Thani Talk 2015 March

N ONTHABURI N EIGHBORHOOD R EACH

M ARCH 2015

Thani Talk Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994

Now online at: www.issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

National Elephant Day On March 13th Pages 8-9

Plus Roundup of Tips & Resources for Animal Lovers Pages 12– 15 NNR Party on March 21!

Travel: New Zealand, Pages 40-41 Thani Talk is generously sponsored by

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Thani Talk-March 2015

About NNR & Thani Talk

NNR (Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach) is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994. We achieve this by publishing Thani Talk, a free monthly magazine that has a distribution of 1,400 copies, as well as hosting an annual charity bazaar. We host monthly socials and organize monthly tours. There are no membership dues, and anyone living in Nonthaburi is already a member.

Connect with NNR NNR Guide

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DISCLAIMER: The placement of advertisements and articles in this newsletter does not constitute or imply endorsement by the NNR of any product or service. The NNR accepts no responsibility for any claims made in any advertisement and the opinions expressed in any articles are not necessarily the views of the NNR committee

NNR BOARD 2014-2015 Chairperson

Mare Harvey

billandmare@mac.com

Vice Chairperson

Vacant

Treasurer

Val Mowat

Activity/Tour Coordinator

Jesmin Tarana Susanne Rodrigues

084-388-4457

NNR Socials

Denise Warta

090-013-8490

cdwarta@yahoo.com

Charity Socials and Linda Feltham Volunteer Coordinator

091-095-0457

lindafeltham@gmail.com

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Laura Sadowski

089-924-5306

nnradverts@yahoo.com

Thani Talk Editors

Liz Lu (Co-editor) Monique Langer (Co-editor) Annette Long (Proofreader)

086-784-7171

nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com

Distribution Coordinator

Heather Powell

083-293-2169

valmowat@gmail.com

Bazaar Committee: Jo McGregor (Coordinator), Charlotte Sanders (Raffle Prizes), Mare Harvey (Sponsors), Tipwan Smagpong and Kris Smuts (Vendors), Linda Feltham (Volunteers) 2

Thani Talk—March 2015

NNR’s 20th Anniversary

NNR @ 20 A Look Back in Time Before the government banned elephants from coming to Bangkok (for the elephant’s safety), mahouts and their elephants used to be a common sight on Soi Prasert Issaram just outside Nichada’s main gate.

Above, in a 2003 photo, a mahout and his elephant from upcountry give rides and entertain children in an empty lot opposite Mansions in the Park, near the Que Pasa restaurant.

Liz Lu

Inside This Issue March Social:

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March Tour:

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NNR President’s Letter

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Cover Story: Animals: Elephants

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Cover Story: Animals: Helping Paws

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Cover Story: Animals: Pet Care

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Highlights: Flower Workshop

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Community Fitness & Activities

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Community News

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Grapevine Tips

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Highlights: February Chocolate Social

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Feature: Recipe

36

Travel: New Zealand

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Charity: SaiLom Project

44

Feature: Restaurant Review

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NNR and Community Events March 11

NNR Tour: Dusit Park

March 21

NNR St. Patrick’s Day Party

March 3-29

“Trunkated Tales” Exhibit at Neilson Hays Library

March 21

Yoga for Freedom

March 21-22

Amazing Race

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Thani Talk—March 2015

NNR Social

March 21 NNR Social: St. Patrick’s Evening Party Date: March 21 Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Mare and Bill Harvey’s Home 625 Baan Rim Lake Everyone In Nichada Welcome!

Casual Dress, Maybe wear a little green Irish Refreshments on Tap & Finger Foods Why? To celebrate St. Paddy’s Day! All proceeds go toward supporting the SaiLom Project (See page 44 for details on SaiLom Project) Suggested donation at the door of 300 baht Auction and Raffle Prizes: Air Asia Flights, Gabriella Bruni Jewelry

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For more information, please contact Denise Warta at: cdwarta@yahoo.com or 090-013-8490

NNR Tour

Thani Talk—March 2015

March 11th: Tour to the Dusit Palace Come and join us to see the hidden gems of Dusit Park.

The Ananta Samkhorn Throne Hall with its masterpieces and the beautiful Vimanmek Mansion, said to be the world’s largest golden teak mansion, are just two of several structures set within this beautiful park. Because this is royal property, a strict dress code is enforced. Please dress respectfully, as recommended below.

Date: March 11th Time: 8.45 am - 2 pm Where: In front of Chevron Theater, ISB Dress code: Long pants or long skirts, shirts with sleeves and closed-toe footwear Cost: Entrance fee (150 baht), audio guide to be covered by participants. Transportation fee will be shared.

To sign up: Please email : tarana.jesmin@gmail.com Susanne Rodrigues and Jesmin Tarana, NNR Tour Coordinators

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Thani Talk ~March 2015

Message from NNR Chairperson

Message from NNR Chairperson Mare Harvey Greetings, It is getting to be that time of year again. Families are starting to find out whether they are staying in Bangkok or moving on. The NNR will be losing some key people in June. I will be sad to see them go, but I am hoping that other special people will step up to volunteer in their place. We have such a wonderful community with some amazing talent and skills. Please consider helping your community in one of the following roles. We have a great team of ladies from around the world. Contact me if you have any questions.

NNR Board Positions: * Vice Chair (Charlotte Sanders leaving) * Assistant editor of the Thani Talk magazine * Charity and Volunteer Coordinator Other positions: * We need someone to oversee our digital footprint - Facebook, NNR website, NNR Guide * Distributors and sub-distributors for the monthly delivery of the Thani Talk newsletter * Raffle and auction prize coordinator for the annual Charity Bazaar in November Mare Harvey

Farewell to NNR Vice Chairperson Charlotte Sanders Nationality: Singaporean Years in Thailand: 2 years, 8 months Company that brought her to Thailand: Halliburton Moving to: The Hague, Holland Goals/new projects in her new city: Explore, experience and learn everything there is to know about the Netherlands and beyond.

Previous Postings: Jakarta, Indonesia; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Fondest memory of Thailand: Everyone I have met here has touched my life in one way or another, and I am very thankful for that. A big thank you to the NNR committee, After the Boxes, Nonthaburi Needlers, Best book group, the Hood, Pathum Thani Jakrayan, Muay Thai, Friday golf club, the Halliburton Spouses and the Shanghai/Bunco group for opening up to me when I first arrived and making my experience living in Nichada, as well as Bangkok, a really eventful one. It's been a blast!

Advice to newcomers: Make it a point to see and experience as much of Thailand/Asia as possible. Bangkok is a good hub from which to explore the region . . . take full advantage of it!

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Thank You, Charlotte!

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Thani Talk ~March 2015

Cover Story: All About Animals

How to Choose an Elephant Experience and Feel Good About It A Message from the ISB Elephant Ambassadors Club So you want to ride an elephant…

Well, why wouldn’t you? They are amazing creatures that lure you in with their massive size, playful behavior, and human-like intelligence. However, you care about these animals and you wouldn’t want to hurt them, right?

You’ve also heard bad things about the tours so you are not sure what you should do.

Before you sign off on some elephant tour or show, there are things that you should know.

Editor’s Note: March 13 is Thai Elephant Day. In honor of these majestic creatures and their national holiday, we asked the ISB Elephant Ambassadors Club to submit some information regarding the responsible care of elephants.

Monique Langer Co-editor, Thani Talk

Most elephant experiences you can get in Thailand are not what they seem. Behind the scenes some pretty horrible things are happening and if you knew, we think you would choose your tour more carefully. We are not saying to boycott all elephant experiences; that would not help these animals either.

Not all elephant places are terrible. Some are doing great work and need to be promoted, others need to be encouraged to make improvements, and some are so bad they just need to be avoided completely or even reported. If you cancel a tour or refuse to support a place due to their treatment of the animals, be sure to politely let them know why you are not spending your money there. If you witness animal cruelty and can record it, there is a brand new law that recently passed in Thailand to protect animal rights and you can use it to help these animals if you report it.

We are the ISB Elephant Ambassadors, and we want to teach people about Elephant Education so they can make wiser decisions

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Thani Talk ~March 2015

Cover Story: All About Animals

and support a better life for the animals. To do this, we have worked with experts in the field, taken many trips to work with wild and captive elephants ourselves, and now we have developed a website we want to share with the world to educate people about these issues. Our long term goal is to change tourism so it improves the lives of elephants. You too can help by using our ranking system when you visit an elephant center.

Therefore, if you would like to educate yourself and others to be better equipped to make a wiser decision please visit our site and check out the page called ‘Issues’ and learn about elephant treatment, training, breaking of their spirit, paintings, smuggling babies, the hooks, the chains, trekking, street begging and more.

When you are ready to book a tour, have a look at “Our Recommendations” below. However, please feel free to chose other tours and we would love to get your feedback about other offerings. As well, we are currently developing a ranking system to use when you visit a place. Feel free to share this information if you feel it can help elephants.

Thank you, ISB Elephant Ambassadors Club (Subgroup of ISB Green Panthers)

For more information, please visit our new website at: https://sites.google.com/a/ students.isb.ac.th/elephant-education/

Our Recommendations Although we have not visited every elephant site in Thailand, we have a lot of experience. We do a lot of eco trips to work with elephants, but we always try to support organizations we believe are doing good work, or at least moving in the right direction. From our experience so far we can only recommend these below: Elephant World www.elephantsworld.org Province: Kanchanaburi Elephant Nature Park www.saveelephant.org Province: Chiang Mai Khao Yai National Park www.khaoyainews.com Province: Mainly in Nakon Ratchasima Making food for and feeding the elephants at Elephant Very large and stunning national park about two World in Kanchanaburi hours from Bangkok. Here you might get to see elephants the way they should be seen … in the WILD!

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Thani Talk ~March 2015

Cover Story: All About Animals

ISB’s Helping Paws Students Passionate About Animal Welfare Helping Paws has been an ISB high school club for many years - a club for students with a passion for animal welfare. This year the club has become so popular and grown so much that a middle school branch was created to involve younger students.

ISB Helping Paws Members

loving homes.

Since the Club started, over 50 rescued animals have found homes.

The Helping Paws students regularly walk and socialize a group of soi dogs that have been Also, to involve the whole ISB and Nichada rescued from danger. Some of these dogs would Thani community, a separate Facebook page was make wonderful pets, some not so. created, and now the whole community can support the Helping Paws Club.

“Since the Club started, over 50

This year alone the ISB Helping Paws Club has rescued animals have found homes” rescued and re-homed 5 puppies/dogs and over 20 cats/kittens from the infamous Wat Suen Kaew (aka Dog Condo). These poor animals Next the students will focus on the growing faced certain death from either starvation or slow population of stray cats within ISB - desexing death from disease. and releasing all.

The students along with their families fostered these animals, nursing them back to health, vaccinating, de-worming and desexing [spaying or neutering] if old enough. All have found loving homes within Nichada.

The Club’s latest projects include capturing and desexing stray cats from the Garden Condo complex.

Thanks to the residents, 5 cats have been desexed and released, and 4 kittens have found Rescuing kittens and puppies from Wat Suen Kaew

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Recently, ISB hosted the 4th Annual Bangkok ServICE Day. So popular was the Helping Paws Club, our students are now mentoring other international schools on how to set up their own Helping Paws Clubs at school.

To fund the cost of medical bills, food, and other expenses, the high school Helping Paws club fundraises by selling “Opt to Adopt” t-shirts and tank tops, calendars, and other goods. They also accept donations of dog and cat food, litter, animal toys, leads, animal carriers, and other pet-related products.

One happy kitty in her forever home

Cover Story: All About Animals

Thani Talk ~March 2015

Would you like to help?

“Opt to Adopt” and “Spay a Stray” are the Club’s mottos, and desexing stray dogs and cats is one way to help control the population of strays. We as a community can help in our own streets; local vets will often offer discounts for desexing stray animals.

“Like” the “Friends of ISB Helping Paws” Facebook page to receive club news. On the page, we also list animals looking for forever homes.

Foster an Animal - Become a foster family either short term while an animal is looking for a home or long term. This Walking the shelter dogs involves taking the dog/cat for vet check-ups, vaccinations, medical treatments, socializing and loving them.

Adopt - I can’t think of a better souvenir from Thailand than a cat with a crooked tail or a soi dog. These animals make wonderful forever pets! Adopt from local shelters Pickapet4home or PAWS (pet animal welfare agency). Beware of buying animals from markets; they aren’t known to survive very long.

Finally we thank the ISB Helping Paws students for their passion and drive to make a difference in our community.

Thank you to adult volunteers Kristin Simpson and Cheryl Martin (kitten fosterer).

And please remember: “Opt to Adopt!”

Jo McGregor Helping Paws supporter

A few of the animals looking for “forever homes,” as pictured on the ISB Helping Paws’ Facebook page. See more at facebook.com/isbhelpingpaws.

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Thani Talk ~March 2015

Cover Story: All About Animals

Local Pet Resources Hospitals, Supplies and Pet Play Places In addition to caring for the animals in our greater community, many of us have pets of our own to care for. On these pages you will find some resources for your own pets. All of these listings, as well as other valuable pet resources can be found on the NNR Guide’s Pet’s section: https://sites.google.com/site/nnrguide.

As with anything, experiences can vary dramatically. One family’s beloved clinic might be another’s nightmare. Please do your research and trust your instincts when it comes to your four-legged family members.

If you have any further suggestions for vets or pet resources, please email us at nnrguide@gmail.com.

Monique Langer Co-editor, Thani Talk

Vets and Pet Hospitals in Our Area Veerasak Pet Clinic Address: 28/112 Chaengwattana Road, 11120 Pak Kret, Nonthaburi Tel: 02- 984-5385 Dr. Sayan Soi Islam, Outside the front gates of Nichada sayanvet@hotmail.com Tel: 02-960-4168 Hours: Mon - Sat: 10am-6:30pm; Sun: 10am3pm Vet 4 Animal Hospital 5-5/1Tedsabanrungsalit - North Road, Prachanivet 1, Jatujak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand http://www.vet4polyclinic.com/ Hours: 24 hours Lively Pet Hospital 99/171-172 Tiwanon Road, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi 11120 Tel: 02-964-4288-9 livelypethosp@yahoo.com Hours: 9am to 8pm 14

Kaset Nawamin Pet Hospital 531/11 Kaset-Nawamin Road, Bangkok Tel: 02-561-4378-9 Kn.pet.hos@gmail.com Hours: 10am-10pm daily Pakkred Veterinarians Address: 50/45 Sirimongkong Thivanonth Pakkred Pak Kret Nonthaburi 11120 Tel: 02-964-0450 Chaengwattana Cat Hospital 93 Modern Group Building Chaengwattana 27, 11120 Pak Kret, Nonthaburi Tel: 02-574-6375 Thonglor Pet Hospital: Chaengwattana 224/17-18, Chaengwattana Road Tambon Pak Kret Amphoe Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, 11120 Also does boarding/pet sitting.

Tel: 02-962 7028 or 02-962 7029 www.thonglorpet.com info@thonglorpet.com Hours: 24 hours

Thani Talk ~March 2015

Cover Story: All About Animals

The ‘Purr-fect’ Places to Pamper Your Pet Recommendations from Nichada neighbors

Shamu Pet Center

Purr Cat Café Club “We are Purr Cat Café Club, the place [where] everything is made for cats and cat lover[s].”

Offering a café with baked goods and beverages in a “kitty atmosphere.” House cats are there to “accompany during your relaxing time.”

Also offered onsite: playground for your cats, grooming, overnight or short-term facilities, and a “cat hotel” coming soon.

“For over a decade, our name has been known for quality and specialized, upscale pet supplies in Thailand.”

Offering free delivery, an English-language pets magazine (the only one in Thailand, per their website), and membership discounts.

Information: 722/31 Charoenrath Rd, Toongwatdorn, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 11am-7pm Phone: 02-212-9172 info@shamuquarterly.com www.shamuquarterly.com

Information: Sukhumvit 53 Bangkok 10110 Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-8pm; Fri-Sun 11am -9pm 02-108-3604 095-950-4100 www.facebook.com/purrcatcafeclub Purr.catcafe@gmail.com

Bark Yard BKK “The Barkyard BKK, the city’s premier ‘dog-centric’ community space, open to all.”      

Swimming Pool Pet Playground Pet Training Pet Hotel & Day Care Pet Community Pet Bakery

Information: 65 Sukhumvit 26 Bangkok, Thailand 10110 084-874-2777 www.thebarkyardbkk.com

Featuring Central Bark, Barkingham Palace, and Barkley Square!

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Support AWC Scholarship for Thai Girls The American Women's Club raises money to provide scholarships to disadvantaged girls in Thailand. The Thani Talk featured their information in last month’s issue.

My family sponsors a girl named Mayuree. For a mere 6,000 baht per year, all of her school fees are covered. Last year we received a photo of her winning a coloring contest for her school. Last week I got to meet her and see her beautiful artwork.

Her school brought some of the girls to Bangkok for a field trip.

AWC Scholarship Chair Sonali organized a coffee at her house. It was so special to meet Mayuree and learn about her family. She is a beautiful young lady with a big smile. If not for the AWC scholarship, she would not have the chance to finish high school and go on to university.

Fellow Nichada residents Jo McGregor and Jan Van Ekeren met their girls in November at an AWC sponsored English Camp retreat. I would like to encourage you to consider sponsoring a girl's education. Please visit awcthailand.org/scholarship for more information or contact scholars@awcthailand.org.

Mare Harvey

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Tour Tales: Flower Arranging Workshop

Thani Talk ~March 2015

A Morning of Colors Highlights of NNR February Flower Arranging Workshop Starting the day with the beautiful colors of orchids, love flowers, lotus and many more, we met at the home of Henrietta Bullinger on Feb. 11 for a flower workshop organised by NNR Tour Coordinators.

Thai Ladies in their traditional dresses welcomed us at the entrance. After learning about the flowers to be used, we started to decorate our own flower bouquets.

First, we started with the Love flower, Rak, in Thai. They are very tiny white flowers. Using a needle, we attached them to a styrofoam ball. The next step was to add the Everlasting flower, Baan mai roi. We made another beautiful ball with these purple flowers.

Put is the Thai name for very little white flowers to use in between the other flowers. Rose petals and chrysanthemums were all on the table. We were thrilled with the smell and color of the flowers and felt as if we were in a flower garden.

Preparing the Lotus flower was also a lot of fun.

We folded each leaf like an envelope. The lotus plays a very important role in many aspects of the everyday life of Thai people, and it is held sacred because of its close association with Buddhism.

It is called bua in Thai.

We used white and pink orchids all around the glass pot for the base and created our bouquet.

We had a wonderful day among the flowers and friends, and we enjoyed arranging our flowers together while chatting and learning about Thai culture. We really understood how important the role of the flowers in Thai social life.

Thanks a lot to our instructors and their assistants for helping us. They did a great job. Also thanks to Henrietta for hosting and providing delicious food and drinks. Of course thanks to Jesmin for organising that wonderful workshop, full of colors.

Cigdem Koc 18

Tour Tales: Flower Arranging Workshop

Thani Talk ~March 2015

Thank You to Asian Tigers for sponsoring the flower workshop.

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Community Fitness and Activities

Thani Talk ~March 2015

The Community Fitness and Activities page lists local classes/groups that meet regularly.

Some have fees associated with them, while others are free. Please contact each group leader for more information.

If you would like to list your group here, please submit your announcement by the 15th of each month to nnradverts@yahoo.com.

VINYASA YOGA Develop strength, flexibility, balance, focus, and awareness coordinating movement and breath. Thursdays 8.15-9.45 am in my home studio at 39/184 Natakorn Park. Space is limited so please call for availability.

Private classes available for physical alignment, breath work, Vedic chanting, yoga philosophy, and meditation.

Contact: Ellie Edelhoff at 087-000-2464 or 02-967-9677. Email:eedelhoff@hotmail.com MEDITATION COURSES -Individual or Group Learn TM (Transcendental Meditation). Relieves stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic, athletic, and professional performance. Anyone can learn. Expert instruction by a 35-year teacher of meditation. Contact Ellie Edelhoff for more information www.TM.org, www.tmeducation.org,www.DavidLynchFoundation.org YOGA WITH NAPISA Monday, 8:45-10:15 am: Alignment and restorative yoga, All Levels Wednesday 7:30-9am: Level 2, Wednesday 5:30-6:45 pm: Level 1-2, Friday 7:30-8:45 am: Level 1- 2 Prestige 1 Club House, Nichada.

Contact Napisa C. Pant, 086-975-7187, napisapant.yoga@gmail.com, facebook.com/yogawithnapisa KUNDALINI YOGA-Flexible Yoga for Mind and Body Beginners to advanced welcome! Tuesdays 9-10:30am or Fridays 8-9:30am Danicha Condo 39/289. Private classes available. Contact Kerstin Wild kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com 086-372-9750 VINYASA YOGA Beginners to advanced, Mon-Fri 8:00-9:30am; Mon, Wed, and Fri 9:45-11:15 alignments and techniques of Iyengar Yoga; ProClub (200 meters from front gate). Juan Bodan, visit www.kripa-yoga.com for more info!

BOLLYWOOD DANCE CLASSES – (Beginners/Advanced) Bollywood dance is a fusion of Western, Eastern and Latin Dance with traditional classical Indian dance styles.

It’s funky, it’s sexy, it’s fun... and it’s a great workout! If you love to dance – this is for you!

Bollywood Dance for Beginners Tuesdays 9 am or Thursdays 10:15 am, Regent Dance Studio, Nichada Bollywood Dance, Advanced: Tuesdays 10 am or Thursdays 9 am, Regent Dance Studio, Nichada For further information, Irit: 0860044840, iritmike@gmail.com NIA DANCE Nia Dance is a holistic fitness form, for the body, mind and spirit. It emphasizes various dance arts and movement, while combining healing and martial arts. This will be a playful dance workout to increase your body’s fitness, flexibility, toning, strengthening, and mobility, delight your mind and boost your spirit – in a really fun way!

Classes are at a drop in basis.

Fridays at 9-10am, Dance Studio above Starbucks, Nichada For further information, Irit: 0860044840, iritmike@gmail.com PAKKRED PING PONG PLAYERS: NEW DATE! The Club now meets on THURSDAY evenings at Mansions in the Park, 2nd floor.

Children's session from 6:30pm - 7:30pm (height requirement: child's waist needs to be table height) Adult session: 7:30pm - 9:30pm Contact: lizsiam@gmail.com 20

Community Fitness and Activities

Thani Talk ~March 2015

BIKING Weekend bike rides, leaving from back gate at 7am, 50+km on mtn bikes. Contact Chris Oglesby: chris.oglesby@mubadalapetroleum.com Weekday rides leave the back gate at 7:30am on Mon and Wed. Distance and terrain varies with groups for both road bikes and mountain/hybrid bikes. Contact Meg Sine: megfarrellsine@gmail.com 084-908-9388 MASTERS SWIMMING Nichada Pool, Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30-8:30. Every swimmer is welcome. Contact Kevin: ksypolt@gmail.com or Kerstin: kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com 086-372-9750 RANGER BOOTCAMP: Come have fun and get fit at Ranger Bootcamp! All fitness levels are welcome!

Contact: Jack (rangerbootcamp@hotmail.com + 087-552-6007) Class Times: 7:30am, Monday - Friday + additional day/night classes per demand Class Times: 5:00pm, Sunday = Family Bootcamp Location: Varies depending on class and time; Fees: varies DOUBLES TENNIS Join us for night tennis! All tennis levels are welcome! No partners needed.

Contact: Garima Joshi Garimajoshee@gmail.com + 085-218-8904 Monday: 7pm-9pm Wednesday: 7pm-9pm Location: ISB Old Courts, Fees: Free to play!

SOCIAL SQUASH NETWORK Great year-round sport for fitness and fun. If you play; have played and want to get back into it; want to play and never got around to it; and need someone to play with join this network. Males and females of all levels welcome.Contact Geoff and Rosemary Lindsay email: squashsocial@gmail.com or phone: 092464 9205 The following classes are all offered at Impact Sports Club in Muangthongthani: Intro to Yoga for children aged 10-16 years old. Fridays at 5 pm. In English and Thai with foreign instructor. 200 baht per class.

Contact Gade at 081-824-4896 Train like the US navy seals and do a TRX Class. 6 or 8pm Mon-Fri Contact Bally at 08-3892-9146 A Combination of mixed martial arts and calorie burning exercise with our Body Combat class Thursday at 10pm, Tues, Wed at 6pm. Contact Tum at 08-5302-4688 Workout like J.Lo and BeyoncĂŠ with your feet moving and your body grooving to the fabulous beats in this dance class. It's a combination of Latin, pop and hip hop. Wed at 10am, Tues, Thurs, Friday at 7pm. Contact Note at 08-2640-6451 Tennis lessons in English or Thai with ATP ranked Thai national player Contact Skinny at 081-042-5752 Muay Thai personal fitness classes. Contact Popeye at 08-5804-8201 Improve your flexibility and reduce stress with Hatha, Vinyasa, Hot or Fitness Yoga. Monday-Saturday at 11am, 6pm and 7pm. Contact Reindeer at 08-9239-1817 Take tennis lessons in English with an Australian coach of six different junior grand slam finalists and a top 20 ATP player.

Contact Steve at 09-0660-3945 DHT stands for I Don't Have Time. Based on the T25 system, 25 minutes gets you the benefits of a 1hour workout. Tuesday at 5:15pm, Thursday at 11am, Monday, Thursday, Friday at 6pm Contact Gade at 08-1824-4896 21

Community News

Thani Talk ~March 2015

Church’s Amazing Race is Back! (For Season 8) Based on the popular reality TV show with the same name, the Amazing Race has become a favourite annual event for high school students. The community’s version of Amazing Race is organised by CCC (Chaengwattana Community Church) Student Ministries.

Teams of four sign up to race throughout Bangkok, navigating and completing various challenges.

This 2-day event begins and finishes at CCC, in Nichada Thani. There will be a closing ceremony held at CCC on Sunday at 11 a.m. to mark the end of the race. Anyone is welcome to join us for this.

This year’s event takes place on March 21 - 22. It’s tons of fun, and a great opportunity to do things you’ve probably never done. All high school students are welcome to participate, whether they are part of the CCC youth group or not. The cost of participation is 1,000 Baht per person, and that will cover: food, lodging, race t-shirt, and a guaranteed unforgettable experience.

A question we are asked every year is - “is it possible for parents, or non church members to get involved and help, and if so, how?” The answer is YES! We would love your help. Our number one priority is the safety of everyone involved, especially the students. As you can imagine, it takes a small army of volunteers to get 80 high schoolers safely around the course. So if you would like to be a part of Amazing Race this year, then please don’t hesitate to get hold of us and let us know. Sally Elliott, our volunteer coordinator, can be reached at sallyelliott@me.com. Below are ways in which you can help: Volunteer: There are several volunteer needs that we have from challenge officials to course control.

No need to worry about not knowing what to do, we will give you detailed instructions and you will always be with someone else. Volunteer Sat (21st) afternoon, Sun (22nd) morning, or both.

Cars & Drivers: The first leg on Saturday and the last leg on Sunday we will be using vehicles to shuttle teams. We need approximately 20 vehicles and dr ivers for the race. (FYI, each vehicle will need to have room for 4 racers and a race official) - Sat (21st), Sun (22nd), or both.

This is an awesome event, and whether participating, or helping to officiate, you will have a ton of fun! If you have any further questions, please feel free to get hold of Andrew Pennels, CCC Youth Director, at andrew@cccthailand.org Andrew Pennels 22

Community News

Thani Talk ~March 2015

Yoga Fans Hold Fundraiser to Fight Human Trafficking A 6th annual fundraiser by the local yoga community to raise awareness of the problem of human trafficking will be held on March 21 on the ISB campus. The event is co-sponsored by the Traffic Jam Club. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Zoe Children Homes in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Give new life to victims of human trafficking. Join the family friendly yoga event. The fundraiser will be held 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the school’s high school dance studio, CCT Building.

Bring a water bottle. If you have a yoga mat, bring one. If not, we have plenty for you. No yoga experience needed.

Suggested donation: 500 Baht for adults, 200 baht for kids.

More information, visit : www.zoechildren.org, or email: napisapant.yoga@gmail.com Napisa Pant

Bangkok Breast Cancer Support Group Presents "Changing Lifestyles Program" A workshop to improve health without medication.

Learn how to stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and reduce the effects of stress.

Date: FRIDAY 13th MARCH Venue: Lotus Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 33 Time: 9:30am - 2:00pm* Price: 650 baht For bookings: Dr. Rani (ranibkk@gmail.com), Manjit Walia (walia@asiaaccess.net.th)

Nichada Happenings: The 159-unit Nichada & Natakorn Lake Condominium will open April 1st.

It will have its own Clark Hatch health club and "Vapor," an international cuisine restaurant on site.

Rental special discounted rates available through May only. For tour and information, contact rental@nichada.com, 02-960-4300-9 ext 101-106.

Other Nichada Housing News: The Prestige I , to be completed in March 2015.

The Prestige II , first 9 homes ready for occupancy Sept 30, 2015. Sixteen homes will be ready in Nov, 2015. Eighteen homes will be ready in March 2016. Last 20 homes will be ready in Dec 2016.

At Lakeview Residence, the 6 houses are sold out. Four homes will be completed in December, and the final two in April 2016.

Infrastructure News: Widening of Nichada's main street between the Samakee Gate and Nichada Circle is now complete. Four lanes will be created to help with the rush hour traffic.

Other News: Nichada Plaza breezeway and balcony on the second floor are available for events. For more information contact Scott Roman at scott.r@nichada.com. Next two Secret Garden events are on March 7 and April 4.

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Heard It Through The Grapevine

Thani Talk ~March 2015

Heard It Through the GRAPEVINE This column offers 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.

“Trunkated Tales” Art Exhibit (March 3-29) Celebrates National Elephant Day In celebration of Thailand’s National Elephant Day on March 13th, Bangkok’s Neilson Hays Library is hosting Millie Young's Trunkated Tales Exhibition, as well as a series of family events in March.

Tuesday 3 March, 7pm - 9:30pm Opening reception for 'Trunkated Tales’ Friday 13 March, 6pm - 9:30pm National Elephant Day Auction and Fundraiser, raising funds for Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Fund, and supporting work

by Think Elephants International.

Saturdays, March 14, 19, 28 Children's activities, including story telling and art projects.

For info: Contact: nhl.curator@gmail.com Suzanne Rush

Neighborhood Halal Eateries on Soi Samakkee A charming, 2-story building on nearby Samakkee Road offers a tasty range of Halal noodles, chicken, rice dishes and sweets.

The yellow building near the PTT gas station and Soi Samakkee mosque (from Nichada, turn right on Samakee. 300 meters on left side) has architectural features harking back half a century. Restaurants offer outdoor seating on covered verandas.

Parking is available in front of shops.

Liz Lu 26

Heard It Through The Grapevine

Thani Talk ~March 2015

New Golf Cart Shop on Samakee There’s a new golf cart shop in thani!

David Westrick is an American expat (and spouse of an ISB teacher) who started the golf cart rental business as a hobby. He now has a nice, clean shop called Golf Cart Thailand on Samakee Road.

Open since November, Golf Cart Thailand offers short- and longterm golf cart and scooter rentals.

If you’re already a golf cart owner, you can take advantage of their pick-up cart washing service. For 300 baht, they will come pick your golf cart up, detail it, and return it to you. For 500 baht you can have the pick-up cart wash, along with an inspection and minor tuning.

Owner David also has new and used tires for sale. If you are in the market to buy, he has a few carts and scooters available.

In the future, there are plans to offer a pick-up service for Jum’s Nails, though the details of that are still being worked out.

The website has all the necessary information, including rates and vehicles available. Or just stop by the shop on Samakee Road (in the same complex as Kumon and Jum’s Nails). Service is friendly and in English. Look for the “For Rent” sign in the window.

Golf Cart Thailand Samakee Road (Same shopping complex as Kumon and Jum’s Nails) www.golfcartthailand.com golfcartthailand@gmail.com 089-662-0395 (David)

Monique Langer 27

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Highlights: February Coffee Morning

Thani Talk ~March 2015

February’s Chocolate Social Welcomes Newcomers

February is a month for chocolate so why not have a coffee with a chocolate theme. Debra Laidlaw opened up her home on Friday, February 6 for all of Nichada to attend the NNR monthly coffee. Everything from chocolate cake pops, cupcakes, brownies, fondue and of course good ole’ chocolate was enjoyed by everyone attending.

There were at least 20 women in attendance with a lot of new faces. It was the first social since the holidays so it was nice to see everyone again. Hopefully the new ladies got acquainted with some Nichada veterans and got some of their questions answered.

Thank you, Debra, for hosting February’s coffee!

If you have any questions about NNR socials, please contact Denise at cdwarta@yahoo.com.

Denise Warta

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Highlights: February Coffee Morning

Thani Talk ~March 2015

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Thani Talk ~March 2015

Around Nonthaburi and Beyond

Events: Impact Arena Thailand International Furniture Fair 2015 (TIFF 2015) Mar. 14-15 (Public Days) Home, outdoor, office and children’s furniture, furniture parts and related products

Adult Volleyball League: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM (and some Mondays) playing friendly matches in ISB’s Rajendra Hall.

Contact Pat Sethbhakdi: psethbhakdi@hotmail.com

Worship Venues

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 50/33 Moo 4 Chaengwattana Road Sunday Worship Service--1 p.m.(in English) Family History Research Group--Mondays, 9-12 p.m.

Thailand Bike and Vehicle 2015 Book Group--2nd Wed./month, 11 a.m.

Mar. 19-22 “Foodie” Group--1st Tues./month,10 a.m.

Leading local and international brands of Youth Group—Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. bicycles and accessories Contact Marie Lewis (092-581-9606) or Kevin Ball (081-804-7766).

Visitors welcome!

Jason Mraz and Raining Jane Mar. 21 Chaengwattana Community Church Concert tickets (1000 to Adult Sunday School—8:30am 5000 baht): Sunday Service—9:30am www.thaiticketmajor.com Encouraging Women—Wed., 9am Men’s Meeting—Thurs., 5am Community Prayer—Tuesdays 7:30-8:30am Clubs: International Youth Alpha Group (high school) Sunday 6pm Youth Group (middle school) Thursdays 6:30pm CCT - Club Canada Thailand http://www.cccthailand.org (02-911-6700) Open to all nationalities. Monthly tours, book group, Lunch Bunch, and other social events.

Catholic Mass in Nonthaburi www.clubcanadathailand.com Our Lady of Mercy Church 69/13 Moo 1, Tiwanon Rd. Ban Mai, Pakkred.

BWG - British Women's Group Monthly Luncheon, Activities, Coffee Mornings. English Mass: Sundays at 5:15pm Contact us at: ourladyofmercyparish@gmail.com Open to all nationalities.

Discover the Rosary, contact Chris at Contact: Sarah Glaze 081-793 0806 hushh@hotmail.com www.bwgbangkok.com; info@bwgbangkok.com Synagogue ANZWG -Australia/New Zealand Women’s Beth Elisheva Synagogue, Mikveh & Jewish Center 121 Soi SaiNamThip 2, Sukhumvit Road, Soi 22 Group Monthly Coffee Mornings, Tours, Newsletter & Tel: 02-663-0244; Fax: 663-0245 Activities Mosque www.anzwg-bangkok.org Soi Prasert Issaram Mosque AWC—American Women’s Club of Thailand 8 Moo 3 Soi Prasert Issaram, Pakkred, Nonthaburi Monthly Luncheon, Activities and Coffee Neighborhood mosque just outside of Nichada Thani.

Morning. Contact: 02-712-3380/1 Buddhist Temple awc@awcthailand.org; www.awcthailand.org Wat Bua Khwan (วัดบัวขวัญ) Clubs: Sports 1 Moo 9 Ngamwongwan Road, Muang, Nonthaburi 02-952-8062; Watbuakhwan.com Popular local Men’s Softball League: temple offering merit-making, prayer, blessings and Slo-pitch men’s softball. League runs from funeral services. 15 minutes from Nichada. Go via November to May. Contact: Troy Regis at: Samakkee Road, on shortcut soi just before the troyr@isb.ac.th expressway on-ramp near Ngamwongwan.

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Thani Talk ~March 2015

Recipe

Linguine with Shrimp, Artichokes and Crispy Bread Crumbs This recipe comes from Real Simple magazine. Just like the name says, this magazine is great for its practical and easy household tips and recipes. (“Like” them on Facebook to get helpful information in your news feed.)

Their recipes always call for easy-to-find ingredients. You can modify this one for your family’s tastes by adding garlic, using artichoke marinade instead of pasta water, etc.

Monique Langer Ingredients 3/4 pound linguine 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs kosher salt and black pepper 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp (raw) 12 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, drained and halved (1 1/2 cups) 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper Directions 1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Mix in the parsley and transfer to a plate. Wipe out the skillet.

3. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper and cook, tossing frequently, until opaque throughout, 4 to 6 minutes.

4. Add the artichoke hearts and crushed red pepper to the shrimp and cook, tossing, until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes.

5. Add the shrimp mixture and reserved cooking water to the pasta and cook over medium heat, tossing, until slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.

6. Serve the pasta sprinkled with the bread crumb mixture.

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Flat parsley vs. Italian parsley. Just in case you were wondering, like I was!

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Travel: New Zealand

Thani Talk ~March 2015

Milford Sound, New Zealand Amazing Journey to Middle Earth

Travelling to Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound in New Zealand was one of my family’s best trips EVER! We flew from Bangkok to Auckland on Thai Airways and caught a connecting flight on New Zealand Airline to Queenstown. We arrived in Queenstown around 5 p.m. and went straight to Novotel, located right next to Wakapitu Lake and Queenstown Garden. After checking in, we walked straight to the Eichardt Hotel (1 minute walk along the lake), where we had our best tapas ever. We ended our first evening in Queenstown walking around the town centre, just a few minutes walk from our hotel.

The next morning we checked out and drove 290km to Milford Sound, stopping in Te Anau for yummy lamb and steak pies at Miles Better Pies for a quick lunch.

On our first day in Milford Sound, we spent about 4 hours walking up and down the Key Summit. The scenery was so gorgeous we couldn’t resist stopping to take photos. At Key Summit, there was an Alpine Nature Walk track that offered a nice walk with views of nearby peaks.

The second day we went on a cruise at Milford Sound with Real Journeys. The boat cruised along the fiords and stopped at Bowen Waterfall as well as a big rock where seals basked in the sun. Food was served on the boat, and the cost was included in the ticket price.

The third day we went by boat on a 2.5 hour trip to Glowworm Cave, located on the other side of Te Anau Lake. At Glowworm Cave, we learned the fascinating history of the glowworm and the cave. Tip: buy your ticket online in advance to get a 20% discount.

After the cave adventure, we bought a packed lunch and headed back to Marian Falls and Lake Marian in 40

Travel: New Zealand

Thani Talk –March 2015

Milford Sound. To get to Lake Marian, it’s a 2.4km climb into the rain forest. Trekking shoes and gloves for climbing are highly recommended. Once you get to Lake Marian, the view is amazing: crystal clear lake water surrounded by dramatic mountains. I wished I had my change of clothes so I could swim in the lake. We drove back to Queenstown. This time we spent 4 nights at a lake-view suite at the Hilton, located 10km from the town centre.

We visited Gibbston Valley and enjoyed a wine cave tour and lunch. The tour was only half an hour, and they did not show us any wine making process. However, their wines were very good. After lunch, we went back to Queenstown for a Gondola ride and Luge. The view of Wakapitu Lake from the Skyline was amazing. There are plenty of activities at the Skyline, including luge, trekking, Sky night tour, and Maori show. Below Skyline, there is a Kiwi Park with a kiwi feeding show.

We spent the next day Funyaking on Dart River in Glenorchy, a beautiful town where many scenes from the Lord of the Rings movie was filmed. At Funyak’s office in Glenorchy, they provided us with fleece, a wet suit, wet boots, a life jacket and a waterproof bag. The Funyaking jet boat ride was a ride to paradise. The boat was fast, and the boat driver did a few 360 degree fast turns – great fun but you will need either a waterproof camera or a GoPro action camera to capture this moment.

After the thrilling jet boat ride, we kayaked and enjoyed a picnic lunch before returning to Glenorchy by bus. Due to high winds, our kayaks got stuck a few times, and we had to jump off to push our kayaks, but it was still great fun. In fact, our family voted that Funyaking on the Dart River was the best activity of the trip. If you are not an adventurous person, you can skip Funyaking and opt for a scenic jet boat ride on the Dart River.

A Shotover jet ride is a 20-minute furious ride at Shotover River Canyon. The boat is the same kind as the one used on Dart River, but it included a lot more spins. Sitting on the boat, I felt as if the driver was trying to hit every rock in the narrow canyon.

Bungee jumping at AJ Hackett was worth a visit even if you do not jump. Yes, I did the bungee jumping! And I SURVIVED! There’s a terrace from where you can watch people jump off from the bridge. The guys at the bridge were very professional; they would chat you up until you forgot what you were about to do. Then you heard “3-2-1” and there you were – jumping off a bridge!!

There are still many activities in Queenstown and Milford Sound that we would like to have tried, but we ran out of time. We will definitely go back!

Kade Tiyaphorn 41

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When Life Feels Overwhelming Reach Out for Help‌ For more than 30 years, Carl Janowitz has provided therapy for adults, couples, adolescents and families. Carl spent most of his life in the US where he earned his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and completed his internship before working in both residential settings and private practice. In 2003, he was offered a full time position as the only Western Psychologist at Bumrungrad Hospital where he spent five years in clinic before going into private practice. Now with offices in both Bangkok and Pattaya, Carl specializes in clients dealing with life changes, relationship conflict, depression, anxiety and stress and also focuses on both adolescents and adults with self esteem issues.

For a confidential appointment please call 089 680 3503 or counselor_cj@bangkokhappy.com www.bangkoktherapy.com

Carl Janowitz Marriage and Family Therapist First Tower Sukhumvit 1/1 (Behind Bumrungrad) 43

Charity—Sailom Project

Thani Talk ~March 2015

SaiLom Project Teaches Life Skills and Independent Living

It has always been my dream to see the folks who live at the government homes for children with disabilities here in Pakkret, Nonthaburi to be able to move into the community and live fuller lives. Over the past 17 years that I’ve volunteered as an occupational therapist in Thailand, I’ve met lots of young people with the determination to live outside the government home but many of them lack the support and practical training that they need to make it happen.

In July 2014, my dream came true when the Project L.I.F.E. Foundation board approved the SaiLom project to help improve the quality of life for disadvantaged persons. It is the Foundation’s first project to work specifically with children and young adults with disabilities. SaiLom refers to the wind of the Spirit which leads our lives.

L.I.F.E. Foundation is a mercy ministry of YWAM (Youth With a Mission).

As head of the SaiLom project, I surveyed government homes to learn what existing programs were available for persons with disabilities. I also spoke with different groups in Canada and Nonthaburi to raise awareness of the SaiLom project.

The young men, or core members, of the SaiLom Project will come from government homes, a few at a time. We will focus on developing life skills first, and then link the members with volunteer and paying positions.

The goal is to explore the reality of helping the young men save enough money to live independent lives in the community. As a social worker at Nontapum Home said, “We could get this person a job, but they can’t use the bus.” That is why SaiLom will start with teaching basic life skills. Once the person has a job and enough savings, they can decide where they would like to live in the community.

Presently, SaiLom has two full time members who have physical and intellectual limitations, but who fully enjoy being able to get out into the community even when I make them work! One uses a wheelchair and is very creative.

There are 36 other young men with intellectual disabilities at Rajawadee Home in Pak Kret who have joined SaiLom’s 2014 community outings. All of those young men have learned more about living in the 44

Charity: SaiLom Project

Thani Talk ~March 2015

community by doing “real life” things like buying shoes, having a meal out, or meeting others by joining in an outing to a park. Each time we go out we increase the challenge of what they need to try to do on their own.

(Yes, you do need to pay the van driver and wait for the change from your 20 baht bill.)

Now SaiLom has sufficient pledged support to rent space to open a training base or independent living day unit The space that we will be renting will let the young men practice cleaning up, setting up a kitchen, having storage for their shredded paper or other items they are getting ready to sell to recyclers. To date, our regular members, the young men with multiple disabilities and enthusiasm, are learning to understand the value of money, to sell things at NNR hosted events, do housekeeping tasks such as ironing, washing dishes, sweeping, mopping, taking care of personal hygiene, dressing neatly, ordering food at a food court, and buying their own clothes. One young man even has a job helping with landscaping. At their “own place” they could continue learning how to take care of themselves, while having mini job stations set up.

Supplies needed by SaiLom Project include: kitchen appliances for cooking, ironing board and iron, self care items, a more durable paper shredder, newspapers and magazines to sell to recyclers, a computer with internet connection ( to learn about technology and develop language skills, including sign language.) The SaiLom facility also needs donations to cover transportation costs, cleaning supplies, equipment adapted for one-handed users, a laminator, and extra health assessments.

Proceeds from NNR’s March 21st St. Patrick’s Day Party will be donated to the SaiLom Project. Please support this NNR event, and help the young men of the SaiLom Project achieve an independent future.

Dorothy Klynstra

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Thani Talk ~March 2015

Charity: Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities in Our Neighborhood CCD: Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities, this is a care home for children with disabilities. It also has a day care center and encourages development of physical, mental, emotional and social skills. It also supports families caring for their disabled children at home by providing day care whilst the parents work.

Needs volunteers to play with the children Contact Tarn at international@ccdthailand.org Baan Feung Faa: A government orphanage for mentally and/or physically handicapped children ages birth-10.

Need volunteers to play with and stimulate the children Contact Dana Stehwein at djw1771@yahoo.com Tel: 0820943534 Thanksgiving Home: Home for adolescent girls.

Provides vocational training to prepare the girls for employment. Works with girls from the government orphanages.

Needs volunteers to teach English, computer, sport, cooking or other occupational training.

Contact Khun Wanchai at wanchaialpha@yahoo.co.th Phayathai Home for Babies: Home for orphaned and abandoned children aged up to 6 years. Also has a unit for 36 HIV positive children who do not have as many volunteers since students are excluded.

Needs volunteers to play with the children.

Contact Linda Feltham at lindafeltham@gmail.com White Elephant thrift store: A second hand store that donates all of its profits to charities in Thailand.

Needs volunteers to help in the store. Donated items also needed.

Contact Jenn Bradley at jennbradley5@gmail.com or 0845403299 for English. Tipwan Smagpong at tipwans@hotmail.com or 0895250290 for Thai..

Lad Yai Prison: Women’s Correctional Center Needs volunteers to visit and encourage foreign inmates Contact Susan Curtis at cscecurtis@gmail.com and 0800432735 Nicola Cano at njcano@aol.com and 0865224226 YWCA: Cares for preschoolers while promoting their development. Need volunteers to teach English, do an activity or just help care for the children Contact Khun Saisom at 0807709335 46

Charity: Volunteer Opportunities

Thani Talk ~March 2015

Volunteer! Every person can make a difference!

Soi Prasert Free English Class offers neighborhood Thai children free English lessons on Sunday afternoons just outside of Nichada Thani’s main gate.

Need volunteers to teach English, chat with students to give them practice, and lead activities (art, music, sports). The classes have been held at an open-air food sala next to Que Pasa restaurant since 2013. In February, classes moved to a new location at borrowed space on the ground floor of a Thai house on Soi Prasert Issaram. The space is shared with a new free libray.

Contact Liz Lu at lizsiam@gmail.com, or Cathy Sackett at cathy_sackett@yahoo.com.au Soi Prasert Free Library: The free library, launched in February, is housed in borrowed space in a Thai house on Soi Prasert Issaram.

Buying or renting books is often beyond the means of local Thai families, so the new free library provides a needed alternative.

Need volunteers to join this pioneer project and provide children with free access to books and reading. Need help in staffing the library and sourcing books and other library supplies. Contact Liz Lu at lizsiam@gmail.com Home for the Destitute: Offers shelter, food, medication and training to homeless adults.

Needs volunteers to interact with the adults, help provide first-aid care, serve food donated by the NNR. Contact Liz Lu at lizsiam@gmail.com, or Marie Lewis at jalewis@yahoo.com

Central Welfare and Vocational Training Center for Women: Provides vocational training for disadvantaged poor women who are unable to support themselves.

Needs volunteers who can teach English and other vocational skills.

Contact Jesmin Tarana at tarana.jesmin@gmail.com Brachabadee School for Disabled Children: School serving disabled children keen to learn English. Need volunteers to teach English. Would also like volunteers with physical therapy (PT) background to help train staff in use of simple PT aids such as walkers.

Contact Linda Feltham at lindafeltham@gmail.com 47

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Restaurant Review

Thani Talk ~March 2015

Theera Bakery Healthy, ‘Free’ Food Down on Sukhumvit Soi 42 is a cute bakery/café named Theera. What is so special about a bakery you may ask? What makes it so special is that they specialize in “-free” food. That is to say, food that is gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free -- you get the idea.

But why would someone go through all the trouble?

Khun Theeta, the owner of Theera, began her baking career specializing in delicious cakes that were made to order for a long list of clients. (A fun fact is that Theeta also used to teach a baking class in Nichada.) Two years ago, she discovered that her son was allergic to gluten, dairy and eggs. In order to keep her son happy and healthy she began to experiment with recipes to allow him to enjoy her yummy cakes and cookies. She played with techniques such as replacing sugar with honey and replacing butter with sunflower or coconut oil. Armed with these new and original recipes she opened ‘Theera – the original healthy bake room.’

There are all sorts of goodies on offer. There are cakes and cookies aplenty, as well as an assortment of coffees and teas.

There is homemade ice cream (dairy- and egg-free), sandwiches (gluten-free), and pasta (egg-, dairy-, and glutenfree). There is gluten-free granola as well as other healthy snacks. Theera has a large farang client base who come for the health benefits of her food, not necessarily because of any allergy.

Yours truly enjoyed a pecan-caramel coffee crumb cake (gluten-, dairy-, egg-free) and was particularly impressed with a whole wheat waffle served with a savory chicken and broccoli white sauce. I learned that kids particularly enjoy waffle sticks (gluten-, dairy-, egg-, and nut-free) and mini-donuts (made with the same special gluten free flour mix, egg and dairy substitutes).

Theera has a limited menu on Food Panda, and can deliver food by messenger – with the delivery fee dependent on the distance traveled. The bakery is located on Sukhamvit Soi 42. It’s close to Ekkamai, and because it’s a one-way street you need to come up from the Rama IV side. If you are one of the few Nichada residents who drives themselves, rest assured that there is a parking lot just before the bakery itself on the right side of the soi.

For more information you can find Theera on Facebook at: facebook.com/theerahealthybakeroom John Marinos 49

Providing highquality quality custom custom tailoring forfor more Providing high tailoring more than 45 years, Raja’s Fashions has been featured in than 45 years, Voguehas Magazine, International Living,Vogue Raja’sMen's Fashions been featured in Men's Worth Magazine, Esquire, Fortune, Bangkok Guide, Magazine, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Guide, Fodor’s Guide, International Living, Magazine, Esquire, The Washington Post,Worth Vivre A Bangkok, Conde Nast Magazine and Fortune, many other travel magazines.

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DRESS SHARP. LOOK SHARP. FEEL SHARP.

Delivery Restaurant

Phone

Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai Cuisine

02-952-0031

BBQ Sandwich King Bukhara (Afghan/Indian) Burger King/Pizza Company Food Loft KFC and Pizza Hut Le Bouchon Food Delivery McDonald’s Milano’s @ Pro Club Mr. Enzo’s New York Diner NICC Club Que Pasa

086-773-4140 082-443-1398 1112 02-831-5588 1150 02-962-2850 1711 02-582-1555 02-960-0412 081-624-2099 02-960-4326 02-960-3821

Sapna (Indian and Afghan food delivery)

02-960-3141

Scoozi Subway Sudhathai Slider Shack

02-715-8555 02-960-3232 02-583-2694 086-773-4140

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Local Business Bamboo Spa Bank Krungsri Blue Sky Café Bumrungrad Family Clinic Clark Hatch Fitness Center Crystal Holiday Travel Hair By Jib Happy Teeth Dental Clinic Great Massage ISB Le Studio Hair Nichada Customer Relations Pandit Carpets Panipa Pum’s Salon Rex Pharmaplus Rose Marie Academy Shawn Carpets Starbucks Twist Villa Market Wash-N-Dry 4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming

Phone 02-583-9871 02-582-2669 081-811-8455 02-960-4216 02-960-4326 / 27 02-960-4469 02-960-3783 02-960-3988 02-960-3691 02-963-5800 084-022-9928 02-960-4300 081-828-2562 02-960-3934 02-583-7117 081 834 1306 02-960-3663 090-564-8927 02-967-9686 02-911-6839 02 -584-5444 085-945-4132 02-960-4189

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