May 2015

May 2015

Newsletter

of the International Women’s Club in Sofia

We welcome our new Executive Board

Celebrate Europe Day

An English tea afternoon 2015 Charity Projects update

Next Monthly Coffee Morning: 2nd June at Matti-d

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,

I would like to start by saying how proud I am to again be a part of the board, this time as your President, and I would like to thank not only those members who supported me, but to all candidates and members who took the time and consideration to vote in last month’s election.

This is essential for the future of the club, which relies on having many candidates applying for positions and for all members to vote, ensuring that we have a board that truly represents the members’ wishes.

This club has a 25 year history in Sofia, with some of the first members still active to the present day, and it is also remembered as a rewarding experience by women long after they have left to follow new opportunities. I hope we can continue to have the same positive and friendly impression on those women who have recently joined our international family.

I would like to commend our departing board members, particularly Maria Naslednikova, a member of the club from the very beginning, who has wholeheartedly arranged club events month in, month out, come rain or shine, and who must surely deserve a medal for pure stamina! Also we bid farewell to our outgoing president Lynne Godding, who, over the last two years, has steered the club through its much needed transition into a more professionally run organisation – a feat which has not been without its challenging moments. I can only pledge to continue to build upon this work, and to help the club to shine on well into the future.

The chance to be working with experienced board members Sibeal and Maria fills me with confidence, and together with our newcomers Toi and Becky (who will bring their own energy, thoughts and ideas to the group) I believe we have a winning combination! Lastly but definitely not least, I am very thankful to have our office staff, without whom the executive board would not be able to function, and in particular our office manager Elitsa Lingorski, who is the glue that holds us all together!

It is with pleasure that I now look forward to working with the newly elected executive board, to not only continue to provide monthly social events and ensure the smooth running of the club and charity foundation, but also to revitalise the club within the community, encourage new members and to generally help it keep pace with our ever-changing lives.

There will always be new challenges to face and overcome, but we on the board can only do so much, and need the participation of all members to realise the needs of the club. So please, don’t be shy, come forward with your ideas, thoughts, time and of course your presence. This is your club; we are here for you!

With best wishes,

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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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 free 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 organization/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 organization; 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 May 5th and 9th May, Europe Day In Europe, Europe Day is an annual celebration of peace and unity in Europe. There are two separate designations of Europe Day: 5 May for the Council of Europe, and 9 May for the European Union. For the EU, the day is also known as Schuman Day, commemorating the historical declaration by French foreign minister Robert Schuman.

The Schuman Declaration marked the true beginning of post-World War II Franco-German cooperation and the re-integration of West Germany into Western Europe. Konrad Adenauer, Chancellor of West Germany, said of the declaration, "That's our breakthrough." The ECSC was created by the Treaty of Paris (1951) and on 18 April 1951, the leaders of the six member countries (including Schuman) signed the European Declaration stating that 'marked the true foundation of Europe.' The supranational Community as the fruit of the Declaration provided five still-developing European institutions: the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Consultative Committees (representing organised civil society), the Council of Ministers and the European Court of Justice.

The resulting ECSC introduced a common steel and coal market across the member countries with freely set market prices, and without internal import/export duties or subsidies. The success of ECSC led to further steps, foreseen by Schuman, being taken with the creation of the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community. The two European Commissions of the latter Rome Treaties and the High Authority merged into a single European Commission in the 1960s.

Further intergovernmental, (non-supranational), bodies and areas of activities were created leading to the creation of the European Union in 1993.

24th May, Day of Slavonic script and culture The Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabets are the oldest known Slavic alphabets, and were created by the two brothers and their students, to translate the Bible and other texts into the Slavic languages. The early Glagolitic alphabet was used in Great Moravia (today’s Czech Republic) between 863 (the arrival of Cyril and Methodius) and 885 (the expulsion of their students) for government and religious documents and books, and at the Great Moravian Academy (Veľkomoravské učilište) founded by Cyril, where followers of Cyril and Methodius were educated, by Methodius himself among others. The alphabet has been traditionally attributed to Cyril. That attribution has been confirmed explicitly by the papal letter Industriae tuae (880) approving the use of Old Church Slavonic, which says that the alphabet was "invented by Constantine the Philosopher". The term invention need not exclude the possibility of the brothers having made use of earlier letters, but implies only that before that time the Slavic languages had no distinct script of their own.

The early Cyrillic alphabet was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire and later finalized and spread by disciples Kliment and Naum in the Ohrid and Preslav schools of Tsar Boris' Bulgaria as a simplification of the Glagolitic alphabet which more closely resembled the Greek alphabet. It was developed by the disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius at the Preslav Literary School at the end of the 9th century.

18th to 25th May, May Revolution, Argentina The May Revolution was a week-long series of events that took place from May 18 to 25, 1810, in Buenos Aires, capital of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. This Spanish colony included roughly the territories of present-day Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. The result was the removal of Viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros and the establishment of a local government, the Primera Junta, on May 25.

The May Revolution was a direct reaction to Spain's Peninsular War. It began the Argentine War of Independence, although no formal declaration of independence was issued at the time and the Primera Junta continued to govern in the name of the deposed king, Ferdinand VII. As similar events occurred in many other cities of the continent, the May Revolution is also considered one of the early events of the Spanish American wars of independence. Historians today debate whether the revolutionaries were truly loyal to the Spanish crown or whether the declaration of fidelity to the king was a necessary ruse to conceal the true objective—to achieve independence—from a population that was not yet ready to accept such a radical change. A formal declaration of independence was finally issued at the Congress of Tucumán on July 9, 1816.

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Charity update The Council of Women Refugees in Bulgaria organised a press conference for the start of the initiative “Medical care for the children of refugees and those seeking asylum in Sofia”, financed by the International Women’s Club-Sofia.

Under the provisions of the initiative, appropriate medical care and purchase of emergency medicines will be facilitated for a minimum of 150 refugees and asylum seeking children. The initiative is also aiming at ensuring long-term follow-up care for the children until 18 years of age as well as the development and growth of the type of services offered by the Information Centre for working with refugees of the CWRB. The press conference was attended by the State Agency for Refugees, the Bulgarian Red Cross, the International Women’s Club-Sofia and Caritas Bulgaria.

The planned activities are being aimed at the following two areas: purchasing the necessary medicines for the cases of emergency and ensuring adequate continuous medical examinations and care.

The CRWB team has built the necessary capacity in social work with women asylum seekers and refugees and will help extensively the parents in facilitating the required examinations and consultations with the appropriate medical specialists. Within the scope of the project all children will be able to receive the number of essential consultations depending on every child’s individual needs.

“Children’s healthcare is something that is very important for us and we are glad that this year we will have a better opportunity to work for it.

We are happy and we thank the International Women’s Club – Sofia for trusting our experience and professionalism. Our partnership proves again that united in the care for people we can achieve much more!” said Linda Awanis, Chairwoman of the Council of Women Refugees in Bulgaria.

Echlibeite Mehmetaj Social Workers’ Coordinator

Easter Bazaar at the Earth and Man National Museum

The young people, supported by Star of Hope Foundation, together with their social workers are among the numerous volunteers who work hard for the success of our Charity Bazaar. They have been taking care of the cloakrooms since the very first year we moved to the Inter Expo Center. They are among the first to arrive for the day of the bazaar and among the last to leave it, feeling responsible for the friendly greeting of the numerous visitors there, taking good care of their coats and extra luggage. Accompanied and assisted by the social workers when needed, they are prompt and attentive all day long and very precise with their shifts schedule which allows them to enjoy some of the program on the stage and visit the stalls, despite the hard work. A couple of those young people have already got a job and yet they plan the day so that they may come to work at the bazaar.

A part of our long term relationship with those young people is the “thank you” visit we organize for them to the Easter Bazaar held at the Earth and Man National Museum. It was their 3rd visit there this April.

They usually have a chance to meet some of the exhibitors at the bazaar, to talk with the miners about the work in the mines, with the mineral collectors about the desire to show one’s best samples and with the jewelry makers about the pleasure to work with natural materials.

Most of the samples at the bazaar can be touched and held, and the jewels tried on, as you can see on the photos. And, as usual, our guests leave with some small presents.

Sonya Petrova

Breast cancer examination schedule under the IWC funded project: 1. Municipality Dolna Bania, Sofia district: 18-19 April 2. Municipality Strelcha, Pazardjik district: 25-26 April 3. Municipality Nevestino, Kiustendil district: 16-17 May 4. Municipality Ivailovgrad, Haskovo district - 30-31 May 5. Municipality Novo Selo, Vidin district: 6 June 6. Municipality Ruzhinci, Vidin district: 7 June 7. Municipality Kula, Vidin district: 13-14 June

8. Municipality Roman, Vidin district: 20-21 June 9. Municipality Vetrino, Varna district: 27-28 June 10. Municipality Biala, Varna district: 4-5 July 11. Municipality Banite, Smolian district: 11-12 July 12. Municipality Tsar Kaloian, Razgrad district: 18-19 July 13. Municipality Smiadovo, Shumen district: 25-26 July

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Charity update

Razdavitza school and orphanage 74 children are cared for here, 100% Roma from Iztok neighbourhood in Kjustendil. They are known as the “River Children” Most of them live next to the river which is used as a dumpsite, in very poor conditions.

Many of the fathers are in prison. Their sustenance comes from waste collection, temporary seasonal work and social welfare.

Help from Lora Foundation: Bus Transport to and from school; Shoes and clothes; Basic food products; Firewood and coal for heating during winter; Christmas Gifts; Annual Summer Camp (Children are sponsored by the International Women’s Club 2015).

Razdavitza offers normal living conditions, a healthy diet and a normal school curriculum. The children are cared for by qualified teachers and a nurse. They have free time with a variety of activities. AND THEY ARE NOT ON THE STREET. Challenges: Their mother tong is not Bulgarian; Lack of basic hygienic habits; Education is not a priority in the Roma culture; Parents are not concerned whether their children attend school or not; Difficult communication.

We have good interaction with parents, and provide free transport to attend school functions. One of the teachers is from Roma origin and lives in Iztok neighbourhood and has a good reputation among the Roma people.

Results: Children achieve good results in school and other levels; Children become responsible adults and parents; Some of the children finish high school; They become leaders in their community; They work abroad.

Elsabe Louw

Annual General Assembly 2015

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Treasurer’s report January - March 2015 Dear Ladies,

On the Charity side, our main aim was to process the payments for the donations approved in our Budget.

I hope you are all keeping well?

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over the coming months.

As promised, the Club and Charity Income and Expenditure Reports for January, February and March.

Very best regards,

On the Club side, you will see that we have received income from membership fees, raffles, commercial tables at our Monthly Coffee Morning and some very welcomed advertising income. In actual fact, space is now limited in our newsletter. What a wonderful position to be in!

Sibeal Reynolds IWC Treasurer 2012-2016

Club INCOME Membership fees

Jan

Feb

March

TOTAL

240.00

720.00

180.00

1,140.00

10.00

10.00

141.00

150.00

373.00

300.00

1,555.00

1,855.00

Guest fees Coffee morning raffles

82.00

Newsletter advertising fees Events income

0.00

Commercial table rents

60.00

20.00

100.00

180.00

Donations

0.00

Bank interest

0.00

Balance brought forward

20,104.67

20,104.67

TOTAL INCOME

23,662.67

EXPENSES Jan Office Cleaning Telephones

448.80

Feb

March

TOTAL

192.00

96.00

288.00

391.43

381.58

1,221.81

69.00

69.00

93.20

104.65

Computer/website maintenance; software Transport (taxis, parking)

3.51

7.94

Office supplies

0.00

Postal/stationery/office printing

0.00

Newsletter, Business Cards,Brochures & Guide Printing

115.20

373.32

256.80

745.32

Legal fees & expenses

0.00

Accounting & book keeping

0.00

Coffee morning/events costs

704.70

Raffle proceeds Donated

704.70 0.00

Bank /transaction fees & Taxes

4.40

Point of Sale Terminal Rental

6.20

14.40

7.40

18.00

28.80

43.20

Reimbursements - Membership/events

0.00

Specific Donation

500.00

500.00

Sundry (incl. flowers, courier, gifts & newspaper)

115.94

6.00

195.98

317.92

Office Petty Cash

100.00

100.00

120.30

320.30

TOTAL EXPENSES

4,332.90

Total funds as of 31st March

19,329.77

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Charity

INCOME Jan

Feb

March

TOTAL

Annual bazaar income

3,004.00

3,004.00

Other donations

2,304.63

2,304.63

Special events

0.00

Gift sales

0.00

Interest/bank fee reimbursement

0.00

Balance brought forward

381,494.97

381,494.97

TOTAL INCOME

386,803.60

EXPENSES Personnel Expenses

Jan

Feb

March

TOTAL

Salaries

3,383.62

3,383.62

Benefits

1,747.07

1,747.07

Subtotal Nonpersonnel Expenses

5,130.69 Jan

Feb

Annual Bazaar expenses

March

TOTAL

3,093.34

3,093.34

Bazaar contribution reimbursement

0.00

Returned Donation (received in error) Postal & Courier fees

98.52

Charity Van Travel/ Fuel/ Parking Electricity/Water/Heating

117.08

215.60

60.00

180.00

98.01

166.00

264.01

3.20

Office Petty Cash

2,213.67

120.00

113.39

Bank fees and taxes

2,213.67

11.00

88.45

201.84

13.10

27.30

100.00

Sundry

100.00

1.99

80.98

82.97

Subtotal

6,378.73

TOTAL EXPENSES

11,509.42

GRANTS AWARDED

Jan

Feb

March

IWC SUPPORTED CAUSES SPECIFIC DONATIONS

1,519.00

TOTAL 201,066.00

201,066.00

6,025.26

7,544.26

TOTAL GRANTS DISTRIBUTED

208,610.26

Total funds as of 31st March

166,683.92

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April cooking demonstration New member from the Ukraine, Tatiana Nedelcheva gave a remarkable Ukrainian cooking demonstration at her home in Maxi Complex.

Dressed in a beautiful national costume, journalist and restaurant owner Tatiana, greeted us with a décor of the traditional blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag, symbolising the wheat fields and the sky. The first word we learned in Ukrainian was of course ‘budmo’, the word for cheers, on drinking a shot of vodka and tasting a delicious piece of rye bread and some mouthwatering traditional snacks. Then we had the privilege to meet a famous singer - Katia Buzhinska, who very generously gave us her latest CD as a gift.

After that the cooking started, (or rather I should say, some of us joined the cooking and others just hung around chatting and drinking white wine – myself belonging to the latter group), and we tucked into more Ukrainian delicacies. We had the traditional ‘vareniki’ with three different fillings – potato, mushrooms with onion and cabbage – sour cream to go with all of them, and some ‘deruni’, a tasty type of potato pancakes.

Tatiana also showed us a short film about her restaurant in the Ukraine and it took no time to convince us that it would be a great idea to open one here too. So, dear Tatiana, when will that be?

Elitsa Lingorski

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English Afternoon tea at Lynne’s In Britain, if you were invited to tea between two and five o’clock in the afternoon, you would be invited to “afternoon tea.” Although tea and a piece of cake is still very common in Britain around this time, due to busy work schedules of the modern day, afternoon tea is mostly reserved for special occasions.

Certainly everyone knows or has heard about the old English tradition of having afternoon tea, but not very many people get to experience it, especially not in the Dragalevtsi quarter of Sofia, as we did.

What a delightful afternoon we had!

Our hostess and former IWC club president Lynne Godding had outdone herself in baking exceptional mouth-watering British cakes, deserts and sandwiches.

Along with our cups of Yorkshire tea we could sample – some traditional scones with cream and jam, a varieties of sponge cakes, delicious chocolate roll, shortbreads, sticky buns, a very rich fruit cake, along with the triangular shaped sandwiches with cheese and pickle, with ham and some traditional cucumber sandwiches.

Let me tell you the story about the afternoon tea tradition – it began in the 1800’s. The Duchess of Bedford called Anna Russell couldn’t wait until 8 - 9pm for dinner to be served without feeling overwhelmingly hungry. So she found out that if she had some tea with bread and butter in the late afternoon, around 4pm it was enough to keep her hunger away, eventually she started sharing this new found afternoon light meal with her high society friends and that’s how the traditional English afternoon tea ceremony was born.

Soon enough, to be invited for afternoon tea was the invite all the British ladies desired.

If you want to experience the charm of this old tradition and you are visiting London as a tourist or on business and you enjoy drinking tea, I definitely recommend you go for a traditional afternoon tea at the fancy Palm Court at the Ritz hotel, the cost is 60.00 GBP per person, but the experience is worth every penny.

If you are in Sofia and wish to take a journey back in time to experience and learn more about the history and etiquette of the English tea ceremony, kindly let me know. I run a very interesting two hour event at The Teahouse, (off Dondukov street). It could be an excellent treat for yourselves or a gift voucher idea, it was a very popular 8th of March gift.

We thank Lynne for an unforgettable afternoon tea, the lovely photographs from the event will keep the memory and the taste of her English baking with us forever.

Albena Jones

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Septemvri - Dobrinishte Narrow-gauge Railway The Septemvri - Dobrinishte narrow-gauge railway is the only operating 760 mm line in Bulgaria through the mountains of western Rhodopes, Rila and Pirin. It was built between 1921 and 1945. Avramovo is the highest station in the Balkans.

I encourage you to make this trip to enjoy nature, history and culture of Bulgaria, but above all, to support this rail line so it won’t disappear. It is the only means of transport for a majority of local inhabitants, for their live and economy.

After the train we got on a bus and stopped in Bansko to visit the home of the Bulgarian poet Vaptsarov and the church and also had a little walk to enjoy the landscape surrounded by snowy mountains.

Our thanks go to Lyuba Tours for organising this trip and to his guide Stephan for his kindness and knowledge. Also thanks to the IWC for getting a discount for members.

Liliana Padilla

Fashion show at the Indonesian residence

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‘Weigh less, live more’ health workshop with Olga and Mazie “When do you feel the best….most energized?” Five ladies were able to attend the fascinating demo given in the home of Olga Volzhina. The hours were time well spent. We talked about how we might experiment with Green vegetables, explore a wider variety of meat alternatives, and learned to soak our cashew nuts before mashing them to create unusual sauces and dips. Mazie and Olga offered a beautifully prepared health and food demo that did inspire us to, “Weigh less, ….” We highly recommend any and all of their food and health seminars; we enjoyed every minute.

“Go slowly, and take it in stages,” was a sensible piece of advice given by our experts regarding steps towards a diet with less animal protein and more of a vegetable basis. Listen to your body… pay better attention to which foods make you feel bloated or uncomfortable, Mazie explained. Try to find better ways to care for yourself. Not only did Olga and Mazie provide a beautiful, delicious meal completely vegan but also they suggested snack ideas/ created menu’s, gave advice and freely shared new and unusual recipes. A lingering impression we got was how reasonable and logical it is to seek more of these habits.

The demonstration was both inspiring and up-lifting. Rather than being lectured on our many “food crimes,” (how many snickers bars disappeared in our home last week?) or feeling guilty or even lazy, – we felt a desire to attempt more days of the month or week following a vegan diet. We began to consider taking time to emphasize healthy vegetables more in our menus.

Whether you have a specific health complaint (such as gall bladder removed or special digestive concerns) or if you just want the benefits of a healthier body, these miniature courses are a gold mine of information, inspiration and fun. Why not plan one into your schedule this next month, while you have the chance? We guarantee you’ll be glad you did.

Becky Faber

A word about Kefir Looking young, having good skin and always being energetic and vibrant are some of the compliments I often get. I am always asked how do I do it? As I am also a caring and sharing person, I will gladly reveal my two helpers – the first one is called Kefir and the second one – Aloe Vera.

Me and my family consume and use this products daily. This month I will tell you about the benefits of the Kefir and in next month I will share the goodness of the Aloe Vera plant.

I start my day with a glass of Kefir.

What is Kefir?

Kefir is a white, creamy product with amazing health attributes. It is a live probiotic, that contains up to 1 BILLION bacteria in just one cup! It is one of the oldest remedies and the best kept secret of the monks from the Tibet monasteries in the Caucasian Mountains where it originates from. Kefir is manufactured using Kefir "grains," which are porous structures resembling small cauliflower which we combine with milk; the grains hold the microorganisms that make the milk ferment. The bacteria and fungus which make up the grains include lactic acid, leuconostocs, lactobacilli, yeasts and acetic acid bacteria. It is rich in Vitamin A, B12, B1, D, E, Vitamin K, folic acid and pantothenic acid.

What are the benefits of consuming Kefir regularly?

The benefits of this miraculous product are endless.

Internally – as it’s easily digested, it cleanses the intestines, provides beneficial bacteria and yeast, vitamins and minerals, and complete proteins. Because Kefir is such a balanced and nourishing drink, it contributes to a healthy immune system and has been used to help patients suffering from, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes and cancer. Its tranquilizing effect on the nervous system has benefited many who suffer from sleep disorders, depression and mental tension.The regular use of Kefir can help relieve all intestinal disorders, promote bowel movement, eliminate IBS and create a healthier digestive system.

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In addition, its cleansing effect on the whole body helps to establish a balanced inner ecosystem for fertility issues - the probiotic bacteria dense supply of vitamins A, D, E and K in the male organism, tackles low sperm count and libido issues and in the females Kefir treats yeast infections, helps regulate periods, aides with urinary tract infections, eliminates vaginal odors. Restores the body's balance after miscarriages child birth and during the menopause period.

Kefir is the strongest natural antibiotic without side effects.

It also help eliminate food cravings by making the body more nourished and balanced. Even with chocoholics like me, if I cave chocolate and can manage to drink a small glass of Kefir instead the craving goes away. The adequate B vitamin intake benefits range from regulation of the kidneys, liver and nervous system to helping relieve skin disorders, boost energy, promote longevity and beauty - now my secret has been revealed.

Externaly - Kefir does not only keep you healthy on the inside but has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties that help keep you looking young and radiant. Kefir contains lactic acid which dissolves the lipids that hold old skin cells together, that helps to remove dead skin particles so that the new skin can emerge. Used on the skin daily Kefir has visible anti-aging and immune enhancing properties. Simply apply to clean face, neck or entire body, rub in gently with circular movements, leave for a few minutes, then wash off, for and amazing youthful glow. I usually do that procedure in the bathroom before my morning shower, as it can be a bit messy and funny enough I was hiding from my husband, but know he is totally hooked on the Kefir skin beauty process himself and sometimes does it in the evening too. Any skin disorders can be treated in the same way until total healing.

How to make and use Kefir?

The product is produced by traditional methods at home. The process is simple and requires the Kefir grains (starter pack) and milk, juice or water. Sometimes it’s referred to as Milk Kefir as it’s most effective when prepared and consumed with fresh milk, which is what I do. However if you have a dairy/ lactose allergy or intolerance you can prepare and consume it with any kind of fruit juice or water. The colour of the Kefir grains will change depending on the colour of juice used.

What do you need to make 1 glass of Kefir?

Ingredients: 1 cup of any milk (juice/water) to 1 full big spoon of active Kefir grains Equipment: 1 glass jar , strainer (preferably plastic, metal is not OK)

Instructions: Combine the milk and the grains in a jar, stir it, the milk can be cold or room temperature, either is fine. Cover the jar, but do not screw the lid onto it as the build up of carbon dioxide from the fermenting grains can cause pressure to build and in extreme cases can cause the jar to burst. Ferment for 12 to 48 hours: Store the jar at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. When the milk has thickened, fermented with bubbles and tastes tangy (like yogurt drink), it's ready. This will usually take about 24 hours at average room temperatures; the milk will ferment faster at warmer temperatures and slower at cool temperatures.

To prepare your drink - separate out the Kefir grains and the ready yogurt drink by catching the grains in a strainer. Wash the grains in the strainer with cold water and transfer the grains to a clean jar pouring fresh milk allowing them to ferment again. This way, you can make a fresh batch of Kefir roughly every 24- 48 hours. Important Note – If you no not have a plastic strainer you can use a metal one but avoid prolonged contact between the Kefir and metal both during and after brewing. Never store in metal container, do not use metal spoon this can affect the flavor and weaken the grains over time. The prepared milk Kefir can be drunk immediately or some can be applied on the skin – face or body. It can also be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Your Kefir grains will grow, so the quantity of your Kefir will become bigger, meaning you will have to increase the milk put in and you will have more Kefir milk for consumption. Kefir is a life changing product for me, currently I have a limited amount of Kefir, if you would like to purchase some please see the advertisement section at the back.

I hope it will benefit some of you too – but please don’t forget its alive product, once you have started with your own Kefir you must take care of it and it will take care of you.

Albena Jones

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Membership news Birthdays

We say good-bye

Lisa Crowhurst, 2nd May

We say good-bye to Lynne, who was our president for the last couple of years. Thank you, Lynne, for working so diligently for the benefit of the IWC and its humanitarian goals.

We will miss your bright personality and your cheerful smile. Please don’t forget the IWC and certainly don’t forget Bulgaria! We wish you and your family – Roy, Nathan and Hannah – tremendous success in whatever you will be involved in the future!

Nadya Wuisan-Bratanova, 4th May Albena Jones, 6th May Tatiana Aslanoglou, 10th May Raquel Azrak 20th May Olga Volzhina, 10th May Luisa Castelli, 23rd May Liliana Padilla, 23rd May Marina Trajanov, 23rd May

Ongoing activities fiction books from writers of all nationalities (voted on by the members) 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 French-speaking 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 Dragolevski/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-

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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 Lynne at lynnegodding@gmail.com.

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 at 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.

Mum and baby play group

Icon Painting Course

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

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.

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!!!

Tennis

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.

new

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 TromansBerg dianetromansberg@yahoo.co.uk or 0885 721 841.

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May events Friday, 8th May

Friday, 22th May

10.30am: The Cancer Fighting Foods cooking workshop Every single day, tens of thousands of people, just like you, are curing cancer or preventing it from destroying their bodies. It’s time to take matters into our own hands and educate ourselves on real prevention and treatments. It could save your life or someone you love.

The right food choices can greatly increase the odds of beating cancer and nature offers a multitude of foods, which have intrinsic cancer fighting and immune boosting properties.

Join this workshop with hands on cooking lead by Olga and Mazie, Health Coaches certified by Institute for Integrative Nutrition, NY. We’ll learn, cook and taste food together. Price is 30 lv. per person.

Address: Bistritsa Terrasse Complex. Confirm to Olga Volzhina at olga.volzhina@gmail.com.

11.30am: Favourites of the East - Introduction to the Orient IWC members and friends from Japan are inviting us to come enjoy a simple introduction to sounds and tastes of the Orient which they will graciously prepare for us. Eat delicious Japanese specialties. Learn to write one or two Japanese characters, try a little origami, listen to music of the East and receive pleasures of oriental culture.

Cost of 15 leva; space for 15 ladies; venue to be announced; Sign up at the coffee morning or with Elitsa IWC office.

Wednesday, 27th May 5.00am: A special day trip “Come, Smell the Roses!”

What a magical event! “Take time to smell the roses,” with us, in Bulgaria’s unique Rose Valley. By late May the valley in central Bulgaria is on the cusp of the national ROSE festival and all the farms, fields and plantations where this classic flower is bred are ready for harvest in the spectacular Rose Valley of Bulgaria. Now…before the school year ends and.the summer holidays begin, this is your chance to treat yourself to a “Lady’s day out,” with new or old friends and have a truly fantastic Bulgarian experience.

The spring rain, along with recent fresh sunshine has brought the first roses into their peak. An al fresco picnic is planned for lunch.

Also, there will be a chance to buy organic rose products from the distillery at factory prices. After the end of the visit we will depart to the towns of Karlovo and Sopot. Meeting at Hilton Hotel, second pick-up at 5.20am at Radisson Hotel. Leva 70 for entire day trip.

Sign up at the coffee morning!! Hurry! Limited spaces! If more than 15 ladies sign up, we will need to rent a larger vehicle! For more information contact Becky Faber: beckyruthfaber@gmail.com.

Tuesday, 12th May 10.30am: Monthly Coffee Morning at Matti-d Date t.b.c 12.30pm: New and old members Lunch: all welcome!

Let’s meet for lunch, old friends and new ones. It’s good to take time to.get to know one another better, relax and swap shopping suggestions or share ideas of fun places to go in Sofia for the month of May! Please sign up with Becky Faber: beckyruthfaber@gmail.com.

Friday, 15th May 10.30am: Foods on the go workshop Another one of Olga and Mazie’s amazing cookery workshops. Be prepared with the best snacks, anywhere anytime. Price 30 lv. per person. Confirm to: olga.volzhina@gmail.com.

Friday, 29th May

Tuesday, 19th May

10.30am: Full Proof Vegetarian for the whole family Another one of Olga and Mazie’s amazing cookery workshops. Meatless men & sugarless kids mean one happy Mama. Price: 30 lv. per person. Confirm to: olga.volzhina@gmail.com.

2.00pm: Cooking Class at home with Maria Naslednikova A maximum of 10 people can be accommodated, there will be a charge of 20Leva. The class will be held at Marie’s house not far from NDK. The details of the address will be sent to those who sign up. Please e-mail:Elitsa at IWC office or sign up / pre-pay your leva to Becky Faber at the coffee morning.

May calendar

Trip to Petrovo with charity team

10.30: Health workshop

10.30: Monthly coffee morning

10.30: Health workshop

14.00: Cooking class

11.30: “Favourites of the East” 5.00am: Rose valley trip

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10.30: Health workshop

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,

April 17th 12.30–2.30 pm Weigh less, live more How cutting back on animal protein will improve more than your waistline

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

April 24th 12.30–2.30 pm «I do not eat the colour green» Easy ways to change your kids eating habits

stelapilates@gmail.com

May 8th 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Cancer-fighting foods Prevent cancer and other diseases just by adjusting what you eat May 15th 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Foods on the go to boost energy “Be prepared” with the best snacks, anywhere anytime May 29th 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Full Proof Vegetarian for the whole family!

Meatless men & sugarless kids means one happy Mama 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.

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

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

Minimum order of five roses in a box or one rose bundled up with a box of chocolates applies.

Call Maya Alexandrova on 0896 895 230

Entry fee:

Mercedes Sprinter 311 CDI LWB

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

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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