June 2015

Newsletter

June 2015

of the International Women’s Club in Sofia

Bulgarian Midsummer: Enyovden

A fairwell to babas in Petrovo

A great selection of events in June

Next Monthly Coffee Morning: Wednesday, 1st July at British Residence

17, Patriarh Evtimiy blvd., Sofia 1142 +359 2 819 20 20; +359 882 600 600 www.UES.bg

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Letter from the President Dear Ladies, The good weather it seems is now finally upon us and our thoughts are turning to the holidays, warm days and relaxing with friends and family. With this in mind we hope we have come up with some great events for you to try in June.

As mentioned at the coffee morning last month, we will be hosting an open day every month (apart from August) at the IWC office in Sofia Business Park. The theme of the open day this month is ‘Membership’. If you would like to discuss membership rules, ideas for change, additional criteria or views on how we move our membership forward then we would like to hear from you.

It has been very encouraging for the board to see many of you coming forward with ideas for events and attending the events we have planned for you. It makes it easier to arrange when these are the activities you want to organise and attend. Having been to the lunch at Confetti and ‘Favourites of the East’ hosted by our Japanese members Maki and Miwako, I can safely say that anything to do with food is very popular!

This month we are offering a variety of activities from silk painting and jewellery workshops to afternoon tea and an international pot luck, something, we hope, to suit all tastes! Some of these activities do require a small payment, usually this is a nominal fee to cover the cost of goods supplied. So I am asking that when you sign up, please check if there is a cost and pay the small deposit that is required.Most of these events are planned with a minimum attendance in mind and it is only fair to the organisers that we respect their commitment by returning the favour.

You may also want to bring a little extra Leva with you to spend at our two commercial tables, one with gorgeous baby clothes and the other, beautiful hand painted scarves, I guarantee they will be hard to resist!

We are trying to get together some exciting prizes for the coffee morning Tombola, if you can help in securing any donations, please contact the office. This month we have a voucher for a stay at the brand new ClubHotel Riu Helios Paradise on the Black Sea, make sure you buy your tickets for a chance of winning this great prize! The money raised from the Tombola usually goes back into the club funds but occasionally the money raised is given as a one off donation to a good cause, this month we will be donating the money to Penka Dzhorzhakova from Trojan and her bedridden daughter who is also a single mother and has currently no means of supporting herself. So even more reason to purchase your tickets!

Finally, As you may know, we like to change the venue of the monthly coffee morning in the summer to take advantage of the lovely weather, so I am pleased to announce that the newly appointed British Ambassador in Bulgaria, Emma Hopkins, has kindly offered to host our July coffee morning in the gardens of the British Residence. To accommodate this the date of the July coffee morning has been changed to Wednesday 1 July, We will pass on further details in due course and we look forward to seeing you there, In the meantime I wish you all a very happy June.

Angela Bird

President Angela Bird 0879 119 152 president@iwc-sofia.org

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

IWC Executive Board 2015-2016 Treasurer Sibeal Reynolds 0879 506 800/ 0878 741 888 treasurer@iwc-sofia.org

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

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

Office Manager/Newsletter Editor: office@iwc-sofia.org admin@iwc-sofia.org tel.: 02 951 6117

Bazaar Coordinator Toi Castelló 0879 506 799 charitybazaar@iwc-sofia.org

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

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Cover image courtesy of: Enyovden, http://www.gocenter.bg/

We appreciate your support

Thank you Wonder Group for looking regularly after our children during coffee mornings!

We are grateful to Lyuba Tours for continuously organising tours for club members.

Permanent and Waterproof PRINT on LIVE ROSES

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.

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 rec-

ommendations 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 dates in June 2nd June, Festa della Repubblica, Italy Festa della Repubblica (in English, Republic Day) is the Italian National Day and Republic Day, which is celebrated on 2nd June each year. The day commemorates the institutional referendum held by universal suffrage in 1946, in which the Italian people were called to the polls to decide on the form of government, following the Second World War and the fall of Fascism. With 12,717,923 votes for a republic and 10,719,284 for the monarchy, the male descendants of the House of Savoy were sent into exile. To commemorate it, a grand military parade is held in central Rome, presided over by the President of the Italian Republic in his role as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister, formally known as the President of the Council of Ministers and other high officers of state also attend. There are important celebrations in all the Italian embassies and foreign heads of state are invited. Even though the main parade is in Rome, many Italian cities celebrate the day as well.

Prior to the foundation of the Republic, the Italian national day was the first Sunday in June, anniversary of the granting of the “Statuto Albertino”, the constitution that Charles Albert of Sardinia conceded to the Kingdom of Sardinia in Italy on 4 March 1848 (the Statute later became the constitution of the unified Kingdom of Italy and remained in force, with changes, until 1948). Until 1977 this was the date of the celebrations for the 1948 foundation of the republic. The 2nd June date for it became official in 2000.

5th June, Denmark Constitution Day Denmark celebrates its Constitution Day or ‘Grundlovsdag’ as it is called in Danish, on June 5th. This day commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the constitution of 1849, which made Denmark a constitutional monarchy, and laid out the framework of the Danish democracy.

The Danish society is rooted in the constitution of 1849, and its political system has been characterized by a multi-party structure. The constitution of 1849 defines the rights and privileges of the Danish citizens such as the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

The Constitution Day of Denmark also holds historic significance as voting rights for women were granted on June 5th, 1915, and few decades later, in 1953, on this day the Danish constitution was adopted.

In Denmark, the Constitution Day comes closest to a national day. While it is marked with political speeches that refresh the goals and ideals enshrined in the constitution, this day also is an occasion for people enjoy a public holiday and the Danish summers.

One of the world’s oldest monarchies, Denmark traces its roots back to the days of Viking Age and King Gorm.

The term Denmark has been found on Jelling Stone, the eminent runestones, which was found around 900 AD. The history of Denmark has been particularly shaped by its geographical location between the North and Baltic seas. A power struggle developed between Sweden and Germany to gain control over the Baltic Sea, and Denmark found itself continuously enmeshed between the two.

Over the years, many historic events shaped the character of this nation that peacefully became a constitutional monarchy in 1849, after European Revolutions of 1848. Its present size is the outcome of 400 years of forced abdication of land, and lost wars. Yet, in the modern day history Denmark holds a vital position as it became the founding member of United Nations and NATO. 5

6th June, D-Day (The Normandy landings) The Normandy landings (codenamed Operation Neptune) were the landing operations on 6 June 1944 (termed D-Day) of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. The largest seaborne invasion in history, the operation began the invasion of Germanoccupied western Europe, led to the liberation of France from Nazi control, and contributed to an Allied victory in the war.

The amphibious landings were preceded by extensive aerial and naval bombardment and an airborne assault—the landing of 24,000 British, US, and Canadian airborne troops shortly after midnight. Allied infantry and armoured divisions began landing on the coast of France at 06:30. The target 50-mile (80 km) stretch of the Normandy coast was divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword Beach. Strong winds blew the landing craft east of their intended positions, particularly at Utah and Omaha. The men landed under heavy fire from gun emplacements overlooking the beaches, and the shore was mined and covered with obstacles such as wooden stakes, metal tripods, and barbed wire, making the work of the beach clearing teams difficult and dangerous. Casualties were heaviest at Omaha, with its high cliffs. At Gold, Juno, and Sword, several fortified towns were cleared in house-to-house fighting, and two major gun emplacements at Gold were disabled using specialised tanks.

The Allies failed to achieve all of their goals on the first day. Carentan, St. Lô, and Bayeux remained in German hands, and Caen, a major objective, was not captured until 21 July. Only two of the beaches (Juno and Gold) were linked on the first day, and all five bridgeheads were not connected until 12 June. However, the operation gained a foothold that the Allies gradually expanded over the coming months. German casualties on D-Day were around 1,000 men. Allied casualties were at least 10,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead. Museums, memorials, and war cemeteries in the area host many visitors each year.

6th June, National Day of Sweden National Day of Sweden, formerly known as Swedish Flag Day is celebrated every year on 6th June. The main purpose of this holiday is to celebrate Swedish independence in memory of when the Sweden kingdom was founded. The celebration dates back to 1916 at the start of the Olympics which is where it was first observed. National Day of Sweden became a public holiday in 2005.

Many citizens see this holiday as a day to take a break from work although there are more significant reasons for celebrating this day. It is celebrated by all residents of Sweden regardless of religion or culture. It brings residents of the state together to celebrate this holiday as well as celebrating diversity. Most people see this day as a significant one due to its feeling of being worthy to live in a free and independent country. National Day of Sweden allows the residents of Sweden to reflect on what it means to be a citizen of the country as well as giving them the opportunity to learn about the Nation's history.

Celebrations of National Day of Sweden can take many forms. Most celebrations take place in museums where history about the nation is on display. At the Skansen Museum people come together to wave Swedish flags, listen to leaders make speeches and dancing traditional Swedish celebration dances. The King and Queen also take part in the procession to the museum. Many people go for picnic with family and friends or keep party in their home.

Another activity that takes place during the celebration of National Day of Sweden is welcoming new Swedish citizens. New immigrants feel a part of the country making it even more special to those individuals.

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13th June 2015, Trooping the Colour, UK The custom of Trooping the Colour dates back to the time of Charles II in the 17th century when the Colours of a regiment were used as a rallying point in battle and were therefore trooped in front of the soldiers every day to make sure that every man could recognise those of his own regiment. In London, the Foot Guards used to do this as part of their daily Guard Mounting on Horse Guards and the ceremonial of the modern Trooping the Colour parade is along similar lines. The first traceable mention of The Sovereign's Birthday being 'kept' by the Grenadier Guards is in 1748 and again, after George III became King in 1760, it was ordered that parades should mark the King's Birthday. From the accesssion of George IV they became, with a few exceptions and notably the two World Wars, an annual event.

This impressive display of pageantry is now held on the occasion of the Queen's Official Birthday. It takes place in June each year to celebrate the official Birthday of the Sovereign and is carried out by her personal troops, the Household Division, on Horse Guards Parade, with the Queen herself attending and taking the salute.

Since 1987, The Queen has attended in a carriage rather than riding, which she did before that on 36 occasions, riding side-saddle and wearing the uniform of the regiment whose Colour was being trooped. The regiments take their turn for this honour in rotation as operational commitments permit.

Over 1400 officers and men are on parade, together with two hundred horses; over four hundred musicians from ten bands and corps of drums march and play as one. Some 113 words of command are given by the Officer in Command of the Parade. The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again.

Between June 21st and June 25th, Midsummer (St John’s Day) Midsummer, also known as St John's Day, is the period of time centered upon the summer solstice, and more specifically the Northern European celebrations that accompany the actual solstice or take place on a day between June 21 and June 25 and the preceding evening. The exact dates vary between different cultures. The Christian Church designated June 24 as the feast day of the early Christian martyr St John the Baptist, and the observance of St John's Day begins the evening before, known as St John's Eve. These are commemorated by many Christian denominations In Sweden the Midsummer is such an important festivity that there have been serious discussions to make the Midsummer's Eve into the National Day of Sweden, instead of June 6. It may also be referred to as St. Hans Day. On Midsummer day Bulgarians celebrate the so-called Enyovden. On the same day the Eastern Orthodox church celebrates the day of John the Baptist and the rites and traditions of both holidays are often mixed. A fire-related ritual is also performed in Bulgaria on that day, it involves barefoot dance on smoldering embers and is called Nestinarstvo. Bulgarian folklore states the beginning of summer starts on Enyovden. It is thought that in the morning of Enyovden, when the sun rises, it “winks’ and “plays”. Anyone seeing the sunrise will be healthy throughout the year. It is believed that on Enyovden a variety of herbs have the greatest healing power, and that this is especially true at sunrise. Therefore, they have to be picked early in the morning before dawn. Women–sorceresses and enchantresses go to gather herbs by themselves to cure and make charms. The herbs gathered for the winter must be 77 and a half – for all diseases and for the nameless disease.

Materials curtesy of: http://changing-guard.com/, http://goscandinavia.about.com, http://en.wikipedia.org, http://www.calendarlabs.com/ , http:// www.mapsofworld.com

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Charity update Dear Ladies, What a month - so many donations received and still receiving that we have no time for any rest. Special thanks to all our donors and especially to the US Embassy in Bulgaria, which once again invited us to collect what was not sold during the Spring Bazaar last Saturday.

Around the World in a Day! More info you can find in the charity events.

Also the charity visit to Chuprene visit is another opportunity for all of you who would like to know more about this project and a chance to enjoy the beauties of northwestern Bulgaria.

The charity team not only received but also donated - van full of clothes, a desk and TVs were shipped to the social home in Petrovo during the monthly visit on May 6th. Another van full of clothes and more donations went straight to the refugees. In recent months IWC has become an active contributor to the refugee cause with several in-kind donations.

I wish you wonderful summer days in June!

Please do not hesitate to contact me or the rest of the charity team if you have more questions!

I would like to encourage you to join the members of the IWC Team for the upcoming event of the Hilton Hotel and Cedar Foundation on June 7th, 2015 -

Regards,

Maria Ilieva

An emblematic project for IWC –”The Baba Program” came to its end The Charity Foundation is very proud of all the projects it finances, but there was one that has become emblematic for the club – “The Baba Program”. The uniqueness of this project was that children from orphanages had a the opportunity to receive personalised care of a specially allocated ‘baba’, who was devoted on a daily basis to give love and care for individually for a particular child. All of these children suffer from severe and permanent mental disabilities and are often forgotten by their own parents, some are even abandoned at birth. Through this project they were helped to establish a strong relationship with their ‘babas’ (baba in Bulgarian means grandmother), even though they do not have any biological ties with these women. On the other hand, the women were given the chance of fulfilment by taking care of someone, thus compensating for the lack of contact with their own kin, often living far away in a distant region of the country.

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Over the years the project has evolved, adding new activities, the relationship between children and their babas grew stronger. We were able to witness how the life of children with extremely severe mental disabilities for which routine medical care had simply no solution began to change in a positive direction.

With the change of social strategy in Bulgaria the social homes in which the project was operating had to be transformed into different social entities. As a foundation we can hope that children will continue to live in even better environments and will continue to receive a lot of love. And as everything has a beginning and an end, the day came when we had to put an end to the Baba Project.

On May 6, we traveled 500 kilometres to meet with our friends from Macedonia Outreach and organised together a small farewell party for our loving babas. The event was very emotional – a lot of tears, hugs and kisses. The babas had prepared a special gift for us - they sang several beautiful songs.

Although the project ended, the Charity committee decided in January 2015 to continue to support financially and with in-kind donations the home in Petrovo, which is being transformed in to a residential care home for adults with mental disabilities.

Charity events in June 2015 was 10 000 BGN and was apportioned within the Charity budget in 2014.

“Around the World in a Day” Would you like to join the IWC team at the Hilton Hotel event “Around the World in a Day” on June 7th? The bigger the IWC team the better opportunity we will have to support our partners from Cedar Foundation and Hilton Hotel, plus we will also get a chance for outdoor activities and fun with friends. Participation for IWC members is free, a small fee will apply to non-members.

We have been invited as special guests by the Mayor of Chuprene and his wife after the visit to go to the Municipality hall and join the Chuprene village fete.

There are still two seats available in the IWC van and the Charity team will be very glad if someone would like to join, so please let us know in advance so we can book the overnight. For more info please send your request to charity@iwc-sofia.org.

Book your participation in advance, please (till June 3rd, 2015) and write to charity@iwc-sofia.org.

Charity committee

Charity trip to Chuprene with an opportunity to join the village fair

The committee will take place on June 25th between 13:00 – 14:30 at IWC office and will be open to all IWC members. Don’t miss a great opportunity to discuss different charity issues or to share your ideas. Please sign for the event on charity@iwc-sofia.org.

Maria Ilieva and the charity team would like to invite you to join them on a charity trip on June 13-14th to the village of Chuprene (Northwest Bulgaria), situated near the beautiful town of Belogradchik.

We are looking for extra helpers!

On this trip we will be visiting two residential care homes for people with mental disabilities, one of which is fully furnished and equipped with the financial support of IWC-Sofia. The amount of donation for the equipment

If you would like to find out more about the projects we are working on and to get involved actively in the collection, delivery and distribution of donations, please, contact us!

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Corplus helps Children Achieve in a National English Spelling Bee

“ Reach for your Dreams… Don’t just get a job to be rich…”

The Ministry of Education’s representative offered wise advice, at an exciting event held at Sofia’s Hilton, May 10. She advised students to uncover their dreams, using this achievement as a step towards self-discovery. Rather than aim for mere financial or professional assets, serve others.

Thirty finalists aged 11-14 were contestants in the National English Spelling Bee this month, so the youngest may return next year and “try again.” More than 6000 Bulgarians from 360 locations, October to May participated all across Bulgaria this year. The winner came from Veliko Turnovo, but many cities, including Sliven, Pernick, Ruse, and Plovdiv were represented.

The event was a lesson in team work. Clearly, contestants not only learned to spell; they also learned good sportsmanship. Successful cooperation between many ‘moving’ parts was implicit both on and off the stage. First, of course, the children, parents and their teachers dedicated time month after month to read, write and (yes) spell English. Next many donors and sponsors provided financial assistance. Lastly, Valya Zavylova, director of Corplus’ events, organized the spelling competition as an annual spectacle. She explained rules and guidelines in the national as well as regional process. Spelling English correctly was seen as the goal but just as one part of learning language.

IWC members both this year and in the past have volunteered as judges or local helpers for the spelling bee process in villages and cities across Bulgaria. Also, the Bee’s creator, Felicia Bivens, was a member of the IWC while she lived and worked in Bulgaria as a Peace Corp volunteer.

The executive director of Corplus, Dimitar Tsekov calmly guided excited children, parents and teachers, thro’ the day, leading them to quiet down, settle in and find their seats. Many donors, like America for Bulgaria Foundation, the US Embassy, and other corporate sponsors provided satchels, gifts, awards and “winner cups” for each child and teacher no matter if they “won or lost.” At the end, Apple Tablets were awarded to the last two standing contestants, the winners.

Yet an important reminder was given to both finalists, parents and the audience: “Today, all of you win,” said Jean Olson, press attache of the United States Embassy. She told the children, “Just by getting here, each one of you has proven you already are a winner.”

Although at the end, one contestant is “number one,” she insisted that each finalist was noteworthy because they exhibited key character traits of a winner: persistence, focus and a positive attitude. The quality of the child’s work and continual success in their region’s school brought achievement.

Humorous stories of childhood spelling bees salted her speech and Ms. Olson served and enlivened the event, helping each person see the vital role they played in a student’s success.

With or without the trophy, she concluded, “You are a winner”.

Becky Faber 10

Learn how to cook delicious, healthy meals that can help prevent cancer.

On Friday, May 8th I attended a Cancer Fighting Foods workshop hosted by health coach Olga Volzhina at her home in Bistritsa. Olga and Mazie Hollenbaugh, both graduates of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, take turns hosting hands on cooking workshops that focus on healthy living meant to enhance one’s life by increasing energy and vitality, and decreasing allergies and illness.

Each session begins with theory and discussion, followed by a cooking demonstration, and finally eating the tasty lunch everyone helped to prepare. The big idea of the Cancer Fighting Foods class was that only a minor percent of cancer is hereditary, thus the majority of cancer is lifestyle driven. By being conscience of our lifestyle choices and diet, we can actually decrease our chances of a cancer diagnosis. Our discussion focused on foods to avoid in order to lower the risk of cancer, such as red and processed meat, sugar, and diary. We also explored cancer fighting foods such as berries, walnuts and pecans, green tea, fermented organic soy, garlic and turmeric. Research has found that s foods high in fibre like broccoli and cauliflower, as while as dark leafy vegetables like spinach can actually reduce cancer. While only a very small percent of meat is recommended in a healthy diet, the gelatine found in the bones of meat is a strong example of a cancer fighting food.

After a very educational discussion we moved on to Olga’s spacious kitchen where began to prepare Bone Broth Soup. Since the broth of the soup is made from the bone of an animal, it provides the cancer fighting agent of gelatine. Gelatine was also an ingredient in a delicious dessert of strawberry aloe cream ‘panna cotta’. All our hard work paid off when we celebrated with a healthy and tasty lunch of bone broth soup and strawberry ‘panna cotta’. Olga is not only a very knowledgeable teacher, but a good cook. I felt happy, healthy and satisfied knowing that I fed my body and mind with wholesome food and life improving information.

Amy Dincuff

Arigato Maki and Miwako!

Maki told us about Children's Day celebration on May 5th, automatic toilettes and how taxis in Tokyo open and close their doors automatically, among many more interesting things. We were taught how to make an origami crane, and were very lucky to have a step by step demonstration. It is a tradition to give 1000 cranes tied in a string to wish good health to somebody ill. Miwako showed us how to write our names using Japanese calligraphy. And then it was time to enjoy some amazing Japanese food, and last but not least we also had a demonstration of how to make sushi! Finally the "Japanese Tea Ceremony" followed accompanied by a scrumptious green tea cake.

Thank you, Maki and Miwako, for the wonderful introduction to Japanese culture!

Sara Sedó 11

KODOMONO-HI

GREETING

In Japan, people greet each other by bowing.

We generally celebrate May 5 as "Children's day", which is one of Japanese national holidays. Another name of "Children's day" is "Boy's festival”. The purpose of "Children's day" was to celebrate children's happiness and to respect their individual. Many people eat some traditional sweets to celebrate the special day. "Colourful carp banners" and "helmet" are symbols displayed by parents to celebrate "Children's day”. Many parents display them hoping that children will grow up with courage and wisdom.

A bow can range from a small nod of the head to a deep bend at the waist. A deeper, longer bow indicates respect and conversely a small nod with the head is casual and informal. Bowing with your palms together at chest level is not customary in Japan. If the greeting takes place on tatami floor, people get on their knees to bow. Bowing is also used to thank, apologise, make a request or ask someone a favour.

"Kashiwa-mochi", rice cake wrapped in an oak leaf, and " Chimaki", rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, are also common as a Japanese sweets to celebrate "Children's day”. In Japan many people believe "kashiwamochi" is a symbol of prosperity of their descendants.

On the other hand "Chimaki" has been familiar among the people as a protective charm.

ORIGAMI Origami is an amusement and a skill of folding square paper without using glue or scissors to shape things such as animals, flowers, boxes, and so on. It is a traditional Japanese art, and in particular the crane is widely recognised as the masterpiece of origami. In Japan cranes are valued especially as animals symbolising long life and are often used for festive designs and decorations.

1,000 folded cranes linked together by thread are called senbazuru (One Thousand Cranes) and are made and given to a sick person with the wish for a sooner recovery and for long life.

SHODO Shodo is the art of drawing characters with a brush and Indian ink. It originally came from China, but in Japan Chinese characters (kanji) were combined with the Japanese syllabary (kana), devised in Japan, to create this unique character art. With a brush soaked in ink you can freely control, unlike with a pen, the thickness and the tone of the characters. That is how the calligraphers are able to express their spirits and ideas.

A brush is sometimes used when we write New Year’s cards and shodo is included in the school curriculum in Japan.

Maki Miyamoto 12

Argentinian National Day celebration

Cooking demonstration at Maria Naslednikova

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Membership news Birthdays

Dear Ladies, Can you, help us create a section with advice and information on favourite places you would recommend to newcomers for our new "Help for Newbies" section of the newsletter in September? Please tell us your favourite places for hairdresser, colourist, movie place for family, reliable car mechanic, handyman, babysitters, picnic site, best plumber, place for a romantic date, kids park for sport and bike, kids party location?

Sandra Guilder, 1st June Avantica Shinde Nielsen, 4th June Dorothy Tomalin, 8th June Nomsa Motloung, 11th June Sandra Malenfant, 22nd June

Or you may have some other ideas you want to suggest for new people.

Federica Sette, 26th June

If you have any information to share, could you write a quick e-mail during the summer months to the office, please? We will then gather all the info and publish it in the September issue of the newsletter.

Dessislava Sevlievska, 27th June

Ongoing activities bers) and usually meet on the last Thursday of the month at 10:30am. For more information contact: Dorothy Tomalin on her email: dorothy.tomalin@gmail.com.

Charity Action Group 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 follow-up 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 & on the website. Contact Maria Ilieva on 0878 300 561 or at charity@iwc-sofia.org.

Architecture/Archaeology/History Club Calling all history buffs, and anyone else who is interested in exploring the rich culture and architecture of modern and ancient Bulgaria! The group meets once a month for walks around town or to visit museums, attend lectures, go on trips outside Sofia, etc. The cost of the trips will be divided amongst the members. The time and day of the week will be determined depending on all the group members’ convenience. Sign up at the Monthly Coffee Morning. For information contact: Lyuba Boianin at lyuboslava@yahoo.com.

Newcomers’ Coffee Morning Newcomers get togethers are usually organised once a month or as required. They are smaller gatherings, often in members homes, where it is easier to talk to others and to find out what the club is all about and what it can offer you. The date of the next such meeting is in the calendar at the back of this newsletter. For more information, contact the Vice President Maria Naslednikova at maria_nas@abv.bg or call her on 0879 119 150.

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!

Local Coffee Groups Local coffee gatherings take place in different homes (on a rotating basis) for people who live in the same neighbourhood.

These get-togethers, at which coffee and snacks are served, enable people to become better acquainted in an intimate atmosphere. The Lozenets Coffee Group is organised by Emilia Slavova (emilia@audioarte-bg.com). Please contact her for more information. For more information about the Dragolevtsi/ Simeonovo/Boyana coffee group, please contact Sandra Guilder at sandrasbulgaria@aol.com. Anyone interested in starting/joining other local groups, please contact Maria Naslednikova at maria_nas@abv.bg.

Bulgarian Language Group Elina Kirova is a professional teacher and translator. The Bulgarian conversation or language group meets every Friday from 11:00 AM–12:30 PM at the IWC Office. For further details, please contact Elina Kirova at elinakirova@yahoo.com, or sign up at the monthly coffee morning.

French Conversation Group

Book Club

For more information, contact the Vice President Maria Naslednikova at maria_nas@abv.bg or call her on 0879 119 150.

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 (voted on by the mem-

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English Conversation Group

Zumba

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.

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness program created in Colombia during the 1990s. Get your body ready to Zumba!

The classes are taught by instructor Galya, who speaks excellent English, at Stadium Vasil Levski in the city centre. Each lesson costs 7 BGN per person. The classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. For more details, you can visit their website at http://www.bodyartkally.com/index-en.php. Sign up at the coffee morning or contact Monika Slosarikova on 0877 997 075 or monika.slosarikova@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 Toi Castelló on 0882 008 518 or write her an e-mail: iotcas@gmail.com.

Henna Indian Body Art Avantica Shinde Nielsen would like to offer classes to our members to share this wonderful traditional Indian art style.

Each beginner’s course is 4 weeks, once per week. Day and timings will be decided according to the convenience of the group members. All materials will be provided. For more information and costs, please contact Avantica on her e-mail: avantica@gmail.com.

Children’s Dance Classes We are now offering ballet and hip hop dance classes for the children of IWC members. The instructors for the hip hop class are an award-winning and popular team. Every Saturday from 11:00 AM–12:00 noon. And while your kids are enjoying themselves, you can join the Bulgarian folk dance classes! The venue is the Dance Studio, which is centrally located. The address is ul. Skobelev 58. The price is 120 BGN for 4 classes for a group of 4 (about 7.5 BGN per class). The price goes down to 7 BGN per class if we have more than 4 kids enrolled. The price includes a bottle of water (0.5 l). For further information, please contact Avantica Shinde Nielsen on her mobiles at 0889 490 646 or e-mail avanticashinde@hotmail.com.

Patchwork Group The group meets every Monday from 10:00 AM-–12:00 PM 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.

Icon Painting Course

Mum and baby play group

Bulgaria is famous for its beautiful and colourful Christian icons. Learn to draw and paint your own icons. The classes are taught in English by a professional artist in Boyana. The entire course costs 150 BGN per group of 5 people. The cost of materials will be approx. 30–40 BGN, which is a one-time cost. The time and day of the week will be determined depending on all the group members’ convenience. There is an option for either a morning group or an afternoon group, or both. Everyone is welcome! Contact Sory Almonacid de Jan at 0894 716 182/0894 716 182 or (preferably) via e-mail at jansory1@yahoo.fr, jansory35@gmail.com.

It meets most Tuesdays at 10am and people take it in turns to host. Please, contact Amy Dincuff at adincuff22@ gmail.com.

Golf We meet every Wednesday and tee off at 10 o'clock, any one interested in playing email Sandra Guilder on sandrasbulgaria@aol.com or call 0879866790.

Cricket

Sculpture class

Devam Women's Cricket Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 PM at the National Sports Academy in Student City. If you are interested, contact Mona Kaushik at devamibsac@gmail.com. Age is no barrier! No fee!!! Let’s play cricket!!!

From copying an antique torso to studying Aphrodite’s head, this course will make you to familiar with classical clay modeling. All tools are provided at the atelier. Your finished art work will be turned into terra cotta (raw or glazed). Costs are 10 Leva per hour, lessons take 3:00 hours with a group of 3 to 5 people. Monday to Friday 9.30 – 13:00 and 12.30 – 16:00 with a lunch brake. Contact Sory Almonacid de Jan on 0894 716 182 or via e-mail at jansory1@yahoo.fr.

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 email list then please contact Lynne at: lynnegodding@gmail.com.

Choir Sofia Ladies International Choir (SLIC) is a ladies four part harmony choir here in Sofia. We sing everything from ancient to modern, sacred to secular and songs from different cultures .

Our rehearsals are conducted in English but we have sung in Latin, French, Spanish, Bulgarian and even Korean! Our practices take place in a music studio in Borovo district from 19.30 on a Wednesday evening. We are small but make a good sound and have already performed several short concerts at the Catholic Cathedral and the US Embassy. Our choir director is a Bulgarian/Canadian who is great fun. We are looking for some more good singers. The ability to read music would be an advantage but is not essential. For more info: Daniela Videv at danielavidev@hotmail.com.

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 or to join the mailing list, please contact Diane Tromans-Berg dianetromansberg@yahoo.co.uk or 0885 721 841.

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June events there’s a strict number limit of five people. Cost will be 40 leva for 3 hours. The artist’s studio is near Doctor’s Garden.

Sign up at coffee morning, giving a deposit please or Contact Becky Faber at beckyruthfaber@gmail.com.

Tuesday, 2nd June

10.30am: Coffee Morning at Matti-d

Wednesday. 3rd June

Tuesday, 9th June

10.00 – 11.00am: Open House at IWC Office Come share ideas with members of the executive board; we want to hear your thoughts and suggestions…Please arrive before 10.30 because board members are free to go unless a lady drops by in first half hour. Confirm if you wish, with. office on office@iwc-sofia.org

12.45pm: Newcomers lunch Please help us welcome new members, and (surprise!) enjoy delicious vegetarian food with us at Cabra. Let’s follow advice from our IWC Holistic health seminars, this month. Not only will you feel great but also you’ll love the flavors in unique salads / entrées! Cabra is on Oborishte, Dr’s Garden area. Sign up at coffee AM or Contact Becky Faber at beckyruthfaber@gmail.com.

Thursday, 4th June

10.30am-12.30pm: Movie “You Can Heal Your Life” and Talk You are invited for a special viewing of the inspirational film “You Can Heal Your Life - The Movie”. It is based on Louise L. Hay’s best-selling book “You Can Heal Your Life”. The film gives insights into her fascinating personal story and shows how her views on self-esteem, abundance, and the metaphysical causes behind physical ailments were developed.

Her philosophy has helped transform the lives of millions world-wide.

Tuesday, 9th June

10.30am – 12.30pm: Scrapbooking for Beginners Class (first one) A unique class for a popular hobby, taught by Avantica Nielsen! Save those memories, get those pictures and memorabilia in order! Techniques and tips shared freely. Materials, course and “Starter kit,” cost to be paid by participants. Contact: avantica@gmail.com. Lessons will be twice a month.

Join Certified and Licensed Heal Your Life® Workshop Leader and Life Coach, Sara Sedó, for a talk about how our thoughts and beliefs have a powerful effect on our well-being and in creating our life’s experiences. Learn how you can make positive and healthy life changes so that you may live the life you dream of! Donation of 10 lv per person (for Rojdestvo Hristovo Foundation). Space for 15 ladies. Address: Sofia Village. For more information and sign up contact Sara Sedó at sara.sedo@gmail.com.

Wednesday, 10th June

11.00am: "Beads, clasps, charms" (Back By Popular Demand!)

Please, come join a stellar jewelry workshop given by our own elegant Fatma. Nibble delightful Turkish fare both sweet and salty. Make a bracelet or necklace to take home. Eight (8) people may come, it costs 25 leva for materials. Please let us know; Contact IWC office i.e. office@iwc-sofia.org or sign up at coffee morning with deposit please.

Sunday, 7th June

Thursday, 11th June

10.00am – 3.00pm: “Around the World in a Day” Hilton event

12.30 pm: Join the ECG for lunch Do you have time for lunch at 12.30 on Thursdays? You are invited to join a lively and diverse set of ladies (the English Conversation Group) who want to include you. Contact Albena Jones, ECG coordinator, for details! TAKE CARE: please be sure you check, as location can change. Contact Albena Jones at albenajones@yahoo.co.uk to check location of lunch; also ask at coffee morning.

On June 7th 2015, Hilton Sofia will be hosting the Around the World in a Day charity event for a third year in a row. The aim of the initiative is to collectively complete the circumference of the Earth twice, in just one day (40,075.16 kilometres). It is organised together with DM Thomas Foundation for Young People, dedicated to helping disadvantaged and vulnerable young people and children.

Saturday – Sunday, 13th – 14th June overnight

Hilton Sofia is inviting its friends, families and the entire community of Sofia, to participate in lots of fun activities during the day to raise funds for Cedar Foundation, which has the same local mission like DMTFYP. To find out more, visit: https://dmthomasfoundation.org/what-we-do/programmes or the Around the World event page on www.facebook.com/ hiltonsofia.The bigger IWC team the better opportunity to support our partners from Cedar Foundation and Hilton Hotel, plus a chance for outdoor activities and fun with friends. Book your participation in advance (till June 3rd, 2015) on charity@iwc-sofia.org. Participation for IWC members is free, a small fee will apply to non-members.

Monday,

8th

Charity trip to Chuprene Village with opportunity to participate in a rural festival Maria Ilieva and the charity team would like to invite you to join them to a charity trip to Chuprene village (Northwest Bulgaria) near beautiful town of Belogradchik. We will visit two social care homes for people with mental disabilities; one of it is fully furnished and equipped with the financial support of IWC Sofia. The amount of donation for the equipment was 10 000 BGN and was a part of Budget 2014.

After the visit we are invited to be special guests of the Mayor of Chuprene village and his wife at the Municipality house and become part of Chuprene rural festival. There are still two seats available and the Charity team will be very glad if some of you would like to join, so please let us know in advance so we can book the overnight. For more info please send your request to charity@iwc-sofia.org.

June

10.00am – 1.00pm: Silk Scarf Painting Do you love daisies? Adore butterflies? Need a unique gift for that hard to “buy a present for” relative? Come paint on silk for 3 hrs with Emilia Popova and express your inner child. The silk fabric will have a design sketch of your choosing. Hurry,

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bring a vegetarian shish kebab, beef/ pork, hot dogs, or a dessert to share. Relax and let the summer jump off happily with this delightful BBQ. 10 leva deposit and limit of 15 people or 5 family units applies. Contact Albena Jones or Becky Faber at beckyruthfaber@gmail.com.

Tuesday, 16th June 10.30am-12.30pm: Felt Workshop Join the “Felt Ladies” from Rojdestvo Hristovo Foundation to learn the basics of needle felting. This Charity that the IWC has been supporting for many years has the mission of providing moral and material support for single mothers who raise their children alone in the city of Sofia. You will also have a chance to visit their home and buy some of their beautiful handicrafts made from natural materials. Nativity scenes can be ordered in advance. Price: 20 lv. per person (including material). Space for 15 ladies. Address: Rojdestvo Hristovo Foundation in Lyulin.

For more information and sign up contact Sara Sedó at sara.sed@gmail.com.

Tuesday, 23rd June 10.30am – 12.30pm: Scrapbooking for Beginners Class (second one) A unique class for a popular hobby, taught by Avantica Nielsen!

Must save those memories, phots. Materials, course and “Starter kit,” cost paid by participants. Contact Avantica Nielsen on: avantica@gmail.com. Lessons are twice a month.

Wedneday, 17th June

Thursday, 25th June

11.30am to 1.30pm: “Wine, Women and Song” – an Italian Intermezzo What wonders did Italy give us? Delicious vintages, amazing art, your favorite pasta sauces, and unforgettable songs. Come enjoy an “aperitivo” at Luisa’s, near the Radisson Hotel. It’s the right time for light lunch and the look, sound, tastes we all love!

A limit of 12 guests applies. Deposit of 10 leva required when you sign up, at coffee morning, please. Also contact IWC office: office@iwc-sofia.org.

1.00pm – 2:30 Charity Committee at IWC office.

The committee is open for all IWC members and it is a great opportunity to discuss different charity issues or to share your ideas. Please sign for the event on charity@iwc-sofia.org.

Sunday, 28th June 11.00am: Storytelling/Kids Corner Bring your child for a wonderful time of reading, chatting, sharing stories together to Cafe Coco in Lozenets. Coordinated by Avnatica: avantica@gmail.com.

Thursday, 18th June 1.00pm: Around the World Fun Pot Luck at Maria Barmina’s home / not far from Kempinski in Lozenets. Up to 10 people only. Everyone is requested to bring a small dish, preferably an item from their home country's cuisine. A deposit of 5 leva when you sign up for drinks etc. Contact to coordinate this event is Avantica at avantica@gmail.com.

Monday, 29th June t.b.c.: Amazing Afghan Lunch Come and share some amazing food specialties with unusual combinations and relax at Katya Royen’s home pool with us.. 10 leva deposit, limit 15 people; For confirmation, sign up at coffee morning WITH deposit please, or/contact IWC office: office@iwc-sofia.org.

Friday, 19th June 4.00pm: Celebrate School’s End @ BBQ with pool / games Can you Take Time For Family? Come to the home of Albena Jones in Bankia. In a classic “B.Y.O.” (bring your own) tradition

10.30: MCM

10.00: Silk scarf painting

10.30: Scrapbooking for Beginners 12.45: Newcomers lunch 10.30: Felt workshop

10.30: Scrapbooking for Beginners

10.00: Open house at IWC

11.00: ‘Beads, clasps, charms’

11.30: Italian Intermezzo

June calendar

10.30: ‘You can heal your life’ movie

10.30: Food sensitivities (see p. 16)

12.30: ECG Lunch

10.30: Raw detox (see p. 16)

13.00: ‘Around the World Fun Pot Luck’

16.00: BBQ with pool / games

13.00: Charity committee

t.b.c.: Amazing Afghan Lunch

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10.00: ‘Around the World in a day’

Trip to village of Chuprene with Charity team

11.00: Storytelling/ Kids Corner

Announcements SERIES OF HEALTH WORKSHOPS WITH HANDS-ON-COOKING

Get ready for the summer, get in your bikini shape!

Small group classes and new spring sessions starting now:

Lead by Mazie Hollenbaugh and Olga Volzhina, Certified Health Coaches (Institute for Integrative Nutrition®, NY)

Pilates, Brazilian Butt Lift,

June 5th 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Food sensitivities How to get rid of the symptoms - for good!

Check out what foods your body reacts to…then live happy.

Balettone, Core Barre Bikini Butt Camp Tuesdays and Fridays at 10am with Stela Hyde – Pironkova at F.D. Fitness at Kempinski Hotel

June 12th 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Raw detox Why everyone needs a detox and the program to get you started

stelapilates@gmail.com

Entry fee: 30 lv. per session booked at least 48 hours in advance (wtih 24 hour cancellation policy) 35 lv. – paid at the door for the last moment sign-ups

Dear IWC members, The IWC board is currently searching for contacts of companies and individuals who might be in the position to donate a replacement van to serve the charity team in the numerous collections and distributions of in-kind donations to various parts of Bulgaria. The current van has been in use by the IWC for more than ten years and is itself almost 20 years old. It has no air-conditioning and the rows of windows behind the driver’s seat do not open. It feels like a dusty and rusty sauna on wheels, especially during the summer months.

BG Roza special offer for IWC members

Order four bouquets of roses, get the fifth one free delivered with a personalised message! http://www.bgroza.com Minimum order of five roses in a box or one rose bundled up with a box of chocolates applies.

If you have any ideas, please could you write to: charity@iwcsofia.org.

Call Maya Alexandrova on 0896 895 230

Mercedes Sprinter 311 CDI LWB

Thank you!

The IWC Board

KEFIR grains for sale Date of manufacture: March 2009 Engine type: Disel, manual Passenger seats: 3 Colour: Metallic silver Revenue weight: 3500KG Gross Cylinder capacity: 2148 CC Wheelplan: 2-Axel-ridge body Millage: 212000 miles Specifications: Right hand drive (British), long wheel base

Extras: Parktronic, central locking, electrical mirrors, electrical windows, alarm, stereo The van is in perfect condition, has full service history.

Price: 16, 800 Leva/ 8, 400 EUR / 6, 700 GBP For more information: Albena Jones: 0988 935 985 albenajones@yahoo.co.uk

Get your starter packs:

50gr – 25 leva 100gr – 40 leva

Full instructions in English language included!!

Limited quantity available!

Contact Albena Jones on 0988 935 985. albenajones@yahoo.co.uk

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