newsletter
THE AMERICAN WOMEN’S ORGANISATION OF MOSCOW
November 2018 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT We are living in a period of our lives where we have a lot to be thankful for. For example, the opportunity of living abroad to experience a new culture and meeting new friends, having a circle or community we can share these new experiences with, and belonging to organizations like the AWO who create gatherings and groups who help make these experiences possible. For me, I am thankful for the AWO, for the friendships created, the family-like community and the opportunity to lead and create lasting memories. What are you thankful for? Celebrate it today, not tomorrow or on the given day of Thanksgiving. Make everyday your own thanksgiving celebration. There is always something to be thankful for! Michele
List of Contents 3 4 5
6
10 11
Save the date
Notes from the Editor
Events of the month
Our Christmas Bazaar Wish List
20
News from Intermark
21 We’re Hiring! 25 26 27
Promotions from our Sponsors
Information on FAWCO Grants
Your 2018-2019 AWO Board
Review: AWO Annual Cocktail Party
Review: What’s in Your Market
14 Spread Sunshine 15 16 17
Invitation from the Spouses of African Ambassadors in Moscow
Invitation to AWO Holiday Party at Spaso House Interest Group in Spotlight: Neighbourhood Walks
18 19
Review: October 2018 Coffee Mornings
Bridge to Moscow Tours in November
November 2018 // !2
 
November 14 and 28 December 12 November 14 meeting will be at O2 Lounge, the top floor of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
We have guests coming over on November 14th! Please save the date for representatives from Bridge to Moscow and Moscow Living.
be held Rest of the AWO Coffee Meetings will held in in Cafe Russe, main floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Tverskaya Ulitsa 3 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
AWO Holiday Party at Spaso House on November 30th. (Invitation and details to follow)
November 2018 // !3
NOTES FROM THE EDITOR The cold breeze of autumn has always given me a sense of warmth inside. Not that I’m an incorrigible melancholic, but I hopelessly enjoy snuggling up in sweaters and getting lost in my thoughts when the autumn comes. But this last month of autumn had started with a great pace and is pushing me to keep up with it! If you check out the list of events below - and believe me it’s quite a narrow selection of all the events going on in Moscow - you will agree with me. The first weekend of November will host the National Unity Day celebrations. We will be able to enjoy festivities organised in 19 different parks around the city!
Following the celebrations during the day, the night of November 4th is dedicated to arts events from night till dawn! There were so many interesting events to choose from, but when I saw the name of this exhibit, I knew I had to share it with you. Moscow Fashion Museum is hosting an event named “Travelling as an Art”. My first reaction was… “Yeah, tell me about it!” As expats, we're professional travellers by default. So, I’m sure you might have a lot to say about this form of ‘art’. Please let me know what you’ve thought of the exhibition, if you visit it. Enjoy your sweaters! it’s getting colder each minute!
Irem
November 2018 // !4
Events of the Month National Unity Day Celebrations, - November 3-4 2018 // Various Parks The holiday program for the National Unity Day will take place in 19 parks of Moscow on November 3rd and 4th. There will be several educational tours, master classes, musical concerts and quests dedicated to the culture and history of Russia. All events are free. For more information on the schedule and event locations, visit:https://www.mos.ru/news/item/47113073/ “The Night of the Arts” - November 4, 2018 // Various Locations The Night of the Arts” is an annual cultural and educational event that starts in the evening and lasts until the morning! All night event will include concerts, lectures, film screenings, performances and meetings with leading figures of Russian culture throughout Moscow The event website provides a variety of options to select from: https://www.mos.ru/city/projects/artnight/ “A Different Beauty“ Exhibition - until January 20th, 2019 // The State Museum of Oriental Art The State Museum of Oriental Art will hold a major exhibition entitled “The Orient. A Different Beauty.” timed to coincide with the museum’s 100th anniversary. During the exhibition, visitors will be able to enjoy over 400 exhibits, including costumes, decorations and household items as well as paintings and graphics.For more information, please visit: http://www.orientmuseum.ru/exhibitions/archive/-item=634.aspx BVLGARI. Tribute to Femininity - until January 13th, 2019 // Moscow Kremlin Museum For the first time in Russia, the Moscow Kremlin Museums will hold a retrospective exhibition, presenting pieces of high jewellery art by world-known Italian Maison BVLGARI whose history dates back more than a hundred and thirty years. Over four hundred unique pieces of high-end jewellery from the BVLGARI Heritage Collection, as well as pieces from private collections around the globe, will be on display at two exhibition halls of the Kremlin museums — the Exhibition Hall of the Assumption Belfry and the Exhibition Hall of the Patriarch’s Palace. For more information, visit:https://www.kreml.ru/en-Us/exhibitions/moscow-kremlinexhibitions/bvlgari-tribute-to-femininity/ “Traveling as an Art” Exhibition - until November 30th, 2018// Moscow Fashion Museum The exhibition “Traveling as an art” allows you to travel through time to see fashions associated with the grand hotels of the world. You will be able to see the interiors of legendary hotels with the help of voluminous scenery, light, music, antique and rare objects, books, authentic and stylized men's and women's suits. For more information, please visit: http://manylov.com/travel-as-art/
November 2018 // !5
OUR CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
WISH LIST THIS YEAR!
Please help us to get prepared! Our biggest fundraiser event of the year is just around the corner. On December 4th, the AWO has the pleasure to participate in the British Bazaar and
WE NEED YOUR HELP in order to raise funds for Nastenka and many other important charities! Please find below our “Wish List� from you in order to raise the biggest fund for the charities.
November 2018 // !6
THE BAZAAR ITEMS
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Smarties Oh Henry Chocolate Bar Mr. Big Chocolate Bar Corn Syrup Cornmeal Twizzlers Jello Mixes Molasses Food Coloring Graham Cracker Crumbs Pam Cooking Spray Cocoa Powder Kraft Marshmallows Rice Crispies Pre-made Icing (Better Crocker and Duncan Hines) Cake Mixes (Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines) Baking Powder Vanilla Extract Chocolate Chips Rogers Syrup Pudding Mix Crisco Shortening Kraft Dinner Pumpkin Pie Mix Cherry Pie Filling Onion Soup Mix Festive Tea Towels Festive Baking Utensils Your favorite Christmas candies and chocolates
November 2018 // !7
TOMBOLO DONATIONS
Bottles Courvoisier Russian Cognac Lindauer Sparkling Olmeca Tequila California Wine Tequila Whiskey Canadian Club Bloody Mary Mix Mojito Mix Sheratons Coffee Liquor Armenian Cognac, limited edition
November 2018 // !8
BAKE SALE IDEAS AND ITEMS
Cookie in a Jar mix Chocolate Chip Cookies Brownies Sugar Cookies Big Muffins Mini Cupcakes Mini Muffins Gluten Free Turtles Nanaimo Bars Peppermint Patties Shortbread Butter Tarts Fudge Date Squares Southern bars Carmel bars
November 2018 // 9!
Review: AWO Annual Cocktail Party by Becky Zenkevich
Saturday, September 29 was another special evening full of great food and fabulous people! Our members and their spouses and friends helped us celebrate the beginning of our 2018-2019 year at our annual Cocktail Party! Once again the beautiful O2 Lounge went above and beyond and provided us with excellent service and delicious food! Despite the chilly evening everyone was still able to enjoy the spectacular view of the Moscow City Skyline outside where we captured a beautiful group photo! We were grateful to have Slava Marchenko to take our photos.  
November 2018 // !10
In addition to the wonderful ambiance, I enjoyed witnessing our lovely members laughing and socializing with each other! Our raffle was also full of excitement, especially from our very lucky winners! And we cannot thank our generous donations and sponsors enough for their support! As always 100% of the proceeds earned by selling raffle tickets goes directly to sponsoring the kitchen for the Caregivers who live and care for their sick children at Nastenka.
And perhaps the most memorable moment of the evening was the Presentation of a check for 200000ru being donated to the Nastenka Fund. With that said, I’d like to thank all of our members who donated their time, baked goods, and purchased raffle tickets to last year’s British Bazaar! Becky
November 2018 // !11
Review: What’s in Your Market by Michele Kuhlen
Have you discovered a special market while here in Moscow? A place you not only get the freshest of produce but also good deals through relationships you have now created with your own vendors? Have you discovered hard to find or speciality products or that secret ingredient for your favorite meal? Or maybe you are just a foodie like me who enjoys exploring the many Moscow markets for the next best deal, along with some tasty and fresh delights.
‘What’s in your market’ is one of our newest AWO interest groups, geared towards persons who are interested in exploring the many wonderful markets around Moscow with someone who knows the market and its vendors. As a foreigner I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed with the large variety of stalls and vendors especially when everyone wants you to buy from them. Also not being able to speak the language, I sometimes wonder if I am truly getting the ‘market price’.
In this group, we will explore the markets together and then have lunch or coffee at the market eateries or in a nearby restaurant.
November 2018 // !12
Our first market visit was to Dorogomilova Market on October 16th, with Maggie Ghidirim and Irem Sunar, who gave us a tour of the market and introduced us to their vendors. Based on online reviews, Dorogomilova seems to be the market choice of many top restaurants in Moscow. After my first visit there I could definitely see why. The products all looked and tasted amazing! Yup, we tried everything! From truffled Manchego cheese from Spain to local honey of every kind you could think of. The vendors we met were also very friendly and allowed us to shop and try their products without being pushy. They even extended special discounts to us thanks to Maggie and Irem who are their regular customers. This market had so much to offer: fresh fish, baking items,
speciality foreign products which are sometimes hard to find and bulk items for those throwing a party or buying for a restaurant business. It had it all! It was definitely a food lover’s dream and now my new market. Thank you Maggie and Irem.
Market: Dorogomilovo Market (Дорогомиловский рынок) http://www.tkdor.ru/ Instagram https://instagram.com/ dorogomilovomarket Michele
November 2018 // !13
Spread Sunshine by Danielle Kuznetsov
Please meet Narek Grigoryan. He is a 12 year old boy from Abovyan, Armenia. He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2014 after going to the doctors for pain in his leg. At first, his parents hoped he had been misdiagnosed at his local hospital. After making the trip to Moscow, the doctors confirmed the original diagnosis of bone cancer which spread to the lungs. Treatment began immediately. In the beginning the family tried to cope and manage his medical care, but it proved too long and expensive for them to manage. After rejections from other funds, they applied to the Nastenka Fund
with the hope of getting assistance for their son. His was operated on June 24, 2014. The operation lasted over three hours and cost 200,000 rubles. He responded well to the chemotherapy.
Follow Up: Narek returned in August for a check up and to be fitted for a new prosthetic as his current one is no longer serving his healthy growing body! Nastenka is currently raising funds for a new prosthetic (2,900,000 Rubles) and for the operation that is necessary to fit the prosthetic (700,000 rubles).Â
A BIG thank you to all the women, past and present, who have helped make medical care possible for children like Narek. Danielle
In the picture: Narek's mom, Narek, and Jamilla, founder of Nastenka
November 2018 // !14
YOU’RE INIVITED TO A
Fundraising Dinner for
Nastenka Cancer Center Hosted by the Spouses of African Ambassadors in Moscow (SAAM) Abroad the Rio Boarding from Tarasa Shevchenko Embarkment, 23A ON SAT, DECEMBER 8, 2018 Door Tickets: 3,500 Rubles pp/+7925-858-2729 (info)
The theme this year is “It Takes a Village to Help a Child in Need.” With a fantastic program for the night which includes a buffet/dinner with dishes from Africa and Russia, a Cash Bar, Raffle, African Fashion Show, & DJ Music from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Admission tickets to this event is priced at 3,500 Rubles per person. Raffle tickets will also be sold for 200 Rubles per ticket for a chance to win many door prizes. Entry and Raffle tickets will be on sale at various African Embassies, and can be delivered to your offices. Raffle tickets will also be sold aboard the Rio Boat.
November 2018 // !15
Save the Date
The American Women’s Organization of Moscow Holiday Party And 25 Year Celebration November 30, 2018 At Spaso House
Interest Group in Spotlight: Neighbourhood Walks by Lynne Tognet-Løge
October saw the first Neighbourhood Walk/Cultural Outing group meet to discover the life and memorial apartment of famous 20th century poet Marina Tsvetaeva. Marina was one of the most influential poets of her time. October 8th was her 126th birthday. She was born into a wealthy family with her father a famous scientist and founder of the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. She lived through the Russian revolution of 1917 and the Moscow famine. In an attempt to save her daughter from starvation, she placed her in a state orphanage in 1919, where she still died of hunger. She left Russia in 1922 with her other daughter, continuing to live in poverty in Paris, Berlin and Prague before returning to Moscow in 1939. There were not many belongings in the apartment where she had lived for 8 years. During hard times, she had to use her furniture as firewood. The memorial museum houses furnishings from the 19th -20th century. The gift shop sells a small book with poems translated in English and other languages, as well as other books. Valentina facilitated our visit and translated some lovely gems of information shared with us about Marina’s life or the artifacts shared with us by an enthusiastic Tatyana, one of the museum attendants. The museum is situated just off of Novy Arbat, on Borisobglevskiy Lane 8. Lynne
Review: October 2018 Coffee Mornings by Michele Kuhlen
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the meetings in the month of October all focused on increasing awareness on health and showing support to cancer survivors. October was very special, as this was the only month we had the pleasure of having 3 meetings and 3 wonderful speakers from health institutions located within the Moscow region.
During our first meeting on October 3rd, we had representatives from the Perinatal Medical Centre Dr. Maria Borets and Ekaterina Mariposa. They told us a bit about their organization, which offers a variety of services in addition to prenatal care. The attendees at that meeting also received goody bags from PMC and 3 lucky ladies walked away with a 70% discount voucher for any medical services of their choice.
On October 17th, we had Dr. Susan McGladdery, an expatriate wife and mother from the UK who has been working with the European Medical Centre for the past 6 years. Dr. McGladdery’s topic was “Surviving and Thriving in Moscow “. She gave us helpful tips and advice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and self care when living abroad.
At our last meeting in October on the 31st, our guest was Miriam from the Nastenka Foundation, our charity. Miriam spoke about the purpose of the foundation and how they support the children with cancer and also their parents with the help of organizations like the AWO. Michele
Bridge to Moscow Tours in November One of our contributors ‘Bridge to Moscow’ is organising many interesting tours in November. During the visits you can improve your knowledge of Russian art and history, enjoy the beauty of Russian architecture, and visit the oldest film studio in Europe. Visit their webpage for the full list of tours available in November. You may book the tours online or contact their office if you have any questions: Phone +7 495 9917270 Webpage: bridgetomoscow.com
November 17, Saturday Tretyakov Gallery. The secrets of old paintings See Russia through the eyes of its talented artists. Famous Russian paintings will help you solve the riddle of ‘the mysterious Russian soul’. TOUR COST: 1700 Rub
November 18, Sunday Mosfilm Studio Tour Take your chance to visit the oldest film studio in Europe! You'll see clothes, props, retro cars, explore indoor and outdoor sets, and learn about makeup procedures. TOUR COST: 1900 Rub
November 24, Saturday Bolshoi Theatre Tour See fabulous halls with restored 19th century interiors, learn about most advanced technologies used in the theatre today and even go behind the scenes. TOUR COST: 3000 Rub
November 2018 // !19
News from Intermark Intermark Awarded with Cartus Top Awards for Service Excellence & Innovation
We are proud to announce that last week Intermark was awarded with two special awards at Cartus 2018 Global Network Conference held in Seattle! Intermark team was honored with Silver Supplier Innovation Award for a bespoke integrated communication platform Intermark Box and Platinum Award for Top Level, Commitment to Excellence for consistently delivered exceptional service to Cartus’ customers. These awards are presented to a supplier that has submitted an application demonstrating either notable cost savings or increases in service results to Cartus clients, and to a network member, who has obtained 95% or above overall favorable service and customer
satisfaction results. As a long-term supplier to Cartus, Intermark receives each of these awards for the 5th time already, which is truly a team effort that led to such impressive accomplishment. This year Intermark has also been nominated for the most prestigious and distinguished Cartus Masters Cup in the category “All things home related”, which we had the honour to receive in 2017, and has become this year’s top 5 finalist. To be recognized as a supplier worthy of Cartus Masters Cup for the second time in a row is the highest praise for us! We are extremely grateful to Cartus Global Network for having strong confidence in us for so many years and are eager to continue achieving exceptional service quality results together!
The Dining Program is launching early 2019! We, at The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow are offering you the chance to be one of the first members and to buy this membership for an introductory price of just 54 000 rubles. Buying this 12 month membership will offer you a list of ongoing privileges, including; 20% off food & beverage at our participating restaurants; 15% off best available room rate; 15% off spa treatments & retail; 20% off Vera Shubich beauty salon treatments; exclusive member events planned by our in-house Entertainment Director. Also included are 8 Certificates, such as, A 4-COURSE DINNER FOR 2 PERSONS IN O2 LOUNGE RESTAURANT and A ONE NIGHT STAY IN A SUPERIOR ROOM, as well as the chance to receive additional Certificates based on your spending.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is happy to announce the opening of The Macallan Winter Bar! Opening hours from 7 pm to 2 am.
The Macallan №1 The Macallan №2 The Macallan №7 1 500 rub 350ml
The Macallan 12 y.o. Double Cask, Oloroso Sherry, Tonic
1 500 rub 320ml
1 500 rub 120ml
The Macallan 12 y.o. Double Cask, Maple Syrup, Smoky Salt
The Macallan 12 y.o. Double Cask, Pedro Ximenez
Golden Julep 7 000 rub 90ml
The Macallan 25 y.o., Mint Leav es, Truffle Oil, Sugar
by the glass 50ml The Macallan Exceptional Single Cask The Macallan 12 y.o. Sherry Oak The Macallan 12 y.o. Double Cask The Macallan 12 y.o. Triple Cask The Macallan 15 y.o. Triple Cask The Macallan 18 y.o. Sherry Oak The Macallan 18 y.o. Triple Cask The Macallan Rare Cask The Macallan 21 y.o. Triple Cask The Macallan 25 y.o. Sherry Oak The Macallan 30 y.o. Sherry Oak
5 000 1 500 1 500 1 550 2 200 3 000 3 000 4 000 6 000 8 000 17 000
rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub
The Expat Salon offers 15% off for first time visitors and 10% discount for AWO members in following visits.
www.en.expatsalon.ru
Thanks to our sponsors:
November 2018 // !24
We’re Hiring! Would you like to be a part of the AWO Board? It’ll be fun! We promise! Check out the list of vacancies below and contact awomoscow@gmail.com if you are interested!
Secretary The Secretary shall take the minutes of the AWO Board meetings as well as other meetings if requested by the President and publish the minutes to the Board. She shall be the official record keeper, both digitally and hard copy, of the Constitution, Standing Rules and all other AWO guidelines (i.e. Board Position Descriptions). If any changes are made to any of these referenced guidelines a new copy should be given to the Secretary. She shall also serve as the parliamentarian of the AWO to ensure AWO activities conform to the Constitution and Standing Rules. She shall serve as the interim President in the absence of the President and Vice-President.
Newsletter Team Member The Newsletter team member shall work in coordination with the Editor. She shall be responsible for collecting information about the AWO activities, drafting articles and supporting the Editor in preparing the content, as well as the layout of the Newsletters.
The Membership Chair The Membership Chair shall maintain the AWO membership records in a database, collect annual dues, administer the AWO Facebook account, and provide AWO information to prospective and new members. She, or representatives, shall welcome prospective new members at AWO activities, and provide membership information to the newsletter for publication.
November 2018 // !25
Did you know that your AWO of Moscow is a club member of FAWCO? Did you also know that FAWCO has many grants programs you can make use of?
The FAWCO Foundation Development Grants financially assist projects which are passionately supported by FAWCO Member Clubs and FAUSA. The purpose of the program is to fund projects that can make an immediate impact and lead to success for the people they support. The assistance offered should be direct, with a goal of sustainability. Here are the seven Development Grants offered for 2019: Education
FAWCO- the International Federation of American and International Women’s Organization - is a global women’s NGO comprising 64 member clubs in 34 countries worldwide, with a total membership of around 12,000. FAWCO serves as a resource and a voice for its members; seeks to improve the lives of women and girls worldwide, especially in the areas of human rights, health, education and the environment. FAWCO advocates for the rights of U.S. citizens overseas and provides support for taxes and voting. It contributes to the global community through its Task Forces. Founded in 1967, The FAWCO Foundation is the philanthropic arm of FAWCO by developing, administering and fundraising for programs to improve the lives of women and children worldwide. The foundation supports the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, aiding projects throughout the world and supporting education at all levels of ability and academic achievement.
AW of Surrey Hope Through Education - $5500 AWC The Hague Creating Better Futures - $5500 Pam Dahlgren Educating Africa's Children - $5500 Environment Nurturing Our Planet - $5500 Health Critical Health Concerns - $5500 Human Rights Breaking the Cycle - $5500 FAUSA Effecting Change For Women and Children at Risk $5500. For more information please go to http:// www.fawcofoundation.org. If you have any questions or need more information on detailed applications contact us at awomoscow@gmail.com
November 2018 // !26
Your 2018-2019 AWO Board
Michele Kuhlen
Becky Zenkevich
Michelle Rowe
Wendy Soucy
President, Charity Liaison
Vice President, Facebook, Acting Secretary
Treasurer
Ex-Officio
Irem Sunar
Dawn Biyashev
Newsletter
Interest Groups
Danielle Kuznetsov Spread Sunshine, FAWCO REP
Susan Partridge Monday Updates
Eugenie Tsesarenko Membership Monday Updates
Kelley Jackson Special Events and Fundraising
November 2018 // 2 ! 7
PHOTO CREDITS: Page 1: CC0 Licence freepik.com Page 2: Irem Sunar Pages 3-4: Baris Bulut Pages 10-11: Slava Marchenko
CONTACT US:
www.facebook.com/groups/ awomoscow/ www.awomoscow.com