A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • November 2016 the EXPERTS in INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE OPENING SEPTEMBER 2017

A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • November 2016 THE EXPERTS IN INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE OPENING SEPTEMBER 2017

DAILY OR BILINGUAL STANDARDIZED ACADEMIC STEMinn CHINESE MAP® TESTING PROGRAM

OPEN HOUSE | NOVEMBER 14, 15 & 16

We are pleased to launch a new campus in Hong Kong, September 2017, following our huge success at Stamford American International School in Singapore, which today has over 3,000 students from 70 nationalities. We offer a rigorous standards-based curriculum for students from 5 to 18 years, graduating students with the International Baccalaureate Diploma* to 1st tier universities worldwide.

Leveled Reading Program – 1 in Every Classroom Mastering reading skills from a young age is not only crucial for reaching key milestones in language and communication, but linked to higher overall academic performance. All Stamford students undergo regular in- class reading assessments through the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System (BAS), allowing us to deliver individualized reading programs based on each child’s reading level. Every classroom is also equipped

Discover more at Open House on November 14, 15 & 16

www.sais.hk | +852 2500 8688

Discover more at Open House on November 14, 15 & 16

www.sais.hk | +852 2500 8688

*Stamford American School Hong Kong will apply to the International Baccalaureate for program candidacy in December 2017. Individualized Learning Plans from Age 5 with its own library with over 1,000 reading programs, ST including leveled reading programs in Science and Engineering, giving our students access to a wealth of NOVEMBER 2016 PUTTING YOUR CHILD 1 books and resources at their fingertips. The American Women’s Stamford’s Outstanding Results Association of Hong ACHIEVING MORE THAN THEY BELIEVE THEY CAN Kong, Limited. Our students at our Singapore campus consistently Established in 1956 achieve above the U.S. benchmark in their MAP® A volunteer organization of women of all nationalities assessments. In Elementary, our students’ scores in Reading supporting Hong Kong CAMPUS OPENING charities and schools and Math are greater than the benchmark by one year through community service SEPTEMBER 2017! on average. Progressing to Secondary, Stamford students and monetary grants, while perform above the benchmark in Math and Reading by two providing educational and social activities for members. For students 5 to 18 years old Every student at Stamford undergoes standardized or more years on average. In fact, the average Stamford Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®) assessments Grade 6 student performs above the benchmark for Grade AWARE PRODUCTION TEAM in Reading, Math and Science twice a year, allowing 10 students in Reading, four grade levels above the norm. EDITOR 5 These outstanding MAP® results combined with the Brooke Richter us to measure their academic growth throughout [email protected] the school year and from year to year. We deliver International Baccalaureate Diploma Program have led CONTRIBUTORS individualized learning plans based on each student’s 90% of our graduates from Stamford’s Singapore campus to Dimple Shaw Jane Buck instructional level, ensuring every child is stretched and acceptance to their 1st choice university. Marcy Laront Contents Claudia Doherty challenged appropriately. Jessica Flaten Cheng Rachel Parker Membership 3 Susie Edrington AWA Enjoys 5 Leveled Reading Program – 1 in Every Classroom GRAPHICS My Journey with Mandarin, Part 2 6 Jacky Ngan Mastering reading skills from a young age is not only Fahima Ahmad The League of Women Voters, crucial for reaching key milestones in language and 8 passionate about civic engagement 7 ADVERTISING MANAGER Women for Women Superstar Spotlight 8 communication, but linked to higher overall academic [email protected] performance. All Stamford students undergo regular in- Women at Work, a panel discussion 9 class reading assessments through the Fountas & Pinnell Meet Augusta, 1st VP Fundraising 10 Spotlight on Volunteering 11 Benchmark Assessment System (BAS), allowing us to PUBLISHED & PRINTED BY R&R Publishing Ltd. Hong Kong’s Mock U.S. Presidential Debate 12 deliver individualized reading programs based on each 2126 7812 [email protected] Epic AWA Gala Event 14 child’s reading level. Every classroom is also equipped www.rrpublishing.com.hk Presidential Election Sandwich 17 On the Page, Book Review 18 A Primer on Brexit 19 Discover more at 12 Calendar of Events 21 Open House The AWA office is open from Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm. We are closed on Hong Kong public holidays. VISIT THE AWA WEBSITE: www.awa.org.hk LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/awahk on November 14, 15 & 16 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @AWA_HK FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @AWA_HK Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author only and do not represent the opinion of the American Women’s Association. Any reliance by the reader upon any recommendation or opinion in this publication is at the reader’s own risk. The AWA accepts no responsibility for any loss which may result from such reliance. Copyright 2014. The content of the Aware publication is the property of the American Women's Association. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. Information from within the publication may not be distributed without the express written consent of the American Women's Association. www.sais.hk | +852 2500 8688

*Stamford American School Hong Kong will apply to the International Baccalaureate for program candidacy in December 2017. WELCOME

From the President

Hello everyone,

I am still reeling from the wonderful AWA 60th Anniversary Gala that was held on October 22nd. Thank you to so many of our members and friends for attending and making the night a memorable and fun one. In this issue of AWAre, which we From the Editor consciously decided to publish a little bit late because of the Gala, you’ll With any luck, the interminable U.S. Presidential Election see photos and a write up of the big will be behind us by the time you’re reading this and no night. Please do take your time to matter the outcome, I hope we can all breathe a sigh of read it, and check back to our website relief that it’s over and that some important issues were as we will be posting Gala photos as we get them in. vetted (along with some incredibly unimportant and, at times, cringe-worthy ones). In the lead up to the election, I want to take a moment to thank Dimple Shaw covered the mock Presidential debate held Rachel Parker of the AWAre team for in Hong Kong and reports on its format, participants and her excellent history article series, audience participation. Diving into the more personal side taking us through the AWA and Hong of Presidential elections, Rachel Parker Kong decade by decade in shares with us the election sandwich commemoration of our 60th anniversary. It was enlightening, occurring in her family and the entertaining and wholly satisfying to take that small journey bittersweet feelings that this election, in through time. It made me appreciate the AWA all the more. particular, evoked for her. Rachel also shares some history about the League of This month on November 8th, the U.S. Presidential election will take place, and by the time you read this issue, the United Women Voters and its important role in States may have a new president-elect. Hopefully, many of promoting voting rights and education in you that are American were able to cast your ballots via the world. Aside from American politics, overseas voting options. If you missed it this time, the League important things are happening in of Women Voters, Hong Kong and the U.S. Consulate are both England and Jane Buck shares with us a resources to help you get registered to vote while you live consolidated view of what Brexit is all abroad. Don’t miss the next one! about. Moving on to some lighter issues, we meet Fundraising Chair Augusta Nichols-Even, learn about WE NEED YOU! … In this issue, we are highlighting our upcoming opportunities in our Spotlight on Volunteering English Language volunteering programs and needs. Please series, and take a look into social enterprise organization make sure to take a look. Teaching and reading English to local Knots & Strokes. If that’s not enough, Dimple Shaw students and feeling their heartfelt appreciation and affection is one of the most personally rewarding experiences you can covers her journey with Mandarin in Part 2 of her series have here. … “Just say ‘yes!’” We look forward to hearing and Claudia Doherty reviews two books that you might from you. consider adding to your reading list (or not, as the case may be). And last but by no means least, this issue is And finally, as we venture into the pre-holiday season (yes – I dedicated to our members who participated in the 60th said it), keep an eye out for all of the fun activities the AWA Anniversary Gala held at the beautiful Aberdeen Marina has lined up, including our Holiday Party at Oolaa on Club. You all looked gorgeous and from the look of things, December 6th. Members and their spouses are invited! enjoyed a special evening with good friends and good food, all in the name of a wonderful cause. Until the next time, happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it!

Marcy LaRont AWA President Brooke K. Richter AWAre Editor

2 AWARE November 2016 MEMBERSHIP

The AWA (American Women’s Association) is a dynamic community of women of all nationalities, with over 650 members from 36 countries. We are sure you will find your niche through our diverse range of activities, events and opportunities to volunteer. All women are welcome – do join us!

Current members – you are our best ambassadors. Please introduce new arrivals and old friends to AWA – over wine at OWL, at a Neighborhood Coffee, a WOW event, or encourage them to attend CHAT. AWA’s vision is that all women can connect with us and develop a rich, satisfying and purposeful life in Hong Kong.

Joining AWA is easy via our website at: awa.org.hk or call 2527 2961.

CHAT (Come Have a Talk) WHEN: Thursday, 10:30am – 12:00 noon Welcome New Members (except public holidays) WHERE: Café 8, Rooftop of Pier 8, above the Melanie Chin Susanne Salg Maritime Museum. Nicola Robertson Dominique Bradley COST: No fee (all beverages & lunches at personal Gunjali Singh Regina Tardy expense) COORDINATOR: Sally Kooser 9319 8710 Simone Burton Grace Brennan [email protected] Amy Thibodeaux Sarah Vanica Raspreet Chawla Victoria Street Laura Reilly Isobel O'Connor OWL (Out With the Ladies) Masako Varma Bianca Larcombe Come join us any week or every week - same time, same Liz Ziegenbein Sophie Leahy place (except public holidays). Josephine Paris Linda Yuen WHEN: Every Tuesday, 5:30pm – 7:30pm WHERE: Oolaa Daniella Means Belinda Thomas 20 Bridges Street, Soho Lisa Horten Dorothea Morgan COORDINATOR: Susie Edrington, [email protected]

November 2016 AWARE 3 MEMBERSHIP

SOUTHSIDE OWL (Out with the Ladies) Come join us any week or every week - same time, same place (except public holidays or the day before a public holiday) WHEN: Every Thursday, 5:30pm - 7:30pm WHERE: Chez Patrick, Stanley Plaza, Ground Level COORDINATORS: Tyna Kirk, [email protected]

Neighborhood Coffees If you live, work or play in any of the following neighborhoods, join others in your area for a monthly coffee. Meet new friends or catch up with old ones, discuss and plan new activities. Contact your local coordinator for details of forthcoming coffees.

HK SOUTHSIDE SAI KUNG Walli Seegar, [email protected] Katherine Fenton, [email protected] Sandra Gallaudet, KOWLOON [email protected] 1SPGFTTJPOBM Jane Buck, [email protected] Mandarin Nanny Service POK FU LAM AND SHOUSON HILL HK CENTRAL/MID LEVELS Annie Fifer, [email protected] Kathy Barber, [email protected] .BOEBSJO0OF5P0OF Group$MBTT DISCOVERY BAY Izumi Ikeda, [email protected] 4QFDJBM(SPVQ $MBTT)ST Mandarin Teacher HK T:+852 2982 0919 M:+852 61179980 E: [email protected] Rm 603, 6/F, Yau Sing Building, 120-122 Wing Lok Street , Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Web: www.mandarinteacher.hk

4 AWARE November 2016 AWA ENJOYS AWA members enjoy Bowerbird and Art Lovers

208 duecento Otto Promotion Looking to eat out during the week? Between now and January 31, 2017, AWA members receive a 10% discount, plus a complimentary bottle of Prosecco for groups over 4 and two bottles for groups over ten (with food purchase). Enjoy!

Charity Mahjong Fundraiser Date: November 11, 2016 Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Location: American Club Fireside Lounge 28 Tai Tam Road, Tai Tam Member/Guest Cost $500 (includes buffet lunch) Register now before it’s too late

November 2016 AWARE 5 FEATURE My Journey with Mandarin – Part 2

By Dimple Shaw

RIGHT. SO YOU’VE DECIDED to ignore the advice of others money into the learning. who went before you, prostrating themselves at the altar of Hong Kong also has an abundance of private Mandarin learning Mandarin. Because you are different. You are made tutors. This is a good way to go if you’re looking for a tailor- of sterner stuff. You WILL wrestle this dragon and bring it to made program, or if you’re already conversant, or if you want its proverbial knees. to learn in the comfort of your own home. Many people are Where, then, to begin? One of the complexities that this enticed by the flexibility that private tutoring offers. The catch language throws at you, even before you start grappling with is that it can be significantly more expensive than a group its intricacies, is to decide how you will go about learning it. class with prices ranging from $400-600/hour, depending on There are a plethora of private language institutes in Hong the experience and skill of the tutor. Kong. Many of them tend to focus on the ability to speak I personally prefer learning in a group environment. The basic Putonghua. They usually offer a number of short initial period of language learning is when I want to bond with courses and aim to get you speaking (as opposed to reading other learners. I find that the rigor imposed by the fixed and writing) Putonghua in common situations that you might schedule of group learning, where you can’t reschedule confront on short trips to the mainland. You usually learn in classes and where you keep up or perish, prevents me from small groups, with the option of one-on-one sessions for a slacking off. Once you’ve gained proficiency, I concede the higher fee. advantage of private tutoring. My first experience was with such an institute, and it’s After completing one series of classes or having a few something I recommend trying as it’s a great way to discover private sessions, that may be all the Putonghua you need. whether learning Mandarin is for you. If you’re barely treading But there will be some among you, gluttons for punishment, water, you can cut your losses and move on, and if it’s who will want to up the ante. I’ll show you how, in the next Private Events AWA Feb 2016.pdf 3 3/3/2016 11:14:00 AM something you take to, you can invest further time and issue.

6 AWARE November 2016 The League of Women Voters: Passionate about civic engagement

By Rachel Parker

WHETHER IT IS the American presidential election or local major parties advanced the positions of their candidates and concerns about the environment, the Hong Kong unit of the the parties’ platforms. The debate event attracted more than League of Women Voters provides insight into the issues that 500 attendees ranging from high school students from both affect our lives. The League of Women Voters was local and international schools to more seasoned American established in 1920, growing out of the suffrage movement expat voters. An interactive Q&A system allowed audience that resulted in the 19th Amendment granting women the members to use their cell phones to submit questions which right to vote. The mission was to provide a forum for the moderators then read to the debaters. educating women on political issues so they could make Beyond the US elections, the League has lined up a informed decisions and quickly take their place in the diverse slate of programs for 2016-2017. Dr. Howard Wong of electorate. Today, men and women are invited to join the City University’s School of Veterinary Medicine will speak League, which while non-partisan, advances many populist about “One Health” – how the health of animals affects and progressive issues such as voting rights, gun control, and humans and the planet; Dr. Janis Blurton of The Harbour campaign finance reform. However, the single most School will address the question of what is intelligence and important activity of the League is still ensuring that US what a “21st Century education looks like; Christine Loh, citizens register to vote and cast their ballots on election day. Hong Kong Under-Secretary for the Environment, will present Here in Hong Kong, the local unit (the only one outside of information on what happens to Hong Kong’s trash; Xu Xi, a the US) was formed in 1977 in order to keep US expats Hong Kong author who writes in English will cover the informed about American government issues, Hong Kong modern Hong Kong; and in December, Tisa Ho, Executive and China politics, and women’s issues. That core focus has Director of the Hong Kong Arts Festival, will be a guest evolved over the years, says Rosann Kao, Activities Chair for speaker at the League’s holiday dinner. the League, but the League continues to focus on US political The local unit is a small, nimble group that welcomes new and governmental issues, Hong Kong governmental issues, views and participation. Often, a presentation or speaker on women’s health and family matters, and the arts. one topic will trigger an interest in another topic. “We went Each year, members are asked what they would like to to the Irish Consulate to look at how democracy works in learn about and the executive committee seeks a speaker on Ireland,” Kao said. “That lead to interest in the process of those topics. In this election year, members were keen to voting and looking at the balance of the arms of government.” stay in touch with the US presidential election. The League, Meetings are held on Tuesday mornings at the AWA office working with the Democrats Abroad Hong Kong and in Sheung Wan. If you are interested in more information Republicans Overseas Hong Kong, hosted a mock US about the League, check out its website at lwvhk.org or send presidential debate, in which representatives from the two an email to [email protected].

November 2016 AWARE 7 FEATURE Women for Women – Superstar Spotlight Sharon Vipond, empowering women through Knots & Strokes

by Marcy LaRont

CANADIAN SHARON VIPOND first joined the AWA in 1988 and career opportunity. They often are totally disregarded when she arrived in Hong Kong. Having recently founded the simply because of their gender. social enterprise Knots & Strokes, her efforts are focused on One of most effective interventions to date for the the empowerment of marginalized women in South East Asia change of the patriarch’s mindset towards gender equality through creative enterprise and cooperative market has been to empower the mothers. To earn a voice, women endeavors. The mission of Knots & Strokes is to contribute to need economic empowerment and a place to practice the economic sustainability of women-owned and managed democracy. Co-ops provide a supporting structure for learning artisanal businesses and their communities, providing a how to be a member of a democratic community, room to platform for these women to showcase their ingenuity and practice having a say and vote, experiencing being heard and merit as designers, artists and entrepreneurs. validated, and gaining confidence. This coupled with some In 2012, the company had a simple beginning. The seed income allows women to sit at their home table with was planted during Sharon's years of volunteering with confidence and express their opinion as an equal partner and, school children, leading youth on Duke of Edinburgh bit by bit, eventually even a challenge the patriarchal system. excursions and being a project team So Sharon figured that if she could leader for numerous Habitat for somehow leverage the creative Humanity Canada GV builds. From energy of these talented and these experiences and adventures, resourceful women to a level that she developed relationships within helped them achieve business and the communities and observed that it economic sustainability, then the was often the artistic women who potential ripple effect through the envisioned a brighter future and they community could be exponentially were resourceful. Pooling money, increased. Research has shown that sharing responsibilities, using local when you empower women, you materials and applying traditional empower a community, you put girls skills, they were initiating artisanal in school, and you increase the businesses that were fair, eco-friendly productivity and living standard of and inclusive. These co-ops were families. designing and making exquisite While Sharon was excited to handmade wearable art, home launch the business in Hong Kong, accessories, toys, and jewelry. Democratic and equalitarian, she found that it is lagging way behind the rest of the world the co-op structure was not only an intelligent, workable in terms of a generosity to support a cause, consumerism model, it also provided a safe forum for these women to gain and in having a genuine interest in reducing wage disparity voices within their community, and it provided a structure for and gender stereotyping and equality, particularly outside imparting and teaching skills. These artists then became Hong Kong. But she knows much can be accomplished here leaders and mentors for other women in the community. and that with the help of the Women’s Foundation and other Sharon was humbled by the women’s stories and inspired by associations, like the AWA, momentum is mounting to effect their creations and so she established Knots & Strokes as a change. means of helping bring their products to market. Sharon asks us all to champion girls and women with a “[W]here there is fairness, there is no poverty. Where dream. They have done their part; now it is up to us to do our there is no poverty, harmony prevails.” The lack of opportunity part as consumers. Help the new generation become the and support for the development of girls in SE Asia is dire. future Coco Chanel’s, the Diana Furstenberg’s. Buy for cause. Girls, even the exceptionally talented, are commonly in last Make a difference. Shop Knots & Strokes. place to their brothers when it comes to education, training

Women for Women is a new regular column featuring talented women who reside in Hong Kong and who are doing amazing work to benefit women and girls. If you know of someone who you think should be featured, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

8 AWARE NovemberOctober 2016 2016 FEATURE Women @ Work, a panel discussion by Jessica Flaten Cheng

ON OCTOBER 5, WOW welcomed four panelists to discuss Deciding what you want to do: Talking to someone outside the Hong Kong working environment and how to enter it -- your family or immediate circle can be a great way of coming Marie Swarbreck, Founder of Fleximums, Lawrence Hung, an up with a plan. A locally based counselor can help you figure experienced HR professional and business coach, Caroline out what strengths you can bring to Hong Kong. Carson, Founder of Back to Work Hong Kong and Karena Finding a job: Networking is one of the best ways to find a Belin, co-founder of W Hub. Here’s what we learned. job. Make sure you have a business card and follow up on all The Landscape: The local job market is primarily made up of your new connections. Practice your elevator pitch so you are small to medium-sized businesses. The pay scale is lower smooth and interesting. There are many chambers, women’s than many western countries, particularly for flexible jobs, associations and forums that hold events every month. and while jobs are out there, you have to put in energy and Entrepreneurship: In general, Hong Kong is a great effort to find them. environment to start your own business. It might be easier Starting with ‘why’: It is essential to reflect and understand with a partner so you have can exchange ideas. You can also why you want to work. While Hong Kong does not usually get involved with the thriving start-up scene. offer very high salaries, it is a fantastic place to start Other great tips: Tailor your C.V. or resume to each job you something new and push you out of your comfort zone. That pursue. Highlighting your key transferable skills will help you might include starting your own business or trying a different overcome disadvantages such as lack of Chinese language field of expertise, perhaps moving from Finance to Marketing proficiency. or from Sales to Design, for example. WOW upcoming events include: If you are flexible, open-minded and not too risk averse, you Nov. 9: Resume Workshop, starting at 6.30pm, AWA office will surely find something. If you need to brush up your skills, Nov. 15: Evening networking event there are plenty of workshops, seminars and courses Dec. 7: ‘Dare to change, are you ready for entrepreneurship?’ available in Hong Kong. a workshop, 6:30pm, AWA office

November 2016 AWARE 9 FEATURE Meet the Board, Augusta is the head of Fundraising

By Claudia Doherty

Name Augusta Nichols-Even Birthday March 26, 1974 Where did you grow up? Montpelier, Vermont until 12 years old then Berkeley, California for 3 years then Poland, Maine for high school. I consider myself a Vermonter though. Do you have a family? My husband Christopher and a 24-year old step daughter Siblings? A half sister who is 5 years younger on my mother’s side and a half-brother and half-sister in their 20s on my dad’s. How many years in HK? 1 year How did you earn your first dollar? Tooth Fairy! My first job was at the World Peace summer camp in Maine working in the kitchen. How would your spouse describe you? Home. I’m his home. Career you had? Director of marketing for Green City Growers (urban farming). For 3 years, I had an organic café in Danvers, MA called Each Peach café. Career you wanted? As a kid, I wanted to be a teacher but having the café was my dream. Typical Sunday morning? Lately, we pack a picnic, grab some friends and head out on our boat. What was the last photo you took with your phone? Hiking with the soldiers on High West trail What was the last gift you gave someone? This morning, I gave Heidi some artisan ware from Borneo. A book that left a lasting impression on you? To Kill a Mocking Bird What bugs you? Being late and when others are late. What cheers you up? My dog, Hiram (10 year old cocker spaniel) What are you afraid of? Unintentionally offending someone How would the 13 year old you look at the With surprise at how adventurous I’ve become. you you’ve become? I was always more cautious, wanted to get things just right and to excel. What is something you’d like to try at Skydiving and I’d like to run a marathon. least once in your life? Who would you let punch you directly in the face? My sister – it would hurt her more than me! What did you do for your last birthday? Christopher took me to Macau. We saw the House of Dancing Water and went to the spa. How many days have you gone without showering? Maybe 3 What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten? Cow brain in a soup in Turkey How many doughnuts are you capable of 2 – Boston Crème and a cruller eating in one sitting What’s the weirdest place you’ve ever A trash bin on the streets of Granada unintentionally vomited? Have you ever found a biblical image on a No piece of toast? Are you more of a flower or a gardener? Gardener If there was a movie produced about your life, Naomi Watts – I’m told I look like her. who would play you and why? You arrive at a large cocktail party alone and don’t Start introducing myself to people who see anyone you know, what do you do? are not already in a conversation, preferably with a drink in my hand. What’s in your refrigerator right now? A lot of things – bok choy, eggs, frittata fixings and lots of condiments. I stop by your house unexpectedly at dinner time. Set out another plate, absolutely! Do we eat in, out or does a migraine flare up? If you could trade places with any other person for My mother from several decades ago a week, famous or not, living or dead, real or fictional, – I think It would help me to understand her and in turn myself. with whom would it be and why? Who do you like best, your mum or dad? I’m totally my mother’s daughter! On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you? 9.5 Describe yourself in 3 words Forgiving, passionate, engaged

10 AWARE November 2016 FEATURE Spotlight on Volunteering By Susie Edrington

Red Cross Cookie Drive bake some cookies for the Red Cross, please register on the Every December, members of the AWA bake cookies for the website, or contact me, Susie Edrington, at volunteering@ Hong Kong Red Cross Hospital Schools to cheer up the awa.org.hk with any questions. children who are ill. Teachers reminisce about Toby, a sweet seven-year-old boy in the oncology ward who was thrilled to Volunteering with the Elderly Community receive a bag of cookies from the AWA at Christmas time. The AWA granted funding for meals for the elderly at St. The bag contained one very special gingerbread man. Toby Barnabas Society, a Christian-elderly community center in the promised the medical staff that he would not eat it until he Western District. The AWA is excited to offer an opportunity had finished the treatment program; until then, he put the to serve dinner on Saturday, December 3rd. The evening will gingerbread man to his nose to smell it. begin at 4:00 PM with activities for one hour. We will serve The Cookie Drive has been going on for over 45 years and the dinner from 5:00-6:00 PM. We are looking for a the cookies have brought joy to countless children. The kids committee of four volunteers. It would be great to get at most enjoy the decorated cookies but all are appreciated. The least one person who has experience with the elderly. Red Cross asks that cookies contain a little less sugar and Cantonese is not required, but, as always, would be salt and no nuts. Cookies can also be store bought if you are beneficial. We will have a meeting prior to the event to plan in a pinch. Drop off locations and exact deadlines (beginning activities. If you are looking for a reason of December) will be announced on the Forum and via email. to give back, please consider All cookies must be in airtight containers (such as Gladware) participating. Simply register on the and cannot be accepted otherwise. We have a limited supply website and we will get back to you to of large airtight containers for sale at the office for $20. This is discuss details. a great bargain as they can be pricey. If you would like to

Opportunities in education NAME OF SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAM DESCRIPTION TIME REQUIRED HOW OFTEN? Kwun Tong Gov. Location: Kwun Tong, Kowloon Thursdays: 1.20-2.15pm Weekly Secondary School Activity: English Conversation Buddist Tai Hung College Location: Sham Shui Po Tuesdays: 4.15-5.15pm Weekly Activity: Oct - Dec – mock interviews February – June - English Conversation CCC Kei Chun Primary School Location: Mei Foo Mornings (Tuesday Fortnightly Activity: Reading stories/activities/games – Friday – volunteer to November - May specify) 1 hour Ko Ho Ning Memorial Location: Sheung Wan Tuesdays: 11.30-2.45 Weekly Primary School Activity: Story-telling (other volunteering days/times available) Lingnan Secondary School Location: Chai Wan Mondays: 4-5pm Weekly Activity: English Conversation Sept – mid May Ebenezer Home & School for Location: Pok Fu Lam Wednesday evenings: Weekly the visually handicapped) Activity: English language teaching/activities 6-7.30pm October - June Secondary school students Mock Interview Program Location: various Various days/times April – May Activity: Interviews with groups of secondary school Sign up as required students in preparation for college/jobs Western Dining Etiquette Location: 4-5 schools Spring term January – March Activity: Teach dining etiquette 4-5 separate occasions Sign up as required RONALD MCDONALD NEW VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY! Various available days for 1 hour Once every 2-3 weeks Read the World Locations: Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po, Tin Shui Wai Activity: Reading program (Workshop on 8th October For more info: attend a workshop on 8th October for further information) (10.15-12.45) at Causeway Bay Community Centre, 7 Fook Yum Rd FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THESE PROGRAMS, PLEASE EMAIL: [email protected] OR CALL HELEN CARRUTHERS ON: 9669 5173

November 2016 AWARE 11 FEATURE

HONG KONG’S Mock U.S. Presidential Debate By Dimple Shaw

ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2016, on the eve of the first Presidential Debate held in the United States between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, some 700 people were treated to a mock Presidential Debate in Hong Kong. The event, organized by the League of Women voters and representatives from Democrats Abroad Hong Kong and Republicans Overseas Hong Kong, was held at the Grand Hall at the Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre of Hong Kong University. The moderators were Randal Phillips, Managing Partner of Asia for the Mintz Group, who spent 28 years with the Central Intelligence Agency's National Clandestine Service, and Heather Timmons, the Senior Asia Correspondent for Atlantic Media's Quartz, based in Hong Kong. The event kicked off with welcome remarks from Dr. Johnson, the Head of The School of Modern Languages and Culture at Hong Kong University, and Jane Buck, the President of the League of Women Voters Hong Kong. Thereafter, the debate Administrator, Dr. Tim Gruenewald, Director of American Studies Program at Hong Kong University, explained that the moderators would pose a question to either the Democrat or Republican team who would have two minutes to respond, and the other team would then be provided with a minute for rebuttal. The first half of the debate consisted of questions prepared in advance by the moderators, while the second half allowed the moderators to pose questions that had been submitted by the audience via an interactive online Q & A system. Each team had two participants. The Republicans had

12 AWARE November 2016 FEATURE

Kim, a chemical engineer who has worked in corporate communications, and Aaron, who is a lawyer and the Chair of Citizens Abroad Philippines. The Democrats had Julie, who was born in Korea but has lived in Hong Kong for over 18 years and is the Managing Director of a consulting firm, and Nicholas, who was born in Hong Kong, studied in the US and currently works in Hong Kong for a think tank. At the outset, each team was given two minutes for an opening statement, wherein they broadly laid out the key issues that each of the Presidential candidates was focusing on, highlighting the differences in approach between their policies and positions. The moderators then kicked off the first segment of their prepared questions, which related to domestic policy. The teams were asked about issues such as how their candidates would be able to unify their parties behind their candidacy, the importance of trustworthiness, and the important job nominating the next Supreme Court justice. The domestic policy issue that got the most reaction from the audience was that of gun control, with several catcalls emanating from the crowd in response to what “most Americans” might think about guns in the country. The AWA’s own Jane Buck diplomatically asked individuals to refrain from interjecting during the course of the debate. The next segment covered foreign policy. The participants were asked about what they perceived to be the greatest The event kicked off with welcome threat today and how they would deal with it. ISIS and Russia both featured heavily in the discussion. They remarks from Dr. Johnson, the Head of were also asked about any conflicts of interest and how that would impact their decision-making. The final The School of Modern Languages and segment covered US-China relations, how the Culture at Hong Kong University, and candidates would react to and manage hot conflicts in Asia, and the importance of trade deals. Jane Buck, the President of the League Moving into the second half of the debate, the questions from the audience covered a range of issues of Women Voters Hong Kong. including immigration, media bias, the TPP and student debt, which was of particular interest to the large number of students in the audience. The participants also expounded on their candidate's position on the budget deficit, taxation, climate change, income and racial inequality, and gender inequality, particularly as it relates to equal pay for equal work. In two-minute closing statements, the participants summarized the key points of their candidate's policies. Going by the applause generated in the audience, the Democrats seem to have had a slight edge over the Republicans. It was clear from the enthusiasm and passion on display in the hall that this election has indeed captured people’s attention. Heading into the final days of a hard fought campaign, it’s heartening to see that the democratic process is alive and well, even for Americans far away from home.

November 2016 AWARE 13 AWAAWA 60th60th AnniversaryAnniversary $600,000 was raised to support our charitable fund!

Above: US Consul General Kurt Tong and his wife Dr Mika Marumoto Below: President’s table

AWA President Marcy LaRont

Gala committee from L-R: Kathleen Hennessy, Margaret Goeden, Augusta Nichols-Even, Karen Bacci, Marcy LaRont, Heidi Rockowitz, Cathy14 AWARE Furlong, NovemberRachel Bourke, 2016 Barbora Mayer The Globe Paddlers

The Honourable Mrs Anson Chan and AWA President Marcy LaRont

Sponsers:

November 2016 AWARE 15 FEATURE THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG KONG

FAST FACTS

COMMUNITY AmCham celebrates over 45 years of promoting business and fostering greater trade ties and BUSINESS community service in Hong Kong NETWORKING

ACTIVITIES Members can access more than 400 programs, seminars, and conferences each year featuring top INFORMATION business and government leaders, industry experts and professional facilitators who address timely and relevant business issues. VISIBILITY AND CORPORATE MEMBERS EXPOSURE Over 1,700 members (40 different nationalities) from over 800 organizations, including multinational firms, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. ADVOCACY

COMMITTEES Our members can join and access up to 28 different committees covering industry sectors, professional ACCESS service sectors, and special segments of the membership.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong 1904 Bank of America Tower 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong T: (852) 2530 6900 E: [email protected]

www.amcham.org.hk

16 AWARE November 2016 FEATURE Presidential Election

Sandwich By Rachel Parker

THIS ELECTION CYCLE has surprised people around the at home. Discrimination on the basis of being a woman was world for its unexpected twists and turns. For me, it is a reality for her, and yet her competitive drive saw her bittersweet as my youngest daughter casts her first vote and succeed as a professional woman. Yes, she likes Hillary, too, my mother casts what will likely be her last. A youngest and whenever she sees “that man” on television, her lips child’s milestones such as getting her ears pierced or learning bunch up and fingers clench. It is clear that she’s thinking to drive are always poignant. The parents are nearing the end about the election, that she has an opinion based on years of of their jobs as protectors and pathfinders on their child’s life life experiences and observations, though you might not journey. Voting is one of the last of these milestones, know that if you asked her about it. At 80 years old, and two reflecting the child’s maturity and responsibility conferred by years since being diagnosed with dementia and anomic the state. In my daughter Hope’s case, she’ll be casting her aphasia, she can’t quite get the words out. Often, she can vote from Beijing, where she is studying Chinese this fake it pretty well, rattling off phrases like, “Well, of term. Given that the Chinese don’t have a course you are right,” and “Good for her!” But democratic voting process and the verbalizing something spontaneous is a question of universal suffrage is a big struggle. Reading the various topic in Hong Kong, this vote for her propositions on her ballot would likely is filled with interesting contrasts. be well beyond her concentration And then there’s the fact that abilities, and if her ballot is like Hope is a proud Wellesley College mine with arrows that have to be student, of which Hillary Clinton is filled in to mark a vote, her spatial an alumna. orientation challenges may be an For me, I’ve found myself issue. seeking news and perspectives Watching this phase of my about the US election more mother’s journey is hard. In years diligently than I would have living in past, we discussed how politics get my hometown. I’ve been reading played out in her life, such as three daily newspapers and scanning Reagan’s decision to close mental the Internet. Being far from my home health facilities in California, putting country somehow strengthens my affiliation thousands of her patients on the street. Or to it. I never feel more American than when I’m the medical needs of veterans returning from Iraq trying to make sense of another country’s culture and legal and Afghanistan. Or the fairness of school budget decisions. system. I don’t mean this in a jingoistic sense. I just realize This year is a historic election that I know she wants to how different my outlook is having never lived under a participate in, even if she’s unable to articulate her views as monarch’s rule or that of an autocratic party. It is important to well as she once could. So I have supported my mother’s me to vote, and in this election with a woman on the top of right to vote by getting her an absentee ballot. I won’t force it the ticket, I feel especially passionate. I completed my on her, but if she wakes up and says, “Yes, I need to vote” absentee ballot and posted it with plenty of time for it to get the ballot will be waiting for her and she’ll have a chance to to Alameda County. vote for the things that matter to her. For my mother, who has worked in the male-dominated Come November 9, decisions will be counted and field of healthcare all of her life, having a woman run for choices discussed. For our family, the election of 2016 will be president is something she never thought she’d see. As a remembered for the bookends of voters, the launches and working mom during the 1960s and 1970s, she was part of landings, and for our attempts to do the right thing. the generation that fought for equality in the workplace and

November 2016 AWARE 17 FEATURE

On the Page

By Claudia Doherty

Eileen is a nasty, spiteful and stunted 24-year-old living in a The writing may be the reason I stuck with it; it is neither Boston suburb called X-ville. She shares a refuse-strewn, self-conscious, even with the most lurid details, nor self- filthy house with her retired cop father who is spiraling into congratulatory. It is solid, no frills, no clichés and refreshingly dementia after years of alcohol abuse. Her mother has died in unapologetic. In addition, Eileen’s staged disappearance, bed next to Eileen, a small, dried up corpse whom Eileen although disclosed in the first few pages, still manages to ‘cared for’ to her death. “I tended to her as a nurse would, carry with it a mysteriousness that intensifies as the novel but there was nothing warm or caring about what I did.” She unfolds. mourns her dead Scottish terrier, Mona, more than her harsh and unknowable mother. She is tied to her father, who berates and bullies her and for whom she comes home every night with a new bottle of gin. Eileen vacillates between trying to convince the reader (and herself) that he really does care for her and fantasizing his demise. “Although I wished him dead, I did not want him to die.” She wears her dead mother’s clothes to her filing job at a boys detention facility where boys are brought in for a range of crimes and subjected to all manner of humiliation and abuse at which Eileen muses, “Why should my heart ache for anyone but myself.” Her father sleeps in a chair in the kitchen; Eileen in an unheated attic amidst trash on a cot, often fully clothed. She has sickly eating habits, laxative-raging bowels, and doesn’t bathe for days at a time. The story turns slightly with the November book club pick for the introduction of a beautiful counselor, Rebecca, who appears daytime AWA book club: at the detention facility. Eileen shifts her obsession from a Trapped in a loveless marriage and desperate for meathead guard to Rebecca. Strange turns sinister at a excitement, a doctor's wife, Emma Bovary, seeks love Christmas dinner. and fulfillment outside the bonds of matrimony. Eileen drags you down. She’s surrounded by a series of Madame Bovary was written in 1856 by the French unlikable, mostly unsympathetic characters. She narrates writer Gustave Flaubert and is considered one of the from later in life and tells the reader not to worry for her, that most influential novels ever written. she does in fact become something; someone happy, The book club’s next meeting will be November capable of love and compassion but we see no evidence of 15th. For more information contact Penny Van Niel at that on the horizon. She is agonizingly self-obsessed, self [email protected]. critical, living in her own debased world of utter despondency.

18 AWARE November 2016 FEATURE

A Primer on Brexit by Jane Buck ON JUNE 23, 2016, the UK held The United Kingdom in the EU.Upon winning the 2015 election, he further European Union Membership Referendum, commonly promised to renegotiate the UK’s relationship with the EU referred to as “Brexit.” But what exactly is it and how did it and give people the choice of staying under those new come to happen? To answer these questions, we need to go terms. back in time, to the aftermath of World War II when the UK The normal approach in UK politics is for the Government (along with the US) was helping rebuild Germany, France, to have one voice, to agree on the issues, at least in public. ltaly… European countries that had been devastated during On this occasion, Cameron, who wasn’t worried about the the war. In 1957, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, results, changed this, encouraging his ministers to campaign Luxembourg and The Netherlands formed a Common Market and vote on Brexit according to their own beliefs. And known as the EEC (European Economic Community). The UK campaign they did. The primary concerns were loss of initially declined to join due to close trading ties with the sovereignty and the EU making more decisions that affected British Commonwealth and the US and concerns about its the UK, in particular the abuse of the benefit systems by sovereignty. economic migrants and the ‘red tape’ involved in meeting EU As many of the British Commonwealth countries gained requirements. Although the renegotiations addressed these independence and relations issues, many felt they did not with the US became strained go far enough. following the Suez crisis, the The “remain” campaign UK could see the advantages was extremely negative, giving of the EEC and applied to join dire warnings about what in 1961. Due to vetoes by the would happen if Britain were to French president, Charles de leave the EU while spending Gaulle, it wasn’t until 1973 that little time explaining the the UK was accepted into the benefits of continuing EU EEC, along with Denmark and membership. The “leavers” Ireland. In 1975, after its also stressed the negatives of acceptance, the UK held a EU membership without referendum to see if it should significant mention of the remain, and the result was a positives. Aside from the resounding Yes. campaigns, the people themselves had become disgruntled In 1991, The Maastricht Treaty was ratified. It aimed to due to the immigration situation and the bureaucracy of the create a common economic and monetary union and EU. At the same time, the rich were getting richer while the facilitate the free movement of labour, meaning EU citizens poor were getting poorer. London and the south were doing would be free to live and work in other EU countries. well, while the north – well, not so much. These factors Opposition to the Treaty led to the formation of the UKIP, the combined to create a large group of angry, discontented UK Independence Party. The treaty was signed by the ten people demanding that their voice be heard. As the date for member states in 1993 and the European Union was born. the referendum neared, the polls indicated that the vote The EU grew over the years to include 28 countries, but would be close, and when the vote came along, 72% of the there was always a clash of cultures between Britain, on the people turned out, 51.9% of whom voted to leave the EU. one hand, and France and Germany, then the two main EU In the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote, David players, on the other. The UK became concerned about the Cameron resigned as Prime Minister, as he felt unable to laws and regulations dictated by Europe. When the Euro was negotiate a successful exit. After a short leadership contest, introduced as the currency for all EU members, the UK opted Teresa May took over as leader of the Conservative Party and out and kept the Pound Sterling. Prime Minister. To exit the EU, the UK must invoke Article 50 Jumping ahead to 2013, David Cameron was Prime of the Treaty of Lisbon, the constitutional basis for the EU’s Minister of a coalition government. To placate the Euro- existence. Formal negotiations cannot take place until the Skeptics in the Tory Party (the right wing of British politics) Article is invoked which May has said will happen by March and the UKIP, Cameron promised a referendum on EU 2 0 1 7. membership if he should win the next election. At that time, To be continued….when something happens. opinion polls showed Britains as heavily in favor of remaining

NovemberOctober 2016 AWARE 19 ASIAN TOURS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Book now for Asian Tours November 2016 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Tour of SCAD, the Mei Ho House, A Story of Triumph from injured NFL and the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre star to becoming a Yoga Teacher/Guest When: Wednesday, 2 November Speaker: Keith Mitchell 10:00 am - 3:00 pm When: Thursday, 17 November 6:50pm – 8:30pm Cooking Demo and Lunch: Registration must be received by Celebrating Thanksgiving 31 October When: Friday, 4 November All you have to do is pack your bags, get your visa and go – AWA’s Asian Tours are all-inclusive! 10:00am – 2:00pm Historical Talk with Jason Wordie: Everyday Popular Culture in Hong Kong ASIAN TOURS 2015-2016 TRIPS Dragon Boating for Beginners When: Thursday, 17 November When: Saturday, 5 November 10:30am – 12:00pm 3:30pm - 5:00pm, Trip Date Destination Sign-Up Start Date Leader optional happy hour Working with Milk & White Chocolate Registration must be received by When: Thursday, 17 November November 2016 Yunnan China Registration almost full Angela Bellas 9822 3793 Thursday, 3 November 10:00am – 1:00pm February 2017 Nanjing China October 3 Sandra Gallaudet 9253 0318 Cultural Visit - Exploring Kat O Island, Tin Sum Ngai Brass Factory March 2017 Shaolin China Registration TBD TBD Hau Temple, local villages and Lai Chi Wo When: Friday, 18 November When: Monday, 7 November 9:45am – 2:00pm May 2017 Guilin China Registration TBD TBD 8:15am – 6:00pm Local Lunch Series: Mui Wo: For more information on any trip, please contact the trip leader. The AWA office will not have the information. Yuet Tung China Works – Hand Painted China Bear Gastro Pub Porcelain When: Monday, 21 November When: Tuesday, 8 November 10:50am – 3:00pm, approximately 10:00am – 2:00pm Learn about Feng Shui series: Wellness: Chuan Spa Day Introduction to Graveyard Feng Shui When: Wednesday, 9 November When: Tuesday, 22 November 11:30am – 6:00pm 10:00am – 12:00pm

Terrific Trips Home! A Guide to Creating Practical Cantonese –Beginner’s Course Your Best Visit Yet When: Wednesday, 23 November When: Friday, 11 November 4:00pm – 5:00pm 9:30am – 2:30pm 3D+2D Latte Art Workshop Coffee Course Chinese Calligraphy Art on Shikishi Board When: Wednesday, 23 November When: Saturday, 12 November 2:00pm – 5:00pm (approximately) 2:00pm – 4:00pm Registration must be received by Wednesday, 16 November Bowerbird Home Series: Insider Tips from “The Home Stylist” Cultural Visit to Dapeng Fortress, When: Monday, 14 November Longgang District, Shenzhen, 10:30am – 12:00pm Guangdong China When: Wednesday, 23 November Learn about Feng Shui series: Walking 7:45am – 7:00pm (approximately) Tour of Major Buildings in Central Registration closes on 9 November. When: Monday, 14 November No refunds after that date 10:00am – 12:30pm Imagine More Wardrobe Space! High Tea at Café Gray Find out more with an exclusive tour When: Thursday, 15 November When: Tuesday, 29 November 3:30pm – 5:30pm 3:45pm – 5:30pm (approx.)

Health and Wellness Series: Da Fen Oil Painting Village in Shenzhen Breathing Techniques to When: Wednesday, 30 November Release Stress, Detox and Energize 9:00am – 5:00pm When: Wednesday, 16 November 10:00am – 11:30am Registration must be received by Wednesday, 8 November DECEMBER “Ding Ding” It’s Party Time! December The Western District - Celebrations on-board the Antique Tram A Walking Tour with Jason Wordie When: Saturday, 3 December When: Wednesday, 16 November 7:15pm-9:30pm 8:45am – 12:30pm Registration must be received by 20 November. No refunds after this date

20 AWARE November 2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 2016 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Cultural Visit - Exploring Kat O Island, Tin Sum Ngai Brass Factory Hau Temple, local villages and Lai Chi Wo When: Friday, 18 November When: Monday, 7 November 9:45am – 2:00pm 8:15am – 6:00pm Local Lunch Series: Mui Wo: Yuet Tung China Works – Hand Painted China Bear Gastro Pub Porcelain When: Monday, 21 November When: Tuesday, 8 November 10:50am – 3:00pm, approximately 10:00am – 2:00pm Learn about Feng Shui series: Wellness: Chuan Spa Day Introduction to Graveyard Feng Shui When: Wednesday, 9 November When: Tuesday, 22 November 11:30am – 6:00pm 10:00am – 12:00pm

November 2016 AWARE 21 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Yuet Tung China Works – Hand Painted Porcelain

When: Tuesday, 8 November 10:00am – 2:00pm Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR in front of Marks and Spencer Cost: $60 member $120 member’s guest Capacity: min. 5, max.10 Coordinators: Lisa Wallis 6715 0653, Sally Kooser 9319 8710

Just in time for your holiday shopping! Are you looking for a great place to buy some of the best porcelain in Hong Kong? Well, Yuet Tung China Works has made hand painted china since 1928 for restaurants, hotels and for many customers like you. This shop offers a range of ready-to-go china, but the real draw is choosing a pattern from their sample book or having your own design custom made. Optional lunch will follow at shared expense.

Tour of SCAD, the Mei Ho Cooking Demo and Lunch: we will cook some versions of traditional House, and the Jockey Club Celebrating Thanksgiving dishes that are healthy and delicious and Creative Arts Centre will make an elegant dinner to enjoy any time of the year. When: Wednesday, 2 November Come and enjoy a morning of cooking 10:00am - 3:00pm with Lena, an avid cook and an Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, eager Station in front of to share her knowledge and passion for Marks and Spencer well being. We will sit down to enjoy all Cost: $60 member this delicious food for lunch! Bon Appetit! $120 member’s guest Capacity: min. 4, max. 12 Dragon Boating for Beginners Coordinators: Sally Kooser 9319 8710, Barbara Galligan 6080 6523

We will take the MTR to Sham Shui Po station. From there, we will walk When: Friday, 4 November to the Savannah College of Art and 10:00am – 2:00pm Design (SCAD) to take a tour of the Registration must be received by: beautifully renovated campus (formerly Monday, 31 October a magistrate’s court building). SCAD Where: Flat 29A, Branksome Crest, offers over 40 programs locally, including 3A Tregunter Path, Mid-Levels painting, illustration, sculpture, cinema, Cost: $390 member photography, fashion, interior design, $450 member’s guest jewellery, dramatic writing, performing Capacity: min. 5, max.8 arts, and historic preservation. From Coordinators: Lena Zakharova 9726 2378 When: Saturday, 5 November there, we will walk to the Mei Ho House 3:30pm - 5:00pm, heritage museum and learn more about Thanksgiving Day, a national holiday optional happy hour to follow the history of this area of town. After celebrated in a few countries, originally Registration must be received by a local lunch at individual expense at started as a way to give thanks for the Thursday, 3 November the Mei Ho House restaurant, we will blessing of the harvest. A traditional Where: Stanley Main Beach continue to the Jockey Club Creative Arts American dinner always includes turkey, (participants will be sent map of location) Centre, where we will have time to visit a few different vegetable side dishes and Cost: $160 member several local artists’ shops and studios. pumpkin pie. While it is not always easy $220 member’s guest to cook a big turkey here in Hong Kong, Capacity: min. 6, max. 20

22 AWARE November 2016 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Yuet Tung China Works – Coordinator: Heidi Rockowitz 9090-7909 building. We’ll spend time in Kat O Health and Wellness Series: exploring the village and the temple. Get Passionate About Your Hand Painted Porcelain Dragon Boat – It’s a Hong Kong There were originally seven villages, Sleep tradition and if you’ve never been out collectively called the Hing Chung When: Tuesday, 8 November on a boat before, here’s your chance. Village Alliance. The oldest village When: Thursday, 10 November 10:00am – 2:00pm No experience necessary and ok for is Yung Shu Au, nearby, and So Lo 10:00am – 11:30am Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR any fitness level. We’ll explain how Pun. These villages were all founded Registration must be received by in front of Marks and Spencer Dragon Boat came about, show you in the late 18th century and most of Monday, 7 November Cost: $60 member a bit of technique and then we’ll all go the Hakka people who came during Where: AWA office $120 member’s guest out on the water for an hour. The award that time were actually offered money Cost: $240 member Capacity: min. 5, max.10 winning AWA Globe Paddlers will be by the Chinese Emperor to settle in $300 member’s guest Coordinators: Lisa Wallis 6715 0653, assisting on the boats, so no worries Hong Kong. Grace will explain why Capacity: min. 5, max. 16 Sally Kooser 9319 8710 that we won’t make it back to shore! and give an insight into a related part (excluding coordinator) We may even have a fun race or two. If of this Chinese history. Most of the Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova 9726 2378 Just in time for your holiday shopping! Are you think it would be fun to get out on villages were abandoned in the mid you looking for a great place to buy some of a dragon board and try a little paddling 20th century. After lunch (at shared Did you know that 30% of people the best porcelain in Hong Kong? Well, Yuet but aren’t looking to join a team, this is expense), we will take a leisurely walk experience insomnia at some point Tung China Works has made hand painted your chance. Just come with a willing from Sham Ah Village to Lai Chi Wo, in their life? Some people brag that china since 1928 for restaurants, hotels and attitude to meet some new friends, get approximately 3km on a flat path, they can survive on only four hours for many customers like you. This shop offers wet and have lots fun. You can even which should take roughly 45 minutes. of sleep, thinking it is OK. Is it? How a range of ready-to-go china, but the real bring your spouse/partner if you’d (Please wear appropriate footwear). much sleep do we really need? What draw is choosing a pattern from their sample like! We’ll supply the boat, paddles From Lai Chi Wo, we will board a boat is the connection between sleep and book or having your own design custom and steersman. After, we can change/ and depending on time, we’ll stop at optimal health and well-being? Does made. Optional lunch will follow at shared shower at the Stanley Sports Centre some abandoned villages. The boat sleep affect our weight, performance at expense. and go for a drink (at shared expense) will return to Wong Shek Pier and from work? What else? What are the factors in Stanley Plaza. there we will make our way back to that affect our sleep and how can we This popular activity will fill up the Choi Hung MTR. (Please bring a make it better? Join us at this informal quickly so sign up early to avoid loaded Octopus card.) workshop with Yelena Zakharova, an disappointment. Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and Wellness: Chuan Spa Day learn some useful tips on how you can Cultural Visit - Exploring Kat improve your health and well-being. O Island, Tin Hau Temple, local When: Wednesday, 9 November villages and Lai Chi Wo 11:30am – 6:00pm Terrific Trips Home! A Guide Registration must be received by to Creating Your Best Visit Yet Tour of SCAD, the Mei Ho Cooking Demo and Lunch: we will cook some versions of traditional Wednesday, 2 November House, and the Jockey Club Celebrating Thanksgiving dishes that are healthy and delicious and Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR Creative Arts Centre will make an elegant dinner to enjoy any in front of Marks and Spencer time of the year. Cost: $1450 member When: Wednesday, 2 November Come and enjoy a morning of cooking $1510 member’s guest 10:00am - 3:00pm with Lena, an avid cook and an Capacity: min. 4, max. 8 Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, eager Coordinators: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 Station in front of to share her knowledge and passion for Marks and Spencer well being. We will sit down to enjoy all Welcome to a space where the Cost: $60 member this delicious food for lunch! Bon Appetit! principles of Wu Xing – wood, fire, $120 member’s guest earth, metal, and water – work in Capacity: min. 4, max. 12 Dragon Boating for Beginners harmony to get you feeling your best. Coordinators: Sally Kooser 9319 8710, Feel the release of tension under Barbara Galligan 6080 6523 When: Monday, 7 November expert hands or experience the When: Friday, 11 November 8:15am - 6:00pm ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese 9:30am – 2:30pm We will take the MTR to Sham Shui Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR Medicine. Be stimulated by a range Registration must be received by Po station. From there, we will walk When: Friday, 4 November Station in front of of natural treatments. Our day spa is Friday, 28 October to the Savannah College of Art and 10:00am – 2:00pm Marks and Spencer devoted solely to your rejuvenation. Where: AWA Office Design (SCAD) to take a tour of the Registration must be received by: Cost: $335 member The recently renovated Chuan Spa, Cost: $660 member beautifully renovated campus (formerly Monday, 31 October $395 member’s guest Cordis at Lanham Place, Mong Kok $720 member’s guest a magistrate’s court building). SCAD Where: Flat 29A, Branksome Crest, Coordinator: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851, has offered the AWA an exclusive rate. Capacity: min. 6, max.12 offers over 40 programs locally, including 3A Tregunter Path, Mid-Levels Lisa Wallis 6715 0653 After the body treatments Afternoon Coordinators: Lena Zakharova 9726 2378 painting, illustration, sculpture, cinema, Cost: $390 member Tea will be served. photography, fashion, interior design, $450 member’s guest After meeting our tour guide Grace in What if your next visit home was jewellery, dramatic writing, performing Capacity: min. 5, max.8 Choi Hung MTR, we’ll take the local Included in the rate: relaxing, refreshing, and truly arts, and historic preservation. From Coordinators: Lena Zakharova 9726 2378 When: Saturday, 5 November bus to Sai Kung town center and take - 60 minute massage plus a choice satisfying? What if everyone involved there, we will walk to the Mei Ho House 3:30pm - 5:00pm, the bus to the Wong Shek Pier. We of one of the following 30-minute said, “It was GREAT!” How would heritage museum and learn more about Thanksgiving Day, a national holiday optional happy hour to follow will then travel by private boat to Kat treatments: that enhance your life abroad? the history of this area of town. After celebrated in a few countries, originally Registration must be received by O Island, which is located in the west Body Scrub / Body Wrap / Facial / Mini At this interactive workshop, two a local lunch at individual expense at started as a way to give thanks for the Thursday, 3 November of Mirs Bay. Kat O, also known as feet and hand retreat veteran expats—Pam Noda and the Mei Ho House restaurant, we will blessing of the harvest. A traditional Where: Stanley Main Beach Crooked Island, is the largest island - 10% service fee Holly Schwartz—share the startling continue to the Jockey Club Creative Arts American dinner always includes turkey, (participants will be sent map of location) in the North District and was once a - Afternoon Tea Set insights and practical strategies that Centre, where we will have time to visit a few different vegetable side dishes and Cost: $160 member major fishing market in Hong Kong. transformed their once harried trips several local artists’ shops and studios. pumpkin pie. While it is not always easy $220 member’s guest The Tin Hau Temple was built in 1763 home from abroad into enjoyable visits to cook a big turkey here in Hong Kong, Capacity: min. 6, max. 20 and is listed as a Grade lll historic with loved ones that nourished the

November 2016 AWARE 23 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

High Tea at Cafe Gray

When: Thursday, 15 November 3:30pm – 5:30pm Where: 49/F Upper House, 4th Level Pacific Place Cost: $300 member $360 member’s guest Capacity: min. 6, max. 12 Coordinator: Jane Buck 9530 795, Wilma Wulff, 9775 4457

Spectacular harbour views from the 49th floor of the Upper House Hotel surround us as we experience a true English high tea at Café Gray. Tiered serving dishes offer both sweet and savoury dishes, served with your choice of tea. We will relax and chat as our daily stresses disappear in Café Gray’s lovely and calming atmosphere. The cost of the traditional tea set is included in the activity cost. Skip lunch and enjoy tea, Café Gray style!

whole family. The secret to satisfying Note: this class was original advertised Learn about Feng Shui visits is in the planning—for the for 8 October but had to be postponed series: Walking Tour of Major “people part.” This workshop is a due to public holiday Buildings in Central handy planning and relationship kit that teaches you how to take control of Bowerbird Home Series: more than just travel logistics. Insider Tips from “The Home Stylist” Chinese Calligraphy Art on Shikishi Board When: Monday, 14 November 10:30am – 12:00pm When: Saturday, 12 November Where: Bowerbird Home, 8F Horizon 2:00pm – 4:00pm Plaza, Ap Lei Chau Where: Studio in Wan Chai – address Cost: $60 member will be sent to participants $120 member’s guest Cost: $460 member Capacity: min. 6, max. 25 $520 member’s guest Coordinator: Celine O’Connor, 6383 2508 Capacity: min. 2, max. 10 When: Monday, 14 November Coordinator: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 There are tricks of the trade when it 10:00am – 12:30pm comes to styling your home with a Registration must be received by Create an elegant mandala-like art sophisticated eye. This interactive Thursday, 10 November piece inspired by a Chinese character coffee morning, hosted by Bowerbird Where: Exit K Outside Central MTR (participants will choose their own) Home and The Home Stylist, will Cost: $340 member using typical Chinese decorative provide you with an essential ‘How To’ $400 member’s guest patterns and motifs on Shikishi board guide when it comes to table-scaping, Capacity: min. 6, max. 12 made from fine, handmade paper creating space, flow and ambiance, Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova 9726 2378, laminated to a hard board backing, a and refining your collectables. simple and elegant way to showcase Not to mention working with sight Susan Putman 6272 6700 Chinese ink painting or calligraphy lines, creating focal points, hanging art. A condensed workshop for artwork and lighting, rug placement, Feng shui, the theory of tapping into beginners providing a quick glimpse and entertaining in style as we near the energy of surroundings to create into traditional Chinese Art and the Thanksgiving and Christmas. All prosperity, has long been practiced philosophy of Chinese Art plus an intro attendees will receive 10% off the in Hong Kong. Companies big and to Chinese art equipment and how to entire showroom on the day. small consult Feng Shui experts use calligraphy brushes with ink and to determine auspicious dates for colors. Enjoy freshly brewed Chinese deals and launches and to create tea with cookies and fresh fruits. environments that will welcome good

24 AWARE November 2016 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES fortune. Feng Shui is also taken rather the energy to move forward. Every -104 Jervois Street seriously before the buildings are breathing technique has a different Cost: $200 member built. We have a unique opportunity to purpose. Here you will learn and fully $260 member’s guest walk around Central with a Feng Shui experience five different methods Capacity: minimum 12, maximum 30 Business Consultant Susanne Schutz, to breathe that can help to instill Coordinator: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 the owner of Schutz Consulting, and calmness, balance your right and left learn fascinating stories about the brain to make decisions, energize you architecture and more. Just a few of to move forward, and eradicate toxicity the stops include HSBC and Statue from your mind and body. By the end Square, Bank of China, and Cheung of this workshop, you will know how to Kong Center. Wear comfortable shoes consciously shift your breath to make and bring a bottle of water. a desired difference in your life. Sonia Samtani, one of HK’s highly regarded Flowers: Christmas Wreath personal development practitioners and a trained image consultant, clinical When: Monday, 14 November hypnotherapist and owner of “All 10:15am – 12:00pm About You” wellness centre, will be our Where: AWA Office, No 5, 11th Floor, instructor. Arion Commercial Centre, 2-12 Queen’s Rd West, HK The Western District -- A Join us at The Yoga Room to get to Cost: $440 member Walking Tour with Jason know Keith Mitchell and learn how $500 member’s guest Wordie yoga and meditation saved his life after Capacity: min. 4, max. 6 being paralyzed in the NFL. Keith was Coordinator: Winky Cheung 6256 5386 When Wednesday, 16 November a linebacker in the NFL for the New 8:45am – 12:30pm Orleans Saints, Houston Texans and Christmas and the holiday season are Where: In front of the Western Market Jacksonville Jaguars and was named fast approaching. Learn how to make on Connaught Road West to the Pro Bowl. He was forced to retire a professional Christmas Wreath using Cost: $425 member early after suffering a spinal injury that fresh flowers with pinecones and a $485 member’s guest left him temporarily paralyzed. He tried Christmas decoration included in the Capacity: min.10, max. 18 an alternate form of physical activity design. This is suitable as a table Coordinators: Jane Buck 9530 795, – yoga, and he found the practices piece that will be admired by friends Kim Rehmann, 6039 2311 of yoga and meditation opened his and family. Winky will provide basic mind, body, and soul to a new life. instruction and you can work alongside Go West, Young Women – and young Today, he is committed to sharing her to create your own beautiful piece men, too! Join local historian Jason the transformative power of yoga using skills and techniques used by Wordie for a fascinating walking tour and the message that true liberation the professionals. Flowers, cones and of Hong Kong Island’s Western District and self-fulfillment comes from the a Christmas themed decoration will be where the people of early British Hong inside. Through his Light It Up charity provided. Please bring a bag to carry Kong lived, worked and played. We foundation, he shares his passion with your arrangement home. will begin at the Western Market on a wide audience, including yogi’s, Connaught Road and end at Hong athletes, veterans, multicultural youth Health and Wellness Series: Kong University on Bonham Road. and anyone who wishes to live a life Breathing Techniques to Along the way, Jason will explain of liberation, joy, and inspiration. Keith Release Stress, Detox and the circumstances surrounding the has been featured on the Dr. Oz Show, Energize founding of Hong Kong and the ESPN and NFL and in magazines conditions that prevailed in the early such as Ebony, Om Times, Mantra When: Wednesday, 16 November colony. We will see Possession Point Magazine, Huffington Post, and many 10:00am – 11:30am where the British Flag was first raised, more. Registration must be received by we will visit Tai Ping Shan, the oldest Wednesday, 8 November area of urban Hong Kong, and we will Historical Talk with Jason Where: AWA office pass through Tai Ping Shan towards Wordie: Everyday Popular Cost: $310 member Sai Ying Poon, which played an Culture in Hong Kong $370 member’s guest important role in the development Capacity: mini. 5, max. 12 of education in Hong Kong. Along When: Thursday, 17 November Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova 9726 2378, the way, we will stop at many other 10:30am – Noon Susan Putman 6272 6700 fascinating historical sites. Where: AWA Office Cost: $310 member Our breath is not only our life force A Story of Triumph from $370 member’s guest but also the most powerful bridge injured NFL star to becoming Capacity: min. 12, max. 30 between our physical reality and a Yoga Teacher: Guest Speaker Coordinator: Jane Buck 9530 7957 the metaphysical realm. Learning – Keith Mitchell to use our breath is probably one of Flickering red candles in darkened the most powerful lessons we can When: Thursday, 17 November doorways, women beating shoes on give ourselves. In this 90-minute 6:50pm – 8:30pm the ground under busy flyovers, coins workshop, Sonia will give you a logical Registration must be received by scattered on the ground on funeral understanding on how our breath 31 October routes and numerous seemingly- can cleanse the ‘critical filter’ of our Where: The Yoga Room 4F / 15F Xiu inexplicable aspects of local life mind to help us feel calm or give us Ping Commercial Building – Hong Kong has one of the most

November 2016 AWARE 25 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES significant – and superficially obvious Local Lunch Series: Mui Wo: Practical Cantonese – – survivals of animistic beliefs within China Bear Gastro Pub Beginner’s Course a post-industrialized society in the world. In this lecture, we will explore When: Monday, 21 November When: Wednesday, 23 November numerous commonly encountered 10:50am – 3:00 pm, approx. 4:00pm – 5:00pm ritual observances, and clarify many Registration must be received by Where: AWA office, Arion of those “what was that about?” Monday, 14 November Commercial Centre, Office questions you have probably asked Where: Outer Ferry Pier No 6, Central 1105, 2-12 Queen’s Road yourself many times. Cost: $60 member West, Sheung Wan $120 member’s guest Cost: $380 member Working with Milk & White Capacity: min. 4, max. 25 $440 member’s guests Chocolate Coordinator: Wilma Wulff 9775 4457 Capacity:min. 8 / max 16

When: Thursday, 17 November Come and join us for a lunch in Mui Do you wish you could say ‘Thank You’ 10:00am – 1:00pm Wo, which literally means “plum nest”. in Cantonese? AWA members have Where: Kennedy Road, Wan Chai Mui Wo is a rural town on the eastern the opportunity to learn some simple (exact address to be provided coast of Lantau Island. History records Cantonese expressions taught by Mr. to attendees) show Mui Wo dates back to the last Lester Chan. He will cover daily use of Cost: $560 member days of the Southern Song Dynasty. In expressions such as “good morning’, $620 member’s guest 1277, the Imperial Court sought refuge ‘thank you’, ‘delicious”, ‘how much is Capacity: min. 4, max. 6 in Silvermine Bay (known as Mei Yu), it?’ “turn left/right”, ‘please go to ….” Coordinators: Teresa VandenBosch fleeing from the invading Mongols. And so on. 9037 1957 In 1278, Emperor Huizong of Song in Mei Wo succeeded the penultimate 3D+2D Latte Art Workshop This 3-hour hands-on course will Song Dynasty Emperor who died from Coffee Course teach you the basics of tempering and illness after he fell from a boat. After working with milk & white chocolate. a short 35-minute ferry ride, you will You will learn to make a praline filling. arrive in Mui Wo. We are fortunate to Then you will learn to enrobe (dip) the have an AWA member who is local to pralines. Finally, you will learn how to the area and she will guide us for a decorate the enrobed chocolates with short stroll through the village. Lunch special culinary powders and design will follow at the China Bear, a lovely transfers. gastro pub. Lunch will be at shared cost. Ferry tickets (approx. $30/each Sum Ngai Brass Factory way) are not included.

When: Friday, 18 November Learn about Feng Shui series: 9:45am – 2:00pm Introduction to Graveyard Where: Admiralty MTR Station, Feng Shui When: Wednesday, 23 November Exit A 2:00pm – 5:00pm approx Cost: $300 member When: Tuesday, 22 November Registration must be received by $360 member’s guest 10:00am – 12:00pm Wednesday, 16 November Capacity: min.15, max. 20 Registration must be received by Where: Meet at Admiralty MTR Coordinators: Katherine Fenton 6708 3345, Thursday, 17 November station exit C2 – Taxi Rank Sally Kooser, 9319 8710 Where: AWA Office Venue is in Wong Chuk Hang Cost: $310 member Cost: $520 member An assortment of cast brass pieces, $360 member’s guest $580 member’s guest fine ceramics and wooden furniture is Capacity: min. 6, max. 12 Capacity: min. 4, max. 12 displayed in the showrooms of Sum Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova 9726 2378, Coordinators: Susan Putman 6272 6700, Ngai Brass Factory. You will have time Regine Poscatko, 6141 7061 Kim Rehmann 6039 2311 to browse and select which of the delightful items you wish to purchase. Graveyard Feng Shui – or “Yin House Enjoy a latte art workshop and Remember, the holidays are coming Feng Shui” as it is called - has been learn how to make latte art from an and you will want to dress up your used by every emperor in Chinese experienced Barista and Trainer in home and have those perfect gifts. As history and by powerful politicians like the coffee industry. Fresh espresso we will be traveling by bus, there will Mao Zedong, Sun Yat-sen, and property base and just-frothed milk are two be room to carry your selections back tycoons like Li Ka-shing. This talk gives important ingredients in order to create with you, or if you wish, the shop will an overview of the main differences a decent latte art design. The barista deliver both locally and internationally. between Graveyard Feng Shui and will only use fresh espresso and We will travel by bus to the shop in Residential Feng Shui, discusses the milk during your Hands-on-latte-art Kam Tin and stop for lunch at a local historical development of Graveyard practice. The course will last 2-3 hours restaurant on our way back to Hong Feng Shui up until today and explores depending on the size of the group Kong Island. Your payment includes some of the still existing gravesites of and cover basic espresso making, both bus transportation and your emperors and politicians and how the introduction to steaming milk foam lunch. prevailing landforms still influence their (the secret of steaming a smooth shiny descendants today. Susanne Schutz, the milk), introduction to free pouring and Owner of Suzhong Consulting, offers this etching, heart and rosetta teaching fascinating talk. and how to make latte art at home.

26 AWARE November 2016 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Cultural Visit to Dapeng wardrobe at your fingertips, photo Where: Meet at the Whitty Street Fortress, Longgang District, catalogue of individual items, collection Tram Depot (Address will be Shenzhen, Guangdong China and delivery on demand and viewing emailed to confirmed of stored items from any mobile device. participants) When: Wednesday 23 November Join us for an exclusive tour of Hong Cost: $445 member 7:45am – 7:00pm approx. Kong’s first bespoke concierge service $505 member’s guest Where: Kowloon Tong MTR, Exit E, for your wardrobe needs. After the tour, Capacity:min 20 / max 26 Street Level we will enjoy a glass of Proseco and Coordinator:Kim Rehmann 6039 2311, Registration closes on 9 November. Barbara, the owner, will be available to Heidi Rockowitz 9090 7909 No refunds after that date answer questions and to explain about Cost: $900 member the stylist service. Let’s Party on the open top double $960 member’s guest decker Red Antique tram. Indulge Capacity: min.6, max. 10 Da Fen Oil Painting Village in yourself in a spectacular 360-degree Coordinators: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 Shenzhen view of Hong Kong’s nightlife as the tram rolls leisurely along the track from A bus journey or approximately 1.5 When: Wednesday, 30 November Whitty Street – Causeway Bay – Happy hours will bring us to Dapeng Fort, 9:00am – 5:00pm approx Valley –Whitty Street. Evening breeze, an amazingly well preserved Ming Where: General Post Office, 2 light music, and catered food will make Dynasty Fort. Founded in 1394, it Connaught Place Central this a once in a lifetime experience shared with various other forts the Cost: $375 member whilst partying with friends, both old duties of guarding the entrances to the $435 member’s guest and new! Bring your favourite beverage Pearl River and was prominent in the Capacity: min. 20, max. 45 (canapés and finger food are included defence of the river during the Opium Coordinators:Jane Buck 9530 7957, in your fee). Spouses are encouraged War. Many villagers still live and work Colleen Hall 6293 2089 to come (they pay the same fee as within the walled village. We start our members). Adults only, please. visit in the small museum where our We’ll ride the cross boarder coach private guide, Stanley, will talk to us to the world’s largest oil painting about the history of the fort. Continuing village in Shenzhen. Also known, as Da Fen Artist Village, this four square on, we’ll walk through the fort making Registration Procedures various stops to do some interesting kilometre area comprises 60% of the local arts. We will try our hand at world oil painting market. It has more Local Tour and Activity (LTA) events are making traditional rice cookies and a than 800 stores and 5,000+ artists. open for registration as of the first of each very talented calligrapher will teach You can choose a new piece of art month in which the activity will be held. us the art of Calligraphy. There will be from a huge selection of paintings, Activities being held in the early part of the 45 minutes allocation of free time after not only limited to oil, but also water following month are open for registration the activities to take photos or shop. colour, embroidery, and more. You on the first day of the prior month. Check All transport and entrance fees, a set can bring your favourite photos to be the AWA website at www.awa.org.hk for the most up-to-date schedule and don’t forget Chinese lunch with tea and all craft copied into a hand-painted work of art, too. Art supplies can be purchased to register early as many of the events will activities are included in the price. sell out. (Drinks and shopping are optional at unbelievably low prices. Our coach extras.) provides storage space for you to bring Refund, Cancellation and Substitution Hong Kong I.D, passport with six your purchases back to HK, but we Policies months validity and a valid China visa need to limit the size to one piece of are required for this activity. If you don’t airline check-in luggage per person. Every activity includes an administrative have a HKID, please contact Tracey- Purchases must be taken off the bus fee of HK$60* Member/ HK$ 120 Member’s Lee to discuss. when going through immigration. Guest. This base fee is not refundable at We plan to spend four to five hours any time unless the AWA cancels the event. in the village. Lunch will be on your Charges in excess of the base fee are Imagine More Wardrobe refundable if cancellation is received by Space! Find out more with an own. There is a Wal-Mart nearby with the AWA office at least one full week before exclusive tour fast food facilities and exploring the the activity date. For example, if the activity Chinese version of this mega-store is is on a Tuesday, cancellation must be When: Tuesday, 29 November an interesting tour by itself. Hong Kong received prior to midnight of the previous 3:45pm – 5:30pm approx. I.D., passport with six months validity Tuesday. If the AWA cancels an event, the Where: Meet Chai Wan MTR, and a valid China visa are required for entire activity cost will be automatically Exit C this activity. For more information, see credited to you. Credit notes are not http://www.cndafen.com/enindex.asp. transferable and must be used within six Cost: $100 member months from the date of issue or by the end $160 member’s guest of the AWA fiscal year (30 June), whichever Capacity: min. 4, max. 10 Looking further ahead is earlier. You may request a check in lieu Coordinators: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851, of a credit at any time before the credit Heidi Rockowitz 9090 7909 to DECEMBER expires. Owing to the popularity of AWA activities, “Ding Ding” It’s Party Time! Is humidity and mould destroying your many have a wait list and therefore December Celebrations on- substitutions cannot be accepted. If you are clothes? Do you wish you could store board the Antique Tram seasonal clothes but still have instant unable to attend an activity, please, inform the AWA office to cancel your place and access to them? Would you like to When: Saturday, 3 December allow someone on the waitlist to attend. protect formal wear, coats, shoes, and Time: 7:15pm – 9:30pm handbags in a climate-controlled clean Registration must be received by *The $60 registration fee is purely an room? Sunday, 20 November administration fee. It is not donated to the You can have all this and more, a smart No refunds after this date Charitable and Education fund.

November 2016 AWARE 27 ONGOING ACTIVITIES

AWA’s Ongoing Activities

Of the many ways to get involved in the AWA, Ongoing Clubs and Sports are the most popular, and easiest, ways to make new friends. We offer something for everyone: from hobbies to languages, golf and dragon boat racing. Ongoing Clubs & Sports offer comfortable and enjoyable ways to keep busy and expand your network of friends. These activities are organized by AWA members for AWA members with similar interests and passions. One time registration is required in order to receive updates about scheduled activities. For more information and to register, go online to www.awa.org.hk.

ART LOVERS: Kumiko Matsushima, [email protected]; Cynthia Lackey, [email protected] PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP: To be announced STITCH: Laurie Ling, [email protected]; Sarah Brundan, [email protected] AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB: Penny Van Niel, [email protected]; Linda Berman, [email protected] EVENING BOOK CLUB: Melissa Grove, [email protected] SPIRITUAL LITERACY GROUP: Kate Weisman [email protected] MAHJONG MADNESS: Katherine Fenton, [email protected]; Christine Scullion, [email protected] SOCIAL BRIDGE AND LUNCH: Lisa Strunin, [email protected] GAMES GALORE-MAHJONG: OR BRIDGE: Beth Hall, [email protected] LUNCH BUNCH: Judy Lakey, [email protected] ICC- INTERNATIONAL COOKING CLUB: Coordinator needed GALLOPING GOURMET: Linda Gomoll, [email protected]; Yuiko O'Reily, [email protected]; Jean Han, [email protected]; Penny Soder, [email protected] ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP: Giuditta Crovato, [email protected] AWA HIKING GROUP: Gail Sousa, [email protected]; Alison Doran, [email protected] AWA GLOBE PADDLERS Elissa Imran, [email protected]; DRAGON BOAT TEAM: Anne Fifer, [email protected] AWA GOLF SOCIETY: Sue Webb, [email protected] WOMEN’S FORUM: Sally Kooser, [email protected] WOW: [email protected]

28 AWARE November 2016 OFFICE EXECUTIVE BOARD Phone 2527 2961/2 Fax 2865 7737 EXECUTIVE BOARD [email protected] Hours 9:30am – 3:30pm Mon-Thu President Marcy LaRont: [email protected] Address No.5, 11th floor, Arion Commercial Centre, 1st VP Fundraising Augusta Nichols-Even: [email protected] 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong Kong 2nd VP Membership Deborah Barrett: [email protected] Website www.awa.org.hk 3rd Vice President Activities Linda Van Noy: [email protected] Director of Operations Barbora Mayer: [email protected] AWAre Editor Brooke Richter: [email protected] Membership Representative Joanne Lam: [email protected] Charitable Donations Gabriela Caraman-Heijnen: [email protected] Community Service Susie Edrington: [email protected] COMMUNITY Education & Scholarship Helen Carruthers: [email protected] Public Relations Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Recording Secretary Jennifer Kindel: [email protected] COMMUNITY SERVICE [email protected] Treasurer Annie Fifer: [email protected] Chairperson Susie Edrington: [email protected] Technical Develop. Angela Bellas: [email protected] Corporate Sponsorship Nikola Andersson: [email protected] Fenwick Pier Volunteers KD Schumacher: [email protected] Leadership Support Lisa Strunin: [email protected] HK Society for the Blind Julie Naughton: [email protected] Ronald McDonald House Renee Cheung: [email protected] SOCIAL Trisha Cliff: [email protected] Soup Kitchen Linda VanNoy: [email protected] Riding for the Disabled Liz McGrath [email protected] ACTIVITIES [email protected] Ark Eden Foundation [email protected] 3rd Vice President Linda Van Noy: [email protected] Feeding Hong Kong [email protected] China Coast Community [email protected] Asian Tours To be announced Helping Hands [email protected] Local Tours and Activities Tracey-Lee Hayes [email protected] Hong Kong Hosts – Adopt a Marine, SOCIAL Patti Smith: [email protected] Adopt a Sailor Sherri Runge: [email protected] Tiki Sonderhoff: [email protected] If you would like to join the AWA or if you have any question about the organization, please contact the office EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP or any of the Executive Board members. [email protected] Chairperson Helen Carruthers: [email protected] English Conversation Liz Clark: [email protected] Kwun Tong Marti Law: [email protected] CARPET WASHING & REPAIRS Pok Fu Lam Liz Clark: [email protected] Sham Shui Po Barbara Iannazzone: [email protected] PROFESSIONALS Chai Wan Julie Naughton: [email protected] Ap Lei Chau tba CLEANING & REPAIR SERVICES Our cleaning and repair services are the best Dining Etiquette Bernice Lee: [email protected] in Hong Kong. Mock Interviews Katherine Payne [email protected] Free pickup and delivery. Kei Chau Reading Program Jill Baran Scott: [email protected]

Public Relations [email protected] Chairperson Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Forum Moderator Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Website Angela Bellas: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP [email protected] 2nd Vice President Deborah Barrett: [email protected] SHOP IN YOUR HOME Buddy Program Alison May: 9663 1250 You can buy a carpet in the comfort of your home. CHAT Coordinator Sally Kooser: 9319 8710 (We can bring the carpets to you with no obligation.) Foon Ying Chrissie Govier [email protected] KD Schumacher [email protected] CALL : 9018 0897 / 2851 3665 Helen Pott [email protected] EMAIL : [email protected] Membership Discounts [email protected] OWL Susie Edrington: [email protected] WEBSITE : Iqbalcarpets.hk Southside Owl Tyna Kirk: [email protected] ADDRESS : G/F. 21 PO TUNG RD. SAIKUNG WOW [email protected]

November 2016 AWARE 29 30 AWARE November 2016