Abqaiq
the friendly city gazette July-August 2017 | volume 17, issue 7
Children have a great time at the Player Development Football Camps with two certified coaches from the Union of European Football Associations.
a successful season
of youth soccer by Michael Moorhouse photos by Ania Szabo
2 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017
Be our photographer! Clicked a nice shot in KSA that
you would like to share?
Send us your photos and you
could be the next contributor for
the photo of the month.
submission deadline: August 15
The next issue is released on
September 1.
The FCG is also available on the intranet:
www.saudiaramco.com
© Copyright 2017, Saudi Aramco.
All rights reserved.
Abqaiq Community Information Center (CIC)
Al-Remal Mall, Building 25-400
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon.
Telephone: 572-0821, 572-0825
Mail: Box 190, Abqaiq 31311, Saudi Arabia.
the friendly city gazette
address:
is a free monthly publication published
by the Southern Area/Central Region
Community Services Department for
Saudi Aramco employees and
dependents in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia.
photo of the month
editor: Shama Egbe
email: [email protected]
assistant editor: Cecilia Botty
email: [email protected]
layout and design volunteer:
Valentina Stefanoni
contact us:
taken at Yellow Lake, Abqaiq on the way to al-Hasa, in February, 2017. sent by Matteo Terrevazzi
We are always entertained in Abqaiq
amazing Barcelona Academy, and for the fitness enthusiasts, we have another swimming consultant on board. The month of June has also been enriched with the festivities of
first half of the year, it is an apt time to look back at all the wonderful achievements of Abqaiqians, particularly of the self-directed groups who deserve a great pat on the back for organizing fun activities and making Abqaiq such a lively place.
Hope you enjoy reading a summery gazette!
Shama Egbe
Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017 3
in this issue volume 17, issue 6
16 ACBA VP’S Cup
14 Spotlight Rock festival
cover: AYSA
pharmacy opening ........................ 4
ID card reader ............................... 4
JHAH: mental health .................. 5-6
JHAH: recipe of the month ........... 6
healthy summer snacks for kids . ...7
kennel club ................................... 7
new swim consultant .................... 8
golf schedule ................................ 8
exercise of the month ................... 9
Saudi Arabian cultural night ....... 10
ask Abqaiq ................................. 11
prayer schedule .......................... 11
ballet with Ms. Jeanie ............ 12-13
Spotlight ............................... 14-15
ACBA .................................... 16-17
ACC ........................................... 18
APG ............................................ 19
School ................................... 20-21
ABCSC .................................. 22-23
AWG and FOLKS Ramadan ......... 24
FOLKS......................................... 25
AYSA.......................................... 26
Abqaiq: a look back .................... 27
knowledge boost ........................ 27
22 Boys Scouts car derby
20 School art show 24 AWG and FOLKS
Ramadan celebrations
manager’s quote “’Id Mubarak! I would like to encourage every nationality in Abqaiq to show their traditions and customs.”
Meeshal Al-Khaldi Southern Area/Central Region Community Services Department
4 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017
The long awaited pharmacy shop
for the Abqaiq community was
inaugurated on Sunday, June 11. A
ribbon-cutting ceremony was held
attended by Meshaal S. Al-Khaldi,
manager, Southern Area/Central
Region Community Services, and
his team of division heads and
other members of management.
one-stop shop for medical products
The Al-Dawaa pharmacy makes it
more convenient for residents to
have an easy access to
pharmaceutical care ranging from
medicines to cosmetics for men,
women, and children, in addition
to the services provided by the
Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare.
One of its most useful provisions is
that it has the handy medical
machines available to help you
keep track of your blood pressure,
blood glucose, and weight. It also
has some massage devices that can
be used in the comfort of your
home.
regular operating hours:
Saturdays to Thursdays
8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Fridays
12:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
visit the new pharmacy
pharmacy opens at Al-Remal Mall by Cecilia Botty photos by Masud Rana
Abqaiq Residential and Recreation Services Division
If you need your blood
pressure checked in
the shop, the in-house
pharmacist can help
you with that too!
launch of
the ID Card
reader
Abqaiq Residential and Recreation
Services Division
An ID card reader device is now
in use at:
-
Customers at the Oasis and
Al-
to use both the card reader and
the paper sign-in. Customers are
also reminded that they must
carry their IDs at all times, while in
company facilities.
The new ID card reader has
been optimized to improve
monitoring and keeping records
users.
Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017 5
by Layal Al-Khatib JHAH Marketing and Communications
what you need to know about mental health
When one thinks of health,
exercising and watching what you eat
immediately come to mind. But what
about your state of mind?
Mental health is an integral part of
your well-being and health and
affects how you function in your daily
life.
Dr. Neil Wilkey, Johns Hopkins
consultant psychiatrist, answers the
most pressing mental health
questions and discusses mental
health disorders, treatment options,
and available resources at JHAH.
How can one know if his or her
mental health is “healthy”?
The World Health Organization
defines mental health as a state of
well-being in which every individual
realizes his or her own potential, can
cope with the normal stresses of life,
can work productively and fruitfully,
and is able to make a contribution to
her or his community.
What is mental health?
Sigmund Freud, the founder of
psychoanalysis, defined mental health
as the ability to love and work. This
idea was later expanded upon by the
How common are mental illnesses?
In the U.S. about 25 percent of
individuals will qualify for a
psychiatric diagnosis in a given year,
but only about 4 percent will have a
major disorder that interferes with
fulfilling the roles or responsibilities in
their life.
What are the most common mental
health issues?
The most common psychiatric
disorder in the general population in
the U.S. is the category of anxiety
disorders, which include Generalized
Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder,
Specific Phobias, Social Anxiety
Disorder, and Post Traumatic
Disorder.
The next most common disorders
are Substance Use Disorders at
8 percent, Major Depressive Disorder
at 7 percent, Attention Deficit
Disorder at 4 percent, Bipolar
Disorder at 2.6 percent, and
Schizophrenia at 1.1 percent. Several
of the disorders can co‑occur.
What are the signs and symptoms of
mental illness?
Psychiatric Disorders include
conditions that affect mood,
thinking, or behavior.
Who is at risk for mental illness?
Psychiatric Disorders present with
similar percentages around the world
and affect people in all socio-
economic groups. However, some
conditions, such as Schizophrenia and
Bipolar disorder, have a slightly
higher incidence in lower socio-
economic groups.
How can mental illness be treated?
Many treatment modalities are
regular components of psychiatric
care. The most common interventions
include medications, group therapy,
individual therapy, day treatment
programs, and, when necessary,
inpatient treatment.
What are the common mistakes one
makes when trying to deal with their
mental health issues?
Patients and their families often
exercise more, get more sleep, pray
more, or eat better, then they would
not need mental health care. How an
individual conceives of why they are
Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare
6 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017
having their difficulties is their
formulation. A psychiatrist is
responsible not only to arrive at a
diagnosis supported in the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual, but also to
offer a Biopsychosocial formulation
that considers Biologic, Psychologic,
and Social issues when evaluating a
patient and consider the diagnosis in
the context of who the person is and
where he or she are in life. Evidence
from adoption studies, twin studies,
family studies, genetics, and brain
imaging support that many
psychiatric disorders have a biological
component and often respond to the
interventions listed above.
resources available at JHAH
JHAH has a fully integrated
multidisciplinary team of Adult
Psychiatrists, Child Psychiatrists,
Clinical Psychologists, Mental Health
Counselors, Psychiatric Nurses, and
Social Workers.
In Dhahran: They offer a Day
Treatment Program, Inpatient
Treatment, Individual Therapy, Group
Therapy, and Psychometric
Evaluations. Electroconvulsive
Therapy (ECT) also available in special
situations. Patients have access to a
therapist on call and can be referred
to the psychiatrist on call between
7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Primary Care
Physicians are trained to treat many
psychiatric disorders and will refer to
the psychiatrist when they feel
specialist care is warranted. The Walk
-In Care Clinic and the Emergency
Department offer assistance after
clinic hours and can refer
emergencies to a psychiatrist on call if
needed.
stuffed cabbage rolls
JHAH recipe of the month
by Clinical Nutrition and Food Services Unit
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are popular in the Middle East and are known for
their unique taste and flavor. They are rich in fiber, antioxidants, many
vitamins, minerals and nutrients that support heart and mental health. They
are appropriate for children, adults, and seniors.
health message:
People with diabetes should consult their dietitians on portion size as each
serving (consisting of two stuffed rolls) contains 15 grams of carbohydrates.
ingredients:
18 medium-size cabbage leaves
(taken from 1 head of boiled
cabbage)
1 1/2 cups rice
500 grams lean beef or lamb, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons mixed spices, powdered
2 teaspoons cumin, powdered
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup of fresh tomato, chopped
2 teaspoons dill, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh coriander,
chopped
½ cup onion,
chopped
preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees
Celsius.
2. Wash rice and drain it.
3. Trim the head of cabbage and discard
damaged leaves.
4. In a pot of boiling water, add the
cabbage and let it cook for
10 minutes.
5. Take the boiled cabbage out of the
pot and let it cool.
6. Peel 18 large leaves from the head of
the boiled cabbage and reserve them
to be stuffed.
7. Add the meat to the rice, olive oil,
pepper, onion, fresh tomato, cumin,
mixed spices, fresh coriander, dill, and
mix together to create the stuffing.
8. Stuff the cabbage leaves with the
stuffing.
9. In a pot, heat the chicken stock.
10. Arrange the stuffed cabbage leaves in
the pot, pour the chicken stock on
top and cook on medium heat for
20 minutes.
11. When done, take the stuffed cabbage
rolls out of the pot and place them on
a platter.
12. Serve rolls warm with low-fat yogurt
or laban served on the side to
enhance the nutritional value of the
dish.
yield: nine servings (two stuffed cabbage rolls per person)
calories per serving: 150
fat per serving: 5 grams
Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017 7
Abqaiq veterinary visits by appointment only
Arabian Kennel Club To schedule an appointment,
please phone 876-3517.
Email:
Note: Visits are conditional and
based on previously booked
appointments, barring an
emergency.
every Monday
3, 17, and 31 noon 2 p.m.
July
10 and 24 3 5 p.m.
Meet Gizmo Pickles, a 14-week-old Persian-Birman
laptops as well as blending in with his dad's dark pair of loafers. For bedtime, his favorite spot is everyone
- Liza Pickles
to the Friendly City Gazette!
August
7 and 21 3 5 p.m.
14 and 28 noon 2 p.m.
every Monday
1. frozen fruity yogurts bites
Healthy snack or dessert with no
rich in vitamins. You can add to
breakfast cereals.
2. banana ice cream
Smooth cold dessert with no
rich in vitamins.
3. rainbow fruits skewers
Natural healthy snack rich in
water, fiber, and vitamins.
4. water melon
Helps to reducing the risk of
dehydration during summer
because watermelon is 92 percent
water.
5. fresh juices
Helps to reducing the risk of
dehydration during summer. Rich
in vitamins and minerals.
6. pasta salad
Rich in fiber, vitamins, and
minerals.
6 healthy snacks for kids during summer
Abqaiq Concessions
by Balqies S. AL Ensaif facility food specialist
8 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017
introducing Louisa-Kate Keylock
The Abqaiq Recreation Services Unit (ARSU) would like to introduce its
second swimming consultant Louisa-Kate Keylock, who has joined the team
recently. Kelyock is from United Kingdom, has 13 years of swimming
instruction experience for early years through advanced levels. She also has
16 years of work experience in the leisure and fitness industry, including
leisure facilities management, health and safety coordination. She has
qualifications from the Royal Life Saving Society, Swimming Teachers
Association, and as a lifeguard trainer assessor. Her plans for the Abqaiq
community is to develop and improve the swimming programs for residents
by catering for every age group from beginners to the advance levels.
swim
meet the new ARSU consultant
by Cecilia Botty photos by Masud Rana
Abqaiq Recreation Services Unit
Golf monthly events
Ain Nakhl Golf Club
July 7 5:30 a.m.
July 21 5:30 a.m.
lessons by Shane Carey
To book, email [email protected].
Monthly Medal 6 TBA tournament
July 14 and 28 5:30 a.m.
Stableford 3
Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017 9
By Jenna Van Ruiten Photos by Ronald Matema
Abqaiq Recreation Services Unit
target:
rectus abdominus (abs),
transversus abdominus (obliques),
and erector spinae (lower back)
1. Start in a low plank position with
your body in a straight line, your
elbows bent under your shoulders
and your feet shoulders width
apart (image a).
2. Your body weight should be on
your forearms and feet.
3. Rotate your hips to the right and
dip your body almost to the floor
(image b).
4. Return to the starting position
and repeat on the left side of your
body.
5. Keep alternating sides completing
8-12 dips on each side for 2-3
sets.
remember:
Keep your core engaged at all
time and pull your belly button
into your spine while breathing in
slowly and deeply.
Keep your neck and head relaxed
and dip your body as low as you
can without losing your form.
alternative:
Drop to your knees or bring your
arms up onto the seat area of a chair
for an easier option.
please note:
The plank is an isometric exercise
(an exercise held in a static position
for a defined period of time), so
those suffering from high blood
pressure, a heart condition, or are
pregnant should not perform this
exercise. Also, those with back
conditions should carry out with
caution.
Planks are already a powerful
move for your core so adding an
additional rotation will only be more
effective. This exercise strengthens
your abs, obliques, and lower back
and also enhances flexibility in your
spine which can assist with
improving your balance, stability, and
posture.
You can add plank hip dips to the
end of your workout or complete on
their own in the comfort of your own
home as no equipment is required.
Speak to one of the fitness
instructors for demonstration.
for more information
Refer to the wellness schedule (on
page 16) for the Ab-blast classes
taking place in the Aerobic Center or
for more information about the
Abqaiq fitness rooms and wellness
classes, please visit the fitness and
wellness website. https://
sharek.aramco.com.sa/
orgs/30002961/Recreation/Pages/
Abqaiq/Your-Fitness-and-
Wellness.aspx
The contents of this article are disseminated as general advice only. Please see a medical doctor before engaging in any type of physical activity or making a radical change in diet.
For all your fitness-related questions,
please contact Jenna Ruiten, female
fitness consultant at
fitness hub:
plank hip dips
a b
10 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017
The Abqaiq community was
presented with another night of
celebrating the Saudi Arabian culture
during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The celebration was full of colors,
traditional music, dance, and the
Arabian hospitality on Friday, June 9
from 8 p.m. through midnight.
It was a night where over 500
people both from the Abqaiq
community and visitors from the
Abqaiq Madinat area gathered at the
Oasis complex patio to watch a
parade of children and adults dressed
in their traditional attires showcasing
the rich Saudi Arabian culture. The
children had a lot of fun being
entertained by some popular cartoon
characters and even the local
games, such as musical chairs,
quizzes along with prizes, and
popcorn and cotton candy to keep
them busy.
A Ramadan evening is never
complete without the sweet smell of
the freshly-
which everyone enjoyed relaxing in
the cozy seating area. The Ramadan
offering to mark the festivities.
The ARSU would like to express
their appreciation the Abqaiq Security
Operations Division and the people
involved in organizing the event.
by Cecilia Botty photos by Mark Khoury
a rich Saudi Arabian cultural night
Abqaiq Recreation Services Unit
The celebration
was full of colors,
traditional music,
dance, and the
Arabian
hospitality.
Abqaiq the friendly city gazette 11
http://www.islamicfinder.org July 2017
Abqaiq prayer schedule
by Cecilia Botty ask Abqaiq went with my family on the 4-D
Transformer ride at the Universal Studios
Ray Cyril Mercado (Philippines) Grade 4 In Abqaiq: 10 years
What has been
your most
adventurous trip?
when we went on a family trip to
Valentina Guerra (Venezuela) Pre-K 3
In Abqaiq: 1 year
family and I got to take pictures with my
favorite Disney characters Jessie, the
yodeling cowgirl of Toy Story and Princess
Alishba Mahmood (UK) Grade 4 In Abqaiq: 3 years
day Jul 10/1438 Hijri Fajr Sunrise Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha
Sat 1 7/10 3:21 4:53 11:46 3:11 6:38 8:08
Sun 2 8/10 3:21 4:53 11:46 3:11 6:38 8:08
Mon 3 9/10 3:22 4:53 11:46 3:11 6:38 8:08
Tue 4 10/10 3:22 4:54 11:46 3:11 6:38 8:08
Wed 5 11/10 3:23 4:54 11:46 3:12 6:38 8:08
Thu 6 12/10 3:24 4:55 11:47 3:12 6:38 8:08
Fri 7 13/10 3:24 4:55 11:47 3:12 6:37 8:07
Sat 8 14/10 3:25 4:55 11:47 3:12 6:37 8:07
Sun 9 15/10 3:25 4:56 11:47 3:13 6:37 8:07
Mon 10 16/10 3:26 4:56 11:47 3:13 6:37 8:07
Tue 11 17/10 3:26 4:57 11:47 3:13 6:37 8:07
Wed 12 18/10 3:27 4:57 11:47 3:14 6:37 8:07
Thu 13 19/10 3:28 4:58 11:48 3:14 6:36 8:06
Fri 14 20/10 3:28 4:58 11:48 3:14 6:36 8:06
Sat 15 21/10 3:29 4:59 11:48 3:14 6:36 8:06
Sun 16 22/10 3:29 4:59 11:48 3:14 6:36 8:06
Mon 17 23/10 3:30 4:59 11:48 3:15 6:35 8:05
Tue 18 24/10 3:31 5:00 11:48 3:15 6:35 8:05
Wed 19 25/10 3:32 5:00 11:48 3:15 6:35 8:05
Thu 20 26/10 3:32 5:01 11:48 3:15 6:34 8:04
Fri 21 27/10 3:33 5:01 11:48 3:16 6:34 8:04
Sat 22 28/10 3:34 5:02 11:48 3:16 6:33 8:03
Sun 23 29/10 3:35 5:02 11:48 3:16 6:33 8:03
Mon 24 1/11 3:35 5:03 11:48 3:16 6:33 8:03
Tue 25 2/11 3:36 5:03 11:48 3:16 6:32 8:02
Wed 26 3/11 3:37 5:04 11:48 3:16 6:32 8:02
Thu 27 4/11 3:37 5:04 11:48 3:17 6:31 8:01
Fri 28 5/11 3:38 5:05 11:48 3:17 6:31 8:01
Sat 29 6/11 3:39 5:05 11:48 3:17 6:30 8:00
Sun 30 7/11 3:40 5:06 11:48 3:17 6:29 7:59
Mon 31 8/11 3:40 5:06 11:48 3:17 6:29 7:59
August 2017
day Aug 11/1438 Hijri Fajr Sunrise Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha
Tue 1 9/11 3:41 5:07 11:48 3:17 6:28 7:58
Wed 2 10/11 3:42 5:07 11:48 3:17 6:28 7:58
Thu 3 11/11 3:43 5:08 11:48 3:17 6:27 7:57
Fri 4 12/11 3:43 5:08 11:48 3:17 6:26 7:56
Sat 5 13/11 3:44 5:09 11:48 3:17 6:25 7:55
Sun 6 14/11 3:45 5:09 11:48 3:17 6:25 7:55
Mon 7 15/11 3:45 5:10 11:48 3:17 6:24 7:54
Tue 8 16/11 3:46 5:10 11:47 3:17 6:23 7:53
Wed 9 17/11 3:47 5:11 11:47 3:17 6:23 7:53
Thu 10 18/11 3:47 5:11 11:47 3:17 6:22 7:52
Fri 11 19/11 3:48 5:12 11:47 3:17 6:21 7:51
Sat 12 20/11 3:49 5:12 11:47 3:17 6:20 7:50
Sun 13 21/11 3:50 5:13 11:47 3:17 6:19 7:49
Mon 14 22/11 3:50 5:13 11:46 3:17 6:18 7:48
Tue 15 23/11 3:51 5:14 11:46 3:16 6:18 7:48
Wed 16 24/11 3:52 5:14 11:46 3:16 6:17 7:47
Thu 17 25/11 3:52 5:15 11:46 3:16 6:16 7:46
Fri 18 26/11 3:53 5:15 11:46 3:16 6:15 7:45
Sat 19 27/11 3:54 5:15 11:45 3:16 6:14 7:44
Sun 20 28/11 3:54 5:16 11:45 3:16 6:13 7:43
Mon 21 29/11 3:55 5:16 11:45 3:15 6:12 7:42
Tue 22 30/11 3:55 5:17 11:45 3:15 6:11 7:41
Wed 23 1/12 3:56 5:17 11:44 3:15 6:10 7:40
Thu 24 2/12 3:57 5:18 11:44 3:15 6:09 7:39
Fri 25 3/12 3:57 5:18 11:44 3:14 6:08 7:38
Sat 26 4/12 3:58 5:18 11:44 3:14 6:07 7:37
Sun 27 5/12 3:59 5:19 11:43 3:14 6:06 7:36
Mon 28 6/12 3:59 5:19 11:43 3:13 6:05 7:35
Tue 29 7/12 3:59 5:19 11:43 3:13 6:05 7:35
Wed 30 8/12 4:00 5:20 11:42 3:13 6:03 7:33
Thu 31 9/12 4:01 5:21 11:42 3:12 6:02 7:32
12 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017
by Michael Moorhouse photos by Debby Maria, Sadaf Ritzi, Rin Nelson, Vanessa Contreras, Divinia Catalan, and Lausab Dianyer
take a bow, Ms. Jeanie
Abqaiq Recreation Services Unit
The evening of May 18, was one,
if you were at the Ain Nakhl Golf
Club, full of energy as a crowd of
parents and, more importantly, their
children, gathered to celebrate the
five-year anniversary of Abqaiq
Moves that was created by Jeanie
Powell to allow her to spread her love
of dance to the children of Abqaiq.
Powell has been teaching Zumba,
Jazz, street dance, contemporary
dance, and classical ballet to the
adults and children of Abqaiq and
Dhahran communities since 2012.
For 2017, one of her greatest
accomplishments was developing and
organizing a photo project using
different stories and scenarios with all
photos taken in various locations
throughout the community with
expertise by professional
photographer Erin Clayton Werner.
Their joint vision became a beautifully
achieved and edgy photographic
artifact that represented the
wonderful, kooky, surreal, and
diverse place of Abqaiq that these
young dancers will remember
throughout their lives. If all this has
not been enough, she created the
performing arts self-directed group
Music Movement Creativity+ Theater
(MMC+T) in 2014/2015, which under
her presidency produced among
other things the wonderful
production of the Sleeping Beauty in
Nov. 2015.
As the organizer of the Abqaiq
Moves Dance party she consciously
focused the evening on the children,
as that is what she cares most about
and put forth much time and effort
to make this evening an enjoyable
one for her students and by the
Creative project by Jeanie Powell and Eric Clayton Werner in 2017.
Bigger Blue production in 2014. Sleeping Beauty production in 2015. Bigger Blue pink in 2014.
Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July August 2017 13
energy and noise levels along with
the beaming smiles, it certainly was a
success. Powell was quick to point
out the kind and invaluable assistance
with every aspect of the preparation,
For five years, through her love of
dance, Powell has given the children
of Abqaiq the opportunity to learn
dance in various forms from a
woman who has an impressive
background that includes studying at
the prestigious Alabama School of
Fine Arts and then going onto
dancing ballet professionally for many
years. Powell can be tough in her
classes as she is always striving for
the best and knowing that discipline
is needed to develop in this art form.
At the same time she is always there
with words of love, encouragement,
and support as well as teaching them
respect, dedication, and discipline.
In talking to Powell on this
evening, she was very keen to
emphasize the generous support of
the Abqaiq Recreational Services Unit.
As well, she also stressed the
importance of key community
members who have graciously given
their time and effort over the years to
assist her in making her productions
the grand successes that they have
been.
fitting to a woman who has enriched
the lives of so many in Abqaiq under
her expert guidance and tuition in
learning the art of dance.
For any enquiries about the ballet
classes, please contact Jeanie at:
Ballet party in 2017.
Bigger Blue jump 2014.
Creative project 2017 depicting swan. Creative project 2017 with red riding hood. Bigger Blue book 2014.
14 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July August 2017
by Salvatore Di Simone photos by Manuela Paone Di Simone, Reynald Basuel, and Dominic Chiam
Abqaiq’s first ever open-air rock festival
On May 19, our lovely Abqaiq
community got together to enjoy and
celebrate live rock music at the Rock
Festival held at the ball field. The idea
was born when Adrian Sipin, Jeremy
Forst, Manuela Odorisio Paone, and
Alessandra Chiaro, started reflecting
on the fact that, despite the large
number of highly skilled musicians in
the Abqaiq community, and even
though indoor concerts have taken
place, the community had never truly
experienced an open-air rock concert.
the ball field, a perfect venue
missed, and it needed to be done
soon, as the weather was already
getting quite hot. The ball field was
chosen as the venue as it seemed to
possess all necessary requirements: a
wide, yet fenced open area to allow
for stage, stalls, and audience to be
comfortably accommodated, packed
earth ground for the stage and
carpets, soft grass to allow for the
children to play freely, and a relatively
isolated location far from houses to
avoid any disturbance to others.
With lot of effort and
professionalism, the huge venue was
perfectly organized under the
supervision and direction of the
musicians together with Mark
Khoury, multisports consultant,
Abqaiq Recreation Services Unit
(ARSU).
eye-catching memorabilia
The Spotlight team has as always,
showed great dedication and
professionalism arranging for the
advertising, tickets sale, food stalls,
and merchandise.
The poster, created by Sonia
Chapman was printed on t-shirts as
memorabilia to the audience. Every
staff member wore a special t-shirt to
be easily identified, and the food was
made by the Spotlight team and also
kind donations by members and
friends.
At 6 p.m., the gates opened and
the audience started streaming in,
getting comfortable on the big rugs
with their own folding chairs,
camping mats, and picnic baskets.
The younger children lost no time
and immediately took advantage of
the large grassy area to play in
complete safety.
great musical selections
With the bands chosen from
those operating in the thriving
musical scene of Abqaiq, the bill was
set.
The concert openers were the
ROBAM and the Abqaiq School Rock
Band.
After the openers, it was time for
the grown-up bands to come on
stage. The first to play were The
Mixed Tapes, who performed a varied
set of classics spanning various
The band also had a special
Abqaiq Spotlight
The electricity of
the moment was
so vivid that
people happily
started clapping
and singing.
Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July August 2017 15
guest Damien Noe join in for a solo
passion in their performance carried
the audience away (that reached to
hundreds of people!), the enjoyment
and electricity of the moment was so
vivid that people happily started
clapping, singing, and dancing to the
songs.
After their relentless and
passionate performance, the Mixed
Tapes left the stage to the last band
of the evening, The Desert Party
dancing.
Around 10:15 p.m., the Desert
Party Band played their last song and
said goodbye to the audience, who
left the field with smiling faces, and
the feeling of experiencing something
great and unique: an open-air rock
concert in Abqaiq!
The evening was clearly a success
and there was a unified feeling that
this should indeed become a regular
annual event in Abqaiq, where rock
bands and music fans from other
Saudi Aramco communities can
participate to reinforce that sense of
community and brotherhood that
only rock music can create.
Until next year…
rock on Abqaiq!
ROBAM
vocals: Neha Senthil Kumar Kyra
Minda Veronica Hanna
guitar: Ariel Chiam
bass: Chuks Ugori
drums: Josh Thomas
director: Jeremy Forst
Abqaiq School Rock Band
vocals: Nursara Salleh Josh
Jardaleza Anna Diefendorf
drums: Josh Jardaleza
keyboard: Emma Singletary
guitar: Ariel Chiam
bass: Chuks Ugori
The Mixed Tapes
guitar: Beth Alto-Pederson and
Todd Alto-Pederson
sax and vocal: Jeremy Forst
bass: Scott Chapman
drums: Ike Trevino
Desert Party Band
lead singer: Adee Sipin
lead guitarist: Roby Duncan
rhythms: Orville Varquez
Bass: Lito Tugano
Drums: Nelson Hermogenes
Keyboards: Mark
sax/violin: Natalie Schlueter Higgins
vocalists: Ritzi Hope, Mayet Torres,
Tina Pickles, and Roselle Torres
media/live feed: Reynald Basuel
stage props/lights: Russel Torres
keyboards: Mark Dapanas
music groups
16 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017
by Nestor R. Villaruel Photos by Joselito V. Tugano
bowling for excellence at the 10th SAOO VP’s cup
Abqaiq City Bowling Association
The Abqaiq City Bowling
Association (ACBA) held its tenth
Southern Area Oil Operations (SAOO)
Vice‑
three-day fun bowling tournament at
the Al-
executive board headed by Nestor R.
Villaruel, ACBA president, aims to
support the Saudi Aramco value of
excellence. Twelve teams composed
of four Abqaiq community members
competed in this event.
The event was officially opened by
the SAOO representative, Wael H.
Ameer, supervisor, SAOO Planning
and Benchmarking, on May 16, who
in his speech, shared a brief message
about the need to be safe, while
enjoying the games and coping with
challenges. He also thanked the
ACBA along with all other
self-directed groups who play a major
role in keeping the Abqaiq
community active under the support
of SAOO including the Abqaiq
Recreation Services Unit (ARSU) and
all other Abqaiq organizations.
an impressive comeback and a great
atmosphere
The tournament highlight was the
impressive comeback of Choy Lopez
for scoring a total scratch of 221 in
the second game on May 23, after a
long time-out from bowling. On the
afternoon of May 26, as the teams
prepared for the final game, the
environment was full of cheers and
enjoyment as all bowlers focused to
Before announcing the winners, the
ACBA women members showed their
Zumba dancing talents.
display of camaraderie, teamwork, and
friendly competition
champion:
Team MANAGEMENT
Nestor Villaruel, Rami Latonio,
Nonalyn Barnett, and Nayef
Al-Shammari, with substitute
player Reynald Basuel, with total
first runner-up:
Team SAFETY
Manny Dejelo, Jerry Hernandez,
Ritzie Hope and Irfan I Shaikh,
with total pin falls of 6,990.
winning teams
category Men’s division women’s division
highest 3-game HCP series Srini Kamandahalli 672 Karen S. Caraig 592
highest 3-game scratch series Rey V. Caraig Jr. 576 Kanta Saha 430
highest HCP game Choy Lopez 261 Cherrie Hernandez 250
highest Scratch game Joselito V. Tugano 218 Beng Mungcal 162
individual winners
Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July August 2017 17
Nayef S. Al-Shammari, manager of
Southern Area Production
Engineering Department, presented
the prizes to the winners. On behalf
of the SAOO management, he
expressed his gratitude to the
organizers and to all the ACBA
officers for their efforts to share
innovative ideas to create awareness
within the Abqaiq community. He
commended the participants for the
display of camaraderie, teamwork,
and friendly competition, which
resulted in an excellent event. He also
invited them to share what they have
learned from bowling with different
cultures, which fosters the citizenship
value.
He congratulated all the winners
and participants and thanked the
ACBA board, especially Rey Caraig,
the tournament director, and Mar-
Loie Catalan, his associate, the ARSU,
the Al-
and housekeeping personnel.
The event concluded with dinner
and entertainment filled with a
showcase of individual talents in
dancing, singing, as well as comedy
as the ACBA also celebrated their
Foundation Day!
note of appreciation
Villaruel expressed his special
thanks to the SAOO management,
particularly Al-Shammari and
Al-Ameer, the ACBA board and all
the participants for their efforts in
making this event a success.
The environment
was full of cheers as
all bowlers focused
to get strikes for their
team’s victory.
The champions team Management: Rami Latonio, Nestor Villaruel, Lynn Barnett, and Nayef Shammari with Pradip Saha and Raymond Lota, proudly display their winning trophies.
18 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017
Abqaiq Cricket Club
fond farewell and an exciting tape ball by Muhammad Faisal Mirza photos by Abid Saood
A rather pleasant night on a
typically hot summer day, excited
faces ready for the thrilling action,
and the field flooded with lights,
turned the night into day! This was
the scene at the Abqaiq Cricket field
on June 9 at the tape ball event. The
night was special for a number of
reasons, the topmost being to bid
farewell to Dr. Sibghat Majeed and
Aftab Tabish, two highly active,
motivated, and committed members
of the Abqaiq community. Both the
members are set to leave the
Kingdom for good by the end of
June.
Significance of the event was
further magnified by the fact that it
was the first one organized by the
newly elected Abqaiq Cricket Club
(ACC) board members, Mohsin
Bashir, president, Imran Khan,
vice‑president, Saqib Sami, secretary,
and Iftikhar Ahmed, treasurer.
Despite the tight and tiring schedule
of the month of Ramadhan, the high
turnout was commendable.
magnificent strokes
The event started off with the
formation of two teams, team A
captained by the veteran member
Rashid Chowdhry and team B by
none other than Dr. Majeed himself.
Dr. Majeed won the toss and elected
to bat. With their magnificent strokes
all around the field and tons of wide
and no balls delivered by team A,
team B placed a tough target of 121
in nine overs. Despite all their efforts,
team A could not chase the target
and was all out at 80, resulting in the
chit-chats, mouthwatering
refreshments, photo sessions
The game was followed by a short
gathering at the stands with lively
chit-chats, mouthwatering
refreshments, and photo sessions. In
a short ceremony, certificates of
appreciation were presented to
Dr. Majeed, his son Abdullah Sibghat,
and Syed Nisar (on behalf of Aftab
Tabish) by the new ACC president
Bashir, former presidents Abid Saood
and Khalid Memon, and former vice-
president Yaser Kamal.
The gathering was wrapped up with
Dr. Majeed's speech where he
thanked everyone for organizing a
memorable and unforgettable event.
Emphasizing the importance of unity
and staying together, he prayed for
the success and prosperity of the
club.
note of appreciation
The ACC board would like to
thank all the participants for making
the event memorable with their full
participation and on behalf of all the
honorable members, wish Dr.
Majeed, Tabish and their families best
of luck for the future.
Dr. Sibghat Majeed receives the certificate of appreciation from the ACC.
Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July-August 2017 19
Displaying all the lovely
photographs from their first photo
contest in April, the Abqaiq
Photography Group (APG) held its
first two-day solo exhibition on May
25 and 26 at the Al-Remal Mall.
The main idea of the exhibition
was to give the Abqaiq community
the opportunity to share and
appreciate the beautiful photographs
taken by the hidden talents of
Abqaiq. The APG also presented
prizes to the winners in both
certificate of participation to all the
finalists. Husain Saud, the APG
president, along with Noor Zain, APG
vice-president, did the prize
distribution.
thank you
The APG would like to express its
gratitude to the Abqaiq Recreation
Services Unit, the APG members, and
its supporters who helped make the
event a success. The APG also takes
this opportunity to wish all of the
Abqaiq Photography Group
APG exhibits its finest
by Noor Zain photos by Noor Zain and Haya Al-Harbi
Finalist Mar-Loie V. Catalan receives certificate of participation
Finalist Victoria Roads with her photo of the
Cengiz Tolga Vur, Vanessa Kearns, and Rinnie Nelson show off their winning certificates.
certificate on her behalf from Husain Saud.
Tahreem Saood receives the winning certificate from Noor Zain.
Congratulations to all
the winners and
finalists for their
beautiful
photographs!
20 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July August 2017
The community members
celebrated the Abqaiq School
their annual art exhibit on Saturday,
May 20, in the Al-Murjan hall. A
variety of artwork was on display,
including clay, weavings, paper-
mache, and drawing projects. Each
student from Kindergarten through
grade 8 submitted one piece for the
show. Eighth and ninth grade
students leaving Abqaiq submitted
two pieces.
worth of art education, the exhibition
also provides a glimpse of how art
education progresses through the
years at the Abqaiq School.
full of life, expression, and beauty
This is one of the most exciting
days of the year for an educator. We
see students grow immensely in their
creativity and skill development. For
example, in Kindergarten many
children do not know how to write
their name or the first letter in their
name (this is age appropriate). They
have difficulty holding pencils,
scissors, and glue sticks. With time,
they gain muscle strength in their
fingers, they learn skills, and they
experiment with ideas. The artwork
they create is full of life, expression,
and beauty.
The creativity and expression
students learn something new,
gaining skills and confidence.
Children take risks and accept artistic
challenges. Our students progress as
artists. This growth deserves to be
commended.
It was celebrated by many
community members, who took the
time out of their busy weekend to
visit the Al-Murjan hall. The ballroom
setting was an excellent way to
display artwork and created a sense
of stateliness for our young artists.
Every year,
students learn
something
new, gaining
skills and
confidence.
by Sonia Chapman photos by Sonia Chapman
Abqaiq School’s excellent display of art
Saudi Aramco Expatriate School
Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July August 2017 21
feedback about the exhibition
elegant and the artwork merited such
Beth Alto-Pederson.
are some talented young people at
the school. Well done to all
Blevins.
have happened in a better and more
welcoming place. The natural light,
the space, everything was perfect!
The community had a wonderful time
viewing the students' work. Thank
you," stated Thomas Rodriguez.
Children enjoyed pinning circles
on a Wassily Kandinsky mural board,
and of course, enjoyed eating lots of
cookies and small treats. It was a
great way to spend an afternoon in
our lovely community.
22 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July August 2017
Boys scouts’ first ever car derby day
After nine amazing weeks, the
Abqaiq Boys Cub Scout Club
(ABCSC), tester program concluded
on May 20 with the most exciting
event of them all
imaginative and creative cardboard
box cars
After weeks of designing and
building with their parents, the Cub
Scouts presented cardboard box cars,
which they raced around the School
Gym stopping at different Pit Spots
where their parents waited to assist.
There were two circuits, one
especially designed for Lions, Tigers,
and Wolves, and a longer and slightly
more complicated circuit for the
Bears, Webelos, and Arrows of Light.
It was encouraging to see everybody
cheering for each other and to
witness great sportsmanship from all
during the Cubanapolis, not to
mention to see so many imaginative
and creative cardboard car designs all
homemade by boys and their
parents.
by Rinnie Nelson photos by Rinnie Nelson
Abqaiq Boys Cub Scout Club
Creative cardboard car designs all homemade by boys and their parents at the Cubanapolis Car Derby.
Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July August 2017 23
With the Bobcat badge,
the boys can officially
call themselves
Cub Scouts.
bobcat badge
After the Cubanapolis, all the Cub
Scouts were invited on stage to
formally receive their first official Cub
Scout Badge the Bobcat Badge. The
Bobcat Badge is only awarded to club
members who fulfilled specific
requirements, which they were
trained for during the tester program.
With the Bobcat badge, the boys can
officially call themselves Cub Scouts,
and when the ABCSC formally
launches in September, they will be
able to begin earning many other
Cub Scout badges.
It was a truly great tester program
and the ABCSC are looking forward
to seeing all the old faces and
meeting new ones when they
commence again later this year.
Well done boys! Everybody is so
proud of you. Thank you parents for
all your help!
All the Cub Scouts formally receive their first official Cub Scout Badge from Vikas Ghai, ABCSC president.
The special bobcat badge ceremony cake.
24 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July August 2017
a fun collaboration for Ramadan celebrations
The happy FOLKS team 2017 and
delightfully celebrated the Holy
Month of Ramadan on May 23 at the
Ain Nakhl Golf Club.
A well-promoted and advertised
event with a beautiful poster made
by the FOLKS board member
Francesca Rossi, had a successful
turnout. It was an occasion for many
families belonging to different
cultures to come together and
celebrate.
70 families, diverse cultures
With more than 70 families
attending, the event was also
honored by VIP guests, Meshaal
Khaldi, manager, Southern Area/
Central Region Community Services
Department (SA/CR CSD), Zoe
Mollah, head of Abqaiq Medical/
Dental Services, Johns Hopkins
Aramco Healthcare (JHAH),
Dr. Krigamonti, JHAH CEO, and his
wife Dr. Karen Krigamonti, and Mark
Khoury, multisports consultant,
Abqaiq Recreation Services Unit
(ARSU).
Living in the diverse Abqaiq
community has its own challenges
and also unique opportunities. It is
only here in Abqaiq, you can meet
people from more than 70 countries
and hear their national anthems
every year during the International
Parade. Our children are also learning
to grow up in a multicultural and
multinational environment to help
them develop tolerance to other
cultures.
learning about the Holy Month
Everyone had the fantastic
opportunity to learn about the Holy
month, which is the month of fasting
that helps make a person more
aware of the suffering of the less
fortunate, who may go a whole day
without eating. So during Ramadan,
everyone should try to find an
opportunity to do something good
for others and share food with the
needy. It is also the right time to
reflect and reconnect with the family
in the right spirit is considered a
good deed and its reward is
multiplied in the month of Ramadan
like any other good deed.
Through the several arts and
crafts activities and games conducted
by Rinnie Nelson, the children also
learned about the Holy Month, which
is the festivity of mercy, peace, love
and patience.
We would like to say thank you to
the FOLKS board, the AWG Board,
and the ARSU for making this
amazing celebration happen.
by Gulzhamal Sheripkanova, Silvia Selli, and Tehreem Arshad photos by FOLKS board
Abqaiq Women’s Group and FOLKS
Children learn about Ramadan through the art and craft sessions.
Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July August 2017 25
play and learn at FOLKS
FOLKS has been presenting the
children of Abqaiq with creative and
fun activities to engage those little
minds as well as teach them new
concepts and values as they learn
and grow into wonderful human
beings.
fairy bread creation
At the beautiful art and craft
sessions at FOLKS, children were able
to make their own yummy snack,
"Fairy Bread Creation" with Rinnie
Nelson, Abir Samman Taleb, and
Suzan Jamil Fenj Saleh. It was
skills and how they enjoyed their
snack. Thanks to the mothers too
who made it possible for the FOLKS
team to enjoy this creative activity
with the little ones.
exploring sink and float
Roseangela Augustine showed
and taught the children the concept
of "Exploring Sink and Float" on May
21. The children took a deep interest
in the activity as it was informative
and a good learning session in a
playful way. Children also joined in
for a fun activity time with stories
and poems with Augustine.
learning Spanish
The FOLKS families and children
also had the opportunity to learn
some Spanish with Marisela Ravelo
during the regular FOLKS sessions on
May 24. The children really enjoyed
learning the Spanish Alphabet and
some Spanish words.
Iftar dinner with contractor
employees
At an event organized only for
daddies and small children, FOLKS
shared an Iftar dinner in a tent at the
Masjid in the Abqaiq community on
June 13. It was a way to show
working contractor employees in the
community. Families were
encouraged to bring along some
home-cooked food to share and
FOLKS also helped with the food
distribution organized by Noor Ema
Zain. This event turned out to be a
brilliant idea as the children learned
the joy of sharing and enjoyed the
different cultures and religious
festivities.
thank you
These events brought FOLKS to
the summer break. As half of the
year already passed, the FOLKS board
would like to express a big thanks to
all the lovely and fun-loving families
of FOLKS who have made this year of
FOLKS full of love and learning for
our children.
by Tehreem Arshad photos by FOLKS team
Friends of Little Kids Studio
July 3 to August 14
Mondays only, 9 - 11 a.m.
(Roseangela Augustine present
on behalf of FOLKS)
The regular hours will resume
from August 20.
FOLKS summer opening hours
Admiring the fairy bread creation. Exploring the concept of Sink and Float. Learning the Spanish Alphabet.
26 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July August 2017
Abqaiq Youth Soccer Association
The final whistle has blown on the
Abqaiq Youth Soccer Association
(AYSA) 2016-2017 season. This
season has been quite a successful
one through the hard work and
commitment of the AYSC board, the
coordinators, the coaches, the
Abqaiq Recreation Services Unit
(ARSU), and of course, the children
who make all of the hard work worth
This season, there were 197
children who participated in the
AYSC in the groups of U6, U8, U10,
U12, and U16, with most practising
twice a week. As well, many of them
participated in inter-tournaments and
tournaments outside the Abqaiq
community. Overall, much growth
was attained by the children in terms
of their football skills, but also in
other key areas, such as teamwork
and respect of the game and others.
two weeks, 100 children, UEFA
coaches
At the conclusion of this season,
the AYSC along with the generous
support of the ARSU, held two one-
week (6 days each) Player
Development Football Camps with
two coaches from Barcelona. These
two Union of European Football
Associations (UEFA) certified coaches,
Sergi Mascarell and Andreu Peralta,
worked very effectively with the over
100 participants broken into eight
groups to develop their football skills
each night for one and a half hours.
To conclude the experience with
these coaches, the AYSC board and
some of its coaches had a half-day
workshop that was very informative.
Many thanks to these two fine men
who enriched our football lives very
successfully.
The AYSC board, coaches and
assistants have worked hard to do
their best to include core values of
fun and participation in all areas of
the AYSC and much work and many
hours have been given by them to
ensure that this continues into the
2017-2018 season.
volunteers needed for the new season
Speaking of the 2017-2018
season, the AYSC needs more
parents to volunteer to coach. In the
new season, there will be set number
of places for registration with the
AYSC depending on the number of
volunteer coaches that come
forward. If there are only a few
coaches who volunteer to coach, this
means that there will also be a
limited number of teams. Registration
for the 2017-2018 season will take
place over an extended period to give
all who wish to register the chance to
do this.
a successful season of youth soccer
by Michael Moorhouse photos by Ania Szabo
dates: Aug 21, 23, 28, 30
Sep 11, and 13
time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.
location: Community Center Hall.
registration for the
2017-2018 season
Children wrapping up a game at the Player Development Football Camp in May. AYSC coaches Emmanouil Spyropoulos and Michael Moorhouse look upon their students.
27 Abqaiq the friendly city gazette | July August 2017
2017
07 Abqaiq: a look back curated by Valentina Stefanoni.
fun facts
knowledge
compiled by Samrina Ali
safety tip
boost Sound travels about four times
faster in water than in air. The only letter not appearing on the
The typewriter was invented in
1829, and the automatic dishwasher in 1889.
The wristwatch was invented in 1904 by Louis Cartier.
Velcro was invented by a Swiss guy who was inspired by the way burrs attached to clothing.
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.
Proper maintenance reduces waste!
Keep your appliances in good working
order and follow the manufacturer's
suggestions for operation and
maintenance. Shop for products with
high consumer satisfaction and fewer
breakdowns. If kept in good working
order, your appliances should last a long
time and not end up as waste before
their time.
Driving while using a mobile phone, either texting or talking, is still one of the leading causes of road accidents and has caused horrific tragedy worldwide.
environmental tips
The very first art exhibit in the Abqaiq community organized by the AWG in 1952.