April 2018

April 2018

Newsletter of the International Women’s Club-Sofia

Bulgarian Our approach to giving Easter

Survival tips for newcommers

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president’s letter Dear ladies, I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing time during the Easter festivities – the Catholic on the 1st of April or the Orthodox one on the 8th of April.

Did you eat chocolate eggs or colorfully decorated hard boiled eggs? Easter is a celebration that represents new life and vitality; I wish all your new beginnings in 2018 be crowned with success.

IWC Executive board 2017-2018

President Albena Jones gsm: 0879 119 152 president@iwc-sofia.org Vice-President Maya Metodieva vicepresident@iwc-sofia.org Treasurer Mary Gullett treasurer@iwc-sofia.org Bazaar Coordinator Mihaela Dobre gsm: 0879 506 799 c.iwcbazaar@gmail.com Charity Chairperson vacant charity@iwc-sofia.org Address 67A Postoyanstvo st., 1111 Sofia tel: 02 951 6117 www.iwc-sofia.org Office Manager & Membership Coordinator Zarina Benoun-Takova gsm: 0895 571 813 admin@iwc-sofia.org tel.: 02 951 6117 (please call before visiting)

Newsletter Editor & Technical Support Elitsa Lingorski gsm: 0877 369483 newsletter@iwc-sofia.org

It has been a very busy time for the IWC. My vote of gratitude this month goes to the Charity Committee ladies for their outstanding work. A BIG “Thank you” to Nicole, Elitsa, Elisaveta, Angelina, Rossitsa, Anne, Alexandra, Krastina, Diana, Mary, Maria I. and Maya M. The Charity Committee meeting was held on the 07th of March at Arena di Serdica. Each project was presented by its evaluator, afterwards it was debated and deliberated about by the group - comprising of the evaluators, the Board and an IWC member on this occasion. I am pleased to announce that after the additional clarifications required, the IWC Board fully supported the funding decision of the Charity Committee.

This year rather than the standard impersonal contract by post, we decided to adapt a more close and personal approach to the signing of the contracts – by inviting the project leaders and heads of the approved for funding NGO’s to meet with us and sign their contracts in the IWC office in person.

Though time consuming, this was a beneficial procedure, as meeting face to face both parties could ask questions and we could hear from them about the planned execution for each approved project.

After payments are made and the first quarter review after funding is due, we will need involvement of the members in the follow up procedure. As identified, this is an area in which we are lacking consistent activity, we need to form small groups of 2-3 ladies, preferably one would be the project evaluator to review, visit and carry out a follow-up of the projects implementation. This needs to be a joint effort, please spare some of your time for charity! I personally have devoted a lot of effort and time to give our organization a much needed push in the right direction. Special thanks and appreciation goes to Maya Ash our acting Charity Chairperson for her support and involvement in the grant allocation processes every step of the way.

Easter’s “new life” representation is very much in line with our agenda for today. I look forward to a productive AGM, as the achievements of the IWC are a direct result of the choices and combined efforts of each IWC member present here today!

Best wishes,

Albena Jones

“Like” IWC on Facebook and check our website www.iwc-sofia.org

IWC President

Cover: Girls dressed in traditional costumes for Lazarov den

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IWC Club Policy Smoking Please note that all IWC Coffee Mornings are non-smoking.

be at the discretion of the organiser of the group, a charge may be added for instance if a guest regularly frequents one of these activities without becoming a member.

A deposit is required from all members and guests attending an event with a cost involved. This deposit will be forfeited in the case of non attendance.

Language Don’t let a lack of fluency in English keep you from attending the monthly coffee mornings and other club activities. Many of our members speak other languages. Remember, we are an international club, and we are here to support you. You’re welcome at any time.

*Charge for guests at the discretion of the activity group organiser with a min. sum of 10 BGN. Use of IWC Logo The Board has established the following policy for the use of the IWC logo and brand name. In order to prevent any misuse.

1.Written Permission must be requested from the Board a minimum of 2 weeks prior to event; 2. The partnering organisation/company should be in good standing in the community; 3. The event should seek to pursue the goals of the IWC; 4. No third-party usage will be permitted. An agreement will be signed between IWC and partner organisation; 5. The Logo may be used only for the agreed event and for specified time period.

Suggestion Box The suggestion box is always available at the members’ sign-in table. Feel free to write your ideas, concerns, complaints, and suggestions to the IWC Board and drop them in the box. Because you’re important to us, we want to hear from you.

IWC Visitors Policy The IWC doors are open to visitors throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to attend up to two coffee mornings and two activities prior to applying for membership. A 15 BGN fee is payable upon registration at the sign-in table during the coffee morning. For more information, please contact the Member-ship Coordinator at admin@iwc-sofia.org.

Guidelines for Paid Advertisement 1. Priority for any vacant advertising spaces will be given first to IWC members, then to outside advertisers.

2. Advertisers are welcome to run or extend their advertisements for a period of six months. After that time, if there is a waiting list for advertisements of that size, the situation will be reviewed, and priority for available spaces will be given to (a) IWC members; (b) new advertisers; (c) existing advertisers. The same order of priority will apply to smaller ad space that may become available.

3. There is no waiting list for advertisements of a given size, the current advertiser may extend their advertisement for the contract period of their choice.

4.These guidelines may be revised at any time with the agreement of the IWC Board.

5. Paid advertisers are not endorsed by the IWC.

Events Charges All events are available to fully paid up members of the IWC. Where there is a cost involved, it will be kept to the very minimum.

Guests will be able to attend the events that are specified at the time. Not all events will be open to guests. Events that are open to guests will also carry a ‘guest’ surcharge as follows: Monthly Events Free monthly events are free to guests. Events costing under 20BGN, there is an additional charge of 5BGN. Events costing 21BGN or more, there is an additional charge of 50%.

Monthly Activity Groups Monthly activity groups are free and any charge for guests will

Rules For Announcements From Members 1. Advertisements will be run in two consecutive issues. If the member sends a request to run the advertisement again, it will be extended for a further two issues. After that, the advertisement will be removed. If the member still wishes to include the advertisement after that time, the request will be considered, but placement is not guaranteed.

4.Recommendations for individuals engaged in business (e.g., dentists, hairdressers, etc.) will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Board.

2. Advertisements must be submitted by members. Members may not submit ads for non-members (e.g., for a friend who is selling a car, etc.).

We ask members to send all announcements for the newsletter via e-mail. The size of ads should not exceed a single paragraph of five lines. The IWC board is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided in these announcements.

Please send your contributions to newsletter@iwc-sofia.org not later than the 15th of the preceding month.

5. Final discretion as to whether to include an announcement rests with the Newsletter Editor.

3. Members may not submit recommendations for businesses. These recommendations may be submitted to the IWC Go To Guide. Businesses are also welcome to purchase advertising in the newsletter.

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Bulgarian traditional dates in April From this day on, the girl has a new social status and can now choose a fiancée.

lazarov den & vrabnitsa

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azarov den is the first of the three great feasts related to the miracle of the Resurrection, followed by the Palm Sunday and Easter. It is marked on a moving date, always on the Sabbath before the Holy Week.

alm Sunday or Tsvetnitsa (Vrabnitsa) falls after Lazarovden one week before Easter and is one of the best spring holidays. It is dedicated to the solemn reception of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem with olive and laurel branches. That is why on this day in Bulgaria people go to the festive church liturgy with willow twigs, and other spring flowers. After the priest had consecrated the willow wreaths, they are taken home and placed in front of the house icon.

According to the Bible, on that day Jesus goes to the house of his friend Lazar and understands that he has been dead for several days. The son of God asks the deceased’s sisters to show him the cave in which the body is buried. Standing in front of her entrance, Jesus summons Lazarus, goes outside, and a moment later his friend comes alive and healthy, risen from the dead.

Usually, on Tsvetnitsa in the morning, all the lazars (young girls) head for the river. Each girl carries flowers, a willow wreath, or a little bread, called a “doll”.

The girls stand along the shore or on a bridge over the river and throw their flowers and wreaths together into the water. The maiden whose garland or bread swims first, is chosen as the “godmother” of the lazars, and receives special respect by the other girls. On the third day of Easter, the godmother invites all the other girls to her home and treats them with banitsa and red Easter eggs. This celebratory feast ends with festivities, through which the girls demonstrate their new social status and their ability to marry.

This miracle also drives the most skeptical inhabitants of Jerusalem to believe in the divine power of Christ, but at the same time it raises the hatred of the Hebrew high priests. On that day, they made the decision at the earliest opportunity to capture him and surrender him to be executed by the Romans.

In popular beliefs, the Christian resurrection intertwines with the revival of nature for a new life. That’s why Lazarov den is a feast of waking forests, fields and pastures.The most typical Bulgarian custom of this day is that after Lazarovden, young girls have a new social status and can be married.

Maya Metodieva

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and have rosy cheeks throughout the year. The egg is placed in front of the icon in the house or buried in the middle of the garden, and left there until the following Easter.

On Velikden (Bulgarian for Easter day) the Christian church celebrates the Resurrection of the Son of God – Jesus Christ. The holiday is mobile and is celebrated on Sunday's Holy Week, the beginning of which is commenced from the first full moon in spring.

The date is changed annually, but the formula for its calculation is the same for both the Eastern and the Western church. Some of the traditions and customs of Easter date back to antiquity, and today we have accepted them as part of the sacredness of this day.

Easter cakes Did you know that the history of Easter cakes dates back more than three centuries? At the beginning of the 17th century a French baker mixed the first cake for the holiday and set the beginning of this tradition, which we have kept until today.

Easter eggs

Formal worship

According to an Orthodox Christian legend, when Mary, Jesus’ Mother went to Rome to meet the Emperor, she gave him a red colored egg as a symbol of Christ's blood. From this point on, Christians began to paint eggs in red at Easter time. Gradually all the other colors appeared with time. Traditionally, Easter eggs are dyed on Holy Thursday and on the Sabbath day before the feast.

The first egg is always painted in red, and then a cross is made on the forehead of the children so they be healthy

At midnight in church a solemn worship is held, and at exactly 12.00am, the priest announces the resurrection of the Son of God with the words "Christ has risen!" All answer "Voistina voskrese!" (He has truly risen). The priest brings forward a lit candle from which all that are present can light their candles, aiming to keep the flame as long as possible, carrying it home.

Maya Metodieva

Currently, the Cernogorski Monastery has been put on the path of very substantial recovery through various personal donations and European regeneration funds. Over the last 10 years it was extensively renovated, new lodgings for the monks and for visitors were added, as well as a new church with beautiful frescoes and a tower were built. It now runs its own farm, producing buffalo and goats’ milk, and cheese.

The monks have opened their own organic farm produce shop, where you can buy dairy products, and delicious honey, marmalades, wine and sudjuck. Visitors are also welcome to share a meal with the monks at the on-site magernitsa (monastery canteen). The place is definitely worth a visit, especially around Easter, when you will be able to see the elaborate festive orthodox liturgy.

This beautiful monastery is located about 80km away from Sofia traveling west past the city of Pernik. The drive takes just over an hour and it is quite pleasant as the road has been recently done right up to the monastery gates. It is also known as Giginski, by the name of the closest village Gigintsi. The monastery dates back to the 12th century, when Christian hermits settled here following the example of St Ivan Rilski. During the reign of Asenevtsi, the monastery gained significant influence and grew considerably its lands by donations from the local feudals. By the early 18th century its live stock and farm produce was substantial, and it even became a notorious market place. About 1739 its buildings were plundered and burned down. It was not before the Bulgarian revival in the 19th century when the monastery was built again and it regained its former glory. During the communist regime the monastery was closed down and was turned into a cattle stable.

Elitsa Lingorski

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Charity update Every person deserves to live a healthy, productive life

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My friend and former EU Commissionaire once gave me some great advice about philanthropy: “Don’t just go for safe projects,” she said. “Take on the really tough problems.”

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ogether we can apply new thinking to big problems and find solutions for people with the most urgent needs.

For each issue we work on, we fund innovative and sustainable ideas that could help remove these barriers: new approaches for helping children with development problems; new tools to help and treat people with disabilities; new methods to help students and teachers in the classroom. Some of the projects we fund will take a while to have impact.

We not only accept that, we expect it—because we think an essential role of philanthropy is to make bets on promising solutions that governments and businesses can’t afford to make. As we learn which bets pay off, we have to adjust our strategies and share the results so everyone can benefit.

My friend and former EU Commissionaire once gave me some great advice about philanthropy: “Don’t just go for safe projects,” she said. “Take on the really tough problems.”

I couldn’t agree more. As you’ll see in the following months, our foundation is teaming up with partners around the country to take on some tough problems: give a helping hand to children with development problems, encourage an equal chance for women, take a good care elderly people living in extreme poverty and in poor health, the failures of Bulgaria’s education system. We focus on only a few issues because we think that’s the best way to have great impact, and we focus on these issues in particular because we think they are the biggest barriers that prevent people from making the most of their lives.

We’re all optimists. We believe by doing these things—focusing on a few big goals and working with our partners on innovative solutions—we can help every person get the chance to live a healthy, productive life.

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OUR

APPROACH TO

GIVING

Our approach to giving emphasizes partnership, innovation, risk, and, most importantly, results. Achieving the results we want requires the flexibility to learn from mistakes and adjust strategy accordingly.

Our grantmaking process involves four key steps: Â developing strategy, making grants, measuring progress, and adjusting strategy.

STEP ONE: Develop Strategy

financial support from IWC and 25 of them (over 42% of them) will receive funding. Â Then, we make grants and establish formal agreements that specify target outcomes. This year, most grants will go to organizations that implement those workings directly in the field.

Before making a single grant, we attempt to identify which problems in our three program areas cause the most harm and receive the least attention. Program areas carefully consider the costs, risks, long-term viability, and possible impacts of each potential solution. For each opportunity, we consult with the charity to develop a strategy, articulate desired outcomes, and create a plan to measure short- and long-term results. The IWC Board then reviews and approves the strategy.

STEP THREE: Measure Progress After making a grant, we require each grantee to measure and report on its work. We also assess progress toward our own goals.

STEP TWO: Make Grants

STEP FOUR: Adjust Strategy

After receiving approval, we focus on finding partners and grantees that are best qualified to implement the strategy. IWC announces a Call for Proposals open to all Bulgarian charity organisations.

This year 59 nongovernmental organisations sought

After we gather feedback, our program charity chairperson and IWC Board decide whether to continue on the same course or adjust strategy.

Maya Gocheva

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Charity update A call for help

A tailor-made SWOT analysis of the IWC

by Albena Jones, IWC President

Here is some lovely feedback from the Star of Hope Foundation. The finances below were generated from their stall’s participation during the 23rd IWC Annual Charity Bazaar. It's an excellent example how every little helps!

Through further communication, we found out that the young lady in question is in need of some clothes and any other useful items for a young female. Please, I will reach out to you ladies FOR A DONATION OF LADIES CLOTHES. If you can spare some clothes that are no longer useful to you, kindly drop them at the office. Depending on how much we collect, we might organize a visit to distribute the collected, some of you will be welcome to join...

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

I joined the IWC in January 2015, as a member I have had the opportunity to see the leadership, trends and interactions in the club over the years. I can confidently say that our organization is very meaningful and powerful because of its members and charitable actions that touch the life of many in Bulgaria.

Sadly we have witnessed how internally the enthusiasm has been going down, people have been undermined and a passive withdrawal symptom has emerged. I personally experienced it and withdrew from active IWC life for more than 6 months.

Now it is my duty as the current IWC President to identify and resolve any problematic issues and take on board everyone’s suggestions. Also aid to bring positive transformation in delivering a transparent, healthy organization with members who feel valued, significant and involved in the work of the IWC.

Dear IWC, With great appreciation, I would like to sincerely thank you for the donation of 528 BGN that you made. In the Sheltered Home we have placed a new girl who is from the Orphanage House in Doganovo, but after it was closed and after moving her to another Home, due to various reasons, eventually, she remained homeless.

I have put together this analytical break down to help us understand and plan ahead. A SWOT analysis is a business tool used in an overall evaluation process of an organization. I have eliminated the business jargon and highlighted the main points in each section:

For a couple of months, she lived with different friends, moving every two weeks.She even tried to get in touch with the family who abandoned her, but she did not get to stay with them. Her father has a criminal record, being a former prisoner, and her mother is a prostitute. Despite all mentioned difficulties, she continued going to school and she persisted and fought to change her situation.

S – Strengths; W – Weaknesses; O- Opportunities; T – Threats

1. Strengths

The IWC’s main strength is that we represent a big group of bright, presentable and reputable ladies – among us there are diplomats, diplomatic spouses, heads of companies, business owners, teachers, lawyers and many talented and skilled individuals.

As a women’s group working for a charitable cause we have the support and respect of many. That puts us in a favorable disposition in terms of gaining approval with any activities we are currently involved in or care to introduce to our future fundraising scope.

Our strength is that potently we could be innovators, motivators and leaders in the NGO field in Bulgaria.

After so many hardships and difficulties, she ended up with us.She is a student in the 11th grade, with good grades, and… she dreams to become an artist.

When she first arrived, she was like a frightened bunny, she did not even dare to sit or stand. The money she has been living on is 33 leva per month - her scholarship. We did not have special funds planned for her personal support, but we agreed to help Dora*, hoping that money will be found.

Thank you for this timely support! If you are willing to, please do visit the Sheltered Home, meet Dora in person, and get to know herself and hear her story.

2. Weaknesses

With gratitude and hope for a personal meeting,

This section has room for improvement.

Tania Koniarova, Executiveе director

• The IWC is lacking structure. A structural and procedural business element should be implemented to enable the organization to evolve. Here are some examples - the introduction of manuals for the Board positions must be a joint process of current and past Board members in the relevant positions; a general IWC Bazaar manual would be helpful; IWC office filing system must be re-arranged; the IWC store

*Please note that the girl’s name has been deliberately changed for the purpose of this publication for the girl’s protection. If you wish to receive further information, you can contact Maya or Albena via the IWC office e-mail: admin@iwc-sofia.org.

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A tailor-made SWOT Analysis of the IWC room need to be sorted out and cleared…

ing that opportunity wise the “sky is the limit”. Currently we stand at 100 members, can you imagine what would happened if each one of us contributes a single idea each for the betterment of the IWC?

• Our biggest weakness is the money/funds handling process through a volunteer treasurer position held by a club member. This is the root of our major problems. It is evident that the funds going through the IWC bank accounts are growing every year, but it is not noted that so is the bookkeeping and the responsibilities. Gradually the volunteer treasury position has become inadequate to handle the accountability of hundreds of thousands leva each year. To remove the burden of this huge financial responsibility and to stop any speculations of past mismanagement of IWC funds I have made and executive decision, supported by the Board for the IWC finances to be facilitated by a professional accountancy paid service. This is a very serious and responsible job which can no longer be handled by a random IWC member; an organization with our margin should have a licensed financial body handling our accounting and financial affairs in accordance with the Bulgarian legislation.

Please do not be discouraged if your ideas have “fallen on deaf years” before. In general people don’t like change, but change is progress, it’s the natural evolution of everything in life. Why is CHANGE a TABOO word for the IWC? We change our clothes, our hairstyles, our cars, our jobs, take a look in the mirror – we change don’t we?

At the last AGM when I was elected President, I asked you to please send in your ideas for the IWC. Four people, only four people did so. In the last couple of months, I am happy to say that a few more of you have come forward with brilliant suggestions. What happened to the rest of you? Please feel free to open up. The opportunity is here – the IWC will take shape in any way we decide to mold it.

Myself and the Board have recommendations that we will be put forward, but now we would like you the members to come up with ideas!

Note: We will continue with the IWC Treasurer position, as such a member of the Board is needed by constitution.

Her duties will be to oversee any cash handing transactions during CM’s, petty cash facilitation, treasury room management, membership fees, liaison with accountant and reviewing monthly and annual accountant’s reports.

In this section I can identify only two issues to worry about.

• The Constitutions of the IWC club and IWC Charity foundation are another week point, they date back to the club’s formation in 1989, so are outdated.

Our Constitution has good fundamental principles but it needs to be updated to be in line with the current activities and goals of the IWC.

• One is procedural; we need to safeguard ourselves from misuse of funding that we have given to the approved NGO projects. For that reason we need to appoint a Project Follow-up panel. To comprise of Charity Committee and other IWC members, who will supervise the project implementation stages until its completion. Such a process already exists but is not consistent or structured. The work will involve quarterly documentation review, unexpected and planes site visits, participation in project events.

• The club has been at a stagnant stage, which results from majority of the board members being passersby, it is a natural process as most ladies get involved and due to personal or diplomatic commitments leave in 2-4 years’ time. Very few individuals are consistent in their commitment to the IWC, some previous presidents have introduced changes, but they have not been transformational. I know that it is not always possible, but being passive is a big weakness, so please let’s be proactive and no matter how small or how big, leave your positive mark in our organization.

4. Threats

• The second threat is lack of commitment.

Though this election is premature, we are abiding the constitutional guidelines. Circumstantially the positions of Treasurer and Bazaar Coordinator were vacated and needless to say there were no applicants. The nomination committee had to approach newcomers.

We are all aware that this is a voluntary basis organization, however for this club to function we need you to be more committed to the IWC life.

3. Opportunities

As a visionary I see the enormous opportunities. I have said this before, but I want to emphasize – The IWC is an excellent platform with international support from which we can create. The IWC Bazaar is a vivid example, from its humble begins by a few ladies in a room with a few tables to the massive national event that it is with nearly 100 stalls and over 8000 visitors. Mean-

I hope this SWOT analysis has given you some “food for thought”. The outlined here gives us the key elements to the accomplishment of our main objective – it will help eliminate the negative factors and focus on the opportunities for transforming the IWC into the most remarkable woman’s organization in Bulgaria.

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Executive Board Applications 2018-2019 president’s application Dear Nomination Committee and fellow members,

will allow me to be very efficient in the Club Presidential role. I have the ability to focus, unite and inspire.

I would like to put forward my candidacy for the Presidential position, as the IWC has been built on a strong foundation, but during the course of this year it has been shaky. We are all fortunate to be members, but currently we are not united or committed enough to deliver the full potential that IWC can offer to the many worthwhile projects that we undertake for the benefit of the Bulgarian community.

Currently besides being a mother of two, I am a freelance business coach and English language tutor, that allows me to effectively manage my time and be able to dedicate myself to this important task.

I have a good overview of the club from my involvement over the last few years – twice as an assistant Bazaar coordinator, interpreter, proofreader, spokesperson and ECG leader and coordinator. I have seen the energy, enthusiasm, talent and commitment that all of us can bring to the club.

And let’s not forget my cheerful personality and sense of humor, we are a fun-loving club. I shall endeavor to keep the fun going in our meetings and activities.

I believe that I am an excellent communicator and presenter and that is a key factor for the Presidential role – I can articulate clarity, transparency and solutions in a language that is clear to all members. The gift of language is an important asset too! My gift comprises of English, Bulgarian, Russian and Arabic.

I have great ideas for the betterment of our club and fundraising work. I do hope you will give me the opportunity to share my vision and passion. TOGETHER we can make the IWC extraordinary!

Having graduated Greenwich University and over time worked for prestigious world organizations in London for over 20 years, my last one in the UK being as a Financial Analyst for Bloomberg LP., I have gained vast business knowledge and experience, management and team leadership qualities which

With thanks,

Albena Jones

Vice president’s application Dear President, Nomination Committee and IWC Members,

eign Embassies in Bulgaria for over 25 years, I have the experience — financial and business knowledge, confidence, decision making and problem solving qualities and effective team work and team management skills combined with my ambitions to bring successful conclusions. My linguistic range covers — English, Bulgarian, Russian and Greek.

My name is Maya Metodieva. I would like to express my interest in the IWC Vice President position.

I have enjoyed being part of the IWC in the last year. As an assistant Bazaar coordinator of our main charity event, it was my pleasure to contribute for the successful planning, execution and after-events of the 2016 IWC Charity Bazaar.

I am aware that the Vice Presidential role is important and I am ready and up for this challenge.

A little bit about myself – I`m a business woman, a mother of two boys. I have а Bachelor degree in Economics – Business Administration. Having worked in multicultural and multinational companies and For-

I`ve been a Co-founder of Driving school and Transportation company. For the last 5 years I have

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managed my own Facility Management company, and as a CEO and founder I have the business acumen and the outlook which I believe are important attributes for the Vice Presidential candidate.

As a businesswoman I have some ideas for the kind of social and charity organization the IWC is. I believe that as a team of international ladies we can expand the good work of the club, have fun along the way and be proud of our achievements.

I am looking forward to this opportunity to use my knowledge, motivation and dedication to support such a worthy organization.

I am honored and grateful for the nomination and I thank you all for this opportunity.

Yours sincerely,

Maya Metodieva

application for treasurer It had been an honor to be a member of the IWC in the last few months. I am most grateful to be presented with this opportunity to become a member of the IWC Board and believe that my financial and banking background makes me suitable for the Treasurer position. I know that the IWC is giving a lot of support to the neediest and will continue with the remarkable activities in the name of people of Bulgaria.

Let me shortly present myself:

entire professional career working in a variety of business sectors including Banking operations, food industry, IT and services — usually associated with the business development, preciseness of work, projects development and reporting-wide approaches to meet the challenges and almost always associated with success.

People management is other part of the professional area, that I I’m focused on.

That’s why I believe, that I can contribute a lot in IWC projects and to follow all requirements and standards, established in that respectful organization.

I will be proud to be a part of IWC board in Bulgaria and its successful initiatives.

I have substantial experience as a professional high level project manager. I have spent my

Sincerely,

Desislava Ivanova

application for charity chairperson It has been an honor to serve in the last months as an acting Charity Chairperson for IWC and I am most grateful to have had this opportunity to meet and work with you. I hope together we achieved a lot to support the neediest communities in Bulgaria.

I am the classical project management professional. I have spent my entire professional career working in a variety of development sectors including international aid, good governance, healthcare, education, poverty reduction, gender equality, disaster preparedness,

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human rights, sustainable development — usually associated with the application of sector-wide approaches to meet the multiple social or ecological challenges and almost always associated with projects.

For several years, I have been performing trainings on project Cycle management, where encouraging young professionals to pursue professionalism in their development careers and teaches and councils others in their pursuit of project management success.

For several years now, I have been an external project evaluator for the EEA Grants and Norway Grants European Commission.

Maya Gocheva

March highlights bulgarian cooking at moma restaurant

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March highlights bulgarian cooking at moma restaurant

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March highlights

japanese tea ceremony

Another Kimono experience and tea ceremony will be held on Friday, 20th April at 10am. More info on p. 24

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March highlights

japanese tea ceremony

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March highlights

National Day of the State of Pakistan

The sence of humor of H.E. Ambassador A.S. Babar Hashmi during his official speech during celebration of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan put a smile on everyone's face. It was hosted on the 23 March 2018 also at the Royal ballroom of Sofia Hotel Balkan. Myself and Maya Metodieva had the pleasure to be among his "distinguished guests" – as His Excellency addressed us, we enjoyed tasty Pakistani cuisine, the sounds of oriental rhythms and a display of some colourful local art and craft.

National Day of Greece

H. E. Mr. Grigorios Vasilokonstandakis the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Greece, along with his wife hosted a well-attended reception on the 22 March 2018 in celebration of his country’s national day at the Royal Ballroom of Sofia Hotel Balkan.

Among their guests, were members of the Bulgarian government, senior Bulgarian and Greek Orthodox church

clergy, diplomatic representatives, members of the business community in Bulgaria and of course IWC members.

After exchanging warm words about the outstanding participation and support of Greece at the IWC Bazaar, I extended an invitation to the Ambassador's wife who will be delighted to join us at one of our next CM's.

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Albena Jones

Silver jewelery workshop

Patchwork Group

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Sofia Survival Tips for Newcomers travel discounts Online travel deals Even though Sofia is a great city, sometimes it is nice to take a little break. Here are a few places to find discounted travel deals.

1) https://vsichkioferti.bg

This website gathers promotions from several other sites and includes an entire section for “Tourism” with deals on hotels, all -inclusive and trip packages that are available for a limited time. You can also buy vouchers for discounted goods and services in Sofia (such as manicures, children’s activities etc…)

2) www.travelsmart.bg

This travel site does a great job of keeping you updated on the latest discounts on airline tickets from Sofia so you can book at just the right time.

Note: both of these websites are only in Bulgaria, but they work well with the Google Translate plug in on your browser.

Submitted by: Anya

Ciecierski

Airline Websites

My favorite site for finding airline tickets is www. skyscanner.com. If your dates are flexible you can choose to search fares for the entire month.

You can also check directly with the discount airlines flying in and out of Sofia: www.wizzair.com Fly Sofia to Belgium, Bulgaria (Varna), Cyprus, Denmark, France*, Germany*, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy*, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain*, Switzerland*, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.

Hint: Subscribe to their online newsletter and you will be the first to know about new routes and special offers such as specific days when all flights are 20% off. www.ryanair.com Fly Sofia to Belgium, Cyprus, Germany*, Greece, Ireland, Italy*, Jordan (new), Spain*, Sweden, United Kingdom*. *multiple cities.

Want more discounts?

Check out the “Enjoy Sofia Voucher Book”. Pay 20lv for the book and get 170 coupons (worth over $3,000 in discounts) that you can use in the Sofia area until November 30, 2018. There are coupons for restaurants, salons, massage studies, horseback riding and much more. If you use just one or two of the coupons you pay for the cost of the book.

Order at https://thevoucherbook.bg or buy from one of the participating businesses.

Do you have any newcomer tips to share? Email office@iwc-sofia.org

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Top 5 Finds to Try

vegeterian restaurants If you have guests come to visit that are vegetarian of course they can order a Shopska salad just about anywhere.

But they will be delighted if you take them to a place where they can order anything on the menu. And non-vegetarians can find some great new favorites too. Here are a few of the best vegetarian/vegan restaurants and cafes in the city.

1) Soul Kitchen: ul. Kokiche 13 (Near Vasil Levski) Upscale dining.

2) SunMoon: ul. 6-ti septemvri 39 and ul. William Gladstone 18 (Center) Try the beet pizza, trust me!

3) Salted Cafe: ul. Bratya Miladinovi 38 (Near Serdika) Casual lunch spot.

4) Cafe Parallel 43: 192 Vitosha blv. (Near Ivan Vazov) Small daily menu in stylish setting.

5) Veda House: ul. William Gladston 2 (Center) New age experience.

Also worth trying: Kring (vegetarian buffet), Rawlly (vegan desserts), Loving Hut (take out). Made in Home and Made in Blue, while not exclusively vegetarian, have many great options.

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Do you have a Top 5 list to share? Email office@iwc-sofia.org

A New Experience

rosso paint wine bar

Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, it feels good to take some time to be creative. And it is even more fun with a nice glass of wine. When you sign up for an evening at Rosso Paint Wine Bar you are given all the paint supplies and step by step instructions for 3 hours. “Draw a black line here….fill it in with blue….draw a red shape here.” It is so easy you may be surprised that by the end you have a finished painting to take home. You don’t even have to clean up afterwards! Technically everyone paints the same picture but the results are always very different as you let your own style come through. Go to the calendar page at www.rosso. bg and choose the painting and date you like. Cost is 35lv for the class. A nice selection of wines are available for 5lv.

Rosso Paint Wine Bar Rusaliyski Prohod 13 str. (Lozenets) http://www.rosso.bg Email: info@rosso.bg Phone: +359 877 900 963 Mobile: +359 877 900 963 Do you have a Sofia Experience to share? Email office@iwc-sofia.org

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Announcements April bithdays

Berna Unlu, 1st April Dora Billingsley, 2nd April Yordanka Hauck, 4th April Albena Matova-Berova, 6th April

Denitsa Pettersen, 8th April Angela Richmond-Fuller, 11th April Ana Lobato, 14th April Elitsa Collot, 18th April Anne Bang Pedersen, 22nd April Giusi Gagliano, 26th April

Music therapy group

This Music therapy group will provide a great opportunity for anyone who wishes to explore and understand their own emotions and the ones of others as well as the dynamics in group settings/families. Both coaches, Laura and Rositsa use the benefits of music and other art forms to help the participants in their journey of exploration. They are both very positive, energetic and professional women who have experience in music therapy and group sessions on different topics. This course will be of great interest for IWC members who come from many different cultures and nationalities! Sign up and feel the difference!

Krastina Aranitasi

The Institute of Music Therapy in Sofia and the Bulgarian Association of Music Therapists is announcing a new MUSIC THERAPY GROUP FOR WOMEN Lead by Laura Josh-Markov who is a psychological councelor, musician and music therapist under supervision and Rositsa Nikolova – opera singer and music therapist under supervision, the club will be aiming at enriching women’s personal experience, recognising our and other people’s emotions, and applying them to real life situations. Some of the results we will work towards will be a better self esteem and emotional competence through the methods of music therapy and other expressive arts. This group is for every woman, who would like to better know herself through exploring her emotions in a protected environment, where everyone is somebody else’s mirror.

Group sessions will take 1 h. 45 min.

Format of groups : 20 sessions once weekly When : flexible, according to the group’s members availability Where : Sofia central location Conditions of participation : Interview Anyone who is interested, please call Rositsa Nikolova to arrange a convenient day and time for an interview on 0888 25 14 15.

Deadline for applications : April 2018.

New General Data Protection Regulation

The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will apply from 25 May 2018, when it supersedes all EU member states’ current national data protection laws. Significant and wide-reaching in scope, the Regulation brings a 21st-century approach to data protection. It expands the rights of individuals to control how their personal information is collected and processed, and places a range of obligations on organisations to be more accountable for data protection. The IWC will take a number of steps to ensure compliance with the data protection principles. This involves taking a risk-based approach to data protection, ensuring appropriate policies and procedures are in place to deal with the principles of transparency and accountability, as well as building a workplace culture of data privacy and security. Furthermore, these principles will include lawful, fair and transparent personal data processing, collected only for the outlined legitimate purposes; adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary; all data will have to be accurate at all time and kept up to date, and stored only as long as is necessary; appropriate security, integrity and confidentiality must be ensured. There will also be changed rules for valid consent given at the point of collecting members’ data, i.e. an intelligible and clear request for consent will be introduced, as well as concise, transparent privacy notices. Members will have the right to delete any stored data at any time if requested. It will also be ensured that the website has all relevant security measures, like brute force protection, lock-outs of bad users, as well as strong password enforcement.

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regular activities Patchwork Group

This group consists of seven members and we are meeting every Monday in the PLUS TOVA café, situated in Marin Drinov 38 st., from 10 am to 12 pm. Teacher of the group is Dusica Trkulja who is showing the making of patchwork. The members of the group have made a patchwork pillow which they would like to show to IWC members during the morning coffee in November. The group will continue again in January 2018 with its classes as in the following few months we will focus on the charity Christmas Bazaar preparations!

Book Club

Members read one book a month, and then get together to discuss the book (discussions are in English and are usually very fun and lively). We read a variety of fiction and non-fiction books from writers of all nationalities.

There is a morning meeting once a month on Friday. For more information contact: Sonya Petrova: andsonya@yahoo.com.

Bridge

The bridge group is renewing its playing sessions once a week starting from April as the private bridge club ”King of clubs” is not open during morning hours any more.

Interested members are invited to play bridge with us.

A place of the meeting will be fixed for each session.

There is an English-speaking group and a French-speaking group. For more info contact Diana: dianakolarova@ yahoo.com, 0888 423 150 or Marieta: neykova-mp@dir. bg, 0889 849 354.

English Conversation Group

We are five native English speakers who take it in turns to lead a weekly conversation group every Thursday from 10:30 AM–12:30 PM. Different venues and topics are chosen every week. All members and all levels are welcome. Please enquire at CM to see who is leading this group, as there were changes.

Spanish Conversation Group

Everybody who wants to practice and improve her Spanish is welcome to our weekly meetings. Also, if you are already fluent in Spanish or if you are a native speaker and you would like to participate, please contact Sory Jan by e-mail: jansory1@yahoo.fr.

Bulgarian Conversation Group

Five Native Bulgarian speakers joined to form a conversation group by special request – just for you to grow and increase and to practice your B U L G A R I A N! We meet weekly at 10.30 every Tuesday. Please contact Jane Ewing for location – the teachers/ tutors are all wonderful Bulgarian friends from IWC who you respect and know.

Don't be afraid! Come join us! Zapovyaday!! Contact Jane by e mail: janeaewing@gmail.com.

Russian Conversation Group

To the attention of anyone who wish to improve conversational Russian language regardless of the level of her knowledge and practice: the new Russian Conversation group starts from February planning to meet twice a month. Everybody who is interested is welcome. Please contact Marieta Neykova who is a native Russian speaker by e-mail: neykova-mp@dir.bg or tel. 0889 84 93 54.

Hiking Club

The hiking group is an energetic group of dedicated hikers who head up to Vitosha and the surrounding mountains every Friday. We usually meet at 9 am at Fantastico in Dragelevtsi. An email is sent to all hikers every Wednesday with more specific plans and this often includes different meeting points. A typical hike will bring us back to our meeting point at 2 or 3. For more information please write to Bistra Karakoleva (biskarakoleva@ gmail.com).

Tennis

A group of members are starting to regularly play tennis together. We are of mixed ability and if you wish to join us or get on the regular emailing list then please contact Teodora Petrova on 0888 495066 or her email: teodora_p@yahoo.com.

Tuesday Playgroup

Mums and dads with babies, toddlers and small children, please come along to our weekly playgroup! We meet every Wednesday at 10am, at someone's home or in a park or play centre. It's a great opportunity to meet new people (some of us have lived in Sofia for many years so are great sources of advice and information too), and for the children to make friends. It's totally free and there is no obligation to host, so please do come and join us!

For more information or to be added to the mailing list, please email Stephanie.Karaolis@gmail.com.

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april events Tuesday, 10th April

Thursday, 19th April

Address: Arena di Serdica Hotel, 2 Budapeshta st.

The board of the IWC is calling an Annual General Meeting at 10th of April 2018 in Arena di Serdica hotel according to article 9E of the IWC constitution, with the following agenda: I. Acceptance of the Annual Report of the Executive Board II. Acceptance of the Annual Report of the Treasurer III. Electing/re-electing a new executive board Registration for the AGM will start at 10:30 am and will take end at 11:15 am. If there is no quorum the AGM will take place same day at 12:15 am in the same place with the same agenda. All written documents related to the suggested voting agenda are available at the IWC office, 67 Postoyanstvo st., Sofia.

Address: US Residence. The event will be hosted by Nicole Simmons.

10.30 am: Monthly Coffee Morning and Annual General Assembly

Friday, 13th April

11.30am: Brunch at Asya’s

Address: Malinova Dolina, Bl.29, en.2/B/, ap.19; Please, bring a dish or a drink; limited up to 15 ladies.

Tuesday, 17 April th

12.30pm: Monthly Lunch

Address: Candy Club,100 James Bourchier blvd. http://candyclub.bg/en/contacts Cost is up to your own consumption.

6.30pm: IWC Members and Newcomers/Prospective Members Meeting

Friday, 20th April

10.00am: Kimono Experience with Tea Ceremony Program

Experiencing the Japanese traditional costume with tea ceremony demonstration by the Teacher, drinking matcha and sweets, try different sencha, and Miwako will write the participant's name in beautiful Japanese Calligraphy. The program will end at 14.00pm.

Cost: 20 BGN per person, limit 15 people and minimum 5 people. Deposit 10 leva, please sign up at Coffee morning and you will receive the address by email. Please contact: Miwako on 0878 254 740 or email: miwakosofia@gmail.com.

Monday, 23rd April

12.00pm: Turkish Cooking Demonstration

Hosted by Fatma Ustun, Dragalevtsi, Raya Complex, house 6, 27 Atanas Yaranov st.; Phone: 0889 10 33 23. Pre-booking required, please, up to 10 ladies; Cost: 25.00 BGN

Tuesday, 8th May

10.30am: May Coffee Morning

Address: Arena di Serdica Hotel, 2 Budapeshta st.

April calendar Tsvetnitsa

Orthodox Easter

10.30: MCM

12.30: Monthly lunch

11.30: Brunch

18.30: Meeting at US Residence

12.00:Turkish cooking demo

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10.00: Japanese tea experience

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