March 2018

March 2018

Newsletter of the International Women’s Club-Sofia

National Liberation Day

2017 Executive Board Reports A

B

president’s letter Dear Ladies,

President Albena Jones gsm: 0879 119 152 president@iwc-sofia.org

The month of March is full of wonderful celebrations and events: the 1st of March – Baba Marta, the exchange of martenitsi symbolizing well-being and the arrival of spring; the3rd of March is Bulgaria’s Liberation Day from the Ottoman occupation; the 8th of March is International Woman’s Day; the 13th of March is Good Samaritans Day, when we should carry out an act of kindness no matter how big or how small; the 20th of March is officially the first day of spring and the 22nd of March is World Water Day which is globally celebrated to bring focus on people affected by water-related issues.

Vice-President Maya Metodieva vicepresident@iwc-sofia.org

Spring is knocking at the door of the IWC as well, we have a month full of fantastic events, planned by our Vice President Maya Metodieva, for all of us to enjoy, starting right now!

Treasurer Mary Gullett treasurer@iwc-sofia.org

After today’s Coffee Morning, you are invited to stay for a special 8th of March lunch! As usual it will be subsidized by the club, with each member paying 20 BGN towards the cost. We thought it will be most convenient, as we are already gathered here today - to continue socializing, as our monthly event transforms into a nice lunch, with entertainment and a tombola with fabulous prizes.

IWC Executive board 2017-2018

Bazaar Coordinator Mihaela Dobre gsm: 0879 506 799office c.iwcbazaar@gmail.com Charity Chairperson vacant charity@iwc-sofia.org

I would like to thank those of you who wrote in with your e-mails of support and suggestions. I am pleased by the kind words from some members, the ideas from others and of course the doze of criticism, as we learn from all experiences – good and bad. Also my vote of gratitude goes to former board members Toi Castello i Rene for her guidance prior to the last IWC Charity Bazaar execution and to Kelsa Smith-Mouskourova for her continued assistance to our current treasurer.

Address 67A Postoyanstvo st., 1111 Sofia tel: 02 951 6117 www.iwc-sofia.org

I would like to assure all members that the IWC board has been working very hard to deal with past and present challenges and we have also commenced an important project to put in place systematic procedures and manuals for most IWC tasks that have to be carried out every year by the serving board members.

Office Manager & Membership Coordinator Zarina Benoun-Takova gsm: 0895 571 813 admin@iwc-sofia.org tel.: 02 951 6117

After a turbulent last year it has fallen on us to restore balance and harmony to the club and we have just started working…for that reason some of us including myself will be putting in for a re-submission of our Board applications at next month’s AGM. We have concerns that need to be addressed, but most importantly we have resolutions, your ideas and our ideas that we would like to share and implement together for the betterment of the IWC.

(please call before visiting)

A nominating committee is being formed and I would encourage all members who wish to contribute their time, dedication and expertise to the running of our organization to submit their applications.

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

And finally I do hope you like your 8th of March token gift from the IWC – handmade embroidery brooches by Bulgarian Art designer Elizabeth Philipova.

Have an enjoyable month of March!

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

Albena Jones

IWC President

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Paid advertisers are not endorsed by the IWC.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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bulgaria’s Liberation Day O

n the third of March, the Bulgarians celebrate their Liberation Day. This is one of the biggest and most celebrated National Holidays in Bulgaria.

Why do Bulgarians celebrate Liberation Day? A brief history.

Bulgaria was established as a sovereign nation already in the 7th century A.D. with a own government, education, art, economy, language and culture. The First Bulgarian Kingdom started in 632 A.D. and lasted until 1018 A.D. The Second Bulgarian Kingdom took place between 1185-1396 and was covering the geographical region of almost the whole of the Balkans. The Second Bulgarian Kingdom ended during the 14th century when the Ottoman Empire conquered Bulgaria. The occupation lasted util the end of the Russo-Turkish War in 1877-1878.

During the Ottoman occupation Bulgaria was a subject of the Ottoman authorities and had to follow the Millet system. Christians had to pay higher taxes and also Devşirme – a so called ‘blood’ tax, which meant that Bulgarian parents had go give away their sons between age 8-18 to serve as military in the Ottoman Empire.

Some Bulgarians converted to Islam in order to seek a better life.

Around the 19th century many nations were fighting for independence, and so did the Bulgarians. An uprising against the Ottoman Empire had started, and Vasil Levski was one of the big revolutionary leaders who fought for the liberation of Bulgaria. The revolution led to the Russo-Turkish War in 1877-1878. The war came to an end in 1878 when the treaty of of San Stefano took place on the 3rd of March. Although a little later the same year with the Treaty of Berlin Bulgaria was divided into two, namely an autonomous Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Roumelia, a vassal of the Ottoman Empire, the 3 of March marks the first and most vital step in Bulgaria´s way to freedom after 500 years of occupation. It wasn’t

until 1908 when Bulgaria’s true independence as a free nation from the Ottoman rule was finally declared with the establishment of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom.

The Battle of Shipka- A symbol for 3 of March If you are searching on the internet for images of the 3rd of March, apart from lots of Bulgarian flags, a different type of pictures will show up, which show the famous battle of Shipka. This battle took place at the peak of Shipka in Stara Planina (the Balkan Mountains) in August 1877, between 5000 Bulgarians and 2500 Russians against a big army of Ottomans with 40 000 soldiers. No one taught that the Bulgarians would win this battle but they did and ever since, it has been remembered, and many stories are told about this legendary battle. A large monument was built in this place, about 1 km away from the lace where the real battle took place. A big lion engraved on it symbolises the victory against the Ottoman army. At first it pointed to the North, but the Romanians questioned this and asked if the Bulgarians wanted to fight them. So they turned the lion to the West instead and the Serbs and Macedonians asked the same. And so did the Greeks and Turks when it was turned to the South. Now the lion on the monument is turned to the East and the Black Sea. Shipka is a place which many Bulgarians visit to pay tribute to their ancestors.

The celebration It wasn’t until 1978 that the 3rd of March actually became a National Holiday. On this day you will see Bulgarian flags in many places. There are Government-sponsored events, speeches are being held during the whole day but also street parades and cultural events. Public companies are closed on this day, and many private companies choose to take the day off as well. This is a big day of celebration for all Bulgarians.

Maya Metodieva

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Martenitsa–

the Bulgarian Pagan Tradition Every year on 1st March the Bulgarian people have their traditional celebration of Baba Marta which is connected to the approaching spring.

•In the town Razgrad at sunrise housewifes throw red fabric on one of the fruit trees in the garden, “so Baba Marta can laugh.”

•In Trojan on 1st of March before sunrise the mistress of the household ties red wool threads to fruit trees and to the horns of cattle.

Contrary to popular opinion, that martenitsa is an original Bulgarian “invention” Romania and Greece, have something different to say.

O

n Martenista day Bulgarians exchange Martenitsi and wish themselves Happy grandma Marta, which is a way to wish someone good health. Martenitsa is derived from the word for the month of March or as the folk legends say from an angry old lady called Grandma Marta or Baba Marta in Bulgarian (in Slavic languages in general Baba means grandma). In Bulgarian folklore Baba Marta is a temperamental old woman who changes her mood very rapidly, like the ever changing March weather.

Greece Greek ethnologists connect this custom with the ancient pagan history of the Balkan Peninsula, especially with the agricultural fertility cults. Martenitsas in Greece are preserved only in the high mountain areas far from major urban and cultural centers.

Usually in small villages in Greece grandmothers tie martenitsi to hands of young children so they be healthy and happy all year long. In general this custom is forgotten in the big cities, but around the Universities and the places where young people gather, you can see boys and girls with red and white bracelets around their wrists.

The little dolls called Martenitsa are made with intertwined red and white threads of wool, silk, or cotton. The white is a symbol of strength, purity and happiness while the red is associated with health, blood, conception, and fertility. The most common Martenitsa represents two small wool dolls – Pizho and Penda. Pizho is the male doll, usually made in white. Penda is the female doll, usually made in red and distinguished by her skirt. There are many other variations and forms. Martenitsa can be made into bracelets, necklaces, tassels, pompons, balls, squares, human or animal figures.

Romania Martenitsa (“mărțișor” in Romanian) is an ancient symbol of an ancient scenario for the revival of nature on the cusp of spring.

This ancient custom, according to tradition, is related to the time of symbolic death and symbolic birth of a local female deity – Baba Dokiya. Martsashor is also the name of March in Romanian language.

Macedonia I asked some Macedonian friends about that custom. Most young people under 22 years, didn’t know what does Martenitsa means. Some adults have heard about it and most of the people over 38 / ’40 said that this tradition has remained in the past, but less and less people remember it.

There is no such a tradition in the other part of the Balkans.

When someone gives you a Martenitsa you would wear it either pinned on your clothes, tied around the wrist, or around your neck until you see a stork, or a fruit tree in blossom for the first time in the season. After that you can tie it on a blossoming tree for fertility. It is believed that the Martenitsa brings health, happiness and longevity.

There are many interesting customs and traditions related to Bulgarian martenitsa.

•In some parts of Bulgaria people use different colors instead of white yarn.

Maya Metodieva

If you don’t have time or yarn to make Martenitsa, share a post on Facebook or Twitter with your friends and wish them and their families health, joy and smiles. But before doing this, please tell me do you have such amulets and stuff in your country? And have you ever worn Martenitsa before?

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March Poetry Corner Women’s Praise Phenomenal Woman Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies.

I say, It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That's me.

I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees.

I say, It's the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Мисия Жена

Men themselves have wondered What they see in me.

They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery.

When I try to show them They say they still can't see.

I say, It's in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

АЗ съм винаги до теб, на един твой зов разстояние.. Неукротих се да те търся, – ПРОЛЕТНО-красива, натъкмена, ручейно-течаща, озарена, цъфнала, в зелено украсена, пеперуда, пърхащо развеселена, горска самодива устремена, но от погледа ти усмирена. Неукротих се да те искам, – ЛЯТНО-слънчева и загоряла, знойно-дишаща и оголяла, оросена и косите разпиляла, одъждена, мокро-отмаляла, волно-чуруликащо запяла, но от силата ти онемяла.

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing It ought to make you proud.

I say, It's in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need of my care, 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Неукротих се да те имам, – ЕСЕННО-обагрена, надничаща, благодатна, зреещо-обичаща, и налята, плодно-наедряла, с вкус на жега и узряла, благородно с челяд побеляла , Как без теб ли бих живяла? Така в съня си търся те отново, пак ЖЕНА съм и за теб готова. Ася Бломсма

Maya Angelou

Text and illustration: Asia Blomsma

i want to apologize to all the women i have called pretty. before i’ve called them intelligent or brave. i am sorry i made it sound as though something as simple as what you’re born with is the most you have to be proud of when your spirit has crushed mountains from now on i will say things like, you are resilient or, you are extraordinary. not because i don’t think you’re pretty. but because you are so much more than that. rupi kaur

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Charity update ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONS

Pink Foundation youths cooking course project

The assessment procedure consists of the following main steps described in more detail below:

The IWC sponsored the Cooking Course for Youths in Tran, with the donation to a value of 2160 leva. The funds were mainly used for food products, uniforms and a fee for the tutor chef. Six children aged 16 to 18 attended the course and will also continue this year. In the summer, the foundation will arrange internship in various restaurants for those who wish to specialize in the field of culinary practice. The director of the foundation was a supervisor and was closely following the implementation of the project, which is being held at the Pink House Day Center in Tran. Information on the project is available on the Foundation's website www. pinkfoundation.bg.

Albena Krusheva

1. Briefing of the evaluator In order to ensure high quality of evaluations, the IWC makes certain that evaluators receive all necessary information and training before they start working. Therefore they participated in one action-specific briefing.

2. Individual assessments All the applications are evaluated by two evaluators. Each evaluator however first works individually and independently, giving scores and comments for each award criterion in the assessment form and submitting it via email. If the assessment of the project made by the two evaluators differ with more than 50%, the project proposal will be assessed by a third evaluator.

3. Final Charity Committee Evaluation meeting and establishment of a ranked list of grant applications for review and deliberation of the IWC Board Once the individual assessment phase is complete, evaluators will meet, for a final panel to discuss and propose a ranking list of project applications in order of merit. Projects that do not reach the threshold of 20 points will not be proposed for funding.

4. List of grant applications proposed for funding by the IWC Board for the award decision The final decision on the ranking of the applications shall be taken by the IWC Board, taking into account the opinion of the evaluators.

5. Feedback to applicants Once the evaluation process is finished, the awarded applicants are invited to proceed with signing of a contract and the unsuccessful applicants will be invited to resubmit their applications on the next Call for Proposals.

This year we have received 59 applications and we have distributed them among 12 evaluators – member of the Charity Evaluation Committee. All the 12 ladies are very committed and responsible.

Maya Ash

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Volunteers Wanted to Serve on the Board of the IWC 2018 – 2019 Dear Ladies,

her duties, in particular with the organization of the club events and the with the activity groups.

c. (amended through resolutions of the General assembly from 10.01.2012 and 04.04.2017) The Treasurer shall keep the financial records and accounts, pay approved accounts of expenditure, and reimburse members for approved expenses incurred on behalf of IWC. In addition to the duties in Article 10, the Treasurer shall inform the Membership Coordinator of membership renewal, and the Treasurer shall be responsible for transferring a) all charitable donations and b) any excess funds beyond operating costs to the Charity Foundation of the International Women’s Club, Sofia. The Treasurer will also be responsible for presenting biannual financial reports (one at mid- term following the bazaar and one at the end of the IWC’s fiscal year) to the members by email and newsletter, with both reports including details on where funds came from and where they were disbursed.It is strongly suggested the Treasurer have a background in accounting or finance.

d. (amended through resolutions of the General as-

Has the IWC helped you feel settled in Sofia? Would you like to be able to give something back to the IWC? Do you believe in and support the objectives of the IWC and have a few hours per week to spare?

If you have been a member of the club for at least a year, why not volunteer for one of the five positions on the board (listed & described below). We guarantee you a great experience working together with women from around the world, learning about their cultural backgrounds, sharing skills and knowledge whilst helping to welcome newcomers to Sofia and supporting the local community through charity projects. Make the most of your time in Sofia by serving on the board of the IWC. Satisfaction guaranteed! (By the way the salary for the these top positions comes with a lot of zeros 0€“ in fact as many as you like because it is of course zero ;-) Interested?

Please send an application letter to office@ iwc-sofia.org, not later than 20th March 2018, briefly introducing yourself and stating the specific office of candidacy you are interested in running for. A Nominating Committee will be announced soon.

sembly from 10.01.2012 and 04.04.2017)

The Charity Chairperson shall preside over the Charity Committee, together they shall identify charity projects. The Charity Chairperson shall ensure that for each charity project there is one project head responsible for the smooth running of that project and who shall report back to the Charity Committee. She shall participate in the charity visits and their organisation. The Charity Chairperson shall be appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Charity Foundation of the International Women’s Club, Sofia. The Charity Chairperson is required to present an annual report that details what charities are receiving funding and how much funding they receive on an annual basis. This report will be presented to the members in a general assembly meeting, as well as in the newsletter and by email. She is accountable to the Executive Board of the IWC.

e. (amended through a resolution of the General as-

Please find below the constitutional duties of each board member:

a. (amended through a resolution of the General assembly from 04.04.2017)

The President shall preside at all meetings and set the agenda of all Board Meetings. She may appoint Special Committees with the Executive Board’s approval. She is the official representative and ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. She shall be appointed as President of the Charity Foundation of the International Women’s Club, Sofia.It is suggested the President has served on the Executive Board, for a minimum of one year, in another position before she runs for President.

b. (amended through a resolution of the General assembly from 04.04.2017) The Vice President shall assist the President in her duties by accepting specific tasks delegated to her by the President. She shall in particular assist the President in representational duties. She shall perform the duties of the President in the latter’s absence and shall be responsible for and participate actively in monthly activities and events, including the monthly meetings, and will maintain communication with activity leaders/. The Vice president may recruit members in a team to help her with

sembly from 13.04.2010)

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

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Executive Board Reports 2017-2018 president’s report The IWC is a meaningful organization; my admiration goes to our predecessors who started the club and the good will actions of many international ladies who have helped over the years to grow the organization to its current state.

Due to circumstances my election was very recent – the second half of November 2017 was spend in preparations for the Charity Bazaar event in December.

During the last 2 months I can report that: The Bazaar was a big success, we can tell that not only by the figures but by the positive feedback by visitors, stallholders and ambassadors. The Bazaar team did a brilliant job under the leadership of Mihaela Dobre our Bazaar Coordinator; it was my pleasure to work with this group of devoted ladies. The reflection of the Bazaar day and the final result represented in the funds raised were highlighted by the great turnout and delightful comments from our donors and sponsors at the “Thank you cocktail”, such positive emotions bring me a wonderful sense of achievement.

The Charity Committee has had their hands full. With the guidance of Maya Ash our temporary Charity Chairperson the team of 12 ladies have contributed enormously to read, asses and review the double amount of charity applications that were received this year. The allocation and distribution of the IWC funds is a very responsible role and I deeply thank them for their time and dedication.

New members is an area that I am putting a lot of effort into, through networking, socializing and word of mouth our international membership count is on the raise again. In the last 3 months we have had 7 new international ladies and a few guests, which I hope will become members too in the coming months. I am very happy to see how existing members embrace the newcomers and make them feel welcome to our club. The Patchwork group ladies are an excellent example of that.

Social activities are a vital part of our club life. I am pleased to have introduced the IWC Christmas Party event in December, it was a good doze of festive fun, I hope it will grow to become a traditional event for our members and their families each year. After the slow winter months, we now have a wide range of activities to fill up your social calendar. Of course your suggestions are always welcome. I would like for us to kick start the IWC weekend trips activities. My idea here is for us to bond while spending a little more time together in the form of 2 weekend trips in Bulgaria during a calendar year – one a relaxing ladies only weekend and the other a family and friends fun weekend affair. As a group we can get very good discounted rates. We could also combine those trips with

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a charity visit, if there is any organization in the region that we have supported…

My report is not in the usual format, as all serving presidents have had to report about their work carried out during a 1 year period, I am just getting warmed up in these 3 months, so may I say that mine is “work in progress”. As a business person and former analyst I have carried out an overall evaluation on the IWC and though it all looks good on the surface, there are a few fundamental issues that need to be addressed and changes must be implemented, otherwise we are heading down a slippery slope.

I have started addressing some minor but important elements for the smooth running of the club: •

A permanent , affordable, pleasant and centrally located venue for our monthly Coffee Morning meetings

•

After a lengthy interview process we have selected a new IWC office associate, which is fully qualified to give the board and the members adequate admin support.

•

I am currently in negotiations for a centrally located IWC office premises, which will be easily accessible for all members

IWC Web site – After meeting with our web management company I have requested an updated (new) look for our IWC web page, which has been totally neglected and in the same unappealing format for the last 4 years.

That is unacceptable, as our web site is our business card to the World. The new look will be simplified; special attention will be given to the Members area, which will be made user-friendly.

Diversification is something that past presidents have only mentioned but I actually want to achieve it. I would like to expand the good deeds of the IWC by introducing a second big fundraising event at the end of May. In contrast to the Bazaar this event will be the IWC Blue Charity Ball. This idea has already been discussed with the Bazaar team members and with the Charity Committee members, all are in support of it. The event will raise a second (smaller) pot of funds which we can distribute to worthy projects again.

The way forward – SWOT. As already mentioned I am working on a SWOT analysis of the IWC. Meaning shortly I will present to you the S – strengths, W – weaknesses, O – opportunities and T – treats to our organization.

Based on this report will have to plan and make some constitutional and non-constitutional changes. All of us are decision makers for the way forward of the IWC. I will gladly continue to serve the on the Board. I would like to get everyone involved in our common goal to do good, so we can leave a lasting footprint in the local community. And finally I wish that through our interaction and socializing in the IWC we will build lasting friendships that will withstand time and distance when our ways part someday.

Albena Jones

IWC President 2017/2018

Vice president’s report

A few months have passed since I was elected IWC Vice President. I would like to thank the current IWC board members and friends, as well as the IWC office support – Zarina and Elitsa, for I am grateful for all the time we spent together over this time.

It has been my pleasure to organize so many events for the club, and I hope many more events are to come for all of us together.

At the beginning of my term (formally from November 2017 but actually from September), we had a lovely bread therapy event during which we learned about the importance of bread in Bulgarian culture.. It was hosted

by Sandra Topalska at Sofia Bread House. We also had an Opera Tribute with wine and tapas, and the IWC took part in the Hungaricum Festival. Unfortunately in October we missed Maria`s special museum quality collection of folk costumes due to her sickness, but Maria promised to host it sometime during the next few months. Because of the cold weather a few events have been cancelled but fortunately spring is knocking at the door and we will be arranging a Sofia sightseeing tour and a Sofia walking tour again. In November we arranged an amazing 3rd Stallholders meeting hosted by H.E. Mr. Makarov at the Russian Embassy. During those past months we had lovely monthly lunches at different restaurants. We had a great Christmas party for the first time for IWC members and their families at the Best Western Premier Airport hotel. The Silver Clay Workshop organized and led by lovely Fatma Ustun gave us the opportunity to create our own silver jewelery. It will be held again on March 12th.

In February we also had a visit to the Ciocolatti workshop where we tried hand made chocolates made by Chocolatier Peter Mirchev. It was truly the sweetest event just before St.Valentine`s day! Also, last but not least, the wine tasting at the Green Deli Café was pleasantly surprising.

It was very kind of Marieta Neikova to accept my request to start and lead a Russian Conversation group from the beginning of 2018. I was not sure if we had such group in the past, but great interest has been generated among the ladies who want to improve their Russian.

Over 10 ladies attend this group now on a regular basis.

a memorable and fun time together.

Last but not least, the monthly lunches, an essential part of the club’s events: La Prima Osteria restaurant (exploring authentic italian taste), Mondo Lounge Bar and Dinner (ethereal décor and appealing cuisine); Sweet Bar and Dinner (delightful food); Grami Hotel Rooftop Bistro (beautiful view so close to Vitosha mountain); Petros restaurant; Ranchero by Bodega restaurant, Green Deli Restaurant, those were the places which gave us a chance to get to know each other in a more casual and personal setting.

For the next months, I have prepared a number of special activities. We will start again this month with the cooking demonstrations to see and try different types of cooking. In March we will have a Bulgarian cooking demo presented/hosted by our member Lina Vulcheva at MoMa restaurant. We will be able to taste traditional Bulgarian food prepared by Chef Jivko Ivanov, winner of TV Show Lord of the Chefs. Be sure to be among the first to sign up!

In April, just after Easter, Vivi Patricia will treat us agaun with some amazing Indonesian specialties. Also Fatma Ustun was so kind to offer hosting a Turkish cooking demo in the near future.

So far I have not had the pleasure to serve for a full year mandate, therefore I hope to be able to re-submit my application for the Vice-president position next month, as I have so many wonderful ideas to share with you. I would very much like to start a travel club with two annual events – a ladies only get-away trip, and one family event.

Thank you for becoming a part of my life. I have enjoyed every moment we had together. To many of you who have showed me your support, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I look forward to continue serving on the IWC board.

During this time, I also made the effort in organizing some nights out and trips around Bulgaria, unfortunately some of them were cancelled due to lack of interest.

Nevertheless, a number of us were lucky enough to enjoy

Maya Metodieva

Vicepresident 2017/2018

9

charity Bazaar Coordinator’s report • 8.000+ visitors, not counting here kids up to 12 years old and people with disabilities who had free access to the event • Over 500 sponsors, donors and partners.

All of the above participate in escalating the success of the day, collecting over 373.000 leva (as of January 23, 2018).

I take the chance to present you the 23rd Charity Bazaar Team, hardworking ladies, dedicated and remarkable: Albena, Angelina, Annamaria, Elisaveta, Ernesta, Iliana, Martina, Mary, Maya, Svetlana and Veronika. I will also name Borislav (logos movie editor) and Renel (photographer) as well as my son, Andrei for his unconditional help. Many thanks to Toi for sharing her experience from her two previous Charity Bazaars.

Dear friends, The saying that “a drop by drop makes an ocean” represents perfectly the way the IWC Annual Charity Bazaar takes place every year.

On behalf of International Women’s Club and Bazaar Team I would like to congratulate every one of you for the success of the 23rd Annual Charity Bazaar.

I would also like to show my gratitude to you all for your support, encouragement and understanding shown and offered to me and the bazaar team while organizing this outstanding event. This would not have been possible without you!

Special thanks to the Embassy of Romania, Embassy of Poland, Embassy of Russia and Inter Expo Center for hosting the Stallholders Meetings.

The International Women’s Club Annual Charity Bazaar provides an excellent opportunity to bring together for one full day different nations and cultures under the motto “The World comes to You” and gives the chance to people who live in Bulgaria to enjoy a multitude of unique tastes and traditions, many of them hardly reachable in our rush through day to day life.

The Bazaar in figures looks like this:

As usual, the official venue of the event was Inter Expo Center and I would like to mention Margarita Vasileva as an amazing and professional woman, my real help and advisor during the preparation of this event.

This year we were happy to have Mrs. Mira Dobreva as IWC Charity Bazaar Guest of Honor, who after a great motivational speech declared the event officially open. One of our special guest on stage Orlin Pavlov was the one who made happy three of our visitors who participated in IWC Ticket Tombola.

This year many of the stalls organized tombola and other lucky games, having very attractive prizes.

I would like to extend my appreciation to our strategic partners for offering their services and support for the last few years: M3 Communication, Allied Pickford, Matrix Relocation, Force Delta, Restaurant The View, British Council, Sofia Municipality, Inter Expo Center, Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, NSO, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Riu Pravets Resort, Ecopack, Right Rental, Laura Catering, Sofia Brass Orchestra, Wonder Party, Dragoyna Water Ltd, Idea Comm JSC, Bulged Ltd. and Vezni Eood.

Special thanks to Vitosha Park Hotel and 100 Grama Sladki for making the Thank You Cocktail a sweet enjoyable event.

I praised every moment from this journey called Charity Bazaar and I sincerely hope at the end you all enjoyed it!

• 12 bazaar team members • 86 stalls out of which 12 charity stalls

I wish you everyone an amazing 2018 and hope you’ll stand by IWC side while achieving the scope of helping people that helps other to live a better life.

• 56 countries • +1500 stalls volunteers

Mihaela Dobre

• 95 IWC volunteers • 450+ performers on the entertainment stage

10

IWC Charity Bazaar Coordinator 2017/2018

11

12

treasurer’s report

Hope this finds everyone well! I was appointed as Treasurer in September 2017 and elected November 2017 and while it has been a dynamic time for us in the club I want to thank you all for allowing me to be a part of a great organization that does so much for the Bulgarian community.

Below you will find the 2017 Annual Report and 2018 Charity Foundation Budget. Keep in mind, these figures are subject to change as the 2017 books for the club and charity foundation have not yet been closed. If you have any questions regarding this report, please feel free to contact me. I will happily make time to speak with you.

Mary Gullett Treasurer 2017-1018

IWC Club Report 2017-2018 Jan 17

Feb 17

Mar 17

Apr 17

May 17

Jun 17

Jul 17

Aug 17

Sep 17

Oct 17

Nov 17

Dec 17

TOTAL

Club Income Guest Fee Income

0.00

30.00

0.00

0.00

75.00

0.00

0.00

50.00

380.00

60.00

15.00

40.85

650.85

IWC Sale Items

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

135.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

135.00

120.00

160.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

390.00 6,710.00 2,580.00

Membership Dues Income

630.00 1,500.00 12,090.00

Newsletter Income

0.00

0.00 2,400.00

0.00

0.00 1,560.00

0.00

700.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

4,660.00

Club Income - Other

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

180.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

180.00

190.00 2,400.00

0.00

Total Income

120.00

0.00

75.00 1,560.00

135.00 1,140.00 7,270.00 2,640.00

645.00 1,540.85 17,715.85

Club Expenses Bank Fees

17.55

16.85

17.40

16.85

17.35

17.10

18.80

18.65

34.41

19.70

22.03

Business Expenses

29.00

0.00

101.00

0.00

66.00

0.00

0.00

40.90

13.75

245.20

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

Members Social Expenses

292.91

189.11

660.13 203.28

620.09

340.85

352.30

318.40

0.00 2,050.62

Newsletter

354.00

319.20

0.00

0.00

390.00

0.00

1,136.40

0.00

354.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

216.00

29.80

7.50

72.97

50.51

223.72

303.87

3.20 1,293.56

0.00

0.00

33.13

0.00

5.70

0.00

35.88

5.26

Telecommunications

596.47

315.64

663.67 291.02

327.77

-949.43

320.47

Transportation

299.82

302.00

289.94

70.24

50.00

162.56

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

1,619.55 1,150.30 1,838.24 631.90

1,700.63

-125.05

Charity Bazaar Expenses

Office Maintainence Office Supplies Postage & Delivery

Club Expenses - Other Total Expense

13

24.66

241.35

79.40

0.00

575.25

0.00

156.47

156.47

573.03

-50.00

5,550.72

422.40

370.80

574.80

3,921.60

0.00

0.00

252.00

468.00

93.72

92.70

146.36

184.84

2,502.75

60.34

1.95

0.00

0.00

142.26

356.76

315.25

281.48

458.65

490.03

3,467.78

77.65

101.72

416.90

50.00

179.72

355.38

2,355.93

0.00

0.00

102.17

0.00

0.00

0.00

102.17

1,944.70 2,135.25 1,606.54 3,164.05

1,829.99 1,988.18 19,484.28

treasurer’s report IWC Club Report 2017-2018 Jan 17

Feb 17

Mar 17

Apr 17

May 17

Jun 17

Jul 17

Aug 17

Sep 17

Oct 17

Nov 17

Dec 17

TOTAL

Charity Income Annual Charity Bazaar

6,697.92

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

Asian Bazaar

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

8,016.20

500.00

2,611.25

0.00

0.00

0.00

Hungarian Bazaar

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

220.00

0.00

0.00

220.00

Personal Donations

0.00

225.00

0.00

10,122.14

0.00

500.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

10,847.14

Raffle Income

0.00

140.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

140.00

Charity Income - Other

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

40.85

-40.85

0.00

6,697.92

365.00

0.00

10,122.14

0.00

500.00

8,016.20

500.00

2,611.25

Charity Income

2,796.00 44,235.78 325,412.98 379,142.68 11,127.45

3,016.00 44,276.63 325,372.13 401,477.27

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00 36,754.00

6,697.92

365.00

0.00

10,122.14

0.00

500.00

8,016.20

500.00 39,365.25

Automotive Maintainence

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

80.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

Bank Fees

6.80

3.05

3.50

4.55

6.15

5.15

5.45

9.20

6.20

7.40

28.00

11.60

97.05

Business Expenses

0.00

23.00

60.00

13.07

0.00

288.00

0.00

432.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

816.07

Dream Up Income Total Income

0.00

0.00

0.00

36,754.00

3,016.00 44,276.63 325,372.13 438,231.27

Charity Expenses 80.00

Charitable Contributions

16,248.60

0.00

840.00

56,158.91

150,142.81

32,900.00

12,450.00

2,000.00

0.00

16,261.10

9,617.00

Charity Bazaar Expenses

2,387.22

4,020.22

145.98

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

364.43

2,220.41

35,618.02

44,756.28

Charity Supervision Visits

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

100.00

66.81

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

49.96

216.77

Educational Training

0.00

0.00

0.00

207.82

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

207.82

Employee Payroll and Taxes

3,283.95

0.00

1,236.21

1,201.72

2,386.62

1,553.73

2,011.52

2,128.50

1,996.09

2,102.60

1,712.19

3,062.24

22,675.37

Office Maintainence

1,127.07

0.00

3,653.70

2,566.50

1,290.78

1,143.03

1,049.67

1,012.81

1,016.29

1,015.52

999.56

1,213.54

16,088.47

17.34

60.58

207.63

4.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

43.13

0.00

332.68

129.61

19.93

0.00

0.00

5.70

0.00

14.76

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

177.56

347.56

10.18

213.69

12.00

146.59

0.00

62.96

23.98

0.00

0.00

0.00

21.02

120.00

610.42

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

1,000.00

500.00

2,211.25

-320.00

-1,726.04

148.81

1,814.02

23,210.77

4,340.47

6,159.02

60,303.16

153,932.06

36,099.68

16,555.38

6,082.51

5,229.83

1,490.45

2,451.12

4,271.45

2,980.15

3,608.71

5,726.66

5,929.39

183.42

0.00

24,701.22

6,791.59

10,430.47

63,283.31

157,540.77

41,826.34

22,484.77

6,265.93

5,229.83

Office Supplies Postage & Delivery Transportation Charity Expenses - Other Charity Expenses Dream Up Expenses Total Expense

19,431.05 12,915.27 432.60

239.59

19,863.65 13,154.86

0.00 296,618.42

40,401.73 384,660.93 0.00

27,313.54

40,401.73 411,974.47

2018 Charity Foundation Budget 2018 Charity Foundation Budget Bazaar Payroll Office Office Supplies Prudent Reserve Emergency Assistance Charity Projects

53,000.00 30,000.00 20,000.00 1,000.00 5,000.00 40,000.00 225,000.00

Total:

374,000.00 BGN

14

BGN BGN BGN BGN BGN BGN BGN

February highlights

February Monthly Coffee Morning at Arena di Serdica Panorama Restaurant

15

16

February highlights chicolatti

Book club

february Monthly lunch

17

February highlights

National Day of the State of Kuwait

On the 22st of February, I was delighted to attend to the celebration of the National Day and Liberation Day of the State of Kuwait in Sofia. Our host was the beautiful Aksenia Al-Rashed a volunteer at the stall of Kuwait at the IWC Bazaar. It was my pleasure to be introduced to H.E Mr. Yaqoub Alateeqi the Ambassador of Kuwait to the Republic of Bulgaria. As I thanked him for their support, H.E. expressed his delight about the work of our organisation and his satisfaction from the participation of Kuwait at our last charity bazaar. He highlighted that he personally spared no experience for the preparation of their country's bazaar stall and that he will continue to support us through organising an even bigger and better stall for this year's IWC Charity Bazaar.

Albena Jones

18

regular activities Patchwork Group

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

Book Club

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

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

Bridge

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

Interested members are invited to play bridge with us.

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

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

English Conversation Group

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

Spanish Conversation Group

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

Bulgarian Conversation Group

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

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

Russian Conversation Group

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

Hiking Club

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

Tennis

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

Tuesday Playgroup

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

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

19

Sofia Survival Tips for Newcomers: Learning to best way to get around Sofia gives you a feeling of confidence and independence.

Navigation Tools

Maps.Me

While there are many GPS and map apps available I like Maps.Me because once you download the Bulgaria map it can then be used offline. This means it loads faster and you are not dependent on a strong cellular connection. So you can use it when driving through the mountains, for example.

Choose a destination and click “Route to” to see the best walking or driving route. You can even “add a stop” along the way and be re-routed.

• •

Advanced Tips:

Add a pin to the map of a favorite location so you can find it again or share with others. Click on the pin and “Edit” and you can color code it based on a specific category.

Create your own Folder such as “Favorite Wine Bars”. Add pinned locations to this folder and share the folder with friends when they visit.

Moovit App

Sofia has an excellent public transportation system of bus, tram and metro, but it can be confusing at first.

My life changed when I downloaded the Moovit App. Now I use it every day and get to more appointments on time.

• Set your starting point and desired destination (type an address or choose on the map).

• Click Search Routes.

• Click on one of the Suggested Routes and you will see a detailed map and text description showing you exactly what tram/bus/metro to use and how long it should take to get there. Including “service alerts” and links for “details and schedules”. Yes, the metro here actually does run on a set schedule!

Advanced Tips: •

The default setting is to take the trip “Now” but you can also set it in advance, for example, if you want to see how long it will take you to get to your dinner reservation on time this Saturday night • Click on “Lines” to see the route of every bus/tram/metro line. If you have the time, a great way to get an overview of the city and navigate like a pro is to choose a bus/tram line and just ride it to the end and back to see where it goes.

• In the navigation menu click on “Line Maps” to download overview maps of the entire Sofia metro/ tram/bus system.

Another option to try is: https://routes.sofiatraffic.bg

TaxiMe App

Of course, if you prefer to take a taxi you can use the TaxiMe App. Much like Uber, you select your destination and are assigned a driver. You can see the car approach on the screen, with the driver’s name and license plate displayed for extra security. Since you are shown the cost in advance it is less likely that you will be overcharged.

Other taxi apps to try are: TaxiMaxim, TaxiStar and YellowTaxi.

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

20

Top 5 Finds to Try:

Third Wave Coffee Shops

The third wave of coffee is a movement to produce high-quality coffee, and consider coffee as an artisanal foodstuff, like wine. In other words, these places are very serious about their coffee. Each cup is a work of art, from the bean to the design of the foam on top. (Be aware, they will usually look at you in horror if you try to order a decaffeinated coffee, as that is not “real coffee”.)

1) Dabov Specialty Coffee: Lyuben Karavelov 58 (Near NDK)

2) Drekka Coffee & Tea Shop: ul. William Gladstone 60 (Near Center)

3) Chucky’s Coffee: ul. Hristo Belchev 29 (Near Center) & ul. Kazbek 61 (Near Bulgaria Mall)

4) Rainbow Factory (Fabrika Daga): ul. Veslets 10 (Near Serdika) & ul. Sheynovo 13B (Near Doctors Garden)

5) Owllee Coffee House: bul. Tsar Osvoboditel 27 (Near Sofia University) Do you have a Top 5 list to share? Email office@iwc-sofia.org Barista Coffee Sofia Drekka

Rainbow Factory

A New Experience:

Owllee

The Salt Room Did you know that Sofia has a salt cave? Salt therapy (aka Halotherapy) is a natural therapy that has been practiced since the 18th century. It involves inhaling dry salt, which can help cleanse both the airways and the skin to relieve congestion, inflammation and skin irritations. And it is said to be a powerful anti-bacterial to boost your immune system during flu season.

At www.SaltRoom.bg you can book an appointment online for 40 minutes for adults or 20 minutes for children. A single visit is 20lv Adults/10 lv Children. When you arrive, you are shown into the salt cave room, which is entirely covered in salt. You sit in a comfortable chair, fully clothed, and during the session just relax and breathe in the clean, salt air.

Do your own research and decide if this is a new experience you want to try in Sofia!

Salt Room: Gorski Patnik Str. № 40, Lozenets, Sofia www.SaltRoom.bg Phone: 0895 604 797

This section’s material submitted by: Anya

Ciecierski

21

Do you have a Sofia Experience to share? Email office@iwc-sofia.org.

Announcements march bithdays

Tatiana Leite, 1 March Wedy-Juliana Santos, 6st March Raffaella Stroili, 15th March Teresa Feghali, 15th March Lilly Borisova, 19th March Amy Dincuff-Miltchev, 22nd March Sinem Yenisen, 22nd March Katayun Roein, 23rd March Ahu Alagoz, 24th March Hongbing Li, 28th March st

LETTER OF APPRECIATION As it is the time of year to appreciate women, I would like to do so within our IWC Club. There is so many terrific ladies that have devoted their time and efforts over the years and served the IWC as members and board members, however there has always been a person behind the scene to support them.

Without the help of this individual they would be lost…she is the one that has been assisting the serving Board members for the last 7 years – sending hundreds of e-mails per year, issuing hundreds of contracts per year, answering hundreds of phone calls per year, meeting and welcoming hundreds of new members over the years and cheering us up with hundreds of smiles over the years, always ready to help – this is our IWC Office Manager – Zarina Benoun-Takova.

So I just wanted to say – Dear Zarina, thank you for all that you do, your help and professionalism is highly valued by all of us at the IWC.

Albena Jones

CALL FOR THE IWC GENERAL MEETING The Board of the International Women’s Club is calling a General Meeting on Tuesday, 10th April 2018 at 10:30am at Arena di Serdica Hotel, 2 Budapeshta str., Sofia, according to article 9e of the IWC constitution, under the following agenda: Acceptance of the annual report of the Executive Board.

Acceptance of the annual report of the Treasurer.

Electing a new Executive Board.

Election of new members to the Executive Board.

Registration for the AGM will start at 10:30am and will end at 11:15am. If there is no quorum the AGM will take place the same day at 12:15 noon in the same place with the same agenda. All written documents related to the suggested voting agenda are available at the IWC office.

CONCERTS in march

12.03.2018 Despina Vandi Live in Sofia NDK: 20.00h TICKETS: http://www.eventim.bg

28.03.2018 Lara Fabian

NDK: 20.00h TICKETS: http://www.eventim.bg The highly-anticipated CAMOUFLAGE WORLD TOUR is Lara’s first tour based on her English repertoire. The show which will have a stunning visuals, will consist of a setlist based on on he new music from the upcoming album, but also include music from previous English albums and major hits.

member’s recommendation

by Anya Ciecierski

SPA Deluxe - Sofia

I'd like to recommend this small massage studio near Serdika Center Mall. The two therapists, also the owners, are a young Bulgarian couple that speaks perfect English. I enjoyed hearing their story as young entreprenurs in Sofia as they have obviously taken great care in designing their business.

They use only natural products, such as local honey and herbs collected in the mountains. My massage was very professional and comfortable. They offer a huge variety of relaxing and theraputic massage and body treatment options including chocolate massage, fire massage, honey scrub etc... You can even get a gift certificate for a couples massage. https://spa-deluxe-sofia.com/en A great place to treat yourself or your guests.

Phone: +359 896 006462 Facebook: Масажно студио SPA Deluxe – Sofia E-mail: samivapavlovi@yahoo.com Address: “Oborishte”, st.”Galabets”5, (behind “Vita” hospital), Sofia

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New classes by Angela Richmond-Fuller Floral Design

Hello IWC members and friends, I have finally finished unpacking all my tools and equipment, and am starting up some classes in Simeonovo from March.

I have 20+ years of experience teaching in colleges and schools. I have a Master's degree in teaching English as a foreign language (MA TEFL), Bachelor of Education, City & Guilds Level 2 in Jewellery Design and Silversmithing, and City & Guilds Level 2 in Contemporary Flower Arranging.

Silver Jewellery Design & Making

12-3pm Dates: Tuesday 6 March Tuesday 20 March Friday 13 April Materials included. Silver sheet, silver wire, beads, gemstones.

1-3pm Tuesday 28 March 1-3pm Tuesday 17 March Enjoy an introduction to contemporary flowers arranging and take home your design.

Flowers, vases, scissors and materials included.

English Conversation (Beginner/pre-intermediate levels)

2-3pm Monday 26 March English Conversation to build fluency (Intermediate level) 2-3pm Monday 19 March English Conversation for pronunciation and intonation (Advanced level) 2-3pm Thursday 8 March

Tea/coffee & snack provided with all classes. Location in Simeonovo. Please email angela.richmond@gmail.com for prices, directions and details of the deadline for registration.

Silver Clay class by Fatma Ustun

“Whether you're an absolute beginner or experienced silver jewellery designer/maker, Fatma's Silver Clay class will delight! Fatma expertly takes you through the process of designing and shaping the clay through to kiln firing and polishing the finished silver pieces.

She provides all the relevant tools and materials including the Silver Clay, mats, brushes, rollers, molds, cutters, and range of textured surfaces to create your designs. At the end of the session, you take home your finished solid silver jewellery pieces.

The class I booked onto also included a delicious lunch and tea/ coffee. I will be booking another sessions with Fatma soon!”

Angela Richmond-Fuller “If you ever wanted to try your hand at creating a personal piece of jewellery, Fatma's silver clay workshop is the perfect 'soul tonic'. With her expert and patient guidance she encourages you to create your very own individual piece of jewellery; pendant, brooch, earrings or ring. Even if you do not believe you have any artistic skills the variety of moulds on offer help you create your perfect piece of art. In a pleasant and friendly atmosphere - pampered additionaly by Fatma's delicious treats.”

Paromita Sanatani

“We enjoyed a very creative morning. Fatma showed us a great variety of techniques to work on the silver clay, so we could design our own piece of jewelry. We could for example use a form or make fine lines with a siringe. It was amazing to see, how beautiful things we were able to make ourselves.

And all happened in a very nice atmosphere with delicious Turkish food.”

Eva Kreuzer “The Clay Workshop is a great experience whether you are experienced in making jewellery or like me, a complete beginner.

Fatmas’s workshops are creative, fun and informative. Working in a relaxed atmosphere with a small group of like minded people you will be guided through all the steps it takes to create your own jewellery masterpiece.

Fatma is very knowledgeable on the subject, a great teacher who is patient and calm and will encourage and guide you at your own pace. As a bonus you might also get to experience the lovely treats that come out of her kitchen!”

Angela Bird More information on page 20

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march events

10.00 BGN; up to 15 ppl; Please contact Miwako on 0878 254 740 or email: miwakosofia@gmail.com.

Tuesday, 6.03. March coffee morning: 11.30am Arena di Serdica roof top bar 2, Budapeshta st.

Tuesday, 20.03. SPA & relax day

Tuesday, 6.03. Women`s day lunch: 1.00pm

After coffee morning, Participation fee 20.00 BGN Arena di Serdica roof top bar, 2, Budapeshta st.

Wednesday, 7.03. Charity comitee meeting Arena di Serdica roof top bar 2, Budapeshta st.

Monday, 12.03. Silver clay workshop: 10.00am

Hosted by Fatma Ustun at her home, deposit 50.00 BGN; Duration is approx. 4 hours, fee 110.00 bgn; coffee, tea, lunch served complimentary. Address: Atanas Yaranov 27, Raya Complex, House 6, Dragalevtsi. Pre-booking required, please call: 0889103323

Tuesday, 13.03. Beauty day: 11.00am – 3.00pm

Naomi Beauty Studio, 84, Khan Omurtag st.

Manicure – 20 min: 10.00 bgn; Pedicure – 40 min: 20.00 bgn; Face massage – 30 min: 20.00 bgn; Hyaluronic acid mesotherapy – 45 min: 60.00 bgn; Glossy hair – 45 min: 24.00 bgn. Pre-booking required.

Thursday, 15.03. Kimono Experience with Tea Ceremony: 10.00am – 2.00pm

Ivan Vazov area, Petko Karavelov st., bl.75, en.B/2/, ap.14.

Experience the Japanese traditional costume with Tea ceremony demonstration by the Teacher, drinking matcha and sweets, try different sencha, and Miwako will write the participant's name in beautiful Japanese Calligraphy.

Cost 20.00 BGN, part will be donated to IWC; Deposit

11.30: MCM 1.00: Women’s Day Lunch

Lets pamper ourselves during ladies’ month at Arena di Serdica SPA center, 2, Budapeshta st.

Option 1 • warm massage of the back and arms with hot stones and warm aromatic oligo • face massage and scalp with highly nourished and hydrated cream • visit sauna and steam bath Cost: 60 BGN for 60 min.

Option 2 • Exfoliating massage with Himalaya salt of steps and palms • relaxing massage with nourishing oil – steps and palms • visit sauna and steam bath Cost: 45 BGN for 30 min.

Pre-booking required on 02 810 78 07.

Friday, 23.03. Monthly lunch: 12.30pm Green Deli Bar, 23A, Dragan Tsankov blvd.

2min from Jolio Curie metro station Cost – up to consumption

Wednesday, 28.03. Bulgarian Cooking Demo: 11.30am MoMa Restaurant, 28 Solunska st., Cost: 25BGN

Tuesday, 3.04. April coffee morning: 10.30am Arena di Serdica 2, Budapeshta st.

10.00: Charity Meeting

10.00: Silver

11.00: Beauty

10.00:

Clay Workshop

Day

Japanese Tea Ceremony

SPA Day

12.30: Monthly Lunch

11.30: Cooking Demo

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