IWC-Sofia Newsletter December-January 2019

December / January 2019

of the International Women’s Club-Sofia

24th Annual Charity Bazaar in Pictures January Coffee Morning 8 January 2019 (10:30) Crystal Palace Hotel - Sofia

president’s letter Dear members,

IWC Executive board 2017-2018

President Albena Jones, UK gsm: 0879 119 152 president@iwc-sofia.org Vice-President Maya Metodieva, BG vicepresident@iwc-sofia.org Treasurer Desislava Ivanova, BG treasurer@iwc-sofia.org Bazaar Coordinator Bazaar Team Nicole Simmons Diana Michaels-Christopher USA gsm: 0879 506 799 c.iwcbazaar@gmail.com Acting Charity Chairperson Krastina Aranitasi, UK charity@iwc-sofia.org Address 2 Maria Louiza Blvd., TZUM, fl.7, 1000 Sofia tel: 02 951 6117 www.iwc-sofia.org Office Manager & Membership Coordinator Zarina Benoun-Takova gsm: 0895 571 813 office@iwc-sofia.org tel.: 02 951 6117 (please call before visiting)

Project and Office Support Associate Milena Varzonovtseva admin@iwc-sofia.org www.iwc-sofia.org https://www.facebook. com/IWCSofia2018

Isn’t the sense of achievement the most wonderful feeling? All of us should be feeling it after our successful bazaar execution.

Words cannot express my happiness and gratitude towards every single person that was under the Inter Expo Center roof last Sunday. The IWC Board, the Bazaar team headed by the able and efficient Nicole Simmons, the IWC members that took part, the stallholders with the hardworking and dedicated volunteers at their national stalls, the Ambassadors and Heads of missions, our IWC volunteers, our partner companies involved in the event implementation, our sponsors and donors, the entertainers and the 10 000 visitors at this year’s IWC Bazaar made it the most unforgettable event of the year 2018.

The positive comments, compliments and praises by the visitors, diplomatic community and the press have been phenomenal. This year the prognosis for the funds raised is very optimistic. So far the cash, credit card payments and ticket sales from the Bazaar day are over 300 000 BGN compared to 270 000 last year. Every day we continue to receive donations into the IWC accounts and the total will be announced at the end of January 2019. Last year that was approximately an additional 100 000 BGN, this year we anticipate even more.

I am personally very proud from the results of my idea to introduce bank card payments to the Bazaar. Even though it was a pilot project and out of 60 countries only 28 took POS terminal payments, that contributed an additional 9281,11 BGN to the Bazaar.

The IWC has gained the recognition it deserves. We had never had such extensive media coverage, a BIG “Thank you” to our media partner M3 communications and to the Bulgarian TV, radio and publications that advertised, reflected and continue to put emphasis on our Bazaar, our organization and the good that comes out of it.

This year I have decided to expand the Thank you cocktail to include not only the sponsors and donors, but also the ambassadors and their stallholders, as well as the active IWC members. Everyone involved deserves recognition!

I am delighted that we now have 21 new IWC members in the face of the female ambassadors in Bulgaria. This is another significant moment for the IWC which will bring fresh ideas and new high profile diplomatic elevation of our organization.

Finally, I would like to extend an invitation to our forthcoming IWC Christmas party which is our way to say Thank you to the IWC members for their work throughout the year.

I look forward to see you and your families at the Metropolitan Hotel (one of our Bazaar sponsors) on Sunday, the 16th of December for a festive afternoon celebration.

Best wishes, tons of appreciation and Happy Holidays!

Albena Jones

IWC President

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

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.

Suggestion Box The suggestion box is always available at the members’ signin 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.

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.

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 Membership Coordinator at admin@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:

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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Winter destinations in Bulgaria – Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo and Vitosha Bansko Bansko is one of the top winter resorts in Bulgaria. It is located at 925 meters above sea level at the foot of the Pirin mountain - 150 km from Sofia and 96 km from Blagoevgrad. Bansko has gradually established itself as one of the leading winter resorts in the country and the region, attracting numerous Bulgarian and foreign tourists. Bansko is known among tourists mainly as a ski and snowboard destination. The total length of the ski tracks is 75 km, the longest is 16 km. About 90% of all 16 tracks are equipped with artificial snow guns for quality and long-lasting snow cover. There is also a ski slope in the ski area equipped with night-light. During the winter season, an ice rink is also open. The highest point of the ski center is 2560 m. The biggest challenge for skiers in Bansko is the “Tomba” track, named after the Italian skier Alberto Tomba. A cabin lift is available to the tourists, which takes you from the starting point of the lift station in Bansko to Banderishka Polyana. The town is connected to the ski area and a 7-kilometer-long ski track. Bansko has many museums and attractions, over 130 architectural and historical monuments of culture, seven of which are of national importance.

Info: http://www.bulgariatravel.org

Borovets Borovets is the oldest and largest mountain resort in Bulgaria, known until the middle of the 20th century as Chamkoria. It dates back to 1896 when the first holiday villa was built, and then Prince Ferdinand built a summer residence. Although it is located at 1350 m above sea level on the northern slopes of Rila, it is easily accessible from the whole country - it is only 70 km away from Sofia, 80 km from Blagoevgrad and 120 km from Plovdiv.

The climate in the resort is moderate, the winter is soft and with lots of snow. The average temperature in January in the coldest month is about 4.8° C. The ski season usually runs from mid-December to April. The splendor of winter landscapes and the sparkling whiteness of the snowy Borovets are the first experience to take the breath of tourists entering the resort. Borovets offers excellent conditions for winter sports: alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. The resort has twice hosted World Cup Ski and Alpine Skiing (1981 and 1984) and in 1993 Borovets hosted the World Biathlon Championship.

Info: http://samokov.bg

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Pamporovo Pamporovo is one of the biggest winter resorts in Bulgaria. It is located in the Rodophi mountain 250km. southeast of Sofia, 80km. south of Plovdiv and 11 km. north of Smolyan. The altitude of the resort is 1650 m in the low part until 1926 m at the foot of Mount Snezhanka. Many of the ski tracks of the complex start from the top. The total length of the ski resort is 18km and is served by lifts and lifts with a capacity of 7000 people per hour. The beautiful scenery, the unique eel and pine trees, as well as the favorable climate make the resort extremely favorable for tourism. The average annual temperature is 8°C, with the snow holding over 150 days, the sunny days in turn reaching 270.

The active season for skiing and snowboarding is from the end of November to the end of April, and the snow cover often reaches over 2m. The variety of lengths and difficulties of ski tracks allow fun for beginners and professionals. For beginners there are several (green) tracks and several platforms equipped with mini-towers. For the advanced there are some very steep (black) tracks.

For freeride snowboarders, the resort offers a half-length half-mile (150 m) and a height of 3 meters (3 meters), located close to Snezhanka 1 (Little Wall).

Info: http://www.turistbg.com

Vitosha Vitosha Mountain is situated in close proximity to Sofia and with its natural beauty makes the Bulgarian capital an especially attractive location. Vitosha is a wonderful place for relaxation and recreation and there are wonderful conditions for practicing different types of tourism and winter sports. The tracks of the Wall, Blue Track, Green Track, Tulip, Rabbit and Winds are ideal for skiing, snowboarding and sledding. The presence of these slopes near Sofia makes Vitosha a particularly preferred place for skiing in the winter by residents of the capital during their free time and weekends. The ski area is about 10 km away. from Sofia, about 1800 meters above sea level. It is accessible by public transport and by car. The ski tracks in Vitosha are of varying difficulty level and are adapted for beginners and professionals. Their total length is 29 km, the longest of the tracks being 5 km. The six routes are served by several chairlifts and 1 cable car that start from the foot of the mountain and reach its highest point. At Vitosha you can rent out equipment and take advantage of professional ski instructors.

Info: https://bghotelite.com

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January Name Days The tradition of name days in Bulgaria is associated with honoring the saints of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The people named after a certain saint celebrate on the saint’s day. In January the most popular celebrated names are:

It is believed that the one who has drawn the cross out of the water will be healthy and happy.

According to the people’s belief in the night against the Epiphany the sky opens up and everyone who sees this will receive what he wishes from God.

1 January – Vasilyovden On this day Bulgarians celebrate the names: Vasil, Vasilka, Veselin, Veselina, Vesel

7 January - Ivanovden On this day Bulgarians celebrate the names: Ivan, Ivanka, Ivanina, Vanina, Banya, Vanyo, John, Ioan, Kaloyan, Yovko, Yovka, Ivailo, Ivaila, Ivo, Ivona, Jean

On the first of January, the church celebrates the memory of St. Basil the Great. He is a great Christian thinker, philosopher and writer. In his real life he practiced the idea of Christ’s law of love and forgiveness by laying the foundations of charitable Christian activity. Basil, called the Great while he was still alive, was endowed with a prophetic power that allowed him to foresee the day of his death.

On this day the Orthodox Christian Church honors the memory of St. John the Baptist the last Old Testament prophet and the Baptist of Jesus. John the Baptist is also called the “Precursor” as he walked before Christ and prepared the people for his birth.

In the folk calendar Vassilyovden is called Survaki because of the custom of Survakane. Traditionally, children are walking around the houses and wish health and well-being to the owners and the house by patting them on the backs with the “survachka” (decorated stick).

The hosts give dried fruit, small money and treats. With their wishes, the Survakars have to drive away the unclean forces that roam during the “dirty” days and protect the people from them.

The Bulgarian folk tradition connects the rituals and customs of Ivanovden with the purifying power of the Holy water. The period of the so-called “Dirty days” which begins on December 25th has passed and everyone looks ahead to the promises of good health, prosperity and a happy life.

6 January – Jordanovden On this day Bulgarians celebrate the names: Dana, Bozhana, Yordan, Yordanka, Dancho, Boyan, Bogdan, Bogdan, Bogolub, Bogoluba, Bozhana

January 18 - Atanasovden On this day Bulgarians celebrate the names: Atanas, Atanaska, Tansas, Hasso, Hasya

According to the Orthodox Calendar, the celebration of Jordan day marked the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. At the moment of baptism, the sky “opens”, and the Holy Spirit descends upon Christ in the form of a dove, and a voice spreads out of heaven: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Hence the name of the feast.

On this day the Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of Atanasyi the Great, who participated in the renowned Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, which brought world glory to the theologian.

According to popular beliefs, St. Atanasyi dominates over the winter frosts, the ice and snow, he is the protector of domestic animals. Dressed in a silk shirt, he goes to the mountain on a white horse and shouts: “Go, winter, come, summer!”. That’s why the holiday is also known as Midwinter.

Jordanovden beliefs If the weather is cold and dry on Jordanovden, the year will be good and fertile.

Info: http://www.imen-den.net

If the cross, thrown into the water, freezes - the year will be healthy and fruitful.

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IWC activities and guests

M

ira Miroslavova is a children’s book illustrator based in Sofia, Bulgaria. She has graduated in Manchester, United Kingdom, where she had studied textiles and English literature. During her studies she merged two things

she loved most – books and art. Following her return to Bulgaria, Mira started working as a visual artist and an English teacher. In 2018 she published her first book – “Princess stories and other extraordinary events” – by author Katya Antonova – Ribka Publishing. She is currently working on her latest book – by author Ray Bradbury and BG kniga publishing.

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fia Bread House. The workshops are within IWC Donor Program 2018. It was a really wonderful experience for the kids and us.

n November 16th, IWC ladies - Lily Kisiova, Lilit Matevosyan, Angelina Liakova and Hongbing - actively and all-heartily participated in the last bread making workshop with Roma 4-6-year-old children in the So-

Heartfelt thanks to our member Assia Assenova-Blomsma who, for another consecutive year, donated 500BGN for the 24th Charity Bazaar.

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T

eodora Tsanova is a visual artist based in Sofia, Bulgaria. She has graduated the National School of Fine Arts where she has studied painting and graphics. She’s currently studying production design at the National Academy for Theatre and

Film Arts. She works in various fields: concept art, set design, photography and painting. She is also one of the founders of Pave Art Fest – a festival that combines handmade bazaar with short film screenings.

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DECEMBER EVENTS 2/12/2018 9:00-19:00 24th IWC CHARITY BAZAAR INTER EXPO CENTER

11/12/2018 10:30 “THANK YOU” COFFEE MORNING HOTEL CRYSTAL PALACE

16/12/2018 14:00 IWC CHRISTMAS PARTY METROPOLITAN HOTEL In this most wonderful time of the year this is our way to say “Thank you” to our members for the contribution and participation during the year.

The party will be free for all members and their families. Please bring a bottle and/or a desert!

There will be entertainment and a D.J. We look forward to see you all there!

Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/LWQx2XiuXyn

26/12/2018 COMMENCING DATE FOR CHARITY PROJECTS’ APPLICATIONS

JANUARY EVENTS 08/01/2019 10:30 MONTHLY COFFEE MORNING HOTEL CRYSTAL PALACE

14/01/2019 12:30 MONTHLY LUNCH KAFANA STEFANOVICH 4, ZLATOVRAH STR. Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zYXaGkSLxhB2

24TH IWC BAZAAR “THANK YOU” COCKTAIL 22/01/2019 18:30 METROPOLITAN HOTEL 64, TSARIGRADSKO SHOSSE BLVD Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/LWQx2XiuXyn

25/01/2019 10:00 JAPANESE TEA KIMONO CEREMONY PETKO KARAVELOV STR., BL.76, ENTRANCE B/2, AP.14 PRAHOVI – FAMILY BELL Dear ladies, if you want to attend the Japanese Kimono Tea Ceremony on 25th of January, Friday, at 10:00am, please confirm your presence until 18th of January, Friday, 12:00am. Have in mind that the limit is 15 people. If you need more information please call Miwako Note, phone: 0878 254 740.

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December calendar Wk

Monday 26

Tuesday 27

Wednesday 28

Thursday 29

Friday 30

Saturday 1

Sunday 2 9.00–19.00: IWC Charity Bazaar

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10.30: “Thank You” Coffee Morning

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Charity Projects’ Applications

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January calendar Wk

Monday 31

Tuesday 1

Wednesday 2

Thursday 3

Friday 4

Saturday 5

Sunday 6

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12.30: Montly Lunch

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18.30: “Thank You” Cocktail

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10.00: Japanese Tea Ceremony

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DECEMBER birthdays Teodora Petrova Ivanova – 6 December Rossalina Koehler – 9 December Eva Kreuzer – 15 December Johanna Alcantara de Tejeda – 15 December Angela Bird – 20 December

Maria Aiza Leavitt – 23 December Daniela Stoyanova – 24 December Jolanta Hines – 24 December Marieta Neykova – 27 December

January birthdays Lisa Freij – 4 January Maria Ilieva – 6 January Diana Michaels Christopher – 7 January Vassilka Dimitrova – 10 January

Emilia Slavova – 12 January Miwako Note – 18 January Linda Kim – 29 January

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. Co-ordinator of the group is Avantica Shinde, email: avantica@gmail.com.

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 enquire at CM to see who is leading this group, as there were changes.

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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