IWC Newsletter February 2019

February 2019

of the International Women’s Club-Sofia

24th IWC Bazaar Thank You Cocktail in Pictures

IWC Annual Contribution Awards – for the first time this year!

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

By now we clearly know that the we have achieved yet another successful IWC Bazaar. This year we had participation by 60 countries, we extend a big welcome to the newcomers – The Vatican, Monaco and Guatemala. The event was attended by over 10,000 people and we raised 383,525 leva with a few more pledges of donations to be reflected shortly.

Our new partnership with UniCredit Bulbank We had a full house at the - with Mr. Levon Hampartzoumian, CEO and IWC “Thank you cocktail“ at the Chairman Metropolitan hotel last week, our sponsors, donors and stall holders were delighted by our joint achievement to raise this significant amount of money to donate for the Bulgarian charities.

In return I thought that we should do something for them too, which brings me to the news – that starting from this year the IWC presented it’s Annual Contribution Awards to its Bazaar supporters during the Thank you cocktail. This will be annual awards, which will be given out With Mrs. Pamela Della Toffola, representing in 2 categories. The first one is the Italian stall. Italy recived the first prize to the top 3 stalls for raising the for top contributing stall during the 24th IWC most money on Bazaar day! The Charity Bazaar second one goes to the top 3 sponsors for gifting the highest amount of financial donation. This Award recognition is our way to express gratitude towards those with the biggest hearts!

The IWC’s small grant programme deadline was extended until the 10th of February to accommodate for more applicants after the Thank you cocktail. We look forward to complete the formation of a strong IWC Charity committee with your help, to start reviewing and evaluating the project applications.

As I noted at last month’s meeting, more members’ involvement is desirable!

By now most are aware that our organisation has added a second annual fundraising event to its calendar. This year we - the IWC - celebrate our 30th Anniversary and to mark the big occasion a wonderful Gala Dinner and Dance is planned for the beginning of June 2019, meaning not only to get your ball gowns and dancing shoes ready, but for us to get TOGETHER and create the most exciting and vibrant event of the summer! Thank you and I look forward to your contributions.

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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14 February Valentine’s Day

forbade marriage, the volunteers would become more ... And, as you might guess, that’s what he did. Somewhere in the ancient Roman empire lived the priest Valentin, who, in spite of the Emperor, married couples in love. While fulfilling his mission, he was captured and executed on 14 February 269AD for instigation.

The execution itself was more of a celebration because people sent him to his death with flowers and sweets. A hundred years later, people couldn’t forget what Valentine taught them and proclaimed him a saint and patron of the lovers.

On this date the lovers reveal to one another that they love each other. Originally an old Roman Catholic celebration in honor of St. Valentine, it probably began being associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages.

From: https://www.imenata.com/

As early as the 14th century on the same date, it became a tradition to exchange love messages in the form of the socalled valentines. The modern symbols of love are now the heart and the image of the winged Cupid. In the 20th century hand-

Trifon Zarezan Trifon Zarezan (or Vineyard Day) is a Bulgarian folk celebration in honor of St. Trifon.

It is celebrated by winemakers, falconers, gardeners and publicans on February 14 (Gregorian calendar) or February 1 (New calendar), when the Bulgarian Orthodox Church officially celebrates Trifonovden. The feast also dates back to Zarezanovden, Trifun Chipia, Trifun Zarezoj, Trifun the Drunkard.

written messages were replaced by mass-produced ready-made cards. The APC (Greeting Cards Association) has calculated that 1 billion greeting cards are sent each year, leaving behind only the Christmas cards. The association also estimated that women buy about 85% of all valentines.

The day of the vine grower - Trifon Zarezan, is dedicated to the work and love of the Bulgarians towards the vine, the grapes and the wine. For the first time this celebration was officially celebrated in Bulgaria in 1962 on the day of Holy Martyr Trifon.

With the introduction in 1968 of the Gregorian calendar by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the church feast for St. Trifon Zarezan began to be celebrated on February 1 and Vineyard Day on 14 February.

Despite all this, little is known about the real St. Valentine and the information is scarce.

The most common story about Valentine’s Day is that in the good old days, Emperor Claudius recruited volunteers for his army, but none of the men wanted to fight and die, leaving his beloved and his family alone, so few appeared. Then Claudius had the crazy idea that if he

According to the Bulgarian custom, on the holiday the farmers go out into the vineyards and cut down several sticks, water the roots of the vine with wine and bless: “Like drops, as many carts with grape”.

The culmination of the feast is the election of the “King of the Vineyards” - usually a good farmer who is considered lucky to be able to bear fruit during his “reign”.

From: http://www.mzh.government.bg

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Kukeri The Bulgarian folk custom of Kukerstvo in our lands originated more than 8000 years ago. It celebrates the passing of the heavy winter and the arrival of summer fertility. In different parts of Bulgaria the Kukers go out at different times – in January, February and March.

They have different names: Babugeri, Pesyaci, Mechkari, Sirviskari, Kukove. The Kukers combine male and female clothes and wear fearful masks, with hanging bells on their waists, and carrying swords or clubs to frighten and expel the barren winter and the evil spirits so that the spring can come and carry a fruitful year.

Kukers’ game recreates the connection between nature and man, land - woman, plowing - possessing, seeding - fertilizing, grain - male seed; the death of the winter - the killing of the King; the coming of spring the resurrection of the King. The motions of the Kukers have the meaning of casting spells; the throbbing movements of the red-painted swords recreate the fer-

tilizing movements of sexual intercourse; jumping is to make wheat grow high; shaking and falling – the wheat is heavy from abundance; the rolling on the ground – so the man gains from earth’s power; the clanging of the bells - to scare and expel evil forces.

The custom is part of the boy’s initiation to family life, which he must undergo in order to get to know and prepare for his life after the wedding. Any young man who did not participate in the custom would have only the “second hand” choice of a bride from the ranks of the unhealthy and widowed.

Today, Kukerovden is a joyful celebration, the meaning of which is to recreate the past and to bring people together for joy. http://www.igranka.com/

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The last IWC gatherings for 2018 The last stall holders meeting for 2018 was held in November and was kindly hosted at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence.

zaar Coordinator Nicole Simmons. The stall holders packs were distributed by the IWC Office Manager Zarina Benoun-Takova and Bazaar tickets went on sale by Ticketportal. All present were excited for the upcoming 24th IWC Annual Charity Bazaar. The residence was full of happy and cheerful people, here are some selfies reflecting the smiles of the stall holders and Bazaar team members!

As the most important final meeting before the Bazaar it was attended by a large number of stall holders. A detailed guidance presentation was given by the IWC Ba-

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The last IWC gatherings for 2018 The last IWC members lunch of 2018 was organised in November by the IWC President.

iterranean cuisine and fine wine in a sophisticated setting.

I had the opportunity to organise our club’s monthly lunch in November. The venue I choose, based on recommendations of IWC member Veneta Pissarska, was The House with the Clock Restaurant. Besides its central location and being one of the emblematic resturants of Sofia, the restaurant offers Med-

The delicious classic meals have a hint of the untraditional style of chef Georgi Yanev.

The lunch was very popular and attended by many members. Pleasant conversations flowed, we raised a toast to a successful Bazaar and enjoyed ourselves till mid afternoon.

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The last IWC gatherings for 2018 The final Coffee morning of 2018 was a special one, as our club tradition goes our December monthly gathering is a Thank you Coffee morning.

After a short presentation, we had a big raffle draw with a lot of wonderful prizes, as it was also the festival season and we wanted to create an extra special cheerful atmosphere.

We invite along all the Bazaar stall holders to cellebrate with us and to thank them for their support and hard work during the Bazaar. It’s also our chance to take a deep breath and realise that we have done it once again...better than before.

Here are the many prizes winners and smiling IWC ladies.

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January highlights Monthly Coffee Morning 8 January

Monthly Lunch 14 January

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Tea Kimono Ceremony 25 January

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24th IWC Bazaar Thank You Cocktail in Pictures

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Thank You Cocktail in Pictures Top Contributing Stall 1. Italy – 20396.24 BGN

2. Lebanon – 14670.50 BGN

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3. Greece – 12722.46 BGN

Thank You Cocktail in Pictures Top Sponsor 1. Contour Global Maritsa East 3 – 7000 BGN

2. Novo Nordisk Pharma EAD – 5000 BGN

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3. Assarel-Medet JSC, Bulgaria – 5000 BGN

Thank You Cocktail in Pictures

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Thank You Cocktail in Pictures

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Thank You Cocktail in Pictures

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Thank You Cocktail in Pictures

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Thank You Cocktail in Pictures

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FEBRuary birthdays Selene Petrunova Roz – 8.02 Rositsa Ivanova – 14.02

Desislava Ivanova – 19.02 Teodora Houry – 21.02

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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FEBRUARY EVENTS 12/02/2019 10:30

Contact: 0884192407 A step-by-set acrylic painting workshop, designed for unexperienced painters and beginners who would like to discover their inner art abilities.

MCM CAPELLA PLAY, SOFIA PARK CENTER 2 Arsenalski Blvd.

14/02/2019 19:00-23:30

Price: 40BGN All materials included Complimentary: Salad Bar (3 - 4 variety), Wine, soft Drinks (water,coffee, tea) Max. 10 Participants / Min. 6 participants

Valentine’s Day @ SPOT Bar 33 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd.

We will spend the Day of Love all Together with some surprises prepared from the host. đ&#x;Œš For All Ladies – Free Welcome Drink! đ&#x;?ˇ

22/02/2019 12:30 Monthly lunch MAMO wine and food 11 Parensov Str.

15/02/2019 19:00-22:30 Love Retro Party, Sugar Club, 121 Knyaz Boris I Str. Every attendee will pay for their own consumption

12/02/2019 and 22/02/2019 10:00

16/02/2019 15.30-19.30

Sequoia Events - Silver Clay Workshops Date: February, 12 and 22 @10:00am Duration: Approx. 4 hours

Chicolatti, 10 Macedonia Blvd., Chocolate workshop Make your own special chocolate selection, by painting the polycarbonate molds, choosing the ganache flavors, using the tempering chocolate machine, and take home your precious.

6 to 8 ppl, cost 80.00 BGN – if 8 ladies – price will be 75.00

Fee: 130 BGN Including 10 gr Silver Clay, Silver Paste Approx.

2 gr, Pure Silver Bail Back, 925 Sterling Silver Chain or ear hooks/posts, and the usage of the tools.

Coffee, tea and cakes are complimentary.

Address: Sasha Popov 5, Boyana Contact: Fatma Senem Ustun fsustun@gmail.com GSM: 0889103323

18/02/2019 10:30 Acrylic on Canvas Painting workshop by Johanna Alcantara 9 Akademik Ivan Buresh Str. Time: From: 10:30 am (approx. 3hrs.)

February calendar Wk

Monday 28

Tuesday 29

Wednesday 30

Thursday 31

Friday 1

Saturday 2

Sunday 3

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6

7

8

9

10

12

13

14

15

16

17

5

6

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10.30: MCM 10.00: Silver Clay Workshops

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18 8

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19.00–23.30: 19.00–22.30: 15.30–19.30: Valentine’s Day Love Retro Party Chocolate workshop

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10.30: Acrylic on Canvas Painting

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22

23

24

2

3

10.00: Silver Clay Workshops 12.30: Monthly Lunch

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27

28

9

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1