February 2016

February 2016

Newsletter

of the International Women’s Club in Sofia

The Story of St Valentine

Cast Your Vote for the Nom Com Charity Bazaar 2015 ‘Thank you’ Cocktail

Next Monthly Coffee Morning: Tuesday, 1st March 10.30am at Matti-d

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Letter from the President

Hello Ladies!

Well the cold weather has finally found us! I hope, in between all the disruption it may have been causing, you have all been able to take some time to enjoy the snow with your families. Very soon it will all be a distant memory and we will be looking forward to our summer holidays.

Although the time around the bazaar is our busiest time, there is no time to relax just yet! By the time you read this, we will have received many applications for funds, all will have been checked, read and evaluated by the charity board and committee, resulting in a meeting where the chosen charities will have been voted upon. As always this meeting is open to all IWC members and I highly recommend attending to have a first hand view of how the money raised at the bazaar is spent.

The board are also still busy with post bazaar activities such as the donor cocktail, and final bazaar reports for the stallholders. We are as well making preparations for this year's bazaar by searching for possible major donors and partners.

We have organised some nice events for February with regular events such as the monthly lunch and wine evening, together with other seasonal activities such as ice skating. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at this month’s coffee morning as we will be voting for the nominating committee, which will kick-off this year’s election process.

Thank you to the ladies who volunteered to take on this important task. If you are thinking about applying to become a board member or have questions concerning the different positions, contact the nominating committee as soon as possible they will be able to help and guide you in making your decision.

Please think how you can help the IWC club this year, if being on the board is not right for you yet, try organising a group, an event or offering to help the board in their various tasks, we really do want everyone to be involved as much as they want.

I look forward to seeing you many of you during February, enjoy the month of love, be kind, generous and open hearted to all.

Best wishes,

Angela

Permanent and Waterproof PRINT on LIVE ROSES

Cover image: Tree in San Diego decorated with hearts on Valentine's Day, Wikimedia.

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IWC Executive Board 2015-2016 President Angela Bird 0879 119 152 president@iwc-sofia.org

Charity Chairperson Maria Ilieva 0878 300 561/ 0879 119 154 charity@iwc-sofia.org

Treasurer Kelsa L. Smith-Mouskourova 0879 506 800 treasurer@iwc-sofia.org

International Women’s Club Business Park Sofia, Building 11A, 3rd floor

Vice-President Becky Ruth Faber 0879 119 150 firstvp@iwc-sofia.org

Bazaar Coordinator Toi Castelló i Reñé 0879 506 799 iotcas@gmail.com

Office Manager/Newsletter Editor: office@iwc-sofia.org admin@iwc-sofia.org “Like” IWC on Facebook and check tel.: 02 951 6117 our website www.iwc-sofia.org (please call before visiting)

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

Bulgarian Applicants Unfortunately, due to a lack of available spaces, new Bulgarian applicants will be added to the waiting list, until further notice 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.

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 office@iwc-sofia.org.

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 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.

Event

IWC Member

Guest

Free Monthly Event

Free

Free

Free Activity Group Event

Free

Paid*

Paid Monthly Event

5-20BGN

+5BGN

Paid Monthly Event

21BGN+

+50%

Member only Event

Open

Closed

*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.

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.

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.

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.).

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.

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

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

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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 office@iwc-sofia.org not later than the 15th of the month.

Notable and religious days in February

12th February, Vasant Panchami, Hindu Vasant Panchami is an important Indian festival celebrated every year in the month of Magh according to the Hindu calendar. Celebrated on the fifth day of Magh, the day falls somewhere in the months of February or March according to the Gregorian calendar. The significance of the day lies in the worship of Goddess Saraswati, symbol of wisdom and also the onset of spring season.

According to the popular belief, the origins of this festival lie in Aryan period. Aryans came and settled in India through Khyber Pass, crossing the Saraswati River among many others. Being a primitive civilisation, most of their development took place along the banks of the River Saraswati. Thus, River Saraswati began to be associated with fertility and knowledge. It is then that the day began to be celebrated.

According to mythology, a popular associated with this day is connected with poet Kalidasa. After he was married off to a beautiful princess through trickery, the princess kicked him out of her bed as she learned that he was foolish. Following this, Kalidasa went to commit suicide, upon which Saraswati emerged from the waters and asked him to take a dip there. After taking a dip in the holy waters, Kalidasa became knowledgeable and began writing poetry. Thus, Vasant Panchami is celebrated to venerate Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of education and learning.

In today's times, the festival is celebrated by farmers as the on-coming of the spring season. The day is largely celebrated in Northern Parts of India. Here, people offer food to the Brahmins and organise rituals in the name of Goddess Saraswati.

The colour yellow is the predominant colour associated with the festival, the origins of which are supposed to be the fields of mustard which can be seen in Punjab and Haryana during this period. Kite flying is also commonly associated with this festival. Children as well as adults fly kites on this day to celebrate freedom and enjoyment.

Another tradition associated with this day is that of initiating studies in the young. Young children often begin learning on this day, which is believed to be the reason why the school sessions start in the month of March. Sweets with a yellow hue are also distributed on this day and people can also be seen donating books and other literary material to the poor. http://www.calendarlabs.com/holidays/india/vasant-panchami.php

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14th February, St. Valentine’s day, Christian "One of the men who was to judge him in line with the Roman law at the time was a man called Asterius, whose daughter was blind. He was supposed to have prayed with and healed the young girl with such astonishing effect that Asterius himself became Christian as a result."

In the year 269 AD, Valentine was sentenced to a three part execution of a beating, stoning, and finally decapitation all because of his stand for Christian marriage. The story goes that the last words he wrote were in a note to Asterius' daughter.

He inspired today's romantic missives by signing it, "from your Valentine."

"What Valentine means to me as a priest," explains Father O'Gara, "is that there comes a time where you have to lay your life upon the line for what you believe. And with the power of the Holy Spirit we can do that -- even to the point of death."

Flowers, candy, red hearts and romance.

That's what Valentine's day is all about, right? Well, maybe not.

The origin of this holiday for the expression of love really isn't romantic at all -- at least not in the traditional sense. Father Frank O'Gara of Whitefriars Street Church in Dublin, Ireland, tells the real story of the man behind the holiday -- St. Valentine.

"He was a Roman Priest at a time when there was an emperor called Claudias who persecuted the church at that particular time," Father O'Gara explains. " He also had an edict that prohibited the marriage of young people. This was based on the hypothesis that unmarried soldiers fought better than married soldiers because married soldiers might be afraid of what might happen to them or their wives or families if they died."

"I think we must bear in mind that it was a very permissive society in which Valentine lived," says Father O'Gara. "Polygamy would have been much more popular than just one woman and one man living together. And yet some of them seemed to be attracted to Christian faith. But obviously the church thought that marriage was very sacred between one man and one woman for their life and that it was to be encouraged. And so it immediately presented the problem to the Christian church of what to do about this."

"The idea of encouraging them to marry within the Christian church was what Valentine was about. And he secretly married them because of the edict."

Valentine's martyrdom has not gone unnoticed by the general public. In fact, Whitefriars Street Church is one of three churches that claim to house the remains of Valentine. Today, many people make the pilgrimage to the church to honor the courage and memory of this Christian saint.

"Valentine has come to be known as the patron saint of lovers. Before you enter into a Christian marriage you want some sense of God in your life -some great need of God in your life. And we know, particularly in the modern world, many people are meeting God through his Son, Jesus Christ."

"If Valentine were here today, he would say to married couples that there comes a time where you're going to have to suffer. It's not going to be easy to maintain your commitment and your vows in marriage. Don't be surprised if the 'gushing' love that you have for someone changes to something less "gushing" but maybe much more mature. And the question is, is that young person ready for that?"

"So on the day of the marriage they have to take that into context," Father O'Gara says. "Love -human love and sexuality is wonderful, and blessed

by God -- but also the shadow of the cross. That's what Valentine means to me."

Valentine was eventually caught, imprisoned and tortured for performing marriage ceremonies against command of Emperor Claudius the second.

There are legends surrounding Valentine's actions while in prison.

http://www1.cbn.com/st-valentine-real-story

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Charity update

Dear ladies,

Thanks to the Annual Charity Bazaar’s great success in December 2015, IWC will be able to continue to support a variety of social projects with a great impact over the community. Our aim is on one hand to increase the diversity of organisations receiving funds from our Foundation by adding new projects, and on the other hand to make regular assessments on current ones whilst keeping the highest possible level of transparency and satisfaction.

The call for proposals was opened between December 23rd and January 20th and during this period we have received over 30 applications which as a number is higher than previous years. As a positive sign we can point out that 11 organisations are applying for the first time. The list with the approved projects will be announced in February as usual.

Last but not least I would like to thank Bulgarian Online Research Ltd which organised a fundraising event in honour of their 10th anniversary. More than 250 people from their team made in-kind donations – canned and packed food for the children living at the Child and Space home which is based in Sofia.

All the best,

Maria Ilieva

Support for the Soup Kitchen together with BNP Paribas The charitable project Soup Kitchen started in 2002 on the initiative of the staff of BNP Paribas S.A. – Sofia Branch and in cooperation with Sofia Municipality.

they are used exclusively to support the less fortunate.

The project started with 150 beneficiaries. During the winter season of 2015/ 2016 the Foundation will secure warm meals for 1350 people per day in Sofia and to another 400 beneficiaries in two Soup Kitchen centres in the city of Varna.

The project consists of daily provision of warm lunch (soup and bread) to elderly and poor citizens in different districts throughout Sofia every winter workday for 4 months (during the period 1st Dec 31st March). Eligible beneficiaries are individuals above 65 years of age with insufficient income to provide themselves with food during the winter season, as well as single parents with children, and disabled people who are in extremely vulnerable social situation.

The initiative has a proven success and is an indicator for stability over the years. The project is well recognised by the Bulgaria business community: in 2006 it was awarded first prize in the Investor in the Community category from the BBLF. In 2009 the project received the Innovation award of BNP Paribas for corporate social responsibility. At the end of 2014 BNP Paribas Bulgaria Foundation received a prize called The Inner Good by Sofia Municipality for its long-standing commitment to disadvantaged people in Bulgaria.

The project is financed through the donations of BNP Paribas (France) Foundation, BNP Paribas S.A. – Sofia Branch and its employees and with the valuable support of long terms partners, such as the International Women’s Club.

Meal distribution is handled in cooperation with Sofia Municipality, through the centres of Social Patronage municipal entity, which provides the necessary cooking & distribution facilities and staff. The permanent control of the collected funds guarantees

Christina Tcholakova BNP Pariba 7

Down syndrome is not a disease but a complex genetic condition

The Association of Parents of Children with Down Syndrome is the only legitimate non-profit Down Syndrome organisation in Bulgaria The association was founded in 2009 and represents children and adults with this most common of all genetic abnormalities and promotes the idea that children with Down Syndrome are an integral part of the lives of all people in society and have the right to be respected and loved. As a parent organisation our main objective is to remove negative stereotypes, overcome prejudices and refute the myths embedded in society about the possibilities and specifics of people with the syndrome.

Down syndrome is not a disease but a complex genetic condition that is due to an extra chromosome in the 21st chromosome pair. People with this syndrome have in their karyotype 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. One out of every 700 newborns has the syndrome, a frequency that is the same in all countries, all races and all social groups. About 100 children per year are born in Bulgaria with this genetic abnormality.

The annual summer camp of the Down Syndrome parent association, supported in 2015 by the IWC, started three years ago, when in July 2013 a national meeting for our families was organised in Pamporovo for the first time. We invited speakers who could help us with appropriate specialised information in the rearing of our special children. The camp proved to be an amazing place that unites and inspires a desire for change – a forum that turns us into a community with self-esteem and confidence. We are happy that it turned into a tradition parents greatly look forward to and that brings great joy to the children.

In recent years, we have worked hard, entirely on a voluntary and charity basis, to improve the treatment and acceptance of our children by fostering a positive image of them in society through information and education campaigns. One of these is our original calendar with professional photo shoots featuring Down Syndrome children together with popular, loved personalities in Bulgaria. With joy and pride we can attest that our educational campaigns really have changed attitudes and have succeeded in informing people about the abilities, talents, successes, achievements, and real potential for development of our children, so that they can have a good future.

Tony Marinova APCDS 8

Members are invited to run for the 2016-2017 Executive Board Article 12. Executive Board (1)

The Executive Board shall be chosen at the annual general meeting of the Club or at a special general meeting of the Club, called for this purpose.

(2)

The executive Board shall be chosen with the simple majority of the members of the Club that are present on the correspondent meeting.

(3)

(amended through a resolution of the General assembly from 01.04.2014) The Executive Board shall consist of five members, namely

a. The President shall preside at all meetings and set the agenda of all Board Meetings. She may appoint Special Committees with the Executive Board’s approval. She is the official representative and ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. She shall be appointed as President of the Charity Foundation of the International Women’s Club, Sofia.

b. The Vice President shall assist the President in her duties by accepting specific tasks delegated to her by the President. She shall in particular assist the President in representational duties. She shall perform the duties of the President in the latter’s absence and shall be responsible for and participate actively in monthly activities and events, including the monthly meetings, and will maintain communication with activity leaders/

c. (amended through a resolution of the General assembly from 10.01.2012) The Treasurer shall keep the financial records and accounts, pay approved accounts of expenditure, and reimburse members for approved expenses incurred on behalf of IWC. In addition to the duties in Article 10, the Treasurer shall inform the Membership Coordinator of membership renewal, and the Treasurer shall be responsible for transferring a) all charitable donations and b) any excess funds beyond operating costs to the Charity Foundation of the International Women’s Club, Sofia. The Treasurer will also be responsible for presenting biannual financial reports (one at mid- term following the bazaar and one at the end of the IWC’s fiscal year) to the members by email and newsletter, with both reports including details on where funds came from and where they were disbursed.

d. (amended through a resolution of the General assembly from 10.01.2012) The Charity Chairperson shall preside over the Charity Committee, together they shall identify charity projects. The Charity Chairperson shall ensure that for each charity project there is one project head responsible for the smooth running of that project and who shall report back to the Charity Committee. She shall participate in the charity visits and their organisation. The Charity Chairperson shall be appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Charity Foundation of the International Women’s Club, Sofia. On behalf of said Charity Foundation she shall distribute donations and maintain the funds.

The Charity Chairperson is required to present an annual report that details what charities are receiving funding and how much funding they receive on an annual basis. This report will be presented to the members in a general assembly meeting, as well as in the newsletter and by email. She is accountable to the Executive Board of the IWC.

e. (amended through a resolution of the General assembly from 13.04.2010) The Bazaar Coordinator coordinates the planning, setting up and running of Charity Bazaar. She takes active part together with the other Board Members in setting up the Bazaar Team and liaises with President, First Vice President and Charity Chairperson for all matters concerning the Bazaar. She presides at Bazaar Board meetings and gives regular updates about the Bazaar to the IWC Board and IWC Members. She keeps the Board Members informed through the year about ongoing activities concerning the Bazaar.

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Article

13. Elections and Terms of Office

a. The term of office shall begin on 1 May of the year of election. b. (amended through a resolution of the General assembly from 10.01.2012) Not later than at the February General Meeting, a Nominating Committee of five members shall be formed, one member to be appointed by the Executive Board and four members to be elected by the membership. The President shall appoint one of these five members to chair the Nominating Committee.

The Nominating Committee’s purpose is to recruit members to apply for candidacy of board positions and check applications for eligibility; the committee shall NOT discourage members from applying to certain board positions in order to avoid elections, thereby choosing the board instead of allowing members at large to elect the board. The requirements for the Nominating Committee are as follows:

(1) Membership in IWC for a minimum of one year;

(2) A wish not to stand as a candidate for office;

(3) Members may not serve more than two consecutive years on the Nominating Committee.

c. (amended through a resolution of the General assembly from 01.04.2014) Between the date of appointment of the Nominating Committee and 20 March, written applications of members will be accepted by the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee’s first order of business is to send an open call for candidates to all members, by email, newsletter and on the website, listing all board positions, a detailed list of duties for each and instructions on how to submit an application. In their application letter, applicants should introduce themselves briefly and state the specific office of candidacy they are interested in running for. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a list of qualified candidates for each office, to be presented for Membership at the April General Meeting. Qualified candidates are those members who have paid their membership fees and have been a member of the club for no less than one year.

No additional nominations can be made after 20 March. If no qualified candidates have presented themselves as of 20 March, the Nominating Committee may include incumbent board members who have served for longer than the allowed tenure as described in Article 13, section d, as long as the incumbent board member has the ability and willingness to continue in said capacity on the Executive Board.

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21st Charity Bazaar report Country Bazaar Day:

Monetary Donations & Post Sales As of: Jan 15, 2016 99 836,64

189 861,65 IWC Stalls

Book Stall British Council Clothes & Bric-a-brac International Bake Sale IWC Stall Patchwork Photos w/Santa Tombola

2 252,90 13 739,00 4 602,00 702,00 1 052,85 375,80 345,00 2 923,00

Sub Total:

25 992,55

Bulgarian-Moroccan Other Stalls Association Sofia Municipality Stall Wondergroup (2 Stalls)

2 058,00 820,00 192,00

Sub Total:

3 070,00

Charity Stalls Cedar Foundation Children w/ONCO Diseases Down Syndrome Parent Association Karin Dom Light for Life Pink Foundation Rojdestvo Hristovo Foundation Smile of Bulgaria Star of Hope Tabitha The Refugee Project Sub Total: Top 5 Stalls Turkey Italy Greece Nordic Bulgaria

Grand Total BGN 334 679,63

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1 116,00 1 296,00 372,00 491,92 482,00 700,00 8 902,02 573,10 416,20 590,00 979,55 15 918,79

2015 Charity Bazaar ‘Thank you’ Cocktail Photos: Paraskeva Georgieva

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Carols at the British Residence Dear ladies, I am very happy to share with you some photos and to give you a glimpse of our Christmas concert in the British Ambassador's résidence.

Placed under the patronage of Ambassador Emma Hopkins, the concert took place on Sunday 13th December. About 120 guests joined us to support our Chorale singing organised by our former president Lynne Godding. The Choir directed by Lynne gave a brilliant performance and we were rewarded by the applause of the guests.

All singers had the exciting chance to work with Lynne in perfecting their vocal performance. Ten pieces were performed during the winter charity concert this night. The money collected was designated to assist children with special needs.

The meeting concluded in the old tradition of Wassailing with traditional wine and delicious cookies.

The word 'wassail' comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase 'waes hael', which means 'good health'.

Thank you Lynne for the enthusiasm and for all the effort you are putting into the chorale. Meanwhile we will be inspiring ourselves with your innovative thinking for the new year. A big thank you also to the Ambassador for her support.

I would like to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016, which I hope will be full of happiness.

Best regards,

Sory Almonacid de Jan

December Coffee Morning at Bulgaria Mall

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January Coffee Morning

Monthly lunch at Brick’s cafe

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A day trip to Kremikovski monastery The day took place in a very good atmosphere. After a peaceful and short travel of 30 minutes we arrived at the beautiful Kremikovski monastery.

covered with a half vaulted ceiling. Of great artistic value are the frescoes from 1493. They are a very valuable heritage of the Bulgarian Medieval art.

We met the guide who was particularly jovial, efficient and friendly. She made us admire the religious frescoes; the place is particularly well maintained.

There is an impressive portrait of the church’s patron Saint George on the south wall. On this painting he rides a white horse and has stabbed the dragon with his spear. On the west wall the custodian of the temple – Archangel Michael is represented. Interesting are the images of the saints Konstantin and Elena.

Kelsa thank you for this beautiful day, we are certain to come back again to discover more and more the monastery with you!

Of artistic and ethnographic importance is also a portrait of the group of the founders on the north wall painted in1493. Very impressive is the famous Kremikovsko Evangelie (Gospel of Kremikovtsi) that dates back to the 15th century. Its beautiful calligraphy is of great value.

A little bit of history The Kremikovski monastery of St. George Pobedonosets (St. George the Victorious) is a medieval monastery, located 4 km to the north from the village of Kremokovtsi. It was built during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1186–1396). It was destroyed when Sofia was conquered by the Ottomans in 1382 and was restored in 1493.

Bets regards,

Sory Almonacid de Jan

To date the monastery church Sveti Georgi, restored in 1611, has been preserved. It is a small basilica, 16

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Saying goodbye to ‌‌.

Dear Raquel, We are sad that you have to leave Bulgaria soon. You were a great member of the international community in Sofia, you played a great part in the life of the IWC! The Argentinean stall was always so colourful and the tango dancers were always such an important feature of the Charity Bazaar. You were always enthusiastic, a great host, a charming IWC ambassador! We also really enjoyed your recipes for the IWC cookbook in 2015, which you prepared with such skill and unique flair.

Wishing you great new heights in your endeavours, wherever you go!

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Membership news

Birthdays in February

Nancy Smith, USA Jordan Swartz, USA Jenny Cobble, USA Helena Jakubocyova, Slovakia

Henriette Tougaard, 5th February Madriz Massiel, 13h February Rositsa Ivanova, 14th February Theodora Houry, 21st February Elina Kirova, 26th February

Michaela Trencanska, Slovakia Adriana Vrskova, Slovakia Melanie Woodward, UK/USA Rebecca Richardson, UK Jean Olson, USA Jane Ewing, USA Elitsa Collot, France/Bulgaria Tessa Ripley, USA Teresa Feghali, Lebanon Kylie Argirov, Australia Irina Dilkova, Italy Lilly White, USA Maya Metodieva, Bulgaria Angelina Alexieva, Bulgaria Galina Khlebnikova, Russia Roumiana Evans, Bulgaria Tanya Peykova, Bulgaria

New Members 2015-2016 Marsha Foster, USA Rada Setchenska, USA/Bulgaria Ruth Thompson, USA Theologia Voulgari, Greece Rossalina Koehler, Bulgaria Gulay Ispir, Turkey Sunny Stimmler, USA Jati Priyanintsih, Indonesia Vivi Patricia Anis, Indonesia

Ongoing activities Charity Action Group

information contact: Sonya Petrova: andsonya@yahoo.com or Jean Olson: jean.olson@yahoo.com.

The group meets once a quarter to discuss new charity projects, the progress of ongoing projects, and the finances of the Charity Foundation. Part of the followup is frequent visits to these projects. If you want to make a difference and contribute something please join us! The date and place of the next meeting is published in the monthly newsletter. Contact Maria Ilieva on 0878 300 561 or at charity@iwc-sofia.org.

Bridge Interested members are invited to play bridge. An intermediate/advanced group plays on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am in the “King of Clubs� club, just behind Matti-d. Fee is 5 BGN for the session.

There is an English-speaking group and a Frenchspeaking group. For more information, contact Diana Kolarova at dianakolarova@ yahoo.com or 0888 423 150. We also welcome visitors!

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 Thursday) and an evening group (meeting on Mondays). For more

Golf We play every Wednesday morning at St. Sofia Golf Club and Spa. I you are a golf player and would like to join us, please contact Raquel Azrak at arevaloraq@gmail.com.

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Patchwork Group

wish to join us or get on the regular email list then please contact Lynne at lynnegodding@gmail.com.

The group meets every Monday from 10:00am-– 12:00pm at Dusica Trkulja’s apartment. The address is Evlogy Georgiev 99, floor 6, apartment 27. Interested ladies are welcome to bring ideas, patterns, and materials. For more information, please contact Dusica Trkulja on her landline: 02 980 0948.

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 Monika or Bistra: monika.slosarikova@gmail.com/biskarakoleva@gmail.com

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. If you would like to join the sessions, please e-mail Albena Jones at albenajones@yahoo.co.uk.

Bootcamp This is an English language Outdoor EXERCISE group. We meet every Wed and Fri at 10am sharp at the park behind CCS (the dog park) with Costa Coffee as a meeting point. This began as a mothers’ group who are interested in getting back in shape or just want to keep healthy and fit in general. And now we want to invite fellow ladies of the IWC to join our FIT movement. Motivated by our expert instructor we will spend 1 to 1.15 hours of great outdoor workout with lots of cardio and strength training. The training (instructor fee) is 12 leva per training per person initially but the price drops if you become a regular. We hope to see you there!

Contact Nadya Wuisan-Bratanova on her e-mail: nw.bratanova@gmail.com.

Spanish Conversation Group Everybody who wants to practice and improve her Spanish is welcome to or 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 Liliana Padilla by e-mail: lilianagpadilla@gmail.com.

Tennis A group of members are starting to regularly play tennis together. We are of mixed ability and if you

February events

Wednesday, 17th February

12.30pm: Monthly lunch This month our lunch will be at Sun Moon Bakery and Restaurant, 39, 6th Septemvri st. They are making their own breads and a variety of sweet and savoury cookies, it is also a lovely vegetarian restaurant, that even non veggies will love! If you haven’t been or are looking to go again, confirm your attendance to Angela on abangelb@gmail.com or on 0879 119 152

Monday, 1st February

1.00pm: Charity Committee

Tuesday, 9th February

10.30am: Monthly Coffee Morning

Friday, 12th February

Saturday, 20th February

10.30am: Indonesian cooking demo Vivi Patricia is kindly inviting us to an Indonesian cooking demonstration to be held at the Indonesian Embassy in 5 Yosef Valdhard Street (Simeonovsko Shosse), 1700 Sofia, max. 15 people, cost 15 leva. Contact: Toi on 0879 506 799.

t.b.c.: Dinner in the Dark at Talents Restaurant For a couple of hours you will have to trust every other sense but your eyes. You will appreciate in a much better way the aroma and taste of the dishes.

You will gain perspective, what the world looks like, 20

experienced through your other four senses and you will make unforgettable memories with this unique adventure!

be determined by weather conditions. Most probable location will be the Saints Peter and Paul Monastery near Lozen (just outside of Sofia). 10 leva deposit/charge for transportation. Drivers needed - 4WD suggested. Contact: Kelsa on 0879 506 800.


Dinner in the Dark is also organised in support of the Eyes on Four Paws Foundation - the only Bulgarian training centre for guide dogs for the blind and their campaign "Open your Eyes". The campaign aims at improving the access to public buildings for visually impaired people and their guide dogs, which unfortunately is still inadequate at many places in Bulgaria. On the way out after dinner you will have the opportunity to learn more about the foundation and make a donation to their cause, if you wish to do so.

Saturday, 27th February

10.00am: Ice skating for all the family Join Angela for an hour of exercise, fun and frolics.

Learn a new skill or show off your moves, everyone is welcome! Entry is 5 Leva with additional 4 Leva for hire of boots. Please contact Angela on abangelb@gmail.com or 0879 119 152.

Talents Restaurant offers this unique experience for the price of 39 Leva (excluding drinks). This event is open to members, family and friends, please confirm a.s.a.p. to ensure availability to Angela on abangelb@gmail.com or 0879 119 152.

Monday, 29th February

6.30pm: Bar night at Esterhasi Lounge & Restaurant Come and share some great food and drinks at a beloved trendy spot on 21 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, (next to the Turkish Residence). Contact: Maria Ilieva - ms.maria.ilieva@gmail.com.

Monday, 22nd February

10.00am – 3.00pm: Explorers trip Meet at G.M. Dimitrov Metro Station (across the street from the OMV Station). Exact location will

February calendar 1.00pm: Charity Committee 10.30am: Indonesian cooking demo

10.30am: Monthly Coffee Morning 12.30pm: Monthly lunch

t.b.c.: Dinner in the Dark

10.00am: Explorers trip

10am: Ice skating

6.30pm: Bar night

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Culture in February

The National Opera and Ballet in Sofia has opened its doors for babies and children up to 3 years old.
 


You have the opportunity to communicate with your baby in the language of classical music. Your little one will feel the rhythms and the beauty of ballet and interact with some of the best children's music educators. Welcome tea and cookies will be served for visitors. Address: 1 Vrabcha St. February 7 (Sunday), 11:00 February 12 (Friday), 11:00 February 13 (Saturday), 11:00 February 14 (Sunday), 11:00 February 19 (Friday), 11:00

February 20 (Saturday), 11:00 February 21 (Sunday), 11:00 February 26 (Friday), 11:00 February 28 (Sunday), 11:00

Famous Bulgarian violinist Vasko Vasilev in concert Date: 29.2.2018 Time: 8pm Venue: Arena Armeec With the participation of several musicians and dancers including Steven McRae from the British Royal Opera Ballet. The concert will be tailor-made for Arena Armeec. Tickets cost between 20 and 100 BGN. http://www.eventim.bg

The most successful Greek singer Despina Vandi for the first time in Bulgaria Date: 21.2.2018 Time: 8pm Venue: NDK Hall 1

SOFIA HISTORY MUSEUM NOW OPEN

The Greek icon Despina Vandi who was awarded seven times the Greek Singer of the Year prize, will give her first concert in Bulgaria. In 2002 she was acknowledged as best selling Greek artist in the world at the World Music Awards in Monaco.

Address:1 Banski Square (the former building of the Central Mineral Baths).

Three consecutive years Vandi has been scoring singles in the international charts, a success which has not been achieved by other Greek artists. Her songs have been remixed by DJs like Roger Sanchez, Armand Van Helden and Junior Vasquez. http://www.eventim.bg

The permanent exhibition can be seen in eight different halls which cover the period between 6th millennium BC up to the 1940s. There are also two separate halls for temporary exhibitions.

Tickets cost 6 BGN, children under 7 go free

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GOSSELIN MOBILITY

ge t in touch

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