kong, Limited. Established in 1956 A volunteer organization of international women supporting Hong Kong charities and schools through community service and monetary grants, while providing educational and social activities for members. 6

AWAre Production Staff

Editor Francesca Stephen Tel: 9767 3721 [email protected] Membership Information 3 Assistant Editors Carole Atkin WOW Update 4 Laura Metoudi Asian Tours 5 Lori DiCarlo AWA Enjoys 7 Angela Bellas Contents 10 Helping Hong Kong's Youth 8 Ronald McDonald House 9 Advertising Manager Digital Windows on the World 10 Marybeth Coffer [email protected] Love and Loss 11 & 12 Published & Printed by Calendar 14 R&R Publishing Ltd. Local Tours and Activities 15 2126 7812 On-going Activities 21 [email protected] Sporting Activities 24 www.rrpublishing.com.hk Contact Information 29 24

Office is open from Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm

Visit the AWA website: www.awa.org.hk Find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/awahk

Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author only and do not represent the opinion of the American Women’s Association. Any reliance by the reader upon any recommendation or opinion in this publication is at the reader’s own risk. The AWA accepts no responsibility for any loss which may result from such reliance. Copyright 2014. The content of the Aware publication is the property of the American Women's Association Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. Information from within the publication may not be distributed without the express written consent of the American Women's Association. Welcome

From the President From the Editor

Barbora Mayer, our excellent Office Manager, recently Recently I was reminded how overly dependent on technology encountered a cobra on her trek in the . Ask I have become. When the AWA email system went down Barbora to tell the story when next you see her. She recently, it was as if I was somehow incapacitated. Now of handled the experience with her typical aplomb. She also course, I know how ridiculous that sounds. I did spend quite a handled a recent situation at the office when our website bit of my life doing without cell phones, email and the Internet went down with that same calm, cool demeanor. I but now I know what it’s like to have them, I don’t think I want personally think having the website go to be without them any more! down is scarier than meeting a cobra, but will leave it to Barbora to compare the In this month’s issue, Shelda Chickles writes experiences. The good news is that the about the second part of the well-known Hong current website is now up and running. Kong trail, which weaves its way above . This section of the walk includes Our Charitable Donations committee has the stunning Dragon’s Back, which was once received more than 40 grant applications named one of the best urban hikes in the world. for well over $4 million HKD. The The weather is still cool enough to hit the trails committee investigates every organization so I would recommend that you follow in to make sure every project meets the Shelda’s footsteps! policy guidelines in our Articles of Association; that each organization is capable of carrying out the project and that We have some wonderful tours coming up for you to enjoy. the management is solid. You can have every confidence With the cold snap we’ve just had, winter sports may be on that your gift will be used prudently. There is still time to your mind. Although the snow isn’t real, you will feel as if you make a donation to the “Make a Difference” campaign so have been transported to the Alps. I’m sure you will love the we can fund these worthy projects. opportunity to learn how to ski or snowboard right here in Hong Kong! Please put these two key dates in your diary. We are also re-visiting a Hong Kong favourite…High Tea. Come 1) The AWA AGM, elections and social event will take place and join us for high tea at the beautiful Conrad Hotel. Forget in the AWA office Wednesday, April 16th in the AWA office. your diet and enjoy some delicious treats. For those with a Come meet your elected board, hear an update on your more savoury palate, Lavinia Hemandas is running another organization and ask questions, while enjoying social time one of her popular Indian cooking classes. She will teach you with fellow members. how to cook flavourful Indian cuisine in your own home. Have a wonderful March! 2) Friday, May 30th is the date for the awards tea and general meeting at the US Consul General’s Residence, where we honour the charities we have selected to receive grants.

Looking forward to seeing you at both these events! Francesca Stephen AWAre Editor

Eileen Glynn AWA President

2 AWARE March 2014 Membership

Owl (Out With the Ladies) Welcome New Members Come join us any week or every week. Same time, same place (except public holidays). Theresa Adams Deirdre Martin Where: Oolaa Susan Anderson Julie Nelson 20 Bridges Street, Soho Zuzana Baker Glenys Newall When: Every Tuesday, 5:30pm – 7:30pm Catherine Baudrand-Gillet Linda O'Brien Coordinators: Kathy Barber, [email protected] Catherine Brown Jennifer Peacock Julie Naughton, [email protected] Prescille Cernosia Misty Polihronakis Isabelle Ensarguet Ursula Ramotowski Foon Ying Harleen Kaur Nancy Roberts When: March 19, 26 and April 2 Christina Kent Peggy Shaw Where: Meet at Admiralty MTR by Pacific Coffee Colette Llewellyn CoordinatorS: Hildy Karev, [email protected] Kate Mahjoubian, [email protected] AWA is a dynamic, international community of women, Cost: No fee but registration is required with over 900 members from 36 countries. We are sure Foon Ying means ‘welcome’ in and what better you will find your niche through our diverse range of welcome than to embark on a social adventure designed to activities, events and opportunities to volunteer. All foster new Hong Kong friendships. This informal program women are welcome – do join us! takes the guesswork out of finding your feet by designing fun activities for your group, sharing experiences and building Current members – you are our best ambassadors. Please your “guanxi” or ‘network’. Your commitment? Attend all introduce new arrivals and old friends to AWA – over a three sessions over three weeks, be open to exploring your wine at OWL, a Neighbourhood Coffee, or a working new environment and meet great people. Join and enjoy! lunch with WOW. AWA’s vision is that all women can connect with us and develop a rich, satisfying and Neighbourhood Coffees purposeful life in Hong Kong. If you live, work or play in any of the following neighbourhoods, join your local ladies for a monthly coffee. To join, please contact [email protected] or online at awa. Meet new friends. Catch up with old ones. Discuss org.hk neighbourhood events and plan new activities. Please contact the coordinator for details of activities. CHAT (Come Have a Talk) When: Thursdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon (except public holidays) Jane Buck [email protected] and Where: J.W. Marriott Hotel, 4th Floor, Lobby Susan Trebach [email protected] Lounge (bar area), Pacific Place and Cost: No fee (all beverages & lunches at personal Amita Gupta, [email protected] expense – Note: the Marriott offers a 20% discount on their lunch menu to CHAT Discovery Bay attendees!) Tracy Russell & Tina Volkman, [email protected] Coordinator: Susan Wallace Southside CHAT is an informal gathering for members, newcomers, and Anita Wilkinson [email protected] non-members. In a friendly atmosphere, we share a coffee or tea and lively conversation. CHAT is a drop-in activity. No Central registration is required. Join us anytime between 10:00 am Kathy Barber [email protected] and noon. The group often proceeds to lunch to continue Shatin, Tai Wai and New Territories chatting. Adults only. Stephanie Bourque, [email protected] SAI KUNG Katherine Fenton, [email protected]

March 2014 AWARE 3 Membership

130912_WOW_bc_FIN.pdf 2 12/9/13 7:33 AM

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WOW’s recent Energize Your 2014 Goals Workshop was A key element of a goal is that it has to be SMART: presented by AWA’s Aleida Mienstra and Vice President of Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time related. It Membership, Nicky Cooper. Both speakers come with a is also worth noting that each goal must be positive and be wealth of coaching experience; Nicky as a professional life phrased in the present tense. Other key characteristics of coach and Aleida, Founder and Director of Performance by setting an action plan for goals are to list the obstacles you People. may face and consider what your responses might be. The workshop helped define goals, then worked to build excitement about them, and lastly focused on creating an action plan to follow through in 2014. Everyone shared their goals in pairs and some even volunteered to share with the whole audience. Nicky set her 2014 goal as “add value to and Upcoming WOW Events increase AWA Membership”. Aleida, on the other hand, set The WOW committee is lining up a series of events herself the goal of creating a training module by May 1 and for the coming months. Whether you are looking to presenting it to one of her corporate clients. start your own business, learn how social media can Active participation of the audience made this workshop a add value to your business, or just seeking a new great success. Attendees left with an Action Plan template opportunity, you should be able to find something for that they can use for future goals. you. Please check the AWA website for registration and the team look forward to seeing you at one of the WOW events very soon.

How to navigate the Hong Kong job market Tuesday, 25 February 10.30am-12.30pm

Reinvent your career in Hong Kong - with a panel of AWA professionals sharing their experiences, followed by a Q&A session WHEN: Monday 7 April 2014 6.30-9.00pm

Social Media and You WHEN: Wednesday 14 May 2014 6.30-9.00pm

4 AWARE March 2014 Asian TourS

All you have to do is pack your bags, get your visa and go – AWA’s Asian Tours are all-inclusive!

ASIAN TOURS 2013-2014 12 – 16 May Shanxi 3 February Amanda McGovern, 6200 3976 20 – 26 September (tentative) Nepal Trekking 1 April Betty Thai, 9386 2385

For more information on any trip, please contact the trip leader. The AWA office will not have the information!

March 2014 AWARE 5 Asian TourS

never leaves you. Nepal By Claudette Glubka

Nearly 8 years on, I still dream of Nepal. What do I This coming September Asian Tours is you the remember most? Well, as ever for me, it’s a mix of the people opportunity to build your own memories of Nepal with an I met and the glories of their surroundings…. exciting week of diverse experiences in this magical land. Finding the graceful in the jumble of Kathmandu, an Activities as diverse as hiking, rafting, visiting farmers and amazing convergence of Indo-Asian and European culture. other rural folk, riding elephants and joining monks at Would you believe me if I told you the architecture under all meditation are planned for those lucky enough to make this that grime and clutter of the centuries reminded me of trip. Florence? From the bustle of Kathmandu, you’ll fly toward the Bargaining with a moustachioed merchant with long glorious Dhaulagiri Range of the Himalaya for a delightful fingernails whose cache of treasure was hidden up a winding sojourn. Expert local guides will lead you through the staircase. agricultural community, on bird-watching excursions or hikes Joining the faithful whirling their prayer wheels and down the ridge through rice paddies, forests and temples. fingering their beads, as they circumambulated Boudanath, Take your pick – but do spend part of your time loafing and Nepal’s iconic on the ancient trade route with Tibet. dreaming in and around the beautiful serene surroundings! Watching the stunningly snowy peaks around me as I You’ll next travel to Chitwan – either on the road or via an submerged into a swimming pool perched on a natural ledge. exciting rafting trip down the Trishuli River – to your next Trekking among the rural families who farm the slopes adventure, the safari activities offered at Tiger Tops Tharu around the valley of Pokhara, being welcomed to their Village. And when your safari ends, you’ll return to Kathmandu terraced hillsides and experiencing their traditional and for a final round of sightseeing before an evening flight home. peaceful way of life. And I promise you – you won’t be able to sleep for all the Waking in my room-with-a-view to a cup of bed tea and impressions crowding your mind and heart. For Nepal stays then taking a quiet morning stroll among the brilliant birds with you – for a long, long time. inhabiting the trees all around. And – most memorable of all -- sitting alone in the pink Sign-ups start 1 April 2014. dawn on the terrace of our Lodge, looking up at the magnificence of the Himalaya with their sharp bluish peaks tinged with red and yellow light. I sat on a high wall, my legs dangling, slowly fingering my prayer beads – and glorying in earth’s beauty and the joy in my heart.

6 AWARE March 2014 AWA enjoys never leaves you.

Art lovers visit Fotan galleries AWA members eat galette for a good cause!

AWA i-Hikers on High Peak

AWA ladies enjoy tea at Cafe Grey Kowloon Coffee Morning

March 2014 AWARE 7 Education and Scholarship

Helping Hong Kong’s Youth by Joy Murray

Supporting the community is key to the AWA Making decisions on money allocation is always difficult, mandate and the Education and Scholarship Programme does said Mary Barbara, but past successes and current needs play just that. With a focus on youth, money is provided to help a big part. However, the money is not the only important students continue their education, perhaps to go on to focus, she said. The schools constantly tell us how important university but always to enhance their knowledge of a wider the programmes we provide are and how much they are world. appreciated. Sometimes these activity programmes provide Over the years, the AWA has provided funds to local the only opportunity for students to practice their English schools and sometimes to individual students in the form of skills, an invaluable experience for their future. scholarships. Usually the school administers the funds as Recognizing the busy lives expats lead, the Education they know where there is the most need and where the and Scholarship committee is flexible on volunteer time benefits to the students will be most effective, said Mary commitment and volunteers can now sign up for monthly Hanna Barbara, Chair, Education and Scholarship. In commitments in the Chatterbox Programme (weekly 2010/2011, the Education and Scholarship Committee conversation club) rather than a full year. "So many want to be revamped the distribution of funds to be donated in the involved but are concerned about letting down the students or following ways; three $35,000 scholarships to provide financial their fellow volunteers. I often think what a huge impact we assistance to three young women at Lingnan University; would have if every person who comes through AWA gave $25,000 to five secondary schools and $80,000 to the some of their time, even just one hour, to these programmes”, Vocational Training Council (VTC). A matching scheme by the said Mary Barbara. For many volunteers, it is an opportunity Hong Kong government donated another $80,000 to VTC, to connect and add something positive to their expat resulting in a total donation of $160,000. experience. Further, in 2010 to 2011, six local secondary schools were selected to participate in these pilot programme: Western Dining Etiquette, Mock Interviews, Phone Pals and Serious Play. Although Serious Play is no longer active, the same schools continue to select two of the above programmes each year. Local schools have expressed sincere appreciation for these programmes which in 2012 to 2013, were joined under the heading English Activity Programmes (EAP). New to EAP a year ago is the Skills Development Programme which is still in the pilot phase. Thus the Education and Scholarship Programme now serves 12 local secondary schools throughout Hong Kong with both monetary donations and volunteer time.

8 AWARE March 2014 community service

Ronald McDonald House By Kate Weisman

On February 8th at the Regal Riverside Hotel in Shatin, AWA makes a difference to these children and their families Ronald McDonald House (RMH) Charities hosted its annual at a very difficult and challenging time in their lives...” Volunteer Appreciation Day. On hand to receive a Long Ronald McDonald House helps families of children with Service Award on behalf of the American Woman’s serious illness and disabilities by providing support and a Association and its numerous devoted volunteers, were home away from home. One is immediately struck by the Roberta Wong Leung and Kate DeStefano Weisman. happy and cheerful environment which greets the visitor upon Roberta, who has served for six years as the AWA RMH stepping into the ‘house that love built,’ as it is affectionately coordinator, was individually recognized with a medal for her known. Bright colours adorn the walls. Sunshine streams into Long Service as a volunteer. Roberta is retiring from her large open spaces. Children’s smiles light the room. These position with Community College of City University soon and young warriors with their courage and perseverance are an will move to Hawaii later in the year. inspiration to behold. AWA’s new Co-Organisers are Renee Cheung and Tricia The mission of Ronald McDonald House is to provide Cliff who will continue to run AWA’s six parties a year. Armed accommodation and a comfortable and caring environment with home cooked foods, a birthday cake, presents and craft for families whose children are either hospitalized or are supplies, the AWA volunteers throw parties for resident receiving outpatient medical treatment. RMH Charities children and their families. Volunteers split the duties – some believe that the love and support of family is as powerful as hanging decorations and wrapping presents while others the best medicine prescribed. man the large commercial kitchen to whip up a delicious Ronald McDonald House was established in Hong Kong buffet lunch for approximately 30 to 40 residents. Members in 1996, becoming the first in Asia. Built in To Shek Village in of the Girl Scouts and the Lion’s Leos help out with games, Shatin, adjacent to the Prince of Wales Hospital, it is a entertainment and crafts. convenient four-minute walk to the hospital. This 23-bedroom The passion of the volunteers is fuelled by the happiness house gives occupants their own private air-conditioned, it brings the children and their families. “It is hard to en-suite bedrooms along with shared common areas, such as describe the overwhelming feeling of powerlessness when the living room, kitchen and game room. first confronted with a young child who has been diagnosed with a serious illness” said Kate. “Recovery is in the hands For more information on how to volunteer at Ronald of fate. Howeve,r it is empowering to know that we can McDonald House contact: make these children feel special and loved. Kate Weisman at [email protected].

March 2014 AWARE 9 Charitable Donations

Digital Windows on the World By Susan Trebach

The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF), a small non-profit, has sought a grant from the AWA for laptop computers and tablets, plus the Wi-Fi connections necessary to give the young patients digital windows on the world. The grant calls for two new Samsung laptop computers and six Samsung tablets, each loaded with educational and entertainment apps and learning videos. The proposal includes the cost of the devices, applications and network/Wi-Fi monthly fees. These devices will provide young surgical patients with meaningful activity and entertainment while being treated for their critical heart problems. CHF was founded in 1994 by a small group of parents (and volunteers) whose children suffered from serious heart conditions. Their focus is the wellbeing of the children and families with whom they work. To learn more about the Children’s Heart In December, members of the AWA’s Charitable Donations Foundation, please visit them at http://www.childheart.org.hk. Committee visited the Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF), one of the 42 organizations submitting grant requests this year in hopes of receiving support for special programs. This month we highlight the Children’s Heart Foundation and their request as we continue our $1 million fundraising efforts to support programs like this one. Nearly all of Hong Kong’s children with serious heart disease requiring surgery receive treatment at Queen Mary Hospital’s tertiary paediatric cardiac care unit. The children in the cardiac care unit are largely cut off from the outside world, in order to prevent infection. Currently, with the added threat of the H7N9 virus, isolation precautions have been stepped up. Family contact is limited. Social workers and teachers cannot visit. It can be a lonely and fearful time for many children in hospital.

10 AWARE March 2014 Feature Love and Loss: Food, Health and Vegan Eating in Hong Kong

by Carol Gosart

My conversion took months. I cooked and ate no-oil vegan but when not with my husband, I weaned myself slowly: cheese here, salmon there. Sautéing without oil was learned and pesto with no oil is surprisingly good and no-cheese “ricotta” a delight. I make delicious vegan cake. I have embraced vegan cooking. Raving lunatic? Maybe. Restaurant dining with friends is interesting. We can’t ask meat eaters to have only vegetables on Saturday night. If offered a choice of vegan or regular restaurant, who would choose the veggie place? Italian restaurants use lots of olive oil and cheese so no-go. Chinese food works but often food is left over. An entire fish is a lot for the other couple to eat. Steak houses have become our mainstay, offering simple light sides. We happily order vegetable plates that are perfectly cooked! There are tasty vegan options in Hong Kong. Friends I have always loved food. At age 4 I watched cooking introduced us to the Chinese restaurant Vegelink which shows using cotton balls, metal bowls and wooden spoons. I makes yummy vegetable dishes not shaped tofu. Grass can read a recipe and ‘taste’ the results in my head. By 12, I Roots Pantry and Maya each have room for a handful of regularly cooked dinner for my large family. In my teens, I diners and have outstanding vegan food. Veggie SF has could whip up Veal Parmesan or Jambalaya for a dozen. delicious vegan choices. Pure Veggie House with slightly oily Baked mac and meatloaf? In my sleep. As an adult I hosted yet tasty tofu ‘mock’ Chinese food is always packed, Eat monthly dinner parties and luncheons. Right has good vegan choices, as does Life Organic. Lock Then last year we discovered my husband had a food- Cha Tea House offers wonderful vegan dim sum. related health issue and became vegan. He found this radical Unpretentious Khana Khazana has excellent vegan Indian change easy but I was disheartened. Our US doctor, a pioneer food. Mana Slow Fast Food cooks luscious food in its tiny in no-oil veganism, told us eating kale with a drizzle of space. There are other vegan options I’ll try before too long. balsamic vinegar is like eating a sundae. I gathered the The positive effect of eating only grains, veggies, fruits, esteemed doctor was a raving lunatic. Vegan forever? I was and legumes is both of us being in our best health in decades. getting depressed. I’ve also lost some weight over 12 months. I’m an all or nothing girl. I stopped smoking decades ago Kale with vinegar is not a hot-fudge sundae (sorry, Doc) cold turkey, with no half measures so I resolved to also but like a non-smoker, I can’t do veganism in half measures. abandon meat, fish, dairy and oils completely, fully, no We have made amazing changes, are staying healthy and slipping. At lunch bunch, cooking club and dinner book group, making improvements which our doctors say astound them. I would keep my resolve. So, for us veganism is a life style for good and forever.

March 2014 AWARE 11 Feature

GET YOUR ON IN Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery

By Frances Nicholls

Nestled amongst the high rise buildings of Diamond Hill The Garden’s website (www.nanliangarden.org) goes into are Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery. Covering 35,000 great detail about the garden landscape, its aesthetic sq metres they are built in the classical style of the Tang concepts and techniques. I love that even the trash cans in Dynasty (AD 618 - 907). In typical feng shui style the the Gardens and Nunnery blend into the environment. buildings are facing the sea with their back to the mountain Walk up past Myrtle Hill where you can admire the rocks and are sheltered by the Mountain of Compassionate Clouds and trees. Chinese believe there are four different types of on their left and on their right. rocks - Shou – thin, Zhou – lots of layers, Tou – see through These grounds are my favourite place in Hong Kong and and Lou – several cracks. See if you can spot the different the website notes that, “A is a carefully types of rocks as you walk through the gardens. arranged tour itinerary for the soul…” When the fast paced At the top of Myrtle Hill is the Chinese Timber Architecture lifestyle of Hong Kong is wearing me down I go here to Gallery (Open: 10 am – 6 pm). Several miniature scale timber ground myself – you too will come out feeling refreshed models of Tang dynasty architecture are on display, as well as ready to start anew. 1:1 scale models of brackets showing how these slot Exit C2 at Diamond Hill MTR station comes out at Plaza together without using nails. If you ask me the Chinese really Hollywood, walk right through the forecourt, up the stairs, did invent Lego first. turn left and follow the signs towards Nan Lian Garden. As you stroll through the gardens piped music softly plays Cross right over Sheung Yuen Street at the traffic lights to in the background and birds sing creating a complementary Nan Lian Garden (Open daily: 7 am – 9 pm). auditory sensation to the visual beauty of the gardens, topiary The gate resembles the Chinese character “kai” meaning trees and rock gardens, it is hard to believe you are in the “open”. Entry is free and just through the entrance on the left middle of Hong Kong. is an information counter with leaflets in English and Chinese.

12 AWARE March 2014 Feature

Throughout these gardens you can see the five elements Walk right along the Bodhi Path past the first marble steps of feng shui (harmony): rocks (earth), trees (wood), ponds/ and you will see the white marble lotus-shaped Light of waterfall (water), the Zi Wu bridges painted red (fire) and the Enlightenment statue and fountain sculptured by Mr Simone Golden Perfection Pavilion (metal). Bartolini which is quite a sight to see. Past Fragrance Hill which is planted with sweet-scented Up the steps to the Chi Lin Nunnery you walk through osmanthus, lilies and orange-jasmine, you arrive at Xiang Hai Shan Man (Main Entrance). The bronze plaque outside states Xuan Multipurpose Hall (Open: 10 am – 5 pm, Tel: 3658 9312) “Mountain Gate – step over and leave behind the tribulations which has various exhibitions throughout the year. It costs of secular life.” It also means 3 gates referring to Buddhist HK$20 to enter (free admission on Wednesday) and the wisdom, compassion and faith. proceeds go to management and conservation of the Although the Nunnery, which is home to about 60 nuns, Garden. has been in existence since 1934, the current buildings in Continue along the path and you will come to the Lunar Tang dynasty style were only dedicated in 1998 and opened Reflection Terrace where you will be able to look down into to the public in May 2000. the Blue Pond with numerous large koi carp which in Chinese symbolism mean abundance. Further along the garden route you will see the Silverstrand Waterfall and The Mill. Chi Lin Vegetarian Restaurant in Long Men Lou (Open: Mon – Fri: Continue along the path and you will come noon – 3 pm & 6 pm – 9 pm/Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30 am – 5.30 pm & 6 pm – 9 pm. For reservations Tel: 3658 9388) is to the Lunar Reflection Terrace where you located behind the waterfall. Sit and relax looking out through will be able to look down into the Blue the cascading waterfall and then continue on your journey. Opposite hidden behind the trees is the Song Cha Xia Pond with numerous large koi carp which Chinese Teahouse (Open: noon – 7 pm, Tel: 3658 9390) with a in Chinese symbolism mean abundance. minimum charge of one serving of tea per guest (applicable to adults and children). Teas range from HK$138 – HK$700. The cheapest servings of tea are Bai Ji Guan, Rou Gui and Shui Hsuen (HK$138 each) which are forms of oolong tea. As As you enter the Nunnery you are greeted by the sight of you enter the Teahouse you take your shoes off and put on the four large lotus ponds, bonsai trees in pots and statues. the provided slippers. The staff can make the tea for you or The Nunnery’s layout emphasises the open space and show you how to make it yourself. harmony between Heaven and Earth. Dragon water spouts If you just want a light meal or some refreshments then are seen in the lotus ponds and are a symbol of heavenly and there is a Snack Shop (Open: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm) serving hot earthly power, wisdom and strength. Lotus flowers in the and cold drinks and sandwiches. Next door is the Tang ponds symbolise purity due to the fact that such a beautiful Gallery Souvenir Shop (Open: 10 am – 6.30pm, Tel: 3658 flower grows out of the mud. 9398) which has nicely appointed items for sale. Rocks from Each of the halls in the Nunnery has a bronze plaque the Hongshui River are for sale but priced from HK$12,000 to describing them in English and Chinese. As you exit the Main HK$40,000 – that makes for a very expensive pet rock! Altar downstairs there is a souvenir shop with Buddhist Just past the Souvenir Shop is the Rockery (Open: 10 am inspired items such as prayer beads, sandalwood Buddhas, – 6 pm) which houses indoor displays of rocks from the talismans, incense, jade and fans. They also have a small Hongshui River. A sign says no sand drawing – that was book in English about the Nunnery for HK$20. tough I wanted to leave my mark. Various Bonsais aged Websites: www.nanliangarden.org and www.chilin. between 50 and 100 years old are displayed just outside. org (not in English)

AWAre would like to thank Frances Nicholls and the AWA Photography Group for use of their images. March 2014 AWARE 13 Local tours and activities

Local Tours & Activities – At a Glance! Sign-ups Start 1 March

Monday, 10 March It’s High Time for Tea! Tea Buffet at the Conrad Hotel

Wednesday, 12 March Lunch in Sai Kung!

Monday, 17 March All about Pearls – the Jewels of the Sea

Wednesday, 19 March

(Sign up by 12 March) Stuffed Animal-Making Party

Thursday, 20 March Historical Hour (+ ½) with Jason Wordie: Everyday Popular Culture in Hong Kong

Wednesday, 19 March Cooking with Passion: A Taste of India – 2

Thursday, 20 March Heritage Festival Series: Visit to Paul’s Gallery on Lamma Island

Friday, 21 March,

(Sign up by 13 March) Skiing and Snowboarding in Hong Kong?!?!

Tuesday, 25 March Cooking Class for Domestic Helpers - Cooking With Passion: A Taste of India – 1

Thursday, 27 March Understanding and Appreciating Chinese Culture – Explaining the Ching Ming Festival

Thursday, 27 March Exploring Hidden Island Treasures – A Walking Tour of Ko Lau Wan and

Monday, 31 March Flower Jamming

Wednesday, 2 April Discovering Yau Ma Tei

Wednesday, 2 April Carve Your Own Chop

Friday, 4 April Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Gardens

Tuesday, 8 April Historical Walking Tour of The Peak with Jason Wordie

Wednesday, 9 April

(Sign up by 3 April) Asian Tigers Warehouse Tour and Lunch

Wednesday, 9 April Spring Menu Cooking Class & Lunch with Eric Poon

Thursday, 10 April Historical Hour (+ ½) with Jason Wordie:

19th Century Urban Evolution in Hong Kong

Wednesday, 16 April

(Sign up by 8 April) Harilela Mansion Tour and Tea

14 AWARE March 2014 Local tours and activities

Harilela Mansion Tour and Tea Truly a ‘rags-to-riches’ story, the Harilela family’s diverse When: Wednesday, 16 April business empire now spans the globe. This extremely 1:30pm – 4:00pm remarkable self-contained mansion which is run like a Registration must be received 5-star hotel is not to be missed! Cost of this tour is all- by 8 April inclusive. This tour is very popular, so sign up early as Where: Meet in front of General Post Office seats are limited. 2 Connaught Pl, Central Cost: $170 members/ $240 member’s guest Capacity: minimum 12, maximum 23 Coordinators: Lavinia Hemandas, 2838 2199 Barbara Galligan, 6080 6523 Bring your friends and join us for an afternoon to remember! We will go by coach to the Harilela family’s amazingly beautiful home in Kowloon Tong, where we have been invited for a tour followed by a tea buffet. The original home, built in 1952, was rebuilt in 1968 and grew to a 100,000-sq.-ft. residence, with 40 bedrooms and housing 110 ever-expanding family members. The Harilelas were one of the first Indian families to settle in Hong Kong, arriving in 1922 before World War II.

All about Pearls – Stuffed Animal-Making Party the Jewels of the Sea When: Wednesday, 19 March When: Monday, 17 March, 9:45am –12:30pm 10:30am – 12:30pm Where: D’Alejo Jewellery, 9/F, On Hing Building, Registration must be received by No 1 On Hing Terrace, Central Wednesday, 12 March Cost: $170 members/$240 member’s guest Where: AWA Conference Room Capacity: minimum 6, maximum 10 Cost: $300 members/$370 member’s guest Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484 Capacity: minimum 10, maximum 20 Pearls, the oldest gems know to civilization are the classics of Coordinators: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 traditional jewellery, but are one of the least understood. We Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484 will be given information into how traditional pearls differ from How much fun would it be to make your very own stuffed today’s commercially farmed cultured pearls. Further insight animal to give to your child, grandchild, or keep for yourself! is given on how pearls are quality graded so attendees can We will gather with Party Bear hostess, Michelle, who will understand the reason for the widely differing prices from guide us through assembling the no-sew animal of our what, to the uninformed, appear to be similar strands. This choice. There are five adorable animal kits to choose from: Lu seminar will be conducted in the showroom by Celso D’Alejo, Lu Lamb, Bo Bo Bunny, Chocolate Bear, Moon Bear, and who is a certified gemmologist and appraiser. During this Pinky Poodle. Once you’ve chosen your animal, you will stuff class, we will view a variety of pearls and see the equipment and fluff him, give him a red that is used to test and grade these beautiful gemstones. heart, record a 10-second message for the voice box, give him a name, fill out a birth certificate, dress him in an outfit of your choosing, and pack him in a special carry cage. Wouldn’t you love to send Lu Lu Lamb home for Easter/Passover with a message recorded in your own voice?

March 2014 AWARE 15 Local tours and activities

It’s High Time for Tea! Tea Buffet at Historical Hour (+ ½) with Jason the Conrad Hotel Wordie: Everyday Popular Culture in When: Monday, 10 March, 3:00pm – 5:00pm Hong Kong Where: Lobby Lounge, Conrad Hotel, Central When: Thursday, 20 March, 10:30am – 12:00pm Cost: $70 members/$140 member’s guest Where: AWA Conference Room Capacity: minimum 6, no maximum Cost: $320 member/$390 member's guest Coordinators: Jane Buck, 9530 7957 Capacity: minimum 12, maximum 20 Jenni Parker, 9860 5646 Coordinator: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 Return to the days of the British Empire when “high tea” was Flickering red candles in darkened doorways, women beating taken in the afternoon to appease one’s appetite. We will shoes on the ground under busy flyovers, coins scattered on enjoy a traditional high tea with a non-traditional mouth- the ground on funeral routes and numerous seemingly watering buffet in the beautiful Lobby Lounge of the world inexplicable aspects of local life: Hong Kong has one of the famous Conrad Hotel, situated at the gateway to Central most significant – and superficially obvious – cultures of above Pacific Place. The tea buffet, complete with live music, animistic beliefs within a post-industrialized society in the will be a relaxing afternoon of good fellowship, conversation, world. In this lecture Jason Wordie will explore numerous lots and lots of delicious food – and, of course, tea! Skip lunch commonly encountered ritual observances, and clarify many and join us. The tea buffet is $198 + 10% service charge per of those “what was that about?” questions you have probably person. asked yourself many times. This is not an impersonal lecture, but more a friendly fireside chat with plenty of room for Lunch in Sai Kung questions and answers. When: Wednesday, 12 March, 10:45am – 2:30pm Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR – Exit A Cooking with Passion Cost: $70 members/$140 member’s guest ‘A Taste of India – 2’ Capacity: minimum 6, maximum 12 When: Wednesday, 19 March, 11:00am – 1:30pm Coordinators: Katherine Fenton, 9600 3197 Where: 41A Stubbs Rd, Villa Monte Rosa, Flat 1, Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 Block C, 9/F Sai Kung is a small town on a peninsula in the New Territories. Cost: $380 members/$450 member’s guest Some of its charms are the fresh air, green hills, walking (includes lunch with wine) paths, water access, and food. The local restaurants offer a Capacity: minimum 5, maximum 8 variety of cuisines. We will take the MTR and minibus to get Coordinator: Lavinia Hemandas, 2838 2199 to the town and have a short walk-about before we have Join our very own Lavinia Hemandas in her many popular lunch (at shared expense) at a Malaysian and Indian cooking classes of ‘Cooking with Passion’ to learn the secrets restaurant. Bring your Octopus card or change for the MTR that will excite your palate and delight your family and friends. and bus. She will show you how to turn simple recipes into a gourmet’s delight! A sit-down lunch will be served with wine and spice-packs will be available upon request. Today’s menu is: ‘Mughlai Murgh’– moghul chicken in a rich saffron almond sauce, ‘Tandoori Machi’– spicy oven-baked fish, ‘Gobi Bhaji –sautéed cauliflower with herbs and delectable spices, ‘Maani’ –flat whole-wheat Indian bread. Guest parking is available on request.

16 AWARE March 2014 Local tours and activities

Heritage Festival Series: Visit to Understanding and Appreciating Paul’s Gallery on Lamma Island Chinese Culture – Explaining the When: Thursday, 20 March, 10:00am – 3:00pm Ching Ming Festival Where: Ferry Pier #4 to Lamma Island in Central When: Thursday, 27 March, 10:30am – 12:30pm (opposite IFC Mall at Outlying Ferry Piers) Where: AWA Office, Conference Room Cost: $190 members/$260 member’s guest Cost: $350 members/$420 member’s guest Capacity: minimum 10, maximum 16 Capacity: 12 minimum, 30 maximum Coordinators: Regine Pocsatko, 6141 7061 Coordinators: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 Yelena Zakharova, 9726 2378 Join us today as we continue our lecture series on Chinese Jennie Parker, 9860 5646 Culture with Christine Chan. Today’s lecture will explain the We will travel by ferry to Lamma Island and walk about 15 background, beliefs, and traditions of the Ching Ming Festival. minutes to the gallery of professional Chinese photographer Who was Jie Zitui? Why do the Chinese go tomb-sweeping? Kwok-Leung Paul Lau in Sok Kwu Wan. His magnificent and What does this have to do with flying kites? This promises to unique photographs will provide insight in Ethnic Heritage be another fascinating and enlightening lesson by Christine. from the 1980s. He will also show us and talk about his impressive Ethnic Textile Collection. Paul’s gallery is in a Cooking Class for Domestic Helpers: typical local style village house surrounded by a beautiful Cooking With Passion: A Taste of garden with special flowers to attract a variety of butterflies. India – 1 Afterwards, we will return to the village and enjoy an optional When: Tuesday, 25 March, 11:00am – 12:45pm fresh seafood lunch at shared expense. Bring your Octopus Where: 41A Stubbs Rd, Villa Monte Rosa, Block C, card ready for use and a bottle of water, and please wear 9/F, Flat 1 comfortable walking shoes. Cost: $350 member’s helper / $420 member’s guest helper Skiing and Snowboarding in Hong Capacity: minimum 4, maximum 8 Kong?! Coordinator: Lavinia Hemandas, 2838 2199 When: Friday, 21 March, 10:30am – 2:30pm No time to join a cooking class? Our very own Lavinia Registration must be received by Thursday, Hemandas of the popular ‘Cooking with Passion’ classes will 13 March teach your domestic helper several dishes which will not only Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR – Pacific excite your palate, but will surely delight your family and Coffee friends! Today’s menu is: Sayel Murgh – braised chicken in Cost: $370 member/$440 member’s guest ‘masala’ sauce, Sabzi Pulao – fragrant basmati rice with Capacity: 8 minimum, 8 maximum vegetables, Samosa – crispy triangles filled with spicy Coordinators: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 potatoes, onions & peas. Spice packs will be available on sale Okay, so we don’t have the real white stuff here in Hong at a nominal price to enable your helpers to start cooking! Kong, but that doesn’t mean we can’t ski/board while living here. Today we will travel to Hong Kong’s largest indoor Skiing Flower Jamming and Snowboarding Centre! With two ski-slope simulators, we When: Monday, 31 March, 9:45am –12:30pm will enjoy the “close-as-we-can-get” thrill of skiing or Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR – Pacific snowboarding. Never skied or boarded before? Doesn’t Coffee matter! This event is open to everyone, from the very Cost: $450 members/$520 member’s guest beginner to the aspiring experts wishing to practice. For one Capacity: minimum 8, maximum 15 hour, we will be on a white moving faux snow carpet which Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484 has an adjustable Kathy Barber, 2530 2660 angle slope and Let’s play with flowers in this instructor-led Flower Jamming speed, and will be Session. The instructors and floral designers of Sweet Pea coached on how to will provide us some basic rules of flower arranging before ski/board or improve we are let loose to select flowers from their wall of flowers. our technique. All Using our imagination and the instructor’s guidance, we will equipment and each create a personalized flower arrangement to take home. lessons are included All flowers and containers will be provided. in the fee.

March 2014 AWARE 17 Local tours and activities

Exploring Hidden Island Treasures – A Walking Tour of Ko Lau Wan and Looking Ahead to Tap Mun April When: Thursday, 27 March, 7:15am – 4:30pm Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR – Pacific Discovering Yau Ma Tei Coffee When: Wednesday, 2 April, 10:00am – 1:00pm Cost: $310 members/$380 member’s guest Where: Meet inside Central MTR – Pret-a-Manger, Capacity: minimum 12, maximum 18 exit D Coordinators: Regine Pocsatko, 6141 7061 Cost: $70 members/$140 member’s guest Lena Zakharova, 9726 2378 Capacity: 8 minimum, 16 maximum Jennie Parker, 9860 5646 Coordinators: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 We will discover a few hidden island treasures in the eastern Melissa Azzopardi, 6345 3066 New Territories with our knowledgeable guide, Michael You probably already know that the Jade Market is located in Hansen. Catching the very early but only ferry from Ma Liu Yau Ma Tei. But, do you know what else this area has to Shui, our first stop is the small secluded hamlet of Ko Lau offer? Have you discovered all the kitchen appliance shops? Wan. Attached to the , this small fishing The baking shops? The marvellous cutlery shops? The Yau Ma community is accessible only from the sea. Leaving Ko Lau Tei Market? Do you know where you can find traditional Wan, we reach the old pirate haven of Tap Mun Chau, also Chinese scales, beautiful embroidered Chinese wedding known as Grass Island. Tap Mun may be remote but a outfits and silk gowns, fortune tellers, Chinese medicine walking tour of the island provides a charming getaway with shops, and shops with Chinese tea? All this, and much, much trails crisscrossing the island. We first visit the New more, can be found in this area rich with shops owned and Fishermen's Village and will later pass through a Taoist run by elderly Chinese with years and years of tradition. This cemetery before following a coastal trail to a hilltop lookout walking tour is not a shopping trip, but a trip to introduce you point rewarding us with splendid views over the Sai Kung to the area for future shopping trips. Optional lunch Peninsula, , Mirs Bay and even mainland China. afterwards, at shared expense. We will also explore a number of interesting rock formations and visit the rather impressive Tin Hau Temple, one of the Carve Your Own Chop oldest and well-preserved in Hong Kong. A slow cruise down When: Wednesday, 2 April, 10:00am –1:00pm the scenic Long Harbour to Wong Shek, from where we will Where: AWA Office, 2-12 Queen’s Road, Arion take a bus to Sai Kung, will conclude our tour. The cost is Bldg, 11/F, Sheung Wan inclusive of all ferries but exclusive of MTR, bus fares and Cost: $400 members/$470 member’s guest lunch. Capacity: minimum 3, maximum 8 Coordinator: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484 Millie from the Dotted Collective will teach us to carve our own stone chop or seal. The chop or seal is frequently used in Chinese correspondence and documents. All materials and tools will be provided along with a selection of designs from which to choose, such as Chinese characters, names, pictures, etc. In addition, you can bring your own ideas to the class. Millie will guide us each step of the way during the design transfer, carving and finishing processes so that each of us takes home a high quality, handmade chop.

18 AWARE March 2014 Local tours and activities

Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Garden Asian Tigers Warehouse Tour and When: Friday, 4 April, 10:15am – 2:00pm Lunch Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR – Pacific When: Wednesday, 9 April, 9:30am - 4:00pm Coffee Registration must be received by 12:00pm Cost: $70 members / $140 member’s guest on 3 April Capacity: minimum 6, maximum 12 Where: Meet in front of General Post Office, 2 Coordinators: Kate Mahjoubian, 6462 6559 Connaught Pl, Central Joy Murray, 6773 7036 Cost: $70 members/$140 member’s guest Rejuvenate your spirit as we leave Hong Kong’s high-rise and Capacity: minimum 10, maximum 20 neon behind and cross into a world devoted to quiet Coordinators: Lisa Wallis, 6715 0653 appreciation and contemplation. We will enter the haven of Jane Buck, 9530 7957 the Nan Lian Garden, where we will stroll along the circular Have you ever wondered where your household shipment route of this peaceful, landscaped garden characterized by goes after it leaves your flat and before it is loaded onto the hills, water features, trees and various artistic creative layouts. container ship? Asian Tigers Mobility, a leading provider of We will then cross a bridge and gaze into the reflective international relocation solutions, has organized a fun-filled beauty of the lotus ponds before entering the Chi Lin day for our group beginning with a private tour of their Nunnery, a timber monastery built without nails using the warehouse that includes expert packing tips. A friendly “How ancient design and techniques from the Tang Dynasty well do you think you can pack” competition will conclude our (AD618-907). Optional lunch at shared expense to follow at visit before we head to Citygate Outlet Mall for a delicious the vegetarian Long Men Lou restaurant within the garden. Dim Sum lunch. Private coach to the warehouse and lunch courtesy of Asian Tigers Mobility. After lunch we will return by MTR, or you are free to shop the outlet mall and return home Historical Walking Tour of The Peak at your leisure. with Jason Wordie When: Tuesday, 8 April, 8.45am – 1:00pm Spring Menu Cooking Class and Where: Meet outside Peak Galleria, opposite Peak Lunch with Eric Poon Tower When: Wednesday, 9 April, 9:30am – 2:30pm Cost: $415 members/$485 member’s guest. Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR – Pacific Capacity: minimum 10, maximum 18 Coffee Coordinators: Kate Mahjoubian, Barbara Galligan Cost: $470 member/$540 member’s guest 6080 6523 Capacity: minimum 6, maximum 8 The magnificent sweeping vista of Victoria Harbour seen from Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484 the Peak epitomizes the city in the imaginations of millions – Lena Zakharova, 9726 2378 even if they have never visited Hong Kong. But not many We’ll spend the day with celebrity chef Eric Poon in Tai Po for know the background to Hong Kong’s most mythologized a lesson in spring-inspired cooking using traditional, classic residential area, from mid-nineteenth century summer hill- cooking techniques combined with the science of molecular station and sanatorium to the exclusive residential suburb it gastronomy. Eric will introduce us to cooking methods that became between the wars. From early transportation to the are suitable for at-home cooking as we prepare a three- role of the Peak in history, literature and local folklore, we will course lunch which includes smoked salmon and crabmeat see it all as we walk with Jason Wordie from the Galleria roll with avocado and yogurt dressing, slow-cooked French down to Hong Kong University. Note: This walk includes spring chicken in two ways with truffle mashed potatoes, and some steep areas; please dress appropriately. crunch mango mousse cup. Eric is a graduate of the University College Birmingham, UK and has worked under Gordon Ramsay and in several top Hong Kong hotel kitchens. He specializes in private dining. His recipes are now regularly included in one of the local Sunday newspapers. Lunch to follow is included.

March 2014 AWARE 19 Local tours and activities

Historical Hour (+ ½) with Jason Wordie: 19th Century Urban Registration Procedures Evolution in Hong Kong Local Tour and Activity (LTA) events are open for When: Thursday, 10 April, 10:30am – 12:00pm registration as of the first of each month in which the activity Where: AWA Conference Room will be held. Activities being held in the early part of the Cost: $320 member/$390 member's guest following month are open for registration on the first day of Capacity: minimum 12, maximum 20 the prior month. Check the AWA website at www.awa.org. Coordinator: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 hk for the most up-to-date schedule and don't forget to Contemporary Hong Kong often seems a random jumble, register early as many of the events will sell out. with little apparent planning. This easy-to-form general perception – like much else in Hong Kong – obscures as much as it reveals. To understand better how and why the modern city “is how it is” we need to step back into the mid- * The $70 registration fee is purely an administration fee. It is nineteenth century to see how the urban fabric was laid and not donated to the Charitable and Education fund. subsequently evolved. While geographically close, Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and the Mid-Levels all evolved in distinctly different manners, due to the presence (or absence) of industrial enterprises, military installations, community religious or cultural frameworks, or infrastructure facilities. These various component parts of Hong Kong’s early urban good bad delicious evolution will be explored in this extensively illustrated lecture fun healthy cooking demonstrations by local historian Jason Wordie. Along the way, the various get a group of friends together for lunch fragments about Hong Kong that even relatively short-term winter soups ~ risottos ~ gluten & residents all “know” will be concisely fitted together into a dairy free deserts ~ healthy snacks coherent, meaningful composite picture. ~ baby food ~ or choose a theme we will use Thermomix to show you quick easy and healthy meals at home Refund, Cancellation and Substitution Policies Phone or email : Kylie 6800 8967 or Rosemary 6626 4963 Every activity includes an administrative fee of HK$70* [email protected] Member/HK$140 Members Guest. This base fee is not refundable at any time, unless the AWA cancels the event. Charges in excess of the base fee are refundable if cancellation is received by the AWA office at least one full week before the activity date. For example, if the activity is on a Tuesday, ! cancellation must be received prior to midnight of the "#!$%&!%'()#*+#! previous Tuesday. If the AWA cancels an event, the entire ! activity cost will be automatically credited to you. Credit notes ______$%&!,+-,%+%$)*.!/!$%&!,0%..).1! are not transferable and must be used within 6 months from !"#!$!#%&'()*)+(,&,+()*),-%(,() the date of issue or by the end of the AWA fiscal year (30th .&-,"+-(/!.()*)01-.1-&,!1"() June), whichever is earlier. You may request a check in lieu of a ) 23!'%()#!0"#45!6+3!)0.&)2"03) credit at any time before the credit expires. $7*8%#!63!2%$-+#))0.&)21/3) Owing to the popularity of AWA activities, many have a %8)!0-.1))0.&)20&3) wait list and therefore substitutions cannot be accepted. If 4567).-1(.+-!,8)9!''+""!&).'&:&) you are unable to attend an activity, please inform the AWA ;;<)=!">?()-1&#@)"1-,/).1!", office to cancel your place and allow someone on the waitlist ,+'+./1"+)ABCD)<4C4)577D) +9&!')EFGHIJKLMNMOPHQ))) to attend.

20 AWARE March 2014 On-going activities

ONGOING ACTIVITIES AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB Ongoing activities are generally for AWA members only. An When: Tuesday, 4 March, 1:00pm annual one-time registration is required to become a member Where: TBD of an ongoing activity group. To register, contact the AWA Cost: No charge. One-time annual registration office [email protected] or register on the AWA website: Coordinator: Catherine Greco, 9028 0873, abelman_ https://www.awa.org.hk/activities_ongoing.php. [email protected] The book selection for March is The Tale for Time Being, by Global Insights – A Look at Cultures Ruth Ozeki. In Tokyo, sixteen-year-old Nao has decided there’s Around the World only one escape from her aching loneliness and her ITALY classmates’ bullying. But before she ends it all, Nao first A Cultural and Economic Presentation plans to document the life of her great grandmother, a by Alessandra Schiavo, the Consul General Buddhist nun who’s lived more than a century. A diary is WHEN: Tuesday 18 March Nao’s only solace—and will touch lives in ways she can 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm scarcely imagine. Across the Pacific, we meet Ruth, a WHERE: AWA Office, 11th floor, Arion Building, novelist living on a remote island who discovers a collection 2 – 12 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan of artefacts washed ashore in a Hello Kitty lunchbox—possibly COST: Member: $200 Guest: $270 debris from the devastating 2011 tsunami. As the mystery of Drinks and Canapes included its contents unfolds, Ruth is pulled into the past, into Nao’s Capacity: Minimum: 20 drama and her unknown fate, and forward into her own Maximum: 40 future. Full of Ozeki’s signature humour and deeply engaged Co-ordinators: Stella Schumann, 2493 7114 with the relationship between writer and reader, past and Tracy Russell, 6921 4400 present, fact and fiction, quantum physics, history, and myth, Registration Deadline: 26 February A Tale for the Time Being is a brilliantly inventive, beguiling Italy has drawn people in search of culture and romance for story of our shared humanity and the search for home. centuries. Few countries can compete with its Classical origins, its art, architecture, musical, and literary traditions, its Next month’s selection: Life After Life, by Kate Atkinson scenery, or its food and wine. It has no single cultural identity. Between the snowy peaks of the Alps and the EVENING BOOK CLUB rugged shores of Sicily lies a whole series of regions, each When: Thursday, 27 March, 7:00pm-8:30pm with its own distinctive architecture and cuisine. Where: Holly Brown, 22 Stanley St, Central Cost: No charge, one-time annual registration Coordinator: Julie Naughton, [email protected] The February discussion has been postponed until March 27. Our book selection is The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton, winner of the 2013 Man Booker Prize and Canada's Governor General's Literary Award. It is 1866, and young Walter Moody has come to make his fortune in the New Zealand gold fields. On the stormy night of his arrival, he stumbles across a tense gathering of twelve local men who have met in secret to discuss a series of unexplained events: A wealthy man has vanished, a prostitute has tried to end her life, and an enormous fortune has been discovered in the home of a luckless drunk. Moody is soon drawn into the mystery: a network of fates and fortunes that is as complex and exquisitely ornate as the night sky. Richly evoking a mid- nineteenth-century world of shipping, banking, and gold rush boom and bust, The Luminaries is a brilliantly constructed, fiendishly clever ghost story and a gripping page-turner.

March 2014 AWARE 21 On-going activities

SPIRITUAL LITERACY BOOK/ BRIDGE AND LUNCH SOCIAL DISCUSSION GROUP When: Mondays, 10:00am – 1:00pm When: Wednesdays, 12 and 26 March, 9:00am Where: AWA Office, No. 5, 11/F Arion Commercial Where: TBD Centre, 2 Queen’s Rd West, Sheung Wan Coordinator: Kate Weisman, [email protected] Cost: Free (Optional lunch at shared expense) SLG is a gathering of interfaith, spiritually-minded women Coordinator: Lisa Strunin, 6184 8370 who celebrate unity in diversity and gather to foster spiritual [email protected] literacy in everyday life. While it it’s likely that discussion of Registration required for one-time only the Dalai ’s book Towards a True Kinship of Faiths will sign up for the entire 2013-2014 continued into March, SLG will next move onto the New York membership year. Times Bestseller Proof of Heaven – A Neurosurgeon’s Note: This group is for players with a previous Journey into the Afterlife, by Harvard trained Eben Alexander. knowledge of the game. Dr. Alexander slipped into a life-threatening seven-day coma Make Monday your bridge morning! Come and enjoy social from a rare brain illness, and was not expected to live. After bridge at the AWA on Monday mornings. We rotate tables so surviving what doctors called a medical miracle, Alexander there are plenty of opportunities to make new friends and awoke to recount an astounding spiritual journey he had enjoy the company of others who love playing bridge. taken, Come and explore research on near-death experience Optional lunch at a local restaurant follows. and how it compares to interfaith teachings on the afterlife. DOGGIE PLAY DATES ART LOVERS When: TBD When: Monthly Where: Various locations, TBD Where: Various venues Coordinator: Hilary Lincoln, 5597 9007 Coordinators: Kumiko Matsushima, [email protected] [email protected]; Bring your two- and four-legged friends and join us for a Cynthia Lackey, [email protected], Doggie Play Date! If you are new to Hong Kong and looking 6200 3222 for doggie playmates or if you just love dogs then come The “Culture Vultures” will explore the local fine arts scene. along! We will visit museums, current exhibitions, galleries, film festivals, the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and the Literary Festival with its numerous lectures by international authors. An optional lunch at shared expense where we discuss our opinions will follow. FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP When: TBD Where: Central and Southside Coordinator: Barbara Markovits, [email protected] Enjoy French conversation in a fun, casual group setting! The French conversation group meets once a month with an aim to socialize, have fun, and improve your conversational skills while gaining more knowledge about the culture. Activities are organized by rotating hosts. All levels welcome!

ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP When: TBD NEEDLE ARTS Where: Various locations, TBD When: Fridays, 10:00am – 12:00pm Coordinator: Patty Tarallo, [email protected] Coordinator: Elisabeth Denys, [email protected] Enjoy Italian conversation in a fun, casual group setting! The Join us as we work on needle arts projects – sewing, quilting, Italian conversation group meets once a month with an aim needlepoint, cross-stitch, knitting, and embroidery – while to socialize, have fun, and improve your conversational skills chatting about our common interests, exchanging new ideas, while gaining more knowledge about the culture. Activities learning and getting advice from each other. This is not a class are organized by rotating hosts. but an informal group. Members may bring an unfinished project to work on.

22 AWARE March 2014 On-going activities

ICC – INTERNATIONAL COOKING MOMS & TOTS MORNING PLAY DATES CLUB When: TBD When: Group meets every second Friday of each Where: TBD month, 10:00am – 2:00pm Coordinator: Daryn Jankovic, 9688 4052 Where: Various venues; TBA. Are you expecting a baby in 2014? Join a baby group with Capacity: minimum 6, maximum 8 other moms due around the same time. Come and meet Coordinator: Sylvie Guyot, [email protected] other women and share your exciting experiences. As your Are you interested in learning how to cook international babies grow, you will have an enjoyable playgroup. This dishes that might bring a activitiy group is open to all moms-first, second, third and welcome change to your daily routine? Rotating hostesses adoptive moms are all welcome. Register with the office and will introduce foreign dishes and demonstrate how to prepare provide your due date or child's date of birth. You will be easy, family-oriented dishes in the comfort of their own contacted by the coordinator for the next available group kitchen. Lunch follows each class. We pick a new country based on your due date or your child's age. monthly and share the costs for food and drinks (costs per person will not exceed $250). Each participant will leave with PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP a printout of the recipes. The hostess will notify the group When: Group meets at least once a month. each month about the planned cuisine and the venue–first Capacity: maximum 10 come, first in! Coordinator: Becky Wong, [email protected] 9278 2727 LUNCH BUNCH The AWA Photography Group is a social way to enjoy When: Monthly photography as a hobby while giving you a chance to practice Where: Various restaurants your skills and explore Hong Kong. All you need is enthusiasm Capacity: maximum 20 and a camera to join us as we capture Hong Kong's Coordinator: Marcia Hammelev Sander, 9868 4112, contrasting architecture and communities. All camera types [email protected] welcome as well as suggestions for excursions. Would you enjoy gathering for lunch on a regular basis? The Lunch Bunch coordinator sets up a group of 12 to 20 GALLOPING GOURMET members. Each member takes turns choosing the restaurant, Hong Kong restaurants offer an international gastronomic making the reservation, informing the others, and hosting. extravaganza which we explore by visiting different Lunch is either at individual or shared expense as agreed restaurants each month. A designated host couple selects a upon on the day of the event. This is a great way to socialize restaurant for the group. Contact: info@ awa.org.hk. with other AWA members while enjoying a variety of cuisines in Hong Kong. Shatin Race Day Buffet Lunch Date and time: Sunday, 9 March 2014 (Sha Tin Day Race), MAHJONG MADNESS 12:30pm When: Tuesdays, 10:00am – 4:00pm (come Venue: Section A-B of Box F630, 6/F, Grandstand anytime) II, Sha Tin Racecourse Where: The American Club, Fireside Lounge or Charge: HKD$650/person; Transfer payment now other location to be posted AWA, American Club or AMHH to Roberta Wong Leung, HSBC account: members only 628 186165 888. Email Roberta when Coordinator: Katherine Fenton, [email protected], 9600 payment has been made. 3197 RSVP: Roberta Wong Leung, robertawongleung@ Come and play mahjong on Tuesdays with other AWA / gmail.com. American Club members. This activity is suitable for all skill Don your finest race hat and bring your lucky charm to the levels, but players are expected to have a prior knowledge of grand and exciting HK Jockey Club Races at Shatin, NT. Last the rules. Optional lunch at individual expense. Non-American year we had several lucky winners! The price includes a Club members must settle their bills prior to departure by shared international buffet with unlimited servings of pouring credit card only (no cash or checks). brand of spirits, house wines, beers, mineral waters, soft drinks and orange juice, and cost of admission badge. Charlotte Travel has generously donated a one night stay at The Farm at San Benito Wellness Retreat in the Philippines to one lucky attendee.

March 2014 AWARE 23 SPORTing activities

Climbing the Dragon's Back by Shelda Chickles

Hong Kong Trail undulates through the island, affording catamarans by the beach. The only difficult part of Stage 7 is everyone views of greenery and water. Although there are the last bit: stairs, about 700 steps. If you decide to leave reminder of steel and concrete buildings of Hong Kong, it is the trail, there are buses (No. 9) and taxis available on easy to be swallowed up by the serenity of the trail. Stage Road. 5-8 of Hong Kong Trail is 25 km long. Stage 5 and Stage 8 are Stage 8 is famously known for the trail called Dragon’s rated Very Difficult according to www.hkwalkers.net. But Back. Rated Very Difficult, it is 8.5 km long and takes about 3 between these two hard walks are Stages 6 and 7 which are hours to complete. From Shek O Road, the trail leads rated easy. upwards on a tough rocky path. At the top, you reach Shek O Stage 5 begins near Parkview Mansions by the crossroad Peak and walk along the ridgeline (Dragon’s Back) towards of Wong Nai Chung Gap Road and Reservoir Road. Wan Cham Shan. The wind up here is refreshing but mind Walk up Tai Tam Reservoir Road towards Parkview and on the your hats! It can get very gusty. But enjoy the spectacular left is the trailhead for both Stage 5 of Hong Kong Trail and views of Shek O, Tai Tam Harbour and Stanley. The trail then Stage 2 of . Both trails share the path until near leads to a shaded forested path which skirts Mount Collinson . Stage 5 is only 4km but will take about 1.5 and takes you to Pottinger Gap. Follow the trail and watch for hours to finish due to tough climb up two summits. Stairs the marker posts. Hong Kong Trail ends at the 100 marker dominates Stage 5, so bring plenty of water and take rest post at Big Wave Bay. Enjoy the beach and maybe some when necessary. The uphill path takes you to Jardine’s well-deserved refreshments. Minibus to Shaukeiwan are Lookout first. Appreciate the view of Victoria Harbour and available or alternatively, walk for another 15-20 minutes on take a good short rest before tackling the descent and Shek O Road to Shek O to catch the No. 9 bus which will another tough ascent to Mount Butler. Again the view from take you Shaukeiwan MTR. this summit is equally spectacular. Tai Tam Bay and Stanley Each stage of Hong Kong Trail can be done by itself or in can be seen from this vantage point. Of course, if you climb combination (ex. Stage 1 and Stage 2). Alternatively, up you must climb down. Down the steps to Quarry Gap, challenge yourself and walk half of the Trail (Stage 1-4 or Stage 5 ends at Road. If you wish to leave Stage 5-8). Or go all out and aim to complete the whole 50 here, you can walk down Mount Parker Road for an hour to km. Question is not “should I do it” but “can I”? catch a taxi or continue onto Stage 6. Stage 6 descends down from Mount Parker Road, a vehicular road, at the first part of this stage. It’s a nice respite from the tough uphill climb of Stage 5. The path will take you to Tai Tam Reservoir. You will need to cross the stone dam (see if you can catch a glimpse of a fish or two). The path then leads you to the lower dam and into a forested trail. Stage 6 ends at after 1.5 hours. From here you can catch a taxi or bus. Alternatively, cross the road for the start of Stage 7. Stage 7 is another easy walk, possibly to prepare you for the harder Stage 8. This stage is 7.5 km long and should take you under 2 hours to finish. In the beginning, the paved walk takes you by the water catchment. Then you skirt the Tai Tam Bay as you walk towards To Tei Wan Village. Enjoy the peaceful views of the harbour and catch a glimpse of the

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Climbing the Dragon's Back The Hong Kong Marathon by Carol Atkin

The Standard Chartered Hong Apart from comfortable Lycra Kong Marathon is Hong Kong's running gear, Sara relies on her Garmin largest participatory annual sporting 410 to keep her on track and runs in event. It started out as a minor race in Asics Gel Kayanos. She has these 1997 with around 1,000 runners. professionally fitted and gets through a However, 73,000 participants were pair every 3 months. On training runs, expected for the 2014 event, which was keeping hydrated can be a challenge as held on February 16th. it is impossible to carry enough water. AWAre caught up with AWA member However, Sara knows where she can and dragon boater, Sara Bertino in early refill or even purchase water on her February. Sara runs year round, but was routes. adhering to a structured 16 week She firmly believes that running is a schedule prior to her first attempt at the mind game as much as a physical Hong Kong Marathon. pursuit and in her own words, it is all Sara only took up running five years about “Building the mind more than the ago, while still living in the States with body”. her family. A wrist sprain had limited her For the future, Sara has no thoughts time on the tennis court, so in an attempt of letting up and is targeting the Boston to maintain fitness, she took to pounding Marathon next. the streets. She started running initially If you would like any tips about how for very short bursts and gradually built to start running, or how to approach up by 10 per cent increments into the distance runner she is distance running, please email us at AWAre – this could be a today. whole new group activity! Sara is also happy to give advice Since arriving in Hong Kong several years ago, she has and can be contacted at [email protected] applied each year to take part in the marathon, but found her attempts to enter were unsuccessful as they limit the amount of entries. Sara is convinced that the key to her success this year was in applying as soon as the website for application went live – around 7am. These disappointments have not stopped Sara from taking on other Hong Kong challenges, such as the China Gold Coast Marathon – a challenging and hilly course in the North West section of the New Territories. With this under her belt the Hong Kong Marathon can only be easier, can’t it? So what is Sara hoping for on the day? Preferably no rain and for the weather to be not too cold. Her target is an impressive sub 4 hour time.

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AWA Social Golf by Jodi Jones

Gardner Dickson once said that “golf is like life, but from what he showed us that we are already putting in to don't believe them. Golf is more complicated than that.” practice before we play...” Re-launched in May 2013 under the guidance of ladies For players that are just starting out, the AWA golf group pro, Jackie Johnson, the AWA golf group has seen its golf has also introduced two new clinics at the start of the New skills clinics grow in numbers and demand. Year looking at golf etiquette and course management. “We have focused on various aspects of golf from Jojo Hardwick, one of the highly skilled golf instructors examining players’ basic set-up through to swing analysis, and herself a long-time golfing pro, based at Deep Water Bay bunker techniques and such aspects as improving putting and Golf Course on Hong Kong Island will be the instructor for chipping and other short game skills,” said Lynda Coggins, these clinics. Due to limited space and club rules, there is AWA golf coordinator. space for only two players at a time so members are The clinics are held twice a month and up to 10 players encouraged to go online and book early to avoid usually participate. “As the clinics have been so popular, we disappointment. decided to continue holding them in to the New Year and we To become a member of the AWA social golf group, have set aside every second Friday for the next six months,” interested players can go online to the AWA website; click on said Coggins. “golf” under the sports tab and register. Membership is free The clinics will once again be run by the much-loved if you belong to the AWA and once registered, a member will Jackie Johnson, who has years of experience not only as a be added to the email list and sign-up sheets. pro golfer, but also as an instructor both in Hong Kong and abroad. Not all the clinics have just been about technical aspects related to golf explained Coggins. “We kicked off 2014 with a rather different but fun-filled fitness ‘clinic’ called: Getting into Golfing Shape.” The AWA social golfers invited veteran personal trainer, Nike Soederberg, to meet them in Aberdeen Country Park where he showed them how through some basic fitness exercises, they could shed those excess festive season kilos and better prepare for the many rounds of golf that lay ahead in the New Year. “We loved this alternative and unusual approach to golf,” said Jodi Jones one of the players who attended. “Nike was totally professional, a lot of fun, on brief and we learned a lot

26 AWARE March 2014 SPORTing activities

SOCIAL GOLF Our tournament organiser, Lynda Coggins, [email protected], Main coordinator: Lynda Coggins, [email protected] will announce details about each event ahead of each AWA Social Golf is off to an exciting start in 2014! competition. As always the format will be fun and participative The first half of the New Year brings with it perfect weather with players of all standards welcome. Sign-ups will open for golf, and the AWA Social Golf Group is making the most approximately two weeks before each tournament. of it. Whether you are a member returning from the Chinese New Year break, or new to Hong Kong and perhaps even new We will arrange golf clinics with our LPGA Pro, Jackie to golf, we want you! Johnson on the following Fridays: • 7 March The AWA Social Golf Group makes playing golf in Hong Kong • 21 March simple, fun and stress free. We try to cater for all levels of • 4 April ability from beginner to advanced or experienced golfers. We • 25 April play regularly each week on different courses, and we also • 9 May organize golf clinics twice a month to help you improve your • 25 May game. Every so often, we host golfing weekends or golf days further afield, such as in Macau, and other one-off activities Golf Etiquette with Jojo Hardwick at Deep Water Bay: such as quiz nights or simulator coaching, among others. If you like the competitive side of golf, we run a popular These introductory-level clinics focus on such aspects of golf as tournament each month. You can sign up by registering online putting green and tee box etiquette, pace of play, bunker and on the AWA website. Simply go to "golf" in the sports section, competition etiquette as well as how to fill out a scorecard complete the registration and you'll start receiving our emails, correctly. Dates will be confirmed one-on-one as space is limited newsletters and other communications. There is no additional to two players at a time and a three-day advance booking is fee charged for this group and events are open to AWA required. Contact the golf clinic co-ordinator on members and guests. [email protected] or [email protected]. All clinic details are advertised ahead of the booking time, and Weekly rounds: in the AWA Social Golf Group's newsletter, The Whack and When: Every Monday Hack. For more information, contact the coordinator: Jodi Where: Hong Kong Golf Club, Deep Water Bay Jones on [email protected]. When: 09:00 am tee-off on a roll up basis Cost: $550 for AWA Members – please make sure you bring your handicap card and your HK ID or passport. Sign up: [email protected] When: Wednesdays Where: Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, Sai Kung When: Tee-times are usually booked on request and as the system allows (08:30 onwards) Cost: $600 approximately Sign up: As reservations have to made a week in advance, kindly book your place in a flight as soon as possible on the Google spreadsheet called KSC Sign Up sheet sent out via the mailing list. Sign up: [email protected]

Dates for the next few monthly tournaments at Deep Water Bay Golf Course: • 24 March • 28 April • 19 May • 9 June

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DRAGON BOAT If you want to become part of a Hong Kong tradition, consider joining the AWA Globe Paddlers, winners of the Stanley International Ladies Cup for the last 3 years! The Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng) celebrates an old Chinese legend by racing long narrow boats with 18 paddlers, one drummer and one helmsman. The AWA Globe Paddlers Dragon Boat team consists of 24 dedicated women who practice twice a week. Our pre- season practices run from late October to early December on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Our regular season practices will run from January to June on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. We welcome women from all walks of life, as long as they demonstrate a strong fitness level, a commitment to attend practices, and an even stronger dedication to our Globe Paddlers family. We are all about working hard and playing hard, and we complement our dedicated work with plenty of team social events.

We are actively recruiting for paddlers. If you are interested in more information about joining the Globe Paddlers please contact the captains listed below.

Elissa Imran, 9618 4700, [email protected] Sara Bertino, 9666 4954, [email protected]

I-HIKES Contact: Lori Wigmore, Sarah Rindlaub, Cynthia Lackey, [email protected] When: March 12, 19 April 9 May 14 Cost: No charge. One-time annual registration. Are you amazed at how much space there truly is in Hong Kong? Join us for intermediate hikes in and around Hong Kong Island, lasting 2 to 3 hours, usually on Wednesday mornings. We hike various stages of the Hong Kong Trail, the Wilson Trail and many other trails that may not be as well known, but offer a challenge and a view. Occasionally we venture off of to the New Territories, Lamma Island and Lantau. These moderately paced hikes are recommended for beginner to intermediate hikers who love the outdoors.

28 AWARE March 2014 contact information

Office EXECUTIVE BOARD Phone 2527 2961/2 Fax 2865 7737 Executive Board [email protected] Hours 9.30am – 3.30pm Mon-Fri President Eileen Glynn [email protected] Address No.5, 11th floor. Arion Commercial Centre, 1st VP Fundraising Marcy LaRont [email protected] 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong Kong 2nd VP Membership Nicky Cooper [email protected] Website www.awa.org.hk 3rd Vice President Activities Julie Naughton [email protected] Office & Website ManagerBarbora Mayer, [email protected] AWAre Editor Francesca Stephen [email protected] Membership Representative Joanne Lam, [email protected] Charitable Donations Susan Trebach [email protected] Accounts & Database Manager Diane Li, [email protected] Community Service Kate Weisman [email protected] Education & Scholarship Mary Barbara Hanna [email protected] Public Relations Jennifer Schlueter [email protected] Community Recording Secretary Lisa Mar [email protected] Treasurer Irene Chu [email protected] C haritable Donations [email protected] Social Media Angela Bellas [email protected] Chairperson Susan Trebach [email protected] Social Community Service [email protected] Activities [email protected] Chairperson Kate Weisman [email protected] ACS Partnering Susan Trebach [email protected] 3rd Vice President Julie Naughton [email protected] Cheung Chau Reading Program Ellen Albrecht [email protected] Art Lovers Kumiko Matsushima [email protected] Fenwick Pier Volunteers Carol Lampard [email protected] Cynthia Lackey [email protected], 6200 3222 Helpers for Domestic Helpers Tammy Baltz [email protected] Asian Tours Jane Buck [email protected] HK Society for the Blind Kate Mahjoubian [email protected] Bridge & Lunch Social Lisa Strunin [email protected] Meals in the Home Jennifer Cox [email protected] Book Club - Day Catherine Greco, [email protected] Ronald McDonald House [email protected] Book Club - Evening Julie Naughton [email protected] Soup Kitchen Alison May [email protected] Doggie Play Dates Hilary Lincoln [email protected] 55979007 Dragon Boat E l i s s a I m r a n e l i s s a . i m r a n @ g m a i l . c o m , 9 6 1 8 4 7 0 0 Sara Bertino [email protected], 9666 4954 French Conversation group- Barbara Markovits, [email protected] Education & Scholarship Galloping Gourmet Hallie Cohn [email protected] [email protected] Global Insights Stella Schumann 2493 7114, Tracy Russell 6921 4400 Golf – Events and Lessons Jackie Johnson 852 5662 7248 Chairperson mary Barbara Hanna [email protected] Golf – Social Play and Event Lynda Coggins [email protected] Chatterbox Rosalind Keith [email protected] iHikes Lori Wigmore, Sarah Reinlaub, Cynthia Lackey [email protected] Kowloon Marti Law [email protected] International Cooking Club Sylvie Guyot [email protected] Wan Chai TSKVS - Dale Biteen [email protected] Italian Conversation Group Patty Tarallo [email protected] Pok Fu Lam Eileen Marion [email protected] Local Tours and Activities Jane Buck [email protected] Sham Shui Po Lindy Vasey [email protected] Lunch Bunch Marcia Hammelev Sander 9868 4112 Chai Wan Rosalind Keith rmekeith@ yahoo.com Mahjong Katherine Fenton 9600 3197 Sue Cummings-Walder [email protected] Moms & Tots Daryn Jankovic 9688 4052 Dining Etiquette Heather Black [email protected] Needle Arts Elisabeth Denys [email protected] Phone Pals Shibani Dutta [email protected] Photography Group Becky Wong [email protected] Mock Interviews Bernice Lee [email protected] Spiritual Literacy Book/Discussion Group [email protected]

Fundraising [email protected] Membership [email protected] 1st VP Fundraising Marcy LaRont [email protected] 2nd Vice President nicky Cooper [email protected] CHAT Coordinator Susan Wallace 9783 3227 Foon Ying Elise Van Stolk 9335 8985 Public Relations [email protected] Membership Discounts [email protected] Night OWL Kathy Barber [email protected] Chairperson Jennifer Schlueter [email protected] WOW Gina Franich, [email protected], 6129 9568 Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Randy Prescott [email protected] Listserve Moderator Randy Prescott [email protected]

If you would like to join the AWA or if you have any question about the organization, please contact the office or any of the Executive Board listed.

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