The American Women's Organization of Moscow - Newsletter for November 2017 (redacted copy)

THE AMERICAN WOMEN’S ORGANISATION OF MOSCOW

newsletter

November

2017

Letter from the President November can be a gloomy month weather-wise in Moscow but there is no need for us to be blue! We have lots of events to look forward to! We are hoping to fill one or even two tables for the MPC ball. We try to support their wonderful work in Moscow through participation in their events. We are also planning a Thanksgiving dinner at Chicago Prime on November 26. Last year this was a great family evening out with delicious turkey and all the trimmings. We are also looking forward to a visit from our charity, Nastenka, celebrating our 15 year’s of commitment and support to them.

We have a lot change in AWO at the moment with some of the board resigning due to moving or family

commitments- I’m going to be a babushka! We have been lucky enough to welcome many new ladies in the last few weeks and it feels as though there is a lot of positive energy and lots of new ideas. Please consider joining the board with all of your skills and experience.

I would like to thank one of our new members for her generous donation of toys to Spread Sunshine. I hear that the shopping trip was great fun and it will be well appreciated by the children when they receive their gifts.

Dust off the hats and boots, stay warm and get ready to skate in the parks !

Stay warm, Wendy Soucy.

List of Contents

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Notes from the Editor

Events of the Month

Save the Date for the upcoming events

There and Back Again: Travel Notes on Budapest and Prague

Interest Group in Spotlight: Book Club

Welcome New Members!

Review: Spread Sunshine

Invitation for the IWC’s Winter Bazaar

11 12 13 16 17 18

Invitation for the AWO Thanksgiving Dinner

Invitation for the MPC’s Winter Wonderland Charity Ball

Invitation to participate at the British Bazaar and the “Wish Lists”

Special Offers for AWO Members

Your 2017 AWO Board

Find Us Online!

November 2017 / 2

Redeeming the Colors from the Sky I always had a fascination with Russian domes since I was a kid. Having been born in the dark ages, i.e. the time where there was no internet, I remember being dazzled by a snowball showing the famous St.Basil's Cathedral. This amazing building with the roofs wrapped like candies must have belonged to a fairyland, I thought. With a funny twist of life, I found myself staring at those very domes and several other look-alikes many years later, after moving to Moscow. The domes I realised, were indeed fascinating. The fairyland part, well… not so much.

Having spent two winters already in Russia, I now realise why the domes were covered with the most vibrant colors. It must be the Russian way of defying the unending grey tones of the winter sky!

Some ingenious Russians must have realised that unless they come up with a way of putting the colors back on the streets, the memory of the vivid tinges would become forgotten.

Following the footsteps of their ancestors, modern Russians also keep coming up with

remarkable ways to give a colourful touch to the long winter season.

So it is not surprising to see that the launching of an extraordinary exhibition from Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, was planned right before the beginning of the winter; nor it is to see other colorful events coming up this month. If you want to read about some of them, check out the list of events I compiled for this month.

AWO is also organising an event this month that would remind us the warmer colors of life with its traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. Check out the following pages for more information.

If you’d like to enjoy another colorful event, mark your calendars for the IWC’s Winter Bazaar, where you can literally shop from all around the world and contribute to a sizeable donation to various charity organisations.

Keep on enjoying the colors of Moscow!

Irem

Events of the month “Under the Radiation Falls” Exhibition - until February 4th, 2018 // Garage Museum of Contemporary Art Visit Japanese artist Takashi Murakami’s playful exhibition at the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. This is a must see event where the artist shows us different facets of Japanese culture with ingenious combination of colors, toys along with traditional Japanese art. The artist will also visit the Museum to talk about his work on November 16th. The exhibition will last until February 2018. For more information: garagemca.org “Collection of Stories - 2” Exhibition - until November 19th, 2017// Artstory Gallery of Contemporary Art We all have been enchanted by at least one another artwork, wondering what would be the real story behind it. Derived from this idea, curators of the Artstory Gallery presents us a large collection of stories behind more than 100 paintings, graphic works and sculptures, along with unique biographical information of the artists.Some of the artists on display include Anatoly Zverev, Alexander Labas, Natalia Nesterova, Pavel Leonov and many more. For more information about the exhibition: http://www.artstory.com/ “Christmas Tree Decoration” Excursions - until January 14th, 2018 // The Factory of Christmas Toys Is it too early to get started with Christmas decorations? Since there is plenty of time before Christmas, why don’t you start doing some of the decorations the old fashioned way? The Factory of Christmas Toys is providing unique opportunities for its visitors in terms of learning about how New Year’s Eve is celebrated in different countries, watch the production process of glass Christmas tree toys, and even give a try yourself! The Factory also provides master classes that you may join with your children where you can decorate Christmas balls with a Russian style!

For more information on the different price tariffs and content of the master classes visit: http://31-12.xn-p1ai/ For more information on their new venue visit: www.sokolniki.com “My Pastry” Festival - November 4th - 5th, 2017 // Danilovsky Market Good news for the sweet-tooths! The exhibition of sweets will run only 2 days at at Danilovsky Market so don’t miss it if you want to taste various kinds of sweets. There will also be competitions for visitors.

Entrance is free. Those who register on their website will get “sweet” presents.

For more information: http://mypastry.ru/ “Moscow throughout the Centuries” Exhibition - until January 21st, 2018 // Tretyakov Gallery Join the Tretyakov Gallery as it takes part in the festivities dedicated to Moscow’s 870th anniversary. A large-scale exhibition that represents the city’s image as it evolved from the 17th to the 21st century will run until January 21, 2018. For more information: www.tretyakovgallery.ru

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November 25th, 2017, Saturday: IWC’s Winter Bazaar (see page 10 for further details) November 26th, 2017, Sunday: Thanksgiving Dinner at 5pm / Chicago Prime Restaurant December 2nd, 2017, Saturday: Winter Wonderland & Ball - (see page 12 for further details) December 5th, 2017, Tuesday: British Women’s Club Holiday Bazaar - (see page 13 for further details)

COFFEE MORNINGS All AWO Coffee Meetings are held in Cafe Russe, main floor of the Ritz Carlton, Tverskaya Ulitsa 3 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm November 8 & 22 December 6

Thanks to our Sponsors!

November 2017 / 5 !

There and Back Again

by Nori Minnis

TRAVEL NOTES ON BUDAPEST AND PRAGUE In October I took a trip to Budapest and Prague, both cities were beautiful and very interesting. We spent three days in each, and I found this to be just enough time to explore the cities and not feel too rushed.

Some of the interesting sites in Budapest were the House of Terror Museum (Terror Haza) which was dedicated to the Soviet Occupation of Hungary after WWII and the Holocaust Memorial Center. Both sites were filled with history and very educational. While we were visiting the Hungarian Parliament we also stumbled upon the memorial to the 1956 uprising that took place in the square right outside the Parliament.

We also went to the Szechenyi Baths and the Gellert Spa. These were similar to the Russian Banya, at both there was a large pool that basically served as a hot tub and then there were smaller rooms with cold pools, thermal baths and also steam rooms. City Park was also another beautiful site that I would recommend. It was very clean and the trees were changing colors when we were there which was just wonderful!

Another day, we took a 6-hour train ride to Prague, which was really amazing.

I loved watching the countryside roll by and the ride was really relaxing. After arriving to this magical city, we immediately took a walk around downtown for a few hours. The Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square was incredible! And if you catch it at the right time (I believe once an hour during the day) you get to see the movement of the apostles that adorn the clock. I know, now you’re hooked and you have to go to Prague! The Charles Bridge is one of the oldest original bridges still standing in Europe. The bridge is packed at almost any time of the day. Prague Castle was enormous and we spent about 4 hours there. There are many incredible things to see there including the royal palace, and the view of the city from the upper floors are incredible. Franz Kafka Museum was another must-see place in Prague, not only because it was quite interesting. I must add that I’ve heard many people didn’t find it that impressive, but because Kafka was a fundamental part of the city’s cultural history, I think getting a glimpse of this famous author’s life may help you get a better understanding of this city’s magical feel.

Overall both cities were very enjoyable and easy to get around.

Prague was much more touristy and Budapest a little more quiet, but both lived up to expectations!

November 2017 / !6

Interest Group in Spotlight: Book Club

by Julie Britton

The AWO Book Club is a relaxed and cosy environment open to all the book lovers in our club. We meet once a month to share and discuss our thoughts on the selected book of the month, with a cup of coffee in our hands and a nice music in the background - the right scene for getting lost inside books, in other words.

Here is what we will do this month:

2018 Book Selection As a reminder, next month, we will select books for 2018. Just send me the title, author, and a brief summary of each book you would like to recommend (you can cut and paste from an online website -- you do not need to write one) and I will compile a list. Please send the titles to me by November 8, 2017.

2018 Movie-Book Selection Due to the popularity of the movie-book club we will repeat this again this year. During the winter, we will book a movie-book to discuss. After reading the book we will get together to watch the movie and for a discussion.

Can you think of a better way to spend a cold, dreary, winter Moscow morning? So, be creative and think of a good book-movie combo, particularly a recent release (so that everyone has not already seen it). We will also vote on this at the next meeting!

When will we vote?

We will vote at our November 15, 2017 book club. Don't worry if you are unable to attend this meeting, you will still be able to vote! More details on the voting process to follow.

November Book For the November 15, 2017 meeting, we will read All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood. This book will lure most readers outside their comfort

zone as it addresses many uncomfortable topics, including mental illness, family discord, and child abuse. These ugly things are juxtaposed with wonderful things, such as unconditional love and understanding.

Greenwood's novel, All The Ugly and Wonderful Things, is loosely autobiographical. It is about how Wavy, the young daughter of a drug dealer and his abusive wife, and Kellen, a loner, drug runner, and ex-con, fall in love.

But, this brief description does not do justice to the depth of this painful, beautiful novel about two lonely, lost people who find their place with each other. The author recognizes that some readers might be uneasy with Wavy and Kellen's relationship. She ask those readers to examine the root of their unease: "Did it make you uncomfortable, or were you made uncomfortable by the fact that you weren't really all that uncomfortable?"

I hope you will read the book and come join us for a lively discussion!

Contact: britton.julie@gmail.com

November 2017 / 7!

Welcome New Members!

This month we would like to reintroduce an old tradition of giving a Warm AWO Welcome to our new members via our Newsletter. We will share a picture of our new members who joined within the month in the following month’s newsletter. Please also feel free to share a little about yourself e.g where you are moving from, kids, interest etc as this could be a great ice breaker for current members with similar interest or background to assist you in getting settled in your new environment. Information shared will only be in our newsletter of the month which is sent to only members via email. However, please don’t feel obligated to do this and no worries at all if you don’t! Our biweekly Coffee Mornings at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel are another great opportunity to meet other members and join interest groups.

So a Warm AWO welcome to the following ladies who became members at our last meeting and welcome back to Elizabeth Roling.

Claire Weager

Holli Manaker

Kelley Jackson

Erin Street

November 2017 / 8 !

Spread Sunshine

by Michele Kuhlen

This month Spread sunshine had two amazing angels who visited us and brought many gifts and well needed items for the children of Nastenka.

Verna Mae, the mother of Judy our ex officio, has been donating hats which she knitted herself for the children of Nastenka. We had the pleasure of having her at our October 11th Coffee Morning where she brought us some lovely and stylish knitted hats. These wonderful hats have been an essential item during the winter season but more so an accessory providing comfort and security for the children going through Chemotherapy. Each hat has its own unique design and style which was knitted with love and we are so grateful to Verna Mae for her continued support over the years to the children of Nastenka.

Our other Spread Sunshine angel of the month is Cristina Rotaru who became a member of our organization in September. Cristina, one of the purest souls I know, celebrated her birthday this month and decided to ask her friends to donate to two worthy causes instead of bringing her gifts.

Spread Sunshine was one of them and 10,000 rubles was allotted to us from the proceeds to purchase toys for our next Spread Sunshine visit. We went on the most amazing toy shopping spree purchasing well needed items and crafts for the children as we were also very low on toys for this month's visit. Unfortunately our October visit to see the children was postponed until next month as the children were under quarantine due to an outbreak of chicken pox. The groceries however were delivered on Thursday October 26 to the caretakers of the children at the hospital who are always looking forward and appreciative for the supplies. Thank you also to Stephanie Pradesh Viguier and her daughter Norah who assisted with the grocery shopping this month.

November 2017 / 9 !




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Let Us Give Thanks Together…

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SAVE THE DATE for British Bazaar on December 5th!

We have the privilege of volunteering at this year’s British Bazaar at the British Residence on December 5th. Please save the date! In return for our participation we will receive a share of the profits to support our charity - Nastenka.

Our participation will include setting up on Monday 4th December, helping with the event on December 5th, and providing a variety of American gifts and produce to tempt shoppers!

Please check the list below and let us know if you are interested in donating anything from the list. Please email AWOmoscow@gmail.com the items you can donate.

All donations for the Christmas Hamper and Tombola can brought to any AWO Coffee morning before November 22. For baking items, we will need to make special accommodations.

We greatly appreciate all of you continued support and time!!

November 2017 / !13

Here are the “Wish Lists”:

Christmas Hamper “Wish List” Examples of Food Items: Reese Peanut Butter Cups, Chocolate Smarties from Canada, Oh Henry Chocolate Bar, Mr. Big Chocolate Bar from Canada, Corn Syrup, Cornmeal, Twizzlers, Jello Mixes, Molasses, Food Coloring, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Pam Cooking Spray, Cocoa Powder, Kraft Marshmallows, Pre-made Icing (Better Crocker and Duncan Hines), Cake Mixes, Baking Powder, Vanilla Extract, Chocolate Chips, Rogers Syrup, Pudding Mix, Crisco Shortening, Kraft Dinner, Pumpkin Pie Mix, Cherry Pie Filling, Onion Soup Mix, Harry and David Treats and Delights, Gingerbread Making Kit!

Examples of Non Food Items: Festive Tea Towels, Festive Baking Utensils, Bath and Body Works, Candles, Soaps and Lotions, Knitted hat, scarf and mittens set!

November 2017 / !14

Tombola “Wish List�

Both Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic bottles are welcome! Fun or special bottles, limited editions, flavored coffee liquors, perhaps your favorite California wine!! A few other suggestions but not limited to are: Tequila, Whiskey, Canadian Club, Bloody Mary Mix, Mojito Mix, Cherry Cola, Pop and mixers!

Bake Sale Ideas and Items Chocolate Chip Cookies, Brownies, Sugar Cookies, Big Muffins, Mini Cupcakes, Mini Muffins, Gluten Free Treats, Turtles, Nanaimo Bars, Peppermint Patties, Shortbread, Butter Tarts, Fudge, Date Squares, Southern bars and Carmel bars!

November 2017 / !15

The top choice among expatriates, US Dental Care’s English-speaking staff provide the highest level of dental care in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest in dental diagnostic and treatment technology.

Visit their facility and receive 15% off the first visit and 5% off thereafter. www.usdentalcare.com

Bogdarnya Get out of the city and enjoy an agro-eco-tourism complex for a change…

Bogdarnya, a family owned dairy farm, is happily situated 100km from MKAD on the road to Vladimir. The variety of the activities offers fun for every taste: Home cooking, slow food using as many ingredients produced at the farm, or sourced from small family farms in our area.

Cheese making lessons, master classes and degustations using its own milk, and only natural ingredients The chance to savour dry matured beef and cured meats Forest hikes, skiing, nature trails Horseback riding; carriage riding; lessons and therapy Fishing in river or lake A cosy stopover on the way to other local attractions, Suzdal, Murom,Yuriev Polski in lesser time and stress.

Lunch at an island Monastery, with meals prepared by the Nun's.

Birthdays, weddings and other social events.

Day outings for groups with individually designed excursions Peace and quiet More information on the offers and facilities can be found in: www.bogdarnya.ru

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Your 2017 AWO Board

Wendy Soucy

Becky Zenkevich

Nori Minnis

Ellen Hughes

President, Charity Liaison

Vice President, FAWCO REP, Facebook

Secretary,

Treasurer

Irem Sunar - Ozat

Dawn Biyashev

Susan Partridge

Galina Krysova

Monday Updates

Special Events

Newsletter

Interest Groups

Eugenie Tsesarenko

Brit Holin

Membership Monday Updates

Membership

Rini Judy Membership

Judy Peacock Ex-Officio

Michele Kuhlen Spread Sunshine

November 2017 / !17

Find Us Online! www.facebook.com/groups/ awomoscow/ awomoscow.org