A publication for the SSA Global Community Europe/Russia Area Edition Winter 2016-2017
Schlumberger Spouses Association
WINTER 2016-2017
EUROPE/RUSSIA AREA EDITION
Where it all began...
P
aris, the city of light, is where it all began for the SSA. Perhaps you’ve heard the story of how in 1989 a group of spouses including Nadine Redding, Jacqueline Roger and
Gerri Turner, decided to get together and support other Schlumberger spouses moving to Paris. The first meeting was attended by 28 spouses who agreed to form an organization with the purpose of welcoming others. They prepared beautiful baskets for newcomers, filled with useful information about the city. They did so by writing their suggestions and tips about living in Paris in colorful paper and wrapping each one separately. How is that for thoughtfulness and
creativity? It is wonderful to see how that same generosity and initiative is still being put in practice by SSA members around the world. I always think of it as a very long “Pay It Forward” chain. If you are met with generosity and kindness, you will feel inspired to do the same for others when you’re turn comes. We’ve heard it many times: SSA friends that become family. I wish all of you can be so fortunate as to count among your dearest your awesome SSA
friends. This edition is dedicated to showcase our Europe/Russia Area Chapters. Some of them are still enjoying beautiful winter weather as we are about to enter February. I hope you enjoy reading about what they’ve been up to. Cheers, Elsa
Inside this issue: Message from our Global Coordinator
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* Bergen
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Recently Updated SSA Guidelines
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* Moscow
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* Pau
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A word from Basti Ismayilbayli, 8 Europe/Russia Area Coordinator SSA Europe/Russia Area * Aberdeen
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Greetings from Rio de Janeiro
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Global Board and Next Issue
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Cover Picture by Michelle Guerra, from SSA Moscow Picture in this page by Elsa Scheffler, SSA Global Communications Coordinator
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A message from Lorraine Albelto, our Global Coordinator Happy New Year! All the best to you and your family in 2017.
to do so on the Global Board. I have had so many great experiences and seen the difference it has made to so We made it through another year many families. Let me share one of my thanks to all our hardworking Board experiences with you. In one of my members, both local and global, and locations I received a call from a fellow our dear members who all volunteer member that a spouse had lost her their time selflessly for our organization. baby. We immediately sprung into A volunteer is defined by the action and went to her apartment. She Cambridge dictionary as: “A person was not there when we arrived so we who does something, especially stood outside waiting for her return. As helping other people, willingly and she walked towards us she fell to her without being forced or paid to do it.” knees sobbing. She could not believe that in a country where she knew no It takes a really special person to do one, had no family, that a group of this. strangers would be there for her during such a difficult time. She did not speak In SSA we are a family. A family who supports each other during good and English and I was unable to speak her language. However, I got someone to bad times. We may have our differences but we work through them translate for me and we hugged and cried. She later joined the Chapter and for the good of the family. We we hugged each other tightly each continue to face challenging times ahead and during this period we need time we met and we have become dear friends since. to be supportive, show compassion and be understanding of our fellow This is who we are and this is what we members. We all have friends who do. This is the difference we can make have left SSA but we will continue in someone’s life. Imagine if this was those relationships beyond SSA. However, we need to provide ongoing you and there was no SSA family there to support you and your family. Well, if support to our current members. In we do not get volunteers some of our order to keep our SSA family thriving Chapters will close and none of us we need our members to come wants this to happen. I strongly believe forward and volunteer. that SSA is needed now more than ever and that is why we reached out I have volunteered for SSA in every location I have been to and continue to our sponsor, Schlumberger. I was
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invited to meet with them in Houston on January 16. I expressed our concerns and the support we required for our organization to succeed. I am very pleased to report that Schlumberger reiterated their commitment to SSA and we are moving forward together to support our members. I met with the Gerard Martellozo, Vice President HR, Richard de Moucheron, Director HR Practice, Janice Hyslip, Manager HR Communication & Change and Avery Ely, SSA Program Manager. Here is what they had to say.
The SSA with its 28 year history is an integral part of Schlumberger. We value and appreciate the support that the volunteers provide to families and spouses. In the current challenging business environment, the principles that the SSA stand for of friendship, hospitality, and goodwill are needed more than ever. We are committed to supporting the SSA and the good work they are doing in the various chapters around the world. Gérard Martellozo VP HR
The SSA remains a supportive outlet for all Schlumberger spouses and partners, including Cameron. As someone who has moved around the world with the company, I know the positive impact SSA can have for families coming to a location for the first time. The transition time can be challenging as families get settled in a new neighborhood and find new schools, childcare, doctors etc. The SSA helps make this smoother, and provides general friendly support for spouses –both expatriate and local– to feel welcome and connected. Thanks to each of you for being part of this important organization, and for volunteering your time to help others. Richard de Moucheron Director HR Practice
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SSA is for the benefit of all our members and now we need you to do your part. We have vacant positions on the Global and Local Boards as a result of relocation and term limits served. We need you to come forward and volunteer to continue welcoming and supporting families.
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dynamic and growing community. We look forward to many more years ahead, passing the torch from generation to generation of members. Lorraine Albelto SSA Global Coordinator
The SSA began as a single Chapter in Paris in 1988. Twentyeight years later we continue to support our fellow members as a
L-R: Gerard Martellozo, Janice Hyslip, Lorraine Albelto, Avery Ely, Richard de Moucheron
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SSA Guidelines recently updated As you might know, the SSA Guidelines and Mission Statement Version 5.1 were recently released. The last major update before this one occurred many years ago, so it was time for an update. Our previous Program Manager, Muriel Barnier, first got the SSA/SLB Guidelines Version 5.1 updated. This document helps SLB and the SSA work together. After they were approved, the Global Board got to work in updating our existing Guidelines. What we aimed to do is mirror the SSA/SLB Guidelines, as well as include some of the most usual questions that the Global Board is asked by members from time to time.
So what’s new? Here are a few things that are different:
A section detailing procedures regarding Arriving and Departing Spouses was included. The SSA Budget Standard Operating Procedures are more detailed. The Media Relations section was updated
to specify that Local Coordinators must notify the SSA Global Communications Coordinator and Area Coordinator before responding to any crisis communication and/or press-related issues.
Updated the Internal and External Social Media section.
An entire HSE section was added.
There is now more details on how to handle Conflict of Interest within the SSA, Election Procedures, Leave of Absence and Non-Performance of Duties.
The SSA Charity Coordinator is now an official part of the Local Board positions.
The Global Secretary is now a voting member of the Global Board.
Schlumberger Responsibilities were included.
The Budget and Organizational Process was updated.
The Social Media Etiquette and Best Practices section was added, as well as the Logo Compliance section.
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But why should I read them? I’m not on the Board...
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read by all SSA members, not only Board members. So if you haven’t already received a copy, go to www.SSAfara.net and download them. You can also ask any of the Global Board members to forward them to you.
The Guidelines are not just a piece of paper or just for Board members. They We hope you find them useful! are there to help all of us understand our roles and what is expected from SLB and SSA. When any questions come our way, this is always the first document that we refer to for answers. They should be
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EUROPE/RUSSIA AREA EDITION
SSA Europe/Russia Area Coordinator
I
t is almost end of 2016 and we are looking forward for 2017… I always feel excited and a bit sad at New Year Eve. Excited because I love changes, trying new things and I am positive thinker. I always think New Year will definitely bring good things and new chance. I am also sad because I don’t like good byes, though I should have got used to it according to my lifestyle, then you think what you have missed the previous year, who you missed and so on... But, I’ll miss that part for now :) I became Europe/Russia Area Coordinator in 2016 and that was, I guess, the major event in my social life in SSA. It was a very hard year for oil companies and we all felt it personally. But what I think is SSA should work now even better, for we support families and when you need help is -now- at hard times! We all volunteer, it doesn’t matter how, where, when, it matters when we do something for each other. Let’s keep it up, and do it even better!
I love being part of such a nice organization. I see many nice events are being held in all Europe and Russia chapters, which cheers me up. I loved seeing breast cancer support events so active this year; very nice trips and active walks all over the Area; yummy cooking classes; welcoming new people, it’s so exciting! When I see the pictures of the chapters celebrating, having fun and doing something together it gives me so much energy that I can fly if I had wings! :) I need it sometimes, especially on a rainy day in Aberdeen :)
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So, let’s keep it up! Every bit of your support is noticed and appreciated! There is a saying in our country “If you want to get more, you have to give more.” I think it perfectly describes our SSA. Merry Xmas to all who celebrate! Happy New Year to all of you! Happy Holidays!
I wish you and your families prosperous New year!!!
Aberdeen - Abingdo atyrau - baku - B bucharest London Gatwick/cent - Moscow - oslo Stavanger - stone vechta - yuzn
SSA Europe/R
Come and meet som
on - Astrakhan Belfast - Bergen Cambridge tral - montpellier o - paris - pau ehouse - tyumen no-sakhalinsk
Russia Area
me of our members!
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EUROPE/RUSSIA AREA EDITION
We gather on a monthly basis for a coffee morning and catch up. Ou full of good chat, food, and laughs! At these meetings we welcom celebrate the month's birthdays, and welcome new SS
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ur gatherings are always me any new members, SA babies.
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We support different local charities. Here is a collection from our coffee morning last fall that benefited CFINE, an Aberdeen foodbank.
To commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness month, our member Dr. Flavia Kakiuti Bonini, lead a discussion about early detection and self-assessment.
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We invited all families to join us for a Family Day on October 29th, held at a the Beach Leisure Center.
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EUROPE/RUSSIA AREA EDITION
Annual International Potluck, September 2016
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EUROPE/RUSSIA AREA EDITION
We joined the "World's Biggest Coffee Morning" in support of Macmillan Cancer Research in September. We raised £91 as a group!
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From Aberdeen with love :) Kate Osborne
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Bergen
2016 Highlights! We have had so many fun activities in the last couple of months in Bergen! Since Bergen is a very (very) rainy city, each Spring we try to plan as many outdoor activities as possible.
In April we went hiking on one of Bergen’s seven surrounding mountains. From left: Camila Andrade, Andrea Hauser, Daniela Sorondo, Julie Osmond, Nesma Gamal, Tatyana Smolenskaya, Albina Akhmetova, Laura Popescu, Rasha Omar, Elya Nadhezdhina
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In May we took our members on a Scavenger Hunt across Bergen as a way to have fun, enjoy a great Sunday and maybe discover some unknown places and facts about the city! Each team had to find clues hidden throughout town and take some fun selfies along the way. There were extra points for funny pictures‌ As demonstrated here!!
Nesma Gamal, Jennifer Buchanan, Daniela Sorondo
Nesma Gamal, Jennifer Buchanan, Daniela Sorondo, Marie Reid
Daniela Sorondo
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Bergen In June, as we bid farewell to many members leaving Bergen and welcomed some new members from Cameron and OneSubsea, we took our members on a memorable fjord cruise on Bergen’s emblematic vessel: the Statsraad Lehmkuhl. It was a beautiful evening with great music, great weather and amazing ladies!
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We also had a family day at the brand new ziplining park.
Nesma Gamal’s family, Marie Reid’s family, Selma Chikh’s family, Guro Overby & family, Kenza Lahlou & family
As school started again, we resumed our regular activities and invited our members to visit the Edward Grieg Museum, as this famous composer was born in Bergen.
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Bergen As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, one of our members hosted a wonderful Coffee Morning where our very own Doctor walked us through the steps for selfexamination.
And as October came to an end, we met all of our members in Bergen Aquarium’s Annual Halloween Party. The whole Aquarium was pitch black and spooky little monsters were running around with their flashlights to see the different fishes, sharks, penguins, crocodiles and sea lions!
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The Bergen Chapter Board wishes you all a wonderful end of the year!
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It has been a great year for the SSA Moscow Chapter!
We have a new board and we have been enjoying every activity organized by our board members.
This awesome picture of the countdown clock for the FIFA World Cup was taken by Michelle Guerra.
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EUROPE/RUSSIA AREA EDITION
The Chapter started the year with a very
Russian experience! Banya (Russian bath) is
an integral part of any trip to Russia. It is a ritual and a matter of national pride: they smack each other with special bath brooms (veniks) made of birch or oak tree branches, and sometimes even jump into the snow right after visiting the steam room—the part of a banya with the highest temperature (80 degrees).
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The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is the largest museum of European art in Moscow. It’s collection comprises over 670,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and more. The SSA ladies enjoyed a visit in February.
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Fedoskino is named after an old village near Moscow which became widely known in the 1800s. The village preserves some of the finest painting of Russian lifestyle and folk art. Fedoskino master artists are
famous for painting miniature lacquer boxes while preserving the finest detail. They use mother of pearl, as well as gold and silver leaf. They integrate these natural elements to recreate the effects of nature’s elements. The SSA had the opportunity to visit this particular place and learned about the techniques the artists use.
One of the most exciting tours to have in Moscow
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SSA Moscow ladies enjoying a visit to the museumreserve Tsaritsyno.
is a boat ride on the Moskva river. The SSA Page 31 enjoyed it last May!
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More pictures from the talented Michelle Guerra (Mexico) from SSA Moscow.
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My moto in life is: "Always make yourself at home and be grateful wherever you are" A little story about Pau: We arrived in Pau the last days of 2015. Yes, it was raining all the time and we did not have any snow at all. But most of the time Pau has some beautiful days, even late in fall. As for the rainy days, well, we take the opportunity to enjoy the good food, which can be found in the local markets where the producers come to sell their gorgeous fresh products. Pau is a small city in Southwest France, surrounded by beautiful mountains called Pyrenees, drawing the border between France and Spain. No more traffic as we used to have in Jakarta or Luanda. Clean air and well organized public transport, what a dream! You can do some outdoor activities (just check for the weather as the area is very green). One hour away and you start walking in the mountains, surf in Biarritz or just enjoy getting lost in the small streets of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Thanks to SSA, I met some nice ladies here. We became friends. Most of them love doing sports and motivate us to do so until we also became addicted to it. It feels good so we can enjoy extra food, wine and cheese without a guilty feeling . Amalia Idris
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King Henry IV, also known as the Good King, was born in Pau. There is a saying that he was born "en deux coups de cul, hier a Pau", which later became “en deux coups de cuillere a pot”, which translates as "done swiftly". Henry IV ran his kingdom as King of Navarre from June 1572, until he became King of France in 1589. He was murdered in 1610 in Paris by Ravaillac. King Henry IV hoped to create a wealthy nation where every family could afford a stew once a week. The Poule-Au-Pot became one of the traditional French Sunday dinners. Henry IV was a very kind and generous king, just like the people here. Here is the recipe for Poule-Au-Pot: Ingredients for 6 • 1 chicken • 3 turnip • 2 leeks • 1 celery stick • 1 bouquet garni (mixed herbs) • 6 carrots • 6 cloves • 3 onions • salt • Chicken stock Clean the vegetables and peel. Put the chicken in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and skim. Add vegetables (leeks fold in half), the diced onion, herbs, salt and pepper. Cover and cook 2 to 2.5 hours. The flesh of the chicken must come off. Serve on top of defatted broth surrounded by vegetables. "BON APPÉTIT ".
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Gorgeous picture by Evelyn Bicelis
THE SSA GLOBAL BOARD Lorraine Albelto
SSA Global Coordinator
ssa-global-coord@slb.com
Anisa Haddad
SSA Ex-Officio Global Coordinator
ex-officio@slb.com
Nikita Goel
SSA Global Webmaster
ssa-webmaster@slb.com
Elsa Scheffler
SSA Global Communications Coordinator
ssa-communications@slb.com
VACANT (Acting Elsa Scheffler)
SSA Global Secretary
ssa-secretary@slb.com
VACANT (Acting Lorraine Albelto)
SSA Africa Area Coordinator
ssa-africa-coord@slb.com
Asma Fiyaz
SSA Asia/Australia Area Coordinator
ssa-asia-coord@slb.com
Basti Ismayilbayli
SSA Europe/Russia Area Coordinator
ssa-eur-slr-coord@slb.com
Yoldary Bernal
SSA Latin America Area Coordinator
ssa-lam-coord@slb.com
Maha Sousak
SSA Middle East Area Coordinator
ssa-mideast-coord@slb.com
VACANT (Acting Anisa Haddad)
SSA North America Area Coordinator
ssa-nam-coord@slb.com
By the time this issue reaches you, we might have new Global Board Members. Keep an eye out for updates on www.SSAfara.net.
We’re on the web: www.SSAfara.net SSA Global Community on Facebook
Next issue we’ll feature the SSA MEA Area. Get ready to share with us what you’ve been up to!