aware dec 2014 jan 2015.pdf

A M a g a z i n e f o r t h e W o m e n o f H o n g K o n g • D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 4

Go knowingwww.crownrelo.com/hongkong

International experience? We have it tooMany of our people are expats themselves – their expertise helps assignees and HR teams alike.

Tel: +852 2636 [email protected]

Crown service offerings include:

CR ad AustCham magazine Sept.indd 1 8/18/2014 9:13:02 AM

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 4

The American Women’s Association of Hong Kong, Limited. Established in 1956A 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

EdiTorJoy murrayTel: 6773 [email protected]

AssisTAnT EdiTorsLori DicarloAngela bellas

GrAPHicsJacky Ngan

PHoToGrAPHYFahima AhmadLori DicarloSharon mason

AdvErTisinG mAnAGErHildy [email protected]

PubLisHEd & PrinTEd bYr&r Publishing Ltd.2126 [email protected]

Membership 3

Charity Bazaar 4

New Website 8

Social Media 11

Christian Action 13

Beach Clean-Up 16

Year of the Woman 22

Diwali Festival of Lights 24

Nativity Across the World 26

China Story 30

Local Tours 32

Ongoing Activities 42

Contact Information 49

Visit the AWA Website: www.awa.org.hk like us on fAcebook: www.facebook.com/awahk

folloW us on tWitter: @AWA_hk

The AWA office is open from Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm.

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 publicationmay not be distributed without the express written consent of the American Women's Association.

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Contents

2 AWAre December 2014

Welcome to the American Women's Association of Hong Kong!

We did it!!! Another successful Charity Bazaar!!! A special “Thank You” to all our fantastic members who donated their time to make this year’s Charity Bazaar such a spectacular event. The weeks leading up to the Bazaar were extremely busy and very tiring but the hard work was all worth it as seen by the wonderful success of our

fundraising event. An approximate total of $440,000 was raised in one day which puts AWA’s goal to raise $1 million by the end of the AWA year well on its way.

I also want to thank all those who came out to shop, eat good food, buy Lucky Lai See and who brought friends and relatives to the Bazaar. Everyone’s contribution helped make this year’s Charity Bazaar an awesome event.

As the holidays approach, I want to invite everyone to the Member Holiday Celebration on December 2nd at Oolaa from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Nibbles and snacks at no charge, cash bar. Bring your spouses and share in an evening of good cheer and holiday laughter. Be sure to register at www.awa.org.hk.

Whether you are going to visit with family and friends overseas or explore new and exotic destinations in Asia, I wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season! We look forward to seeing you in the New Year refreshed, energized, and ready for the events and activities planned for the months ahead.

Stephanie BourqueAWA President

I love the Christmas Season! The glitz and glitter, the carols and the snow – well no snow in Hong Kong, of course. However, I do anticipate some of the white stuff in Philadelphia where I will spend the holiday.

In this issue you can enjoy a taste of other festivals. Diwali or Festival of Lights seemed to start the season off in October, and of course the Nativity is central to Christmas around the

world. You will no doubt enjoy some of the many Nativity scenes collected by a priest at Mary Knoll House, and discover the meaning of Chanukah. No matter what your beliefs and how you celebrate, I hope you will have a blessed and happy time with family and friends.

This year has been very special to me. I have made some wonderful friends through AWA, seen many sights of Hong Kong, hosted visitors from around the world and hopefully risen to the challenge of editing the AWAre Magazine.

What an experience that has been and it couldn’t have been done without a dedicated editorial committee and a wonderfully organized and enthusiastic co-editor. That being said, I will be moving back to Canada in April and will be looking for a new editor with the hope that she can work alongside me for the next two issues. Is that person you? Please contact me if this position might interest you.

Meanwhile, the very best of the season to you and yours. If you travel “home” have a safe trip.Sincerely,

Joy MurrayAWA Editor

From the President From the Editor

W e L c o m e

AWAre Needs You!AWAre Magazine is looking for an Editor to begin for the April Issue. If you have a journalism or editing

background this may be the ideal volunteer job for you. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are essential. On the job training will be offered for the February and March issues.

Advertising in AWAre is doing well thanks to the hard work of the Advertising Manager Hildy Karev. Hildy is looking for a willing volunteer to make some phone calls to previous advertisers. This is not a selling position. If you like talking to people this is for you!

Please contact Joy Murray at [email protected] at your earliest convenience.

December 2014 AWAre 3

m e m b e r S H i P

AWA (American Women’s Association) is a dynamic, community of women of all nationalities, with over 800 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, WoW event or encourage them to attend chAt. AWA’s vision is that all women can connect with us and develop a rich, satisfying and purposeful life in hong kong.

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

CHAT (Come Have a Talk)WhEN: Thursday, 10:00am – 12:00 noon (except public holidays) WhErE: J.W. Marriott Hotel, 4th Floor, Lobby

Lounge (bar area), Pacific Place COST: No fee (all beverages & lunches at personal

expense)COOrDINATOr: Susan Wallace, 9783 3227 CHAT is an informal gathering for members, newcomers, and non-members. In a friendly atmosphere, we share a coffee or tea and lively conversation. CHAT is a drop-in activity. No registration is required. Join us anytime between 10:00am and noon. The group often proceeds to lunch to continue chatting. A chance for some "grown-up" time and to leave the little ones at home.

Owl (Out with the ladies) Come join us any week or every week - same time, same place (except public holidays). WhErE: Oolaa 20 Bridges Street, Soho WhEN: Every Tuesday, 5:30pm – 7:30pm COOrDINATOr: Susue Edrington, [email protected]

Foon YingWhEN: January 7, 14, 21 February 5, 11, 25WhErE: You will be contacted by the coordinatorCOOrDINATOrS: Hildy Karev, [email protected] Kate Mahjoubian, [email protected]: No fee but registration is required"Foon Ying" means ‘welcome’ in Cantonese and what better welcome than to embark on a social adventure designed to foster new Hong Kong friendships. This informal program takes the guesswork out of finding your feet by designing fun activities for your group, sharing experiences and building your “guanxi” or ‘network’. Your commitment? Attend all three sessions over three weeks, be open to exploring your new environment and meeting great people. Join and enjoy!

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

hK CENTrAL/MID LEvELSKathy Barber, [email protected]

hK SOUThSIDE Walli Seegar, [email protected] Gallaudet, [email protected]

POK FU LAM AND ShOUSON hILLAmita Gupta, [email protected]

DISCOvErY BAY Tracy Russell & Tina Volkman, [email protected]

SAI KUNGKatherine Fenton, [email protected]

KOWLOON Jane Buck, [email protected] Susan Trebach, [email protected]

welcome New MembersJanice WallaceKim DavisStephanie QuinnildDena StephanopolusKhambee FirestoneDebby HuDipti ShahMargaret WhittinghamRuth GannonBetsy SweatTerri Mann

Melissa MarianoMary McHaleNikola AnderssonAmalia Regina KandouKate MorrowLan Anh TranGenevieve CarleMarie Mok-RocheleauChrissie GovierIngeborg SchmidingerMichelle Barrows

COOKIE DRIVEDon’t forget the Cookie Drive. Cookies will be donated to the Red Cross for children in hospitals around Hong Kong.

Please donate your cookies during the first week in December and don’t forget to use less sugar in the recipe. The donated cookies will be distributed between December 10 and 18. Check with the AWA website for drop off locations and times.


c H A r i T y b A z A A r

AWA Charity Bazaar 2014WE ShOPPED… We ate… We won… The 28th annual AWA Charity Bazaar on Friday, November 14, was a great success. From the moment the doors opened until the vendors were packing up, the floors stayed busy. Shoppers and vendors alike commented the “fun” tone of the event. Just prior to going to print, the approximate amount raised was HK$ 440,000!

Thank you again to our generous sponsors: Crown Relocation, R&R Publishing, Little Steps Asia, Vino Esotico for providing welcome drinks, and Hollywood Hair for the amazing entertainment. Thank you also to an anonymous private donor who covered our shuttle bus costs. And finally, our appreciation goes out to all of you who attended on the 14th to shop and support the AWA charity programs. As always, we could not do this without you.

by Marcy LaRontphotos by Sharon Mason,


c H A r i T y b A z A A r


So Many Generous Donors!The success of the AWA Bazaar is the result of the generosity of the sponsors,

donors and volunteers.

Thank so much….

To our sponsors and the many, many Lucky Lai See donors, both corporate and

individuals, in addition to those listed on the following page.

To the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Happy Valley Racecourse, for welcoming our event.

To the bakers who donated delicious goodies to the bake sale.

To the anonymous donor who donated a bus to get members to the event.

To the vendors for participating in the bazaar.

To the coordinator and staff and kudos to the volunteers who gave their time and

enthusiasm to ensure the bazaar ran so smoothly.

What a great team!


AFTEr ALMOST A YEAr of planning, designing, and testing, the new AWA website is up and running. Many, many thanks must go to Angela Bellas, Jennifer Schlueter, and Barbora Mayer for their countless hours of dedication and hard work for making our new website a reality.

We hope you like it! If you haven’t yet taken a look, be sure to check it out at awa.org.hk to see all the new and exciting features and changes that have been made. You will now be able to learn all about what’s coming up with the AWA, what’s been happening, and how you can get involved.

To help you learn how to navigate the site, we’d like to give you a snapshot of some of what you will find when you visit.

First of all, at the top of the page, you will find the AWA logo. Clicking on this will always bring you back to our home page.

When you are logged in, you will see your name and a drop down arrow at the top of the page. Click here to update your profile. It is important to do this in order for information about you to appear in the AWA Member Directory as this information did not carry over. It is also here that you indicate if you would like to receive the daily email regarding new postings to the AWA Forum.

Talking about the AWA Forum, we have replaced the ListServe to make it much easier to post and search for answers. The AWAForum is available only for AWA members and can only be accessed when you are logged in. You can still get your daily email listing of today’s posts, but only if you sign up.

To access the Forum, click on the top of the page:

To make a posting to the Forum, click on ‘Make a Post.’

There is Forum search facility so you can see if anybody has asked the question before.

m e m b e r S H i P

AWA’s New Website!


m e m b e r S H i P

Remember, to receive daily emails with new Forum postings, be sure to check ‘Yes’ under your Profile and save.

You will see that you can access all sorts of information from the website. For example, under the tab marked ‘Membership’ you will learn more about the AWA and read Spotlights on AWA Membership activities.

From this screen, you can read all about Upcoming Events:

Once on an event, you can register not only yourself but also a guest. And, if you must, you can cancel out of an event as well.

Continued


m e m b e r S H i P

Notice the little shopping cart on the right hand side at the top of the page? With this new feature, you can pay for all the events you have registered for at one time just by clicking here.

Wanting to see what is going on with the organization during a specific period of time? Do a search!

Want to learn more about Hong Kong? We’ve added a section you’ll want to check out called ‘Around Hong Kong’ where AWA members share experiences that will help you navigate Hong Kong.

AWA members actively volunteer and you will find an entire section on volunteering on the website:

It is now even easier to register for volunteer activities on our ‘Volunteer With Us’ page. Once your registration is approved by the activity’s coordinator, you will be able to sign up for a specific date.

The AWA raises almost HK$1million for charities and education programs throughout Hong Kong every year. It was important our website made getting involved with our philanthropic arm easy for our members. You will find an entire section dedicated to ‘Philanthropy.’

We hope you are enjoying using our new website. If you have any questions or problems, please call us. We’d be happy to help!


m e m b e r S H i P

NOT ONLY hAS the AWA recently launched our new website, we are also using Social Media to keep in touch with our members.

Knowing that most of our members are becoming much more in tune with navigating the online world, the AWA wanted to utilize these tools to keep members updated on things going on in our association, with fellow members and with activities in and around Hong Kong.

Are you utilizing the AWA Facebook page? We have re-launched our page to be more relevant with upcoming events. We are including things like restaurant openings and reviews, recipes from some local chefs, information about free outdoor activities, quick travel tips and so much more. To access all this information, all you need to do is hit the "Like" button on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/awahk.

We also want to know what our members are doing!

Stay Connected with the AWA Through Social Media!

We’d like to see you in and around your neighborhood, experiencing Hong Kong, and enjoying life in this exciting city. Send us pictures of some of your favorite places and spaces, of your discoveries and of hidden treasures you’ve found. To do so, just send a private message to us on the AWA Facebook page and insert your picture.

You can also stay connected with the AWA through our new Twitter account, @AWA_HK and our Instagram account, AWA_HK. We’d love to include postings from you! If you're out and about and find a great new spot for coffee, shopping, or anything else you'd like to share, send us a tweet or a picture on Instagram. We want to help others discover what makes Hong Kong such a great place to live.

If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with utilizing these forms of social media, be sure to sign up for the class we are offering 26 January. See page 40 for more information.

by KD Schumacher

LUCKY LAI SEEWe have amazing donations to our Lucky Lai See treasure trove to win!

Try your luck for some of these amazing items:

American Club weekday membership, holidays, beautiful accessories

and furniture from Forbidden City and a $5000 gift certificate for a total

makeover from Hollywood Hair and so much more!


A W A e N J o y S

AWA members had a blast putting themselves into the paintings at Hong Kong’s 3D Museum!

An extremely informative and helpful photography workshop was held to teach members how to maximize using their cameras.

What a spooky, fun time was had when members experienced a Spooky Dinner and Haunted Walking Tour of Wan Chai

Some wonderful ladies tried to say hello to each of the 10,000 Buddhas as they explored this amazing monastery in Shatin!

The June Foon Ying group enjoyed getting to know each other better as they explored a guided night tour of Yau Ma Tei.

Several ladies enjoyed discovering Hong Kong’s Noon Day Gun.


ThE AWA is a vibrant community of both expats and locals with a global outlook. We have made ourselves a welcome home in Hong Kong, so it is hard to imagine there is a hidden community of immigrants for whom Hong Kong can never be home.

Christian Action’s Chungking Mansions Service Centre for Refugees & Asylum Seekers (CKMSC) provides a lifeline for just such people who have escaped persecution, torture, or unimaginably cruel conditions in their home countries. These vulnerable people come to Hong Kong seeking temporary protection, but cannot remain here indefinitely.

CKMSC is the only drop-in center where these traumatized people can access their basic humanitarian needs like shelter, food, clothes and other daily necessities while they are temporarily in Hong Kong. CKMSC also provides valuable educational, training, and psycho-social support to these vulnerable refugees, asylum seekers and torture survivors.

Since people without resident status are not eligible for support from the Hong Kong government or significant funders like HK Jockey club, CKMSC relies on people like us to keep their doors open to the vulnerable people who most need it. The organization works to accomplish its mission through its volunteers who fill various needs and CKMSC looks to the community to step forward and fill the volunteer positions. The volunteer work is varied and volunteers may help in preparing lunch and dinner at a soup kitchen or they may help write for CKMSC’s social media platforms (newsletters, Facebook, etc.) People who can provide training in business, interview or parenting skills to refugees and asylum seekers are involved in the volunteer programs.

Another way the organization is supported through volunteers is with administrative support to help with data entry and management. Qualified (in any jurisdiction) mental health practitioners provide counseling or therapy to traumatized refugees and asylum seekers.

Financially supporting the work of the organization is through grants such as the one provided by AWA or donation drives. Funds raised may be used in part to pay for a refugee child’s schoolbooks or transportation so they can attend school; provide diapers for a refugee baby or pay for a rice cooker to cook the rice that is donated in food rations. Conditions are often poor in refugee shelters and needs might include fans or portable heaters to help refugees face the coming winter. Paying for rechargeable phone cards or octopus cards can help refugees keep in touch with immigration officials, social workers, lawyers or caseworkers who are trying to help them in their quest.

AWA has been a supporter of Christian Action humanitarian projects in past years.

Christian Action – A Community Lifeline

by Melissa Kaftarian Strecker

c H A r i T A b L e D o N A T i o N S

For further information on Christian Action, please visit www.christian-action.org.hk or call 2723 6626.



GIvING hONG KONG STUDENTS an opportunity to prepare for university or employment interviews is the purpose of the AWA Mock Interview Program. In this program, students from six schools are given the opportunity to practice their interview skills with an AWA volunteer. “This not only helps with their English skills and employability, but also boosts their self-confidence”, said Bernice Lee, Education and Scholarship Committee Chairperson.

“Each school invites us to come once a year for a two-hour session. Only one school has asked us to come more than once in a year. Each session has about 30 students which requires six to eight volunteers”, said Bernice.

A volunteer coordinator works with the schools to finalize dates for the sessions and the dates are then posted on the AWA website. Volunteers are provided with sample interview questions and assessment sheets before their session with the students and feedback is given by the volunteers to the students right away. “We are always looking for new volunteers”, said Bernice. “In fact, I’m looking for someone to replace me as the Mock Interview program coordinator now that I’ve become the Education & Scholarship Chair. If you enjoy working with enthusiastic, keen young people -- and

want to make a meaningful, positive impact in their lives – this is a great position to be in. It’s doesn’t require a huge time commitment and you will meet some amazing teenagers”.

Anyone interested in leading or participating in this program or the Chatterbox program should contact Bernice Lee at [email protected].

Mock Interviews

e D u c A T i o N

by Bernice Lee


ThE hONG KONG SOCIETY for the Blind was established in 1956 and is an outreach of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Started to provide vocational training centers, each passing decade has brought expansions to offer more help to the sight impaired of Hong Kong. Factories were built to provide jobs, and then dormitories to help the workers. Educational, vocational, medical and rehabilitation services are provided.

AWA volunteers assist the organization through its Reading for the Blind program. This AWA community outreach is one of the easiest and least time consuming projects the AWA is involved with. The job (should you choose to accept it) is to snip articles out of the South China Morning Post (or other English periodicals) for two weeks. At the end of two weeks, you make an appointment and then, off you go to Shek Kip Mei in Kowloon. In a recording booth, you read the articles you’ve selected and then the staff at HKSB transfers the recording to CDs to be checked out by Hong Kong’s sight impaired. Who would check out two week old news? People who are English speakers and want to hear news OR those who want to listen to English to strengthen their skills.

Sometimes, the Blind Society needs “other” things read in English. This may include the directions to the rest room or parking for a county park, or maybe even a list of what new books on tape are available to check out.

This is an easy…three hour (+ some travel) commitment…and it only happens once every three months (or less!). The

Reading for the Blind outreach has a dedicated, yet fluid group of volunteers that offers their time to literally read TO the blind!

Coordinating this is made easy by the generosity of the women who read. The scheduling is done three to four months in advance. Some AWA volunteers do so because they have sight impaired family members. I volunteer because it just feels right to give back to this amazing city and to help others. It also made me step out of my very comfortable

box. I traveled to a new area and interacted with mostly non-English speakers – I lived to tell about it!

Do you have three hours to give? If so, the Reading for The Blind outreach could use your time and talents! Contact Kate Mahjoubian @ [email protected] for more information.

Reading for the Blind by Kate Mahjounian

V o L u N T e e r i N g



ThE BEACh CLEAN UP is a global event. I'm very glad this event has started, it is a good example for the next generation, hoping they will do a better job in the future.

In each country around the world, it's happens once a year. AWA has participated for a few years now; we are going to participate again next year for sure.

I had to attend a seminar a week before the date of the cleaning. They explained the procedure, gave me some information to take home to read, and gave me information on rubbish collection.

I decided to clean the trail because everyone goes to clean the beaches but very few go to the country side. They suggested the trail of Pok Fu Lam.

The day of the clean-up we met at 10:00am at the entrance of the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir. We were ten members from AWA and six friends, who came along to help. The day was perfect (I spoke to God the night before to give us nice weather because we were doing something for a good cause).

The plan was to clean the trail from Pok Fu Lam to the

Beach Clean-Upby Patty Tarallo

AWA Participates in the Annual

by Patty Tarallo



Peak. When everyone arrived, I gave out gloves, an AWA T-shirt to wear, and a rubbish bag. I brought scissors and plasters in case needed.

We divided into three groups, one person in the group taking notes of the rubbish collected and the others cleaning up.

We cleaned the trail itself and the woods on the side. At the beginning of the trail were two beaches; we managed to get down to them, climbing carefully. It was unbelievable the amount of rubbish we cleaned, there was all sorts of stuff down there.

It was my first time to do the Clean-Up and I enjoyed it a lot. I couldn’t believe how much trash people left behind. I had a strong feeling of satisfaction to do something for the environment. It was so rewarding to spend the time in an efficient way. I will definitely do this next year.

We had a brilliant time.

Other volunteers had the same feeling as me:Amalia Kandou wrote: “The big strong man and the little

excited boy, who were a perfect duo, worked together to reach all the difficult spots, collecting trash and waste! Without them we would not have been able to clean up as much as we did. It was really fun to watch Ace and Bill and having them in my team.”

Emma Chickles, 14, wrote: "It was troubling to see so much trash near the reservoir! We should all make an effort to be more mindful of our trash."

Shelda Chickes, Emma’s Mom, followed up by saying: “It was so good to see my daughter doing something for the environment.”


TODAY’S CONSUMErS are informed and environmentally conscious. We read food labels to avoid GMOs, search out sustainably caught seafood and even bring reusable mugs to Starbucks to mitigate waste. But in fashion, we have yet to embrace green as the new black and our habits are creating an environmental disaster.

To get a sense of the damage our insatiable appetite for clothes is causing we need look no farther than our own backyard. In China, where 54% of the world’s textile fibers are made and from where 34% of the world’s apparel is exported, nearly 2.5 billion tons of wastewater and other pollutants are dumped annually into water supplies. That pollution accounts for approximately 20% of water pollution worldwide.

On a smaller scale, the creation of a single pair of jeans utilizes or creates: • 1,500gallonsofwater• Nearly7poundsoftoxicchemicals,whichoftenenterthe

water supply• 400mega joulesof energy, (theequivalent of leaving a

light bulb on for 116 days)• 71poundsofcarbondioxide,(theequivalenttodriving78

miles in your car)• 140squarefeetoflandtogrowthecottonforasinglepair

of jeansNow, consider that an estimated two billion pairs of jeans

are created annually—and many of them end up thrown away! In Hong Kong alone, an average of 296 tons of textile waste is dumped daily, or 12,200 garments an hour.

The impact doesn’t stop at creation. Washing, drying and ironing are responsible for 47% of the environmental impact of a pair of jeans. This maintenance uses approximately 240 kwh of energy a year, which is like using 4,000 sixty-watt light bulbs for an hour. Multiply that energy consumption by the average number of clothing purchases per year in the United States (64) and you will find that more than 20 billion garments are being created or maintained each year, with astounding damage.

So what can you do? • Takeaninventory.Mostofusdon’tknowallweownand

buy many of the same things. • OrganizeSWAPparties. Oneperson’s trash isanother’streasure! Your friends probably have items that didn’t quite work for them but will for you.

• Buylessbutbetter!Ifyoumustbuynew,onlyshopwithvendors that are making a concerted effort to reduce their waste.

• Alwaysshopwithalist.Avoidimpulsebuys.• Checkthecare labels. Assessinghowyoucareforyour

purchases is an important part of sustainability. Think twice if they are dry-clean only, don’t wash after one wear and air-dry when possible.

• Take the 365 Day Challenge. Vow not to purchaseanything new for an entire year, except from consignments, swaps or secondhand stores.

• Recycleordonateusedclothing.Nearly100%oftextilesare recyclable. Reuse reduces pressure on virgin resources and landfill.Not wearing clothes is not an option. But being more

responsible in our purchasing and care decisions can have a huge positive impact on our planet—and our wardrobes! Responsible fashionistas follow the guidelines above.

The High Price of Disposable Fashionby Anne Fifer

Calling women artists! We need you to put yourART “On The Line”

Thursday, March 5, 2015

An International Exhibition and Art Sale supporting grass-root charities in Hong Kong. Submitting one work could take a family at risk off the line.

For more information email: [email protected] visit www.awa.org.hk

F e A T u r e


Calling women artists! We need you to put yourART “On The Line”

Thursday, March 5, 2015

An International Exhibition and Art Sale supporting grass-root charities in Hong Kong. Submitting one work could take a family at risk off the line.

For more information email: [email protected] visit www.awa.org.hk

To all AWA Members and their Partners

You are invited to share a few hours of fun, camaraderie & good cheer at the

Tuesday, 2 December, 5:30PM to 8:30PM at Oolaa, G/F CentreStage, Bridges Street, Soho

Nibbles & snacks at no charge, cash bar Admission is free but registration is required.

Please register on the AWA website at www.awa.org.hk


AWA’S SOCIAL GOLF GrOUP enjoyed a fun-filled year of tournaments, golf skills clinics, a fitness clinic and even a golf day to Mission Hills in China. A major milestone for the group this year was registering as an official “Golf Society” with the Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA). We are now officially known as The American Womens Association Golf Society of Hong Kong (AWAGS)!

What this means is that AWA can now extend to its golfers a much broader range of opportunities than in the past. Once registered with AWAGS, golfers become members of the HKGA, obtain official handicaps through the AWA, and have access to the Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN) score recording system. GHIN is an online and mobile app players can access anywhere in the world to post their scores and update their official handicap.

As a society, AWAGS will now be able to contact other

HKGA societies to set up competitions and social rounds. We will also be able to offer better green fees to play at courses previously cost-prohibitive like Fanling, Clearwater Bay, Discovery Bay and Sheko.

The biggest change ahead will be the way the golf group is managed. AWAGS will now be organized by a Captain’s Committee, a group of AWA golfers nominated by the society to serve in one of six positions for a one year term. With this structure in place, players can help AWAGS without committing vast time and resources. The responsibilities of running the society will be shared -- no longer dependent on the goodwill and availability of an individual volunteer. “Many hands will make light work,” thereby enabling all to enjoy playing golf in Hong Kong. AWAGS wants to sustain its existence for many years to come and to reliably provide a full range of social and fun golf for players of all levels.

AWA’s Social Golf Takes An Exciting New Direction:

by Jodi Jones

F e A T u r e

Introducing the AWA Golf Society


F e A T u r e

Introducing the AWA Golf SocietyThe first AWAGS Captain’s Committee is:• SueWebb,Captain• MarlynRobertson,Vice-Captain• RaeAzuma,FirstTreasurer• JodiJones,Secretary• NicciButton,EventCoordinator(tournaments,skillsclinics,

social events and golf days outside of Hong Kong.) Various sub committees of volunteers will assist her.

• JackieJohnson,AWAGS’veryownLPGApro,willheadtheHandicap and Rules Committee and be supported by volunteers.

The AWA congratulates and thanks the first Captain’s Committee. We wish all the best to you as you take AWA Golf into a new era.

AWAGS wants to sustain its existence for many years to come and to reliably provide a full range of social and fun golf for players of all levels.


TO rECOGNIzE the important contribution women make to social, political, economic and cultural life around the world, on 18 December, 1972, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1975 as International Women’s Year. Following the aims and principles of the 1967 Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the UN not only recognized the importance of women but also hoped to intensify the action required to advance the status of women worldwide.

In 1975, the AWA and 23 other organizations in Hong Kong came together to celebrate International Women’s Year. AWA member and Program Chair Rosann Santora Kao traveled to New York City to establish ties between the Hong Kong Conference and UN offices. The Hong Kong Conference was held over two days and included more than 21 workshops, speeches and panel discussions which were grouped into five categories (family life, education, employment, health and other topics). Its theme was “The Hong Kong Woman 1975 – Where Is She Now?”

I spoke with Rosann to get an insight on the 1975 conference and its relevance today.

Why was the l975 theme “Where is she now?” chosen?The leaders of a dozen or so local and international women’s organizations in HK felt strongly that while many, maybe most, Hong Kong women had a better life than the majority of women in Asia, we knew there were wide differences within the Territory. The conference gave us the opportunity to talk about the status of women as it was then.

The International Year of the Woman –

Looking Back Over 40 Years

by Jane Buck

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Access to health information and services was a priority. In order to care for a family, work or go to school, women had to be healthy. And, the particular health and medical issues of a women’s body had to be respected. Many delegates felt that women had a right to good health services. For that to happen, more women needed to know their own health rights. The program content of the ’75 conference also reflected legal awareness.

On education, in the 1970s there were restrictions on the number of qualified students who could get into formal programs in higher education. At that time, boys in the family were almost always favored more than girls. Through women’s organizations, women were educating themselves and each other.

How did you get the two dozen or so women’s groups to cooperate? Because of the broad appeal of the Year, it really was not all that difficult. A press conference was called by the HK Council of Women in May. At that very meeting working groups were formed to focus on venue, program, speakers, fundraising, and press and media coverage. We were groups working together – active organizations agreeing to collaborate on one big event – the two day conference in October.

The women’s movement has gone on since the days of the suffragettes or maybe even earlier. Why draw attention to these particular 40 years? When the UN – a respected world body – decided there had to be a year of attention for women, a signal was sent that the developed peoples of our planet realized things were not altogether right for women. Women were poorer, less educated, wanting more and better paying jobs and although there were effective means of birth control, these were not known or available to all women.

Forty years embraces two generations of women. Women who were just starting adult lives or were mothers of young children in 1975 are now accomplished in life and many are grandmothers. Girls born in the 1970s grew up knowing that women speak out. Women who have come of age in these four decades know that there are role models – for career development, for balancing a family and a job, and for civic and community leadership. Forty years is long enough to

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remember “back when.” I want to be sure we do not forget --- it is only 40 years since some of these changes have taken place in Hong Kong.

In 1975, the question was “Where is She Now?” Forty years later, questions remain. How will a woman’s family life impact her independence as a woman? When will a woman’s education bring her the equality she deserves? Why are a woman’s employment opportunities still not on a par with a man’s? And where are woman’s health issues treated with the urgency they deserve? Progress has been made; what progress is still needed?

Find out this March, as the AWA Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the International Year of the Woman. Keep your eye on future issues of AWAre and the AWA website for more details.


DIWALI, the Hindu "festival of lights," is the most popular of all Hindu festivals. Falling on a new moon in autumn, usually in October or November, the festival marks the beginning of the New Year for most of the Hindu community. Widely celebrated across India and the world, the interpretation of this ancient festival differs between the different regions. However, across all the stories and traditions associated with this festival the theme stays the same – Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, the beautiful display of lights in every home signifying the banishment of evil and welcoming light in.

Diwali celebrations generally last for five days, with every day marked by different activities and religious rites. The big celebration of the festival of lights is on the third day, followed by a day dedicated to the wife-husband relationship on the fourth day. Festivities end with Bhau-beej on the fifth day which is dedicated to the brother-sister bond.

Diwali is a special favorite with children as it spells good food, gifts and fireworks. Growing up in India, I looked forward to Diwali all year. With fall just creeping in, the evening air had a slight bite to it, and the weather was

snuggly. In one word it was perfect. The shops were lit up and chock full of new goods. Every evening was a feast with friends and family visiting us. We always got new clothes to wear for each of the five evenings. On the days of the festival, mornings were the time to hang all the lanterns and lights so that when the evening rolled around the entire house sparkled. After sunset, all the kids got together to light firecrackers. But my best memories were the scrumptious dinners that waited for us when we got home. Wherever we may be at Diwali, good food and lots of it is always a must.

Diwali Festival of Lights

by Tanvi Gupta

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TOS BY FA

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ThE STOrY OF ChANUKAh began almost 2500 years ago at the time of the Greek reign of Alexander the Great. Alexander conquered the land of today’s Syria, Egypt, and Palestine. Under his control, the Jews were allowed to keep their customs & beliefs. A century later, the successor to Alexander, King Antiochus IV, was in control of the area. He oppressed the Jews and desecrated the Temple, killing the Jews and sacrificing pigs inside the Temple. The Jews, under the rule of Judah Maccabee and his disciples, revolted against the Greek government. The revolution succeeded and the Temple was cleaned and rededicated.

According to tradition, at the time of the dedication, there was very little oil left that had not been defiled by the Greeks. Oil was needed for the Menorah (Candelabra), which was supposed to burn every night. But there was only enough oil

for one night, yet miraculously, it burned for eight days, the time that was needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil for the menorah. That is why Chanukah is celebrated for eight days, to commemorate the miracle of the oil.

Traditions of the holiday include lighting a menorah (which has nine candles) for eight nights; adding another candle each night until on the eighth night, all eight of the candles are lit. It’s also observed by eating foods fried in oil such as Potato pancakes, and sweet donuts. Another tradition is playing with a square top called a Driedel - it has four Hebrew letters on it. They symbolize the words: Nes, Gadol, Haya, Po – A Great Miracle Happened There. Gift giving was never part of the holiday, but because of the proximity to Christmas, Chanukah has also adopted this tradition.

The story of Chanukah. (Or Judaism 101) by Hildy Karev

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CCWM AWA Half Jan 2014 Horizontal.pdf 1 3/12/2014 5:02:32 PM


IT IS ThAT TIME of the year again. The baristas at your favorite coffee shop masquerade as elves. The strains of “Silent Night” overshadow the cacophony as you walk through the MTR. The HSBC Building in Central eschews its white and red lights for the more appropriate red and green, accompanying the panoply of neon snowmen and reindeer festooning the facades of Hong Kong’s skyscapers. It is Christmas in Hong Kong, and this city, which takes to heart any and all celebrations year round, pulls out all the stops for the Yuletide Season.

And yet, far from the madding crowd of malls and embellished sidewalks, there are hidden treasures to be found. One such gem is the annual Christmas display of Nativity Cribs from all over the world at the Mary Knoll House in Stanley.

Mary Knoll is the popular name of the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America, founded in 1911. Its chapter in Stanley celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2010. Set up as a rest house for visiting priests and missionaries working in the South China region, it also served as a language school for new missionaries learning Mandarin, Hakka and Cantonese. At the time of the Japanese invasion and occupation of Hong Kong, the resident priests were imprisoned and the House was occupied by the Japanese army until its surrender in 1945. It was declared a cultural asset by the Hong Kong government in the 1990s.

The late Rev. Sean P. Burke was one of the resident

priests at Mary Knoll House, and it was his passion for collecting nativity sets that sparked the start of the annual tradition in the late 1990s. Over the years the collection grew, primarily through donations, and it now consists of between

150-200 different sets. In Rev. Burke’s words, “For over 2000 years, the Christmas story has inspired

people of all ages, races and faiths. The nativity display shows how the story has

been told in different cultures throughout the world. The story is a simple one: a manger, a mother, a father, a child. But each culture takes that basic theme and wraps it in the language of its own art. With wood and plaster, straw and glass, clay and paint, the story is molded anew

to fit each different culture, time and place”.

Rev. Burke’s tradition of bringing the joy of Christmas through these beautiful

sets continues at Mary Knoll House. The display is usually set up around Advent, and since the house

continues to function as a rest house, visitors are requested to call beforehand and schedule an appointment for viewing.

For further information please contact :

The Mary Knoll House44 Stanley Village RoadStanley, Hong Kong S.ARTel : 28130357

Nativity Across the World

by Dimple ShahPhotos courtesy of The Mary Knoll House.

"Infant of Joy - Christmas Cribs from Around the World"

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Nativity Across the World

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FOON YING means welcome in Cantonese. It’s one of the very few Cantonese words I know. I’ve been meaning to study this language ever since our first assignment in Hong Kong in 1999. However, I never took a class until this year. Fifteen years later.

I always make a New Year’s Resolution and I do the usual promises – I will lose that last 5 pounds (or more recently that last 10!) or I will be more healthy (eat better and drink less – that makes me laugh actually). But for 2014, I promised myself that I will finally learn Cantonese.

I am bilingual. I speak both English and Tagalog (Philippine dialect). My Tagalog is at a fourth-grade level and I read very, very, very slowly in Tagalog. But it has some small advantages whenever I’m in Philippines. Unfortunately, when I am in the Philippines, the locals think I am Filipino. But when I travel to other countries, the locals think I am from that area. Bizarre but true and, at times, frustrating. The locals look almost disappointed that I would stammer and lamely shake my head, “English?” I would love to converse in Bahasa or Mandarin. But most of all, I

would love to speak in Cantonese. Not fluently but enough to be able to order in a restaurant or haggle the price of shrimp at the fishmonger or simply understand the MTR announcements.

I signed up for my very first lesson with three other friends at a language center in Wan Chai.

I enjoyed the lessons so much that I signed up for two more sessions. To me, Cantonese has a musical element that appeals to me. The rising and falling tones. The high and low. I would listen to the recordings and amaze myself that I could follow the dialogue. At times, I would be brave enough to converse with taxi drivers but apologizing if I butchered the language. It was good practice.

Then summer happened. With all my good intentions, I brought my workbooks with me on holiday but I did not open any of them. Without practice, I’m afraid that I lost ground. However, with optimism for the New Year, I promise to continue with my lessons.

So, I declare that for my 2015 New Year’s Resolution, I will continue with learning Cantonese. I will continue to practice by talking to taxi drivers and shop vendors. I will find courage to order dumplings in Cantonese. And, oh, also lose that last 10 (okay, 15) pounds.

Chinese New Year’sby Shelda Chickles

MyResolution


ResolutionAll you have to do is pack your bags, get your visa and go – AWA’s Asian Tours are all-inclusive!ASIAN TOURS 2015 TRIPS

Trip Date Destination Sign-Up Start Date Leader

23 – 25 January Harbin Sign-Ups On-going Cynthia Lackey, 6200 32226 – 14 February Myanmar Sign-Ups On-going Marja Lasek-Martin, 9675 259612 – 17 March Asia Biking – Central Vietnam Sign-Ups On-going Amanda McGovern, 6200 397611 – 15 May Zhangjiajie (where “Avatar” was filmed) 1 December 2014 Kate Mahjoubian, 6462 6559September 2015 Mongolia March 2015, date TBA Julie Naughton, 9028 6606

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

Book now for Asian Tours

A S i A N T o u r S

Asian Tours' World War Two Weekenders getting ready to watch "The Bridge On The River Kwai" in preparation for their Asian Tour to the real thing!


IN ThE SPAN of three weeks, AWA members, spouses and guests had the opportunity to travel to Tibet, the “roof” of the world that is over 2400km away, AND to a World Heritage UNESCO site in Shaoguan China…a mere 290km away via high speed train.

TibetA definite highlight of the trip to Tibet was the

visit to the Potala Palace, home of the Dalai Lama. This UNESCO world heritage site dominates the city of Lhasa and is the most famous landmark in Tibet. Our group was able to visit the inner sanctum of the Dalai Lama’s Executive Board and see the “safe room” where, upon threat, the sitting Dalai Lama is hidden for safety.

The colors of Tibet are as varied as a large box of child’s crayons. The blue skies, the crimson robes of Monks, and the vast brown and green mountains topped by snow held firmly in place by glaciers all kept the photographers of our group snapping to their hearts’ content.

Stupendous. Breathtaking. Amazing. wondrous…From Far to Near – the Beauty of Asia is ALL of the Above and More

by Kate Mahjoubianphotos by Kate Mahjoubian and Carol Lampard

Tibet mom cuddles her son

The blue skies and reflective waters of Yamdrok Lake. Elevation 4838 meters.

A young Monk relaxing before continuing his pilgrimage

The group had a blast!

AWA member Debra Conant did a quick water painting of a Monk while

he posed patiently

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Stupendous. Breathtaking. Amazing. wondrous…From Far to Near – the Beauty of Asia is ALL of the Above and More

Danxia MountainLess than a month after the AWA’s trip to Tibet, members

learned it does not take an airplane, special visa and high altitude medication to enjoy an exotic and magical travel opportunity in China.

The Local Tours Committee (as no planes were to be involved) coordinated an overnight trip to Danxia Mountain, near Shaoguan City in the province of Guangdong. Traveling by high – speed train (upwards of 300kph), the destination was a mere 290km from Hong Kong.

The trip to Danxia was a quick 36 hours over a Friday and Saturday, letting those who normally can’t join tours due to working obligations a chance to steal away for a quick vacation.

Also a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Danxia offered a different palette for all to enjoy. Bathed mostly in brown, tan, black and beige, one might think this land does not have much to offer visually. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Danxia Mountain is known for its amazing rock formations. There are two ways to enjoy and photograph the area. This can be done by enjoying a river cruise OR by taking a quick cable car ride to the top of Danxia Mountain for a panoramic glimpse of such majestic formations. (There was a possibility of climbing down the mountain but heavy rains the day before prohibited us from doing this.)

The scenic area contains more than 680 stone hills, stonewalls, stone pillars and natural bridges of different sizes. One could spend an entire day in the park walking, hiking and photographing this lovely area.

Travel to China!Do not miss an opportunity to enjoy what China has to offer in

the way of travel. The opportunities are endless, and it does not take extensive or expensive transportation to get there!

The group had a blast!

Rock Formation "Sleeping Beauty" resting above the river boats

The Local Tour group enjoyed the river boat ride

Relics on the wall in Danxia

The stone teapot made a brief appearance for the group

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32 AWARE December 2014

Who Would think a lunch break in the middle of working on the magazine layout could be an adventure! Well, let me tell you it can!

Wearing our serious editorial expressions and conducting ourselves in a true business manner, Lori and I had spent the morning working at the publisher’s office on this issue of AWAre. Lunchtime rolled around, and having received a coupon from a nice young man outside the building, we decided to check out what we thought was a café on the 11th floor. The picture on the coupon showed a delectable fruit salad, great for the brain, we thought!

A winding hallway led to a no-name door but we were game! The interior revealed a rather untidy room with a small counter and countless Chinese people sitting around with mugs of liquid – and not a crumb of real food in sight. We were greeted politely though I suspect a visitor from Mars would have been less of a surprise! Signs on the wall were all in Chinese and we did our best to find out whether the fruit salad was available. But it seemed that we had ventured into a “nutrition first” venue. Before we knew it, we had ordered chocolate and strawberry shakes with appetizers of aloe concentrate – this actually did not taste at all bad. The shakes however, were another story, being warm and containing crunchy bits which turned out to be brown rice. I have to say it was the first shake I had ever had that contained undefinable crunchy bits!

Never mind, we soldiered on. A young woman called Olivia spoke good English and introduced us to a young man who had lost 100 lbs by following the brown rice shake diet. Olivia then told us she could work out a program for us and give us information on our body fat, and other telling health indicators. We said we could come back for that but, undaunted, she pulled out two forms, in Chinese, and as we continued to chew our shakes, we learned all the hidden (and maybe not so hidden) flaws in our body make-up.

The scales came out of a cupboard, fortunately the batteries were dead – but no, more batteries appeared! Standing on the scale was enough trauma but more was to follow! It seemed we needed to drink more water (wine was not mentioned), step up our metabolism and lose weight – Lori fared much better in that department than I, however, as Olivia reviewed all the numbers, she managed to knock ten

years off my age. I’ll go with that! As it turned out, the venue was an outlet for a well-known

international health product however, it seemed to be a spot where local people could concentrate on losing those extra pounds or have a quick nap! We will soon be in a new year and as always, losing weight is on my resolution list. However, if it means crunchy shakes and (probably) no wine with dinner then I will have to be happy with the way I am. In any case, I have discovered I am 10 years younger! It’s all good!

We left with smiles on our faces and a glass of herbal tea in our hands. Who knew lunch could be such an adventure?

Who Knew Lunch Could be an Adventure!by Joy Murray

H u m o R

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

TICKETS: $500/person

7:00 – 8:00pm HAPPY HOUR 8:00 – 10:30pm QUIZ TIME

INCLUDES: Icy cold pint, pub grub, fun company, lots of laughs, brain teasers, great prizes and much more…

Registration opens 3 January

L o c A L t o u R s A n D A c t i v i t i E s

December 2014 AWARE 33

Tuesday, 2 December Diane von Furstenberg Holiday Shopping Event

Thursday, 4 December Everyday Popular Culture: Lecture by Jason Wordie

Monday, 8 December The Changing World of the Middle East

Tuesday, 9 December Christmas Decorations Shopping in Sham Shui Po

Tuesday, 9 December How to Look and Feel Fabulous in Hong Kong

by Glow with Ceri Silk

Wednesday, 10 December What It’s Worth – Understanding Gemstone Valuations and Appraisals

Wednesday, 10 December Kowloon City Walking Tour with Jason Wordie

Thursday, 11 December Yuet Tung China Works – Hand Painted Porcelain

Friday, 12 December High Tea at the Peninsula Hotel

Tuesday, 16 December Heritage Festival Series: Jiao Festival in Ha Tsuen

Register by Monday, 8 December

Wednesday, 7 January Learn about Feng Shui Series:

The Chinese Art of Auspicious Date Selections

Register by Monday, 29 December

Monday, 12 January Tour of the Yuen Yuen Institute – A Most Amazing Monastery

Tuesday, 13 January Health and Wellness Series: The Meditation Experience

Register by Monday, 5 January

Thursday, 15 January Jump Off Your Excess Calories!

Register by Thursday, 8 January

Friday, 16 January Dim Sum (as recommended by Gwyneth Paltrow!)

followed by a 50-minute foot massage!

Register by 8 January

Tuesday, 20 January Styling in the New Year

Wednesday, 21 January Understanding Chinese New Year!

Thursday, 22 January Cooking with Passion: A Taste of Southeast Asia – 3

Thursday, 22 January So You Think You Can Salsa Dance?


Monday, 26 January Social Media a Mystery to you?

Tuesday, 27 January The Art of Chinese Ink Painting

Wednesday, 28 January Historic Yaumatei Walking Tour with Jason Wordie

Thursday, 29 January Behind the Scenes Tour of DHL Central Asia Hub

Register by Thursday, 22 January

Tuesday, 3 February Chinese New Year Paperwhites

Tuesday, 3 February Feng Shui Series: Feng Shui Predictions for 2015


Wednesday, 4 February Triads – An Historical Overview: Lecture by Jason Wordie

Friday, 6 February Cooking Demo and Lunch: Valentine's Dinner that will make you Fall in Love

Local Tours & Activities – At a Glance!Sign-up Starts 1 December



Diane Von Furstenberg Holiday Shopping EventWhen: Tuesday, 2 December 6:00pm – 9:00pmWhere: DVF Pacific Place Store, Shop 211, Level 2Cost: $80 member/$160 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 20, maximum 50Coordinators: Susan Trebach, [email protected];

Celine O’Connor, 6383 2508Just in time for the holidays, Diane Von Furstenberg is offering an exclusive AWA members-only evening shopping event. Latest fashions will be available at a 10% discount; sale items at an additional 10% discount! Join us for this opportunity to browse DVF’s beautiful clothes at special prices.

Everyday Popular Culture: Lecture by Jason WordieWhen: Thursday, 4 December 1:15 pm – 2:45 pmWhere: AWA OfficeCost: $330 member/$410 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 10, maximum 25Coordinator: Celine O’Connor, 6383 2508

When: Tuesday, 13 January 10:00am – 11:30am Registration must be received by

Monday, 5 JanuaryWheRe: AWA officeCosT: $330 member/$410 member’s guestCapaCiTy: minimum 6, maximum 12CooRDinaToRs: Yelena Zakharova, 9726 2378By now, most of us have heard of the benefits of meditation. However, how many of us practice meditation on a regular basis or are even aware how to meditate? In this short program, you will learn what meditation is all about, gain a basic scientific understanding on why people meditate, and experience getting into a meditative state easily and effortlessly. Through practical exercises and discussions you will learn both guided meditation to cleanse and heal your body and self-induced meditation techniques for relaxation. Whether you are practicing meditation for curiosity, relaxation or peace of mind, you will find that it can offer you far more than you ever expected and that you can get

in touch with the magnitude of your inner world. These benefits may not materialize in a couple of sessions; they slowly accumulate over a period of time as we bring the art of being present into our daily lives. This series of talks is done by one of HK's highly-regarded personal development practitioners, a trained image consultant, clinical hypnotherapist, and owner of “All About You” wellness center.

health and Wellness series: the Meditation experience

Flickering red candles in darkened doorways, women beating shoes on the ground under busy fly-overs, coins scattered on the ground on funeral routes and other seemingly-inexplicable aspects of local life. Do you want to know more about some of the numerous commonly encountered ritual observances practiced here in Hong Kong? Join us today as renowned historian, Jason Wordie, helps clarify many of those “what was that about?” questions you have probably asked yourself many times.



The Changing World of the Middle EastWhen: Monday, 8 December 12:45pm – 2:30pmWhere: AWA officeCost: $80 member/$160 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 5, maximum 20Coordinator: Hildy Karev, 6799 9604Interested in understanding a little about World politics and what is happening today in the Middle East? Come to an informal lunch discussion to better understand some of the pressing news stories of today. We will talk about the threats from the Islamic State (IS) – or the Islamic State In Syria (ISIS). What is happening in the war in Syria? Who are the players in the region and how are they changing the whole map of the Middle East? Why can’t the Western countries of the world change the dynamics of the region? How will this affect our lives in the future? This is a friendly discussion with plenty of room for questions and answers. Bring your own lunch, coffee and tea will be served.

Christmas Decorations Shopping in Sham Shui PoWhen: Tuesday, 9 December 1:00pm - 3:30pm Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR, near Exit ACost: $80 member/$160 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 4, maximum 12Coordinators: Lisa Wallis, 6715 0653; Diane Lamboley, 9020 9387Want to bring some Holiday spirit into your home? Looking for those “fill-ins” for your Christmas decorating needs? Sham Shui Po has long been known for its “crafty” qualities, but for a short span in December, it is also the home to those hard to find Christmas decorations at reasonable prices: village “snow,” fabrics, tree trims and shirts, stockings to hang and much more! Join us as we do a walk-about of this eclectic area of Kowloon. Please bring your loaded Octopus card, small bills (best for bartering) and your Holiday Spirit!

How to Look and Feel Fabulous in Hong Kong by Glow with Ceri SilkWhen: Tuesday, 9 December 1:00pm – 3:00pmWhere: AWA OfficeCost: $80 member/$160 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 6, maximum 10Coordinator: Sheila Hutchinson, 9841 6464Ceri Silk, the director of Glow with Ceri Silk, Skeyndor Institute, will give us some fabulous, personal tips on how to deal with Hong Kong’s humid climate. Ceri will advise us on the best skincare regime for humid weather. She will show

us how ‘less can be more’ and how to quickly apply make-up to enhance our features. Hong Kong’s high humidity can also make our hair frizzy and Vikki Sheridan will advise us on how to manage the frizzies and also help with hairstyles that are modern and easy to manage.

What’s It Worth – Understanding Gemstone Valuations and AppraisalsWhen: Wednesday, 10 December 9:45am – 12:30pmWhere: D’Alejo Jewelry, 9/F, On Hing Building, No. 1 On Hing Terrace, CentralCost: $180 member/$260 member’s guest CapaCity: minimum 6, maximum 10 Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484; During our series of talks by Celso D’Alejo, we have learned much about gemstones and pearls. But there is probably one question we all have – what’s it worth? The “value” of jewelry has many meanings and this value is not necessarily what was paid. “What’s it worth” varies depending on the purpose of the valuation and the intrinsic value of the gemstones, gold and designer of the jewelry. Learn about the current market value of the famous gemstones: diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires and how the origin of the gemstones can significantly affect commercial pricing. This in an insider’s look into how professionals determine origin, gold content, age, manufacturer and quality. In addition, the different types of appraisals will be explained and examples of both good and



suspicious appraisals will be shown. Learn what you need to protect yourself and your valuables. This hands-on seminar will be conducted by Celso D’Alejo, a certified gemologist and appraiser.

Kowloon City Walking Tour with Jason WordieWhen: Wednesday, 10 December 8:45am – 12:30pmWhere: Exit A, MTR Lok Fu Station (Allow 20-30 minutes from Central MTR

to get there)Cost: $425 member/ $505 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 10, maximum 18 Coordinators: Katherine Fenton, 6708 3345; Barbara Galligan, 6080 6523Kowloon City, the district surrounding the old Kai Tak airport, has much color and interest yet it remains little-explored, except by those who live there. With no tourists and no touts, you’ll want to come back again and again to this fascinating corner of the “real Kowloon.” The old Kowloon Walled City, once a notorious crime-ridden slum, has been demolished and turned into a magnificent public park, which incorporates the nineteenth century Chinese Yamen (magistracy) buildings. Nearby Nga Tsin Wai is the last remaining walled village in the urban area. There are also interesting temples such as the Hau Wong Temple, vibrant street life, and an historical rock carving that dates back to the 12th century AD. Kowloon City is Hong Kong’s “Thai village” and there are numerous good value cafes and shops – just the place to stock up your Thai kitchen shelf at very reasonable prices. For about three hours we will explore the sights and sounds of Kowloon City so be sure to wear very comfortable walking shoes. You will be on your feet the entire time. Hat, sunscreen (oh, let’s hope it is a cool, sunny day!) and camera are good things to bring along. Optional Thai lunch at one of the excellent small eateries to follow at shared expense.

Yuet Tung China Works – Hand Painted PorcelainWhen: Thursday, 11 December 9:30am – 2:00pm (approx.)Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR Station, near Exit ACost: $80 member / $160 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 4, maximum 8Coordinators: Lisa Wallace, 6715 0653; Lisa Isley, 5597 6033Are you looking for a great place to buy some of the best porcelain in Hong Kong? Well, since 1928, Yuet Tung China Works has made hand painted china for restaurants and hotels and individuals such as you. This shop offers a range of ready-to-go china, but the real draw is either choosing a pattern from their sample book or having your own design custom made. Optional lunch will follow at shared expense.

High Tea at the Peninsula HotelWhen: Friday, 12 December 1:30pm – 4:00pmWhere: Meet inside Admiralty MTR Station, near

Exit ACost: $430 member/$510 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 6, maximum 10Coordinators: Katherine Fenton, 6708 3345; Susan Trebach, [email protected]



It’s nearly Christmas time! Hong Kong is bubbling with excitement and joy and has even put some makeup on! All those decorations, all those lights – and no better place to admire it all than from across the harbour in Kowloon at the Peninsula Hotel, one of the oldest, most elegant and most popular gathering places! Bring your octopus card and join us for an afternoon of holiday cheer and camaraderie at the Peninsula Hotel’s world famous high tea.

Heritage Festival Series: Jiao Festival in Ha TsuenWhen: Tuesday, 16 December 10:00am – 4:00pm Registration must be received by

Monday, 8 DecemberWhere: General Post Office, 2 Connaught Place, CentralCost: $450 member/$530 member’s guest CapaCity: minimum 16, maximum 22Coordinators: Regine Pocsatko, 6141 7061; Lena Zakharova, 9726 2378Professional Chinese photographer Kwok-Leung Paul Lau will provide insight in understanding the historical background of traditions regarding this year’s large-scale Jiao Festival which only takes place every 10 years. These fascinating events, held in traditional rural villages in the New Territories, are listed as national intangible cultural heritage. First we will visit the ancestral hall and temples in the old village of the Tang clan, followed by a brief walk to the festival site where a huge bamboo theatre is erected for the Cantonese opera shows. The festival starts with deities of nearby villages being invited to participate in processions to be presented in a special deity hall facing the theatre. We will try to arrange a special backstage visit to the opera before the show and enjoy the opening section of the performance. Don’t miss your chance to explore this guided local festival and take advantage of some unique photo-ops. Note: Please bring your own lunch snacks and drinks along and don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Learn about Feng Shui series: The Chinese Art of Auspicious Date SelectionWhen: Wednesday, 7 January 10:00am – 12:00pm Registration must be received by

Monday, 29 DecemberWhere: AWA officeCost: $330 member/$410 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 10, maximum 12Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova, 9726 2378; Mary Marsh, 6316 7705Date selection is a classical Chinese practice which dates to the era of the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). The concept behind Date Selection is simple: the objective is to carry out an activity at the point in which the energies of the universe are optimized for that particular endeavor. In that way, a particular event can commence on a positive note and footing. Originally utilized for matters relating to war and peace, Date Selection was eventually extended to key activities such as planting and harvesting of crops, marriages, moving into a new house, travel and burial. This talk will reveal some of the methods used in Date Selection and will pinpoint dates that are particularly prosperous for certain activities, while also pointing out dates on which important business or personal decisions should be avoided – and why. This series of talks is given by a Feng Shui Business Consultant.

Tour of the Yuen Yuen Institute – A Most Amazing MonasteryWhen: Monday, 12 January 10:00am – 1:00pmWhere: Meet inside Admiralty MTR Station, near Exit ACost: $80 member/$160 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 8, maximum 16Coordinators: Jane Buck, 9530-7957; Regine Pocsatko, 6141 7061



Hidden away in the wilds of Tsuen Wan, the Yuen Yuen Institute is a remarkable monastery far off the beaten tourist track. The Institute is made up of beautiful pavilions and prayer halls built in the 1950s to bring together the three streams of Chinese thought: Buddhism (which emphasizes nirvana and physical purity), Taoism (nature and inner peace), and Confucianism (following the practical and philosophical beliefs of Confucius). The main three-tier red pagoda is a copy of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, and houses 60 statues representing the full cycle of the Chinese calendar – you can look for the one that corresponds to your birth year and make an incense offering. This tour is a haven for photographers, so don’t forget to bring your cameras, and your octopus card for the MTR.

Jump Off Your Excess Holiday Calories!When: Thursday, 15 January 10:30am – 2:00pm Registration must be received by

Thursday, 8 JanuaryWhere: Outside Quarry Bay MTR Station, Exit CCost: $220 member/$300 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 10, maximum 30Coordinators: Jennie Parker, 9860 5646; Celine O’Connor, 6383 2508Did you indulge just a little too much over the holidays? Do you need to burn off a little steam? Do you just want to have a little fun and feel like a kid again? Come join us for an hour of exhilarating heart-pumping fun of jumping at a 7000 square foot indoor trampoline park. To refuel after a full hour of jumping, please join us for an optional lunch afterwards at shared expense.

Dim Sum (as recommended by Gwyneth Paltrow!) followed by a 50-minute foot massage!When: Friday, 16 January 11:15am – 2:00pm Registration must be received by

Thursday, 8 JanuaryWhere: Meet at the taxi stand in front of 2 Pacific

Place Cost: $280 members/$360 members’ guestCapaCity: minimum 4, maximum 10Coordinators: Sheila Hutchinson, 9841 6464; Kate Mahjoubian, 6462 6559A small hidden treasure with the locals has become even more popular after Gwyneth Paltrow visited and recommended it in her GOOP newsletter. The extensive photo menu boasts MSG-free dim sum and the approachable wait staff makes ordering easy. Many people come for lunch and place a take away order for dinner. We will enjoy a nice selection of dim sum house specialties at a shared expense. Afterwards, we will walk next door and enjoy a relaxing 50-minute foot massage with a back rub at Lively Foot. This is an opportunity to visit Happy Valley and experience a new dim sum and massage place to take your next visitors. “My friend Ellana took me for brunch at Dim Sum in the Happy Valley section of Hong Kong. As its name suggests, it serves up just this. If you want to have an authentic Chinese dining experience, Dim Sum is a good place to start.” Gwyneth

Styling in the New YearWhen: Tuesday, 20 January 9:45am –1:00pmWhere: AWA Office, Conference RoomCost: $200 members/$280 member’s guest CapaCity: minimum 4, maximum 6Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484What better time to relook your personal style and get some professional pointers than the beginning of the year. In this workshop, Alexia Stapels will share with us some simple strategies to help us make the most of our existing wardrobes and to make good selections when adding to it. Participants will be asked to bring or wear a wardrobe item they absolutely love and to bring something they don’t wear. Alexia will talk about the basics of color psychology, the creation of a personal style, body shape analysis and how to best flatter what you’ve got, wardrobe de-cluttering, and a few basic makeup tricks. Finally, she will give us some great hints for packing for your next holiday. Optional lunch at shared expense to follow.



Understanding Chinese New Year! When: Wednesday, 21 January 12:15pm – 2:30pmWhere: AWA OfficeCost: $360 member/$430 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 12, maximum 30Coordinator: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871Whether you’re new to Hong Kong or have lived here for years, it is important to understand the many aspects and nuances of the very important upcoming holiday of Chinese/Lunar New Year. What is it all about? Why do we see lion dances performed everywhere in Hong Kong? What are the many traditions, foods, meanings, and celebrations associated with this holiday? Why are there so many flowers and plum trees around town? What do they all mean? And, very, very importantly, what is the proper protocol for the numerous red Lai See envelopes expected from you? If you're not sure of the correct answer to these questions, you need to attend this lecture! “Gung hei fat choi, sun tai gin hong, dai gat dai lei” – do you know what these sayings mean??? You will after this lecture….

Cooking With Passion: A Taste of Southeast AsiaWhen: Thursday, 22 January 11:00am – 1:30pmWhere: 41A Stubbs Road, Villa Monte Rosa, Flat 1, Block C, 9th Floor, Hong Kong Cost: $390 member /$470 members’ (includes

a sit-down lunch with wine)CapaCity: minimum 5, maximum 8Coordinator: Lavinia Hemandas, 2838-2199Travel through Southeast Asia from Lavinia’s spacious kitchen and discover the wonderful flavours of four countries in the orient. From chilies and coconuts, lemongrass and tamarind to cardamom and fenugreek, spices are blended to create the wonderful cuisine of Asia and a true voyage of discovery! Today’s menu is: ‘Channa Masala’- spicy and fragrant chickpeas (India), ‘One Pot Casserole’- a delicious blend of tender pork, fish fillet, mushrooms, vegetables and beancurd sheets with aromatic sauce, cooked and served in a clay pot (Canton), ‘Malay Boneless Chicken Curry’ (Malaysia), and ‘Prawns in Chili Garlic Sauce’ (Szechuan). A sit-down lunch will be served with wine. (Guest parking available upon request.)

So You Think You Can Salsa Dance?When: Thursday, 22 January 10:00am – 2:00pm Registration must be received by

Monday, 19 JanuaryWhere: Inside Wan Chai MTR station, exit A3Cost: $330 member/$410 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 10, maximum 30Coordinators: Jennie Parker, 9860 5646; Joy Murray, 6773 7036Release your dancing soul and move to the salsa beat! Many Latin American dance competition TV shows were started in 2005 and have been replicated in many countries. Hundreds of millions of viewers around the world tuned in to watch and signed up to learn Salsa dance moves. If you are a beginner and want to try this popular Latin dance in a friendly environment, join us for an Intro to Salsa Dance class in Wan Chai. It will cover the basic steps of salsa, turns, and partnering. So put on your dancing shoes and come burn up the dance floor! After our lesson, you are welcome to join us for an optional lunch, at shared expense.



Is Social Media a Mystery to You?When: Monday, 26 January 2:00pm – 4:00pmWhere: AWA OfficeCost: $80 member/$160 members’ guestCapaCity: minimum 6/maximum 30Coordinator: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871Do you feel like you are constantly trying to keep up with the times? Don’t know how to tweet? Not comfortable with Facebook? Don’t have a clue about Instagram, Pinterest, or Snap Chat? Join us today as the AWA’s Director of Public Relations, KD Schumacher, introduces us to these and other forms of social media, teaches us how to use them, and helps us download desired apps to our phones. Social media is always changing and it is best if we learn how to change with it. There are thousands of ways for us to organize our world and communicate with family and friends at all times of the day, no matter where they live, but these tools are only as useful as our ability to utilize them. Please be sure to bring along an Ipad or a smart phone to download the free apps.

The Art of Chinese Ink PaintingWhen: Tuesday, 27 January 9:45am –1:00pmWhere: AWA OfficeCost: $360 member/$440 member’s guest CapaCity: minimum 6, maximum 14Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484; Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871

Have you noticed that traditional Chinese paintings are comprised of one color? Unlike western oil paintings, Chinese Ink Paintings, as they are called, utilize one color – black – to achieve all the different shades. Have you also noticed the unusually large amount of “empty” space? In this workshop, learn the basics of Chinese Ink Brush Painting. Our instructor and local artist, Vincent Chu, will introduce us to the history of ink painting, its traditions, development and techniques. In addition, we will have a-hands on opportunity to try to create our own masterpiece. Optional lunch at shared expense to follow.

Historic Yaumatei Walking Tour with Jason WordieWhen: Wednesday, 28 January 8:45am – 2:00pm (approx.)Where: Inside Jordan MTR Station, Exit A Cost: $425 member/$505 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 10, maximum 18 Coordinators: Katherine Fenton, 6708 3345; Sheila Hutchinson, 9841 6464Today, local historian Jason Wordie will guide us as we explore the numerous fascinating back corners of Kowloon that many long-term Hong Kong residents often overlook. We will take in some interesting areas around Temple Street and Shanghai Street and surrounding side roads, visit the Tin Hau Temple at Public Square Street and learn something of its wider role, both within the Chinese community and health-care organizations such as the Tung Wah Hospital. Along the way we will see the historic Yaumatei police station, learn something about the historical development of the typhoon shelter and how the daily lives of its “floating” inhabitants have greatly changed over the past half-century. We will also visit the gwo-laan, where most of Hong Kong’s fresh fruit is traded, and a number of interesting old buildings nearby. Numerous vanishing occupations and businesses – legal and otherwise - will all be explored along the way north through Kowloon. Optional lunch to follow at shared expense

Behind the Scenes Tour of DHL Central Asia Hub When: Thursday, 29 January 10:00am – 3:00pm (approximately) Registration must be received by

Thursday, 22 January Where: In front of the Central Post Office,

Connaught Road, Central Cost: $80 members / $160 member’s guests CapaCity: minimum 10, maximum 25 Coordinators: Linda Hsu, 9188-9970; Yelena Zakharova, 9727 2378; Regine Pocsatko, 61441 7061

Join us on this extraordinary tour of DHL, one of the world’s leading express and logistics companies. We will visit its US$210 million expanded Central Asia Hub (CAH) which is equipped with the first large-scale auto-sort system in Asia Pacific. We will travel by coach to the airport, where DHL will provide a briefing of the industry, a tour of their facility, and lunch. We will watch live action as air cargo is sorted and



shipped to destinations worldwide. You may bring your cameras for outside shots, but due to security and customer privacy concerns, photography is not permitted inside the facility. All transportation, souvenirs, and lunch are complimentary and graciously provided by DHL. Your passport/ID is required for airport security clearance. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Adults only, please.

lookinG ahead to FeBruaryChinese New Year PaperwhitesWhen: Tuesday, 3 February 9:15am – 1:00pmWhere: Starbucks, 1st Level Pacific Place Cost: $250 members/$320 member’s guest CapaCity: minimum 2, maximum 10Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484

If you have been in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year, you are probably familiar with the blooming paperwhites seen in homes and businesses. But did you know that Chinese Custom believes if the paperwhite blooms on the first day of Chinese New Year, good fortune will be had throughout the coming year? We will meet in Admiralty and take an almost express bus ride to my home in the village of Sham Tseng in the New Territories. Once there, we will each choose a planter and select bulbs for planting. We will be shown how to clean and prepare the bulbs, how to start them in water,

how to plant them later on, and how to care for them. While we work, we will enjoy snacks and tea. Afterward, we will have a lunch of roasted goose, wonton soup and more. Cost includes a ceramic planter, bulbs, all other materials, snacks, and lunch. For those who do not wish to stay for lunch, we will get you safely on the bus and headed back to Central. Start the New Year with a visit to the less explored side.

Feng Shui series: Feng Shui Predictions for 2015When: Tuesday, 3 February 10:00am – 12:00pm Registration must be received by

Monday, 26 JanuaryWhere: AWA officeCost: $330 member/$410 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 10, maximum 12Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova, 9726 2378; Regine Pocsatko, 6141 7061 “Feng Shui Predictions for 2015” talks about the upcoming Year of the Wood Goat, how it affects your life, the overall financial outlook for 2015 and how you can harness the positive energies of the environment throughout the year. You’ll learn how to take advantage of the opportunities and circumvent the disadvantages of the Year of the Wood Goat, a n d g a i n a d e e p e r understanding of the Feng Shui afflictions brought on by the Wood Goat.” This series of talks is given by a Feng Shui Business Consultant.

Triads – An Historical Overview: Lecture by Jason WordieWhen: Wednesday, 4 February 10:30 am – 12 noonWhere: AWA OfficeCost: $330 members/$410 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 10, maximum 25Coordinator: Celine O’Connor, 6383 2508A thrilling, gory staple of the local film industry, few aspects of modern Hong Kong life are as heavily overlaid with myth and urban legend as the Tin Dei Hui 'Heaven and Earth Societies' – better known as the Triads. In this lecture we will explore exactly what a Triad is in contemporary Chinese society – and what it is not – and how the Triad Societies evolved in China from Ming loyalists in the early Manchu period onwards towards the Republican era and the present day. Illustrated detail will be given of Triad ritual and mythology, and some discussion will be made of their pervasive role in contemporary local life.



refund, Cancellation and substitution policies

Every activity includes an administrative fee of HK$80* Member/HK$160 Member's Guest. This base fee is not refundable at any time unless the AWA cancels the event. Charges in excess of the base fee are refundable if cancellation is received by the AWA office at least one full week before the activity date. For example, if the activity is on a Tuesday, cancellation must be received prior to midnight of the previous Tuesday. If the AWA cancels an event, the entire activity cost will be automatically credited to you. Credit notes are not transferable and must be used within six months from the date of issue or by the end of the AWA fiscal year (30th June), whichever is earlier. You may request a check in lieu of a credit at any time before the credit expires.

Owing to the popularity of AWA activities, many have a wait list and therefore substitutions cannot be accepted. If you are unable to attend an activity, please inform the AWA office to cancel your place and allow someone on the waitlist to attend.

registration proceduresLocal Tour and Activity (LTA) events are open for

registration as of the first of each month in which the activity will be held. Activities being held in the early part of the following month are open for registration on the first day of the prior month. Check the AWA website at www.awa.org.hk for the most up-to-date schedule and don't forget to register early as many of the events will sell out.

* The $80 registration fee is purely an administration fee. It is not donated to the Charitable and Education fund.

Cooking Demo and Lunch: Valentine's Dinner That Will Make You Fall In LoveWhen: Friday, 6 February 10:00am – 2:00pmWhere: Flat 29A, Branksome Crest 3A Tregunter Path, MidlevelsCost: $380 members/$460 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 4, maximum 6Coordinators: Lena Zakharova, 9726 2378Why overpay for a mediocre dinner at an overcrowded restaurant on Valentine's night when you can prepare a scrumptious dinner that is easy to make, won't leave your wallet empty and will set the stage for a very romantic night? Come join me for a cooking demonstration of preparing four different dishes – two appetizers, a main dish and a dessert. We will learn how to make cheddar coins (they are wonderful any day of the year with wine!), a green salad with pears and avocados, seared scallops with herb-butter sauce, and individual mocha soufflés. And, if that isn’t enough, here’s the best part: We will sit down to enjoy all this delicious food for lunch with a glass of nice wine! Bon Appétit!

o n g o i n g A c t i v i t i E s


NEW AWA BUDDY PROGRAMThe purpose of the new AWA Buddy Program is to welcome new members in a one-on-one fashion by paring them up with existing members. For those new AWA members who are also new to Hong Kong, this can help to ease their transition and provide a first friend. For those who are simply new to the AWA, it helps to make a stronger connection to the organization by introducing or engaging them in activities that existing members enjoy.

When possible, buddies are matched based on the district where they live and whether or not they have children living with them in Hong Kong, as we all know how different those experiences can be.

Buddy activities can range from merely offering to answer questions the new member might have via email correspondence to meeting for coffee or tea to inviting the new member to join in an AWA or other activity with them. We buddies are simply one more gateway to making life in Hong Kong more enjoyable for our members!

If you are interested in becoming a Buddy to a new member, please contact Alison May at [email protected] and provide the following information:

• District where living• Mobile number• Whether or not you have children living with you in Hong Kong

LET US INTRODUCE YOU!When: AnytimeWhere: AnyplaceCoordinators: Barbara Macho, [email protected] Patti Smith, [email protected] for S.O.C.I.A.L. online at www.awa.org.hk to receive your invitation to join our private AWA members’ only Facebook group: social awa hk.Home alone with nothing to do? Want a glass of wine and conversation? Try out a new restaurant? Afternoon movie companion? Gallery opening? Need a fourth for Wednesday night Bridge? You can post whatever you’d like to do OR you can accept someone else’s invitation, whichever you prefer. Either way, you won’t be “home alone with nothing to do” AND you may just meet your new best friend!

MOMS & TOTS MORNING PLAY DATESWhen: TBDWhere: TBDCoordinator: Alpa Tolia, [email protected], moms and tots up to three are welcome to join us for a morning of play, chatting, and coffee or tea! Play groups are arranged by children’s age. Let us introduce you to a group with tots who are the same age as yours. After that, the play groups set their own schedules and activities to suit them.

AFTERNOON BOOK CLUBWhen: Tuesday, 9 December, 1:30pm – 3:30pmWhere: TBDCoordinator: Penny Van Niel, [email protected]

Anna MacDonald, [email protected] join us for a lively discussion of "One Hundred Years of Solitude," one of the best known works of Columbian novelist and Nobel Prize winning author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It is "a story of success and failure, dreams and reality, traditions and change, enemies and

onGoinG aCTiViTies -ongoing activities are organized by aWa members for aWa members with similar interests and passions. Take a moment to see what interests you. please note: one-time annual registration is required to become a member of an ongoing activity group. if you haven’t already done so, please register for your favorite onGoinG aCTiViTy GRoUp so coordinators can keep you updated with their group’s news and events.

Register online at www.awa.org.hk, or contact the aWa office at [email protected]



friends, and most of all, love and revolution." Please join us for conversation and coffee! Our January meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, 13 January, 1:30-3:30pm.

ART LOVERSWhen: MonthlyWhere: Various venuesCoordinators: Kumiko Matsushima,

[email protected] Cynthia Lackey, [email protected] “Culture Vultures” explore Hong Kong's fine arts scene. We visit museums, current exhibitions, galleries, film festivals, the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and the Literary Festival with its numerous lectures by international authors.

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUPWhen: Group meets monthly Where: Various locations in and around Hong

KongCoordinator: Sharon Mason, [email protected], 5217 3884

The AWA Photography Group is a social way to enjoy photography as a hobby while giving us a chance to practice our skills and explore Hong Kong. All that is needed is enthusiasm and a camera to join us as we capture Hong Kong’s contrasting architecture and communities. All camera types welcome as well as suggestions for excursions. Please

be sure to sign up!Upcoming Events: 09 December – Shooting Christmas Decorations in Times Square20 January – Street Shooting on Hollywood Road02 February – Capturing Chinese New Year Decorations

SPIRITUAL LITERACY BOOK/DISCUSSION GROUPWhen: TBDWhere: TBDCoordinator: Kate Weisman, [email protected] is a group of international, interfaith and spiritually-minded women who celebrate unity in diversity and who gather to foster spiritual literacy in everyday life. Entering our third year, SLG participants have represented Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. With reverence and respect for each faith-based tradition, we've learned from each other that there is more that unites us than divides us. The group opens each session with a short meditation and an interfaith devotional. We then discuss our reading of a chosen spiritually-oriented book. Books in the past have included The Dalai Lama's “Towards A True Kinship of Faith,” Echart Tolle's “The Power of Now” and most recently, Dr. Eben Alexander's “Proof of Heaven.”

For December and January, SLG continues with Linda Kavelin Popov's "A Pace of Grace - The Virtues of a Sustainable Life," a book containing vivid examples of how to make our daily lives more meaningful. The group discusses one chapter per meeting.

A[[

A+ Living In Hong Kong 6031-4930 [email protected]

Any premises leasing business with us by Oct 31, 2014, you will have supermarket gift vouchers equivalent to 10% of service payment.



NEEDLE ARTSWhen: Fridays, 10:00am – 12:00pmCoordinator: Alison Levingston, [email protected] Glenys Kilazoglou, [email protected] us as we work on needle arts projects – sewing, quilting, needlepoint, cross-stitch, knitting, and embroidery – while chatting about our common interests, exchanging new ideas, learning and getting advice from each other. This is not a class but an informal group. Members should bring their own project to work.

MAHJONG MADNESSWhen: Tuesdays, 10:00am – 4:00pm (come anytime)Where: The American Club Tai Tam Road, Fireside Lounge or other location to be

postedWho: AWA, American Club, or AMHH members

onlyCoordinator: Katherine Fenton, [email protected], 6708 3345 Christine Scullion, 6777 1182Come and play mahjong on Tuesdays with other AWA/American Club members. This activity is suitable for all skill levels, but players are expected to have a prior knowledge of the rules. Optional lunch at individual expense. Non-American Club members must settle their bills prior to departure by credit card only (no cash or checks).

BRIDGE AND LUNCH SOCIALWhen: Mondays, 10:00am – 1:00pmWhere: AWA Office Coordinator: Lisa Strunin, [email protected],

6184 8370Note: This group is for players with a previous knowledge of the game.Make Monday your bridge morning! Come and enjoy social bridge at the AWA on Monday mornings. We rotate tables so there are plenty of opportunities to make new friends and enjoy the company of others who love playing bridge. Optional lunch at a local restaurant follows.

GAMES GALOREWhen: Fridays, 10:30am – 3:30pmWhere: The American Club, Tai Tam Road, Fireside Lounge Who: AWA or American Club members onlyCoordinator: Beth Hall, [email protected] If you enjoy playing Mahjong or Bridge, plan to come to the American Club on Fridays. Mahjong tables and tiles will be set up, and Bridge cards and tables will be available. All skill levels are welcome; however, players must have prior knowledge of Mahjong or Bridge. Lunch is at individual expense. Non-American Club members may make payment by credit card only, no cash.



ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUPWhen: 1st Monday of the month (except for

public holidays), 12:00pm-1:30pmWhere: Various locations, TBDCoordinator: Patty Tarallo, [email protected] Italian conversation in a fun, casual group setting! The Italian conversation group meets once a month with an aim to socialize, have fun, and improve conversational skills while gaining more knowledge about the culture. Activities are organized by rotating hosts.

FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUPWhen: Every first Wednesday afternoon at

12:00pmWhere: Central and SouthsideCoordinator: Barbara Markovits, [email protected] French conversation in a fun, casual group setting! The French conversation group meets once a month with an aim to socialize, have fun, and improve conversational skills while gaining more knowledge about the culture. Activities are organized by rotating hosts. All levels welcome!

LUNCH BUNCHWhen: MonthlyWhere: Various restaurantsCapaCity: maximum 20Coordinator: Marcia Hammelev Sander, mhammelev@

hotmail.com, 9868 4112, Would you enjoy gathering for lunch on a regular basis? The Lunch Bunch coordinator sets up a group of 12 to 20 members. Each member takes a turn at choosing the restaurant, making the reservation, informing the others, and hosting. Lunch is either at individual or shared expense as agreed upon on the day of the event. This is a great way to socialize with other AWA members while enjoying a variety of cuisines in Hong Kong.

GALLOPING GOURMET When: Monthly Where: Various restaurants CapaCity: Varies with venue Coordinator: Linda Gomoll, [email protected],

9730 8791Hong Kong restaurants offer an international gastronomic extravaganza that we explore by visiting different restaurants each month. A designated host selects a restaurant for the group. Events are published monthly in AWAre and on the AWA calendar. This group is open to singles and couples alike.

date: Sunday, 7 December, 1:30 PMloCation: Umami Collaborative Private Kitchen, Sai Ying PunContaCt: Marybeth Coffer, [email protected], 6624 4484CapaCity: Maximum 16Cost: HK$850 per person. Includes cooking

lesson, wine and gratuity

date: Saturday, 17 January, 7:00PMloCation: 238 Restaurant, G/F,238 Hollywood Road,

Sheung WanContaCt: Linda Gomoll, [email protected],

9730 8791CapaCity: Maximum 20Cost: HK$600 per person, includes gratuityrsVp: Sign up at awa.org.hk by Sunday, 4 January 2015Treat yourself and experience “Tapas Style” Modern French Cuisine with European influences at “two, three, eight”. Owner and head chef Patrick Verhoeven, born and raised in the southern part of the Netherlands, worked at several Michelin Star restaurants before opening his first restaurant in his home country. Now we are lucky to have Patrick and his wife, Anne, in Hong Kong. He prepares his signature dishes using only fresh seasonal and ecological ingredients. Dutch cuisine plays an important role and the flavors from



Europe are combined to create a fusion of tastes and textures served in an informal, intimate setting. Share mouth-watering appetizers including his famous Dutch "bitterballen". Enjoy a selection of several main courses, including seafood, meat entrees with savory sauces, and seasonal vegetable dishes created especially for you. Of course, sweet treats and coffee and tea are included. Patrick’s passion for cooking and the personal attention g i ven to h i s gues ts guarantees an evening to remember. Sharing a variety of small dishes will satisfy your palate. Wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle from their extensive wine list for an additional cost. Beer and sodas are also available for purchase.

date: Saturday, 7 February, 7:00PMloCation: M Cuisine (private kitchen), Flat B, 17/F Derrick Industrial Building, 49 Wong Chuck Hang Road, Wong Chuck Hang, AberdeenContaCt: Marybeth Coffer, marybeth.coffer@gmail.

com, 6624 4484CapaCity: Maximum 20Cost: HK$850 per person, includes gratuity.

Bring your own wine/beer.rsVp: Sign up at awa.org.hk by Friday, 24

January 2015Join us for Moroccan Tangine Night! “A delectable Journey of taste and desire” awaits you at M Cuisine. The “M” is Israeli chef Michael Erlik who trained in France and opened his private kitchen in Hong Kong. Owner and executive chef Michael grew up surrounded by farms, fields, seasonal produce and his family’s home cooking, all constant sources of inspiration. He trained with several renowned chefs, including Paul Bocuse and pastry chef Pascal Molines. Michael was the chef of choice for embassies and foreign diplomats as well as traveling the world catering for some Forbes list billionaires. His focus is on using the finest organic seasonal ingredients. This is a rare chance to experience a fabulous, diverse culinary journey. The menu for the evening reflects his Israeli roots and his experience at Michelin Star restaurants in France. Sample an array of tasty starters with amazing spices, followed by a variety of tagine, which are slow cooked savory stews that will satisfy your appetite. Save room for sweets, and don't forget to bring your own wine or beer. You’ll be served family style, and it will be a memorable feast!

ICC – INTERNATIONAL COOKING CLUBWhen: Group meets monthly, 10:00am – 2:00pmWhere: Various venues; TBA.CapaCity: minimum 6, maximum 8Coordinator: Sylvie Guyot, [email protected] Are you interested in learning how to cook international dishes that might bring a welcome change to your daily routine? Rotating hostesses will introduce foreign dishes and demonstrate how to prepare easy, family-oriented dishes in the comfort of their own kitchen. Lunch follows each class. We pick a new country monthly and share the costs for food and drinks (costs per person will not exceed $250). Each participant will leave with a printout of the recipes. The hostess will notify the group each month about the planned cuisine and the venue–first come, first in!

I-HIKESCoordinators: Birgit Imkamp, Sarah Rindlaub, Cynthia

Lackey [email protected]: Wednesday, 10 December Wednesday, 14 January Cost: No charge.

Are you amazed at how much space there truly is in Hong Kong? Join us for intermediate hikes in and around Hong Kong Island, lasting two to three hours, usually on Wednesday mornings. We hike various stages of the Hong Kong Trail, the Wilson Trail, and many other trails that may not be as well-known but offer a challenge and a view. Occasionally we venture off of the island to the New Territories, Lamma Island and Lantau. These moderately paced hikes are recommended for beginner to intermediate hikers who love the outdoors.

s P o R t i n g A c t i v i t i E s


AWA GLOBE PADDLERS DRAGON BOAT TEAMWe Want You For Our 2015 Race Season!Captains: Elissa Imran, [email protected],

9618 4700 Anne Fifer, [email protected], 5416 8010If you want to become part of a Hong Kong tradition, consider joining the AWA Globe Paddlers, winners of the Stanley International Ladies Cup for the last four years! The Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng) celebrates an old Chinese legend by racing long narrow boats with 18 paddlers, one drummer and one helmsman and is a quintessentially Hong Kong activity!

The AWA Globe Paddlers Dragon Boat team consists of 24 dedicated women who practice twice a week. During our regular season, we practice on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from January to June. We welcome women from all walks of life, as long as they demonstrate a strong fitness level, a commitment to attend practices, and an even stronger dedication to our Globe Paddlers family. We are all about working hard and playing hard, and we complement our dedicated work with plenty of team social events. Our experienced paddlers and amazing coach train about half a boat of new paddlers each year.

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

AWA GOLF SOCIETYContaCt: [email protected]: Sue Webb ViCe Captain: Marlyn Robertson Whether you are a current member of AWA’s Social Golf, new to Hong Kong or even perhaps new to golf, AWA Golf Society welcomes you. We are delighted to share with you our ongoing golf activities while we strive to make playing golf in Hong Kong simple, fun and stress free for players of all levels from beginner to advanced.

If you are not yet registered with the AWA golf group, getting involved is simple. Sign up to get all our notices and learn how you can play golf with us by registering online via the AWA Website under "golf" in the sports section. You’ll start receiving our emails, newsletters and other communications as well as learning the other benefits of being an officially registered player with the HKGA.

Weekly Golf When: Every Monday and Thursday until 12 December 09:00 am tee-off on a roll up basisWhere: Hong Kong Golf Club, Deep Water Bay Cost: $550 for AWA MembersCoordinator: Marlyn Robertson, [email protected] make sure you bring your handicap card and your HK ID or passport.

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C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N

49 AWARE November 2014

COMMUNITY

CHARITABLE DONATIONS [email protected]

Chairperson Andrea Roth: [email protected]

COMMUNITY SERVICE [email protected]

Chairperson Patty Tarallo: [email protected] Partnering Susan Trebach: [email protected] Chau Reading Program Ellen Albrecht: [email protected] Pier Volunteers Carol Lampard: [email protected] for Domestic Helpers Tammy Baltz: [email protected] Society for the Blind Kate Mahjoubian: [email protected] in the Home Marybeth Coffer: [email protected] Ronald McDonald House Renee Cheung: [email protected] Trisha Cliff: [email protected] Soup Kitchen Linda Wolfe: [email protected]

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP [email protected]

Chairperson Bernice Lee: [email protected] Barbara Thomas: [email protected]

Kowloon Marti Law: [email protected] Chai tbaPok Fu Lam Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Shui Po Lindy Vasey: [email protected] Wan Julie Naughton: [email protected] Lei Chau tba

Dining Etiquette Bernice Lee: [email protected] Pals Shibani Dutta: [email protected] Interviews Bernice Lee: [email protected]

FUNDRAISING [email protected]

1st VP Fundraising Marcy LaRont: [email protected]

Public Relations [email protected]

Chairperson KD Schumacher: [email protected] Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator KD Schumacher: [email protected] Moderator KD Schumacher: [email protected]

OFFICE

Phone 2527 2961/2Fax 2865 7737Hours 9:30am – 3:30pm Mon-ThuAddress No.5, 11th floor, Arion Commercial Centre, 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong KongWebsite www.awa.org.hkOffice & Website Manager Barbora Mayer: [email protected] Representative Joanne Lam: [email protected] Ces Defeo: [email protected]

SOCIAL

ACTIVITIES [email protected]

3rd Vice President Lisa Strunin: [email protected] Lovers Kumiko Matsushima: [email protected] Cynthia Lackey: [email protected], 6200 3222Asian Tours Jane Buck: [email protected] & Lunch Social Lisa Strunin: [email protected] Club - Day Penny Van Niel: [email protected] Anna MacDonald: [email protected] Boat Elissa Imran: [email protected], 96184700 Anne Fifer: [email protected], 5416 8010French Conversation Group Barbara Markovits: [email protected] Galore Beth Hall: [email protected] Gourmet Linda Gomoll: [email protected] Insights Stella Schumann: 2493 7114 Tracy Russell: 6921 4400Golf – Events and Lessons Jackie Johnson: 852 5662 7248Golf – Social Play and Events [email protected] Birgit Imkamp, Sarah Reinlaub, Cynthia Lackey: [email protected] Cooking Club Sylvie Guyot: [email protected] Conversation Group Patty Tarallo: [email protected] Tours and Activities Jane Buck: [email protected] Lunch Bunch Marcia Hammelev Sander: 9868 4112Mahjong Katherine Fenton: 6708 3345 Christine Scullion: 6777 1182Moms & Tots Alpa Tolia: [email protected] Arts Alison Levingston: [email protected] Glenys Kilazoglou: [email protected] Group Sharon Mason: [email protected] 5217 3884SOCIAL Barbara Macho: [email protected] Patti Smith: [email protected] Literacy Book/Discussion Group [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP [email protected]

2nd Vice President Jane Buck: [email protected] Program Alison May: 9663 1250CHAT Coordinator Susan Wallace: 9783 3227Foon Ying Kate Mahjoubian: 6462 6559 Hildy Karev: 6799 9604Membership Discounts Jane Buck: [email protected] OWL Susie Edrington: [email protected] Mary Barbara Hanna: [email protected] you would like to join the AWA or if you have any

question about the organization, please contact the office or any of the Executive Board members.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

EXECUTIVE BOARD [email protected]

President Stephanie Bourque: [email protected] VP Fundraising Marcy LaRont: [email protected] VP Membership Jane Buck: [email protected] Vice President Activities Lisa Strunin: [email protected] Editor Joy Murray: [email protected] Donations Andrea Roth: [email protected] Service Patty Tarallo: [email protected] & Scholarship Bernice Lee: [email protected] Relations KD Schumacher: [email protected] Recording Secretary (Position Vacant): [email protected] Irene Chu: [email protected] and Social Media Angela Bellas: [email protected] Sponsorship (Position Vacant): [email protected]

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