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A publication of the Community Services Center Centered Women in Taiwan on TAIPEI MAR 2017 Vol. 17|05 2017/2/24 5:31:31 PM
Mar cover.indd 2 2017/2/23 2:03:03 PM CONTENTS March 2017 volume 17 issue 6
CsC Community From the Editors 5 TAS 9 Kiddies Korner 6 TES 10 Activities Highlights 7 Center Gallery March 2017 7 Community profiles Events about Town 8 Diane Baker, Carolyn Chou, Alice Ballard, Mayumi Hu, CSC Business Classified 33 Gail West, Eva Salazar-Liu, Karen Farley, Lansing Chen, Sue Whiteley, Lisa West 12
Publisher Community Services Center, Taipei interview Editor Suzan Babcock Zee Dlamini – Co-editor Richard Saunders Advertising Manager Naomi Kaly A Lady of Fashion from the Kingdom of Swaziland 22 Magazine Email [email protected] Tel 02-2836-8134 Fax 02-2835-2530 fashion & beauty Community Services The Women Who Dared 24 Center Editorial Panel Siew Kang, Fred Voigtmann
Printed by Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd. 1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin travel District, Taipei Maling Hot Spring 26 Tel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749 E-mail: [email protected]
Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center, health 25, Lane 290, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan Women and Water Retention 27 Tel: 02-2836-8134 fax: 02-2835-2530 e-mail: [email protected] parents' view Correspondence may be sent to the editor at coteditor@ Why Our 4th Grade Son Cannot Have an iPhone 29 communitycenter.org.tw. Freelance writers, photographers and illustrators are welcome to contact the editor to discuss editorial and graphic assignments. Your talent will find a home with us! outlook Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not Aim for Success, not Perfection 31 be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner. COT is printed on FSC certified 100% post-consumer recycled fiber. The photography paper is certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council which promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and Roma Mehta, Andrea Toerien 34 economically viable management of the world's forests. https://ic.fsc.org/
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March 17_p3-end.indd 3 2017/2/24 5:11:11 PM TIGER TOTS PRESCHOOL
TIGER TOTS PRESCHOOL
Crown’s service offerings include: Everyone needs s )NTERNATIONAL $OMESTIC 3HIPMENTS s 4RANSIT 0ROTECTION to know why... s 0ET #AR 4RANSFERS s )MMIGRATION ,EGALIZATION We’ll help your whole family s (OME 3EARCH s 3CHOOL 3EARCH prepare for the big adventure. s 3ETTLING IN 3ERVICES
• Child-centered American Curriculum • Pre-Two-Year-Old Tigger’s Playgroup 4EL • Qualified & Experienced Teachers • Half/Full-day option for 2’s & 3’s TAIPEI CROWNRELOCOM • Engaging Outdoor Play Spaces • 2/3/5 days a week option for 2’s • Low Student/Teacher Ratios • Full-day Pre-K & Kindergarten • International Community Environment • Mandarin Playgroups for all ages • Fun Afternoon Classes for Young Children • Grade School Language & Literacy Go knowing Located in & adjacent to the Taipei American School Campus WWWCROWNRELOCOMTAIWAN We’d love to introduce you to our diverse and incredibly special community of learners! CR ad Euroview AprMay.indd 1 22/3/2016 3:40:25 PM
Taipei Youth Program Association Please call to arrange a visitation. TYPA Main Office: 2873-1815 www.typa.org.tw
4 MARCH 2017 www.communitycenter.org.tw
March 17_p3-end.indd 4 2017/2/23 1:55:59 PM CoveR iMAGe: the Calla Lilies of Zuhzihu From Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to by virginia Lee [email protected]. the For more information, please go to our website at eDitors www.communitycenter.org.tw
Cot teAM March 8th is International Women’s Day.
In Taiwan and throughout the world, people will come together locally and globally to commemorate, celebrate, reflect, plan and implement activities pertaining to women and issues that affect them. Suzan Babcock Richard Saunders Naomi Kaly Editor Co-editor Advertising Manager coteditor@ [email protected] naomi@communitycenter. This issue of Centered on Taipei (COT), “Women in Taiwan – communitycenter.org.tw org.tw their stories” is our third year for honoring women in Taiwan. With each March issue, women have shared their experiences, creativity, interests, personal and professional journeys, challenges, frustrations, successes and messages of encouragement with other women. Each woman’s story
KC Zee Dlamini Normita Kavra Gupta reflects her own space and place within a larger one, the Graphic Designer Editorial intern Editorial intern Taiwan story – a tale of a nation filled with rich diversity. graphicdesigntaipei. weebly.com This year, we are also celebrating the 30th anniversary of the WRitinG AnD PHotoGRAPHy ContRiButoRS Community Services Center. Reaching out to the international Sue Babcock Brenda Lin and local communities, “the Center,” as it is affectionately Alice Ballard Eva Salazar-Liu British Office Taipei Roma Mehta known, provides a wide range of cross-cultural activities, Katherine Chang Pai Su-yu tours and trips, a monthly morning coffee hour (featuring Lansing Chen Priya Lalwani Purswaney a wide variety of speakers), counseling and cross-cultural Michelle Cheung Joseph Reilly Carolyn Chou Richard Saunders services. Volunteers generously donate their time and talents Peter Dernbach Rosemary Susa to help the Center carry-on its day-to-day activities, to show Zee Dlamini TAS, TES Karen Farley Grace Ting enthusiastic community support for the Center’s major Nomita Kavra Gupta Andrea Toerien fundraiser & auction events, its classes, tours, special events Joyce Hu Gail West ’ Tony Hu Lisa West and for Centered on Taipei, the Center s magazine. We are Virginia Lee Whitney Zahar grateful to each and every one of you.
Pick COT up at: Uptown: We cordially invite you to come to the Center. Stop by for a Community Services Center, No. 25, Lane 290, Sec. 6, steaming cup of coffee or tea and a good chat. We are here for Zhongshan North Rd. Sprout – No. 33, Sec. 7, Zhongshan North Rd. you. George Pai’s Beauty – No. 14, Tienmu East Rd. Downtown: Grandma Nitti’s Kitchen – 8, Lane 93, Shida Rd. Ooh Cha Cha – 207, Sec.2, Nanchang Rd. NakedFood – 22-1, Lane 160, Sec.1, Xingsheng South Rd. Samyama (Art) Co., Ltd. – 2F, No. 1, Lane 119, Sec.1, Daan Rd. Sue and Richard
Accountant Monica Cheng Activities Coordinator Rosemary Susa Assistant Activities Coordinator Undine Urbach CoMMunity SeRviCeS CenteR Coffee Mornings Coordinator John Imbrogulio Cross-cultural trainer Anne Jacquet the Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides Communications Raleigh Holmes outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and events Coordinator Shan Lee life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in taipei. Mandarin Chinese teacher Gloria Gwo CSC offers the opportunity to learn, volunteer, teach and meet others. Check out Sara Riggsby our website www.communitycenter.org.tw and drop by the Center to chat with us Systems Manager about our programs. you can also email us at [email protected]. volunteers Miyuki Boice, Daniel Chan, John Imbrogulio, Ann Lu Fiona Mackelworth, Leslie McFarlane, John McQuade Director Adam McMillan Gloria Peng, Emmy Shih
office Manager Grace Ting Benefactors Bai Win Antiques European Chamber of Commerce Counselors I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, Grand Hyatt Taipei Jung Chin, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, Carol Lee, Miranda Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuang-Shan Wan Premier Sponsors Concordia Consulting ICRT Counseling Admin. Joanne Chua San Fu Global
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March 17_p3-end.indd 5 2017/2/24 5:29:15 PM CSC
Fun Activities for Kiddies Here are some places to visit with your busy-bee kids to keep them buzzing!!
TexT: NomiTa Kavra gupTa
WHAT WHY WHEN AND WHERE
Holi 2017 - indian It's Indian Spring Festival again, known as Holi. Date: March 12 spring festival Spend the day outdoors, celebrating the beauty of powdered Time: 11 am – 3:30 pm watercolor paint with community-wide merriment, musical Telephone: (02)-2720-0011, 0920- performances, and Indian food and drinks. 099-979 https://www.indianfoodtaiwan. com/mik-holi-taipei-taiwan-2017
play space A great indoor play area for children from two months and up, Address: 22, Lane 265, Xinyi featuring matted and padded areas for infants, educational Road, Section 1 toys, wooden blocks, puzzles, a sand and water room, climber, Telephone: (02) 2784-0326 tunnel, books, a dress-up and house play area, and an arts and Time: Tuesday to Friday, 10 am crafts area. – 6 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9: 30 am – 5 pm Closed on Mondays and national holidays. http://www.playspace. com.tw Admission fee: NT$250 for three hours per child (one adult per child for free)
stJuice XXii: Stage Time and Juice has invited special guest artists Constance Address: Taiwan Air Force tHe MarcH Hare Woods and magician Burke Giordano for this event. Innovation Base (TAF) For those who wish to share something funny or wise with 2F library, 177, Jianguo S. Road, a song, dance, story or joke, there will be a signup sheet at Section 5 (Intersection of Jianguo S. the door. Everyone else is welcome to sit back and enjoy the Rd. and Jinan Rd.) friendship. Telephone: 0910-947-307 Juice and snacks can be bought at Bessie, the Red Room Bar. Date and Time: Saturday, March 18, 2:30 – 5:30 pm Fee: NT$150 per adult, NT$100 per child (ages 5-18) to cover cleaning costs. http://redroomtaipei.com/ events/#stj
yangMing park, The Flower Clock is a large garden artwork near the western Address: 1-20, Zhuzihu Road, flower clock entrance to the Yangming park. Beitou District, Yangmingshan, Yangming Park is close to the visitors center and the main bus Taipei City station for the Yangmingshan National Park. The park contains Telephone: (02) 2861-3601 a Chinese-style garden with elegant buildings, pavilions, kiosks, Office Service hours: 8:30 am – 5 streams, fountains and ponds. pm, Monday to Friday From December through April, the landscape is adorned with Headquarters Visitor Center native cherry, plum, camellia and peach. Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Telephone: (02)-2861-5741 Other Visitor Center hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm http://english.ymsnp.gov.tw/ index.php?option=com_content &view=featured&gp=0&itemid= 104
6 MARCH 2017 www.communitycenter.org.tw
March 17_p3-end.indd 6 2017/2/24 5:12:02 PM CsC MARCH Activity HigHligHts Taiwan's North Coast: An A Visit with Local Artist Tim Shifen Waterfall, the widest to assess how things are Adventure to Fugui Cape and Budden in Taiwan. It’s a great place going for you and your Laomei Algae Reef Monday, March 20th to take some striking photos. family; explore how you can Wednesday, March 15th 9:45 am – 12 noon; $600 From there we will go to the make your stay in Taiwan 8:45 am – 2 pm; $800 Guide/Instructor: Rosemary quaint village of Shifen, part an enriching experience; Guide: Richard Saunders Susa and Tim Budden of Pingxi township, famous a n d h o w y o u r Ta i w a n The area around Fugui Cape, Tim Budden is an established for its annual sky lantern journey can be used to the northernmost point of British artist living in Taiwan festival. There you’ll have contribute meaningfully the main island of Taiwan, who uses paper cutting as his the chance to construct, to your future life. This is the focus of this scenic medium and has taken this decorate and send off your workshop will also help to walking tour along Taiwan’s traditional Chinese craft and own sky lantern (included deepen your knowledge and northern coast. From Tamsui, made it into a unique and in the tour fee). We will understanding of Taiwan and we will take a public bus to personal art form. Tim has have time to wander about its culture. Refreshments the village of Laomei, where used his work to tell stories the village and shop for included. we will visit the unique about living in Taiwan, and souvenirs and local treats. Laomei Algae Reef on the his own personal history is You may bring a packed Very Vietnamese: Restaurant seashore near the village. quite fascinating. Join the lunch from home or eat in Favorites This natural curiosity, formed Center for a visit with Tim at one of Shifen’s cute little Friday, March 24th by volcanic eruptions in his Beitou studio located in restaurants. 10 am – 12 noon; $1,200 Yangmingshan millions of Polymer, an old warehouse, Instructor: Thang Phan years ago, is covered in a home to nearly twenty Getting the Most Out of J o i n t h e C e n t e r f o r a thick carpet of bright green artists and the Lab Theater. Your Overseas Experience: d e l i c i o u s V i e t n a m e s e algae and seaweed during (Tim describes the space as A Workshop for Expatriate cooking class, and learn the early months of the year, “cool and grungy!”) You will Spouses how to make some classic and is a favorite subject learn about his work, enjoy March 16th & 23rd restaurant favorites. Here’s with both local and foreign a demonstration of how he 12 noon – 2 pm; $1,200 your chance to try your photographers. We will then uses paint and color, and Instructor: Anne Jacquet hand at making spring rolls. walk along the seashore, have a chance to try your A s a n a c c o m p a n y i n g Thang will demonstrate following the beach and hand at a simple mini-paper e x p a t r i a t e s p o u s e y o u two types: fresh shrimp and surfaced paths, out to the tip cutting project. may find yourself faced vegetable spring rolls (gỏi of Fugui Cape, crowned by a with unique challenges in cuốn) and fried minced pork, lighthouse. The tour finishes Sky Lanterns and Waterfalls: your role as the pillar and mushroom and vegetable with a visit to the traditional Pingxi Township and Shifen constant in your mobile spring rolls (chả giò). Also on fishing harbor nearby, before Village family. Balancing everyone’s the menu will be beef noodle returning to Tamsui by bus. Wednesday, March 22nd needs and perspectives soup (Phở bò); followed by Bring your EasyCard; wear 9 am – 3 pm; $1,600 (including your own) is no banana fritters with sesame sturdy walking shoes, and Guide: Jennifer Tong easy feat. During this fun (chuối chiên) for dessert. If bring sun/rain protection as The first stop on this fun, and productive workshop, you love Vietnamese food, needed. full-day tour is the beautiful you will have the chance don't miss this class!
A percentage of all proceeds of items sold at the Gallery will go to the Center. Please remember that by displaying your items or shopping at the Gallery, you will be helping MarcH gallery the Center to continue to provide valuable services to the international community.
kristi tHornbury K r i s t i i s o u r n e w e s t Morning book club a d vo cate fo r h e a l t hy The Sister by Louise Jensen living. To introduce some Meeting on March 8 at: 10:30 am pure, safe, non-toxic & For meeting location contact: eco-friendly skin care and [email protected] nutrient products, Kristi has carefully selected items that will appeal to individuals familiar with Taipei Evening book club living. All items are certified as being vegan and The Sister gluten-free. Kristi is available to answer questions by Louise Jensen and to provide suggestions about her products. Meeting on March 30. For meeting Contact her at [email protected], and she location and time, please contact: [email protected] will be happy to share her expertise with you.
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March 17_p3-end.indd 7 2017/2/23 1:56:03 PM CsC events about town
FESTIVALS throughout the festival. Guided Featured will be workshops, a WHERE: Taipei City Hall and group tours (one in the morning creative market and outdoor surrounding area (Sections 1 to and one in the afternoon) performing arts. This is unique 4, Renai Road, Xinyi District) will be offered on weekends and not to be missed. http://www.tourdetaiwan.org. and holidays. During the tour WHEN: March 25 – April 30 tw/ participants will travel to various WHERE: 25, Lane 230, Section scenic attractions at Zhuzihu 3, Tingzhou Road, Zhongzheng EXHIBITIONS and Yangmingshan, enjoy District (Gongguan MRT, exit Taipei International Cycle Show flower-picking, food, hot-spring one) This four-day event will bathing, and other activities. showcase a wide range of cycle Yangmingshan Flower Festival WHEN: March 20 – April 23 MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE products and accessories. This is one of the most popular WHERE: Zhuzihu, Yangmingshan Sappho LIVE Items include bicycles, spare flower festivals in Taiwan. http://callalily.emmm.tw/ Enjoy a laid-back and cool music parts, frames, wheel parts, Crowds of visitors flock each environment in downtown cycle repair equipment, brakes, spring to Yangmingshan to Taipei City Azalea Festival Taipei. batteries and even some items see Mother Nature’s annual Spring has sprung, judging from Live music, dance floor, bar for a rickshaw or two. display of sakura (cherry), the flower festivals happening and good food. Also mic/jam WHEN: March 22 – 25 azalea and camellia blooms. around Taiwan. Be sure to sessions. WHERE: Taipei Nangang Many international and local include among your plans a visit Tuesday to Friday, 8 pm – 3 am Exhibition Center Hall 1 visitors will add this to their to the Taipei City Azalea Festival. Venue: B1, 1, Lane 102, Anhe Nangang District (Taipei outdoor activities, so please Visitors can appreciate these Road, Section 1 Nangang Exhibition Center MRT) be advised to schedule enough colorful flowers, listen to music, Further information: transportation time for your stroll around the city, join [email protected] visit. guided tours, or go shopping in WHEN: until March 19 the nearby markets during the BICYCLE RACE WHERE: Yangmingshan Park, festival. 1-20 Zhuzihu Road, Shilin District WHEN: March 1 – April 4 (near the terminus of buses R5 WHERE: Gongguan Commercial and 260) District, Museum of Drinking Call: Citizen Hotline: 1999 for Water, National Taiwan SEEING Project Wine Night @ information University, and Daan Park NakedFood The SEEING project aims at rehoming shelter animals by Tour de Taiwan 2017 increasing their exposure to the The Tour de Taiwan is an annual public. Join us at our wine and professional road bicycle race. canapé evening at NAKEDFOOD It was first held in 1978, and as we raise funds to assist their since 2005 has been a part of cause. the UCI Asia Tour. In 2012, it WHEN: March 11 at 7 pm Zhuzihu (Bamboo Lake) Calla Treasure Hill Artist Village was classified as a 2.1 category WHERE: NakedFood, 22-1, Lane Lily Festival “Light” Festival race. This year, there will be 24 160, Section 1, Xinsheng South The Zhuzihu Calla Lily Festival Whether you are a creative international teams competing. Road, Zhongzheng District will kick-off on March 20th. spirit or you simply enjoy being Cyclists from the Tour de France, http://nkdfood.delicioustaipei. The main attraction at this around an artistic environment, Tour de Italy, and Tour de Spain com/shop/eventbookings/ year’s festival will be a series this festival is definitely worth have been invited to attend this seeing-project-wine-night/ of concerts within a landscape visiting. This year’s light festival year’s event. A stage of the race of great natural beauty. is an excellent example of will be held near Taipei City Hall Participating calla lily farms maximizing what the Treasure and surrounding area. will take turns hosting concerts Hill Artist Village has to offer. WHEN: March 26
Taiwan 101: Essential Sights, Hikes and Experiences on Ilha Formosa
by Richard Saunders
Taiwan 101 presents Taiwan’s finest attractions to anyone who wishes to get to know this island of kaleidoscopic charms, complete with transport information and GPS coordinates of nearly 800 fascinating places.
8 MARCH 2017 www.communitycenter.org.tw
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taipei American school Participates in the Lantern Festival
TexT & imageS: TaS
or years, Taiwan has earned faculty, and staff during the first volunteers of all ages designed different international recognition for semester and all through winter parts. The Parent Teacher Association's its beautiful celebration of break to bring the peacock to life. Special Grant Program made this the Lantern Festival. From Special thanks to her assistants Jacky opportunity possible. Fthe Pingxi sky lanterns to the Yanshui Lin and Zoe Kuo for their invaluable The result is a colorful and detailed beehive fireworks, each corner of contributions and hard work. lantern full of symbolism and beauty. Taiwan celebrates the holiday in its own Visiting Artist Mr. Tim Budden worked The TAS peacock entry earned second unique way. In Taipei, residents honor with students and parents to facilitate place in the Primary School Division the tradition with enormous lantern the paper cutting details installed on competition and was on display from sculptures depicting themes relating the lantern. He hosted a number of February 4-12 near Taipei's North to the Chinese Zodiac. This year, Taipei engaging workshops and classes where Gate. American School joined the Taipei festival and created a lantern. The lantern itself is an enormous peacock spreading its wings in front of Taipei's North Gate. The peacock represents the Year of the Rooster, and its sprawling feathers represent life and rebirth. This is particularly meaningful as it relates to the recent revitalization of the historic North Gate, where, fittingly, the festival took place. TA S l o we r s c h o o l a r t te a c h e r Stephanie Lee coordinated the effort of constructing this magnificent lantern. She worked with students in all three divisions, parents, administrators,
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March 17_p3-end.indd 9 2017/2/23 1:56:07 PM Community | TES
The French Section now has a student body of approximately 340 children. Talking point: With the introduction of a special FAL (French as an Additional Language) pathway, the FS has opened its doors TES French Section to increasing numbers of non-French- speaking students. Newcomers to the TexT & imageS: TeS French language reap the benefits of instruction in French and in English hether it’s happened that the French Section’s recent growth alongside their classmates, while also w h i l e y o u ’ v e b e e n is all down to me!” It is Vesseau’s following smaller “survival” French loading your shopping fourth year as head of the FS, and it is lessons tailored to their needs. cart in Carrefour, or tempting to see a connection between “The potential of children to pick Wwhile you’ve been sipping your latte the school’s growth and his taking up languages is simply staggering, at a mums’ and babies’ meetup, it has over at the helm. Vesseau explains especially among the very young,” probably happened to you – you’ve that when he arrived at TES in August acknowledges Vesseau, “and it is a true overheard someone, somewhere 2013, the first thing that struck him pleasure and privilege to offer more talking about TES French Section (FS) was the quality of teaching at the FS: children the possibility to access that in excited tones. The French school “The teachers’ dedication to their potential.” at the heart of TES has doubled its students’ well-being and success, their Personalized learning pathways, student numbers in the past three years professionalism and creativity, their international exchange programs and and now has waiting lists in place for vision of learning that always has the coding events are just some of the its classes from the petite Section (3 child at its center – it was clear to innovations the French Section has years old) to Terminale class (18 years me from day one that this was a very seen in the past three years. The most old). It’s the fastest growing French special school.” ground-breaking, however, has been school in the Asia-Pacific region, and The French Section’s innovative the decision to open the FS past middle quite possibly the fastest growing French-English learning pathway has school all the way to the end of High international school in Taiwan. been in place since 2007. Students School. Was it a difficult decision to What, then, is all the hype about? following that pathway have three make? “No, not at all,” Vesseau replies, “Firstly,” laughs Head of School, Jean- native speaking teachers – one French, “it seemed like the most natural thing Yves Vesseau, “let me quash the rumor one English and one Mandarin. The in the world. If we are going to take language of instruction alternates daily children on this exciting and demanding between French and English, with learning journey from 3 years of age, children also taking Chinese Language well, it seemed obvious that we have and Culture lessons four or five days to take them right through to the end – a week. Once the children progress preparing them fully for university at 18 up to secondary, they choose a fourth with the French Baccalauréat .” language – Spanish or German – with The Bac, as the French call it, is an option to study Latin if they are the oldest of high school diplomas interested. In 2013, there were 170 – introduced in France by Napoleon children following the French Section’s h i m s e l f. F o u r t e e n t h o u s a n d innovative and rigorous multilingual international students sat the Bac last academic program. “It felt as though year; it is renowned for its long hours this little school was Taiwan’s best-kept of study, the depth and breadth of secret,” shares the head of school. the knowledge covered in the course The secret is well and truly out! content, and for the extra credits Bac
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graduates receive when they start Taiwanese candidate with high marks English or Mandarin. They prepare for college and university in the US or in the French national diploma in a the International Baccalaureate exams Canada. Full marks in the Bac are nearly variety of subjects from Science and in English and Chinese alongside their impossible to come by, something Economics to History and Philiosophy? TES British High School classmates. w h i c h s e t s i t a p a r t f ro m o t h e r We also offer our Bac students If you would like to get to know the high school diplomas. “Admissions the added benefit of English and French Section better, to take a tour departments the world over know Chinese International Baccalaureate of the campus and meet Jean-Yves the French Bac and its reputation for modules.” For indeed, in true FS Vesseau, along with the French Section being a tough exam. I feel that in style, their version of the French Bac teaching team, you are invited to their preparing our students to take the Bac, is personalized to meet the profile of Open Day on Saturday 18th March we are giving them an edge over other their multilingual students; FS students from 10 am to 2 pm at the TES Primary applicants to universities and third-level sit the Bac in French, with Mandarin, Campus on Wenlin Road. French institutions around the world,” affirms English, Spanish or German as their Section teachers and parents would be Vesseau. “Universities nowadays are second and third languages, while delighted to tell you more about their looking for diversity and for rarer simultaneously sitting the International personalized learning pathways and talents, and what could be rarer than a Baccalaureate language models in vision of teaching and learning.
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www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2017 11
March 17_p3-end.indd 11 2017/2/23 1:56:15 PM community | profile The Fabulous Diane Baker TexT: PeTer DernBacH iMageS: PeTer DernBacH, ManDy gaineS
Diane has used that gift in her jobs in media, serving as a bridge to bring news of the world to an English-language audience in Taiwan. What you may not know is that Diane is also a doyenne of dance in Taiwan. Diane is one of Taiwan dance's most passionate and active ven if you have not met Diane ambassadors, sharing reviews, stories Baker in person, you may and developments of dance in Taiwan well have connected with her with a global audience.Diane's gift for already in any of a number story-telling is matched by her a passion oef ways. Diane has lived in Taiwan for for dance, and she has combined three decades, and for much of that these in reviews and features that Diane and Peter Dernbach time has worked in bringing news of highlight the unique gifts, talents and the world to English language readers interpretations of Taiwan's composers off-shoot of the Cloud Gate Dance and listeners in Taiwan. Diane worked and dancers with a wider audience, Theatre, through its early years under for years with ICRT's news team, and both in Taiwan and around the world. Artistic Director Lo Man-fei, and its in recent years has been working as Diane has chronicled the continuing continuing development as a platform an editor and reporter at the Taipei flourishing of the Cloud Gate Dance for young choreographers. Times. Developing from her earlier Theatre as it went from strength to Cloud Gate is by no means the only work in radio, Diane has provided the strength and developed a reputation as major dance troupe in Taipei, and recordings for the English language one of the preeminent contemporary Diane has also chronicled the visually voice-overs at all of Taiwan’s airports, dance troupes in the world. Cloud mesmerizing works of the Legend Lin so Diane may well have welcomed you Gate's groundbreaking founder, Lin Dance Theatre. Choreographer Lin to Taiwan, or reminded you to head Hwai-min, founded the troupe in 1973 Lee-chen takes years to develop each toward your gate in order to make and has developed a style of dance that work, which often draw on religious your flight. Diane has also been an fuses meditation, tai chi, martial arts, rituals and natural rhythms. Legend Lin active member and supporter of The ballet and contemporary dance into Dance Theatre's trilogy of Miroirs de Community Services Center, including a unique dance idiom. Lin Hwai-min Vie, Hymns aux Fleurs qui Passent, and her current role as a member of the himself is a creative story-teller, and Song of Pensive Beholding premiered Steering Community. If you have met many of the troupe's best known works between 1998 and 2009. Of Lin's work, Diane, then you are sure to know she draw on folk tales, historical stories Diane wrote: "the cumulative effect is is a consummate story-teller. Diane has and cultural tropes. Diane credits Cloud both meditative and hypnotic, sending a gift for capturing the essence of a Gate with helping ensure the primacy the audience into a trance-like state person, place or event and sharing it in of an indigenous language of dance where time no longer seems to matter, a way that truly makes you feel as if you and fostering a "national and family only the ritual. Tableaux unfold, the had been there yourself. pride that is very rare for a dance or world changes, and yet the differences theater company." In 2008, Diane are difficult to register." let readers in Taiwan and around the While Diane's reviews have not have world know about the devastating been limited to dance, she has likely fire that destroyed the rehearsal and witnessed and recorded the debuts storage space where Cloud Gate had and development of more stars of worked for years. While many of the dance in Taiwan than anyone else historical set designs and archival writing in English. In identifying the material can never be recovered, Cloud young choreographers, dancers and Gate is now happily in a new home in troupes to watch over the years, Diane Tamsui where they produce Cloud Gate has introduced the wider audience performances and dance shows from to the E-Dance Theater, Taipei Dance other troupes, as well as other musical Circle, Jade Dance Theatre, Horse Diane and Mandy Gaines performances. Diane has also covered and others. She is constantly open the development of Cloud Gate 2, an to discovering new voices and new
12 MARCH 2017 www.communitycenter.org.tw
March 17_p3-end.indd 12 2017/2/24 5:18:05 PM community | profile
creative directions in Taiwan dance, directors have Diane on speed-dial, and together dance lovers from around the and regularly attends the graduation she continues to have her finger on the world in celebration of new and old performances at the National Taiwan pulse of dance on the island. forms of movement. Universtiy of the Arts. Diane has If you are interested in learning more, seen Taiwanese dancers like Sheu go online and check out Diane's many Peter is an American IP Fang-yi head overseas to international stories, features and reviews. It is an lawyer at Winkler Partners aclaim (Sheu was a principal dancer an Internet course in the development who first came to Taiwan to with the Martha Graham Dance of the contemporary dance scene in study Chinese in the 1990s. Company in New York) and then Taiwan. And keep your eye out for He enjoys hiking all over later return to Taiwan to establish Diane at the Center, or at any dance Taiwan, practicing yoga, and sharing their own companies. Many of these performances around Taiwan. She will a good meal or performance with The choreographers, dancers and artistic be sure to be there, continuing to bring Fabulous Diane Baker.
Carolyn Chou – Meeting a Better You
TexT & images: Carolyn Chou
s a woman, a motivational a daily basis my friends and students speaker and educator, I endlessly complain about their am aware of the different lives. They blame their bosses, the roles and responsibilities organization that they work for, their Athat women face and strive to fulfill families and children for everything that throughout their lives. Their challenges is going wrong in their lives. They lump can be enormous. But when broken everything together into one tightly down into small, manageable goals and wrapped “blame package.” strategies, many of these challenges Then, they spend valuable time can be overcome. When they are, thinking negatively about everything well-deserved and hard-won success in their lives. They reach out to find follows. others who are also going to respond in However, there are times, when a negative manner, and soon a circle of we get into a slump. Our energy is at negative individuals has been formed. a low ebb and we are totally lacking Negativity becomes the main focus of time limits for doing them. Keep it in motivation. This slump can be this group. It pulls people down and simple. Follow your progress. Even the temporary or it can lead into a cycle it is difficult to extract oneself from it, smallest step that you have completed of negativity, depleting any remaining unless there is a significant mindset or is a success. Note your small successes energy, causing us to get stuck. attitude shift. and share them with others. You will Because of my profession, I hear on There are several action steps that probably become a motivator in their help to regain self-motivation. First, lives with your success. However, the realize that you may not be able to most important thing that I would like choose or control your circumstances, to emphasize is to stay positive. Being but what you can control is your able to “meet a better you” is worth all attitude about what is happening your attention and effort. around you. The first is to be around positive, productive people. Find one or two Carolyn Chou is the CEO of Silver Seed people who you can share your ideas Ltd., a professional trainer, President with, or have a good laugh or two of the Business Professional Women's with. Next, stop thinking too much. Club, Taipei's Tenyuan Club and popular Find someone to help you to see what author of Bees Coming (Mandarin goals you would like to set for yourself. Chinese), a book about women and Write them down and set reasonable leadership.
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2017 13
March 17_p3-end.indd 13 2017/2/24 5:19:19 PM Community | prOFilE Alice Ballard – A Lady of Community Service and Compassion
TexT: Sue BaBCoCK imageS: THe BriTiSH oFFiCe Taipei
o d a y t h e r e a r e m a n y become legendary hallmarks of this d es p erate p eo p le in t h e remarkable woman. world facing and making Alice was especially sensitive to those appalling choices for a variety prisoners who never received visits oTf reasons. Many risk imprisonment. from family or friends, and who were Some escape the consequences of their servicing long sentences. Her weekly choices; others do not. and holiday visits brought much joy and Those in prison have little or no feelings of gratitude to these men. outside contact with the daily world. Upon learning of Alice’s award, Most are far from their homes, like one incarcerated man shared in his the foreign prisoners here in Taiwan. letter to a staff colleague at the Taipei Too often, they are forgotten by their Community Services Center, “…I am friends and sometimes their families, not sure how this has all come about, but not by Alice Ballard. but I can say that this honor is richly experiences with the Volunteer Prison As a Volunteer Prison Visitor to deserved and I could not be happier Visitor Program at the Taipei Prison. British and other foreign prisoners at that it has been bestowed on Alice.” For the majority of students, this the Taipei Prison, for the last thirteen Alice has also been a popular was their first time to learn about years Alice has consistently offered guest speaker with Taiwanese and prison volunteer visitation programs. moral support and help to prisoners international university students at Their questions were thoughtful who seek outside contact. the National Taiwan Normal University and indicative of their willingness to For someone outside the immediate (NTNU), where I was a full-time promote or become Volunteer Prison prison community, Alice has been a member of the faculty. Those attending Visitors in the future. pillar of strength for these British and her lectures and presentations included With each university visit, Alice foreign prisoners. Her encouragement, students majoring in social work, planted valuable seeds of awareness c o m p a s s i o n , s e n s e o f h u m o r, counseling, education, music, media and deeper understanding among the recruitment of other volunteers, communication, family, and civic NTNU students. She also established endless supply of English language education, to name a few. a viable means for interested and books, reading sessions for those who A s a n a d v o c a t e f o r v i s i t i n g concerned individuals to give back to could not read, and timely visits to men incarcerated British and foreign society, and to the less fortunate. She struggling with their incarceration have prisoners, Alice shared with students her established another community link to those in need. Alice Ballard, a lady of community service and great compassion, Taiwan salutes you.
Suzan Babcock is a long-time resident of Taiwan. During her stay here, she has managed four successful careers in education, cross-cultural relations and counseling, although being a mother has been her favorite.
14 MARCH 2017 www.communitycenter.org.tw
March 17_p3-end.indd 14 2017/2/23 1:56:22 PM Community | prOFilE Mayumi Hu – A Community Volunteer and Advocate of Change
TexT & imageS: ToNy Hu
ver since Mayumi Hu’s arrival with a large variety of animals, and in Taiwan almost ten years she participated in feeding and caring ago, she has dedicated herself for them. After coming to Taiwan, to both improving Taiwan’s during her first trip to Yangmingshan Eanimal welfare and helping Taiwan’s National Park she was heartbroken young people achieve their goals. when she saw sick and injured stray On the one hand, she is very active dogs and puppies trying to hide from in animal adoption, stray dog catch/ the rain. From then on, she became neuter/release (CNR) activities, and actively involved in animal welfare. She animal welfare education. On the took care of stray dogs in the shelters other, she is devoted to helping and helped find families to adopt young people find a place within them through the Seeing Project. In the hospitality industry. She is a addition, she spends time teaching frequent invited guest speaker at kids at the Taipei American School young men and women to sharpen Taiwan universities, sharing her work (TAS) and the Taipei European School their public speaking skills and self- experience there and through the (TES) about caring for animals and confidence. At present, Mayumi is one Young SKAL organization. Quick to the responsibilities of pet ownership. of the Toastmasters Area Directors. She recognize that young people in Taiwan Mayumi is making a lasting impact in is volunteering her time to help many need to build their confidence in public the minds of these children. other Toastmasters Clubs around Taipei, speaking, Mayumi encourages them Mayumi’s eagerness for making and more people are benefiting from to attend the Taipei Toastmasters people around her better does not her presence. program. Additionally, she donates stop with children. Fluent in seven Yo u m i g ht b e wo n d e r i n g h ow time and her own resources to help l a n g u a g e s, M ay u m i h a d a v e r y Mayumi finds the time and energy for orphans and handicapped people successful career in the hospitality all the activities that she is involved through the Taipei International industry, with experiences in Europe, with. It’s her attitude, cheerful Women’s Club and SKAL International the Middle East, United States, and personality and willingness to reach charity programs. Asia. Since coming to Taiwan, Mayumi out to people. Her passion for life, her Mayumi’s love for animals started at has been sharing her experience with smile and liveliness are all contagious a very young age, when she was a farm college students who are eager for and make a positive impact on those girl in Brazil. Her father had a farm a career in hospitality. She wants to who know her. Her kindness towards help them succeed. Ming Chuan and others continually lingers in the hearts Soochow universities have invited of many. Mayumi to hold classes for their students. She has also evaluated graduation projects of students seeking degrees in hospitality and English Tony was born in Taiwan. Literature. His family immigrated to the Through her interactions with young U.S. in 1971. After retiring people, Mayumi noticed the careers from the U.S. Air Force of many young adults in Taiwan were in 2004, he became the hampered by a lack of confidence Senior Director for China/ i n p u b l i c s p e a k i n g. A f te r m u c h Taiwan/Mongolia Affairs in the Office of consideration about this situation, the Secretary of Defense, Pentagon. In Mayumi chartered an English-speaking 2007, Tony was assigned to serve in the Toastmasters Club to help them. American Institute in Taiwan. In 2011, Now in its seventh year, the club has he left government service and joined a provided an avenue for numerous private US company in Taipei.
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2017 15
March 17_p3-end.indd 15 2017/2/23 1:56:24 PM Community | prOFilE Gail West – The Hidden Gem of Tianmu
TexT: WHiTNey ZaHar image: gail WeST
t was a cold and gray day before introduce ecology concepts. In addition, and in their lives, Gail and Dick immerse Chinese New Year when I rang the they invited experts to introduce and themselves in Taiwanese culture. Most bell to the door which opened the begin their work with community of their friends are Taiwanese, so they way to the Taiwan branch of the building workshops and mediation enjoy the food and participating in the iInstitute of Cultural Affairs (ICA). I was emphasizing nonviolence, silence, holidays and festivals. greeted by a woman with a big spirit and listening, open space technology, Gail was thoughtful when I asked who called me by name. This was my and the healing practice of resonance about challenges she’s faced in Taiwan introduction to Gail West, who along repatterning. One of ICA’s recent because she’s a woman. “I feel that with her husband Dick, and Larry projects is based at a Tainan university, because I’m a woman, I’m old, and a Philbrook, form the core of the ICA in holding community development foreigner, I can do some things that Taiwan. Throughout our conversation, intensives for students in community my Taiwanese women counterparts Gail drew me in with the depth of building and working collaboratively. cannot do, especially when they experience and the stories she had to To that end, Gail believes the ICA talk to companies about hosting ICA share. She approached every question spirit is certainly one of collaboration. transformational programs. It’s easier with contemplation, occasionally giving She sums up more of the ICA spirit for me to tell them to think about a chuckle when it seemed like the story by saying, “always think of one thing doing more than a half-day workshop, she shared was something she got less to do, then empower others to especially if they’re looking to make deep enjoyment from. After spending do it themselves.” As a result, she and a big change in their organization.” time with Gail and Dick, I know why, in Dick do not run ICA Taiwan; there is However, she feels this mindset is the words of our mutual friend Roma no hierarchy. They live where they changing. What matters most to the Mehta, the Wests are “the hidden gems work, and they open their home and Taiwanese, she believes, is that an of Tianmu.” workplace to dialogues, gatherings, and individual has an inviting manner, that ICA is a network organization with other meetings. After being in Taiwan they pay attention to the other person, more than 28 groups all over the for so long, Gail has noticed that people and that they act with respect and world. Its overall mission is to help just want a voice, especially women. authenticity. people become self-sufficient, self- In the words of Teddy Roosevelt, Gail She loves working with students, reliant and self-supporting through its quoted, “Complaining about a problem and when asked what she would like facilitation services. To this end, they without providing a solution is called to see young people do more of, she provide services to individuals as well as whining.” ICA provides opportunities responded: “After asking them what organizations to improve competencies for people to have those voices. they care about and what they would and relationships in ones’ personal and Gail has lived in Taiwan since 1991. honestly like to do, I want to see them work life. The art of facilitation means She’s also lived in Indonesia, Malaysia, connect the two with responsibility, to make things easy in communication and India. What she finds so special which makes all the difference. In my and social relationships. ICA hosts about Taiwan is the kindness, openness, experience, when young people (and training programs for a wide variety of and energy of its people. “What also everyone for that matter) connect their individuals and groups. The facilitation nourishes me in my work here in passions with taking responsibility skills they work with include dialogue Taiwan is how the people here express for their actions, anything is possible. and planning, reflection practices, their appreciation. They listen and When an honest invitation is offered organization and leadership planning, absorb what we offer them through to fully participate in this way, the focus on relationships, development ICA, and then they take it and make it creativity and commitment is amazing.” of bigger perspectives, active listening, work for them. I love watching their Gail closed our wonderful, enriching and community building. In her early creativity, energy, and enthusiasm,” she conversation with a story about an days here, Gail was involved with says as we sit in her office/apartment international conference about open- opportunities for eco-cultural tours, over cups of tea. She also states space technology recently held in facilitating “green” office programs in how pleasing it is to live in Taiwan, Taiwan. There were many people companies and environmental round from the health insurance and public present, all from different places in the tables. Prior to this the ICA invited transportation, to the ease of accessing world and with different expectations. a Scandinavian deep-ecologist to cultural arts and events. In their work One foreign conference-goer was
16 MARCH 2017 www.communitycenter.org.tw
March 17_p3-end.indd 16 2017/2/23 1:56:25 PM community | profile
on the MRT, where she struck up a someone to give massages during their company and privileged to listen conversation with several Taiwanese breaks, employing a technique that to people who approach every part of students. She had limited Chinese, but uses the flat side of meat cleavers. their life with positive energy, respect, she communicated through gestures While it seemed strange, it was a and authenticity. and body language. Before she knew wonderful confluence of people it, she had invited the students to and events that heightened the attend the conference, and two or experience of the conference. Everyone three of them came! Additionally, other experienced the flexibility, openness Whitney Zahar is originally from the conference attendees serendipitously and freedom of open-space and of the U.S. and has called Taiwan home for saw a stall of delicious food and invited ICA spirit. six years. She is a mother, a writer, the vendor to bring the stall and his Words can’t convey how enriched a teacher, and an active member of food for lunch at the conference. Other my spirit felt after spending time with the Red Room community and Taipei people from the conference invited Gail and with Dick. I felt invigorated in Writers Group. Eva Salazar-Liu – Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
TexT: Sue BaBcock image: eva Salazar-liu
r. Eva Salazar-Liu was one that she found cross-cultural clients making speeches at churches about of the first members of the had difficulty in dealing with was how the Center, selling flowers at the Taipei Center’s counseling team to handle conflict. Westerners tend to European School (TES), picking up to be hired in 1987, by use strong body language, gestures and clients on Zhongshan North Road and Directors Gail Metcalf and Joel Wallach. loud voices to show their emotions. bringing them to the Center, painting Her areas of professional interest They expect direct eye contact and the Center’s gate and putting up included cross-cultural issues and often use open-ended questions in curtains. She worked with ICRT’s Gray relationships, cross-cultural marriage, their communication style. This, of Gleason and the station’s Outreach women’s issues and grief counseling. course, back in the 1980s and 90s, was Radio Program once a month for ten During this time, she worked with considered impolite and too direct years, answering incoming calls and global corporate clients assisting by their Asian counterparts, and it phone counseling. Other community with cross-cultural training programs usually shut-down further avenues for work was providing pro bono assistance provided by the Center, assisting host communication. and de-briefing to sexually harassed country nationals, as well as Western Dr. Salazar-Liu encouraged her or raped overseas contract workers in expatriates. Counseling sessions clients to engage in an open dialogue Taiwan at the request of the Manila often focused on cross-cultural so that they could acknowledge any Economic and Cultural Office (MECO). adjustment needs. Dr. Salazar-Liu was differences. She demonstrated through As an involved parent at the Taipei part of the Center's counseling team her own willingness to listen to their European School and member of for over two decades. views, to learn about their cultures and the Board of Governors for six years, Self-reflection is important to to work with them to create problem- Dr. Salazar-Liu is also an Associate becoming a competent cross-cultural solving strategies that were suitable Professor at Ming Chuan University, counselor or trainer, a view that had for their situation(s). She was able to a position she has held for thirty personal meaning for Dr. Salazar-Liu, create culturally-sensitive interventions years. These two di sti ngui sh ed whose husband was Chinese. Keeping for her clients. associations were instrumental to her an open mind, listening to each other I asked Eva about some of the things counseling work at the Center. They with a willingness to hear alternative that she remembered during our first provided avenues for client contacts views and to be willing to work with days at the Center. She quickly began and referrals, an important tenet of new value sets are necessary for to list them; reaching out to people in the Community Services Center’s successful cross-cultural relationships. the Tianmu community, distributing outreach mission for the international One of the main cross-cultural issues flyers to beer gardens and parks, community.
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2017 17
March 17_p3-end.indd 17 2017/2/24 5:20:40 PM community | profile Karen Farley – Foreign Woman, Entrepreneur: A Taiwan Journey
TexT & image: Karen Farley
his past year has been an the services of a legal or financial anticipated. entrepreneurial adventure that professional can smooth the process 3. Stand out from the crowd I was ready for. What I didn't and ensure that the right boxes have When a business is introducing a anticipate were the additional been ticked. Even though my name unique concept, the effort required Tcomplexities of starting a business in a is on all the official documents, I still to establish the market and the culture other than my own. sometimes get a surprised reaction that consumer demand should not be Reflecting on my Taiwan journey one I am indeed the responsible person underestimated. Encouraging our year later, I didn’t realise when I started approved by the government. customers to use their toaster oven out it would turn out to be a truly for more than making toast is a large enriching experience. What ConSiderationS are component of our sales process. On I’ve met foreign women in Taiwan there When Starting up in the product development side, I had who find themselves on a traditional taiWan? anticipated the challenge of selling career path or others who land here as Starting a business outside the baking mixes in Taiwan by adapting the dependent spouse of an expat on familiarity of your home country has its recipes and portion sizes to suit assignment. However, there are only unique set of considerations: those toaster ovens. a few foreign women who enter the 1. Surround yourself with a strong 4. Be prepared to adapt local start-up business world. A little over support team Having a great product or excellent a year ago, I took the entrepreneurial Identify your skill gaps and find service simply isn’t enough. What leap and started KP Kitchen Taiwan, good people to support you as you may work in one’s home country selling North American-style DIY Baking start out and grow. Throughout the may need to be modified to fit the Mixes and offering a Baker Space to first year, language has been my Taiwanese market. What took me share my love for baking with others. single biggest challenge for doing by surprise was the divided reaction For any foreign woman that would business in Taiwan. Despite studying to cinnamon – a very common like to start a business in Taiwan, I Chinese for half-a-dozen years, ingredient in North American baking would like to share parts of my journey using my second language for day- – among our initial customers. I with you. to-day activities is one thing and quickly learnt that cinnamon is more engaging the linguistic flexibility to often used in savory dishes and, Why Start a BuSineSS taiWan? conduct business is quite another. A for some, has unfortunate memory During the ten years of travelling, strong language consultant helped associations with traditional Chinese living, and working abroad after my me develop a reasonable level of medicine. I modified our product previous Toronto-based business, I was “baking Chinese,” however dealing offerings and now highlight when a looking for another business challenge. with banking matters or engaging a product contains cinnamon. While exploring opportunities outside tradesperson is still challenging. 5. Build a good business network of Taiwan, I was usually in the wrong 2. Establish a market Developing a strong network of place at the wrong time. Within months The consumer base in Taiwan is business supporters, mentors and, of arriving in Taiwan by chance, I relatively small, and it is smaller yet of course, customers is essential to identified Taipei as the right place to if a business is targeted at a foreign establishing a business presence in put my business plans into action. community which makes up less Taiwan. Relationships take time to So why Taiwan? than 3% of Taiwan’s population. In develop and strengthen, especially For starters: you can! Foreign my first year in Taipei, I spoke with within a new cultural environment. entrepreneurs can legally own a a lot of people and recognised a C o n n e c t i o n s t h a t h av e b e e n business in Taiwan with as little as TW$ strong interest within the Taiwanese systematically built up through 500,000 in initial investment. However, market for baking as a hobby. This school years and work in one’s home the business registration process is both surprised me and identified country need to be fostered in a costlier and more time-consuming than the potential for a larger market new place. Listen, question, and ask other Asian business hubs. Engaging opportunity than I had initially for the help you need to move your
18 MARCH 2017 www.communitycenter.org.tw
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business plan forward. This support about being open to thinking outside Karen Farley runs KP Kitchen Taiwan often comes in the most unexpected the box, knowing how to establish which produces and sells DIY Baking ways. One of our first hires came networks effectively, asking for help Mixes throughout Taiwan. As a serial about as a result of a friend casually and having a sense of humor. If you’ve entrepreneur and serial expat, Karen mentioning the online university- been dreaming of that business idea grabs adventures in business and based network that is commonly and you’re planning to stick around for life with both hands. When she’s not used by students, a resource I a few years at least, then Taiwan may baking, Karen can be found dreaming wouldn’t have had access to without be the place to take a leap and put of her next travel destination. Karen can his kind help. those dreams into action. be contacted at [email protected]. I have learnt a lot this year, especially Lansing Chen – Devoted Educator Teaching the Ancient Japanese Art of Ikebana
TexT: Sue BaBcock imageS: LanSing chen
a n s i n g C h e n h a s b e e n Lansing was about floral designs and centuries, ikebana had become a p ra c t i c i n g a n d t e a c h i n g arrangement, she let Lansing stay to symbol of traditional Japanese culture, ikebana, the ancient Japanese make an arrangement from the flowers and detailed instruction books were art of flower arrangement, that were left over from her day’s work. being written on the art. Today, ikebana lfor over thirty years. Lansing’s love of For Lansing, a dream was beginning to arrangements must follow these basic beautiful flowers was encouraged by come true: to learn more about ikebana. guidelines: a minimalist approach, her mother, who also had a passion for shape and graceful lines, balance, good flora. Ikebana use of space, and be pleasing to look at. When Lansing was in junior high Ikebana is an ancient Japanese art school, her mother had a lady from of flower arranging. In Japanese, ike StyleS, StemS (brancheS) and Japan who practiced the art of ikebana. means to “arrange” and bana means Placement During thus visit, the lady would come “flower.” The practice of ikebana began In Japan, there are as many as three to their home and go out into the with the introduction of Buddhism thousand ikebana schools, each with its garden, carefully selecting the right to Japan from China and Korea in the own styles and rules. Lansing studied materials for that week’s ikebana 7th century. By the 15th and 16th the Shofu School of ikebana, the main arrangement. Beautiful arrangements were created and carefully placed in auspicious locations throughout Lansing’s home. Inspired by these arrangements, Lansing began to practice ikebana. Years later, quite by chance, Lansing was walking along Po-ai Road, near the junction with Wuchang Street in Taipei, when she noticed a sign that had been placed in a tailor’s fabric shop. The sign indicated that on the second floor of the shop was a lady that made and taught floral arrangements. Intrigued, Lansing inquired. Moments later, she climbed to the second floor, where she found the teacher, who was just about ready to close her classroom for the day. When the teacher saw how excited
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March 17_p3-end.indd 19 2017/2/24 5:22:18 PM community | profile
styles of which include Kihonge (a basic angle. Azaleas, blooming plums, peach are hard at work getting ready for the “vertical” style), Keshadai (a “slanted” blossom, coconut leaves, weeping fiftieth anniversary celebration of the style), Kansuidai (“water-view” style), willow, and branches from a variety of Taipei Chapter of Ikebana International. Hutakubu (“double stem” style), trees including pine, are used. This event will be held from May 18th Nageire (“throw-in” style), Jiudai (free- – 22nd, 2017. The program includes style) and some applied styles.” Ikebana Flowers an exhibition at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Traditionally each ikebana design Flowers are selected by shape, size, Xinyi Place A9 from May 19th – 21st, has three main stems. These stems color, and season, and by the feelings of a workshop for members on May (branches) are called Tien (Heaven), Jin the ikebana practitioner towards them. 20th, an ikebana demonstration by (Human Being) and Chi (Earth). Their Bird of paradise, chrysanthemum, Mr. Akihiro Kasuya, the headmaster measurements are based upon the dahlia, peony and baby’s breath are of Ichiyo School in Japan, and a size of their container. The length and commonly used, and recently many Celebration Banquet on May 22nd. angle of each stem also depends on the new imported flowers have enlarged classical design that is being followed. the range that can be chosen. MeDItatIng on the beauty Stems are placed in certain positions oF nature anD gaInIng Inner and at specific angles in ikebana lansIng Chen – a DeDICateD PeaCe arrangements. Angles are an important Ikebana eDuCator One of the main principles of ikebana key for successful ikebana. As a senior member and past is to create an arrangement in silence. Stems and flowers are also held president of the Ikebana International For Lansing Chen it is this practice of in various ways in different ikebana Taipei Chapter, Lansing has served stillness that has become associated schools; one is the so-called kenzan a s C o nfe re n c e C h a i r wo m a n fo r with her practice of Japanese ikebana (pin-holder), or the stems may also the successful 13th Asian Regional designs. Perhaps this is the main reason simply be arranged, unsecured, in Conference of Ikebana International, why this ancient art continues to attract a container, which requires a good held in Taipei in 2015. Currently, she followers in an era of global discord. technique to balance and hold them is delighted to share her experience They would also like to reconnect and in the right position and at the correct with the Chapter organizing team, who be one with nature.
Sue Whiteley – A gentle giver of care to those in need
TexT: Sue BaBcock image: Sue WhiTeley
ue Whiteley was born in ways she could use her experience of centered on Taipei), for whom she Grahamstown, South Africa, and training within the local and expat provided Palliative Care until his death. although she spent an early community. As a registered nurse As a Palliative Care nurse, Sue part of her childhood in specializing in HIV/AIDS and Palliative empowers and comforts people sSouthern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Care nursing, Sue decided to provide by offering gentle, non-judgmental until her family returned home to South volunteer community outreach at the support and guidance. She encourages Africa. Harmony Home Association in Zhonghe people in their growth, transformation Sue studied at Sharley Cribb Nursing District and at the Taipei Prison, which and grief, allowing them to make College in Port Elizabeth. Her academic houses incarcerated foreigners. decisions based on their own needs and studies and training allowed her to The Harmony Home Association wishes, and to learn from them. practice in many different areas of has five shelters in Taiwan for women, Palliative Care is a complex form of nursing, including Palliative Care. As children, orphans and adults who are care which is unique to each person a trained Palliative Care nurse, Sue living with AIDS, and for the elderly and situation. It usually involves worked closely with the terminally ill with advanced illnesses who are an individual’s social, spiritual, and their families before moving to facing severe financial stress. Sue psychological and physical care. It Taipei with her husband, Chris Whiteley, befriended many people there. One also means walking alongside those in a professor at the National Taiwan Western gentleman she discovered was need, and offering them unconditional Science and Technology University. a decorated U.S. military hero, Frank love: something that Sue Whiteley In Taiwan, Sue began to explore the Thomaschek (see the February issue excels at.
20 MARCH 2017 www.communitycenter.org.tw
March 17_p3-end.indd 20 2017/2/24 6:01:18 PM community | profile Lisa West – Girl Scout Leader Extraordinaire
TexT: Priya LaLwani Purswaney images: Lisa wesT, Joyce Hu
he Taiwan Chapter of the Chairwoman of the Taiwan Chapter of United States of America Girl the USAGSO for most of her time in Scouts Overseas (USAGSO) Taiwan. Through this program, she has is a premiere leadership introduced hundreds of girls to the Girl oTrganization. Blending traditional Scouting lifestyle, and has personally aspects of the Girl Scouts with a new led multiple troops of high school girls approach to scouting highlights the as a troop leader. kinds of roles that girls might take on to This passion has influenced her become successful young women of the own two daughters, who were scouts 21st century. throughout their school years. However, Lisa West, mother of two daughters unlike some adult scout leaders who and adult scout leader for over thirty “retire” when their children graduate, years, is an extraordinary woman, Lisa remained very active as a scout remark her long-time Taiwan friends leader. This level of commitment is rare and Girl Scout associates Priya Lalwani and further illustrates her commitment was a perfect witch and enchantress Purswaney and Joyce Hu. to Girl Scouts. with her elaborate costumes and props. Priya explains: I have known Lisa In 2016, under her enthusiastic Aside from Girl Scouts, as surprising West for over ten years. We met when I guidance, two high school seniors as it may sound, Lisa does have other was a Girl Scout liaison at the Morrison achieved the Gold Award, the highest hobbies, too. She has been taking Academy in Taipei, a Girl Scout troop rank within the Girl Scout organization. Mandarin lessons for a long period leader and the co-chair of the United As part of the volunteer opportunities of time to enable her to further her States Girl Scouts Overseas Committee that Lisa provided for the USAGSO understanding of Taiwan and its culture. in Taiwan. girls here in Taipei, there are two that I Art classes offer her an opportunity When we met, Lisa, her husband Bill would like to mention in particular. The to make some beautiful paintings, at and their two daughters, Elizabeth and first is that every Christmas season, each which she is quite talented. Rebecca, had just moved to Taiwan. At girl from her troop adopts an angel from Lisa will leave Taiwan. We and the that time, no one would have been able the Taipei American School Orphanage other Girl Scout leaders are filled with to predict the massive impact that Lisa Club’s Angel Tree, a tree with angel anxiety over how her huge leadership would have on the expat community ornaments on it. Each angel represents shoes are going to be filled. It will be here in Taipei with her Girl Scout a gift request from an under-privileged impossible for one person to do this. In activities. child. Girls from Lisa’s troop learned fact, we are expecting that it will take Lisa West has devoted herself to about giving and sharing through this four people to fill her leadership role. scouting in Taiwan. She has been the annual activity. We would like to invite members of the Another volunteer activity that her community to join us in impacting the troop became involved in was at the lives of young girls through scouting, American Club’s (ACC) Halloween so that we may continue the spirit and party. Her Girl Scouts learned valuable legacy that Lisa West will leave behind. skills in event planning, organizing, implementing and publicizing for this popular cross-cultural event. Priya Lalwani Purswaney, Each girl helped out at various a professional English/ Halloween stations, which included a Chinese/Hindi interpreter, visit to the famous cackling sorceress, has been in Taiwan for Lisa West. Lisa’s contributions are three decades. In her free memorable and she has been known time she volunteers with Girl Scouts to make special guest appearances all and Boy Scouts, while also actively around the Tianmu and Yangmingshan promoting cultural exchanges between areas during the Halloween season. She Taiwan and India.
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2017 21
March 17_p3-end.indd 21 2017/2/24 5:24:03 PM interview Zee Dlamini – A Lady of Fashion from the Kingdom of Swaziland
The following is an interview with Zee Dlamini, a woman who wears many hats. Among these is her passion for fashion.
TexT: Zee Dlamini anD Pai Su-yu image: Zee Dlamini
As a child, who or what captured your to a soccer match.” I realized that they rebellious streak seemingly has never attention and sent you a message were way ahead of their time. What the left. Things didn't have to make sense, about wearing pretty clothes? men in Pitti Uomo are doing now, those including clothes. They still don’t. Zee: My mother. She always looked Swazi boys did in the early 90’s! My Fashion for me became (and still is) an well-put together, even in a uniform. uncles had some swag on them! art form. “Normal” scares me, but it I was amused by the way clothes Mother saved one dress I asked her works for a lot of people. So “normal” is transformed the women around me. to keep for me, but I did not know she good for business and that is why I love You know, grandmother and aunts did until last year when she gave it to editorial styling, because you literally could in a blink of an eye turn into me. She has also saved several dresses are given a blank canvas and you, the the women I saw on Dynasty. Their she liked from my childhood so I can stylist, become the artist. hats, the shoulder pads, the prints, give them to my future daughter. And I guess that’s the message I’d the pantyhose, the jewelry, the shoes, Consequently, fashion for me looked like younger and even middle-aged or everything. I remember asking mother like a way for transformational unity (in mature women to know. You are not if she would save her all her suede style and design terms). It represented created to make sense to anybody loafers for me, so I could wear them the versatility of the female being; except your creator. I would suggest when I was older. her strengths, her weaknesses, to try not to lose yourself trying to I started paying attention to my her emotions. It was about grace, live how you are “expected” to live, clothes even then. I started asking elegance, having fun and being creative especially by people who share an that my clothes be bought to match with what you wore and how you earthly body just like you. Our callings whatever I had. Thinking about it now, wore it. Not necessarily about “pretty are different; purposes are different I'm pretty sure it was strange, I guess, clothes,” because clothes don’t make and our abilities are different. A to see an 8-year-old playing outside you, they only create a temporary relationship, whether married, single, with matching pants/shorts, T-shirt and shelter. Therefore, the person in the divorced, widowed, unsure, lesbian, shoes, but I was that kid. Luckily my clothes and how they carry their employed, unemployed etc. is not you, grandmother was very particular about clothes was what really caught my so don’t let people box you into their her grandkids looking meticulous, curiosity as a child. expectations based on petty things like even in casual clothes, so it was not an that. And it’s really easy to confuse unwelcome thing. How has your love of fashion grown selfishness with happiness. Everybody The men from my mother’s family from when you were a child, a is created with a purpose, and trust me, were always stunning too. Prints and teenager to now? it’s not to make as much money as you color was never off the table for them. What message do you want to present can. It has something to do with self- Which I think was very brave back then, to girls and young women? discovery. when everybody around them was Zee: As a child, it was merely just Self-identity is very important, and trying too hard to be “macho.” A few curiosity and exploring it through my identity is a complex and dynamic years ago, at work, I looked at a picture eyes; creating storylines in my head, concept, but the best thing you can of them taken at a soccer match, and sort of like a photoshoot except then ever do for yourself is know who you I remember thinking, “who wears it was a private show for myself. As a are in the spirit, because you are not pristine midnight blue pants with a teenager, it was a form of escape and your body - you are within it, before the matching jacket and a yellow shirt outfit rebellious self-expression… and my world tries to tell you and shape you.
22 MARCH 2017 www.communitycenter.org.tw
March 17_p3-end.indd 22 2017/2/24 5:24:41 PM The earlier the better. personalities. I have learned to listen way to the bank. Sometimes you need So you can put on your Gucci loafers more, to be quiet, but active. Active to change how and what you are doing, and not feel guilty, because you worked in the sense of continuous learning, not necessarily change your business, hard and helped many people along especially in the digitalized world we but how you go about doing it, which the way while in them, or you can wear live in. means a “jump or dive” is necessary to your night market-bought loafers and I listen to others and to nature, get different results. still be the woman you desire and were because inspiration for me can I have also learned about the power designed to be. Fashion in its basic form happen with anyone, everywhere and of words; I remember touching my is shallow, but what you do it with it is anywhere. I think self-challenge and body and praying that God restores what gives it life, makes it art and gives being resolute are the most difficult my health, because I am not effective you power, and if your intentions are things I’ve had to do, because it’s easier when ill and I cannot fulfill the purpose set from a place of love, you will be at to be in a comfort zone and enjoy the He has for me when I’m lying idle in peace with how you look. familiar. However, it is much more fun bed and in pain. Two weeks ago, for But never shy from asking for help if to jump off a cliff and pray that the the first time in a year, the doctor gave you feel you need it. parachute opens. And yes, you may hit the best health review, after looking at the side of the mountain a few times my charts. So, I have learned to believe Sue [Babcock] mentioned that you and have bruises, you will panic for a in what I speak and with that comes have your own “collection.” What little while and you will definitely learn a great responsibility to build and not are some of the things that you have how to pray. Once your parachute is destroy anything with my tongue or in learned along the way? in the air and you are done fussing my environment or body. And [I believe Zee: Hahaha! I have learnt that sleep (be still), then your chute will use the that] miracles still exist. is truly overrated, yet it is also essential. force generated by the passing air to Most of all, that we need to take care extract your deployment bag which and look after ourselves in order to be contains the parachute canopy. After Pai Su-yu is an educator, writer able to be effective in our work. This your chute canopy opens, your landing and photographer, currently working is especially so if the work requires will be somewhat safer, you will be between Taipei and New York. creativity and interaction with different happier and hopefully walking all the
Recognizing the Community Service Center’s Volunteers (2012 – 2016)
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the many dedicated volunteers that have supported the Community Services Center over the years. The list is very long and we hope to continue with our acknowledgements of their service to the Center, in future issues.
Nancy Achorn (2012, 2013) Sharon Landon (2015, 2016) Ruth Reynolds (2012, 2013, 2014) Jennifer Adelson (2014) Lily Lau (2012, 2013, 2014) Jenni Rosen (2012, 2013) Alice Ballard (2014, 2015) Shan Lee (2015) Julia Ruggiere (2012, 2013) Alison Davis Bai (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) Sophie Lee Bianca Russell (2014, 2015) Miyuki Boice (2015, 2016) Robin Looney (2012) Amanda Savage (2013) Daniel Chan (2016) Fiona Mackelworth (2014, 2015, 2016) Kari Schiro (2012, 2013) Vincy Chik (2013, 2014) John McQuade (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016) Sandra Schnelle (2012) Wakako Couch (2012) Linda Mendenhall (2012) Desta Selassie (2012, 2013) Wen Finamore (2012, 2013) Margaret Mendoza (2014, 2015) Emmy Shih (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016) Shana Garcia (2012, 2013) Michael Mullahy (2013, 2014) Michelle Smith (2012, 2013) Carly Geidl (2016) Renee Nicolaci (2015) Anita Town (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016) Katharine Susa Gill (2012) Jessica Nielsen (2012) Priyanka Waidande (2012) Alexandra Hartline (2014, 2015) Bunny Pacheco (2012, 2013, 2016) Elizabeth Weinstein (2014, 2015) Anita Ho (2014, 2015) Monica Pellizzaro (2013, 2014, 2016) Sue Whiteley (2016) Webster Hsieh (2012) Gloria Peng (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016) Heike Wood John Imbrogulio (2014, 2015, 2016) John Phillips (2016) Lillian Yin (2012, 2013) Anne Jacquet (2016) Chaitra Pramod
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March 17_p3-end.indd 23 2017/2/23 1:56:36 PM fashion & beauty
The grace Jones The Jamaican-born icon stood out from the top Women models of the early 1970s, like Jerry Hall, Jessica Lange and Lauren Hutton. She embraced perhaps what had often been used to tease her as a child: Who her unusual, androgynous features. Her bold look was well received in Paris, where she moved after signing with Wilhelmina models, and was booked by designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Kenzo Dared and Alaia. She also became muse to legendary photographer Jean Paul Goude and often collaborated with him before leaving the modeling world to pursue acting and singing. Jones and Twiggy changed the perception of what beauty meant for the world. She’s the original version of TexT: Zee DlamiNi imageS: WeB what we know as Lady Gaga.
elebrating the women Marlene dietricH who shaped fashion The original style chameleon, Dietrich and its modern history frequently transformed her style under the is truly like going into a spotlight. She was one of the first women to be bCig library and not knowing which photographed wearing a full tuxedo in the 30s, book to borrow because they which contrasted her blonde, wavy locks. Other are all worth a read. A countless photographs show her wearing ties, bulky blazers, number of women have made feminine midi skirts and lush furs. She opened the valuable contributions to the public eye to ever-changing fashion, and the fact fashion industry, as have their male that women can wear men’s pieces too — and counterparts. When thinking of still be elegant. fashion history, it’s easy to conclude that it is the women who make its most impactful changes. Although this isn’t always true, because franca sozzani there are so many women in the Franca Sozzani is the groundbreaking editor fashion industry, it’s very easy for of vogue italia. As a huge supporter of the most to go unnoticed and their democratization of fashion, she regularly styled contributions overlooked. fast fashion with luxury on her pages. She was But every once in a while, an instrumental in supporting all ethnicities and amazing woman who does more sizes of models: Sozzani has featured multiple than just contribute to the future of plus-sized models on covers, devoted an entire fashion design comes along, breaks issue to all-black models and an issue of l'uomo the barriers, pushes the boundaries vogue to African culture. Sadly, this fashion and opens cultural, business or change maker passed away on Christmas day creative doors, not only for females, 2016. but males as well. T h e d e s i g n e rs, t h e ed i to rs and writers, the image-makers, grace Mirabella the style icons, the thinkers and When Grace Mirabella replaced the great Diana businesswomen, the beauty gurus, Vreeland as Editor-in-Chief of vogue in 1971, the models and finally, in today’s she shocked the fashion world. Mirabella wasn't digital world, the new media editorial; she came from the business world. Her queens. All these groups of women parents were Italian immigrants, not socialites, have shaped, molded and continue and her only connection to the magazine was that to show off the multiple abilities of she had worked diligently as Vreeland's former the woman. assistant. But in seventeen years, she tripled the Here’s a quick look at a few of magazine's circulation and proved that business the many incredible women in the skills are vital in the editorial world. She also history of fashion. supported American designers such as Geoffrey Beene and Calvin Klein, ushering in an era of wearability for the everyday woman. In the 90s she started her own successful publication, mirabella.
24 MARCH 2017 www.communitycenter.org.tw
March 17_p3-end.indd 24 2017/2/23 1:56:40 PM travel
valerie steele Prior to Valerie Steele, fashion curation and history in museums were virtually nonexistent. The historian, curator, and director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology brought fashion to the forefront of cultural lillian bassMan and academic conversations Bassman can be described as the mother of fashion through exhibitions and books. photography. Famous for her dreamlike black-and-white "W h en I b ega n, n o b o d y wa s images during the 1940s and 50s, Lillian Bassman was a studying fashion as a scholarly rarity in the male-dominated fashion photography field. topic. There was fashion journalism Her unique aesthetic earned her the title of art director and a kind of antiquarian costume history, but nobody was of Harper's BaZaar's erstwhile mini magazine, Junior looking at the cultural history of fashion, or what fashion means BaZaar. Bassman used tissues and gauzes to create a today," she once told Harper's BaZaar. dark, romantic quality that hadn't been seen in fashion imagery before.
Zee Dlamini is a digital PR strategist turned eleanor laMbert fashion stylist/fashion blogger, in addition to The public relations being a full-time mommy with a zest for life and maven founded the a lover of all things good. first-ever New York Fashion Week and the International Best Dressed List in the 1940s, defining t h e f i r s t s e r i o u s fashion networks in the United States. Prior to that, editors, buyers and the fashion industry considered Paris the capital of fashion. In 1962, she cemented her legacy by organizing the Council of Fashion Designers in America (the CFDA), the most important fashion authority for decades, that still reigns supreme today.
vivienne westwood An activist, business- woman, and designer, Westwood addresses everything from civil rights to climate change in her work, all while creating high fashion. She started out designing clothing for the punk boutique SEX in the 1970s. Today, she runs h e r n a m e s a ke l a b e l a s w e l l a s V i v i e n n e Westwood Red Label. Dame Vivienne Westwood may be responsible for the convergence of high fashion and punk.
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March 17_p3-end.indd 25 2017/2/23 1:56:44 PM travel
RICHARD SAUNDERS EXPLORES TAIWAN'S LESS-TRODDEN PATHS
maling hot spring TexT & imageS: riCHarD SauNDerS
down gravel which may temporarily low water. Crossing the river can be bury the hot spring sources on the river quite a challenge if it’s rained recently; bank), but the magnificent scenery on keep well away if there’s been heavy the route alone makes the moderately rain. A fine waterfall drops from the st ren u o u s t ri p o u t t h ere ri c h l y cliffs on the right into the gorge after a worthwhile. The ninety-minute trace up few minutes, and eventually the first of the river to the hot spring (there’s no several tall waterfalls plunge down the trail or path) lies through magnificent other side of the gorge – a signal that scenery, and is a bit of an adventure, Maling Hot Spring (馬陵溫泉) is nearby, even when the water is low (in winter, beside the left bank of the river. which is the best time to go anyway, of course). The trailhead is a small road on the left of the highway just before the barrier that stops vehicles going any further (the section of the highway between Guguan and Deji remains closed after huge damage caused by the great earthquake of 1999). The rough road soon stops at a gate. Walk down he beautiful Central Cross- to the riverbank just beyond, and start island Highway, which once walking upstream, wading through the linked the cities of Taichung water or following the wide banks of on the flat western plains of rock and gravel exposed in places at Taiwan, and Hualian on the island’s mountainous east coast, is graced with a number of fabulous hot springs. Deep in the depths of a stunning marble canyon at the top of Taroko Gorge, Wenshan Hot Springs is easily Taiwan’s most famous and popular undeveloped hot spring. Closed for some years during the early years of the millennium following a rockfall, the hot springs opened again to the public a few years back, and are more popular than ever. Near the opposite end of the highway is a second, equally beautiful but almost unknown natural hot spring, secreted deep in a gorge not far from the popular hot spring spas of Guguan (谷關). It’s smaller and less reliable than Wenshan Hot Springs (summer flood waters bring
richard Saunders is a trained classical musician and writer who has lived in Taipei since 1993. He has written several books (available at the Center and in bookshops around Taipei), including yangmingshan: the guide (a complete guide to the National park on Taipei’s doorstep), Taipei escapes i and 2, which together detail sixty day trips and hikes within easy reach of Taipei city, and The islands of Taiwan, a guide to Taiwan’s offshore islands. His latest book, Taiwan 101: essential Hikes, Sights and experiences around ilha Formosa, is out now.
26 MARCH 2017 www.communitycenter.org.tw
March 17_p3-end.indd 26 2017/2/23 1:56:47 PM health Women and Water Retention
TexT: miCHelle CHeuNg imageS: WeB imageS
“Michelle, I wonder why my weight changes so much menstruation) because they tend to retain sodium and water. from morning to night: it can fluctuate from 2-4lbs, and Female steroid hormones, progesterone and estrogen, are somehow it’s even worse during my period!” This is the kind involved in fluid regulation, and hence are thought to play of feedback that I have received a lot from female patients an important role in the development of pre-menstruation coming to see me for weight management consultation. water retention. The mid-luteal phase is characterized by To understand why our weight can fluctuate day to elevated progesterone and high estrogen levels. Estrogen day, we must know our body composition: the respective and progesterone levels decline rapidly during the late luteal percentages of fat, bone, water and muscle in our bodies. phase corresponding to clinical pre-menstruation edema. It Men and women have a different body composition, but also explains that why some women who have premenstrual in general, our body is made of about 50-65% water. In syndrome experience bloating and breast tenderness. terms of daily weight fluctuation, body fat, and bone and muscle mass are relatively stable, leaving body water the main variable to account for the small and frequent weight fluctuation. Numerous factors affect our body water percentage, including dietary pattern and the consequences of certain medical conditions; however, women have a more complicated physiological makeup and they are more prone to retain water. edema is a medical term used to describe the swelling caused by fluid retention when excess fluid accumulates in the body’s tissues. The main symptoms of edema are swelling in the extremities (ankles, feet, hands and fingers) and weight gain. if you press a finger to a swollen area for thirty seconds, and, when you remove it, the area compressed stays indented for a few seconds, you have what is called a pitting edema. in most instances, it might get better on its own without To further investigate the correlation between the any treatment, but it also hormones and water regulation, studies have compared can be a sign of a serious a group of healthy young women who received oral health issue. contraceptives with another group who received none, and the results suggested that the overall changes in water or feMale pHysiology fluid retention were consistently present during estrogen Swelling may occur in women during parts of the menstrual and/or progesterone administration, even though these cycle, pregnancy and menopause. The exact mechanism is differences were small. still unclear. pregnancy Menstruation During late pregnancy, water accumulates because the Pre-menstruation edema occurs in many women and adrenal glands produce more of the hormones aldosterone can affect daily life. Many studies have suggested that and cortisol, which stimulate sodium and water reabsorption women gain weight and develop peripheral edema (edema from the gut, eventually making the body retain water. It is of the extremities, especially legs) during the luteal phase also partly because the enlarging uterus compresses veins of the menstrual cycle (two weeks prior to menses until and lymphatic drainage from the legs; therefore, water backs
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March 17_p3-end.indd 27 2017/2/23 1:56:48 PM health
up in the veins of the legs and seeps out into the surrounding If the food is "low calorie" and "low Light (for sodium- tissues. Slight swelling is expected during pregnancy; fat" and sodium is reduced by at reduced products) however, if sudden swelling is experienced in hands and face, least fifty percent per serving Sodium is reduced by at least fifty it could be a sign of preeclampsia. It is important to contact Light in sodium a health care provider about any sudden swelling. Edema percent per serving usually disappears quickly after childbirth. Note: Don’t rely on your taste buds: some foods don’t taste salty but they may contain lots of sodium! Menopause During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels decline and numerous symptoms of postmenopausal syndromes (such as mood swings, insomnia, hot flashes and weight gain) may arise. Some women choose to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications containing estrogen and progesterone, to relieve the symptoms. That being said, increased estrogen and progesterone levels contribute to water retention and bloating. The hormonal changes are uncontrollable contributors to water retention, but we can control what we eat. Among all 2. Eat adequate vegetables and fruit the contributors to water retention, one common cause is Both vegetables and fruit such as bananas, avocados and diet-related and it can be readily reversed when a balanced tomatoes are rich in potassium. Potassium is a mineral that diet is adopted. serves several important functions, and one of them appears to help reduce water retention by decreasing sodium levels and increasing urine production. The daily recommended intake of vegetables and fruit are 1.5 bowls of cooked vegetables and 2 medium-sized fruit.
1. Avoid excessive salt intake It’s well known that excessive salt intake results in increased water retention; in other words, absorption of water is increased in the presence of excessive amounts of 3. Drink adequate fluid sodium. Americans eat more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium People often get the wrong perception that we should each day. Despite the added sodium in many processed and avoid drinking too much fluid when experiencing water prepared foods, sodium occurs naturally in many foods such retention. Sometimes water retention is due to sodium as celery, beets and milk. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines retention in our body, and sodium and water are naturally for Americans suggest limiting sodium intake to less than attracted to each other. In this instance, drinking more water 2,300 mg per day for individuals over the age of 14, and is helpful because the kidneys closely monitor the amount an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day. Excessive of fluids and sodium in the body. Therefore, when you drink sodium intake results not only in water retention, but also more water, your kidneys notice the additional salt and water, hypertension, heart and kidney diseases. sending a message to the body to release both. As a result, Salt vs Sodium: salt is flushed out of our body. Even if sodium is not the • 1/4 teaspoon salt = 575 mg sodium cause, drinking water can stimulate your body to release extra • 1/2 teaspoon salt = 1,150 mg sodium fluids. • 3/4 teaspoon salt = 1,725 mg sodium Note: Some medical conditions require that you restrict • 1 teaspoon salt = 2,300 mg sodium water intake to prevent complications. It’s also wise to read the label on the package to help you better understand a food’s sodium content. Less than five milligrams of sodium Sodium-Free per serving; contains no sodium chloride (salt) Very Low Sodium 35 milligrams or less per serving Low-Sodium 140 milligrams or less per serving Michelle Cheung is currently a full-time Reduced (or less) At least 25 percent less sodium per mom to two but was previously working as a sodium serving than the usual sodium level Clinical Dietitian in Hong Kong.
28 MARCH 2017 www.communitycenter.org.tw
March 17_p3-end.indd 28 2017/2/23 1:56:50 PM parents’ view Why our fourth grade son cannot have an iPhone
TexT: BreNDa liN imageS: WeB imageS
u r fo u r t h g ra d e s o n’s Our son is the same age as the Because the advent of the iPhone teacher conducted an iPhone. In just one decade, the iPhone is still so recent, we are only just now informal poll the other has utterly changed the way we beginning to see the results of studies day, asking who in class communicate and behave. Without conducted to understand the effects of oOwned a smartphone. Out of a class of argument, it has granted us countless consistent and continual use, especially 21, only five did not raise their hand. conveniences by making information in young children and adolescents, Our son was one of them. He came abundant and available at any given whose tender and impressionable home armed with a list of reasons moment. I am grateful to it for the brains are still developing. It has why he should be allowed to have a times it has helped us navigate while been shown that what we do online smartphone – an argument he has been driving abroad, or even in the back – whether it is compulsively check formulating and perfecting since at least roads up in the hills above Tianmu. As email, engage in online games, respond the second grade, when he noticed his well, for the times easy and immediate to every text and news alert, keep peers whipping out smartphones on the access to email has allowed both my an internal tally of the likes on our school bus and in the library, and middle husband and me to be untethered to Facebook page – releases the same and upper school students roaming the office desk so that we are able neurotransmitter known as dopamine the hallways simultaneously texting to spend more quality time with our to the pleasure seeking areas of our and zombie-walking. He bombards us children. But when I see toddlers brain. Dopamine is the same basis for with the same pleas regarding having holding phones while being pushed nicotine, alcohol, drug, and gambling a YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter in their strollers, watching cartoons addiction. In his discussion about account. When his grandmother, who on a tiny screen instead of watching the predicament of millennials in the was visiting from California over the the world around them, or a group workplace, the writer and marketing holidays, asked him what Twitter was, of teenagers each on their individual consultant, Simon Sinek, likened our he replied, “I don’t know, but everyone phone instead of interacting with one allowing children and adolescents to has it and you can follow celebrities and another, I question the way we allow unlimited use of the internet and social celebrities can follow you!” In other our children to use smartphones and media to opening the liquor cabinet in words, everybody else is doing it, so tablets – not only with abandon, but our homes and welcoming children to why shouldn’t I? Though this is not a without considering the long-term drink from an early age, thus promising thoughtful way to consider why one consequences. Once we brought our a lifelong addiction. should do anything, it is a completely children to see the Upper School play These studies have been published normal response for an observant, and the Middle Schoolers sitting in as early as 2012, and yet the tech socially active ten-year-old who models front of us were on their phones the industry has only exploited this piece of behavior he sees around him. entire time, sending instant messages. neuroscience by creating and offering apps and platforms – such as Twitter and Snapchat – which, by using limited characters or time in which to absorb and respond to information, now requires even more frequent attention, and ultimately is cultivating an entire generation of young people who expect constant and instant gratification. In more extreme cases, we are already seeing Internet addiction rehabilitation centers. L es s s evere b u t m o re widely seen are large portions of the
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March 17_p3-end.indd 29 2017/2/23 1:56:51 PM parents’ view
population that have un-learned how our parents’ generation – in their late relationship with technology. In this to communicate with one another face- sixties to seventies – are even more most current surge of technological to-face. How many times have you bound to the incessant interruptions advances – an Orwellian world filled gone out to eat, only to find yourself to everyday life that this slim, pocket- with driverless cars and computers surrounded by tables of diners on their sized mobile computer brings, dutifully who converse with you – we should phones – taking pictures of their food, answering every ping and every phone re m e m b e r t h a t n o m a tte r h o w swiping through web pages, playing call. When I was growing up, my advanced we can create these robots, Kandy Krush, sending Line messages father forbade us to answer the phone the one thing that separates us from to friends – instead of engaging in during meal times because he felt them is our heart, this delicate muscle conversation with the people who are that was sacred family time. During we flex in order to love, empathize, and sitting right before them? my teenage years, the phone usually make sense of a world that is often – As parents, we often talk about the rang for me, and when it inevitably at its most beautiful – complicated and importance of modeling good behavior. would during dinner, we all had to cannot be written into code or figured If we include a lot of whole foods in our ignore its persistent ring, coming from into algorithms. The responsibility own diet, our children will learn to eat its place on the end table in the living falls to us to model the appropriate healthy; if we are kind to the people room. Now, my father’s phone has a behavior when it comes to how we around us, our children will also treat permanent place next to his chopsticks, use technology to inform, rather than their peers and elders with respect should he want to answer a call, check depend on it to survive. and kindness; if we encourage regular stock prices or the number of steps he’s physical activity as a family, our children taken so far today. will accept being active as a regular Knowing that engaging in social part of their independent life. The media, online gaming, and answering same is true for our over-dependence to your phone’s every beck and call on smartphones and tablets. Even is addictive and harmful to a child’s Brenda Lin is a writer, though the iPhone is only a decade developing brain, we as a community the head of Corporate old, it is not technology reserved for have to be more mindful about how Social Responsibility at the young – it has been embraced much access we allow our younger les enphants, co., and a mother of three. with a fanaticism and fervor that spans children. We need to set boundaries across generations. In some cases, and cultivate a healthy and meaningful
Bai Win News March 2017 The Joys of Spring!
Bai Win Collections celebrates the arrival of spring with our latest arrivals of furniture and accessories highlighting florals and birds from all over Asia. There is a wide selection to choose from so come by and browse through our showroom. You won’t be disappointed!
ݡྕᇞᔛۏѺᙶΟ̫౬࣌͛ ካڟኛଋҌԧࣇ۞णมĂ˘Т ࣎͡۞পҾᗟĊ Θᄃ౧ࠎคĂᖣѩ෪܅ͽ Ąֽזᇈᝌᇉߋ͇۞ кᇹ۞ᏴፄĂჟ࡚۞णݡĂ ˵ኛଋ˼༱Ҿ࿅ᝄĊ
across from the ShiDong Elementary School, (pencil)
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March 17_p3-end.indd 30 2017/2/23 1:56:53 PM outlook
they set (both have high standards), but in the expectation they have about the process of achieving them. For example, both Bill and Jared have the same ambition. But in Bill’s mind, what should happen is a direct, smooth and straight-line process that leads to the desired outcome. Any perceived roadblock or unexpected deviation stresses him out and is paralyzing. Jared approaches his goal with a realistic mindset; progress to him is more like an irregular upward spiral. He tries to make the most out of challenges, especially when he asks himself, “Okay, what is this teaching me?” “What do I know now that can help me to get to the next stage?” Information he gains Aim for success, from experience is used as feedback to formulate better strategies. He gets energized from this creative process not perfection and derives meaning from finding solutions to obstacles. But to the perfectionist, the outcome TexT: KaTherine Chang images: web images is the only thing that matters. He views stumbles and unexpected changes as nothing but unnecessary defeats that person walked into a job be average.” This is something that no should have been prevented in the first i n t e r v i e w a n d a t s o m e perfectionist would like to hear. place (which he later uses to criticize point in the process, the Many people would consider having himself). In a nutshell, the perfectionist interviewer asked one of high standards a good thing. In fact, merely endures through the process Athe most common and most dreaded I have had people say to me, “I need before the outcome, and regards questions, “What is your greatest perfectionism to be successful! It is mistakes with high defensiveness. He is weakness?” The person responded, what got me to where I am today.” more stressed and experiences fleeting “I’m a perfectionist. I work too But being a high achiever doesn’t satisfaction only at the end. It is no hard.” Obviously, every interviewer mean you have to constantly tear wonder why perfectionism and burnout everywhere has heard this answer yourself apart and suffer through often go hand in hand. before. It’s now considered by many to t h e p r o c e s s . T h e h a l l m a r k o f To many perfectionists’ dismay, their be a cliché or a disingenuous answer. perfectionism is not a guaranteed strong desire to avoid failures and to But what if this is not a cliché for you; success, but rather a highly critical be flawless can backfire on them; they what if that’s really your reality? inner voice that is fear-based. The have a hard time starting things and an Most people have an idea about difference between healthy achievers even harder time finishing them (or if perfectionism, but in truth, it is an and perfectionists lies not in the goals they finish them, the final work never elusive concept not so easily described. When someone says to you, “You are such a perfectionist.” Are you supposed to feel flattered or insulted by this comment? Is someone saying that you have high standards, are diligent, or are a person driven to excel? Perhaps they think that you are rigid, unrealistic and self-defeating? One thing’s for sure: the intention of most perfectionists is to do things well and to excel. It is a valuable attribution that many people take pride in. Which is why if you talk with someone who is a perfectionist about changing the way they approach something, somehow your words may get translated into, “Lower the bar and
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March 17_p3-end.indd 31 2017/2/24 5:25:54 PM outlook
sees the light of day, as they don’t show L i ke m o s t p e rs o n a l i t y t ra i t s, own personal meaning from it. it to anyone). perfectionism doesn’t exist as an all-or- In the face of setbacks, keep your At the heart of perfectionism is the nothing category. Rather, perfectionism mind focused on problem solving; if one negative attitude towards making exists along a continuum. Most of us option doesn’t work, try another, shift mistakes. Perfectionists at large find ourselves either more resilient or strategies. You may think, “What is one believe mistakes would be construed more vulnerable to its effects during small step I could take toward reaching as weaknesses and they would be different times of our lives. Sometimes my goal?” or, “If I were guaranteed negatively evaluated and unfavorably we approach our goals out of fear, not to fail, what would I be doing judged by others when they happen. other times it is the dream and passion differently?” Find creative ways to make So when they think they aren’t good that drive us to reach our personal best. the process enjoyable to you. Having enough at something, they are less If next time you find yourself high standards and striving to achieve is inclined to do it. procrastinating at a set goal, do a valuable attribute. And there are ways Self-directed achievers approach a little self-check to see what is to put the high standards to work for their goals with a personal focus and preoccupying you. If it’s fear, try to you, not against you. vision; their motivation is primarily change that critical, condemning and driven by self-fulfillment. Perfectionists, shame-inducing voice inside your o n t h e o t h e r h a n d, t e n d t o b e head and treat yourself as a friend Katherine Chang is a pushed towards their goals by a fear or a coach might, with kindness and licensed counselor both of disappointing others. This fear- support. Imagine the positive benefits in the United States based orientation can morph into of completing the goal instead of and Taiwan, and performance anxiety where a person ruminating on the consequences of enjoys working with feels stiff, defensive, and vulnerable not completing it – since that would kids and individuals of various cultural before a situation (such as taking an only make you feel more awful and backgrounds. In summer, she likes exam, speaking in public, or managing a procrastinate more. See a challenge as hiking and backpacking both in Taiwan project) and his mind goes blank. an opportunity to grow and derive your and abroad.
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March 17_p3-end.indd 32 2017/2/23 1:56:56 PM csc business classified
#14 Tienmu E. Road | Telephone 2871-1515 | [email protected]
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March 17_p3-end.indd 33 2017/2/23 1:57:00 PM Women in Photography - Taiwan
This month, we are pleased to present Roma Mehta and Andrea Toerien, two women photographers whose photos reflect their love of photography.
Roma Mehta Coffee, Taiwan, Yilan County http://thelivingcanvas2.com
Andrea Toerien Safety First – Ankeng Gas Explosion Sweeper
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