November 2015

Newsletter

November 2015

of the International Women’s Club in Sofia

Poland’s Independence Day International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women Second Stallholders Meeting at the U.S. Embassy Next Monthly Coffee Morning: Thursday, 10th December, 10.30am , venue to be confirmed

Exclusive houses in a family compound

Unique Estates has the pleasure to offer to your attention this elegant gated compound with 18 houses, located in Kambanite area, close to Anglo-American school. The compound offers three types of homes, satisfying various family needs. NO FEE FROM THE BUYER. GEA: from 230 m2 to 335 m2 • Plot: from 354 m2 to 517 m2 • Prices: from € 315 000. www.UES.bg +359 2 819 20 20; +359 882 600 600

Letter from the President

Dear Ladies,

It is that time of year when we are all very busy with everything Bazaar related! After a very successful second stallholder meeting held at the American Embassy, I know Toi and her team are becoming incredibly busy arranging the 60+ stalls and trying to accommodate every request and still all with a smile on their faces!

I remember the first time I visited the bazaar, having only been in the country 6 months and the club 3 months, I thought I would pop along and see what all the fuss was about and I have to say my jaw was on the floor when I entered the first hall! Every year since I am proud to be involved with the IWC and how much our members achieve, together with all the volunteers to generate this amazing one day experience. If you are new to the club and have some spare time, I urge you to get involved in what ever way you can, it is hard work but so worth it! Remember many hands make light work! If you need to contact Toi and her team, or want to know how to volunteer or donate all the details are available on our website.

Nara Vasconcelos will be selling tickets at the coffee morning and she can also allocate you tickets on a sale or return basis, this is ideal if you want to take some to your workplace, activity groups or distribute among your friends. You are also welcome to take posters to advertise the bazaar in your local vicinity.

If you are holding an event to raise money for the charity bazaar or for your stall in particular, we will be happy to promote this within the membership, please contact the office with the details.

There is also still time to renew your membership, if you haven’t done so already. Please take the opportunity to do so at the coffee morning before your details are removed from our database.

Don’t forget to check out the commercial tables and the events table. One of our new events is a ‘Monthly Wine Evening’ for those of you who cannot always attend the coffee morning through work or other commitments or if you simply would prefer to chat over a glass of wine, please sign up for our first night this November at the event table.

As always we have nice things to buy from our commercial stalls at the coffee morning and some nice events, so remember to bring enough money so you don’t miss out.

I would just like to clarify our position with deposits taken for the events. The deposit is to cover a proportion of the costs for the hostess, if you do not then attend the event, your deposit will not be returned as those costs would still have been incurred. If, on the other hand, the event is cancelled by the IWC or the hostess you will be entitled to your deposit back. We will be introducing a system to streamline this process for all.

Although it is a busy month ahead, I wish you all strength, fun and friendship and I thank each and every one of you for your dedication and warmth of spirit.

Best wishes

Angela

Permanent and Waterproof PRINT on LIVE ROSES

Cover image: “Rudno Creek Valley Nature reserve, Zalas Village, Kraków County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland”. Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International, 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license.

3

IWC Executive Board 2015-2016 President Angela Bird 0879 119 152 president@iwc-sofia.org

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

Treasurer Kelsa L. Smith-Mouskourova 0879 506 800 treasurer@iwc-sofia.org

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

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

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

Office Manager/Newsletter Editor: office@iwc-sofia.org admin@iwc-sofia.org “Like” IWC on Facebook and check tel.: 02 951 6117 our website www.iwc-sofia.org (please call before visiting)

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.

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 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.

Event

IWC Member

Guest

Free Monthly Event

Free

Free

Free Activity Group Event

Free

Paid*

Paid Monthly Event

5-20BGN

+5BGN

Paid Monthly Event

21BGN+

+50%

Member only Event

Open

Closed

*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.

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 recommendations 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.

4

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.

November dates 1st November, Day of the Bulgarian National Revival Leaders

tuals’ contribution to the cultural development of the ordinary people.

The day is devoted to the bookmen, the enlighteners, the fighters for national liberation who have preserved the spiritual values of the Bulgarian nation through the centuries.

Many citizens and people from the countryside wanted to pay honours to these people by naming many streets, schools, libraries and cultural clubs after them. That was the reason why Stoyan Omarchevski, Minister of Education, Youth and Science of the 40th Ministry of Bulgaria (Stefan Stambolov 1920-1923), proposed that this day be devoted to the Leaders of the Bulgarian National Revival.

The day is marked for the first time in Plovdiv in 1909. On 1st November 1923 king Boris III proclaimed the day as a national celebration, but in 1945 the celebration was banned. The marking of the day of Bulgaria’s enlighteners was restored in 1992.

Some popular Bulgarian spiritual and intellectual leaders are St Ivan Rilski, Vladislav Grammatik, Paissi Hilendarski, Neofit Bozveli, Neofit Rilski, Miladinov Brothers, Lyuben Karavelov, Dobri Chintulov, Ivan Vazov.

Every year on 1st November Bulgaria marks the Day of the National Revival Leaders.

After Bulgaria was liberated from the Ottoman Empire there was a need to mark the Bulgarian intellec 11th November, Poland’s Independence Day

Unable to defeat her powerful neighbours herself, Poland’s seemingly only hope, if she were to win independence, lay in the surrounding empires defeating themselves, or being defeated by others, or both. This was precisely what happened in the Great War. Under the hammer blows of military defeats, internal social unrest, and the Bolshevik revolution, Russia was seriously weakened and withdrew from the war. The Austro-Hungarian Empire, a polyglot of nations, disintegrated in the face of the impending defeat of the Central Powers. Germany was vanquished by the combined forces of France, England, and the United States. The defeat and the temporary internal disarray of the partitioning powers opened for Poles a unique opportunity to reach for their long sought independence.

America’s entry into the war not only assured allied victory but also provided vital moral and political foundation for Poland’s claim to independent statehood. During the course of the war, Austria, Germany, and Russia appealed to Poles for support for their respective war efforts in exchange for vague promises of more or less limited autonomous Polish kingdom after the war. This bidding for Polish support was clearly won for the allies by President Woodrow Wilson, who, in the thirteenth of his Fourteen Points of January 8, 1918, clearly declared his commitment to “a united, independent, and autonomous Poland, with free, unrestricted access to the sea.”

And so, the events and the diverse forces, which came together in 1918, enabled the Polish nation to win back its right to an independent existence and to be able to shape its own future.

On November 11, 1918, after 124 years of partition and oppression by the three contiguous empires, Austria, Germany (Prussia), and Russia, Poland regained her independence. The victorious allies - England, France, and the United States - celebrated November 11 as the Armistice Day, the day on which a long and bloody war finally ended. For Poland, November 11 meant the end of a much longer struggle to regain her independence - Konfederacja Barska of 1768-1761, the Napoleonic Wars and the D¹browski Legions, the November Uprising of 1831-1832, and the January uprising of 1863-1864.

Given her unfortunate geographical position, Poland’s struggle for independence against the three frequently cooperating empires was, as history shows, very difficult. But, as history also shows, it was not impossible. When Poland finally won her independence, therefore, it was not only because of what Poles themselves did, but also because of what happened around them on the international arena.

http://www.nadezhda.org/en/index.html; http://www.polishcenterofcleveland.org/

5

November dates 26th November, Thanksgiving, USA

Standish arrived with staples and news that a Dutch supply ship was on its way. Because of all this good fortune, colonists held a day of Thanksgiving and prayer on June 30. This 1623 festival appears to have been the origin of our Thanksgiving Day because it combined a religious and social celebration.

Festivals of Thanksgiving were observed sporadically on a local level for more than 150 years. They tended to be autumn harvest celebrations. But in 1789, Elias Boudinot, Massachusetts, member of the House of Representatives, moved that a day of Thanksgiving be held to thank God for giving the American people the opportunity to create a Constitution to preserve their hard won freedoms. A Congressional Joint Committee approved the motion, and informed President George Washington. On October 3, 1789, the President proclaimed that the people of the United States observe "a day of public thanksgiving and prayer" on Thursday, the 26th of November.

The next three Presidents proclaimed, at most, two days of thanksgiving sometime during their terms of office, either on their own initiative or at the request of a joint Resolution of Congress. One exception was Thomas Jefferson, who believed it was a conflict of church and state to require the American people hold a day of prayer and thanksgiving. President James Madison proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving to be held on April 13, 1815, the last such proclamation issued by a President until Abraham Lincoln did so in 1862.

Most of the credit for the establishment of an annual Thanksgiving holiday may be given to Sarah Josepha Hale. Editor of Ladies Magazine and Godey's Lady's Book, she began to agitate for such a day in 1827 by printing articles in the magazines.

She also published stories and recipes, and wrote scores of letters to governors, senators, and presidents. After 36 years of crusading, she won her battle. On October 3, 1863, buoyed by the Union victory at Gettysburg, President Lincoln proclaimed that November 26, would be a national Thanksgiving Day, to be observed every year on the fourth Thursday of November.

Most Americans are familiar with the Pilgrim's Thanksgiving Feast of 1621, but few realise that it was not the first festival of its kind in North America. Long before Europeans set foot in the Americas, native peoples sought to insure a good harvest with dances and rituals such as the Green Corn Dance of the Cherokees.

The first Thanksgiving service known to be held by Europeans in North America occurred on May 27, 1578 in Newfoundland, although earlier Church-type services were probably held by Spaniards in La Florida. However, for British New England, some historians believe that the Popham Colony in Maine conducted a Thanksgiving service in 1607. In the same year, Jamestown colonists gave thanks for their safe arrival, and another service was held in 1610 when a supply ship arrived after a harsh winter. Berkley Hundred settlers held a Thanksgiving service in accordance with their charter which stated that the day of their arrival in Virginia should be observed yearly as a day of Thanksgiving, but within a few years an Indian uprising ended further services. Thus British colonists held several Thanksgiving services in America before the Pilgrim's celebration in 1621.

The Pilgrims, with a puritanical rejection of public religious display, held a non-religious Thanksgiving feast, aside from saying grace. In fact, they seem to have used the three days for feasting, playing games, and even drinking liquor.

http://www.si.edu/

In 1623, the Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation, Massachusetts, held another day of Thanksgiving. As a drought was destroying their crops, colonists prayed and fasted for relief; the rains came a few days later. And not long after, Captain Miles 6

20 November – United Nations Universal Children’s Day

By resolution 836(IX) of 14 December 1954, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. It recommended that the Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world. The Assembly suggested to governments that the Day be observed on the date and in the way which each considers appropriate. The date 20 November, marks the day on which the Assembly adopted two very important documents – the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.

Nearly 25 years ago, the world made a promise to children: that we would do everything in our power to protect and promote their rights to survive and thrive, to learn and grow, to make their voices heard and to reach their full potential. In spite of the overall gains, there are many children who have fallen even further behind. Old challenges have combined with new problems to deprive many children of their rights and the benefits of development.

To meet these challenges, and to reach those children who are hardest to reach, we need new ways of thinking and new ways of doing - for adults and children.

There is much to celebrate as we mark the 25th anniversary of the Convention, from declining infant mortality to rising school enrolment, but this historic milestone must also serve as an urgent reminder that much remains to be done. Too many children still do not enjoy their full rights on par with their peers. http://www.unicef.org/rightsite/ 7

25 November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women • • • • •

• • •

•

Why This International Day? Violence against women is a human rights violation Violence against women is a consequence of discrimination against women, in law and also in practice, and of persisting inequalities between men and women Violence against women impacts on, and impedes, progress in many areas, including poverty eradication, combating HIV/AIDS, and peace and security Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Prevention is possible and essential Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic.

Facts and Figures 35% of women and girls globally experience some form of physical and or sexual violence in their lifetime with up to seven in ten women facing this abuse in some countries.

It is estimated that up to 30 million girls under the age of 15 remain at risk from FGM/C, and more than 130 million girls and women have undergone the procedure worldwide.

Worldwide, more than 700 million women alive today were married as children, 250 million of whom were married before the age of 15. Girls who marry before the age of 18 are less likely to complete their education and more likely to experience domestic violence and complications in childbirth.

The costs and consequence of violence against women last for generations.

This year, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women invites you to “Orange YOUR Neighbourhood.” Take the UNiTE campaign to local streets, shops and businesses, and organise “Orange Events” in your own neighbourhoods between 25 November and 10 December 2014.

Reach out to your neighbours, local stores, food-sellers on the corner of your street, gas stations, local cinemas, barbers, schools, libraries and post offices! Project orange lights and hang orange flags onto local landmarks, tie orange ribbons where you are allowed, and organise local ‘orange marches’ on 25 November to raise awareness about violence against women and discuss solutions that would work for your community.

The date of 25 November was chosen to commemorate the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic, who were brutally assassinated in 1960 during the Rafael Trujillo dictatorship (19301961).

Join us! Share your photos, messages and videos showing how you orange your neighbourhood at facebook.com/SayNO.UNiTE and twitter.com/SayNO_UNiTE. 8

Charity update

It is Movember! There is no mistake and I didn’t misspell the month’s name!

the Smile Foundation as a regular donor of their summer camp for children and also this year helped with the purchasing of furniture for the house where several happy kids without parents live in a nice family environment. During the visit we will be able to see the house, but not the kids because they will be at school. I would like to thank Christina Stoimenova, for inviting us and giving an opportunity to supervise the progress of the project of Smile Foundation. The meeting point will be in Ikea parking lot at 10:30 on November 13th.

Movember is the month formerly known as November, where men and women across the globe join together to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues – specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives. Since the beginning of this year IWC-Sofia, with the support of the men working at the British Embassy, funded a projected focused on the early prevention of prostate cancer.

The next planned visit will be to Agapedia Foundation on November 30th and it is part of the monitoring process of IWC Charity. Since the children come back from school in the early afternoon the meeting is scheduled for 4.00 pm with meeting point on the corner of Bulgaria Boulevard and Petko Todorov Boulevard (direction towards Boyana).

So, let’s encourage the men next to us – husbands, partners, fathers, brothers, to get involved and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths.

I would like to make an appeal – IWC Charity is looking for shoes for children and adults in good conditions to be distributed to people in need!

Dear ladies,

Best regards,

In November we have two charity visits – first we will visit Smile Bulgaria Foundation and their house on November 13th. IWC–Sofia supports

Maria Ilieva,

Charity Chairperson

One of our beneficiaries Association “Child and Space” would like to invite the members of IWC to participate in their workshops for creating unique lamps with the purpose to fundraise money for their causes - support of children with disabilities. The workshop will be on November 26th from 13:30 to 16:30 at Downtown hotel in Sofia. This will be an opportunity to make lamps under the professional supervision of a Bulgarian artist, and enjoy an afternoon with the kids from their social homes. The cost of participating is 150 leva, which goes to the “Child and Space” charity fund. Please tell Maria Ilieva if you would like to participate.

9

Vidin Fortissimo Class – learning towards quality of life During my 9 years of membership, I have been proud of every support our IWC has given to dozens of projects related to the elderly, orphans, the Roma community, women’s issues and children with disability, among others. Today I am having the special pleasure to see a new perspective arising within our actions, and that is the Classical Music project named “Fortissimo Class”. Together with America for Bulgaria Foundation and the violinist Harry Eshkenazy, Director of “Fortissimo Class”, the IWC Charity Committee has decided to support a classical music appreciation program for 4th grade children from four different public schools in VIDIN – a city located in the northwestern region of Bulgaria, right by the Danube river.

As an IWC “volunteer-supervisor”, I have already attended the Inaugural Lecture given in Vidin by violinist Harry Eshkenazy at the Liuben Karavelov School, on 8th Oct, and was really amazed at the tremendous interest shown by the 20 children (plus 20 adults who joined the occasion!). They were totally involved by all of what they saw and heard, and fascinated by the chance of being able to touch the instrument and produce themselves their first and real sounds out of the violin – a chance they would hardly ever been given, in such daily life smothered by commercial music, if it wasn't through the means of the Fortissimo Class' initiative. I am sure of the positive impact at the community-based cultural life, and most probably “Sinfonietta Vidin” will benefit from an increase of the local concerts audience.

Moreover, some gifted children might be struck by a desire for self-development, and musical talents might be revealed. All in all, with such project I feel IWC extends its actions beyond suffering minorities, leaning towards quality of life for healthy children and their community.

At least one hundred children will benefit from the opportunity of getting in touch with the world of violins, trumpets, flutes, French horns, fagots, violoncellos and percussion instruments, through a series of twenty five lectures conducted by specialists. The children will be able to hear interesting explanation about the main features of each of these music instruments in dedicated lectures, besides listening to excerpts of classical music masterpieces in live performance, and even being offered the chance to experiment for the first time with each and every one of the instruments. At the closing of the program, during spring in 2016, all schools will be reunited at the Vidin Concert Hall to listen to a full concert performed by the local Symphony Orchestra, “Sinfonietta Vidin”, whose Director, Mr. Miroslav Krastev, has decisively joined and supported this educational idea.

I hope to be able to keep following up the Vidin “Fortissimo Class” project and would like to encourage other IWC members to somehow become a “volunteer-supervisor” like me (you won't regret it). If any of you would like to join me and my husband for attending the Vidin project's final concert in spring, please feel free to contact me through email narabulgaria@yahoo.com or on my mobile number: +359-888 010 860.

Nara Vasconcelos

13

Charity Bazaar update Dear ladies, Despite the fact, that the weather is becoming a bit severe, we still have many things, which definitely might make us stay warm, happy and full of joy! And one of these things is the preparation for the upcoming Event of the Year! The IWC Charity Bazaar!

The Bazaar this year will be organised on Dec. 6th.

Seeking to make this event smooth, enjoyable for everybody, successful financially (while collecting as much money as possible for charity) and indeed the Event of the Year we are looking forward for Your help!

We are in a big need of volunteers on the day of Bazaar to sell goods, to assist at the cloak-rooms, to help with dust collection and etc. As well, as to support us on the preparatory days (Dec. 4th & Dec. 5th) with stalls set-up and displaying goods.

Therefore, if you know somebody who would like to join the family of volunteers for this beautiful Charity Event, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Ernesta Kazlauskaite-Tsakona,

Volunteer Coordinator ernestakazlauskaite@yahoo.com mob.no: + 359 878542800

Bazaar team contacts Toi Castelló i Reñé Bazaar Coordinator iotcas@gmail.com +359 879 506 799

Albena Jones Assistant Bazaar Coordinator albenajones@yahoo.co.uk +359 879 119 151

Elisaveta Petrusheva PR and Media e.petrusheva@mysextet.com +359 898 707 777

Zarina Benoun-Takova Donors Contracts admin@iwc-sofia.org +359 2 951 6117

Bogdana Angelova Entertainment Coordinator iwcbazaar.entertainment@gmail.com +359 889 623 566

Nara Vasconcelos Advance Ticket Sales narabulgaria@yahoo.com +359 888 010 860

Aldona Krajewska Honorary Member of Bazaar Team 2015 aldonakrajewska@wp.pl +359 888 903 496

Sandra Topalska Donors Coordinator sandra.topalska@gmail.com + 359 885 039 071

Violeta Sabcheva Entertainment Assistant iwcbazaar.entertainment@gmail.com +359 878 225 465

10

Ernesta Kazlauskaite Volunteers’ Coordinator ernestakazlauskaite@yahoo.com +359 878 542 800

Elitsa Lingorski Donors Contracts, Logos, Cookbook office@iwc-sofia.org +359 2 951 6117

Second Stallholders’ meeting at the U.S. Embassy On Tuesday the 20th October the Second stallholders meeting took place at the Embassy of the United States of America. Over 70 attendants made their way through the gates for a very warm welcome by hosts Mazie Hollenbaugh, the embassy’s CLO, who met the Bazaar team’s high expectations, providing a high-tech room which en-

GOSSELIN MOBILITY

ge t in touch

abled the screening of the charity work presentation prepared by Charity Chairperson Maria Ilieva. During the presentation Maria emphasised on the increased number of projects and the improved process for allocating the funds. She also stressed that the IWC has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner among donors and recipients alike and pointed out the ongoing monitoring of progress on each project through regular visits and reporting. A very detailed account on charity work achievements was provided by Zoe Holliday of the Refugee Project. We were all excited to learn about the difference made in the lives of the boys and girls living at the camp.

Bazaar Coordinator Toi Castello gave a brief overview of requirements for registration and the upcoming deadlines, while Eli Petrusheva updated everyone on media and PR activities. With 30 stalls already registered, things are starting to gain momentum and discussions of floor planning have already begun. Elitsa Lingorski gave an account on the Cookbook project, explaining the extent and the limitations of the editorial planning of the book. Due to budget restrictions the IWC Cookbook will be a limited edition of only 600 copies to be sold exclusively at the this year’s bazaar. Entries from 26 different nationalities participating with a stall have been received. Should you decide to purchase the book you would have the great opportunity to re-create some of the tasty international specialties in your own kitchen. So hurry, reserve your copy while it’s hot off the press! Cover price is 10 Leva for the 80pp full colour book. All proceeds will go towards the IWC Charity fund.

11

The ‘Masterchef’ experience On Sunday 18th October we arrived at the Amuse Bouche Cooking School in Lozenets for an afternoon/evening of fun, laughter and culinary delight! Organised by Nara Vasconcelos, 9 of us ladies (and one husband!) donned our aprons and gathered together around a large cooking station for our culinary lesson hosted by Carolina Ribiero.

Carolina came in 6th place on Masterchef Bulgaria and we couldn't wait to get started on the 3 course Brazilian menu she had prepared for us!

First up was the dessert, a 'Simple Crumble and Passion Fruit Mousse' with fresh pineapple. With the recipes printed out to follow, we each took on a different job, from making the crumble to chopping the pineapple. Once ready all the components were layered into dessert bowls and put in the freezer for 30 minutes.

They were then transferred to the fridge until ready to eat.

17

Splendid Spanish and Ibero-Latin cooking demonstration

Now, it was time to make the starter; Spicy Pineapple Jelly and Pastel Dough. The jelly takes time to set, therefore Carolina prepared this herself before the class and brought it along. Making the Pastel Doughs was certainly great fun!

Once the dough had been formed, we then had to pass it through a pasta machine until very thin, although some of the ladies opted to use a rolling pin instead. We then created our Pastels in all different shapes and sizes, filled with small chunks of cheese and deep fried them for a couple of minutes. Safe to say we enjoyed them so much that a couple of us struggled to find room for our main course, Fish and Shrimp Moqueca.

Between us we chopped/sliced tomatoes, onions and peppers and layered into a large pan. After 5 minutes or so we added the fish and prawns (and lastly the coconut milk). In a separate pan Carolina fried the tiger prawns. The whole dish took no more than 15 minutes to cook and was not only very healthy but totally delicious! All the hard work done, it was time for pudding! The crumble and pineapple complimented the passion fruit mousse perfectly. Another beautiful dish! It was now time to sit back with a glass of wine and admire our efforts!!!

Thanks to Nara for organising such a fun event, a really great few hours was had by all and I am sure we shall all be attempting to make these dishes again at home! Thank you to Carolina for sharing with us these great recipes (and of course your wonderful cooking skills!) and thank you to the Amuse Bouche Cooking School for their patience!

Danni Bird

14

Carolina Ribeiro recipes

Spicy Pineapple Jelly Ingredients:

Pastel Doughs

Around 15 mall spicy peppers like habeneros, jalapenos or malagueta (seeded and cut in cubes) 1 bell pepper (seeded and cut in cubes) 1kg of pineapple cut in cubes 200ml of white sugar a pinch of salt water

Ingredients: 1kg flour 125ml sunflower oil I egg 50ml vodka or rakia 250ml water a pinch of salt and vinegar

Cooking Method:

Preparing Method:

Put in a blender the spicy peppers, the bell pepper, the pineapple, the salt and the vinegar.

Blend until it is homogenous. In a pan over medium heat, put the mixture from the blender a little bit of water if necessary. Little by little, add the sugar and more water if necessary and cook until it gets to desired consistency.

Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix them together. Open the dough with a pasta machine or rolling pin. Cut into the shape of your preference, fill with desired stuffing, close it with the help of a fork and deep fry in hot oil.

15

Ebru painting

October coee morning at Matti-d

16

17

Membership news

Love Yourself Heal Your Life Workshops (November-December 2015) “The point of power is always in the present moment.”

Louise L. Hay These powerful transformational Heal Your Life® 3 hour workshops are based on the principles of the best-selling book “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise L. Hay. Simple yet powerful- What we believe to be true about ourselves becomes true in our lives. We create everything that we experience in our lives, good and bad. Every thought we think and word we speak is literally painting our future. Our experiences in life are created by our thoughts and feelings. We can change our thoughts and beliefs in order to change our lives.

Thursday, November 5th, 10:00-13:00 Changing your thoughts and Daily Plan Thursday, November 12th, 10:00-13:00 Relationships Thursday, November 19th, 10:00-13:00 Work and Success Thursday, December 3rd, 10:00-13:00 Prosperity Thursday, December 10th, 10:00-13:00 Health Entry fee: 35 lv. per session (30 lv. for IWC members) and 150 lv. for booking all five sessions in advance (130 lv. for IWC members).

Location: Sofia Village (Kambanite Kompleks)

For sign up and more information: 0899986001 and sara.sedo@gmail.com

Sara Sedó is a Certified and Licensed Heal Your Life® Workshop Leader and Life Coach.

We would like to thank Rebecca Richardson who sent us this lovely image from Dubai, her entry for the IWC Matrix Relocations Holiday Phot o Competition.

Baby/toddler group Contact Claudia on her mobile number 0888449868 and her email claudia.sonea@icloud.com at all times.

Dear music lovers in Sofia, do you know SLIC? The Sofia Ladies International Choir is looking for voices for the new season. We are 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! 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.

Please ask us questions at our FB page: Sofia Ladies International Choir.

Come and Sing with us!

18

Membership news Birthdays in November This lovely drawing was made by the daughter of Eva Kreuzer - Elisabeth Kreuzer, who is 16.

Thank you, Elisabeth we love this gracious swan, and the idea!

Maki Miyamoto, 4th November Maria Barmina, 11th November Paromita Sanatani, 15th November Victoria Darlymple, 25th November Meral Luleci, 27th November

Announcements "Calling for instruments..."

Did your mother force you to play cello or oboe or French Horn? How many hours did you practice?

And can you still play?

We are looking for good amateur musicians to join in with the Christmas carol singing this December and other possible future events.

Please write to Becky or Nara; explain and tell us about your previous performances with instrument, past experiences; together let's recover the joy you had in music.

beckyruthfaber@gmail.com; narabulgaria@yahoo.com

Nissan Juke 4x4 for sale HUSBANDS OF SOFIA

A new men’s group for expats is being initiated. For more information and details of the first event, please contact Becky Ruth Faber: beckyruthfaber@gmail.com

1.6 Automatic,pearl white, good condition, registered May 2014 and 23,000km on the clock.

Good price: 17,000 euros.

Contact Sandra on email: sandrasbulgaria@aol.com

Hatha Yoga for beginners

Housekeeper available immediately.

Dear Ladies from the IWC in Sofia, I would like to invite you to my Hatha Yoga for beginners class from September, 1st, every Friday from 10 am till 11.30 am at Yoga Studio "Eleven" in Lozenec, 16 Zlaten Rog Street, opposite Hotel Marinella, former Kempinski. The price per class is 10 leva. My contact number is: 0888443000.

Teddy Houry

My housekeeper Renee worked for me for nearly 4 years. She is reliable, trustworthy and friendly. Â She speaks only Bulgarian, but this still allows her to communicate. Feel free to contact me for a reference - dianetromansberg@yahoo.co.uk, or call Renee directly- +359 87 6231221.

Diane Tromans-Berg 19

Ongoing activities

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. If you would like to join the sessions, please e-mail Albena Jones at albenajones@yahoo.co.uk.

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 followup 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. Contact Maria Ilieva on 0878 300 561 or at charity@iwc-sofia.org.

NEW

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 Thursday) and an evening group (meeting on Mondays). For more information contact: Sonya Petrova: andsonya@yahoo.com or Jean Olson: jean.olson@yahoo.com.

Spanish Conversation Group

Bridge

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.

Interested members are invited to play bridge. An intermediate/advanced group plays on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am in the “King of Clubs” club, just behind Matti-d. Fee is 5 BGN for the session.

There is an English-speaking group and a Frenchspeaking group. For more information, contact Diana Kolarova at dianakolarova@ yahoo.com or 0888 423 150. We also welcome visitors!

Tennis A group of members are starting to regularly play tennis together. We are of mixed ability and if you wish to join us or get on the regular email list then please contact Lynne at lynnegodding@gmail.com.

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.

Golf

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 Becky Ruth Faber and she will direct you to the person leading this group.

NEW

We play every Wednesday morning at St. Sofia Golf Club and Spa. I you are a golf player and would like to join us, please contact Raquel Azrak at arevaloraq@gmail.com.

20

Bootcamp

NEW

you become a regular. We hope to see you there!

Contact Nadya Wuisan-Bratanova on her e-mail: nw.bratanova@gmail.com.

This is an English language Outdoor EXERCISE group.

We meet every Wed and Fri at 10am sharp at the park behind CCS (the dog park) with Costa Coffee as a meeting point. This began as a mothers’ group who are interested in getting back in shape or just want to keep healthy and fit in general. And now we want to invite fellow ladies of the IWC to join our FIT movement.

Motivated by our expert instructor we will spend 1 to 1.15 hours of great outdoor workout with lots of cardio and strength training. The training (instructor fee) is 12 leva per training per person initially but the price drops if

Patchwork Group The group meets every Monday from 10:00am-– 12:00pm 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.

November events

Tuesday, 3rd November 10.30am: Monthly coffee morning Matti-d will be again our warm and extremely generous hosts. Please bring enough cash to reserve desired events and shop at this month’s commercial stalls.

and kindly offers IWC ladies a shop presentation for an afternoon or evening in November. They will show us around, offer sparkling wine and some food. Bring your Christmas list to buy a friend some special wine!! Contact Lisa Huber, Kostadinov-Huber@gmx.at. Sign up at the coffee morning, limit is 15 ladies

Thursday, 5th November

Friday, 13th November

12.30pm: Monthly lunch with Angela Meet at Talents restaurant, 9 Petar Beron St., Sofia. For all members including new ones! abangelb@gmail.com.

10.30am: Charity visit to Smile Foundation Let’s see how foster care in family settings works for children at risk? From orphans to abandoned kids, there is much to think of, many ways we can help, large or small. Sign up at coffee morning or ask Christina Stoimenova scstoimenovi@gmail.com for details.

Tuesday, 10th November 10.30am-12.00noon: Scrapbook class with Avantica A class for beginners in Lozenets. Learn various techniques and have fun with a lively, chatty group! Teacher and passionate crafter has more than 20 years experience. Deposit of 5 BGN for venue (+ cost of kit if you choose to buy any). Kids are also welcome. Limit is ten ladies. Contact Avantica: avantica@gmail.com, 0889 490 646.

Monday, 16th November 10.30am: Quince – sweet or sour?

Maria Nas and her cousin invite us to cook and taste traditional Bulgarian recipes for this fruit. The secret?

In a salad, tossed for dessert or cooked with meat for a savory! Limit of 15 ladies cost 20 BGN. maria_nas@abv.bg

Tuesday, 10th November

Tuesday, 17th November

09.00am-6.00 pm: Open day at Sense SPA Sense Hotel Sofia in 16 Tsar Osvoboditel blvd. is kindly inviting IWC members to an IWC Sofia Open Doors Day for an unforgettable SPA experience to rejuvenate body and soul.

Entrance to the facility is free of charge! You may come in at any time during the above period, get a tour around the SPA as well as relax in the pool, sauna and steam bath. Massages and treatments will be offered at special prices. Just bring your swim suit and indulge yourself. Strictly RSVP to Nevena by 5th of November at spa@sensehotel.com or 02 446 2510.

10.30am: Moscow coffee with Maria Barmina Lovely Barmina’s Russian morning. Park at the hotel Marinella (former Kempinski) and walk one and a half block to Maria’s place. Limit of 15 ladies; deposit – 10 BGN. Contact: maria.barmina@mail.ru.

Thursday, 19th November 10.00am: Stallholders meeting This will be the third and last meeting of 2015 Bazaar stallholders, our host will be the Italian residence. iotcas@gmail.com.

Wednesday, 11th November 7.00pm: Evening Outing to COMO A fun evening outing to the company COMO, a place which generously supports our Austrians at the Bazaar 21

or befriends two exceptional people who embody the startling power of defiance. Eventually she must decide if she too can act on what she believes in, whatever the personal cost. jean.olson@yahoo.com. For the morning group, contact Lisa or Sonya: lisa.freij@gmail.com; andsonya@yahoo.com.

Thursday, 19th November 7.00pm: Drinks and cocktails night Meet at the Rose bar, 3 Ivan Vazov St. (opposite Checkpoint Charlie restaurant) for a chat and some quirky feminine cocktails. Prices vary between 6-10BGN. Excellent wine list and some light food on the menu to order for those of us who feel peckish. abangelb@gmail.com.

Tuesday, 24th November 11.00am: Turkey and pumpkin food demo Jane Ewing and Nancy Smith invite us to learn how to prepare for Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings.

Enjoy visiting Jane’s home on the campus of American College of Sofia, not far from Hit grocery store and Sofia Business Park. Take Metro or send name to confirm with the guard at the gate. Limit is 15 ladies, deposit –10 BGN. nancy27540@yahoo.com

Friday, 20th November 11.30am-1.00pm: Card making class in Lozenets Nothing says love like something handmade! Learn to make beautiful cards for various occasions in life. Surprise your friends and loved ones with lovely and simple handmade cards. Price is 15 BGN (includes materials to make cards for various occasions). Kids are also welcome to join us. Limit of 10 ladies. Contact Avantica: avantica@gmail.com, 0889 490 646.

Thursday, 26th November 1.30pm to 4.30pm: Child and Space Association lamps workshop A great opportunity to make lamps under the professional supervision of a Bulgarian artist. You can create your own unique lamp and fundraise money for children with disabilities. Meet at Downtown hotel in Sofia and enjoy an afternoon with the kids from a social home. The cost of participating is 150 BGN. Contact Maria Ilieva, ms.maria.ilieva@gmail.com.

Monday, 23rd November 7.00pm: Monday night book club Meet at Jean Olson’s for evening fun, reading and discussion; 20 Dimitar Manov St., apt. 4. This is a new club, at request of members who work during the day. You will read The Last Runaway, by Tracy Chevalier - a powerful journey brimming with colour and drama, The Last Runaway is New York Times bestselling author Tracy Chevalier’s vivid exploration of an iconic chapter in American history. Ohio 1850. For a modest English Quaker stranded far from home, life is a trial. Untethered from the moment she leaves England, fleeing personal disappointment, Honor Bright is forced by family tragedy to rely on strangers in an alien, untamed landscape. Drawn into the clandestine activities of the Underground Railroad, a network helping runaway slaves escape to freedom, Hon-

Monday, 30th November 4.00pm: Charity visit to Agapedia Meeting point on the corner of Bulgaria boulevard and Petko Todorov boulevard (direction towards Boyana).

For more information and to sign up contact Maria Ilieva. ms.maria.ilieva@gmail.com.

November events calendar 10.30am: MCM

12.30pm: Monthly lunch

09.00am: Sense SPA 10.30am: Scrapbook class 10.30am: Food demo

7.00pm: Book club

10.30am: Smile visit 7:00pm: COMO 10.00am: Stallholders meeting 7.00pm: Drinks night

10.30am: Russian coffee

11.00am: Food demo

1.30pm: Lamps workshop

4.30pm: Agapedia visit

22

11.30am: Card workshop

23

24