A Magazine for the Women of • September 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

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

AWARE PRODUCTION TEAM 12 EDITOR Brooke Richter [email protected] ASSISTANT EDITOR Stephanie Chan Contents CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Chapman Tricia Cliff Stitch Group Extends Welcome 5 Frances Nicholls Gabriela Caraman-Heijnen Helen Carruthers 8 Making a Difference One Party at a Time 7 Barbora Mayer Heron Halloway Charitable Donations Committee, 12 Making an Impact on Local Charities GRAPHICS Jacky Ngan Get Connected in Hong Kong 16 through LocalHood ADVERTISING MANAGER [email protected] Heron Halloway, Fostering Lives, 18 One House at a Time

Calendar of Events 22 PUBLISHED & PRINTED BY R&R Publishing Ltd. 2126 7812 [email protected] www.rrpublishing.com.hk 18

The AWA office is open from Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm. We are closed on Hong Kong public holidays.

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

From the President Hello and welcome (back) to Hong Kong and the AWA for another year with diverse activities and plenty of opportunities to meet likeminded ladies and meaningfully become involved. As you might have noticed, this page underwent a change. In “News from the Board”, you will meet a different board member each month who will inform you about developments in her area of responsibility and the AWA in general. It’s my pleasure to start this column as your new President. I’m very excited to serve as the first non-American AWA President in its 61-year-old history. Will it change the identity of the organization? I don’t believe so. Over the years, the AWA has become a truly international association. While US citizens still represent the majority of its membership, we are proud to count 36 nationalities among our members. A non-American President gives a face to this diversity. At the same time, our core values will remain deeply rooted in the American culture. Principles such as welcoming strangers with a smile, reaching a helping hand out to each other and giving back to the community have always been the backbone of the AWA. Marcy, who was at the helm of the AWA for the past two years, lived these principles as a true role model. She was fully committed and omnipresent with endless enthusiasm. She met everyone with an open heart and a contagious laugh, and she breathed life and positive energy into our organization. Marcy, thank you so much for everything you did for the AWA! Whether you are new to the AWA or a longtime member - join us for the annual Welcome Back Breakfast on Thursday 28 September. Discover what the AWA has in store over the coming months, and meet some friendly faces in the lovely premises of the American Club in Tai Tam. I look forward to seeing you there!

2017-18 AWA Executive Board

2 AWARE September 2017 MEMBERSHIP

Maritime Museum Outing

The AWA (American Women’s Association) is a dynamic community of women of all nationalities, with over 650 members from 36 countries. We are sure you will find your niche through our diverse range of activities, events and opportunities to volunteer. All women are welcome – do join us! Current members – you are our best ambassadors. Please introduce new arrivals and old friends to AWA – over wine at OWL, at a Neighborhood Coffee, a WOW event, or encourage them to attend CHAT. AWA’s vision is that all women can connect with us and develop a rich, satisfying and purposeful life in Hong Kong. Joining AWA is easy via our website at: awa.org.hk or call 2527 2961.

Welcome New Members

Talia Bilodeau Jo Guinness Robyn Macdonald Dawna Golden Georgia Davidson Mao Wada-Pullen Nancy Acee Suzanne Mitchell Amber Yang Renu Budhrani Elizabeth Philip Rachel Lechleiter Dimple Weeks Joanne Lytle Ding Ding Diana Bradley Sarah Best Jacki Littlejohn Claudia Diesielski Maggie Atanassova Tiffany Broekelman Micaella Basham-Arrieta Alicia van Thiel Brandy Philippe Christine Payne Lisa Bryant Tracey Keller Nicola Robb Janie Adams Smith Kelly Mistry

September 2017 AWARE 3 AWA ENJOYS

Recent Events

Paddle Boarding for Beginners Adventure

U.S. Consulate 4th of July Celebration

4 AWARE September 2017 AWA CLUBS & SPORTS Stitch group extends welcome By Sarah Chapman

ARE YOU A knitter extraordinaire? Are you exceptional at members to come and join us. If you have an ongoing project cross-stitch, quilt making, tapestry or tatting? Do you turn out or skill, do please come and share it with us. Maybe you incredible crochet or bobbin lace? Are your embroidery skills have a long forgotten project that now lives at the back of the phenomenal? closet? This could be the time to bring it out and get going It matters not to the AWA Stitch Group whether you are again. Alternatively, if you do not know one end of a knitting any of the above or none at all! Our group comprises ladies needle from the other, or would like to try your hand at quilt with many skills and varying levels of ability who enjoy getting making, cross-stitch or bobbin lace, this is your chance to together twice a month to share their various interests, come along and try it out. exchange ideas and have a yarn or two along the way. For further information, e-mail us at [email protected] or On Friday morning 6th October, we will be having an [email protected]. We very much look forward to open meeting at the AWA Office where we extend an invite to seeing you!

September 2017 AWARE 5 6 AWARE September 2017 FEATURE

Making a Difference One

Party at a Time By Tricia Cliff

DO YOU ENJOY working with children? The camaraderie of teary-eyed remembering my feelings that day and knowing spending time with fellow AWA members while bringing that I would never look at volunteering the same way again. smiles to families? Maybe you don’t have a lot of extra time, I tell that story to remind you that on the days you step out but you want to be involved in activities that make a of your comfort zone, giving up a few hours of your time to difference? If this is you, then consider volunteering one make a difference, you may very well not feel the impact, but afternoon every other month at the Ronald McDonald House you never know whose life you may touch or when you may to host a birthday party. We cook, play games, make a craft find yourself on the receiving end of someone else’s and give gifts to children who are battling life-threatening generosity. illnesses. Families and children who stay at the house Whether you gather a few items to cook a simple dish, generally live quite a distance from their homes and other help a child create a craft, or serve up some cake, know that family members. Time away from the house often consists of your time will be well spent. For more details, contact Renee trips back and forth to the hospital for treatments. As you can Cheung at [email protected] or Tricia Cliff at imagine, knowing that your child has a debilitating or life- [email protected]. threatening illness takes a toll on parents and grandparents. While a simple birthday party with strangers may not seem like an important item on the calendar, it can truly make a difference in the difficult and mundane schedule of a sick child. How do I know this? Eight years ago, our family was involved in a car accident that left our four children in the pediatric intensive care unit on Christmas Eve. There were, among other things, three broken backs, a ruptured stomach, intestine and bile duct, two broken jaws, a punctured lung, and massive facial lacerations. You can imagine how we were feeling as parents. Today, our children are all fine, thanks to God and some amazing surgeons. As traumatic as that time was, do you know what always stands out in our memory? On Christmas Day, when most folks are home with their families and not thinking about serving others, the wonderful volunteers at RMH were at the hospital staffing the family room (where massage chairs, snacks and coffee are available all day long) and at the RM House serving an amazing Christmas dinner to the families who were staying there. As my husband and I sat there, nearly delirious from sleep deprivation and emotional overload, I was moved to tears that these strangers would voluntarily give up their holiday for me. Even as I write this, I still get

September 2017 AWARE 7 FEATURE

NEVER STOP LEARNING

By Frances Nicholls

TO NEWCOMERS to Hong Kong: you may be wondering what to do with your free time. The AWA is a great way to start with numerous activities almost on a daily basis, exciting trips with local tours and on-going groups such as art lovers, stitch, book group, photography group and many volunteering opportunities. All are great ways to meet other expatriate women and make new friends. Even for people who have been in Hong Kong for a long time, there is still the need to continue making new friends as our current friends return to their homes or depart for new expatriate postings. If after all these activities you still have some time to fill, there are many other opportunities in Hong Kong to learn new and exciting skills or hone skills that you already have. Personally, I think it is very important to never stop learning. So here’s a short list of some things you might consider: SINGING If you’re like me and you love to sing, there are numerous choirs that you can join. They tend to have two intakes a year - auditions are held in September for the Christmas concert and again in January for the spring concert. Cecilian Singers (ceciliansingers.com): Founded in 1962, it is one of the oldest running Hong Kong mixed choirs. Concerts held raise funds for charities as decided by the choir members. In order to get into the choir, Conductor Kent Lee listens to you sing scales to hear your voice and decide on your placement in the choir. Practices are on Mondays 7:30 – 9:30 pm at St John’s Cathedral, Garden Road, Central. The Christmas concert at St John’s is a magical experience. For more information and audition dates, contact info@ ceciliansingers.com. MUSIC LESSONS The Hong Kong Bach Choir (www.bachchoir.org.hk): Also a If you have always had an aspiration to learn to play an mixed choir, it is a serious choir for those who can sight sing, instrument, there are plenty of places in Hong Kong. Tom i.e. sing by reading the music. If you are accepted into this Lee Music (www.tomleemusic.com.hk), for one, provides choir, they practice on Thursdays 7:00–10:00 pm at the lessons and has branches throughout Hong Kong. See if you Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. For more information and can get your first music lesson free as a trial. audition dates, contact [email protected]. THE HONG KONG WOMEN’S CHOIR (thkwc.org): A LECTURES women’s choir singing popular music, they have practices at Asia Society Hong Kong Center (asiasociety.org/hong- Sheung Wan Civic Centre during the day (Wednesdays kong) is located at 9 Justice Drive in Admiralty on the site of 11:00 am – 1:00 pm) or evening (Tuesdays 7:30 – 9:30 pm). the former Explosives Magazine of the old Victoria Barracks. Contact [email protected] if you wish to audition. They hold lectures and exhibitions here. The grounds

8 AWARE September 2017 FEATURE themselves are worth going to have a look at as they have been beautifully restored. Friends of Chinese University Hong Kong (cuhkmuseumfriends.com): This organization promotes the Art Museum and appreciation of Chinese art and culture. They organize lectures and trips in Hong Kong and abroad to study art. Royal Geographical Society Hong Kong (www.rgshk.org. hk) is a forum where members can meet to listen to leading local and international speakers from the world of geography, travel and exploration. They hold some 65 lectures each year that are normally held on weekday evenings. The Hong Kong Natural History Society (www.hknhs.org) encourages the study of natural history, particularly that of Hong Kong. The Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong (royalasiaticsociety.org.hk) has published a journal since 1960 specialising in studies of Hong Kong and South China.

As adults, we should never stop learning. There is at their Island East Campus in North Point from 8:00 – 10:00 always so much more that pm. Pottery. AWA member Maggie Atanassova is a keen potter, we can do to expand our so much so that she has even set up a potter’s wheel in the skills and horizons. maid’s room in her flat. When I went to visit her, I saw examples of bisque pottery she had made drying on her windowsill. She suggested the following websites for those interested in learning pottery: www.karenwongceramics. com, www.loveramics.com, www.potteryworkshop.com.cn/ HOBBIES hongkong.asp, and www.thecrafties.hk for craft projects. Hong Kong Birdwatching Association (www.hkbws.org.hk/ web/eng/outdoor_eng.htm): I did beginner birdwatching SWIMMING classes with the Hong Kong Birdwatching Association. You can attend swimming lessons at the YWCA (www.ywca. Although they were held in , they were really great org.hk) at 1 MacDonnell Road, Midlevels or YMCA (www. about translating for me and when we did field trips on the ymcahk.org.hk) at 41 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. I went weekends, they placed me in a group with retired civil to beginner swimming classes at the YWCA. My teacher, servants so that they were able to speak English with me. I Sam, was great. I could already swim freestyle but needed to found the Association very accommodating. If you just want practice how to breathe. to go out with them once, they do free trips at Hong Kong Park Wednesday at 8:00 am or Park at Friday at These are just some of the many extracurricular activities 7:30 am. you can do if you have time and wish to continue expanding Painting courses. For painting, AWA member Anne Revell your skills. As adults, we should never stop learning. There is recommends Studio 83 (www.studio83.com) at Winning always so much more that we can do to expand our skills Centre, 13/F, Room A, 46 Wyndham Street, Central, Tel: 2523 and horizons. I encourage you to follow your dreams and 3852. They hold daily classes teaching oil, acrylic and passions. Mine are singing and Japanese Taikoo drumming. watercolour to list just a few. What’s yours? The world is your oyster (or, since this is Hong Photography. If you are serious about learning more about Kong, the world is your dim sum!) photography, then HKU Space (www.hkuspace.hku.hk) has Special thanks to AWA member Pamela Ball for insight a basic photography class staring on Monday 13 November into lectures offered by various societies.

September 2017 AWARE 9 AWA Welcome Back Breakfast & General Meeting Thursday 28 September 2017, 9:30am – noon The American Club, Tai Tam Join us to find old friends and make new friends. Learn how you can become more involved during the coming year.

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September 2017 AWARE 11

AWAreAd_July172017.indd 1 19/7/2017 10:37 PM FEATURE

AWA Charitable Donations Committee, Making an Impact on Local Charities

by Gabriela Caraman-Heijnen and Helen Carruthers

“To live is to give, and to give is to live.” In June, AWA’s Charitable Donations Committee proudly distributed $1,337425 HKD to the following charities:

Project Concern: $44,552 to purchase basic tools and instruments for a new surgery room at Tin Yuet estate dental clinic IBET: $100,000 to provide high quality educational support services to underprivileged children in Hong Kong’s ethnic minority groups Justice Centre HK: $99,250 for six months counseling of 50 vulnerable refugee women and children to cope with their trauma, support claim for protection, psychological & legal assistance and essential advice to help their non-legal needs, including medical, housing, food, and education for their children LoveXpress: $80,000 to foster employment opportunities between autistic students and corporates, nurturing inclusion and integration of special needs in Hong Kong SAHK: $94,500 for rehab equipment purchase (mobility and transfer aid) serving the physically and mentally impaired seniors InspiringHK Sports Foundation Ltd: $40,000 to facilitate 16 non-ethnic Chinese girls aged 13-20 from low-income backgrounds to continue learning how to swim for the second year by cultivating perseverance and excellence through inspirational characters and sport discipline so that they grow into successful individuals and socially responsible citizens The Children's Institute of Hong Kong Limited: $3,443.90 to purchase e-books of literacy teaching materials for the personal growth of special needs children Saint Barnabas' Society and Home: $100,000 for

12 AWARE September 2017 FEATURE

empowering homeless with training services to prepare, serve, and clean up after the meal in exchange for a small hourly stipend Life Education Activity Programme: $54,000 targeting ethnic minority students and equipping them with health knowledge and social skills delivered in EN through drug prevention education. (The money was raised during the PubQuiz brilliantly organized by Rachel Bourke and Angela Bellas.) Hong Kong Society for the Blind: $38,000 to provide an all-in-one walking trainer for aged blind residents to enhance their functional and walking ability The Women's Foundation: $20,000 to assist in providing media literacy and critical thinking skills training to students in secondary schools, particularly in regard to harmful gender stereotypes and biases. Watchdog Early Learning & Development Centre: $40,500 to provide three scholarships for children from low income families for speech therapy in Jordan center The Child Development Centre: $23,000 to support children with additional needs in increasing awareness of their bodies, build muscle strength and improve their motor functioning through a weekly yoga program Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hong Kong Ltd: $62,770 to provide for a tailor-made wheelchair and a memorable party for an 11-year old boy suffering from mitochondrial disease. Senior Citizens Home Safety Association: $50,000 to assist 25 disadvantaged elders with free Mobile Link Service for one year. Haven of Hope Christian Service – PLCHD: $65,960 to

September 2017 AWARE 13 FEATURE provide follow up health services for 30 pre-diabetic or newly diagnosed as diabetic people in Sai Kung Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services Ltd.: $79,500 to buy a litter of puppies to be locally trained to accompany the visually impaired in Hong Kong, further leading to obtaining the IGDF certificate (International Guide Dog Federation) Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre: $89,950 to empower women suffering from breast cancer with knowledge to face and live with, through and beyond their illness Enlighten Hong Kong Ltd: $65,000 to provide safe equipment (alarms, helmets) for children in impoverished families suffering from epilepsy Tung Wah Group: $35,000 to provide holistic and multi- disciplinary services for mothers with substance abuse behavior, their children aged 0-5, and also their family members “He who opens a Eden Ministry Ltd: $56,000 to teach classes to women school door closes a (foreign inmates in LuoWu Prison) that aim at restoring their self-esteem through skill training using an international prison.” jewelry platform Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge: $40,000 to The Education & Scholarship Committee was proud to continue to support the Health Program, involving medical announce the award of $25,000 HKD to four recipients emergency assistance, health seminars and sports and pest from Lingnan University in order to enable them to control undertake overseas internships. The Committee was Enrich Personal Development Ltd: $56,000 to bring also delighted to announce its continued support of financial consultation to areas and events where migrant Vocation Training Council (VTC), giving 25 students domestic workers congregate on their days off scholarships across its Hong Kong colleges. Since the Education and Scholarship Awards beginning of this program, the AWA has helped more than 500 students! Profound thanks to CDC Chair Gabriela Caraman and the following team leaders and volunteers: Elizabeth Hall with Patricia Jovane, Lee O'Neal, Lisa Wallis, Lisa Strunin, and Cindy Bradley; Lisa Gouveia Levesque with Namrata Dhanuka, Celine O'Connor, Beth McNicholas, Jean Han, and Heather Liati; Jill Baran Scott with Deepa Gupta, Cassidy Klein, Deena Sadek, and Jessica Cutrera; Mini Malhotra with Sherri Runge, Chris Tight, Melissa Walsh, Rachel Parker, and Jen Bergwerff; Lee Parr with Janine Long, Susan Brooks, Sally Miller, Sandy Hodges, and Amy Deneen; Andrea Roth with Barbara Hemmi Verburg, Karen Whitaker, Aliya Althoff, Kathrin Bodenschatz, Robin Fine, and Ksenia Gross; and Kate Weisman with Wilma Wulff, Mei Hua Dowell, and Elisabeth Gould.

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September 2017 AWARE 15 FEATURE

Get connected in Hong Kong through LocalHood!

By Barbora Mayer

HONG KONG has a population of over seven million people family nearby and we thought we could be the first circle of but it can be a lonely place, as banker Pooja Dhyani support to each other. As the number of residents joining the discovered when she moved here from Paris with her e-community grew, we started organizing social events.” husband. Dhyani and a group of volunteers decided to To learn more, I recently sat down with LocalHood founder launch LocalHood - a free, non-profit online platform that Pooja Dhyani. connects neighbors, most of who are living in high-rise apartments, in a bid to create stronger communities by What is your background and what brought you fostering better relationships between people living a stone’s to HK? throw away from each other. I have a banking background. My job brought me to Hong “It started with some like-minded people living in the Kong from France, where I finished schooling. I moved to this same building. We decided to get to know our neighbors,” exciting city with my hubby six years ago. explains Dhyani. “Most of us are without close friends and

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"Even with all the enthusiasm of moving countries and discovering a new culture, settling in a new city can be hard. For many of us, we have no family or friends close-by to help us in the process."

Why did you decide to set up LocalHood? LocalHood’s ambitions. Many members were actually willing Even with all the enthusiasm of moving countries and to get more active in their community and LocalHood has discovering a new culture, settling in a new city can be hard. been acting as a catalyzer for their efforts. For many of us, we have no family or friends close-by to help us in the process. And, once settled, it is striking to see how Why should we join LocalHood? often you need to renew your circle of friends as people LocalHood is the easy way to find reliable answers for all move back to their home country or their next posting. As a your daily life queries. Looking for a vet, a playgroup or a result, one can feel pretty lonely while living in Hong Kong. recommendation for a handy man? To buy/sell or swap stuff? This reality was apparent to me while I was working long With LocalHood e-network you get immediate access to your hours. But it was only when I had a baby and spent more entire neighborhood. It significantly increases the likelihood time at home that it hit home how limited the interaction that you get the best and most reliable answer to your between neighbors and how hard it was just to walk up to queries. LocalHood organizes regular events, interest groups your neighbor’s door to ask a question or get some help. A and activities for adults and kids so that neighbors get an real culture shock for me as in all the countries where I’ve opportunity to socialize with familiar faces from the hood lived in the past (India, France, Italy), connecting with and through meet & greets, fitness events, activities for kids or our getting support from neighbors was important. That’s when popular Pub Quiz. LocalHood members can also get the idea of LocalHood was born. discounts (between 10% -30%) from local vendors (restaurants, cafes, laundry, etc.) Who can become a member of LocalHood? Anyone who can speak English and is interested in Where is LocalHood active and how many interacting more actively with their neighborhood, which is members do you have? the support system geographically closest to us. The whole We have around 2,000 members, mostly on HK Island, and purpose of LocalHood is precisely to recreate the link the network is growing steadily. It is most active in Central between people living close by. So, clearly, there is no and Western districts. restriction on the people who can become members of LocalHood. As of now, 80% of our members are expats and What are the future plans for LocalHood? 20% are locals. Members include many families as well as LocalHood is a social venture start-up. Our vision is to ease bachelors and retired people. This mix in our community the busy life of Hong Kongers by connecting them to their allows a much greater variety of exchanges on LocalHood neighborhoods. We are not just saying this, we are proving platforms. it!! As more and more people join this community, we are Once you have joined LocalHood, it is for you to decide spreading this message faster and further. We are looking for how and how much you want to be involved in your funding sources to grow and expand our outreach and community and in what manner. Either you only seek on-line organize events in neighborhoods, wherever our members support, want to socialize and meet new people and/or live. We have a group of motivated volunteers in different you’re interested in getting discounts from local businesses. neighborhoods working for us. Anyone who believes in the Or for all three reasons. Since the start of LocalHood, we power of neighborhood support and the importance of have been surprised by the enthusiasm of many members to stronger neighborhood communities in Hong Kong is very create (or re-create) a neighborhood spirit in their district, welcome to join our drive. launching new events and spreading the word around For more information, check out www.localhood.org.

September 2017 AWARE 17 FEATURE

HERON HALLOWAY, HELPING PEOPLE, One House at a Time

“BE THE CHANGE you wish to see in the world.” This quote to Hong Kong. After graduating from university, my first job from Mahatma Ghandi formed the first sentence of my was working for a public relations agency, specializing in university application. Growing up in developing countries charity or public sector campaigns. Two years later, I started with parents that worked for humanitarian organisations work at the British Red Cross’ press office, and it was during clearly informed how I see the world and my role within it. my five years there that I was seconded to the International And it must have influenced my younger brother and sister in Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to a similar way, as they now all work for humanitarian support disaster communications activities in Africa. In 2011, organisations too. We like to say that it’s the family business itching to get back to Asia, I accepted a job with Habitat for – and probably the only career where ultimate success Humanity, a global non-profit housing organization. I started would be going out of business! as their Media Relations and Disaster Communications Living out Ghandi’s quote has led me to some pretty Manager, based out of , before becoming remarkable experiences. I’ve been in makeshift hospital tents Communications Director for Asia-Pacific in 2014 where I for cholera patients in Zimbabwe, surrounded by animal was based out of Bangkok and then Manila. I moved to carcasses in drought-stricken Kenya, interviewed street food Hong Kong just over two years ago, had a baby, and now vendors selling peanut soup in Djibouti and slept in a room I’m CEO of Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong. with 40 volunteers in Tohoku after the Japan earthquake and There are people who fall through the cracks, tsunami. unsupported by society, in all cities of the world, no matter I was born in northeastern England but travelled to how developed. And although I had been told that there Semarang, Indonesia, at just five weeks old, where my were housing issues in Hong Kong, I definitely didn’t parents were working. Since then, I’ve lived in seven other comprehend the severity of the problem until moving here countries, mainly in southeast Asia, before recently moving and taking up the role with Habitat. There are approximately

18 AWARE September 2017 FEATURE

970,000 people living in poverty in Hong Kong. With a afield. Just a few months ago, we had our first team from population of 7.3 million, that means that about one in every Hong Kong travel to Armenia to build houses in partnership seven people in Hong Kong is living in poverty. With a low with low-income families in the Armavir region. The houses birth rate and an increasingly elderly population, a are traditionally very energy inefficient, and energy staggering one in three senior Hong Kong citizens is poor. consumption costs – keeping warm in winter and cool in Habitat for Humanity runs a program called “Project summer – can often gobble up a significant portion of a Home Works” to assist low-income households living in household’s monthly income. Our challenge is to build public housing estates to improve their living environment. affordable houses that are energy efficient, ensuring that a The families helped are often elderly, either living on their family not only has a decent place to live but can also own or as a couple, who lack a support network and are redirect their limited resources to essentials like education entirely dependent on government subsidies as their only and health. form of income. Habitat recruits teams of volunteers to give Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong also has a strong focus up one day – it’s usually a Saturday, as that’s when most on fundraising, particularly to support its work in developing people are free, but it doesn’t have to be – to work alongside countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Asking people to a skilled contractor to improve a public housing unit. The become monthly donors is just one of the ways that we work usually involves scraping flaking paint and fundraise. I regularly speak publicly about mould off walls and ceilings, before applying Habitat’s work and seek to raise funds to primer layers and then paint. The support our project. Experience tells us contractor is there to direct that people living on Hong Kong operations and ensure that Island are less likely to stop and everyone does a quality job. sign up to become a monthly Absolutely no prior experience donor. We have much higher is necessary and Habitat gets success with people living in many repeat volunteers! It’s a Kowloon or the . reasonably physical job, but This mirrors a global trend that the dramatic change from just those with less tend to give a one day’s work makes it all higher percentage of their worthwhile. wealth to those less fortunate. I recently met Grandma and Our vision is a world where Grandpa Chan, an elderly couple everyone has a decent place to that Habitat partnered with last live. We know that by working with a year, and who were living in Kwung family, one at a time, we will never Tong Tsui Ping estate. The paint flaking achieve that vision. This is why Habitat from their ceiling was so bad that they had always works in partnership with local to wear plastic bags on their heads and keep lids chapters, and it is through this multiplier effect that over everything when cooking. Their story is by no means we have great impact. A decent home is critical to unique, and the waiting list to have the estates maintenance supporting a family pull themselves out of poverty. If you unit address these sorts of issues is about four years long. switch from having a dirt floor to a concrete floor, incidences Habitat aims to support about 300 families through Project of diarrhoea vanish. Children that are healthier go to school Home Works each year. more and perform better at school. A decent home means Habitat also runs programs in schools in disadvantaged they also have somewhere to study and get a good night’s districts in Hong Kong, raising awareness of housing issues sleep. Better educated children go on to get better jobs. locally and globally and aesthetically enhancing school Families living in decent homes are healthier, better environments, as well as taking on one-off renovation educated and more financially stable. projects. Right now we are renovating a senior citizens home If you’d like to learn more about Habitat’s work, I’ll be in Pok Fu Lam. Another regular aspect of Habitat’s work in speaking at the end of Jason Wordie’s October 17 talk about Hong Kong is recruiting volunteers to support Habitat’s work housing in Hong Kong. And if you’re interested in becoming elsewhere in the world. We run many trips each year. Many involved with some of our projects or in contributing choose to go to destinations within Asia, but there is financially, please contact us today and, in the words of increasing appetite from volunteers wanting to travel further Ghandi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world!”

September 2017 AWARE 19 OTM AWA Half Dec 201.pdf 1 128201 24 PM

Carpetbuyer_210x143_AWA_2op.pdf 1 8/5/2017 下午5:09

20 AWARE September 2017 CALENDAR - ONGOING EVENTS

CHAT (Come Have a Talk) SOUTHSIDE OWL (Out with the Ladies) WHEN: Thursday, 10:30am – 12:00 noon Come join us any week or every week - same time, same (except public holidays) place (except public holidays or the day before a public WHERE: Café 8, Rooftop of Pier 8, above the holiday) Maritime Museum. WHEN: Every Thursday, 7:30pm - 7:30pm COST: No fee (all beverages & lunches at WHERE: Chez Patrick, Stanley Plaza, Ground Level personal expense) COORDINATORS: Sarah Gotts, [email protected] COORDINATOR: Barbara Galligan, 6080 6523 [email protected] OWL (Out With the Ladies) Neighborhood Coffees Come join us any week or every week - same time, same If you live, work or play in any of the following neighborhoods, place (except public holidays). join others in your area for a monthly coffee. Meet new friends WHEN: Every Tuesday, 5:30pm – 7:30pm or catch up with old ones, discuss and plan new activities. WHERE: Oolaa Contact your local coordinator for details of forthcoming 20 Bridges Street, Soho coffees. COORDINATOR: Susie Edrington, [email protected]

HK SOUTHSIDE Katherine Fenton, [email protected] DB OWL (Out with the Ladies) Jean Han, [email protected] KOWLOON POK FU LAM AND SHOUSON HILL Jane Buck, [email protected] Come join us any week or every week - same time, same Annie Fifer, [email protected] HK CENTRAL/MID LEVELS place (except public holidays) DISCOVERY BAY Kathy Barber, [email protected] WHEN: Wednesdays 5:30-7:30pm Mary Jane Byer, maryjanebyer@gmail. WHERE: 22 North Discovery Bay com COORDINATOR: Susan Putnam, [email protected] SAI KUNG

AWA Buddy Program How would you like to help welcome new members to the AWA? The AWA Buddy Program pairs interested new members with a “Buddy” who helps answer questions about life in Hong Kong and/or the AWA. We always need new Buddies as new members join throughout the year. If this behind-the-scenes activity appeals to you, please contact Alison May at [email protected]. Foon Ying Foon Ying means “welcome” in Cantonese and the whole idea of these sessions is to embark on adventures and embrace new friendships. We welcome AWA members, both long standing and newbies, to get together and explore the SAR; to share experiences about life in Hong Kong along with the tips and wrinkles that just make it all a bit easier. We aim to help you build your friendship circles so the program is great for both brand new “Hong Kongers” as well as those of us who have been here a while and watched our first batch of friends and contacts head home or off to new pastures. Your commitment is to attend all three sessions over a three-week period and be willing to explore new places and meet some lovely people (and possibly lifelong friends)!

WHEN: Every month WHERE: AWA office or alternate location as agreed COORDINATORS: Chrissie Govier, [email protected] Helen Pott, [email protected] KD Schumacher, [email protected]

September 2017 AWARE 21 CALENDAR - UPCOMING EVENTS

Health and Wellness Series: Introduction to Classical Educational Series: Historical Talk with Jason Wordie – Feng Shui Opium When: Tuesday, 5 September, 10:00am – 12:00pm When: Wednesday, 20 September, 10:00am – 11.30am Registration must be received by Thursday, 31 August Educational Series: Bowerbird – Interior Trends for 2018 Art/Crafts & Design Series: Four-Week Traditional When: Thursday, 21 September, 10:30am – 11:30am Chinese Watercolors Painted on Silk When: Wednesdays, 6, 13, 20, 27 September, 2:30pm – Educational Series: How to Employ and Manage a 3:45pm Domestic Helper by Rehana Sheikh When: Thursday, 21 September, 10:00am – 12:00pm Health and Wellness Series: Healthy Families by Zora Benhamou Entertainment Series: Bunco Happy Hour When: Wednesday, 6 September, 10:30am – 12pm When: Thursday, 21 September, 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Educational Series: Introduction to Mahjong Cooking Series: Cooking Class with Executive Chef When: Fridays, 8,15, 22, & 29 September, 10:30am – Christoph Suter of the HK Jockey Club 12:30pm When: Friday, 22 September, 10:30am – 2:00pm Registration must be received by Thursday, 7 September Educational Series: Beginners’ Bridge Lessons (Session 1) (Minimum 5 lesson sign up) Tasting Series: Vodka Tasting at Cucina – Marco Polo When: Mondays, 11, 18, 25 September & 9, 16 October, Hongkong Hotel, TST 2:30pm – 4:30pm When: Saturday, 23 September, 5:30pm – 8:00pm Registration must be received by Monday, 4 September Shopping Series: We Can See Forever – A Tour of New Lunch Series: Fishing Village Fei Optical Eyeglass Factory When: Tuesday, 12 September, 9:20am – 2:30pm (approx.) When: Tuesday, 26 September, 10:15am – 12:30pm (approx.) Behind the Scenes Series: Matilda International Hospital When: Wednesday, 13 September, 1:30pm – 4:30pm Educational Series: Wan Chai Historical Walk with Jason (approx.) Wordie When: Tuesday, 26 September, 9:00am -12:30pm Arts/Crafts & Design Series: Glazden Glass-Blowing Studio Looking Forward October 2017 When: Thursday, 14 September, 10:30am – 2:00pm Registration must be received by Tuesday, 12 September Arts/Crafts & Design Series: Introduction to Leather Book Binding by Rachel Smith (Beginners) Sham Shui Po Arts and Crafts Walking Tour by Emily When: Tuesday, 10 October, 2:00pm – 4:30pm Hoaglin When: Friday, 15 September, 9:40am – 1:00pm Arts/Crafts & Design Series: Burnt Jade Necklace When: Thursday, 12 October, 9.30am – 1:30pm Sports Series: Sunset Standup Paddleboarding Outing in Stanley Educational Series: Macao – A Historical Overview by When: Friday, 15 September, 5:30 pm – onwards Jason Wordie Registration must be received by Friday, 8 September When: Thursday,12 October, 10:00am – 11:30am

22 AWARE September 2017 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Health and Wellness Series: Introduction to Classical Feng Shui When: Tuesday, 5 September 10:00am – 12:00pm Registration must be received by Thursday, 31 August Where: AWA office Cost: $340 member/$400 member’s guest Capacity: minimum 6/maximum 12 Coordinator: Yelena Zakharova 9726 2378 What is classical feng shui and why is it so important in Asia, and especially Hong Kong? How does it differ from the “New Age” feng shui practiced in the West? This talk will give a brief overview of the history and background of classical feng shui and explain the differences between classical feng shui and Western “New Age” feng shui. We will then go into a more detailed discussion about the top 10 exterior and interior features to look out for when selecting an apartment, and explore how some negative features can be “fixed” through feng shui to improve the flow of qi in your living space. The talk will also give some insight into how a classical feng shui audit is conducted. Susanne Schutz, the owner of Suzhong Consulting, offers this talk.

Theresa will teach traditional Chinese painting techniques using watercolors on silk blends. Paintings normally portray tranquil scenes, flowers, birds, and butterflies. In order to achieve a finished product you will need to sign up for the four-week course. Those completing the course will also be eligible to receive their name painted in Chinese characters as gift from Theresa. The cost above includes all four lessons (75 minutes per lesson). The cost does not include the materials fee, which is to be paid directly to the teacher. The materials fee of $130 will include four Chinese brushes, one pack of paints, papers, and silk. Participants are to bring one toilet roll and a clean jam jar. Arts/Crafts & Design Series: Four-Week Traditional Chinese Watercolors Painted Health and Wellness Series: Healthy on Silk Families by Zora Benhamou WHEN: Wednesday, 6 September WHEN: Wednesdays, 6, 13, 20, & 27 September 10:30am – 12:00pm 2:30pm – 3:45pm WHERE: AWA office WHERE: AWA office COST: $60 member/$120 member's guest COST: $1360 member/$1680 member’s guest CAPACITY: minimum 4/maximum 12 (excluding CAPACITY: minimum 8/maximum 10 (excluding coordinator) coordinator) COORDINATOR: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 COORDINATOR: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 With the summer holidays now behind us, you may have Theresa Cheung Kit Ping will teach this four-week course. started healthy eating and exercise habits, but the rest of the Theresa was born in Hong Kong and raised in Macau, where family doesn't get it and is not on board. Do you find a lot of she studied classical Chinese painting and calligraphy. She resistance or feel like you are speaking to a brick wall? has been teaching and painting professionally in HK and the Philippines for more than 14 years. Health advocate Zora Benhamou from HackMyAge.com

September 2017 AWARE 23 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES will give you guidance on how to break through those order to fully grasp the game, it is recommended that you barriers, including some takeaway tips you can implement sign up for the Session 2 bridge lessons as well (priority will right now to get the whole family to adopt healthier habits. be given to those in Session 1). Hint: it's not about nagging! Bring your questions and This class will be held on Mondays for five weeks. The cost includes all five lessons. frustrations to this session and we will get the whole family on • Please note that no missed classes will be made up on board before you know it. separate day. • Please commit to all five classes on sign up. • Booklets with course notes can be ordered from the teacher (details will be sent to participants). • Dates for Session 2: Mondays, 23, 30 October & 6, 13, 20 November. These sessions are not suitable for beginners and are appropriate for those who attended the first five sessions. Lunch Series: Tai O Fishing Village WHEN: Tuesday, 12 September 9:20am – 2:30pm (approx.) WHERE: Meet at Central Pier 6 COST: $60 member/$120 member’s guest CAPACITY: minimum 12/maximum 20 COORDINATORS: Susan Putnam 6272 6700, Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 We will lunch at the Tai O Heritage Hotel in the quaint and picturesque fishing village of Tai O, on the western coast of Educational Series: Introduction to . Tai O is one of the few remaining places in Mahjong Hong Kong where you can still see the traditional stilt houses WHEN: Fridays, 8, 15, 22, & 29 September characteristic of old southern Chinese fishing villages. 10:30am – 12:30pm Some points of interest: WHERE: American Club (Fireside Lounge), 28 Tai • The Old Police Station, now the Tai O Heritage Hotel Tam Road, Tai Tam • Seafood vendors & markets COST: $200 members only • Yeung Hau Temple, built in 1699 CAPACITY: minimum 4/maximum 8 (excluding Lunch will be at shared expense. Ferry and bus rides will coordinator) cost approximately $75. COORDINATOR: Martine Vallone 2866 9801 Do you feel like you’re the only person in Hong Kong who Behind the Scenes Series: Matilda doesn’t know how to play mahjong? Can’t tell a dragon tile International Hospital from a wind and never heard of “chi” or “pong”? Then this is WHEN: Wednesday, 13 September your lucky month! Our own Martine Vallone will teach you all 1:30pm – 4:30pm (approx.) the basics you need to know in just four easy and fun WHERE: Meet at City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place lessons! This introductory class (beginners only, please!) will (Matilda shuttle bus pick-up point) meet weekly for four consecutive weeks. Please plan on COST: $480 member/$560 member’s guest attending all four sessions. CAPACITY: minimum 10/maximum 20 COORDINATORS: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 Educational Series: Beginners’ Bridge Barbara Galligan 6080 6523 Lessons (Session 1) “It is perhaps fitting that Granville Sharp and his wife Matilda WHEN: Mondays, 11, 18, 25 September & 9,16 Lincolne, newlywed in India and embarking on married life in October Hong Kong by no means established and stable, should 2:30pm – 4:30pm make landfall in the Territory on Christmas Day – a time of Registration must be received by Monday, giving – in 1858. 4 September “Theirs is an incredible story of fortitude in the face of WHERE: AWA office shipwreck and piracy in the South China seas, grit and COST: $1100 member/$1500 member’s guest CAPACITY: minimum 8/maximum 16 (excluding determination in the disease-wracked colony and quiet coordinator) generosity.” COORDINATOR: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 This behind-the-scenes tour of Matilda International Kath Malone, an experienced bridge teacher, will be hosting Hospital offers a unique peek into the history of this beginners’ bridge lessons. This is a great opportunity to fascinating hospital, which is celebrating 110 years of care in learn the Standard American Yellow Card bridge game. In 2017.

24 AWARE September 2017 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Besides the breathtaking views we will have a chance to go Sham Shui Po for their latest street art endeavor. behind the scenes and view: Our tour will give you a taste of what is available in Sham • Imaging Shui Po and plenty of information for you to continue your • Laboratory exploration. We will be visiting the Yen Chow Hawker Bazaar • Housekeeping (a wonderful sight which will soon be gone) and many other • Delivery room • Maternity private room shops where you can get raw materials for jewelry, • Operating theater leatherwork, and most any other creative passion you might • Outpatient department possess. We will stop for a takeaway tea or coffee at a lovely Following our tour an Edwardian-style afternoon tea will be little café. And we will visit some of the HKwalls locations. served in Granville House whilst we enjoy a talk about the Participants will receive a map of our day to use at their history of the hospital. leisure. Bring your camera, wear comfortable shoes, and join The Edwardian tea and a beautiful bound book on the history Emily Hoaglin for a journey into a fabulous part of Kowloon. of the Matilda is included in your fee. We will return on the Matilda shuttle bus at 4:10pm. Sports Series: Sunset Standup Arts/Crafts & Design Series: Glazden Paddleboarding Outing in Stanley Glass-Blowing Studio WHEN: Friday, 15 September 5:30 pm – onwards WHEN: Thursday, 14 September Registration must be received by Friday, 8 10:30am – 2:00pm September Registration must be received by Tuesday, WHERE: Pacific Coffee, 80 Stanley Village Road, 12 September Stanley WHERE: Meet at Starbucks, One Pacific Place, 1/F, COST: $280 member/$360 member’s guest 88 Queensway (next to Harvey Nichols) CAPACITY: minimum 10/maximum 20 COST: $660 member/$740 member’s guest COORDINATORS: Cathy Furlong 9249 8533 CAPACITY: minimum 6/maximum 18 Kim Rehmann 6039 2311 COORDINATORS: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 Have you seen Stanley from the beauty of the waters Barbara Galligan 6080 6523 surrounding it? Join us for a one-hour paddle around Tai “Glazden, a secret garden for all glass lovers, a space for Tam Bay and enjoy Stanley like you might never before have sharing and gathering.” seen it. Some experience is recommended but not This independent glass studio produces limited-edition necessary, as long as you have a basic level of fitness and glassware and sculptures. comfort in the water. This outing will include a short lesson. A We will be partaking in a beginners’ course and will be shower and changing rooms are available on site. Standup creating unique crystal flowers using lead-free crystal from paddleboards, paddles, and life jackets are included in the Bohemia. You will be able to customize your design using a price. An optional dinner and libations in Stanley to celebrate huge range of high-quality glass colours. There will also be our accomplishments will follow at shared expense. If you live on the south side, you can meet us at the corner of an introduction to other glass techniques and processes Hoi Fung Path and Tung Tau Wan Road in Stanley (the bus such as kiln casting, fusing and slumping, and glass stop AFTER the main bus terminus in Stanley) at 5:15pm. recycling. Educational Series: Historical Talk with Sham Shui Po Arts and Crafts Walking Jason Wordie – Opium Tour by Emily Hoaglin WHEN: Wednesday, 20 September WHEN: Friday, 15 September 10:00am – 11:30am 9:40am – 1:00pm WHERE: AWA office WHERE: Meet at Sham Shui Po MTR (inside), Exit C COST: $330 member/$390 member's guest COST: $330 member/$390 member’s guest CAPACITY: minimum 12/maximum 25 CAPACITY: minimum 6/maximum 12 (excluding COORDINATORS: Susan Soskin West 9191 1503 coordinator) Susan Brooks 9628 7763 COORDINATOR: Yelena Zakharova 9726 2378 Opium and its derivative drugs have played a role in Hong Sham Shui Po has evolved over the years and now has Kong since before the colony was established. something for everyone. This district started as the wholesale In this lecture we will discuss and evaluate the role played by fabric area for the garment industry. When word started the opium trade in the establishment of the British colony, spreading about what was available there, a new retail opium’s economic importance in the 19th century, gradual industry emerged to cater for those who do arts and crafts. moves towards control and prohibition, and the striking Vibrant and young entrepreneurs saw Sham Shui Po as a economic, legal, and moral parallels that exist between the great place to open their galleries, workshops, and retail 19th-century opium trade and the 21st-century tobacco outlets. Next came the eateries, cafés, and coffee shops. industry. And this past winter saw the HKwalls art festival identify

September 2017 AWARE 25 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Educational Series: Bowerbird – Interior Entertainment Series: Bunco Happy Hour Trends for 2018 WHEN: Thursday, 21 September WHEN: Thursday, 21 September 5:00pm – 8:00pm 10:30am – 11:30am WHERE: AWA office WHERE: Bowerbird Home, Horizon Plaza, 8/F, 2 COST: $200 member/$260 member’s guest Wing Lee Street, Ap Lei Chau CAPACITY: minimum 8/maximum 20 COST: $60 member/$120 member’s guest COORDINATORS: Susanne Salg 9175 6909 CAPACITY: minimum 6/maximum 25 Kim Rehmann 6039 2311 COORDINATOR: Celine O’Connor 6383 2508 Bunco is a social dice game that requires absolutely no With fresh insights from around the globe, Bowerbird Home special knowledge or skill. In Bunco, you roll dice in a game and The Home Stylist are thrilled to present the latest interior of chance while moving from table to table. With Bunco, it’s trends for 2018. This fun and informative coffee morning will all about fun and social interaction. This happy hour game of cover the latest trends, styling tips and tricks, and an Bunco will take place in the AWA office in Sheung Wan. interactive showroom walkthrough to identify pieces that are Snacks will be provided. Participants are asked to bring a particularly on trend and learn how to make them work at bottle of their favorite wine or beverage of choice. home. Attendees are encouraged to bring in photos or floor plans to see if we can provide advice on how to reinvent your Cooking Series: Cooking Class with space. Ten percent off the entire showroom will be offered to Executive Chef Christoph Suter of the HK all attendees on the day. Jockey Club WHEN: Friday, 22 September 10:30am – 2:00pm Registration must be received by Thursday, 7 September WHERE: Meet in the lobby of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Happy Valley Clubhouse, G/F, 25 Shan Kwong Road COST: $590 member/$650 member’s guest CAPACITY: minimum 17/maximum 24 COORDINATORS: Lavinia Hemandas 9090 0931 Susan Brooks 9628 7763 For the past century, the Hong Kong Jockey Club has stood as a renowned world-class horse racing institution. It is also well known for its fine wines and excellent cuisine. This exclusive private club offers its members an excellent level Educational Series: How to Employ and of service, as well as an extensive and eclectic variety of dining options. At the helm of Western cuisine at the Happy Manage a Domestic Helper by Rehana Valley clubhouse is Executive Chef Christoph Suter, who Sheikh over the years has worked with some of the best WHEN: Thursday, 21 September internationally acclaimed chefs in Europe and Asia. He has 10:00am – 12:00pm designed an exclusive four-course cooking class followed by WHERE: AWA office a sit-down lunch for our AWA members, so be sure not to COST: $420 member/$480 member’s guest miss this wonderful opportunity to learn some new culinary CAPACITY: minimum 4/maximum 12 (excluding trends and enjoy a gastronomic experience! coordinator) The menu is: smoked Scottish salmon cream cheese COORDINATOR: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 roulade with roasted corn, tomato salsa, and micro herbs; Whether you are employing your first helper or your fifth, this course will tell you everything about employing domestic “orecchiette” – crab with pancetta, olive oil, tomatoes, and help in Hong Kong: which government-mandated contracts rocket; oven-roasted lamb cutlet with herb-mustard crust, you have to sign, the best ways to source helpers, tips for served with barley risotto and sautéed mixed mushrooms; interviewing and identifying a suitable person. You will also chocolate panna cotta with strawberry compote and vanilla receive guidelines for managing helpers and many useful whip; freshly brewed coffee, fine tea selection and tips to make life more pleasant for yourself and your helper. homemade petits fours. If you are new to Hong Kong, or if this is the first time you are employing domestic help, this course will be very helpful Tasting Series: Vodka Tasting at Cucina – for you. Handouts with detailed information will be included Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, TST as part of the course. Participants will be welcome to share WHEN: Saturday, 23 September experiences and individual situations will be addressed. 5:30pm – 8:00pm WHERE: Meet at Central Pier 7 (Star Ferry Pier) or

26 AWARE September 2017 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui COST: $435 member/$495 member’s guest Looking Forward CAPACITY: minimum 10/maximum 20 COORDINATORS: Susanne Salg 9175 6909 October 2017 Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 Located at Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, directly on Victoria Arts/Crafts & Design Series: Introduction Harbour, Cucina offers unparalleled views of the dramatic to Leather Book Binding by Rachel Smith skyline. We will enjoy an evening on the (Beginners) Cucina terrace with Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel’s very own WHEN: Tuesday, 10 October resident mixologist, Maurice Bekouchi. Maurice will give a 2:00pm – 4:30pm brief description of vodka along with vodka cocktail-making WHERE: Senselessart Studio, 400 Portland Street, suggestions and tastings. Prince Edward, Kowloon Aperitivi will be served. Spouses are welcome for this COST: $580 member/$660 member’s guest Saturday evening event. CAPACITY: minimum 4/maximum 8 Come unwind and enjoy! COORDINATOR: Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 In this workshop you will learn to make a simple but elegant Shopping Series: We Can See Forever – A book using leather and a sewing technique dating from Tour of New Fei Optical Eyeglass Factory before the 18th century. Our books will be 12 by 19 centimeters when completed. This workshop is suitable for WHEN: Tuesday, 26 September adults and children who can use a hammer and needle and 10:15am – 12:30pm (approx.) thread independently. WHERE: Meet at Admiralty MTR near M&S Food COST: $60 member/$120 member’s guest CAPACITY: minimum 12/maximum 30 Arts/Crafts & Design Series: Burnt Jade COORDINATORS: Jane Buck 9530 7957 Necklace Lisa Wallis 6715 0653 WHEN: Thursday, 12 October Order prescription glasses anywhere in Hong Kong and 9.30am – 1:30pm chances are your order will be sent to the opticians at New WHERE: Stubbs Road near Adventist Hospital Fei Optical, who will grind your lenses and fit them to the COST: $760 member/$820 member’s guest frames you have chosen. Today we travel to Jordan and get CAPACITY: minimum 4/maximum 10 (excluding to see just what goes on at New Fei – plus, with thousands of coordinator) frames to choose from at the best prices in town (even for COORDINATOR: Yelena Zakharova 9726 2378 designer frames!), you might just want to buy a pair or two. Burnt jade comes in shades of rich browns and tans. The stone You don’t have to bring your prescription with you; the New is exposed to smoke, which permeates the stone and creates Fei opticians will examine your eyes for free! Optional lunch these beautiful shades but allows the translucency of the stone to follow at shared expense. to be retained. We will be using a combination of carved stones and beads to create a stunning matinee-length necklace. The Educational Series: Wan Chai Historical technique to bring it all together will be similar to pearl knotting. Walk with Jason Wordie This is sure to be a necklace you will receive compliments on. The exact address will be provided to participants. WHEN: Tuesday, 26 September 9:00am – 12:30pm WHERE: Meet at Starbucks, One Pacific Place, 1/F, Educational Series: Macao – A Historical 88 Queensway (next to Harvey Nichols) Overview by Jason Wordie COST: $420 member/$480 member's guest WHEN: Thursday, 12 October CAPACITY: minimum 12/maximum 25 10:00am – 11:30am COORDINATORS: Susan Soskin West 9191 1503 WHERE: AWA office Susan Brooks 9628 7763 COST: $330 member/$390 member's guest Join us for this historical walking tour with Jason Wordie. CAPACITY: minimum 12/maximum 25 Wan Chai means “Small Bay” in Cantonese, and for COORDINATORS: Susan Soskin West 9191 1503 generations was also known as Ha Wan, or “Lower Bay.” Susan Brooks 9628 7763 Commonly romanized as Wanchai – and popularly referred Macao was a Portuguese settlement from 1557 until 1999, to by some residents as “The Wanch” – this perennially spanning the entire epoch of European expansion in the Far interesting urban district began in pre-British times as a small East from the Age of Discoveries to the very end of the Chinese settlement, little more than a hamlet, grouped colonial era. This extensively illustrated lecture will track and around the location of the present Tai Wong Temple on explore Macao’s various stages of evolution as a global and Queen’s Road East. regional crossroads for trade, technology, cultures, Please note: All walks require appropriate footwear for ethnicities, and religions. It will provide vital context for a later walking. Please remember to carry water. We also suggest planned exploration, on foot, of central Macao and its many insect repellent, sunscreen, hat and an umbrella. fascinating, well-preserved historic monuments.

September 2017 AWARE 27 ONGOING GROUPS

AWA’s Ongoing Clubs & Sports

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

ART LOVERS: Kumiko Matsushima, [email protected]; Cynthia Lackey, [email protected] PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP: To be announced STITCH: Laurie Ling, [email protected]; Sarah Brundan, [email protected] AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB: Penny Van Niel, [email protected]; Linda Berman, [email protected] SPIRITUAL LITERACY GROUP: Kate Weisman [email protected] MAHJONG MADNESS: Katherine Fenton, [email protected]; Christine Scullion, [email protected] SOCIAL BRIDGE AND LUNCH: Lisa Strunin, [email protected] GAMES GALORE-MAHJONG: OR BRIDGE: Beth Hall, [email protected] LUNCH BUNCH: Connie Albracht, [email protected] GALLOPING GOURMET: Linda Gomoll, [email protected]; Jean Han, [email protected]; Penny Soder, [email protected] ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP: Giuditta Crovato, [email protected] AWA HIKING GROUP: Gail Sousa, [email protected]; Alison Doran, [email protected] Claire Drewery, [email protected] Deborah Royce, [email protected] AWA GLOBE PADDLERS Sarah Brundan, [email protected]; DRAGON BOAT TEAM: Anne Fifer, [email protected] AWA GOLF SOCIETY: Sue Webb, [email protected] WOMEN’S FORUM: Jane Buck, [email protected] WOW: [email protected]

28 AWARE September 2017 CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICE EXECUTIVE BOARD Phone 2527 2961/2 Fax 2865 7737 EXECUTIVE BOARD [email protected] Hours 9:30am – 3:30pm Mon-Thu President Andrea Roth: [email protected] Address No.5, 11th floor, Arion Commercial Centre, 1st VP Fundraising Gunjali Singh: [email protected] 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong Kong 2nd VP Membership Jean Han: [email protected] Website www.awa.org.hk 3rd Vice President Activities Tracey-Lee Hayes: [email protected] Director of Operations Barbora Mayer: [email protected] AWAre Editor Brooke Richter: [email protected] Membership Representative Joanne Lam: [email protected] Charitable Donations Gabriela Caraman-Heijnen: [email protected] Community Service Lee Parr: [email protected] Education & Scholarship Helen Carruthers: [email protected] COMMUNITY Public Relations Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Recording Secretary Jennifer Kindel: [email protected] COMMUNITY SERVICE [email protected] Treasurer Annie Fifer: [email protected] Strategic Adviser Robin Fine: [email protected] Chairperson Lee Parr: [email protected]

China Merchants Wharf Volunteers KD Schumacher: [email protected] Hong Kong Hosts – Adopt a Marine, SOCIAL Adopt a Sailor [email protected] HK Society for the Blind Lee Parr: [email protected] ACTIVITIES [email protected] Ronald McDonald House Renee Cheung: [email protected] Trisha Cliff: [email protected] 3rd Vice President Tracey-Lee Hayes: [email protected] Soup Kitchen Joanna Cogan: [email protected] Asian Tours To be announced Local Tours and Activities Tracey-Lee Hayes [email protected] SOCIAL Patti Smith: [email protected]

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP If you would like to join the AWA or if you have any [email protected] question about the organization, please contact the office Chairperson Helen Carruthers: [email protected] or any of the Executive Board members. English Conversation Liz Clark: [email protected] Kwun Tong Marti Law: [email protected] Pok Fu Lam Liz Clark: [email protected] Sham Shui Po Barbara Iannazzone: [email protected] Chai Wan Linda Gomoll: [email protected] Ap Lei Chau tba Dining Etiquette Bernice Lee: [email protected] CARPET WASHING & REPAIRS Mock Interviews Katherine Payne [email protected] Kei Chau Reading Program Jill Baran Scott: [email protected] PROFESSIONALS CLEANING & REPAIR SERVICES Our cleaning and repair services are the best Public Relations [email protected] in Hong Kong. Free pickup and delivery. Chairperson Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Forum Moderator Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Website Angela Bellas: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP [email protected] 2nd Vice President Jean Han: [email protected] Buddy Program Alison May: [email protected] CHAT Coordinator Barbara Galligan, [email protected] Foon Ying Chrissie Govier chrissie: [email protected] KD Schumacher [email protected] Helen Pott [email protected] SHOP IN YOUR HOME Membership Discounts [email protected] You can buy a carpet in the comfort of your home. OWL Susie Edrington: [email protected] (We can bring the carpets to you with no obligation.) Southside Owl Sarah Gotts, [email protected] DB Owl Susan Putnam, [email protected] WOW [email protected] CALL : 9018 0897 / 2851 3665 EMAIL : [email protected] WEBSITE : Iqbalcarpets.hk ADDRESS : G/F. 21 PO TUNG RD. SAIKUNG

September 2017 AWARE 29 30 AWARE September 2017