The Magazine of the Going Dutch American Women’s Club April 2015 of

5 Officers and Chairwomen 6 Fifty Years of James Bond 8 Message from the President 9 April General Meeting 10 Letter from the Editor 12 Newcomer Activities 14 Ongoing Activities 6, 54 18 One-of-a-Kind Activities We enjoyed the 50 Years of Bond Exhibit and Chili Cook-Off with our men 20 AWC’s 85th Birthday 21 Our Dog, Yankee 22 Helping Handbags Auction 26 Slate of Officers 2015-2016 28 Calendar 31 Dutch-American Friendship Day 32 Announcements 22 34 The Dutch Daily See the winners at our most successful 36 The Environment for Helping Handbags Auction ever (Grand-) Kids 38 House of Bols 42 AWC and the Arts 44 Gateway to the Ardennes 46 Memory Trip to 52 Classifieds 53 Index of Advertisers 53 Rates 46 54 Chili Cook-Off Eileen shares a special trip to Indonesia where she learned about her husband’s roots APRIL 2015 3 Editor Melissa White 2014-2015 AWC Officers Committee Chairs Design and Layout Teresa Mahoney President Linda Divon Activities Open [email protected] Assistant Treasurer Open Cover Photo The Plein during World Cup July 2014 by At Home in Becky Failor Vice President Becky Failor Veronica White Caring Committee Naomi Keip Photography [email protected] Greetje Engelsman, Melissa White, Community Service Coordinator Sunita Wikimedia Commons Treasurer Teresa Insalaco Menon AWC Clubhouse Advertising [email protected] FAWCO Emily van Eerten Johan van Oldenbarneveltlaan 43 Open Heart Pillow Eileen Baker 2582 NJ Den Haag Proofreaders Secretary Marsha Hagney Tel: 070 350 6007 Holiday Bazaar Jan Essad, Julie Schipper Celeste Brown, Debbie van Hees, Diane [email protected] [email protected] Schaap Library Laurie Martecchini

www.awcthehague.org Contributors Community Development and Resource Kid’s Club Open Jane Choy, Trena Cormier, Jan de Vries, Officer Jan de Vries Membership Coordinator Lynn Roberts Johanna Dishongh, Linda Divon, Greetje Going Dutch Magazine Engelsman, Roberta Enschede, Becky [email protected] Newcomers Greetje Engelsman, Sue [email protected] Failor, Eileen Harloff, Sunita Menon, Sue Merrick Merrick, Rebecca Niles-Pourier, Emily van Member and Club Administration Eerten, Susan Yates-Brown Parliamentarian Georgia Regnault Officer Rachel Kuppers Philanthropic Fundraiser Jan de Vries, Clubhouse Hours [email protected] Sunita Menon Tuesday and Thursday Printer www.dwcprint.nl Programs Trena Cormier 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Communications Officer Trena Cormier Monday and Friday Closed Dues (Effective 2014-2015) [email protected] Public Relations Johanna Dishongh € 110 per year (€ 55 after January 1) Tennis Molly Boed € 90 business, professional € 55 valid US military id Front Office The Arts Jane Choy € 35 student Tours Becky Failor Add € 15 new member registration fee Siska Datema Volunteer Coordinator Open AWC Bank Account Number Becky Failor ABN-AMRO Webmaster Julie Otten 43.14.21.757 Rachel Kuppers Website Assistant Open IBAN: NL42ABNA0431421757 Sue Merrick KvK Den Haag Women with Dutch Partners Rebecca 40409274 Melanie Stringfellow Niles-Pourier

Deadlines: Submissions are due no later than the last Monday of the month preceding the publication month. For example, for the Sept issue, submissions are due before Monday, July 27. AWC Purpose Statement

Please Note: Articles submitted to Going Dutch will be published subject to space limitations and editorial ap- The AWC of The Hague is an association formed to provide social and educational activi- proval. All rights reserved; reprints only by written permission of the Editor. Please email to: goingdutchmag@ ties for American women living in the and to promote amicable relations gmail.com among people of all nations as well as acquiring funds for general public interest. The Legal Notice: Articles in Going Dutch express the views and opinions of their authors alone, and not necessar- ily those of the AWC of The Hague, its Members or this publication. association does not endeavor to make a profit. 4 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 5

Message from the President April General Meeting by Linda Divon by Trena Cormier

y two-year term as President of the American Women’s ather than feature a guest speaker, this month’s General Meeting will cover a variety Club of The Hague will soon be coming to an end. I of topics including an update on the recent FAWCO Conference in and an Mfeel grateful for having had this wonderful opportunity Rupdate on the progress made by the Constitutional Committee in updating the AWC of playing a major role in the Club and for being an integral Constitution, By-Laws and Policies & Procedures. part of the AWC, which is marking its 85th birthday this year. We will also hold an important vote to elect Officers for the 2015-2016 AWC Executive The things that make this Club so special are twofold: reach- Board (go to page 26 to meet the candidates). If you are a Regular Member and are unable ing out to Newcomers to welcome and to support them, but also to attend this meeting, please submit a proxy ballot, available by email from the Front Office being an organization that is aware of the challenges facing our prior to April 7. host country as well as the larger challenges and problems in our world today. We, of course, will not be able to solve all the After the conclusion of the Club business, we invite everyone to join us for a potluck. Please world’s woes, but having this awareness, this caring and then RSVP on GroupSpaces at www.groupspaces.com/AWCTheHague/item/924485 and mention actually doing something to make a difference through our in the comments which dish you plan to bring (please plan on your dish serving around six fundraising projects and philanthropy – this is what makes the to eight people). AWC stand above other clubs and other local women’s groups and organizations. It is this “reaching out” and helping others that makes our Club unique. Free babysitting will be available for children between six months and five years of age. In order to have the correct ratio of babysitters to children, you must book in advance. Call Our Hearts & Minds Gala in 2014, under the gifted, dedicated leadership of Jan de the Front Office at 070 350 6007 or email [email protected] before Tuesday, April Vries and her talented team, successfully brought in almost € 60,000 and the proceeds went 7 to reserve your place. to three Dutch beneficiaries: Lighthouse Special Education, a school located in The Hague for international children with special needs; Laat Ze Maar Lachen (Let Them Laugh), a Thursday, April 9 volunteer organization that provides outings for children who are not able to enjoy their Coffee and Newcomers Meet & Greet: 10 a.m. childhood to the fullest due to poverty; and Hulphond Nederland, an organization that trains Meeting: 10:30 a.m. dogs to work with children with disabilities. Potluck: Noon AWC Clubhouse This year the AWC has continued with its annual fundraising Helping Handbag Auction with the proceeds going to the FAWCO Target Project: Free the Girls. With the generosity of our AWC Members, we raised an all-time high of € 3,000 (see page 22 for further details and photos). Another important fundraising event for the AWC is its annual Holiday Bazaar. In ad- dition to being a successful fundraising two-day event, it is a fun, high-energy event with unique items for sale, our famous AWC bake stall, wonderful raffle items and even our very own Santa Claus who gets us into the holiday spirit! Leading up to the Sinterklaas holiday, there is the annual AWC gift bag workshop. Small toys, sweets and goodies are collected, packaged in holiday bags and delivered to 85 children ranging from babies to teenagers. The Morgenster Food Bank was our beneficiary last year and was also the recipient of our Food Drive Collections the year before. The AWC ladies are again hands-on in making a difference in the lives of those children from extremely poor backgrounds whose families rely heavily on this Food Bank. In 2007, the AWC began the Heart Pillow Project, currently overseen by Eileen Baker. Over 1,000 pillow sets have been distributed to breast cancer patients at local hospitals: Bronovo, Leiden LUMC, MCH Antoniushove and MCH Westeinde. The >> 51 8 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 9 Ramblings from the Editor by Melissa White

y 17-year-old’s decision on whether her with my pole dancing jokes to go the less to go to university in the US or the expensive route and she would hold it against MUK has been a constant topic of dis- me if she ends up unhappy there. As much as cussion in my house for the past one and half I’ve told myself that this was her decision to years. You might recall reading in November make, I’ve always known that this decision 2014 that my family visited seven US uni- was bigger than just her – it’s actually a deci- versities in four states last April. We’ve also sion that impacts our whole family. made five visits to the UK for university tours. Veronica decided to apply to just one school After nearly constant debate of the Ameri- in the US: Northwestern University, outside can versus British systems, Veronica made of Chicago. Unlike America where there is a decision. Somehow I’d imagined her an- no limit to how many applications you can nouncement would occur over an emotional submit as long as your parents are willing to family dinner. Instead, she sent me a Face- pay the application fees, you can apply to only book Message: “I think I’ve decided to go to five universities in the UK. I’m sure you can the UK for uni.” Although that might sound imagine how proud her father James and I am a tad noncommittal to an outsider, I immedi- that Veronica got offers from all six schools. ately knew this was a big step for Veronica. Although I was disappointed by her choice of The doors we open and close each the method of delivering this bombshell, I am absolutely thrilled that she’ll be nearby. Her day decide the lives we live. little sister Ashlynn is already looking for- ward to spending weekends visiting Veronica, ~ Flora Whittemore which may sound sweet but I suspect that her real motive is going to university parties. Luckily, Veronica has had someone be- sides her parents and the school counselor Although I had assumed that she would to talk with about this difficult decision: her accept the offer from Northwestern without mentor. For the past 15 months, Veronica has hesitation, I think Veronica even surprised had weekly Skype calls with Beatrix from herself when she realized that she wanted to Sea Change Mentoring, which specializes in stay closer to “home” and that home is no matching up third culture kids with mentors longer the US. The nasty Chicago winters that were third culture kids themselves. While and the requirement to take two more years Beatrix’s parents are Spanish and French, she of French also steered her towards the UK. was born in Mexico City, raised in London She has narrowed her options down to two and went to graduate school in Canada. Now schools; ironically, neither looks anything living near Cancun, Mexico, Beatrix provides like Cambridge or Hogwarts as they are both Veronica with a fresh perspective from some- just 50 years old. Now she is comparing their one who’s been there herself. curriculums and researching which offers the better options for studying for a year abroad While waiting for Veronica’s decision – in Australia. the biggest decision she’s faced in life thus far – I realized that no matter which country It is ironic that I thought that the US was she chose, I’d have my reservations. If she too far away and now not only does Veronica opted to go to the US, I’d miss her terribly, hope to study for one year in Australia, but knowing that I wouldn’t be able to pop over Ashlynn is already investigating Australian to see her in a school play or at parent’s week campuses: “Look, Mama, this one has a pri- since, frankly, we’d be broke. Instead, if she vate beach.” Guess you have to be careful chose the UK, I’d wonder if I’d pressured what you wish for! 10 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 11 Newcomer Activities by Greetje Engelsman and Sue Merrick Meet & Greet for Newcomers Are you a Newcomer or a potential AWC Welcome New Member! Member? Do you have questions or are you Sally Myers looking for a friendly welcome and introduc- tion to the AWC? Join the Newcomers Team for coffee 30 minutes before every monthly meeting to share your questions, challenges and successes. Plan to stay for the General Meeting and hear presentations on interesting RSVP for all Newcomer Activities topics and learn all about the AWC. Do you have an urgent problem to solve? Feel free directly on AWC GroupSpaces.com. to email us at awcthehague.newcomers@ gmail.com. Direct any questions to Thursday, April 9 Coffee: 10 a.m. awcthehague.newcomers@gmail. Meeting: 10:30 a.m. com. AWC Clubhouse Visit to de Haagse Markt De Haagse Markt (www.haagsemarkt.nl) is AWC Guest Policy the biggest market in The Hague with 540 Guests are welcome to participate in stalls filled with fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, AWC activities and tours on a limited meat and clothes. There are a lot of exotic products, including ingredients for Tex-Mex basis. As a nonmember, a guest is limited recipes. This large outdoor market is visited to attend two functions per calendar daily by tens of thousands of visitors and is year and will be charged an additional a meeting place for many cultures. We will meet at the Starbucks at Den Haag Centraal nonmember fee. Only Members are Station (DHCS) and will travel together by entitled to use babysitting services. Tram 6 to the entrance of the Haagse Markt. Please let us know if you will be meeting us at either Starbucks or the market when April Birthdays registering on GroupSpaces. There will be an option to join us for lunch (at own expense). Kagari Arnoldi 1 Bring your OV-chipkaart, shopping bags and Vivian Jung 1 camera! Una Mulvihill 1 Friday, April 17 Tina Tinch-Boshuijer 1 Meet at Starbucks at DHCS at 10 a.m. Lynn Roberts 3 Amber Broughton 5 Stephanie Hazejager 5 Mallery Clarke 6 Susan Shaw 6 Polly Spinnler 6 Eileen Baker 19 Vesna Southwick 23 Deborah Reagan 23

12 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 13 Book Club: Evening Harlequin Romance,” we all agreed it was a The April Evening Book Group selection superficial, repetitive, poorly written, tedious Ongoing Activities is Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson: book, chock full of irritating clichés and bor- This 2007 novel won the US National Book ing, whiny characters. Don’t waste your time. Book Club: Daytime Award for Fiction and was Give this book a pass! The AWC Book Groups are open to all book Daytime Book Club a finalist for the Pulitzer lovers and are always open to new Members. Planning Ahead: Prize. It tells the tale of a Chat, Crafts & Cake There is no obligation to attend every meeting man named Skip Sands Let’s get creative! The AWC will be open to or lead a discussion. We take turns bringing Thursday, May 21 Star of the Sea by who joins the CIA in 1965 all crafters. If you’ve been looking for an open a snack. If you’ve always wanted to try out a Joseph O’Conner and becomes involved space large enough to lay out that king-size book club, you have two options per month. in the “Tree of Smoke” quilt, or need more table space to organize You can now register yourself for either (or Thursday, June 25 Saturday by Ian project in Vietnam. Find your photo albums or scrapbooks, or just need both!) Book Clubs on the AWC GroupSpaces. McEwan out for yourself why one an excuse to stitch, pack up those supplies and com website. Any questions? Please email reviewer in The Guard- bring them to the Clubhouse so you can chat Teresa Mahoney for the daytime group ian said, “It’s a big, dirty, with fellow AWC Members and visitors while or Rebecca Fry for the evening group at mixed review with some members loving the unmade bed of a book and, once you settle in, you work. You might even be able to pick up [email protected]. Happy novel, declaring it “comic” and “an excellent you’re in no hurry to get out.” some suggestions from a fresh pair of eyes. reading! representation of the intellectual hubris that Wednesday, April 15 Each week, a different Member will bring a can characterize college students,” and at 7:30 p.m. cake made from a never-before-tried recipe The April Daytime Book Group selection is least one member declaring she “pretty much AWC Clubhouse for tasting and critiquing. We’re sorry, but The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: hated all of it.” FREE babysitting is not available and thus we can’t After our enjoyment of The Middlesteins: Food can show love accommodate children. Questions? Contact: Unbroken, we turn again and be a tool of control. Food, by surfeit Recap of the January – February Suzanne Dundas at awcthehague.crafts@ to history for another true of quantity or lack of quality, can kill. The Discussions gmail.com tale of beating the odds irony, of course, is while food is “a wonderful We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves: Tuesdays during desperate times. place to hide,” one’s abuse of food will, in While we were perhaps “not completely beside 10 a.m. – Noon Join us as we discover time, come out in the open. This novel is ourselves,” we did enjoy a festive New Year AWC Clubhouse how nine working-class about the family of obese and diabetic Edie celebration, great company, and a spirited and FREE boys from the American Middlestein, an intelligent wife, mother and thought-provoking discussion. The novel is Visitors Welcome West struggled to earn lawyer who can’t stop eating…whatever… told by Rosemary, who is beset by dysfunc- their way through school even though she and everyone around her tion both humorous and sad as she attempts to Dinner Club during the depths of the knows she is killing herself. Despite this dire understand herself and her life after the disap- Sign up on GroupSpaces.com to share dinner Depression and then showed the world at synopsis, this is a comic novel which captures pearance of both her brother and her “sister” at home with AWC friends and spouses/part- the 1936 Olympics in Berlin what true grit current middle class America perfectly. The Fern (for those who didn’t read our earlier de- ners. Rebecca Niles-Pourier will set the dates, really meant. Americans among us felt right at home and the scription of this novel, Fern is a chimpanzee). place couples (or individuals) randomly, and Thursday, April 23 international members of our book club found One of our members (whose name shall be assign the hostess. Then each hostess will set 10 a.m. the details of American life, e.g. a $20,000 withheld to protect the guilty), gets the willies a theme and guests will be asked to prepare a AWC Clubhouse b’nai mitzvah, fascinating. The book was even thinking about lower primates, so had dish. For example, if the theme is Italian, then FREE enjoyable, but fell far short of genius. Edie, in trouble stomaching the more intimate details one person might bring antipasto, one particular, was not a well-developed character of family life with a totally anthropomorphized brings bread, one brings Italian wine, >> 16 Recap of the January – February even though she is the nucleus around whom chimpanzee. Everyone enjoyed reading this Discussions all the action rotates. fast-paced novel, though we weren’t sure in the The Marriage Plot: This novel was inspired end whether it was primarily a political book by the premise that modern life (specifically Evening Book Club or an unusual coming-of-age story. the availability of divorce) has removed the Valley of Amazement: We were extremely conflict that fuelled many classic novels, Planning Ahead: disappointed in this weak, melodramatic offer- such as those by Bronte and Austen, “for if Wednesday, May 20: In the Garden of ing from Amy Tan. Unlike her earlier works, a woman can just get divorced, who cares if this book contains absolutely nothing to recom- she marries badly?” Fortunately, this novel Beasts by Erik Larson mend it, especially when time is short and the does allow its young college graduates to Wednesday, June 10: Orfeo by Richard possibilities for great reads are long. Although aspire to more than wedded bliss as a life some of us disliked it marginally less than goal, albeit with some dead ends and twists Powers others, with descriptors ranging from “total in their first post-collegiate year. All-in-all a drivel” to “reminiscent of a particularly bad 14 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 15 Ongoing Activities (cont.) Continued from page 15 etc. The hostess may choose to cook the main a plastic bag tied with a beautiful bow and a course or do it all, but then you might be asked message signed by a volunteer. No sewing to contribute some money towards the cost. skills are needed; just the ability to cut and It will be up to each hostess how they want stuff! What a wonderful way to meet new to structure the meal. You may be asked to friends while contributing to a worthy cause. host one dinner for eight, six or four guests The emails we receive are so touching and (depending on your space at home) and then show that women are linked everywhere to you will be a guest at someone else’s home this terrible disease. We are proud to provide the next time. This is a fun way to share an women with something not only practical, but evening with new AWC friends while enjoying comforting as well. If you can cut fabric, stuff a great dinner! Future dates include Saturday, fiberfill, thread a needle or tie a bow, we need June 20. Contact Rebecca at awcthehague. you! No sign-up is necessary. For more infor- [email protected] to join in the fun. mation, contact Eileen Baker at awcthehague. Saturday, April 25 [email protected]. Locations and Meals Vary Tuesday, April 21 Sign-up deadline: April 18 Noon – 2 p.m. AWC Clubhouse Dutch Conversation Coffee FREE Walkie Talkies If you’ve had at least one beginner course in Visitors Welcome item/785299. Dutch, here’s the perfect opportunity to try to Taking a walk with friends is the perfect Thursday, April 2 Tennis League way to start your week! Join us for an 9 – 11 a.m. speak your new language in a safe environ- energetic walk and talk. We meet in front Ramona’s House ment. We will practice speaking Dutch over The AWC Tennis Group plays doubles every of the Clubhouse each week and then walk FREE coffee with some of our Dutch Members on the Tuesday (except specific holidays) in War- to a variety of destinations between the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. This mond. Ladies move up and down the courts beach, woods and city. Occasionally, we Walking is not a class, but an informal opportunity to according to a ladder tennis system. The em- take longer walks which we announce on Join Bronia Ichel and Ramona Oswald speak Nederlands. phasis is on having fun! The league is available the AWC Facebook Group. Sign up for this for Walking Wassenaar, a way to get fit and Wednesdays, April 1 and 15 for all levels except true beginners. If you group on GroupSpaces.com to get email explore the Wassenaar area. We’ll meet in 10 – 11 a.m. are interested in being placed on the waiting updates or email Greetje Engelsman at front of Jumbo (formerly the C1000) with Clubhouse list to become a regular player or would like [email protected] or underground parking available on Luife- FREE to be on the sub list, contact Molly Boed at [email protected]. Emily van Eerten at awcthehague.fawco@ lbaan and Van Hogendorpstraat. Join us Heart Pillow Project gmail.com. afterwards for coffee and/or lunch at your Tuesdays thru April 21 Mondays own expense. The AWC is in its 7th year of making heart- 1 – 3 p.m. 9:30 a.m Fridays shaped pillows to support the arms of breast Dekker Tennis Courts FREE 10 a.m. cancer patients in local hospitals. Each pillow Veerpolder 14, Warmond Luifelbaan 1, Wassenaar is made with tender loving care, wrapped in € 275 Members (€ 325 nonmembers) Wassenaar Coffee & FREE Conversation Cancellation Policy Do you live in Wassenaar and want to get together with other AWC Members, but Members may reserve a spot for an AWC tour, activity or event in advance. Payment is re- don’t want to journey to the Clubhouse? Or quired within five business days of the reservation or before the deadline date (whichever maybe you would like to go to Wassenaar is sooner) otherwise your name will be moved to a waitlist. It is the responsibility of the Member for a change of pace? Here is your to notify the Club at [email protected] to cancel a reservation prior to the chance! Ramona Oswald hosts a coffee cancellation deadline. Please note that there will be NO REFUNDS (no exceptions) after the at her home in Wassenaar on the first cancellation deadline. Members may find a substitute in lieu of cancellation provided that Thursday of every month for Members and arrangements are made with the tour, activity or event organizer. Members shall be held prospective Members. Ramona will provide responsible for their guest reservations in accordance with this policy. directions to her house when you sign-up at www.groupspaces.com/AWCTheHague/ 16 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 17 feature 30 alternating flower and plant shows. One-of-a-Kind Activities We will walk through the park and have lunch in one of the restaurants (at own expense). Af- by Becky Failor ter lunch, we will walk through the gardens to “Perfect” Cocktail Contest Keukenhof Castle for a guided tour in English. It’s time again to shake, stir and mix things This castle is the center of the historic estate RSVP directly on AWC GroupSpaces.com. Keukenhof, located in the heart of the flower up at the next AWC “Perfect” Cocktail Con- Direct any questions to awcthehague. test. The best way to start spring and sum- bulb region. Its origins are connected to the mer is with a mouthwatering contest where [email protected]. Payment must be success of the Dutch Golden Age’s Dutch East we challenge each other to make the perfect made within 5 calendar days of reserving Indian Company (VOC) as it was constructed cocktail (for ideas, see page 38). Let’s track or your name will be moved to a waitlist. in 1642 by Adriaen Maertenszoon Block, a former Commander of VOC. In 2012 an ex- down Holland’s best cocktail ingredients and Payment can be made in the Front Office create a selection of delicious concoctions tensive restoration was completed and today by PIN or by bank transfer to the AWC it again has the allure of a 17th century estate. from exotic to sophisticated – you be the account NL42ABNA0431421757. judge! Non-alcoholic cocktails are also wel- the € 23.50 Combi Ticket which includes the come. Include a note to let us know if you We will meet at Starbucks at Den Haag Cen- bus from Leiden). We will pay for the tour traal Station (DHCS) at 9 a.m. We’ll travel of Keukenhof Castle at the door (€ 12.50 for plan to enter the contest when you register Quiz Night and Dinner at www.groupspaces.com/AWCTheHague/ by train to Leiden Centraal (bring your OV- regular entry or € 3.50 with Museumkaart). item/662906. Please note that if a couple en- Join us for a lively chipkaart), and then catch a special express Go to www.groupspaces.com/AWCTheHague/ ters the contest, one person is considered a evening guaranteed bus to Keukenhof (this ticket will be purchased item/957101 to register. contestant and will be free, while the other to be fun-filled with in conjunction with your Keukenhof Gardens Wednesday, April 22 will need to pay to participate. laughter and some entrance ticket). Please buy your ticket online Meet at DCHS at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 11 friendly competition. in advance for the Keukenhof Gardens: www. Keukenhof Castle Tour at 1:30 p.m. You don’t have to be keukenhof.com (unless you are driving, choose Cancellation deadline: April 14 8 – 11 p.m. a master of trivia to participate or win as you AWC Clubhouse combine your special knowledge with others € 10 Members or Spouses at your table. Enjoy appetizers and drinks be- (€ 15 nonmembers) fore and during the first part of the quiz, and Contestants gratis dinner and dessert during the final portion. Minimum 10 Optician with Cancellation deadline: April 1 Prizes will be awarded for the winning teams. Go to www.groupspaces.com/AWCTheHague/ an eye for eyes item/858414 to register. Saturday, April 18 6:30 – 10 p.m. AWC Clubhouse € 15 Members or Spouses (€ 20 non-members) Cancellation deadline: April 15 Partner Appreciation Event Professional eye examination by certified optometrists. POSTPONED We offer well-trained and experienced personnel and high quality, individual eye care. Our prescription len We have decided to postpone the Partner Ap- ses are exclusively crafted by the German top of the preciation Event that was originally sched- line glass manufacturer, Carl Zeiss Vision. uled for April 18. Please check out the fun Quiz Night and Dinner now planned for that evening. - Visit to Keukenhof Castle and Keukenhof Gardens Keukenhof Gardens is the most beautiful spring garden in the world! More than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths fill over 32 hect- ares with color and fragrance. The pavilions 18 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 19 from the auctions will go to support some of For tickets and information, please contact: the AWC’s most beloved charities. We aim to: [email protected] 85 and Counting! sponsor a FAWCO Foundation Development by Emily van Eerten Grant; partially fund the training of a puppy/ Don’t miss this joyous evening celebration! future service dog with Hulphond Nederland; help Laat Ze Maar Lachen treat underprivi- 85th AWC Anniversary Concert & Benefit n celebration of our Club’s 85th Anniver- leged children to relaxing and creative out- Auction sary, the American Women’s Club of The ings; and continue to support members of the Saturday, May 9 IHague and the FAWCO Committee have international community in The Hague whose Doors open at 6 p.m. planned a delightfully entertaining evening children have special education needs through Nieuwspoort at the Nieuwspoort in The Hague city cen- Lighthouse Special Education. Lange Poten 10, Den Haag ter. Home to the Dutch Press Club (where € 100 AWC Couple (AWC Member + Part- members are known as Poorters), the recently Your ticket includes: ner) renovated Nieuwspoort is nestled on the out- • Glass of Prosecco and bar snacks € 55 AWC Member (€ 60 nonmembers) side edge of the Binnenhof with the entrance • Performance by Steinway Artist Robin just across from the American Book Center. Meloy Goldsby Stylish and chic – and normally bustling with • Buffet dinner with two glasses of wine, journalists, politicians, lobbyists, press attachés coffee and tea (additional drinks are avail- and the like – the AWC will have the run of especially entertaining to her European au- able for purchase) the place on the evening of May 9! diences. Marian McPartland of NPR Piano • Live auction Jazz describes her music as “Beautiful, just • Silent auction American author and Steinway Artist Robin beautiful,” but you should also be prepared Meloy Goldsby will start the evening in the bar for more than a few laughs as she shares her area with a charming program of solo piano hysterical yet recognizable accounts of getting music and stories from her two books: Piano used to living in Europe. To get a feel for her Girl and Waltz of the Asparagus People. Dem- beautifully phrased observations, check out her onstrating her “wicked sense of humor and blog at www.robin.goldsby.de/category/blog/. Our Boy, Yankee keen eye for the absurd” (Publishers Weekly starred review), Goldsby “quicksteps from This fun evening would not be an AWC event, by Jan de Vries bumptious to bawdy to trenchant in this hilari- however, if we did not make it COUNT. Fol- ous, truth-telling performance of her music and lowing Robin’s program, we will adjourn to beautifully-written words” (Betsy Burton, Salt a buffet dinner in a spacious room overlook- ollowing the AWC Hearts & Minds Originally we intended to draw from a Lake City International Jazz Festival). ing the Tweede Kamer, followed by a live(ly) Gala in June 2014, the AWC’s gener- hat four names submitted by the Member- auction of just a few covetable items. Other Fous donation to Hulphond Nederland ship, but the submissions were of such a high allowed us to sponsor an existing therapy quality that a drawing seemed too random. Robin’s stories about life as an American mu- high-quality items will be available as part of dog, Whisley, and adopt a puppy. Hulphond So we formed a three-woman jury and scored sician living and working in Germany prove a silent auction throughout the night. Proceeds asked us to submit four potential names, one the names. Ultimately, we submitted Yankee of which would be chosen by the trainer when and Lincoln for boy names and Liberty and the AWC puppy arrived. Troelie for girl names. The AWC puppy, a Labrador retriever, was born on January 15. He is currently in socialization training with one of Hulphond’s best training families. Well done AWC! These dogs really do make a difference in assisting people with a wide range of disabilities from behavioral therapy to PTSD to epilepsy as well as pro- viding assistance for the physically disabled. Time will tell what valuable role Yankee will play in helping those truly in need. It will be fun to follow his progress with the updates promised by Hulphond. 20 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 21 Helping Handbags Auction by Emily van Eerten Ladies of the American Women’s Club: Do You Know How Awesome You Are? Following the February General Meeting, a good crowd stuck around for a delicious lunch provided by our volunteers as a lead-in to our Helping Handbag Auction. To make the afternoon even more festive, several corks were popped so that everyone could enjoy a glass (or two) of bubbly as we got down to business. Well, I say “business,” but let’s face it, this was just plain FUN. Under the stylishly gifted direction of co-auctioneers Johanna Dishongh and Loren Mealy, more than 65 items fell under the hammer with laughter, conviviality and general bonhomie in abundance. An even greater number of desirable items were available for direct The AWC has been hosting a Helping Handbag Auction to benefit FAWCO charities since purchase at our improvised “Boutique” in the Front Office with a minimum donation of € 5. 2009, and the results just keep getting better and better. Last year we raised an incredible €2,000 with this fun activity. This year was even better! In fact, fifty percent better! We raised an We were fortunate to have some coveted high-value items, such as two gorgeous genuine astounding € 3,000 which will benefit the FAWCO Target Project charity Free the Girls, an Hermes scarves (won with some ruthless bidding by Linda Divon and Johanna). We were also organization dedicated to helping women and girls rescued from human trafficking by assist- very happy with the many nearly new, excellent quality brand-name items and equally with ing them to start their own business and giving them support and training to make it a success. the maybe-not-as-good—but still good quality—knock-offs. From a real mink hat and scarf combo to several “vegan leather” items, everyone walked away with value for their donations. The success of this event in no small part goes to the good-hearted volunteers who made it The atmosphere in the room was one of friendship and good spirited cheer. When everyone in possible: co-auctioneers Johanna and Loren, Jan de Vries, Sunita Menon, Laurie Martecchini, the auction room assures you that a scarf is really a gorgeous color for you, how can you not and to all those who donated items; encouraged others to donate items; cleaned, sorted and keep bidding? As Georgia Regnault remarked as she went to pay for her six auction prizes, organized items; brought food; helped with set up; processed payments; and cleaned up. It “This is so much more fun than just writing a check.” Her little granddaughters are certainly is a gratifying thing to know that so many women in this Club are willing to help out where going to have a blast with their glamorous beaded bags to class up their dress-up box. needed, when needed. Thank you all! AWC Handbag Auction Slate of Officers 2015-2016

We are pleased to introduce the candidates for the 2015-2016 AWC The Hague Executive Board. The election of officers will take place during the General Meeting on April 9. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please submit a proxy ballot.

President – Becky Failor: Becky was born in Tucson. Her father was in the military so Becky experienced her first expat experience between the ages of nine months to four years in England. Her teenager and undergraduate college years were in the Detroit area. She and her husband Hugh have lived in Holland since August 2010. Becky worked as a Nuclear Chemist and she focused on safe working operations for 14 years for a US Department of Energy research laboratory. After several years of organizing tours for the AWC, Becky stepped into the position of Vice President in January 2015. She says, “The AWC has helped me integrate into Dutch life and enjoy living here. I’ve made many friends through the AWC. I would like to continue to be on the AWC Board to perpetuate the opportunities and support the AWC offers to a wide range of women and their families living in and around The Hague.”

Vice President – Sue Merrick: Sue grew up in Louisiana and graduated from Louisiana State University with a master’s degree in social work. While in graduate school, she met Bill and they married in 1982. Sue worked as a social worker until the birth of their first child, Alison, now 26. Two years later, their son Andy was born. Planning activities and working with volunteers are skills Sue has developed over the years through her varied experiences as a PTA president, newsletter editor, Girl Scout leader and youth group counselor. After her children left for college, Sue worked in several different jobs: a tutor in a Title X school, Interim Director of Children’s Ministries, and Interim Director of Youth Ministries. Before Bill’s job at Shell moved them to the Netherlands last summer, Sue had her own business as an independent educational consultant. She says, “The AWC has been a crucial factor in our quick and seamless adjustment to expat life! I am excited to be involved with an organization with such strong, fun and interesting women.” continued on p 41>> 26 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 27 April 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Upcoming Spring 1 2 3 4 Events: Dutch Conversation & Wassenaar Coffee and Wassenaar Walkie Talkies Coffee 10 a.m. Conversation 9 a.m. 10 a.m. May 9: AWC and FAWCO Benefit Concert AWC Board Meeting 10:30 a.m. May 21: Officer Installation Happy Passover! Happy Easter! June 28: WWDP Ladies’ Brunch 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Walkie Talkies 9:30 a.m. Chat, Crafts ‘n Cake 10 a.m. Newcomers Meet & Greet Wassenaar Walkie Talkies 10 a.m. 10 a.m. General Meeting and Art History Lecture: Still Life AWC Tennis 1 p.m. Member Potluck Luncheon and Architectural Painting 10:30 a.m 10 a.m Spring/Summer Cocktail Contest 8 p.m.

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Walkie Talkies 9:30 a.m. Chat, Crafts ‘n Cake 10 a.m. Dutch Conversation & Visit to Haagse Markt Coffee 10 a.m. 10 a.m. Wassenaar Walkie Talkies AWC Tennis 1 p.m. 10 a.m. DFAS Art Lecture: The Evening Book Club Quiz Night and Dinner Sacred Art of Angkor 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:45 p.m.

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Walkie Talkies 9:30 a.m. Chat, Crafts ‘n Cake 10 a.m. Visit to Keukenhof Gardens Daytime Book Club 10 a.m. Wassenaar Walkie Talkies and Castle 9 a.m. 10 a.m. Heart Pillow Workshop Noon AWC Tennis 1 p.m. Dinner Club TBD Dutch - American Friendship Earth Day Day

26 27 28 29 30 Chat, Crafts ‘n Cake 10 a.m.

King’s Day

28 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 29 Dutch-American Friendship Day by Roberta Enschede There are no allies more faithful than they. ~ John Adams wo hundred and thirty-three years ago, President Martin Van Buren was Dutch. Other on the 19th of April, the United Provinc- Americans who have shaped and continue to Tes recognized the independence of the shape our nation with Dutch ancestry include: United States of America. On October 8 of that Walt Whitman, poet; Herman Melville, novel- same year, the US and the United Provinces ist; Thomas Alva Edison, inventor; Humphrey signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, Bogart, Dick van Dyke, and Henry, Jane and the longest standing treaty to which the US Peter Fonda, actors; Bruce Springsteen, singer; is a party. Subsequently, the Dutch loaned a Walter Cronkite, newsman; Eleanor Roosevelt, raggle-taggle nation the money to sustain the human rights activist; Cecil B. DeMille, movie American Revolution. The diplomatic ties director; Dr. Benjamin Spock, pediatrician between the US and the Netherlands are the and author; Dr. Willem Kolff, creator of the longest unbroken ties between the US and artificial kidney; and the list goes on! any nation. The Dutch who founded New York City Who we are and what we have become stood against the wishes of its governor Peter is deeply rooted in our Dutch heritage. Stuyvesant and demanded that people of all John Adams, the second President and first faiths be allowed to worship in their way. New American ambassador, lived in The Hague. In York City today is a reflection of that early fact, the very first embassy our country ever tolerance and inclusiveness. Furthermore, owned was located at Fluwelen Burgwal 18 in there are many American city names that a house he purchased and said was “suitable were “Made in Holland”: Flushing, Long for a Hotel Des Etats-Unis.” Now it is the site Island comes from Vlissingen; Brooklyn from of a city parking garage. Breukelen; and Harlem from Haarlem. The town of Lewes, Delaware was founded by the More than a century earlier, the Pilgrims Dutch and its Zwaanendael Museum, modeled lived in Leiden for 11 years from 1609 to after the city hall of Hoorn, observes Dutch- 1620 where they were granted religious and American Friendship Day each year. press freedom. It was from Leiden that they began their voyage to the vast continent they To honor the contributions of the Dutch said “was fruitful and fit for habitation.” On nation to our American heritage, the founders Thanksgiving, we still sing a Dutch hymn of OAR ~ Overseas Americans Remember most people think is American: Wilt Heden submitted a resolution of Dutch-American Nu Treden (We Gather Together). Friendship on the occasion of the Bicentennial of Dutch-American Relations in 1982. The US The sixth US President, John Quincy Ad- and House passed it as joint resolution ams, and his brother Charles Francis attended HJ 410 and created a Day of Dutch-American Leiden University “to pursue their studies of Friendship. In 2006, on the 225th anniversary, Latin and Greek under the excellent masters.” OAR submitted an amended resolution and Presidents Martin Van Buren, Theodore Roo- it was passed as HR 89 ensuring that Dutch- sevelt and Franklin Delano Roosevelt direct- American Friendship Day would be ongo- ly traced their ancestry to the Provinces of ing and not merely a single day to honor the Gelderland and Zeeland. The first language of Bicentennial.

This year as every year, OAR will commemorate Dutch-American Friendship Day. Watch for further information in eNews, or email [email protected]. OAR ~ Anneke Beeuwkes, Roberta Enschede, Michele Fiszbajn, Tove McGrew and Jessie Rodell

30 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 31 Shakespeare for Kids & Teens Years a Kingdom and more than 30 decorated STET (Stichting The English Theatre) presents luxury cars, interspersed with marching bands. Announcements two Shakespeare productions aimed at children There will be plenty of space on the roadside during the weekend of April 17 – 19. www. for the hundreds of thousands of spectators theenglishtheatre.nl who always congregate along the route. The Home Made Easter Market cations, which are marked with eye catching Twelfth Night The first Home window signs. Brasserie Berlage (President : This is a great chance to intro- Flower Parade passes Keukenhof around 3:30 Made Market in Kennedylaan 1) is hosting an overview exhibi- duce Shakespeare to your children over five. p.m. If you miss the parade, you can see the 2015 coincides tion with examples of the participating artists Infinite Jest, a London-based youth theater floats on view in Haarlem on Sunday, April 26 with Easter. Enjoy which may help you decide which artists you company, includes puppetry and song in this until 4 p.m. There will also be an illuminated classic comedy. parade in Noordwijkerhout on Friday, April 25 live music while would like to visit. There will also be a special Wherefore Art Thou?: browsing a vari- exhibit at Galerie Alles en de Werkplaat (Van To be or not to be? at 9 p.m. To see the schedule of the route, go ety of booths with Loostraat 83) featuring original artwork from Do you choose to live your life or conform to to www.bloemencorso-bollenstreek.nl. what society thinks you should be? Why do homemade decora- the special cards depicting 100 years of the Mesdags in the Family tions, jewelry and Statenkwartier which are available at most of adults seem to make the wrong choices without art, and delicious the locations on the route. even thinking about it? Shakespeare asked all In honor of the 100th anniversary of the death delicacies. Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 of these questions hundreds of years ago. This of Hendrik Willem Mesdag, one of the most Sunday, April Noon – 6 p.m. bustling contemporary performance for young influential cultural-historical figures in The 5 and Monday, www.kunstenaarsinhetstatenkwartier.nl adults is performed by Theatre of Entangle- Hague’s history, various programs will take April 6 ment, an international youth company based place throughout 2015. The highlight of the 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. DFAS Art Lecture in Holland. Using rap, spoken word poetry year will be a special exhibition through Oc- Lange Voorhout, Den Haag The Sacred Art of Angkor and live music, it asks about the choices young tober 4 at the Panorama Mesdag featuring www.homemademarket.co.nl The Hindu temple complex of Angkor in adults have in modern society. works owned by Mesdag’s descendants. This Cambodia is the greatest archaeological site in exhibit will feature works owned by Mesdag’s National Museum Week descendants recalling a special family history Statenkwartier ArtRoute Asia. Within an area of 155 square miles (400 square kilometers) there are dozens of temples, For more than 30 years, over 400 museums which is displayed with pride. Unique his- Many artists live in the neighborhood sur- many covered in jungle, but the most important across the country have offered a special torical material from the extensive Panorama rounding the AWC Clubhouse. The fourth Ar- of them all is Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th weekend with free or discounted entrance Mesdag archive will also be on display. www. tRoute coincides with the 100 year celebration century, Angkor Wat is the biggest religious including free films, slide shows, tours, panorama-mesdag.nl of the Statenkwartier. Fifty-one contributing demonstrations and workshops. This year, monument in the world. This mystical temple EU Road Safety App artists will be displaying their work at 40 lo- is a recreation on Earth of the Hindu cosmos, the fun has been expanded to an entire week brilliantly constructed to align with the sun from April 18 – 26 with the theme of Our Curious about what the speed limit is on mo- and the moon and covered with exquisite carv- Real Gold. For more information and to see torways outside of the Netherlands? You no ings. Lecturer Denise Heywood is an author, which museums are participating, visit www. longer need to spend time researching road photographer and journalist who has lived in nationalemuseumweek.nl. traffic rules before setting off to explore Eu- and America as well as in Cambodia. Flower Parade rope. The European Commission has compiled Tuesday, April 14 On Saturday, April 25 at 9:30 a.m., the 68th all important road safety rules in a handy app 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.) edition of the annual Flower Parade will leave called “Going Abroad,” available on iTunes Cultural Centrum Warenar Noordwijk to travel its 25-mile (40-kilometer) and Google Play. While reviews of the app Kerkstraat 75, Wassenaar state that it can be frustrating to navigate, the route along the main roads to arrive in Haarlem information is deemed helpful. You can also Non-DFAS member fee is € 12 around 9 p.m. The procession will be com- www.dfas.nl easily look up laws for any EU country on their prised of 20 large floats with the theme of200 website: www.europa.eu/!tu98pU

32 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 33 As with many new experiments, the electricity In those days many European cities had similar The Dutch Daily generating bike path and roadway have met cycloramas, only a few of which have sur- with a great deal of opposition and snide com- vived. Mesdag was commissioned by a Belgian by Eileen Harloff ments with regard to lack of hours of sunshine investment company for the 360° painting in in this country, questions regarding keeping the 1880; when the company went bankrupt in What Will They Think of Next? Solar-Celled Roads and Bike cells comparatively free of dirt and damp and, 1886, Mesdag bought it and it has remained a Paths in particular, the actual results from such high public attraction up to the present day. A few A gray version of this unique church has been investments. Who knows – maybe 50 years years ago the painting suffered serious damage around the Netherlands for several years, but An idea coming out of a brainstorming ses- from now electricity-producing roads and bike due to the construction of an adjacent parking only recently became hot in neighboring Ger- sion of researchers at TNO – the Netherlands paths will be considered old hat. garage. The 4-year restoration climaxed with many after a mention in a local newspaper Organization for Applied Science Research the recent replacement of the 25-foot (8-meter) caught the attention of national TV program- – in Delft is being tried out in the Awarded Again high and 100-foot (31-meter) round protective mers, resulting in an appearance on a popular suburbs of Kromminee and Wommerveen. Its Near the Panorama Mesdag, on the corner velum or covering. The replacement of this quiz show. Surprisingly realistic-looking, the aim is to produce electricity via solar cells of the Sophialaan and the Zeestraat, is the “ceiling” called for a careful study to ensure inflatable church is 60 feet (18 meters) long, placed in a 230-foot (70-meter) long bike Carlton Ambassador Hotel, the home of the that a number of vital requirements were met: 25 feet (8 meters) wide, 40 feet (12 meters) path, which is to be extended to 325 feet (100 AWC Holiday Bazaar for the last five years. the velum was fireproof; it would not become high, weighs 1,750 pounds (800 kilos) and meters) by 2016. Thus far, the installation has In 2013, it was voted Europe’s “Best Luxury discolored; it would not let in too much green can accommodate groups of up to 150 people. cost € 3 million and has resulted in electric- Hotel.” At the end of last year, it was awarded and red colors from the sunlight; and it must It is transported by its owners Pim and Wessel ity for only three families – a lot of money the “Best World Luxury Hotel” in recognition be protected against possible bacteria and fungi Bottenberg on a wagon pulled by a trailer, and for a small reward claim opponents of the of its new concept, Ambassador Residences being brought in by the 125,000 yearly visitors. can be inflated within a couple of hours. It plan. In response, Solar Energy Professor and Suites aimed at business travelers giving Weaving mill De Ploeg in Helmond was found is used 80% of the time for festivals, discos, Wim Sinke points out that the plan is in a guests a private entrance, their own working able to provide the needed material, and a sew- parties and weddings, with capacity for about teething stage and that far greater results are place and a private meeting room. ing atelier that specializes in making items 100 guests, as well as by Christian organiza- in the realm of possibility such as producing for the theater followed the old pattern and tions who hire it to literally bring the church electricity for street lighting, adding to the Finished at Last produced the covering that brings the visitor to the people. Should you have an interest in national electricity grid, or charging electric This year marks the 100th anniversary of the into the 18th century atmosphere of the beach using it for some special occasion, you can cars. The installation consists of rows of crys- death of The Hague painter Hendrik Willem of the fishing village of Scheveningen. hire it from its owners at a cost of €1,000 talline silicon solar cells that are embedded Mesdag, one of the founders of The Hague – € 1,500, depending on how far it has to in concrete and covered with a translucent School of painting. Among his most well- If you’ve never been to see the Panorama Mes- be transported (www.opblaasbarekerk.nl). layer of tempered glass (a type of safety glass known works is the Panorama Mesdag, a dag, located on the Zeestraat, you are missing With renewed interest in the church, a second that is given thermal or chemical treatment to 2,650 square foot (248 square meter) pan- out on a bit of Hague artistic history, as well as church has been ordered from its Chinese increase its strength). A similar installation is oramic painting of Scheveningen Beach that he a look into the past. The building in which the makers, this one being entirely rose-colored. being tried on a nearby road whose surface painted with his wife, Seintje, and three fellow Panorama is housed has also been renovated The owners say that it is so ugly, it is actu- has been treated with a special non-adhesive Hague painters, Boch, Breitner and Blommers. and now features a small gallery for mod- ally beautiful. Currently it is planned to be coating. Moreover, the surface of the road ern paintings, sculptures used only in this country as it is feared that it “was built at a slight tilt to keep dust and and ceramics, as well as a could be considered too controversial in less dirt from accumulating and obscuring the cozy cafeteria, where you liberal societies. solar cells.” can recover from your trip through time with a coffee and a toetje (sweet). Once revived, you can walk around the corner and visit the Mesdag Museum on the Laan van Meerdervoort. This is the former patrician home of the painter and has many paintings, sculptures and ceramics that he and his wife collected. You also can visit the main family room which looks out over a charming garden with a view of the Peace Palace. 34 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 35 in order to help the planet. By this age, they 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 table- The Environment for (Grand-) Kids will also start trying to convince their peers spoon vinegar; and 0.2 deciliters tap water. and close family to recycle. by Anne van Oorschot and Kara Fairchild Process: Create four “planting” folders with Let’s Experiment!* four different labels: acid, sweet, salt and con- s the Co-Chair of FAWCO’s Environ- tainability books for educators. I embraced a In keeping with this model, I am always on trol. Place some damp cotton balls into each ment Task Force, I (Anne) try to get left-brained approach to it all. Then, I threw it the lookout for great at-home experiments that folder and sprinkle with seeds. Divide the water Athe message out about environmental all into the recycling bin. It had to be simpler. help (grand-) parents. Here are three simple into four separate cups. Add salt to one cup, issues as well as things each of us can do to be- I wanted to break eco-milestones down to the experiments that you can do at home with sugar to one cup and vinegar to one cup. Keep come more aware and make positive changes. most basic model possible. What I came up children in every age group. These eco-ex- one cup as the control (clean) water. Once the In time for Earth Day on April 22, we focused with was: SEE – QUESTION – RELATE. It is periments are meant to introduce some basic seeds have sprouted, gently water the seeds each on helping the youngest among us develop a so simple that most parents/grandparents say, themes of environmental stewardship in a way day with the water type that matches that folder. sense of environmental stewardship. This was “I can use that!” that is simple and fun for children. Over time, you should see how the water quality beautifully handled by my co-chair Kara (who impacts seed growth and survival. is a member of AWC Gothenburg in ). In order to show you what I mean, let’s look at Watch It Grow! I thought I would pass this great information a child’s eco-milestones in terms of recycling: Materials: a transparent CD case, a couple of How Do Plants Absorb Pollution? on to all of you. My granddaughter Sophie is seeds and some soil Materials: 6 small Baby’s Breath stems with only five months old, so I will be tucking these SEE: By age two, children should already be Process: Lay the CD case flat, put some soil on multiple flowers, 6 transparent containers, 0.3 ideas away for use later. After a bit of informa- showing signs of concern for the natural en- the bottom portion of the case, and gently plant deciliters tap water, and food coloring tion on what you can expect from children at vironment and be aware that they should sort a seed. Turn the case upright. You should be Process: Pour 0.5 deciliters water into each different ages, Kara has some great examples waste. Think about it. Two-year-olds love to able to water the seed by pouring water into the container. Mix food coloring into five of the of simple experiments that will be as fun for sort and categorize. Plus, they observe every- side chan- containers. Keep the parents/grandparents as they are for tiny tots! thing. Then, they observe it all again. nel of the sixth container of water (Kara confessed to having far too much fun CD case. clear. Add one Baby’s testing the experiments sans children!) QUESTION: By age four, a child should have (Note: you Breath stem to each advanced to an understanding of why they may want container. After a few When the play is done, why not settle in to need to protect the environment. He/she will to tape the days, the white flowers watch an interesting TED Talk with a link to openly question and will show open interest in CD case will start to change color. an American fable: Jon Mooallem’s talk about answers. Visual representations of processes closed.) how the stories we tell about wild animals (like recycling) start to become enthralling. *All ideas and images: www.lekolar.com actually have an impact on the survival of the For example, a child will know why he/she Water Quality, Plant Life natural world: www.bit.ly/19rOZAB. needs to sort waste and will want to see how Materials: 4 transparent A5 plastic folders it is done. Believe it or not, he/she will also with a top opening; 30-40 damp cotton balls; Eco Milestones (Ages 0 – 6) basically understand biodegradability. It should chia, bean sprout or watercress seeds; 4 labels; Not long ago, I (Kara) was tasked with out- come as no surprise that it is all about WHY lining a child’s eco-milestones for a local at that age. website read by busy mothers. As someone who is passionate about bridging the gap be- RELATE: By the time a child is six years old, tween humans and the environment, relating a he/she should start to put it all into perspec- child’s natural development to how they view tive and understand that people can make a environmental stewardship was exciting. After choice to help the environment. Reinforcing I finished the article, I kept researching. I found ideas through learning, doing and sharing will models and complicated diagrams showing be deeply rooted by age six. They understand eco-milestones in children. I read thick sus- that recycling is a choice that they can make

36 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 37 There were a dozen rules posted on the bars, some of which sounded a bit like 1950’s sales House of Bols manuals: “Sell Pleasant Experiences.” Rule by Mary Adams 12 was more my style since I like to appear totally in control when actually I am one step away from hysteria! nternet push marketing can be a danger to There was a bit of enlightening history on your wallet. You get pushed some coupons bottle-making, distilling, etc. There was also Our first cocktail was a Strawberry Cheese- Iand before you know it, you are laying out a story of Rembrandt’s drinking debt in 1658 cake on the rocks in a short glass with just the cash. Luckily, delicious things can hap- when his studio was across the street from three ingredients: lemon, yoghurt liqueur and pen… things that can “bol” you over. Lucas Bols and he ran up quite a genever bill. To strawberry liqueur. We all raced to our bar sta- Bols established his distillery in Amsterdam pay, he gave Bols a painting from one of his tions. Here is Jerry with the “Mexican elbow” in 1575, specializing in genever (Dutch gin) pupils, Hendrik Heerschap, which to this day squeezing the lemon juice over the ice. Next and liqueurs. The heart of a good genever is still hangs in the House. The next room had a case with Lucas Bols’ he added the Bols booze and voila, a delicious high-quality malt wine, a distillate of three own herb book from 1644. I couldn’t read taste of fresh berries ready to enjoy. different types of grain: wheat, rye and corn, For KLM frequent flyers, the next room his writing, so his secrets remain safe. The that give genever that malty, corn spun taste. was breathtaking. It is the only place in the tour ended at a neon bar with touchscreens Drink two was called a Swizzle, because of In the 19th century, genever was one of only world exhibiting the complete series of Delft on which you select a cocktail and the printed the way it is made with a special stirring stick. four accepted bases for cocktails worldwide. Blue miniature homes filled with genever. recipe spits out to be taken to a bartender. My The Swizzle is in a tall glass with genever, kiwi By 1880, genever was so popular that the These have been made by Bols to be presented choice was refreshing, but before we knew it, it liqueur and passionfruit. The first step was to import of genever to the US was six times to KLM business class passengers since 1957. was time to rock the bar. Jerry and I presented “muddle” cane sugar with lime, which was larger than the import of other gins. There are as many houses as the age of KLM ourselves at the academy. de-veined to avoid a bitter taste. Then we got (currently 89) and all numbers are still being the “do not try this at home” speech unless you Bols has 300 old liqueur recipes in its (se- produced and distributed. Our class of 25 was excited and eager to have the right barware. Apparently muddling cret) archive. Many famous classic cocktails get behind the bar. It was rather like a cooking can break ordinary glass. A proper muddle such as the Collins were originally made with The next part of the exhibition was the school with mirrors above so you could see means you put your whole body into the genever and many more forgotten classics hall of senses. I think my favorite sensation demonstrations and complete bar setups. The motion for a few seconds – any longer than >> 40 like the Holland House are now making a was opening drawers filled with spices such instructor (a guy who looked about 15, but comeback in the world’s best bars… and that as vanilla beans, dried orange peels, star an- knew his stuff!) called us to the main bar and is why I clicked BUY when I saw an online ise, cloves and cinnamon. I enjoyed running began the lesson. We were there to learn to coupon for a Cocktail Bartending Academy my fingers through the malt, rye and corn make four cocktails using different techniques, night at the House of Bols (www.houseofbols. combinations used to make malt wine. It is from easy to difficult. He explained that this com). My bar shelf contained so many full a real treat for the nose to smell the 36 dif- was a professional academy that taught people bottles of Bols liqueur that I was in the need of ferent flavors of liqueurs and try to identify not only how to mix cocktails, but how to recipes, especially with summer approaching. the ingredients. Some were much easier for use beer taps, how to make coffees, and more me to identify than others. For example, but- importantly, bar etiquette with the custom- Guests were invited to take a self-guided terscotch was a no-brainer, but oddly enough ers. The place had a good atmosphere with tour of the facility before the academy started. I confused vanilla with chocolate. bookshelves filled with vintage recipe books.

38 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 39 House of Bols (cont.) Slate of Officers (cont.) Continued from page 39 Continued from page 26 that and you turn muddle to mush. Next, we Our group was feeling quite jolly by Treasurer – Jan de Vries: Jan originally comes from Rhode gently scooped out the pulp of the passionfruit, this time, looking forward to the final chal- Island. She and her husband, John, a Dutch-born Australian added the Bols booze and churned the drink with lenge. The Boost was liqueur measured by have lived in Holland for 24 years. Jan’s professional the swizzle. It needs only a gentle twist because eyeballing and using the swizzle stir stick to background is diverse and includes intensive care nursing, you do not want to break the passionfruit seeds. make perfect layers. The goal was clarity of cardiovascular research, sales and marketing, shopping mall The taste was fruity and smooth. lines: no murkiness, crossing over the lines management and aged care management. Preparation of or smudges. First was chocolate, then yoghurt budgets and oversight of financial statements were a large The next concoction was a Dutch Cosmo- liqueur and hot espresso on top. The idea is part of both her shopping mall and aged care management politan. I think Jerry really enjoyed making this to slowly pour the liquid down the swizzle. responsibilities. Jan has been an active Member of the AWC, one, as it involved a bit of flame-throwing at serving on the Executive Board from 2009 – 2011 and again the end! We learned the proper way to shake a I do not plan on waving goodbye to my in 2013 – 2015. She has chaired numerous AWC fundraising cocktail by tilting a metal shaker over the top of beloved Bombay Sapphire Gin, but I do activities, both operational and philanthropic, including a tall glass rather than straight over the glass. If plan on saying hello to a few bottles of Bols two Holiday Bazaars and three highly successful Galas. you do the latter, you create a vacuum and the Genever and doing a swan dance behind the In addition, she has served on both the AWC Finance and metal shaker sticks like glue. No vigorous shak- bar. If you are ever in the neighborhood, I’ll Investment Committees. ing, just a few strong-armed motions, and then shake you up something interesting… Jerry tap the side of the shaker and it easily comes might light it on fire or twizzle it with his Secretary – Sunita Menon: Sunita moved with her family away from the glass. Pour it into the martini special swizzle… Whatever the reason, if it to the Netherlands in 2007, after having lived and worked in glass and then make a zest of orange, ignite it was good enough for Rembrandt, it is good New York and Washington for 17 years. She has a master’s and then squeeze gently over the glass and a enough for me. Proost! Wonder what my next degree in biology and an academic background with varied fine burst of tangy spray is introduced for flavor. online coupon will be? teaching experiences at the middle school and university levels. After moving to Holland, Sunita started her own company specializing in product brokerage and consulting. She has been the AWC Community Service Coordinator (Philanthropy) since 2013, the Hearts & Minds Gala Co- Chair in 2014 and a member of the Gala Team since 2011. Sunita and her husband, Mohan, have a daughter, Avanti, and a son, Ajay. Communications Officer – Rebecca Fry: Rebecca is an attorney, law professor, English teacher and certified personal trainer. A retired professional cyclist, Rebecca has a great passion for fitness and athletic events. She enjoys competing, and motivating and coaching others in athletic pursuits. Rebecca’s interests include philosophy, history, linguistics, literature, cooking, wilderness survival, and adventure sports and travel. Rebecca is living for the second time here in the Netherlands, and is married to Peter Slort, a Dutch national she met while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Their two children, Claire and Gideon, attend the American School of The Hague. Originally from Montana, Rebecca is a patriotic American Westerner in heart and soul, and is happiest in the great outdoors, especially the mountains.

Open Positions: As we went to press, the Nominating Committee was working diligently to identify candidates for the positions of Community Development and Resource Officer, and Member and Club Administration Officer. Look for further information about these important positions in eNews. 40 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 41 at the source. In this lecture, she will share samples from her collection and discuss the AWC and the Arts techniques used to produce ikat and batik textiles. In some cases, she will reveal the by Jane Choy meaning or story behind particular motifs in this tactile art form. Art History Lectures: Holland’s Golden Age Revealed! RSVP for all Arts Activities directly on The variety is endless. Sumatran silks glow- Intro to 17th Century Dutch Art AWC GroupSpaces.com. ing and rich with scarlet reds and shining AWC Member Jane Choy will continue to Direct any questions to golds, and Sumbanese ikat with rusty reds share her expertise on art of the Dutch Golden and deep blues in bold patterns. Colorful rain- Age by hosting this final art history lecture in [email protected] bow stripes of Timorese ikat contrasts with the intimate living room setting of her 17th the deeper browns, oranges and navy blue century home in the historic center of Voor- Friday, April 10 of the ikat of the islands of Alor, Flores and burg. Parking is free in the neighborhood, 10 a.m. – Noon Savu. Every color can be found in the soft AWC was pleased to welcome a co-founder although it is a blue zone with a two-hour Jane Choy’s Home cotton batiks of Java: the bright colors of the of Stahili as our guest speaker at the March limit. Her house is easily accessible by pub- € 10 Members (€ 12 nonmembers) per north coast cloths, especially from Cirebon General Meeting. This non-profit organization lic transportation: Bus 23, 28, 45 or 46 and lecture and Pekalongan, and the fine browns, whites works to combat child labor and abuse in rural sprinter train from Den Haag Centraal Station. Minimum 7 / Maximum 22 and indigos of the court cloths of Solo and Kenya by striving to provide education and Cancellation deadline: April 2 Yogyakarta. There are glorious Javanese silk a safe, supportive environment in which the The Golden Age was a period in Dutch his- batiks soft and floating, in glowing color and children can flourish. tory, roughly spanning the 17th century, in Indonesian Textiles design. From Bali there is a veritable explo- Friday, May 1 which the Dutch were a major world power AWC Member Susan McKinley lived in In- sion of color and texture in both traditional 1:30 p.m. and leaders in trade and science as well as donesia from 1993 – 1997, where she studied and totally modern design. AWC Clubhouse art. The paintings produced by Dutch artists and collected Indonesian ikat weavings and € 8 Members (€ 15 nonmembers) during this era are considered some of the batiks. She made special trips to see where Fees from this lecture will benefit the Stahili Minimum 12 / Maximum 40 greatest works of art in the world. These lec- textiles were created and purchased them Foundation (www.stahilifoundation.org); the Cancellation deadline: April 23 tures will not only intro- duce you to the art of this dynamic period, but will also talk about the history and culture that brought this art to fruition, pro- viding a deeper under- standing of the country in which we now live. Still Life and Architectural Painting: Objects of Desire! These two specialties of Dutch 17th century art with their attention to the representation of different textures and illusionism are some of the most admired works of this period. Showing the originality of Dutch painters, we will also explore the symbolism and the ability of art to triumph over nature. 42 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 43 told from the viewpoint of four people: a honor the memory of the 76,890 American A Lovely Gateway to the Ardennes young boy, school teacher, German soldier soldiers who were wounded or killed during and American soldier. Based on an Ameri- the Battle of the Bulge. by Becky Failor can Travel Center’s Facebook post, we had planned to spend at least 90 minutes to visit We spent the last day of our long weekend very donation to AWC Gala auctions the museum, but we were so taken by the in Luxembourg City for just a little taste of makes a difference in our Club’s ability stories and displays that we spent about 3 this compact treasure. We would like to thank to raise money for children in need. At hours there. Through August 2016, there is a Theo and Hanneke for their Gala donation E special exhibit called From Texas to Bastogne, that brought us to their B&B in this lovely last year’s Hearts & Minds Gala, my husband and I were lucky to be the winning bidders Texas Aggies Go to War, which might be of part of Belgium. on a two-night stay at a B&B in the Belgian special interest to many of our AWC Mem- Ardennes region. bers. Even though it was icy, we climbed to the top of the Mardasson Monument built to Bed & Breakfast Le Lognard (www. herberglognard.nl) is a renovated farmhouse in the municipality of Vresse-sur-Semois, close to the French border. It is about a three and a half hour picturesque and relaxing drive from The Hague. We enjoyed the rolling hills settle in while the owners were running er- and forest scenery. The small towns you pass rands. This photo shows Theo with a painting through are full of “character.” The small John created of the B&B. Theo and Hanneke villages that make up the Vresee-sur-Semois soon returned and made us feel right at home. are no exception. Straddling the banks of Their recommendations for restaurants were the Semois River, they are picture postcard great. Le Table, about a 15-minute drive away, lovely. served one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time. We could easily understand how We planned our visit over a cold January they have been awarded the ZOOVER Award weekend. The Hague had just had the first for the past four years (equivalent to the Os- snow of 2015, so we were not surprised to cars of the Dutch travel industry). find snow upon our arrival. We were warm- ly welcomed by another guest at the B&B, We chose De Droomkamer (Dream John Proctor, who has long been a supporter Room) for our stay. Our bed was comfort- of the AWC. John and his wife, Gerda, are able and the free WiFi made using our private friends of the B&B owners, Theo Meijer and sitting area very pleasant. We were given a Hanneke Engelsman, and agreed to help us tour of the other rooms. Many are set up to be perfect for families, with several beds in a room. With the weather snowy and cold, we stayed indoors and relaxed. If you visit in warmer weather you will be spoiled for choice of things to do. There is a visitor’s center just a few blocks from the B&B to give you more options than you would have time to complete. You do not need to drive to have fun. You could stay around the B&B and make use of the pool, rent bikes, walk along the river, visit the art gallery, etc., all while making the B&B your home-away- from-home. About an hour’s drive away is Bastogne and its excellent new World War II museum (www.bastognewarmuseum.be). The story of the war and the Battle of the Bulge is 44 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 45 known as Batavia; ironically, I am also from dried-up streams, distant temple ruins. And Batavia: the one in New York. I had always everywhere were mosques of all ages, sizes felt some kinship to Jakarta until I actually and shapes, with their slender minarets from experienced it: in all aspects, the two cities which issued the loud daily calls to prayer, are clearly worlds apart. Jakarta was our start- as the population of Java is 97% Muslim. To ing point for a trip across the island. Our first my sorrow, I saw very few birds and only visit was to Menteng Pula, one of the seven two black butterflies; apparently, due to the Dutch cemeteries on Java. Here both Dutch island’s dense population, habitats for birds and Allied military are buried, as could be seen and butterflies no longer exist. in the chapel where the American flag was displayed alongside the Dutch and Indonesian We visited the 80-acre Bogor Botanical flags. After a word of welcome, we walked Gardens, which the grandfather of one of our along the neatly kept graves. Members of our fellow travelers had been instrumental in set- group who had relatives buried here placed ting up. The purpose of the gardens had been to flowers on their graves; the rest of us scattered study plants that could be commercially profit- blossoms that had been given to us as we left able, such as tea and tobacco. The gardens and the chapel. Next we visited a neighborhood of adjacent deer park made an attractive setting terraced houses in which women and children for the bordering Bogor Palace, one of the six had been interned during WWII by the Japa- presidential palaces in Indonesia. nese, forced to endure atrocious conditions of overcrowding and lack of facilities as well as En route to Bandung, we drove up misty Memory Trip to Indonesia cruel treatment. On a happier note, we later mountain roads to reach the 1,200-foot stopped for refreshments in a throw-back to (365-meter) high Puncak Pass, after crawling by Eileen Harloff colonial times at Restaurant Batavia, whose along crowded highways where sellers of food, walls were decorated with movie posters and newspapers, toys, etc. darted in and out ped- pictures of pre-war Hollywood movie stars. dling their wares, and a bevy of attractive girls y husband had always wanted to in- for the second time by Pelita. This is an or- tapped on car windows, striking sexy poses troduce me to Indonesia, his country ganization established in 1947 by repatriated I dubbed Jakarta “Motorcycle City” be- and making come-on gestures – but surprise! Mof birth. He was forced to leave there former colonials. Its objective was to secure cause of the large number of these vehicles They weren’t really girls at all! after WWII and the subsequent Indonesian the help these people needed but were not that raced through traffic. Other impressions rebellion against Dutch rule that ended in the receiving from the Dutch government, to deal of the city included covered canals; small, We stopped at a tea farm and factory where colony becoming an independent nation. Un- with physical, emotional and social problems dark workplaces; old buses; tall buildings; we followed the whole process of tea making. fortunately, by the time we had the opportunity related to the past and to the present life in a rows of food stalls; fields of trash; smalldesas Nearby was a hot spring fed by an inactive vol- for him to “go back home” he was too ill to new “homeland.” Today, the original repatri- (compounds) which were entered through an cano; the sulfur in the water painted the rocks do so. After his death I lost interest in the idea ated community is greatly dwindled, but there arch often decorated with flowers; metal roofs and hillside blindingly white. By Pangandaran – until I heard about the month-long Memory are still many people whose families lived in and rooftops full of aerials; jerry-built houses; we climbed down (and back up again) 439 Trip to Indonesia that was being organized the former colony and who themselves were and many, many mosques. steps to reach a Naga village in the val- >> 48 born and lived there until the end of WWII, and who wanted From the capital we headed to revisit their roots. I felt akin east, passing through or staying to them because of all I had in cities and towns with familiar come to know about Indone- names. In some of these, one sia from my husband’s family of our group’s friends or fam- and friends. Though I was very ily members had lived; in the much the new girl on the block, neighborhood of another, a I was welcomed into the tour family had formerly spent va- group of 26 men and women. cations; in yet another town, one in the group had been im- Jakarta is the capital not prisoned in the war years. In only of the island of Java, but between the towns, the scenery also of the entire country of displayed bright green terraced Indonesia, an archipelago con- rice and tea fields, snow-topped sisting of thousands of islands. mountains, active and sleeping In colonial times the city was volcanoes, canyons, waterfalls, 46 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 47 Near Borobudur are the Powdan and the small hereditary duchy. This palace looks for- Memory Trip to Indonesia (cont.) Mendut Temples. They firmly stand on square lorn and somewhat dilapidated on the outside, bases with steep steps leading to a small up- but is most attractive on the inside. The family Continued from page 47 per room. Outer walls are carved with Bud- still lives in a private part of the house, while ley – the Nagas being an off-shoot dhas, disciples, animals and vegetation. In the the public areas remain decorated with family of the major Muslim groups. The evening we attended a lively open-air theater portraits and photos. people there live without electric- performance of the Ramayan Ballet featuring ity and running water; they use a masked dancers with wild monkeys, especially We also visited several Hindu temples dat- nearby stream, which also waters the entertaining as they descended from the ceiling ing back to pre-Islam days. All were highly adjoining rice fields. Fish, another and frolicked about the stage. decorated with various symbols depending staple, are grown in a special pool. In on their themes, including life before birth Pangandaran, we exchanged our bus In Yogyakarta the main attraction is the and sex education as well as various deities for betjeks. These man-powered bike Sultan’s Palace (kraton), parts of which are and legends. rickshaws came up the hotel’s drive open to the public. The first place one comes in a column led by a man in police to is a large outdoor covered platform where In a morning dedicated to nature, we took a uniform, and formed a semi-circle. guests are received and entertainment takes steep road up the western side of Mount Lawu Each of us was invited to step into a place, such as a gamelan orchestra: gongs, to view the 300-foot (90-meter) high Tawang- vehicle. This would be our transpor- metal and stringed instruments, and bamboo mangu Waterfall. It was here that a brother and tation for that day, as we traveled from market Semarang is a city with two distinct areas: flute accompanied by traditional dancing and/ sister among our group often visited with their to small family workplaces where a variety of the old colonial one with government buildings or singing. Following this outdoor platform grandmother to play in the stream below or on foods were produced: tempeh (fermented soy and sizeable houses, and a modern part with is a succession of rooms devoted to specific the huge rocks which form a perfect place to sit beans), tofu (bean curd combined with soy the ever-present large shopping arcade. It was subjects: uniforms, weapons, gifts, etc. in the sun. Here, too, we met up with a school milk) and gulah java (coconut sugar). Sunday and we came upon a Christian Church; class and were asked to pose with them for a I was impressed with the number of people, and This is in sharp contrast to the nearby series of photos. Our next adventure was a four-hour ride in particularly young ones, who poured out of it Mangkunegaran Palace, where Raden Mas small motorboats through a boggy area to reach at the end of the service. Said signed a treaty in 1757 with the Dutch At last we reached Surabaya, my hus- the town of Cilicap. All was peaceful until we East Company and thereby formed a band’s hometown. I don’t know where he >> 50 were coming into port and we were roughed Near Magalang, we finally arrived at the up by waves from the Indian Ocean. Once on place I had been particularly looking forward to shore, we boarded our bus and headed for the seeing: Borobudur, the famous Buddhist stupa Dieng Plateau at 6,800 feet (2,093 meters) (temple) and UNESCO World Heritage Site above sea level and surrounded by terraced back to the ninth century. It was one mountainsides on which are grown potatoes, of the treasures of Indonesia my husband had tobacco and tea. Our destination was Wono- studied and especially admired. sobo and the Kresna Hotel, where the parents of one of our group members had spent their While most of our group climbed the stairs honeymoon. to the top to take in the view (there was no access to the inside), I remained on the first platform. There I became the center of attention for groups of young students who politely asked if they could take a photo of me, which led to an avalanche of selfies with individuals and whole classes. The students had lists of questions writ- ten in English: What is your name? Where do you come from? How do you like this country? They were all studying English at school. For- merly, Dutch was the language in the schools, but since independence, this has been replaced by English – to the disappointment of many in our group. 48 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 49 Memory Trip to Indonesia (cont.) Message from the President (cont.) Continued from page 49 Continued from page 8 lived or went to school, but I experienced an again that evening at our final dinner, which heartfelt thank you notes are so moving, as several times per month. Members who live atmosphere that I’m sure has not changed over was organized by local Wieteke van Dort, the we women all over the world are linked in in Wassenaar have started a monthly coffee the many years since his youth. The moist heat best friend of one of our group’s members. some way by this terrible disease. morning as well, and their very own Walkie slows your pace and takes away your energy, Wieteke has created a well-known character, Talkies group. Both activities are open to all and I imagined how he must have felt when Tante Lien, who sings and talks about various The Gingerbread House Workshop is AWC Members. disembarking from the ship that brought him everyday topics and events in a combination yet another way of reaching out to our host to Holland in the beginning of a cold winter. of Dutch and Petjok, a vernacular spoken by country by baking and decorating gingerbread As we move towards the future of our In this city, too, we visited the cemetery where “Indos” (Dutch people who were born and/or houses and delivering them in time for Christ- AWC, I would like to thank our Nominating relatives of some of our group were buried. lived in Indonesia in the colonial period). This mas to children’s and retirement homes and Committee Chair, Jan de Vries, together with Then we enjoyed a rijsttafel with a group of is always greeted with loving laughter. Wieteke to Bronovo Hospital. With this initiative, the the Nominating Committee, who have put to- people who, when forced to make the choice also performed once a week throughout the AWC ladies bring a smile and some joy to gether a great list of candidates for the various after Indonesian independence in 1949 of re- trip in the dining rooms of the hotels in which those needing some holiday cheer. Executive Board positions. The April General taining their Dutch nationality and thus having we were staying, sometimes attracting Dutch Meeting will include the election of the new to repatriate to the Netherlands, or remain- tourists from other groups, who had enjoyed As Easter is approaching, we will once Executive Officers for 2015-2016. The Slate ing in Indonesia and thus having Indonesian her performances back in Holland. It was a again be having our Easter Basket workshop of Officers can be found on page 26. Please nationality, had opted for the latter. They had fitting ending to our nostalgic journey through on March 31. We are still looking for do- familiarize yourself with the candidates and formed a club that meets regularly for social space and time. nations and volunteers to help create these make an effort to attend this meeting, which events. In addition to the delicious food, there lovely baskets. Our beneficiaries this year will be held on Thursday, April 9. was music, singing and dancing, and a grand Last Thoughts: The biggest difficulty I will be the Vliet en Burgh (Salvation Army) time was had by all. We met several of them had on the trip was getting to grips with the foster home in Voorburg and the Women’s I will look back on these two years with Indonesian currency, with its exchange rate and Children’s Crisis Center in The Hague. pride and satisfaction. I want to thank my of 10,000 rupiahs to $ 0.08. A massage cost By giving a bit of your time, we will be able Executive Board: Vice President Patricia 420,000 rupiahs; a batik blouse 50,000 (and to continue with this tradition. Raynolds; Teresa Insalaco, this year’s Trea- try to get a large size in this land of small surer, and Vivian Jung, last year’s Treasurer; people); a gin and tonic 60,000; and black A special thank you to Sunita Menon; Marsha Hagney, Secretary; Jan de Vries, coffee 25,000. We all walked around with with her deep conviction and dedication as Community Development and Resource Of- wads of bills and our guide was kind enough the Philanthropy Chair, she has done a tre- ficer; Rachel Kuppers, Member and Club to print out a miniature set of bills so that we mendous job. All the fundraising and chari- Administration Officer; Trena Cormier, could identify them by color. When he needed table events are made possible thanks to the Communications Officer; as well as Jessie to collect money for entrance fees, he would resourceful and creative ladies of the AWC. Rodell, Special Advisor to the Board, and merely say, “Give me two reds,” or “one blue Our Club is a small but great organization Georgia Regnault, our Parliamentarian – and a green.” with a big heart! and, of course, the AWC Membership, each and every one of you for your outstanding On the other hand, I loved the old, yet Thank you to all the Membership for work! modernized, hotels. They exuded the colonial initiating new projects and activities. We now atmosphere; they were like museums with have more activities on offer for our working Happy 85th Birthday everyone! their statues, carved wood decorations, paint- Members. There is an Evening Book Club ings and the like. They were also of historical and from time-to-time a Businesswomen’s significance. Hotel Majapahit in Surabaya was Meeting Evening. Thanks to Greetje opened in 1911 as the Oranje Hotel; guests at Engelsman, there is a Dutch Conversation its opening included Charlie Chaplin, Paulette group and coffee morning at the Clubhouse Linda Goddard and the writer Joseph Conrad. The Japanese army took it over in 1942, Dutch forces occupied it in 1945, and it was the scene of a riot when local Indonesians rushed in and Did you know that any English-speaking woman tore the Dutch flag from the roof. It contains a may join the AWC? two-story presidential suite and is the recipi- Invite your English-speaking friends from other countries that ent of numerous tourism awards. The inner have an affinity for Americans to join us today! courtyard is ideal for reading or taking a nap. 50 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 51 Classifieds Index of Advertisers North Sea Chiropractic for Counselling International ACCESS Bulthaup Marcel St. James Church All Your Spinal Health Needs For professional, confidential Support Fellow AWC Zoetermeer Vermeulen Chiropractic care for your individual counselling or Members Jewelry whole family, specializing coaching, relationship/couple page 30 page 13 page 11 page 37 in general pain, pregnancy, therapy or conflict mediation. Find links to a large pediatrics, sports injuries and Experienced, multilingual variety of businesses American Travel FRITSTAXI Nice Home more. The chiropractor is an professional Els Barkema-Sala, Wassalon Center Airport Service Weissenbruch AWC Member and American MPhil, MBACP. owned by AWC graduate. Most insurances Contact 071 528 2661 for Members at www. page 45 page 9 Inside Cover page 30 cover chiropractic. Call for a FREE initial telephone consul- free 15-minute consultation: tation or for an appointment. awcthehague.org/site/ Aveda Lifestyle Graafstal Optiek Petros Eyewear Your Cleaning 065 369 7739 www.counsellinginternational. newcomers/business- Salon chiropractienoordzee@gmail. com Service links com Inside Cover page 19 page 11 page 30 www.chiropractienoordzee.nl The British Images Sissinghurst The AWC is not responsible for accidents or injuries occurring at Club activities or on Club School in the International property. Sports and exercise instructors must carry their own liability insurance. Netherlands Photography Back Cover Club page 43 page 27

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52 GOING DUTCH APRIL 2015 53 Chili Cook-Off