THE AMERICAN WOMEN’S ORGANISATION OF MOSCOW
newsletter
October
2017
Letter from the President We are already in October and our 2 sign-up sessions are complete. A big welcome back to all former AWO members and a special welcome to all our new members! If you are new to Moscow you may not feel very settled yet and may think you will never find your feet here. I think we have all felt that at some time, so do reach out to AWO if you need any advice or suggestions. Get involved in the Interest Groups so that you get out and meet people and share experiences. In no time you will love it here in this beautiful city! The unique cultural opportunities make this a very special city. Of course there are some challenges but there are also wonderful experiences to be had here. AWO supports just one charity - Nastenka - the pediatric oncology unit - and you will be hearing lots about it when representatives come to one of our meetings in October. The AWO was the very first Partner of Nastenka and this year we celebrate 15 years of
partnership with them. We are proud to have been of help to them for such a long time and in September we held a social evening and fundraiser in the Ritz which was great fun and raised funds for new toys and electronic tablets for the children in the hospital. Talk of the weather is our constant companion in Moscow and as I wrote this we are enjoying beautiful golden Fall days. Walking in the city parks such as Sokolniki, Gorky Park or Kolomenskoe is a treat for the eyes when the trees are covered with golden leaves. Soon it will be cold!!! Don’t wait to get scarves, hats etc. organized. If you would like to get more involved by joining the board please let us know, we are always looking for fresh ideas and it is a great way to use all your hard earned skills. Hoping to hear from you! - Wendy
List of Contents
3 4 5 6 7 9 10
Notes from the Editor
Events of the Month
Save the Date for the upcoming events
Review: An evening under the stars
Interest Group in Spotlight: Spread Sunshine
Invitation for a ‘Ladies Day’ from Lotte Hotel
Invitation to the ‘Winter Wonderland Charity Event’
11 12 13 14 15
Invitation to participate at the BWC’s Holiday Bazaar
Special Offers for AWO Members
List of Interest Groups
Your 2017 AWO Board
Find us online!
October 2017 / !2
Here comes the march of the long sleeves Well, it was inevitable… Despite the indian summer that tricked us with a warm pretence for a few days, the cold days are finally here. All the long sleeves woke up from their cramped summer sleep and barged towards the front row of our closets. There’s not much to do about it. We do, however, have some time to enjoy different colors of nature, before the infamous Moscow frost kicks in. And the amazing parks of the city have so much to offer in this regard. If I must choose, I would select two parks that would represent the two faces of Moscow to visit in October: one showing the historical grace of the city and the other mimicking its high-spirited modern version. To enjoy the colors of autumn, Kolomenskoye Park, also a Unesco World Heritage Site, is a perfect place to visit. While you’re there, you may also buy some honey from the producers coming from all around Russia. If you can’t get out of the city center, go and enjoy the Zaryadye Park recently opened right next to the Kremlin. If you want to see more of the historical landscapes, you may also visit the “Landscapes of
old Moscow” exhibition at the Historical Museum. The exhibition will be available till mid-October. Oh, who is this to tell you where to go and what to do, as if she knows everything there is to know about Moscow? Hi! I’m Irem. Born in a charming seaside of town of Turkey and lived there happily for around 38 years, I found myself in Russia two years ago with no recollection of agreeing to move in whatsoever! Despite our first cold impression, I seem to get along with Moscow quite well, I must say. The wonderful people I keep meeting, along with the charm of the city, quickly turned this reluctant tourist into an enthusiastic expat. Thanks to the warm invitation from the AWO Board, I’ll be the new editor of AWO Newsletter for a while. If you enjoy reading the newsletter, please feel free to chip in with your articles, long or short, photos or any other information you think other readers might find interesting and send them to iremsunar@gmail.com before the 3rd week of each month. Enjoy your long sleeves! Irem
Events of the month “Golden Autumn” food festival - until October 8th, 2017 Visit the Kremlin area and the surrounding streets (including Manezhnaya Square, Kuznetsky Most, Tverskaya Street) to enjoy the tastes and colors of autumn, shop from local vendor stalls and have fun at the small playgrounds decorated with an autumn theme with your little ones. “History of Russia” Photo Exhibition - until October 8th, 2017 // Multimedia Art Museum Enjoy the retrospective exhibition of the famous Russian photographer Alexander Steshanov, who skilfully captivated Russia’s contemporary history in his photos, before it closes. visit: www.mamm-mdf.ru/en/ for more information. “Manhattan Short” Film Festival - until October 12th, 2017 // Pioneer Cinema Hall The world’s largest short film festival that started on September 28th, as per its tradition, will run simultaneously in New York, Moscow and many other famous cities all around the world until October 12th. Festival attendees will also have a chance to vote for their favorite film and actor during the festival. For the list of movies and showtimes visit: http://pioner-cinema.ru/en/event/manhattan-short-filmfestival/ “Gingerbread” Workshops - 10 October 2016 - 15 November 2017 // Russian Dessert Museum Take part in a special workshop provided at the Russian Dessert Museum on how to ice gingerbreads using an old sugar-free recipe and make sugar flowers and chocolate figurines on skewers. Visitors of Russian Dessert Museum will also get a chance to learn all about the history of the art of confectionery in Russia, from October 10th to November 15th. For more information visit: https://www.mos.ru/en/calendar/event/26142088/ Kremlin Cup - 14 October - 22 October 2017 // Olimpiisky Sports Complex Moscow will soon host the 28th International Professional Tennis Tournament. Tennis fans may enjoy watching the games, which will take place 8 days. visit: http://kremlincup.ru/en/ for more information. “Landscapes of Old Moscow” - until October 16th, 2017 // State Historical Museum The State Historical Museum houses one of the most significant museum collections of watercolors and drawings with views of old Moscow of the XVIII-XX centuries. visit: http://www.shm.ru/shows/10581/ or https://themoscowtimes.com/events/2068 for more information.
October 2017 / !4
October 11th, 2017, Wednesday: Prepare your books for the first Book Swap event of this term. October 23rd, 2017, Monday: ‘Ladies’ Day Lunch’ at the Lotte Hotel - (see page 9 for further details) // Open to Members and their friends November 26th, 2017, Sunday: Thanksgiving Dinner at Chicago Prime Restaurant (further information to follow next month) December 2nd, 2017, Saturday: Winter Wonderland & Ball - (see page 10 for further details) December 5th, 2017, Tuesday: British Women’s Club Holiday Bazaar - (see page 11 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 October 11 & 25 November 8 & 22 December 6
Thanks to our Sponsors!
October 2017 / 5 !
An evening under the stars‌
by Wendy Soucy
Booking the rooftop bar of the Ritz for a social evening and fundraiser on 23rd September seemed like a crazy idea but we were spoiled with wonderful weather - perhaps a little chilly, but a beautiful clear night. The Circle of Light Festival opened and those who were brave enough to dine outside were treated to a 30 minute firework show from Ostankino tv tower as well as the light show that could be glimpsed in Teatralnaya Square. As well as enjoying conversation and drinks on the terrace, while enjoying the fabulous views, we were able to catch up on our adventures this Summer and also to meet some of our new members. With the help of our sponsors - listed below - we raised enough money to restock our supply of gifts for the children undergoing treatment. Thank you to all those who bought raffle tickets and a special thank you to our sponsors. Expat Salon, the Ritz-Carlton, Cork wine bar, Williams restaurant, The Hyatt, the Spa at the Ritz, US Dental, and Judy and Becky from the board who also provided prizes.
October 2017 / 6 !
Spread Sunshine
by Michele Kuhlen
The Interest Group “Spread Sunshine” is an AWO Interest Group that has involved numerous members throughout the years. It is the equivalent of a Ronald McDonald House that supplies a kitchen for the families of Nastenka to go and prepare a meal, make tea/coffee or just take a break. Unlike back home, when the child moves into the Oncology Hospital in Moscow for treatment, a guardian must accompany the child to care for them. The families come from all across Russia and at the family’s expense.
How it all began AWO’s relationship with Nastenka began prior to the creation of the foundation and it is at this point in time that this interest group developed as well. This year we celebrate our 15 year anniversary with them and we are also proud to be their longest standing partner. The focus for Nastenka has remained the same throughout the years, suppling necessities for the kitchen pantry used by the mothers, fathers or guardians of the children .On special holidays and occasions we have also had art and crafts sessions with the children and small special events for their care giver.
Where do the raffle money and gifts go? Each meeting we announce that the raffle funds go towards Nastenka. This contribution goes to purchasing groceries which amounts to roughly 15,000₽ every month and is only sustained by the AWO Board and you, the members. During the grocery delivery, we have put our face to this donation by meeting the children and handing them a small treat bag with a juice box, cookies, lemon candy and a small gift. The donation items that we ask you to bring to our Wednesday meetings include the small gift which completes these ‘treat bags,’ and occasionally necessities such as diapers. We can see anywhere from 30-50 children ranging in age from toddler to 18 years old. This is a very small way to bring a smile to the faces of children who are undergoing their treatment. It’s amazing to experience the smiles that surface when you hand over this small gift. It lights up your day! Since the AWO supports only the Nastenka Charity, we are able to focus on keeping Spread Sunshine the pillar of our Interest Groups. As a member we really appreciate your active participation by bringing in any of these items for Spreading a little Sunshine at Nastenka.
List of welcomed items: • New cotton T-shirts or hats with fun prints, celebrities, popular brands or sport logos • Bracelets that they can make themselves • New or used tablets or phones • New or gently used cotton clothing items • Socks • Games • Knitted hats • Toys (i.e. small cars, coloring books, crayons, books, play dough, puzzle books, paint sets) • Unused ‘business class’ airline bags (they make a wonderful gift for the mothers and fathers who are staying with their child). • jigsaw puzzles, • small dolls in a box or plastic, • cotton hooded sweaters ( for the teenage boys) *Please no soft toys.
October 2017 / 7!
Letter from The Mothers at Nastenka to AWO Everyone knows how hard it is for the parents, when their children are sick. But when they are sick with oncological diseases, it's the most scariest challenge for the whole family. It is morally hard, oftentimes us, mothers, need physiological help. Furthermore, it is also financially hard. Among us we have one parent families, mothers with hard financial situations, mothers, that lost their income sources during their stay in the hospital with their child. Which is why any help is really important. In the oncology center in the name of Blohin there is this help. In the germatology department there is a family room - a place, where you could cook food for your child. Because it is really important for a kid that is very sick to eat well - home food, which a kid loves and eats well. That's why a help in the form of products is very important as well. Kids in the department oftentimes have very low life indicators, poor state of health, which is why the moms cannot leave their child for a second, especially, go to the market. This is why crops, spaghetti, butter, flour, hygiene supplies, and more - priceless help for all mothers, for us, because it is a strong emotional help - it is highly important for them to know that there are people that would not walk past, but actually help. Our kids are happy, when a cart with presents drives across the department, and they hear familiar English language. For them it means that their friends had came! From all mothers, we want to say thank you to the American Woman Organization, which for many years provide the Department of Hematology with everything you need!
About Nastenka Foundation Nastenka Foundation is based at the Institute of Pediatric Oncology and helps children suffering from cancer by providing their families with medical, financial and psychological assistance. Nastenka tries to help by providing the families with financial assistance; raising and providing funds for the purchase of medications, prostheses and medical equipment; providing funds for the treatment of individual children; providing the children with additional nutrition; providing the children with clothing and toys as well as educational supplies; arranging parties and entertainment at the hospital and excursions for the long-term resident parents; and involving volunteers in all aspects of the Foundation's work. Nastenka is always looking for volunteers to assist with fundraising, distribution of donations and raising awareness about their cause. If you have any questions or would like to join a visit to Nastenka please contact: Spread Sunshine Interest Group Leader Michele Kuhlen (Michele.kuhlen@gmail.com or cell #+7(905)741-17-26
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October 2017 / !9
October 2017 / 1! 0
SAVE THE DATE for British Women’s Club Holiday Bazaar December 5th We are very excited to have been invited by the BWC to participate in their 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!
Here are some ways we can all help: Get together with friends to make seasonal jams and chutneys - start now with plums, and apples to follow soon! Bring back any goods that you miss from America - peanut butter, fluff, candy, marshmallows to name a few - perhaps you have visitors or traveling spouses who could squeeze a few items into their luggage? Create some craft items that you would be willing to donate - maybe a sewing circle to socialize while you create? And of course - baked goods - cookies, brownies etc. And again, organize a group to bake together to make it more fun. Volunteer to help with set up and event. each Interest Group could donate a basket for the raffle - all ideas are welcome. Please consider supporting our participation in this 15th year of support for Nastenka!
October 2017 / !11
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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
October 2017 / !12
2017 Interest Groups Below is a list of our Interest Groups running in 2017. If you have any questions contact Interest Group Leader Dawn Biyashev at dancemachine3@gmail.com // Register at https://goo.gl/forms/
AWO Interest Groups (Members Only) CLUB
DESCRIPTION
WHEN
COST
LOCATION(S)
LEADER
Healthy you! 10,000 Steps
Park walking
Mondays 10:30am 12:30pm
free or cost entrance
varies
Judy Peacock & Wendy Soucy
Go Moscow
Visit interesting places in Moscow
Monthly
cost varies
varies
Alena Chovanec
Neighborhood Walks
Explore Moscow’s favorite neighborhoods
Monthly Friday (Starts October)
free
varies
Valentina Markusova & Susan Partridge
Photography
Learn, inspire, create photography together
Bimonthly - Thursday 10:00am - 12:00pm or 11:00-1:00pm)
free
varies
Judy Peacock & Debbie Hoehner
Spread Sunshine
Help with activites for Nastenka children's hospital
Monthly - 3rd Thursday
free
Nastenka
Michelle Kuhlen
Vintage
Wine tasting and fun with other couples
Monthly
cost of wine
varies
Perla Pando
Lunch Bunch
Visit new restaurants with AWO members
Monthly - Wednesday
cost of meal
varies
Ai Tilman
Cooking Club
Share cooking and recipes and enjoy lunch together
Monthly
cost of meal
various
Dawn Biyashev & Michele Kuhlen
Book Club
Read books and share with friends
Monthly
cost of book
Starbucks on the old Arbat,19/2
Julie Britton
Friends of AWO (Open to AWO and nonmembers) Nordic Walking/Cross Country skiing
Walk until the snow comes and then put on the skis!
Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00am - 12:00pm
600 rubles/ session
Various parks
Judith Lindfield
History-ArtDesign
See the best Moscow sights in the context of Russian history (Excursions, lectures and workshops)
Mondays & Fridays 11:00 - 1:00pm
depends on visit, from 500 rubles
varies
Anna Schipper
I Can Paint!
Inspiration and gentle guidance for those eager to explore acrylic and oil painting.
Thursday mornings
1500/rubles/ class (materials included)
Metro Park Kulturi Art-center Masterclass
Anna Schipper
Preschool Play & Pray group
Moms and young kids welcome for a fellowship coffee and playtime.
Thursdays 10am-12pm
free, shared snack
Metro Smolenskaya
Stephanie Viguier
Kurry Korner
Learn Indian cooking with lunch
Mondays & Wednesdays 10:30 2:00pm
1500 rubles/ lesson
Metro Kievskaya, Kutuzovsky Prospekt 7/4k1
Vidhya Velangi
Russian Textile doll making
Learn to make traditional Russian dolls, no sewing
Mon,Wed, or Fri 10:00am - 1:00pm
2500 rubles/ lesson & includes materials
Central Moscow locations
Anna
International Women's Bible Study
Join women to study the Bible, book of Acts
Tuesdays 10:30 12:00pm
free
Metro arbatskaya Kalashniy Pereulok
Katie Coyle
Your 2017 AWO Board
Wendy Soucy
Becky Zenkevich
Shannon Shryock
Ellen Hughes
President, Charity Liaison
Vice President, FAWCO REP, Facebook
Secretary, Fundraising, Special Events
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
Michele Kuhlen
Ex-Officio
Spread Sunshine
Nori Minnis Charity Liaison
October 2017 / 1! 4
Find Us Online! www.facebook.com/groups/ awomoscow/ awomoscow.org