N ONTHABURI N EIGHBORHOOD R EACH
F EBRUARY 2013
Thani Talk Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994
Happy Lunar New Year! February 10th YEAR OF THE SNAKE Celebrated in many Asian countries, and by Asian expats worldwide Events at a Glance: Feb. 5: Expat Family Advice, p. 6 Feb. 8: Coffee Morning, p. 3 Feb. 9: International Family Fair, p. 35 Feb. 15: Job&Maria Charity Run, p. 29 Feb. 20: Cooking School Tour, p. 3
Contents: Highlights Tour p. 3 Social: p. 3 Cover Story: p.4-6 Health: p. 31
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Recipes: p. 14 Restaurant: p. 25 Grapevine: p. 26-27
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Board Information/ Editor’s Desk
Letter from the NNR President Happy New Year - “Sawasdee Pi Mai” I want to say Thanks to the Nichada community for their generous donations of time and money during the Christmas Season. Particularly four ladies, Amy Bunker, Jane Farnsworth, Michele Gibbons and Karla Fernandez, who opened up their beautifully decorated homes for us to tour. The monies raised from the Holiday Home Tour went to a local girl to help pay for much needed oral surgery so she can speak. Also a very special Thank you goes out to Gill and Vic Adams for hosting the Festive Soiree. It was a fun event with live music, a visit from Santa and 73,000 baht was raised for the Gift of Happiness Foundation. The NNR also donated a sewing machine and fabric to the Hang On Hangers organization. Thanks to all the Board members that help make these events possible. If you are interested in becoming a board member give me a shout or send me an e-mail. If you are interested in giving of your time to help the less fortunate, then come to our NNR Social in February and you can learn how to get involved. Patricia Kenrick,
NNR BOARD 2012 Chairperson
Patricia Kenrick
084 559 3674
Treasurer
Juliana Magalhaes
087 074 3666
Activities/Tours
Birgitta Damgard Alexandra Ries
085 480 1362 084 388 4457
NNR Socials
Sarah Glaze
081 793 0806
Advertisements
Laura Sadowski
089-924-5306
nnrads@yahoo.com
Newsletter Editor
Liz Lu (Co-editor) Laura Sadowski (Co-editor) Casey Corning (Proof Reader)
086-784-7171 089-924-5306
nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com
Distribution Coordinator
Heather Powell
083 293 2169
Charity Volunteer Coordinator
Susan Curtis
080 043 2735
Bazaar
Carla Zeitune
085 4495666
nnrtours@yahoo.com
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NNR is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local 2charities since 1994. We achieve this by publishing a free monthly newsletter that has a distribution of 1000 copies. We host monthly coffee mornings, an annual charity bazaar and organize monthly tours. There are no membership dues. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
NNR Tour and Socials
February Coffee Morning Date: Friday, February 8th 2013 Time: 10.30am until 12.30pm Venue: The home of Daana York, 918, Soi 6, The Regent This month we have been invited to Daana York’s beautiful home to enjoy a coffee social. Daana is an Interior Designer. Her house is her showcase, exhibiting her wonderful creative talent and eye for details, with great home design ideas. Best of all, Daana is very happy for us to have a really good look throughout her home to fully appreciate her work. Yes, we’re even allowed a peek upstairs! She has just launched a new business called ‘Home Designs and Artistic Creations by Daana’ and has clients locally within the Nichada neighborhood and also in Bangkok. Daana is passionate about her art. Not only does she have the creative design skills, but she also knows how to source products from local craftsmen. As she says, she will assist you to transform an ‘ordinary house’ into an ‘extraordinary home’. Come along to hear more and enjoy meeting up with friends old and new. If you can, please bring a plate of baked goods or fruit to share. For more information, please call Sarah Glaze on 081 793 0806.
February Tour: Thai Cooking School Join NNR’s February tour as we learn the art of Thai cooking at the Baipai Thai Cooking School (http://www.baipai.com/). Reserve your spot as soon as possible. Spaces are limited. This class will be a hands-on experience and we have heard so many yummy rumors about it. We will cook three different courses plus a dessert, and of course, we will be able to taste it all before returning home. We will leave from the Chevron Theater at ISB at 8.30am, Wednesday February 20th. We cannot promise to be back for school closure, but will try to return by 14.30. The cost is 1,900 baht per person, plus a small sum for the bus. To sign up, please pay Alexandra Ries. Confirm with Alexandra by email for payment instructions: alexandra.ries@yahoo.com Reservations will be based on first come, first served with a deadline of February 13th. Bookings will not be confirmed until payment is made. Join us for a great morning! Alexandra Ries & Birgitta Damgard 3 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
Cover Story: Raising Third Culture Kids
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Expert Advice for Expat Families Helpful Tips on Nurturing Children and Family Successful Transitions to an Overseas Life Global family, 3rd Culture Kids, International Nomads — these are some of the monikers for the expatriates in our community. Juggling all the demands of overseas living is not easy, so Thani Talk has invited counselor Julia Simens, author of Emotional Resilience and the Expat Child, to share her expert advice on nurturing and supporting your family members when living as expats in Thailand. Editors My goal is to help parents connect with their own child or children and build an emotional vocabulary to help them enrich their lives. My passion for helping families thrive as they move around the world is the main driving force behind my work because my family has lived this lifestyle. Many branches of psychology embrace inherently optimistic views and have helped not only individuals, but also informal and formal groups, to get better at, and derive greater fulfilment from what they do. I wanted to give this ability to families. I wanted to do what I can do to improve a child’s functioning within the context of his family and school. Helping parents create a family life conducive to learning, sharing and “mattering” to each other is one of my top priorities. If a family is able to communicate about their emotions they have less mix ups. Psychological maltreatments and miscommunications destroy marriages, friendships and parent-child relationships. Interactions between parents and young children are full of disruptions, miscommunication, and misunderstandings. We need to connect so we can repair. As a counsellor, I operate behind the scenes, but often make the difference, for a child or a family, between a good transition or one gone awry. I assess problems that run the gamut from academic issues, socialization issues, general transition issues, isolation, to family break ups. I believe in the counselling connection and I believe in storytelling about your own life and situations to help your child understand. The global family has three challenges to overcome today. They are filtering, connecting, and choosing. 1. Understanding Your Filtering – The filtering processes are key and often very hard to do. It takes a real knack to be able to zero in on what’s most important. I ask families to focus on the stuff that success is made of: emotions, confidence, interaction skills, thinking and articulation, attacking and defending arguments, analysing and problem solving and cultural knowledge. I feel clients will have a real challenge deciding on what to focus on for real growth in their family. Filtering will be paramount. For example, a family might come in with the overlying concern about their child’s lack of friends. But the family is missing the larger picture of their own connection time with each other. A family must connect while the kids are young because it gets harder and harder to make authentic connections as children get older. Yes, they do have a concern about the child’s friend but they need to filter out things that are surface level concerns and not the real issues. (continued on p. 5)
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Cover Story: Continued
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
2. Unsure of How to Connect - Social media for sharing is a continuous process in so many people’s lives, but it does not have the same effect as it does in a psychodynamic therapy situation. Many people might use Facebook or Twitter to talk about personal feelings or situations that, in the past, would have been disclosed privately only to people in their physical social circles. Online disclosures can make a person feel raw so it will be important to know where and how to move forward. 3. Issues of Choice – Trying to instil values of kindness and decency at times runs up against the value of our culture to get the latest new toy, or push to get your child into an Ivy League school. As families absorb more and more cultural norms of other people, they might move away from their core beliefs. The option of choices of values will clash if people are not careful. The key skills required for 21st Century business and life success is something we must pass on to our children. These need to include: Learning Agility – essentially a person’s ability to adapt to new situations and learn new things. Collaboration with so many different people and studying such a range of phenomena and behaviors shows us that we can make a difference in how we help people learn more easily and enhance our understanding of other cultures. Awareness of worldviews and of self – the awareness of your own worldview is very important. Then you need to be aware of the worldviews of people who are different from you. The final component is an ability to develop culturally appropriate interventions and connections due to your awareness of these worldviews. But you must start with yourself. Awareness often comes with first-hand experience. It comes with feedback from others. Self-awareness helps you to see your strengths and weaknesses. Change without awareness leads you to aim for the wrong targets, fight the wrong battles, and make poor decisions. Self-reflection and being energized by your own helpful actions and feeling that your life matters to others. With this type of energy and commitment, you don’t give up. Perseverance after self-reflection is a wonderful tool. I love emotions and seeing them in a child’s face. A young children’s face that lights up when he/she is truly connected to another human being inspires me. This is what makes me want to get up every day and go to work. Because I work with families dealing with transitions, they are often worried about the choices they are making. These families come into my office and they want me to look deep into their eyes or at least their children’s eyes and predict the future. Of course, this is not possible. Teaching a family to connect with true authentic emotions sets them up for a much more enjoyable time together as well as growing together and not apart. I believe that experiences in the early years of a child’s life deeply impact him for the rest of his life. Having a close connection to a parent allows him to reach his potential. I want to inspire families to live passionately and love their children wholeheartedly. A few Comments about the Expat Population: · Many expat children are quite adept at all stages and thrive in their cross-cultural awareness, but I do see that it is hard for some to ‘belong’. It is hard to be loyal to some place if you feel you are just passing through. Since all children spend so much time in school or connected to school activities, it is important (continued on p. 6) 5 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
Cover Story: Raising Third Culture Kids
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Thani TalK is Now ONLINE! In addition to the paper copy, which will continue to be delivered free to homes in the Nichada Thani area, Thani Talk is now also available online at: issuu.com/nnrthanitalk Online issue available for viewing on the 1st of the month.
(continued from p. 5) that parents foster this loyalty to the new school and new community. · Through socialization, children learn how to express what they feel about the environment they are in and the people they are around. If they cannot do this, their social and emotional foundation is at risk. The chance of being misunderstood is greater. They might not have strong, healthy communicative relationships and therefore they may be isolated. · Rituals are especially important to create a climate of support and security as expat families travel around the world. Shared time and experiences help create a sense of family togetherness. I feel rituals are valuable because they are a way to develop a sense of shared joys and positive memories, but perhaps the most important thing a family ritual can provide is the space and time for emotional healing if the family relationships need that time. Good memories help eclipse the upsetting ones. Rituals provide a sense of security and can be soothing. A family ritual is anything your family does together deliberately. The routine of whatever you do is what counts. Just make sure you do it consistently. Rituals can and do evolve over time. Start with acknowledging how special something felt and the verbalization that you’d like to do more of this same activity in the future. Ernest Hemingway said he could write a story in six words. My story to expats moving overseas for the first time would be ‘nomadic lifestyle requires lots of love’. By Julie Simens Special Presentation by Julie Simens OUR KIDS: Filtering & Connecting: How to deal with the many challenges our international kids face in today's fast paced world! Tuesday, February 5th, 8 a.m. ISB New Theater/Cultural Center The ISB PTA is proud to sponsor this presentation as we can all benefit from learning her invaluable "tools and strategies". Julia will also be available for book signings after the presentation. For more information, please contact Dianne Letsch at letsafrica@gmail.com A second presentation will be held for ISB HS students in room 3-203 from 10:20 to 11:10. A sack lunch will be served. For more information: please contact Dave Anderson at davida@isb.ac.th 6 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
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Charity Spotlight
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Tales from the Ward Silvia's First Visit: A Life-Changing Experience I met Silvia Romitelli in November when she volunteered for a one-day orphanage outing to the Nonthaburi Muncipal Park. We took 20 disabled children and adults to the park for a day of art and games, lunch and shopping. Frankly, I was surprised that Silvia was so willing to jump in since she had just arrived in Thailand in August. Most people take at least six months to a year in their new home before venturing out to volunteer. English is also not her first language (she is Italian) and she is not yet confident about her English speaking ability, but while we were waiting to go home from the park, Silvia told me she would volunteer any time I needed her. She started at Baan Ratchawadee Girls (BRG) orphanage with me just two weeks later. On the way to her first visit at the orphanage, I explained to her that volunteering at the Home would be much different than the park outing. For one thing, the orphans who get to go on one-day adventures with us are usually from Nontapum, or Thanksgiving Home, and are mostly able-bodied (they can walk or sit up in a wheelchair unassisted) and can usually speak (Thai at least, and sometimes even some English), but we were headed for the orphanage’s cerebral palsy ward, a different kettle of fish all together. The cerebral palsy ward has two floors with about 50-60 girls per floor. Each floor has one long room where the “girls”, ranging from young teens to adults, eat, sleep and live out their days. Each room has about 25-30 beds, which have railings around them so the girls cannot roll out accidentally, but most of the girls on the first floor and almost all of the girls on the second floor aren't in the habit of moving much at all on their own. There is a pervasive smell of Dettol disinfectant, urine and bad breath. When we arrived at the orphanage, Silvia and I met up with Ruth Martin, one of the many amazing volunteers from CCD (Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities). I have been visiting an orphan named Banchita for about four years, and she was recently transferred from nearby Baan Feung Fah orphanage to Baan Ratchawaddee Girls, When we arrived at Banchita's bed, the girl next to her, a youngster named Gip, looked excited to see us, so Silvia ended up choosing to help Gip. Banchita's and Gip's beds are on the left-hand side of the ward, which means they have difficulty swallowing and take longer to feed. At times, it has taken me an hour to feed Banchita a bowl of rice mush. I didn't know Gip's eating issues were worse. We changed the girls' cloth diapers, placed them gently in their chairs and headed back to the CCD daycare center. We fed the girls some yogurt for extra nutrition (cerebral palsy patients' muscles tighten continually so they burn a lot of calories just lying down). Silvia did an amazing job spooning small bites at a time to Gip and then anxiously waiting for her to stop choking and coughing, all the while speaking to Gip in soothing Italian. When she wasn't choking, Gip was laughing, something I think has kept her alive so long. The girls who can laugh tend to live longer and enjoy better lives, regardless of their condition. I could see Silvia was overwhelmed with the whole experience, but smitten from the start. When we returned the girls to the ward after a few hours of snacks, cuddles and much one-sided conversation (neither of the girls can speak, although they can understand the languages of Thai and love), both girls were happy and relaxed, ready for a nap. On the way back to Nichada, Silvia was in tears. “It's hard,” she said, quite resolutely, “but I will be back next week and after that and after that.” And she was. Silvia volunteers every Thursday from 9:30-11:30am. She doesn't cry nearly as often now. And Gip laughs even more now than she did before. By Susan Curtis, Chair, NNR Charity 8 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
Charity Spotlight
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Offering Music, a Hand & a Hug
Giving the Gift of Time: (Lt):Teens Amber Barnett, Spencer Barnett, and Girard Soriano perform music at the canteen of the Nonthaburi Reception Home. (Middle): Diane Reagan visits elderly ladies. (Rt): Noelle Angell gives a big hug to a granny at the Home.
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December Social: Thank You
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
December Festive Soiree: Oh What a Night! Those that made it to the NNR Festive Soiree at Gill and Vic Adam’s house in December will no doubt agree with me that it was an AMAZING night! They were the most welcoming and attentive hosts. Gill and Vic not only generously hosted this festive social event as an open house for the neighborhood but also as an occasion to raise money (an astounding 77,590 baht!) for one of the many worthy causes in our host nation, The Gift of Happiness Foundation (GOHF). There was great company, free-flow Christmas drinks, and delicious food all set in a tropical winter wonderland against a backdrop of twinkly lights cascading from the palm trees. The house was beautifully decorated and was like a bonus stop on our earlier NNR Christmas House tour. Santa's Grotto was there to welcome everyone as they arrived. Father Christmas lifted the hearts of all who came and the live band, Suprabad continued to keep spirits high as many danced the night away. The GOHF is a non-profit organization based in Thailand dedicated to helping Our hosts - Vic and Gill Adams with Father Christmas poor children in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. It was founded in 2005 by Eddie Haworth, who is also known as Clown Eckie, a British professional circus and cabaret clown. Eddie first saw the importance of bringing a smile and some happiness into the lives of the many under- privileged children in Thailand when he was invited in 2000 by the British Embassy to perform his act to a group of orphans from the Bangkok slums. It didn’t take him long after this first performance in Bangkok to devote himself to bringing a little laughter and some positive memories to people whose lives often lack these important pleasures. Since these early days, what started out as purely bringing a smile and happiness to whole communities has evolved, and Eddie now also provides much needed second hand clothes, medical and agricultural supplies along with any specific needs of a community. He tries to help extremely poor communities, as well as refugee and migrant camps, especially those that do not qualify for any help from the Thai government. The scope of the GOHF continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of these poor communities. For anyone who wants to know more about the GOHF or how they can help, please visit the website on www.gohappiness.org.Incidentally, Clown Eckie is also available for hire for private parties and is the perfect entertainment for young and old alike. Thank you, Gill and Vic, for opening your home and hearts for such a worthy cause. Sarah Glaze NNR Socials Coordinator 10 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
December Social: Thank You
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Thank you to Gill on behalf of the NNR Special guest, Santa Bill
Our doorman on duty - Nicholas Glaze Eddie Haworth aka Clown Eckie - founder of The Gift of Happiness Foundation 11 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
Tour Tales: Holiday Home Tour
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
NNR Holiday Home Tour A Magical Outing “…Santa Claus is coming to town….” When you live abroad, in a place where the climate change is hot and hotter, it can be a challenge to get into the holiday spirit. The annual NNR Holiday Home Tour on December 7th, 2012 overcame that challenge! The elves were preparing gifts and decorations in their workshops, making the merry season sparkly and glitzy. We were all ready with our Christmas outfits, winter moods, smells of cinnamon and nutmeg in the air. All the ladies were turned into Christmas stars, angels, and fairies and headed out for the Great Tour of the Year – The NNR HOLIDAY HOME TOUR!! The morning began at Patricia Kenrick’s palatial home, beautifully decorated for the season, where we gathered to receive our home tour assignments. After separating into four large groups, we set off in golf carts to visit four Nichada houses adorned in all their holiday glory. First stop, the house of Michelle Gibbons, whose Narnia-themed dining room, handmade wood advent calendar and dazzling festooned rooms had us oohing and ahhing. Next, we were on our way to the home of Amy Bunker. Amy had a Christmas tree in every room and had creatively bedecked each with a different theme. We especially loved the sweet-treat theme. Karla Fernandez’s home was resplendent with traditional holiday glamour and the offer of delicious cheesecake treats. The last home was that of Jane Farnsworth, whose elegant décor was celebrated with over 60 wonderfully different nativity sets from all over the world. Wow! Every stop got us even more excited and full of admiration for the decorations and the hard work put into making this magical season really special! Our last stop was back to Patricia’s house for some delectable food and cheer, holiday shopping with various vendors, and catching up with friends. A fabulous time was had by all. Thank you, ladies, for graciously opening up your homes and bringing the holiday spirit to life in our home away from home. By Kelly Doescher and Sanja Stanley
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Recipe Corner
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Apple Pizza This recipe makes One Apple Pizza. Ingredients: 3 medium apples, pared and sliced Combine for filling: ¼ cup sugar ½ tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. nutmeg Combine for topping: 1/3 cup flour ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup butter or margarine * Make pastry for crust. Roll out circle to fit 15” pizza pan, flute edge. (You can also buy a ready made crust. You simply unfold, fill and bake. We don’t roll it out to fit a 15” pizza pan, nor do we flute it.) * Spread with apple mixture. * Sprinkle topping mixture evenly over apples. * Bake at 425 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Michael & Rufie Harr
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Hair & Beauty Spa Services By Khun Keur @ The Oasis, 2nd floor. Samakkee Road Mobile: 087-099-4569
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Matching Skills with Needs
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Making a Difference Abroad “Skills and career opportunities for women” was the thinking behind the hospitality training that was recently launched as a joint effort by NEEDeed, expatriates and the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women (APSW), a non-profit organization in the proximity of Nichada Thani. The training provides long-term career opportunities for a group of disadvantaged women at the established training center of APSW. During the training in basic housekeeping, participants learn about guest satisfaction and comfort, while upholding the high quality standards of service local hotels require. The training provides a unique opportunity for career growth for Thai women in the hospitality industry in Bangkok. Jacqui Cuthbertson, the dynamic general manager of a five star hotel in Bangkok, learned about the work of APSW and its needs at the NEEDeed Talk in April. She shared information that the hotel industry is consistently challenged with filling hospitality jobs, and offered to design a training course to prepare residents of APSW with skills, competencies and behaviors in order to succeed in these roles. As a result of the collaboration she built with other hotel management and with the support of NEEDeed, the hospitality experts and APSW successfully launched the hospitality training and will look forward to seeing the participants as new hires in Bangkok hotels. The training will also be available to other non-profit organizations in Bangkok.
From right to left: Aroonee Sirivadhna, APSW; Jacqui Cuthbertson, Pan Pacific Services Suites Bangkok; Wanchai Khanthikul, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Bangkok; and Saijai Phalajan, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Bangkok; Pornkasem Kantamara,, Mahidol University; Orawan Sawangkamol, Training instructor; Ildiko Modla-Szalai, Founder, NEEDeed;
“While this particular project was developed by industry experts, the opportunity is open for all expatriates to put their professional skills and expertise to best use and support local communities via our work,” said Ildiko Modla-Szalai, Nichada Thani resident and founder of NEEDeed. NEEDeed offers professionals the opportunity to utilize their areas of expertise in local nonprofit organizations on pro-bono basis, while providing non-profits with expertise they cannot otherwise afford but need. For more information about the Hospitality project, NEEDeed and how to get involved please visit www.needeed.org or contact info@needeed.org. Submitted by Ildiko Modla-Szalai
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Community Bulletin Board
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
The purpose of the Community Bulletin Board is to provide information about local organizations and activities which are available for a fee. If you would like to advertise your business here, please submit your announcement by the 15th of each month to nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com. Cost per announcement is 400 baht. Vinyasa Yoga Develop strength, flexibility, balance, focus and awareness coordinating movement and breath. Thursdays 8.15-9.45 am: Clark Hatch Gym above Starbucks. All levels welcome. Contact: Ellie Edelhoff 087-000-2464 or 02-9879677 Email: eedelhoff@hotmail.com Sunset Yoga All levels welcome for a session of breath work, stretching, movement, and restorative poses. Tuesdays 5.30– 6:45pm Located at Clark Hatch Gym above Starbucks. Meditation Courses (Individual or group) Learn to meditate-TM style. Relieves stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic, athletic, and professional performance. Easy natural, anyone can learn. Expert instruction by a 30-year teacher of meditation. Contact Ellie Edelhoff for more information. www.TM.org, www. tmeducation.org, Ranger Boot Camp Come join in the "FUN" & "GET FIT" Classes for all fitness levels Days: Monday - Saturday Times: Mornings, Afternoons, and Evenings Contact: Jack at 087-552-6007 Email: rangerbootcamp@hotmail.com Yoga Welcomes Everyone Monday 10-11:30 am Therapeutic and restorative. Wednesday 7:45-9:15am Level II 9:30-10:30 am Prenatal Class Thursday 7:45-9 am Open level and Restorative Friday 8:45-10:15 am Level I @Studio above Starbucks Napisa C. Pant 086-975-7187 Email: napisayoga@yahoo.com Masters Swimming Swimming is great exercise and is easy on the knees, hips and ankles! Runners, bikers and boot campers try swimming for some cross-training! Take a load off and join us Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:30 - 8:30 at the Nichada Pool. For more information contact Coach Andy swim@isb.ac.th
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Pilates Group Classes The Pilates method strengthens the pelvic, abdominal and back muscles. It also improves alignment and posture, and increases balance and flexibility. The Swiss Ball is fun and challenges your core and balance. Group classes are held at the Nichada aerobics room above Starbucks. Mon: 8:45am Pilates Mix Matwork 4pm Matwork Thurs: 4pm Matwork Fri: 7:30am Pilates on the Swiss ball If you prefer a more personal approach, Private Machine Sessions (Reformer, Cadillac, MVe Chair) are available for core strength training & rehabilitation. Contact: Tiffany 081-860-9593 Email: tiffanyhebard@gmail.com Bollywood Dance Class Bollywood dance is a fusion of Western dance with traditional classical Indian dance styles. It’s funky, sexy, fun... and it’s a great workout! Classes every Tuesday 10-11am. OR Wednesday 9-10am, OR Thursday 10-11am Regent Dance studio, Nichada Thani. Contact: Irit: 086 004 4840 iritmike@gmail.com Ashtanga, Vinyasa Yoga with Alignment and Techniques of Iyengar Yoga Beginners to Advanced: Everyday Mon-Fri, 8am-9:30am ProClub 2nd Floor. Contact: Juan Bodan 081-285-3050 or visit website www.kripa-yoga.com Kundalini Yoga Doing Kriyas to strength your body! Chanting mantras, meditating to enlarge our consciousnessthat is what we do in Kundalini Yoga. The Yoga of Awareness! All levels are welcome. Only experience is going into the heart! Have a try! Tuesdays, except school-holidays 9.00 – 10.30 am Clark Hatch Gym above Starbucks. Instructor: Kerstin Wild – Kamalpreet Kaur 08 6372 9750 kerstin-georg-wild@online.de Please contact me for more information!
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Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Humor
LOL! Tech-Challenged Parents FacePalm Moments
AutoCorrect Driving You Bonkers? Real life gaffes courtesy of AutoCorrect.
Source: Ellen Degeneris Photo Gallery: Clumsy Thumbsy AutoCorrect 22 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
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Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Restaurants
Il Tartufo Italian Restaurant Great news! We have a nice, relatively new restaurant to go to close to Nichada Thani. Il Tartufo Italian Restaurant recently opened at The Avenue, Chaengwattana. This is the third branch of Il Tartufo Restaurants. They are open for lunch and dinner. A daily set lunch menu is offered at 220 baht and 340 baht, 10:30 am- 4:00 pm. The atmosphere is soft and calming (or at least it was until our birthday group arrived for dinner one evening). The food is very good and quite creative. Substitution requests are happily accepted. They offer items off of their regular menu, as well as daily specials on the board. Il Tartufo has offered three special wine dinners in the past few months which have received rave reviews from Nichada residents. A reservation is required to attend these hugely popular wine dinners as the restaurant can only accommodate 30 people, and it has been fully booked for each wine dinner. Dianne Letsch Il Tartufo Open 7 days a week 10:30 am- 9:30 pm The Avenue (Chaengwattana, next to Lotus) Upstairs, top of the escalator 02 574-1774 082 477-6555, for deliveries
Authentic Singaporean Food at Chuan Kitchen If you are longing for Singaporean food, there is a cafe/restaurant in Muang Thong Thani, called Chuan Kitchen, which is owned by a Singaporean. They serve Singapore street food - authentic Laksa, Chicken Rice, Char Kuay Teow, Popiah, Hokkien Mee etc. I usually send my driver to order and pick up the food as they do not do delivery. It is close to Mr. Enzo's Italian Restaurant, another great dining experience. Suzanne Sim
Chuan Kitchen 501 (Bond Street Rd.), Bangpood, Pakkred, Nonthaburi 11120, Thailand Tel: 02-960-1313 call for directions, in Thai - I usually hand the phone over to my driver to communicate among themselves :) 25 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
Heard It Through The Grapevine
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Heard It Through the GRAPEVINE This is a column that we hope everyone will appreciate. It’s a chance to share all those good finds and tips so that others can benefit. If you have tips to share, please send them to the editor at nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com.
“WhatsApp” Phone App: Free International Texting WHATSAPP – What is this? Why should you have to worry about what kind of phone is used by your children, your family overseas, or your best friend who just relocated? NO LONGER – install the “Whatsapp” application on your smartphone and invite them to do the same on their phone. You can then use wi-fi to message each other anywhere in the world without roaming fees or using long distance telephone plans. WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for Text/SMS. It is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone, and Nokia. And yes, those phones can all message each other! Because WhatsApp Messenger uses the same internet data plan that you use for email and web browsing, there is no cost to message and stay in touch with your friends/family. Whatsapp will use the address file on your phone and let you know which of your contacts have Whatsapp. In addition to basic messaging, WhatsApp users can also create groups, send each other unlimited images, video and audio media messages. The first year is free and then afterwards, you can download from the Whatsapp website or Itunes. It was the most downloaded app for Apple in 2012. http://www.whatsapp.com Pat Muma
Outlet Sports Stores in Nearby Muang Thong Thani Check out the new factory outlets in Muang Thong Thani near the old Adidas Outlet near Impact: Minor Outlet, Adidas, and Sports Maximize. The outlets are open daily from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm. In Minor Outlet you will find clothing by Esprit, Bossini, and Gap, and they do have some larger U.S. sizes. (Tel. 02-980-7716 thru 19.)Address: 101/1 Popular Road.,Pakkret, Nonthaburi. Jill Chanapai
Vonage Broadband Calls: Forwarding & Extension Options For those who use Vongage, a U.S. company that provides telephone service via a broadband connection, be sure to go online and revisit your current plan and explore new features. Did you know you can forward your Vonage calls to your mobile phone with no international fees? You can also have it ring on five phones at the same time! You can even get a free extension number that is attached to your current Vonage plan. We assigned our free extension to our daughter Marisa's mobile phone in California. So, now she can use our Vonage plan to call anyone in 66 countries, as well as calling our Thailand mobile phone. Go check out their site! (Vonage.com) Pat Muma 26 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
Heard It Through The Grapevine
Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Asiatique: Riverside Night Bazaar The next time you have visitors in town, don’t restrict your shopping to mega-malls such as the Emporium or Siam Paragon. Catch the BTS to Thaksin Bridge station and then hop on a free shuttle boat for a 5-minute ride downriver to Asiatique, an open-air, dining and shopping complex right by the banks of the Chaopraya River. With a signature white ferris wheel towering over the complex, Asiatique is easy to spot from the boat. Shops start opening at 4pm and welcome visitors until midnight. Lines for the free shuttle boat can be long, but if you don’t want to wait, keep an eye out for the commercial express boats that periodically stop at the same pier to take passengers to Asiatique for a fee of 15 baht per passenger. Once you land at Asiatique, you can stroll along the picturesque riverside boardwalk, ride the ferris wheel, enjoy a traditional Thai puppet show at the Joe Louis Theatre, catch a Miss Tiffany-style show at the Calypso, dine at one of the many casual and fancy restaurants dotting the giant complex,, or shop at the hundreds of boutiques offering the latest fashions, perfumes, jewelry, home décor, souvenirs, furniture, and much more. The state-of-the-art Asiatique has all the charm of the former Suan Lum Night Bazaar on Wireless Road, but it is a much more upscale and modern version of an evening market. Packed with locals and foreign tourists alike, and offering sculpture gardens and meticulously landscaped walking paths, Asiatique has the festive and relaxed feel of an amusement park. This riverside shopping mecca is a relaxing alternative to the air-tight, air-conditioned giant-box shopping malls in the city center. Asiatique is also accessible by car near Charoenkrueng Road Soi 74. But be forewarned that road traffic and parking can be exasperatingly challenging. Much more relaxing to get there by shuttle boat. If you’d like to spend more time on the river, you can catch a 100-baht cruise boat that leaves from the Asiatique pier. All in all, a trip here makes for a relaxing evening by the river. Liz Lu
Neighborhood News Website: For neighborhood news and tips, visit Nichadinfo.com.. 27 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
When Life gets Overwhelming
For 30 years, Carl Janowitz has provided counseling for adults, adolescents and families. Educated and trained in the United States, he also had a private clinic at Bumrungrad Hospital for five years. Now with two locations downtown and also in Pattaya, Carl specializes in clients dealing with life changes, relationship conflict, stress management, school problems, substance abuse and self esteem issues. For a confidential appointment please call 089 680 3503 or counselor_cj@bangkokhappy.com Carl Janowitz Marriage and Family Therapist First Tower Sukhumvit 1/1 28 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
Race to Raise Money for Thai School Scholarships!
Job and Maria Charity Fun Run Friday, February 15th, 4pm, at ISB Track
Job on his first day of school.
Maria (left) and Job.
Excerpts from an article by Wendy Van Bramer, whose son Jake was good friends with Job and Maria. She recounts the traumatic days after the 2004 Tsunami that claimed Job and Maria’s lives. When I heard that there was an ISB family with missing children, I immediately went to school to offer my assistance. ….There on the table I saw the posters of the missing children that had been made to post around Khao Lak…...I gasped, as these 2 children had just been at my house a couple of weeks earlier. I couldn’t believe we were looking for 2 of my son’s best friends – friends he played with and children who were in and out of my home on a regular basis. ….. It was Job and Maria’s parents’ one wish that their children not be forgotten. Many of their classmates have moved on and each year there are fewer and fewer people who knew them. My hope is to help keep their memories alive... It’s time to pull your running shoes out of the closet and take a few laps around the lake to get ready for the 7th annual Job & Maria Charity Fun Run. We run to honor the memories of twins Job & Maria Berkhout, 6-year-old first grade ISB students, whom we lost in the devastating 2004 tsunami. Proceeds from the race will provide an education and brighter future for six Thai children. The Job and Maria Scholarship Fund was set up in 2006 by Karin and Petro (Job & Maria’s parents). For the past seven years, the scholarship fund has enabled six Thai children to continue their schooling. With the support of the ISB community, this number may increase to seven this year. So please, come join us and support a good cause! Walkers are welcome in all categories. Race 1: Race 2: Race 3: Race 4: Race 5: Race 6: Race 7:
High School Mile Ages 4 and Under (Parents are welcome to join)) Child and Parent Grades Kg, 1, & 2 Grades 3, 4, & 5 The Job & Maria Mile – Middle School Adults
1 mile (4 laps) 200 m (1/2 lap) 400 m (1 lap) 400 m (1 lap) 800 m (2 laps) 1 mile (4 laps) 1 mile (4 laps)
Race Registration: Students: 200 Baht Adults: 400 Baht. On-line sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform? formkey=dGRvSHZoajloTVBtZGFTeEVtQUotVVE6MQ. Please bring registration donation to the Community Activities Office (next to ISB Book Store). Sign ups on race day starts at 3:30 pm, at the ISB Track. T-shirts will be on sale for 250 baht one week before the race, outside the Elementary School office. For more information, OR, if you would like to help as a volunteer, please contact: Sharka or Marlies at: sharka.furda@gmail.com, marliessuyver@hotmail.com. 29 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
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Thani Talk ~ February 2013
Health and Fitness
Get Fit with High Intensity Interval Training Most of us brought in the New Year with a resolution to get more fit and healthy. Finding the time to exercise and improving your nutrition is always a challenge. While fitness and health can have a different meaning for different people, it ultimately comes down to understanding your fitness level and setting your individual fitness goal. In Nichada, we are spoiled with many choices from bootcamps, to yoga, pilates, Zumba or Muay Thai. You just have to set your program! Regular exercise is necessary for physical fitness and good health at all ages. It improves stamina, strengthens and tones, enhances flexibility, controls weight, and improves the quality of your life. For the average person, a good fitness program consists of exercises that will work out the whole body. A cardio workout improves the function and health of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Weight-bearing exercises enhance the function and health of the bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues. Your fitness regime should suit your age, integrate well with your lifestyle, and gradually work toward your individual goals and desires. One of the most effective workouts for all ages, but is particularly beneficial to the over 30's, is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) . This type of workout is super-efficient. It is a form of interval training that involves short intervals of maximum intensity exercise separated by longer intervals of low to moderate intensity exercise. HIIT is the ideal workout for a busy schedule. If you are pressed for time, just 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week of this type of training is all you need to raise your fitness level. HIIT should, however, not be performed by anyone with any underlying health issues. While it is important to incorporate some type of fitness into your day, it is just as important to understand your current fitness level and health and to perform exercises with good form to prevent injury. Longevity and sustainability are important. If you have done any of my ultimate fitness classes then this will sound all too familiar to you: “pull in and tighten your core, squeeze, engage your muscles, don’t forget to breath.” These are all very important things to remember while exercising for good form and for getting results. Everything you do, should be with intention and purpose. My ultimate fitness group classes offer motivation, with individual attention to those who require modifications. My HIIT fitness classes are what I view as an improved adaptation of “cross fit” training, without over bulking the neck and shoulders (this is especially important for women). Classes are held Monday through Saturday; three classes focusing on high-cardio training and three classes on core and strength. For more information you can contact me, marie.moussakarrat@gmail.com There's no longer an excuse for not meeting your New Year’s resolution. Let’s get started! By Marie Moussa-Karrat 31 Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
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International Family Fair Saturday, Feb. 9 4pm—7pm Rajendra Hall, Gym & Fields
International School Bangkok Authentic cuisine from more than 20 countries makes ISB’s Feb. 9th International Family Fair a festive event for the entire community. The fair is open to everyone, not just ISB families. Organizers have more than 500 amazing prizes lined up for the silent auction, plus scores of raffle prizes from local merchants. Just to name a few: round trip from Bangkok to Koh Samui, fancy dinners, Mini iPad, Galaxy Samsung phone. Raffle tickets can be purchased the week before the fair, on Feb. 4-8th, in the ES breezeway from 7-8 am and 1:30-2:30 pm, and in the HS cafeteria from 10 am-1pm. Of course, you can always buy more tickets at the IFF. Be sure to bring the whole family for an exciting and fun-filled event! For more information, contact the IFF staff at isbiff@gmail.com.
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Around Nonthaburi and Beyond Impact Arena—www.impact.co.th/ Travel Thailand Travel World Feb. 14-17, 2013 Hall 3-4 10.30 am-08.00 pm Exhibit of more than 250 Hotels/Resorts /Tours from all regions of Thailand. Good opportunities for bargain travel lovers to shop packages and special prices. Bangkok Expo 2013 Feb. 23 - Mar. 3, 2013 Hall 1-4 10.30 am- 9:00pm Televisions and Electronics; Fashion, Beauty and Spa; Wedding Expo; Food Expo
Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC)—www.bitec.co.th HomeWorks Expo 2013 Feb. 22- March 03 The collaboration between two giant leaders in the retail market: HomeWorks – The center for all quality home products, and Power Buy – The ultimate center for all electric goods, commit to launching “HomeWorks Expo 2013” where both quality home products and all electric suppliers from top brands will be on sale.
Thaiticketmajor—-www.thaiticketmajor,com Santana: The Sentient Tour Wednesday March 6, 2013 at 8:30pm Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani The Phantom of the Opera May7-June 2 Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre Bangkok Community Theater Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit Dinner and Show: 1200 THB March 14-16, 21-23 7:30pm The British Club, Bangkok Bct,th.org@gmail.com CCT - Club Canada Thailand Monthly Coffee Morning and Activities www.clubcanadathailand.com BWG - British Women's Group Monthly Luncheon, Activities, Coffee Mornings. Open to all nationalities. Contact: Sarah Glaze 081-793 0806 www.bwgbangkok.com; info@bwgbangkok.com ANZWG -Australia/New Zealand Women’s Group Monthly Coffee Mornings, Tours, Newsletter & Activities www.anzwg-bangkok.org American Women’s Club of Thailand Monthly Luncheon, Activities and Coffee Morning Contact: 02-712-3380/1 awc@awcthailand.org; www.awcthailand.org
Thani Talk ~ February 2013 ACTIVITIES and SERVICES Nichada Tennis Leagues Tuesday-Intermediate League Mary McCarty— mrymccrty@yahoo.com Tuesday Evening 5pm-7pm— Intermediate League Sue Lin — suelin@truemail.co.th Friday - Intermediate/Advanced League Julie Collins - pjcollins13@hotmail.com Nonthaburi Needlers Meets Wednesday mornings in the Nichada area. Open to quilters, stitchers, needlers, knitters and those who are curious about needle art. Contact Charlotte Sanders at NonthaburiNeedlers@gmail.com Chaengwattana Community Church Sunday Service- Sundays 9:30am Life Groups- Tuesday and Wednesday evenings Encouraging Women– Wednesdays 9:30 HS House Groups- Sunday 11:30am MS House Groups- Thursdays 6:30pm Contact CCC for more information http://www.cccthailand.org Catholic Mass in Nonthaburi Our Lady of Mercy Church 69/13 Moo 1, Tiwanon Rd. Ban Mai, Pakkret, Nonthaburi 11120 English Mass: Sundays at 5:15pm Fait Formation (Religious Ed/CCD) Classes in English Just 15 minutes from Nichada Thani OurLadyofMercyParish@gmail.com ********First Bangkok Loyal Societies Ball of 2013!******** The St. David's Society’s Annual Ball will be held on Saturday 9th March, 2013 at the JW Marriott Bangkok (Sukhumvit Soi 2). Reception drinks will start at 7pm followed by a fabulous four course dinner. Wine, spirits and beer will be provided. The ticket price is 2,800 THB per person or 25,000 THB for table for 10. This year we will be welcoming back the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir and comedian, Lloyd Davies. We will be featuring UNICORN GIRLS from Bangkok, supported by DJ Paul Jackson. Come and join us for an evening of great singing and Welsh traditions then dance the night away! We would like to thank our 2013 sponsors: The Dubliner Irish Pub, Harrow International School Bangkok, RSM, JW Marriott Bangkok, JW Marriott Khao Lak, Royal Prestige Wine Plus Co. and Raja's Fashions. For further information and reservations please contact Heather Powell at heather.wyn@gmail.com or phone (083 293 2169). NEEDeed: Expatriates for Local Communities NEEDeed was established with the goal of offering professionals in the expatriate community an opportunity to utilize their areas of expertise in local nonprofit organizations. NEEDeed offers employed and non employed professionals the opportunity to volunteer their skills and gain experience locally, while providing non-profits with expertise they cannot otherwise afford but need. For further information please visit www.needeed.org LIKE NEEDeed on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ NeeDeed Find it on G+ and LinkedIn 37
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Providing high high quality custom tailoring for more for than more 45 Providing quality custom tailoring years, Raja’s Fashions has been featured in Men's Vogue thanLiving, 45 years, Magazine, International Worth Magazine, Esquire, Raja’s Fashions been featured in Men'sGuide, Vogue Fortune, Bangkok has Guide, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Fodor’s Guide, The Washington Post, Vivre A Bangkok, Magazine, Conde Nast Magazine and many other travel magazines. International Living, Worth Magazine, Esquire, Fortune, Bangkok Guide, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Guide,
DRESS SHARP. LOOK SHARP. FEEL SHARP.
DELIVERY RESTAURANTS
PHONE
BUSINESS
Au Bon Pain
02-101-0312
Bamboo Spa 02-583-9871 Bank of Ayudhya 02-582-2669 Bumrungrad Family Clinic 02-960-4216
Amporn’s Food (Thai -Formerly Pum’s) 02– 584-4003 Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai Cuisine 02-952-0031 BBQ Sandwich King
086-773-4140
Bukhara (Afghan/Indian)
082-443-1398
Burger King/Pizza Company
1112
Food Loft
02-831-5588
KFC and Pizza Hut
1150
Le Bouchon Food Delivery McDonald’s Milano’s @ Pro Club
02-962-2850 1711 02-582-1555
Mr. Enzo’s New York Diner
02-960-0411 081-624-2099
NICC Club
02-960-4326
Olive Restaurant
02-960-3286
Clark Hatch Fitness Center Crystal Holiday Travel Gain Florist Gifted Hands
PHONE
02-960-4326 / 27 02-960-4469 081-644-0590 02-960-4434
Hair By Jib Happy Teeth Dental Clinic Great Massage ISB
02-960-3783 02-960-3988 02-960-3691 02-963-5800 Nails 089-057-2398 Le Studio Hair 084-022-9928 Nichada Customer Relations 02-960-4300 / 9 #187 Nichada Club
Pandit Carpets Panipa Pum’s Salon Que Pasa 02-960-3821 Rex Pharmacy Scoozi 02-715-8555 Rose Marie Academy Sharja (Indian, Arab, Thai) 087-811-7980 Smile Beauty Starbucks Subway 02-960-3232 Twist Sudhathai 02-583-2694 Villa Market Food Delivery Service Wash-N-Dry Farangfooddelivery.com 4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/)
02-960-4326 / 7 081-828-2562 02-960-3934 02-583-7117 02-960-4001 02-960-3663 02-952-4927;081-828-1637 02-967-9686 02-911-6839 02 -584-5444 085-945-4132 43 02-960-4189
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