bamboo telegraph€¦ · celebrate chinese new year with an awa lunch or dinner sign up for our...

BAMBOO TELEGRAPHJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

Registration is now open for the AWA valentine’s event

FOR ALL WOMEN, ALL WALKS OF L IFE, ALL NATIONALITIES

celebrate chinese new year with AN awa lunch

or dinner

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT EXCITING FOREIGN TOUR

TO BEAUTIFUL BALI

NEW YEAR’S TIPS TO CLEAN UP YOUR CLOSET, COMPUTER AND KIDS CLUTTER

Showroom/Warehouse, No.1, Syed Alwi Road, #03-02, Song Lin Building, 207628

Bamboo Telegraph January/February 2019 WWW.AWASINGAPORE.ORG 1

Contents

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Please be advised that any names listed in this publication, the AWA directory or any other material published by AWA are for the exclusive use of AWA members only. Any commercial use is strictly prohibited. The Bamboo Telegraph is published 10 times per year. The American Women’s Association and the Bamboo Telegraph neither endorse nor take responsibility for the opinions expressed herein. Please address all comments and queries to the Bamboo Telegraph Editor. AWA does not endorse or promote any product or service offered through any advertisement that may appear in the Bamboo Telegraph.

President’s MessageBoard NominationsArts & Culture Valentine’s EventCommunity Service Member SpotlightTech TalkBeauty & FashionForeign ToursAWA WorkshopsReady in 5Model Call & Fashion Show PhotographyLocal ToursThe Fork and ChopstickHome TourYou’re Not AloneCarpet AuctionInternational ChoirTennisRunningGolfWriters’ BlockCalendar

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• Bookings open on the first working day of the month.• You must register in advance to attend an event, online registration is available at www.awasingapore.org• If an event is full, please join the waitlist. If a member wishes to cancel & cannot find a replacement, they can cancel their space with the AWA office. The space will then be offered to the waitlist, in date order.• The event ends at approximately the listed time.• Only adults over 18 years may attend AWA tours unless otherwise designated.• Family members and out of town guests pay AWA member price, other Singapore residents pay the guest price.

AWA Registration Policies

AWA Cancellation Policies• If the event is marked NO CANCELLATION, then no refund can be given.• All other AWA event fees include a $5 non-refundable admin charge. This cannot be returned under any circumstances.• You may cancel your attendance at an event by emailing [email protected] 4 working days prior to the event.• If you paid online, we will refund you via Paypal. If you paid by any other method you will be asked for your preferred refund method, cash or check.• You may transfer your attendance to another AWA member or to another identical event (e.g. Mahjong game to Mahjong game) no less than 4 working days prior to the event, by emailing [email protected] with the new attendee’s name.• Cancellations received within 4 working days of the event will not be refunded.

Bamboo Telegraph Production Team

BT Editors Tori NelsonNiki [email protected]

BT StaffHelena A. CochraneLorraine GraybillKanika KaruPrachi RanganCeline Suiter

BT AdvertisingRobin Phillips [email protected]

Visit us on the internet:www.awasingapore.org

Facebook: American Women’s Association of Singapore - AWA

Questions, comments and administrative issues, please email us: [email protected]

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WWW.AWASINGAPORE.ORG2 Bamboo Telegraph January/February 2019

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President's Message......

AWA MISSION STATEMENT:The American Women's Association is a sisterhood of women from around the world, who come together to enhance their Singapore experience through fulfilling volunteer run events and activities.

• The AWA welcomes all nationalities, not just Americans.• AWA guest fees apply to Singapore residents. Out of town guests and family

members pay the AWA member price.• Guests are entitled to attend 2 events (in total, not per year) before we ask

them to join the AWA to continue participating.• You can register for membership and events any time on our website www.awasingapore.org

15 Scotts Road #03-01Singapore 228218

General Manager: Sarah CockerillMain: 6734-4895

Office Hours:Monday-Friday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

www.awasingapore.org

American Women’s Associationof Singapore

FAQ’s/Important Information

Mel Rice

Although the Western New Year’s celebrations have concluded, Singapore is preparing for its biggest holiday of the year - Chinese New Year. Think Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s all celebrated together over the course of a few days!

Chinese New Year is the most important festival in the Chinese calendar. Preparations for the celebrations include cleaning the house, buying ingredients for feasts and a variety of auspicious items to decorate the home. It is impossible not to be caught up in the energy of this festival as you see people squeezed into the crowded temples to pray for good fortune as well as festive markets, special food and shocking red lanterns that adorn the city. Determining the date of Chinese New Year requires some complicated calculations. In most cases, it falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which means that Chinese New Year typically occurs in late January or during one of the first three weeks of February. The Chinese calendar follows a 12-year cycle, and each year is associated with an animal, such as the tiger, rabbit and dragon etc. Every new year marks the end of the reign of one animal and the beginning of the next. For example, 2017 was the year of the rooster, 2018 was the year of the dog and 2019 will be the year of the pig. Those born under the sign of an animal are thought to possess the qualities associated with it. According to these beliefs, people born in a pig year are happy, sincere and brave.

If you are interested in learning more about Chinese traditions and culture, come join us on Thursday 31st January or Friday 1st February to experience our local tour “Chinatown New Year Walk Lunch/Chinatown New Year Dinner”. Both tours offer the opportunity to learn more about the Chinese calendar, and the customs and taboos of this exciting festival. While you stroll the quaint streets, you’ll see a bakery making New Year cakes, shops with ritual papers and incense offered to gods for prosperity and a street bazaar selling festive goods; a tour not to be missed!

After the lion dances are over and the red confetti has been swept away, join us for the AWA’s first ever Valentine’s event, “Pop, Clink, Fizz” on Thursday 14th February at 7:00 pm at the Arts House. Come with your significant other or gather your girlfriends to toast the evening and peruse some meticulously selected vendors.

Whether you are new to Singapore, working full-time, a long term expat or a humanitarian at heart, AWA is truly for all women, all walks of life. It doesn’t matter where in the world you come from or how long you have been in Singapore; you can always make a new friend...that’s what the AWA sisterhood is all about. So grab a friend and introduce them to all the great activities and events that AWA has to offer.



Board Nom

inations

The Executive Board positions are as follows:

President Leads and directs the affairs of the AWA, setting goals and the specific tone of the AWA during her term in office.

Vice-President Responsible for our membership numbers, the General Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation.

Secretary Responsible for accurate record keeping within the AWA, including board meeting minutes, and all official correspondence, including statutory filings, such as licenses and insurance. Treasurer The financial conscience of the AWA. Monitors P&L performance and communicates the financial health of the AWA to the board.

Events & Activities DirectorResponsible for all the Social, Special Interest, Sports, and Major Events.

External Affairs DirectorResponsible for our interaction with the wider community through our outreach activities and our relationships with sponsors, vendors, and donors.

Communications Director Responsible for AWA communications, which include the Bamboo Telegraph magazine, website, broadcast email, and social media.

Non-Executive Board members are appointed positions that are equally involved in the running of the AWA. The Non-Executive Board positions are as follows:

Social, Special Interest, Sports & Major Events ChairsThe above volunteer positions act as a conduit between the board and the sub-committees. Their duties are to maintain knowledge and awareness of all sub-committee activities and assist where needed. This may include chairing ad-hoc events if necessary.

Community Service ChairProvides AWA members with information about community service agencies and organizations in Singapore and gives notice of volunteer opportunities in the wider community.

Corporate Relations ManagerCoordinates and maintains a database of all sponsor, donor and vendor relationships. Coordinates requests for sponsorship & donations with event committees.

A more detailed description of each position can be found on our website or at the AWA office. If you have any questions and are considering getting more involved, please email [email protected].

For the AWA to thrive it needs passionate, committed board members. The board guides the AWA throughout the year, making it the vibrant, active group it is today.

If you have the time and ability to help lead this fantastic group from June 2019 to June 2020, we would love to hear from you. Please email [email protected] if you would like to stand for any of these positions, or if you would like to nominate another member.

We will have a fun, exploratory coffee morning on Tuesday, March 5, from 10am to noon – if you are interested in learning more about what is involved in being a board member, we would love you to come to meet current board members and learn more – no obligation! You can register for the coffee on the website starting Jan 1.

The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2019. The slate of officers for the Executive Board is presented to our membership for approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019.

AWA IS LOOKING FOR NOMINATIONS FOR ITS BOARD


Art

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VIETNAM: A MULTISENSORY EXPERIENCE Date: Wednesday, January 23Time: 11 am – 1 pmPlace: Art Blue Studio

43 Yong Siak St., Tiong BahruCost: $40 Member / $45 GuestLimit: 20

The trendy neighborhood of Tiong Bahru is the backdrop for this fun and enlightening gallery tour featuring the creative artists of Vietnam.

Join us as Phuoug Nguyen, the owner of Art Blue, shares her passion for art from her native land. Let her take you on a journey highlighting some of the best talent in Vietnam. Phuong and her husband have personally become acquainted with many of the artists featured in their studio, making this a memorable visit.

We don’t stop there. Be prepared to please your palate. Like art and language, cuisine is a reflection of a country’s culture. It represents its history and its present, the fusion of old with new, the creativity and beliefs of its people. Join us as we also sample the food mixed and matched with ingredients from different regions that has become popular over centuries.

AN INTIMATE GLIMPS E AT LEGENDARY ARTISTLIM TZE PENG

Date: Thursday, March 7Time: 10 am - 12 noonPlace: Private ResidenceCost: $15 Member/$20 GuestLimit: 18

We are pleased to present a unique and intimate opportunity to interact with the acclaimed artist, Lim Tze Peng. Born in Singapore on September 28, 1921, Lim Tze Peng is one of Singapore’s most significant artists and a living legend. Renowned for his Chinese ink drawings and paintings of post-independence Singapore, he also practices Chinese calligraphy. Alongside numerous solo and group exhibitions, both local and international, his masterpieces are exhibited in the Singapore Art Museum and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and are part of many prestigious collections. Lim has been bestowed with numerous awards including the Special Prize at the Commonwealth Art Exhibition in England in 1977 and the prestigious Cultural Medallion in Singapore in 2003. In May 2012, he broke records with the sale of his works at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong.

Explore with us as we tour his private studio and spend valuable time in a creative environment not usually open to public.


Valentine’s Event


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FOOD FROM THE HEART - PACKING OF GROCERIES

People go hungry in Singapore every day. Join AWA friends to help box up packages of groceries that get delivered to families with school age children. It’s one of the many programs of Food From The Heart, and one that AWA supports

most months, so check the calendar regularly for future AWA packing dates too. Our upcoming dates are:

Date: Wednesday, January 16Date: Wednesday, February 20Time: 9:30am – 12:30pmPlace: FFTH Warehouse, 130 Joo Seng Road, #03-01, 368357Cost: FreeLimit: 16

There are a lot of great ways to help out our local community with AWA in 2019. Below are a few events to kick off an exciting New Year while also doing

some good deeds. If your New Year’s Resolution includes helping others, please join us!

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Chinese New Year is coming and the People’s Association will be hosting a Reunion Lunch on February 4, 2019. The lunch is organized for the benefit of elderly citizens who don’t have family in Singapore. AWA volunteers help with registration, carrying dishes to and from the tables, serving food family style. We sing and dance and have a great time with the elderly guests. Save the date and join in the fun.

CHINESE NEW YEAR LUNCHEON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

WILLING HEARTS SOUP KITCHEN

Help fellow AWA members prepare food for those less fortunate in Singapore. Willing Hearts operates a soup kitchen that prepares, cooks, and distributes about 6,000 meals daily to over 40 locations island-wide, 365 days a year.

Tasks that volunteers can expect to do include preparing daily meals, cleaning dishes, unpacking grocery trucks and repacking donated items. All volunteers should wear clothes that can get dirty/wet and closed-toe shoes that can be washed or are water-proof.

Date: Thursday, January 24Time: 8:30am - 11:30amPlace: 11 Jin Ubi Blk 6, #01-51 Kembangan in the Chai Chee Community Hub

For more information on these events or any other community service events, please email Allison Burden at [email protected]


Com

munity Service

A SPOOKTASTIC EVENING FOR ALL AGES AWA members had a great time while helping other Singapore community groups throw a fun

Halloween Party at the Cairnhill Community Club in October 2018.


By Christin Gustafson

I am a third-time expat who arrived in Singapore with my husband and two boys (ages 10 and 12) in July 2018. My educational background includes a PhD in Biochemistry. Depending on where we live and what opportunities there are, sometimes I teach college chemistry courses. As a family we’ve spent time in the UK, Switzerland, and the US. I love being an expat and recently began to examine the unique challenges and opportunities for personal development present in expat life. I’ve come up with some questions for this AWA Member Spotlight column to help us learn about each other and our expat experiences. I hope these questions give insight into your fellow AWA members beyond the standard getting to know you questions. It seemed appropriate to introduce myself first, using this Q&A format.

What have you enjoyed more about Singapore than you thought you would? Conversely, what have you struggled with that you didn’t expect to be challenging?

Before arriving, I was unsure if we would enjoy living in a big city apartment without a yard or car. I am surprised by our ability to comfortably fit into the apartment. My nightmarish visions of things piled up in corners, cupboard doors bulging open, were unfounded. I also find that I don’t miss having a car. My kids are happy with their bedrooms here but they do miss having an outdoor space. My unexpected personal struggle has been with the weather. Will there ever be a time that I’m not sweating? How do I keep the makeup from melting off my face? How can I look put together and still be comfortable walking around outside or sitting in air conditioning? I’m waiting for my body to adjust to the heat and humidity. Please don’t tell me if it isn’t going to happen--I need to have hope.

What habits make you feel most settled in Singapore?

I am a person who thrives on routine. That time in between moving out of your old space and being settled into your new space is always very difficult for me. I use routines as a way to ground and settle myself. Waking up, exercising, drinking a cup of tea every afternoon, reading with my kids at night are things I try to do no matter where we are. In Singapore, I’ve started walking with a group of ladies a couple times a week. Being a part of this very welcoming and generous group of ladies has given me a sense of belonging and a place to ask questions.

What did/do you do to meet people and form friendships as an expat? What advice would you give first-time expats?

We have never lived in the same place twice, each of our moves has involved getting to know new people, regardless of whether we are in the US or another country. I struggled the first time we moved and quickly learned that to make new friends you have to put yourself in proximity to new people AND you have to talk to them. I’m a nerdy lab scientist at heart and talking to strangers was hard for me. I’m not the same quiet person I was 15 years ago. Now I say yes to every invitation and sign up for all kinds of things for the first 6 months in a new location. If you put yourself out there for 6 months, by the end of that time you will have found a new group of friends. You might also surprise yourself because in trying new things and being outside your comfort zone, you will grow and possibly even find a new interest.

What item in your Singapore home-away-from-home makes you feel the most settled?

We debated long and hard about bringing our dog to Singapore. Our furniture arrived before she did and we had everything we needed to live, but we were still missing something. When she came out of quarantine I released a breath I didn’t know I was holding; we were home.

What challenges you the most as an expat and how do you deal with it?

I find being the mother of expat children who are getting older (10 and 12) and who are frequently moved and resettled to be challenging. I worry about gaps in their education, whether or not they will feel at home in their new schools. Handling my own adjustment and culture shock while also helping and watching them with theirs can be trying. I try to remember that things are

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT


Mem

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not always as they seem and we all deal with things at our own pace and in our own way. The boy crying about his broken pencil might actually be crying because he misses his friends but isn’t able to verbalize it.

What aspect of your personality has been a strength you’ve relied on while an expat? Conversely, what personal weakness have you struggled with?

I am a curious person which is an asset, since I love learning about new places, new cultures, and even new languages. I’m also an organized person, which can be a blessing and a curse. This desire to be organized and in control has helped with the logistics of moving. But it also often means I’m stressed when things are not going the way I planned. I often need to remind myself that challenges pass like the seasons.

What has been your funniest or worst expat mishap while living in Singapore?

I love the saying “the worst mistakes often end up the best stories”. I believe this is particularly true for expats. I had a horrible afternoon where my boys and I rode in a Grab, took a bus, flagged down a taxi, rode the MRT, and then walked to complete a journey between Orchard and Woodlands. It was a comedy of transportation errors. All the while, one child was threatening to vomit from motion sickness and my husband was texting that he was going to be late joining us to meet the boys’ new teachers. At the time it was NOT funny, but now it is just another one of our crazy family stories.

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THE SPRING/SUMMER 2019 EDITION

Tech

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Tech Resolutions for the New Year The usual New Year’s resolutions involve hitting the gym, getting healthy, and spending less. Why not change it up this time and add tech resolutions to the mix? Take a look at some simple, tech-inspired changes you can make in the New Year.

Create a robust backup plan

The risks of data loss are very high - your phone may get lost or stolen, your computer hard drive could fail at any time or ransom-ware could hold your files hostage. The consequences can be highly inconvenient. Take steps to avoid losing your precious data by setting up a robust backup plan. Ensure you have at least two copies of your data, preferably an “onsite” backup (such as on an external hard drive) and an “offsite” backup (in the Cloud or in a different physical location).

Keep your computer clean

Giving your computer a physical cleaning every few months will help to prolong its life. Computers have many little areas where dust can easily accumulate, and dust reduces the air flow, which will eventually lead to excessive heat. This heat in turn has the potential to damage your computer’s hardware and potentially cause data loss. Take the time to vacuum out the air vents and fans.

Bring order to your data

If you’re feeling a bit bewildered at the state of your computer’s filing system (or lack of!), take the opportunity to bring some order to your data. Start by creating a logical file structure for your documents, ensure you save new files with easy reference names and make a habit to file documents away correctly. Consolidate your photos from all your devices in a centralized location and run special programs to remove any duplicates.

Unsubscribe to junk emails

Do you find yourself getting hundreds of emails a week? Declutter your inbox by unsubscribing from email lists that aren’t useful to you. If you go to https://unroll.me/ the site syncs with your email and provides you with a list of subscription emails that you can go through and unsubscribe from with one click.

Begin 2019 by taking on the mindset of a fresh start with the technology in your life.

Author Sarah Pinel is co-owner of Tekkie Help and can be reached at [email protected]

TECH TALKEa sy Te c h T i p s fo r L i v i n g i n S i n ga p o re

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WhatsApp: +61 439 204 084

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Explore our natural World Heritage sites.

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Beauty & Fashion

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Karenmadesingapore

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ashion eauty &Beauty from the Inside Out: Yoga & Oils

Come join us for a morning of beauty and power! Learn more about the benefits of essential oils and how they can enhance your practice. Best of all, join us for a 60-minute yoga class!

Yin Yang is an asana practice that blends strengthening and softening elements with the purpose of balancing the body. You will experience both an invigorating practice combined with long-held deep stretches. Suitable for

beginners or students with yoga experience.

One lucky AWA member will win a fantastic door prize!

Date: Monday, February 11Time: 9:15am - 10:45am

Place: Hale Yoga Robinson Square 144 Robinson Rd, #19-02 Cost: $10 Member/$15 Guest

Dress code: Athletic Wear

For any questions, please email [email protected] note this is a no cancellation event.


Seminyak is known as one of Bali’s most upscale and trendy areas. It is home to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts. Numerous fine restaurants and boutiques are within walking distance. Fashion stores and local boutiques line Seminyak’s streets and are just a short walk away. Just one hour north is Ubud, which is often called Bali’s cultural heart. Ubud is known for its local specialty shopping, its famous monkey forest, and the gorgeous tegalalang rice terraces.

Trip Details:Departure: Wednesday, May 8 (early morning departure from Changi) Return: Saturday, May 11 (early afternoon return to Changi)Trip size: Minimum of 14 participants and maximum of 20 participants*AWA Tour Organizer: Allison Burden - email [email protected]: SGD $1230 per person for a double occupancy, SGD $1780 per person for a single

Registration Information:

1. Register online at www.awasingapore.org no later than Friday, February 22 with your SGD $50 AWA non-refundable registration fee to hold your place for one week.

2. Please specify single or double occupancy in your registration. If specifying double, then please specify your roommate choice, or specify available to match.

3. Complete the AWA foreign tours release form and email to your AWA tour organizer.4. Within one week, you will receive instructions from the travel agent, CPI Travel, with directions to submit your

$500 NONREFUNDABLE deposit. Deposit must be paid within one week to continue to secure your spot.5. Final payment instructions will be sent by the travel agent no later than Friday, March 1.

*Trip costs are based on a minimum of 10 hotel room occupancy and are based on the availability of SQ N class fares at the time an individual makes their reservation. Full Itinerary to be added closer to the trip.

Grab your best Singapore gal pals or come make new friends to last a lifetime on this special AWA trip to Seminyak and Ubud in breathtaking Bali! Our special relaxation, shopping and sightseeing tour is specifically put together by CPI Travel.

Trip highlights include: • Roundtrip airfare on Singapore Airlines, N class

tickets• 3 nights stay at the beachfront Hotel Indigo Bali

Seminyak Beach with breakfast• 5-course welcome dinner the first evening of

our arrival at Kudeta with hotel transfer• A full day Ubud tour with lunch to visit scenic

sights and shop at local boutiques• Roundtrip airport transfers

Exclusions:• Alcoholic beverages • All other meals at own expense except where

stated above• Gratuity for experts, guides and drivers• Travel insurance• Any personal expenses and purchases

Bali IndonesiaA W A F O R E I G N T O U R S P R E S E N T S


AW

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orkshops

What is “Gamelan”?Gamelan comes from the Indonesian word gamel, meaning “to strike”, and refers to the traditional ensemble of percussion instruments such as bronze bars, gongs, cymbals, bells and two-sided drums made of bronze and wood.

A gamelan ensemble can consist of a small group of 4-5 people to an orchestra of over 30 musicians. Commonly seen across Bali and Java, gamelan music is performed at a wide range of venues, from formal events in the royal palaces to serving as an accompaniment to shadow puppet theatres.

Our instructors will teach basic gamelan music theory and techniques of playing. Together we will explore this fun, hands-on experience. Much more than a music lesson, this workshop is also an introduction to Indonesian heritage and culture.

Date: Wednesday, Jan 23Time: 10am – NoonLocation: 63 Kerbau Road (Little India MRT Station)Fees: $50 Member / $65 GuestLimit: 10

‘How To Create A Kids’ Clutter Free Home’

It’s amazing how clutter just happens, especially when we have kids: the toys being scattered all over the home, the schoolwork and artwork we struggle to part with, the overflowing wardrobe etc. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In this 2-hour workshop, professional organizer Nathalie Ricaud, will share her 7-step approach to create a home that is still lived-in but clutter-free and that your kid can help you keep organized.

Nathalie Ricaud is a professional organizer and founder of Get Organised & Beyond. Originally from France, she has been living in Singapore since 1998 and helping people get organised and assert control over their space (through organisation), their paper and digital files (through procedures) and their schedule (through proactive time management).

Date: Wednesday, February 20Time : 10:00AM - Noon

Place: AWA Workshop Space, 15 Scotts Rd, #03-01, 228218Cost: $50 Member / $64 Guest

Limit: 12

AWA Workshops


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Not surprisingly, the complaint I hear most often as a stylist is “I have nothing to wear.” Clients want to rescue time from scouring through their closets, but don’t want to sacrifice style. “Is it possible?” they ask. The answer is yes…as long as you are willing to invest some time up front. Where do I recommend you start? By organizing your closet to match your real life.

Don’t treat your closet like a scrapbookYour closet should be functional and match your life today, not the person you used to be. So, say goodbye to memories of positions you once held, or a size you used to be. There’s a place for nostalgia but it’s not your closet. Instead, rewrite for the roles you play today. Are you a new mother or newly retired? Clarify and establish all of the individual parts that make up the whole you. Now assess your closet; decide which pieces serve you in your current life and which are relics of the past.

Think “right-size” instead of “down-size”Your closet must be relevant to your regular activities. Too often, we purge our closets when they don’t meet our everyday needs only to start the shopping cycle again when we don’t have the right pieces for a variety of occasions. The real issue is that our closets are out of balance with our current routines. Before you purge, get a sense of how you truly spend your time. Are you traveling for work or starting a new workout routine? Get specific about all of the activities that require your time. Now go to your closet and make a mental pie chart (or an actual one). Do the clothes in your closet match your everyday activities? Are they proportionate to the time spent in each activity?

Lay the groundwork for a decision before it’s time to decideYour closet should express your personality and values. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in your skin, it may be because you are unsure about how to show up in the world. And who has time to make those weighty decisions when the alarm is ringing? Stop shopping sale items and following “must-have” lists. Instead, make a deliberate choice about how to present yourself for every occasion—well before it’s time to do it. Do you want to look relaxed with friends, sophisticated when presenting and dramatic on date night? Go to your closet and evaluate whether the pieces you own elicit these words. When they do, try to spot patterns. Do draped, bold fabrics make you feel creative? Use this as inspiration when you shop or purge.

Now what?By narrowing in on your needs, you’ve taken the first step toward creating your effortless, unfussy style. No more time or mental energy wasted sorting through options that don’t fit into your life. You’ve defined who you are and how you spend your time, and have decided how you want to feel. Your closet represents you and each piece is a viable option to wear. Now, go put your new closet to the test!

Danielle Bohn is the founder of Unfussy Style and can be reached at [email protected]

ORGANIZE YOUR CLOSET TO MATCH YOUR LIFE

ready in 5Advice from the Unfussy Stylist to Simplify Your Life


AW

A Fashion Show


Phot

ogra

phy awa photography

Some talented ladies in the AWA photography group took a guided walk through Singapore’s Arab Street last fall, with Karen Lucas as tour leader. They enjoyed photographing both the eclectic and traditional sides of this vibrant area. And

they had great fun taking each other’s portraits and using the funky street art as backdrops. For more information on AWA Photography, contact Karen at [email protected]


Photography

Iconic Singapore Sunset Photo ShootDate: Wednesday, January 9 Time: 7 pm - 9:15 pmMeeting Point: Gardens by the Bay East Visitor CentreEvent Organizer: Karen Lucas [email protected]

Capture Singapore’s iconic skyline from the shores of Gardens by the Bay East and from the unusual vantage point of the Benjamin Sheares Bridge.

Suitable for: Intermediate to Advanced photographers

Rain Plan: In the event of heavy rain, the event will be cancelled.

What to bring/wear:- Camera with standard, wide and telephoto lenses- Tripod + Cable Release/Remote Shutter/Remote app- Fully charged camera batteries

- Memory card with lots of available space- Snack & Bottle of water- Comfortable Walking Shoes


AWA LOCAL TOUR

POLICIES• Complete detailed tour

descriptions are found at www.awasingapore.org.

• You must register to participate in an AWA Local Tour. Registration begins on the first of the month at www.awasingapore.org.

• If a tour is full, please complete the Waitlist Form. There is no charge to be on the waitlist; you will be charged only if you are added to the tour. (This often happens!)

• You may cancel your attendance at an event by emailing [email protected] no less than four working days prior to the event. We regret that cancellations received after that time cannot be refunded.

• All AWA tours include a $5 non-refundable cancellation charge.

• You may transfer your registration to another AWA member, no less than four working days prior to an event for no fee by emailing [email protected].

• Only adults over 18 years of age may attend AWA tours unless otherwise designated in the description.

• Tour attire: If your tour includes a visit to a place of worship, please be certain to cover your knees and shoulders. Comfortable shoes and an umbrella are always a good idea.

• All tour end times are approximate.

Tour Menu:

WALKING BUS ART/CULTURE NIGHT FOOD NATURE SHOPPING

TIME: 6:30 am – 10:30 amPLACE: Newtown Food Center Car ParkCOST: $40 Member, $48 Guest LIMIT: 20

Understanding Thaipusam

One of the most unusual festivals in Singapore is the Hindu celebration of Thaipusam. As we travel by bus to Sri Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road, our guide will explain the customs and beliefs of this fascinating celebration. She will also describe the rituals Hindu devotees undergo in preparation for the Kavadi Attam – “Burden Dance”.

Upon arrival, we will watch the devotees attach their kavadis with hooks and skewers to their bodies. We then accompany the procession of devotees and chanting well-wishers along a portion of the pilgrimage walk toward the Chettiar Temple on Tank Road. We will get back on the bus to continue our journey to the temple. Once there, we will observe the ceremony of removing the kavadis after respects are paid. Please note that this festival features body piercing and might not be suitable for everyone.

Be sure to bring your camera, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a container of water.

In the Footsteps of Raffles

2019 is a very important year in Singapore’s history as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles on behalf of the East India Company – what one could call a small voyage for Sir Stamford, a giant leap for Singapore!

Our introductory talk, which begins in Singapore’s oldest building, The Arts House, will explore Raffles’ legacy in Singapore and his role as a “Disruptor” within the corporate confines of the East India Company.

Following the talk, we will take a walk around the Civic District to admire the colonial architecture and hear the stories behind these beautiful heritage buildings.

Our tour concludes back at the Arts House for a discussion over a glass of wine.

TIME: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pmPLACE: The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament LaneCOST: $89 Member, $110 Guest LIMIT: 20

JAN

23Wednesday

JAN

21Monday

NEW


Local Tours

TIME: 9 am - 1:30 pmPLACE: Outram MRT Exit GCOST: $80 Member, $96 Guest LIMIT: 21

TIME: 5:30 pm – 9:30 pmCOST: $84 Member, $102 Guest LIMIT: 21

JAN

31Thursday

OR

FEB

1Friday

Chinatown New Year Walk & Lunch -or- Dinner

Local Designers

Black & WhiteHouses

TIME: 11 am – 2:00 pmPLACE: Arab Street & Beach Road JunctionCOST: $42 Member, $51 Guest LIMIT: 11

TIME: 9:00 am – 1:00 pmPLACE: Newtown Food Centre Car ParkCOST: $85 Member, $106 Guest LIMIT: 19

FEB

13Wednesday

FEB

21Thursday

Join us as we usher in the Year of the Pig! On this walking tour our guide will explain the Chinese calendar, customs and taboos of this exciting festival. We shall stroll through the quaint streets to learn the traditions of people past and present. We will see a bakery making special New Year Cakes, shops with ritual papers and incense offered to the gods for prosperity, and a street bazaar selling festive goods. The tour also includes visits to a Chinese Temple and a Clan Association, both integral part of the new year celebration.

We end the tour with lunch/dinner at a traditional restaurant located in the heart of Chinatown. Our guide will tell you all about the do’s and don’ts of Chinese table etiquette. Our menu includes dishes that have symbolic value of auspiciousness. So if you’ve always wanted to learn all about the significance of tossing and eating the prosperity salad, known as ‘Lo Hei,’ come join us for a toss and a bite!

Don’t you wish there were more interesting and authentic souvenirs from Singapore besides the usual ‘I Love SG’ T shirts and Merlion keychains? Join this tour to meet three of Singapore’s most popular designers for lifestyle products, hear about their design journey and take the opportunity to do some shopping at the same time.

Young, passionate and with lots of enthusiasm for Singapore’s heritage, places and cultures, these designers are mostly self-taught and have no business background. Ranging from beautiful to quirky and definitely original, the products represent the Singapore’s multiracial culture and history in fun, wacky and colourful ways and will surely bring on a smile.

After meeting the first designer, we will stop for a quick drink/bite (at own cost) before heading on to the other two.

Note: Best to use public transport to get to the starting point as the tour will end at a different point.

Back by popular demand!!

You’ll step back in time to a more gracious era when you come along with us to explore these beautiful, iconic colonial houses, set in a green and tranquil oasis. Learn about their history, architecture, and role in Singapore’s heritage. We’ll share the stories of their former residents, why they were built, and how they are being used today both as residences and commercial establishments. We visit three Black & White houses in different parts of Singapore.

AWA Local Tours is thrilled to be offering this tour at an exclusive price for our members!!

NEW


Loca

l Tou

rs

Dim Sum & Tea Appreciation

Culinary Tour:Singapore Baking

Markets of Singapore

“Dim Sum” literally means ‘a light touch of the heart’, an ideal way to describe those small, delicious sweet or savory dishes; Yum cha means ‘drink tea’. The two expressions are often used interchangeably and is one of the most popular and well known forms of Cantonese cuisine, considered a vital part of the Chinese culture. It is traditional for Chinese families to go “yum cha” on weekends.

To start, we head to a restaurant that has been operating for over 50 years! It’s one of those gems whose existence would only be known to the older generation of Singaporeans. After our Dim Sum brunch, it is the perfect time to learn about the art of drinking tea, which is believed to aid digestion. We will make our way to a heritage tea house which has been operating for close to 100 years in Singapore. It is one of the few tea merchants in Singapore which still blend their own tea leaves using the traditional method. As a lovely bonus, we will leave with a beautiful tea set.

Come join us for a culinary tour featuring sweet Asian buns!

For those who want some hands-on baking, this is a fun experience where you get to watch the chef make the item, then you get to make it yourself, plus you get to take home your yummy creations. We will be getting instructions on how to make two of the most sought-after bakery buns: Japanese Matcha Melon Pan with Adzuki Red Bean Filling and Old School Bakery Ham & Cheese Buns. You’ll get free samples of their delicious artisan bread too.

The chefs will guide you through the bread baking process including how to mix the dough and knead it (using a machine), shaping your buns, how to include the filling, how to make the topping, how to know if the buns are properly proofed, and lastly, properly baked in this workshop!

Please wear closed-toe shoes since this is held in a commercial kitchen.

Wet markets are an Asian phenomenon. They are windows into the soul of a country, a must-see attraction and cultural experience to newcomers and visitors alike. To most locals, wet markets are the “go-to” destination for the freshest produce and best deals.

Come explore some of Singapore’s local markets where you will learn the names of some fresh produce not found in markets outside this part of the world. On this tour, you will visit the largest wholesale vegetable centre and its huge auction hall, offering fresh and organic fruits and vegetables.

The ever-popular Geylang Serai Market, set in a traditional Malay village house and well stocked with spices and Malay specialties, is not to be missed. Then it’s on to the Chinatown Wet Market, one of the most exotic in Singapore. Here you can find live frogs, turtles and black chickens as part of the vast selection of meats available.

TIME: 9:30 am – 1:00 pmPLACE: Chinatown MRT Exit CCOST: $82 Member, $98 Guest LIMIT: 10

TIME: 10:00 am – 1:30 pmPLACE: Bakerz at Work Academy, 100 Beach Road, #02-19, Shaw TowerCOST: $65 Member, $81 Guest LIMIT: 15

TIME: 9 am – 1:00 pmPLACE: Newtown Food Centre Car ParkCOST: $63 Member, $78 Guest LIMIT: 19

MAR

13Wednesday

MAR

1Friday

FEB

22Friday

NEW


The Fork And C

hopstick

THE FORK AND CHOPSTICK Mission: To highlight the off the beaten path, heritage, or just plain fun chomping grounds

By Jenni & Eric Lee

Si Wei Mai Cai33 Mosque Street, Singapore 059511

Be warned. Must like SPICY - we mean fire engine red chili heat that makes you sweat just thinking about it! Chili pepper spiciness has many realms. Korean cuisine has a creeping burn with a funky sour edge, while Thai spice is a razor slash of heat with a sweetness band-aid in the end. Sichuan cuisine is in another dimension of peppercorn numbing spiciness. Do you recall the old days in New York City when there were a few too many restaurants calling themselves Sichuan Village, Sichuan Taste or Sichuan Gourmet? Staples may have included hot & sour soup, fried dumplings and cold sesame noodles (free for orders over USD

9.99!) and even the classic kung pao chicken with a few dried chili peppers and peanuts thrown in.

Saturday Dinner Chomp: There are several iconic Sichuan dishes that sum up what the cuisine is about from both a flavor and visual perspective. One of my favorites is là zǐ jī, which is basically spicy fried chicken; and we don’t mean like Popeyes’. This dish arrives as a pile of deep fried chopped dried chili peppers on a plate and you would need to rummage through the mound of chilis to pick at the tiny nuggets of fried chicken underneath. Once you find one, pop it into your mouth for the glowing heat of the chilis and fried chicken saltiness, followed by an odd minty, citrusy numbness that is the hallmark of Sichuan food. Meet the Sichuan peppercorn! There is the famous Water Cooked Meat (shuǐzhǔ ròu) which can be done with beef or fish. This time it’s the soup version of the spicy fried chicken. An enormous soup tureen will be put on the table and it will contain a bright red broth whose main ingredient seems to be chili peppers! Don’t fear, you are not expected to eat the chilis. Again fishing underneath the surface of the “soup” you will find delicate slices of beef or fish that have been gently poached in the broth. The meat or fish flavor serves as the prelude to the creeping heat that is then finished by the odd numbness that makes the cuisine famous. Another absolute favorite is stir-fried lamb with buns. This is a DIY dish where you make a sandwich from the peppery stir fried lamb and accompanying steamed buns. Other famous dishes include Mapo tofu which is a stir fry of tofu, ground meat and a sauce made from a chili bean sauce and Sichuan peppercorn.

AMBIENCE: No-frills noisy Chinese restaurant. Second floor may be better for groups.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: 4.2 on Google and 4.5 on Yelp out of 5 stars. “Most authentic Sichuan food in Singapore”, “Chef knows his peppers”, “Authentic Sichuan dishes with a deservingly long queue during dinner hours”, “Popular among Chinese nationals.”

RANT & RAVE: Not cheap (but not overly expensive). Dinner for four was $160. Getting attentive service and the imperative water refills can be a challenge. Reservations highly recommended.

PRE/POST MEAL: In the vicinity there is a Hindu temple, a Mosque and a Buddhist temple, which demonstrates the religious diversity in Singapore. Various cultures and cuisines of Singapore are represented in this small area - variety is certainly the spice of life. Happy chomping!


Hom

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AWA 2018 HOme tour

RetrospectiveThe annual AWA Home Tour was held on Tuesday, October 30 at Homes65 on Mohamed Sultan Road. Guests enjoyed

breakfast and lunch bites provided by Homes65, a tour of four beautiful homes around Singapore and some special lucky draw prizes. A special thank you to the ladies who opened their beautiful homes to us; Neima Sitawi – Shophouse

at Emerald Hill; Mita Kelder – Black & White at Mount Pleasant Road; Cindy McCullough – Balinese Style Home on Vanda Cres and Debbie Minnock – Penthouse Condo at Emerald Hill Residences. Thank you to our wonderful group of

volunteers – Home Tour sub-committee, home docents, bus aunties and registration workers - for all their time and effort. A special thank you to Lynn Saeger for coordinating the bus transportation and logistics and to our event partners,

Hey Gorgeous Photography and TTG Wines.


Hom

e Tour Retrospective


Hom

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spec

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You’re Not A

lone

You’re Not Alone…Really By Andrea McKenna Brankin

When we move to Singapore, we can get a little starry-eyed. There’s a lot of luxury around here. There are a lot of champagne parties. It’s a tropical island where ladies wear resort wear and glitzy sandals daily. But I also know, after living here for seven years, that there can be a lot of loneliness that goes along with husbands working or traveling a lot, and adjusting to a new culture where you can’t even get a phone or a TV hookup without your husband’s status, consent or even his doing it himself. It’s different here and living here can be a difficult transition.

And then there’s just everyday life, regardless of where you live in the world. Family stress. Money stress. Relationship stress. It’s all still here even though it’s sunny and warm every day.

So, even though your life may look good on paper (or on Instagram and Facebook!) I understand that things can still be tough. I believe that as women, we need to support each other through these transitions and difficult situations.

Maybe you’ve seen on social media videos lately, that some countries are tackling the issue of needing someone to talk to. There’s a group that meets on the sidewalks of New York and offers free listening. And hugs. I’m happy to say that the American Women’s Association is also on board with this meaningful trend.

I started the new Listen Ladies support group, which gathers on the second Monday of the month from 11am-12pm in the AWA offices, to meet this need of expat ladies just wanting someone to hear them out. We offer a non-judgmental, compassionate and confidential space for you to come and talk about what’s bothering you. Many of the Listen Ladies have been through stressors, including family issues, moving, traveling, and dealing with kids in schools or sick parents back home. We get it.

For myself, I manage mental illness daily; I have bipolar disorder and certainly many pressures can affect my ability to live a full life. In my book Bipolar Phoenix, I’ve written about my bipolar life. I also have an occasional column on how mental health and expat life intersect, in The Finder Singapore magazine. And I am also one of ten expat women featured in the book, Dear Ms. Expat.

In the U.S., I’ve also run peer support groups, where as equals, NOT medical or clinical professionals, women who know what it’s like offer an open, experienced ear. Many of us are reticent about seeing a doctor or therapist to manage what some people think we “should just get over.” However, if you do need a reference to a medical professional, our support group can try to help there too, as we do keep a pool of resources.

So the message is, ladies of the AWA, you are NOT alone. We’re all in this together and together we can help each other through. I hope you’re all managing expat life OK, but if not, the Listen Ladies are here for you.

The AWA Listen Ladies is a compassionate group of women who meet in a confidential and supportive monthly meeting on the 2nd Monday of every month in the AWA conference room. For more information, contact Andrea McKenna Brankin at [email protected]


Car

pet A

uctio

n Re

tros

pect

ive

carpet auctionThe Annual AWA/Eastern Carpets Auction was held September 29 at the

Novotel Singapore. A full crowd of members, spouses and friends enjoyed a fun evening of food and wine plus amazing deals on some gorgeous carpets.


International Choir

The AWA International Choir had a very busy, very rewarding Fall 2018 season! Rehearsals began in early September, with the choir selecting a wide variety of songs, ranging from traditional Christmas carols to modern pop, and getting to work. As is tradition, our first concert took place at Genesis School, with the choir performing for, and then along with, the special needs students. The entire choir gets such joy out of seeing the Genesis kids each season.

Further outreach performances took us all over Singapore, with stops at Dignity Kitchen, Pace HCA, and APEX Care. The choir loved bringing some holiday spirit to our audiences, and the locals were especially charmed by our inclusion of some Singaporean favorites in Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.

Our final concert of the season took place on December 6 at the Hollandse Club, where we performed for family, friends and invited guests. It was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season and get everyone into the Christmas spirit!

The AWA International Choir is beginning our Spring season rehearsals this month and new members are welcome! You don’t need a perfect voice, just an enthusiastic spirit and desire to bring some happiness to our Singapore community. For further info please contact [email protected]

AWA INTERNATIONAL CHOIR


Tenn

is TENNIS Monthly Update

Fun, Friendship, and Fair Play

Coming up

DOUBLES MATCH PLAY:Registration is currently open for our next season of Doubles Match Play. This is a social tennis event with a slightly competitive element. This event has been created to provide women with an opportunity to play relaxed social doubles with a different group of women each week, while tallying individual scores on a weekly basis. For a full description, please see the tennis page at www.awasingapore.org.

Days of play for Spring 2019 will be: Beginners & Intermediate (if numbers allow 2 divisions)Feb 12, 18, 26March 5, 12, 19April 16, 23, 30May 7 (Make up date.)

Happy New Year to all our tennis members! We are thrilled to see you all back on court after the holidays and we have a lot of fun events coming in the next few months!

Team Tennis resumes after our holiday break. In the first several weeks we saw some great rallies and matches and we know there will be more of that in the next few weeks. Please keep a look out for the registration of our Team Tennis wrap up party coming soon.

In November, we held our Rookie Round Robin and we had 20 fantastic ladies participate at Savitar Tennis Centre. Thank you to our committee member Chrissy Morse for organizing a fantastic tournament for our players. Congratulations go out to all the ladies who participated, with special acknowledgment to our winners.

1st Place - Tiffany Harris2nd Place - Catherine Roy3rd Place - Jeanne Staley


Tennis/Running

RUNNINGMonthly Update

DISCOVER TENNIS CLINIC - BEGINNER/ INTERMEDIATE, WINTER 2019This program is ideal for those who are new to the game of tennis or still building confidence and want to learn and reinforce their skills. There will also be courts reserved for those players who are at a more intermediate level and need specific coaching appropriate to their skill level. Savitar’s elite team of tennis coaches will cover all the fundamentals of tennis.

DATES: January 16, 23, 30 and February 13, 20, 27TIME: Wednesdays: 9:30-11 amLOCATION: Savitar Tennis Centre, Fairmont Hotel- 80 Bras Basah Road, 8th floor

Well, we made it to Bangkok for our autumn runcation of 2018 and everyone came out a WINNER. All of the lovely ladies who joined us on this mini holiday to Thailand had an amazing weekend. We even had the special treat of meeting up with our wonderful former group leader, Jeanine Stewart, who made the trip to Thailand all the way from Indianapolis. Our group took part in the Bangkok race with 2 women completing the full marathon, 5 completed the half marathon and 9 of us did the 10K run. After all of that running was finished in the early morning hours, the ladies made some time for R and R at a local spa and finished off the night with a delightful dinner and drinks out at Namsaah Bottling Trust. Lots of shopping, eating, drinking, and laughing took place on this fun-filled weekend away.

Happily, we have also added some new members to the group this fall (Hi to Marangeli, Manu, Sylvie, Sasha & Angela) and have explored some new running routes on Thursdays. If you haven’t had the chance just yet to meet us for a run, come on out on any Tuesday or Thursday for a fun and leisurely run with us on the trail. Also, a big welcome back shout-out to Anne Morgan and Sue de Kock. It’s good to have you ladies back on our runs.

We wish you all a happy and healthy start to 2019! What better way to get healthy this year than to join a fun running group? Be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming runcation 2019 as we will soon be picking our next destination run.

Anyone wanting to re-join/join our group runs, meet us at 8 AM every Tuesday (5K Run) and Thursday (8K- 10K Run) at Botanic Gardens MRT Gate. Email: Alison Larkin at [email protected]

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT!Keep a lookout for our GNO! This is always a fun and social event held at Savitar Tennis Centre. Upcoming dates are as follows: Jan 23, Feb 13, March 13, and April 24.

TOURNAMENTS:We have two big events coming in the next several of months so make sure to save the dates. The Felicia Burch Tournament is being held on April 1-3 and the AWA Open Tournament will held on May 13-16. More information will be shared as we get closer to the events, but make sure you have your assessments done so you can register when the time comes. These are always very popular events, so don’t wait!

SAVITARTENNISCENTRE


Gol

f Sho

ts GOLF SHOTSthe awa golfers wish to welcome both - new and returning members

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019 TO YOU FROM THE AWA GOLF TEAMS

The AWA Singapore Golf Teams enjoyed fun times golfing and partying during the fall season of 2018.

• In September, our AWA team member Jina Auger invited us to golf at the scenic Tanamera Country Club. We were fascinated by the many airplanes of all sizes flying over the golf course.

• October was a busy month for the AWA golfers:

o We played for the Cure and were able to donate $540 SGD to Singapore’s National Cancer Center for cancer research

o We dressed up in Halloween costumes and played for the first time at the beautiful and challenging Keppel Country Club – an invitation from our new AWA member Martina Wehner

o We met for our golf ladies night with stunning views at Singapore’s Cé La Vi Restaurant on top of the remarkable Marina Bay Sands building

o Some of our AWA golf team member joined the annual Home Tour and visited four stunning homes with unique collections and decorations

• During the months of November and December we golfed as usual but had to deal with several rain delays and cancellations because of the annual monsoon season.

Please contact Ulrike (Hanna) Appelt – [email protected] or PJ Wagner – [email protected] if you would like to join the fun on and off the golf courses this year.


Writers’ Block

AWA WRITERS’BLOCKWriters' Block is a monthly contribution from our AWA Writers’ Group members.

FINDING YOUR WAY BACK HOME By Stephanie Nguyen

What exactly is the perception of home for an expatriate? The answer to that question varies a lot. Some say that home is where they came from. One man told me that home is wherever he pays his monthly bills. Another said that home is where the one he loves is. To someone else, home is where they can get food to eat, walk, feel and think clearly.

A Canadian girl, who has moved to different countries every three years since she was born, told me that her home could be anywhere. She said she could have even made a home on Mars provided that there is a place that she can eat her ice cream in front of a TV, with a door to let in the sunlight and where she can occasionally walk around in nothing but her underwear.

I have met many people from different countries, in different sizes, shapes and colors every day in Singapore. The question often heard at the first meeting is: “Where are you from?” It is common nowadays to meet a person who has lived in several different places other than where he/she was born. I met one woman who has moved with her family to seven or eight countries within twelve years and travels to other countries for vacation every year. I wonder whether there may be special cells in their blood or perhaps a gene that makes them keep bouncing around the world all the time throughout their life. It is not simply because of their jobs; it is also about their curiosity, their love of discovery and new experiences. They enjoy gaining practical wisdom and knowledge from what they observe and from the people they meet. They keep moving year after year from one land to another. They are Wanderers or Expatriates.

So what connects wanderers to their homes and which place do they consider their home? These above ideas of home may be understandable to only about 10% of our population. Everyone else would find it unacceptable because they believe that everyone belongs to one culture, heritage and place. Most “Third Culture Kids” like mine are normally confused about where their real home is. Before moving to Singapore, they believed that their real home was in Kuala Lumpur. Now they know that they were made in Switzerland, born in Malaysia, live in Singapore and may live somewhere else in the future. They feel comfortable here and believe that this is their home. But if they are asked where they are from, they will say they are from Vietnam because Vietnam is the home of their parents. I have always tried to make my feelings about home clear to my children. Hanoi is my “home sweet home” because it is where I was born and grew up. Saigon is my second home because that is where my husband comes from. Home away from home is wherever we are currently living. Even if my children are not sure where their real home is, I will make sure they know where they are from and which culture and heritage they are rooted in.

I like what a Singaporean film director said: “Wherever you live on Earth, if you want to go home, you’d better not get lost”.

Living isn’t a matter of doing; it is a matter of being. Being: humble, quiet, intentional and grateful... That means home can be anywhere on Earth as long as we can be restful and homelike.


February 2019Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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January 2019Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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Mahjong, Walking, Bridge Running

Photography

Motiv. Bk Grp18 Hole Golf, Walking,Drop-in Coffee, Choir

After Ni Hao, Running9 Hole Golf, Writers’ Group Drop-in Coffee


CS: Food From Heart

Tennis Clinic18 Hole Golf, Walking,Drop-in Coffee, Choir

After Ni Hao, Scrapbooking, 9 Hole Golf, Crafters’ Corner, Running Drop-in Coffee

LT: Thaipusam


Tennis: GNOA&C: Art StudioLT: RafflesMotiv. Bk Grp18 Hole Golf, Walking,Drop-in Coffee, Choir

CS: Willing Hearts

After Ni Hao, Running9 Hole Golf, Writers’ Group Drop-in Coffee

Newcomer Coffee

Mahjong, Walking, Bridge

Model Call

Running18 Hole Golf, Walking,Drop-in Coffee, Choir

Model CallLT: CNY Walk & LunchAfter Ni Hao, Scrapbooking,9 Hole Golf, Crafters’ Corner, Running

LT: CNY Walk & Dinner

Drop-in Coffee



After Ni Hao, Scrapbooking,9 Hole Golf, Crafters’ Corner, Running Drop-in Coffee

B&F: Yoga


LT: Local Designers

18 Hole Golf, Walking,Drop-in Coffee, Choir

Valentine’s Event

Running9 Hole Golf, Writers’ Group, After Ni Hao Drop-in Coffee

FT: Siem Reap


CS: Food From Heart


LT: B&W HousesAfter Ni Hao, Scrapbooking, 9 Hole Golf, Crafters’ Corner, Running

LT: Dim Sum

Drop-in Coffee


18 Hole Golf, Walking,Drop-in Coffee, Choir

After Ni Hao, 9 Hole Golf, Running,Writers’ Group

AWA Events and ActivitiesSOCIAL AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPSAfter Ni Hao – Mandarin conversation every Thursday at 10am. Manju Banka [email protected] & Culture – Monthly talks and events focusing on Asian arts and culture. Maria Moran [email protected] Nights - Ladies’ nights, couples’ nights and opportunities for you to bring new friends to the AWA each month. Venta Norvilas, [email protected] & Fashion - From Fashion Talks to Workshops, there’s no age limit to brilliant beauty & unlimited style. Florence Sorgini, [email protected] Groups – morning, afternoon and evening books groups, held monthly. Leigh Dobson, [email protected] – Play this simple dice game once a month in the afternoon or evening. Lynn Saeger, [email protected] Support Group – meets the third week of the month, focused on mutual support and information sharing. Rosa Liu, [email protected] Connection - provides information and resources to help you connect with local Christian community groups. Angel Corrigan, [email protected] Couples’ Bridge – Monthly on a Saturday evening, spouses welcome. Amy Starling, [email protected]’ Club - Bring your craft project to work on and share every Thursday. Charissa Litteken, [email protected] (DISH IN the Evening) – Monthly dinners at a variety of interesting venues. Spouses welcome but not obligatory! Khan Joseph and Brittany Hazelton, [email protected] DISH (Diner in Sensory Heaven) – Monthly lunches at a variety of interesting venues. Kaitlin McNeal & Alison Coriel, [email protected] Coffees on Wed & Fri– Orchard Tangs Providore Café, 10.30am till 12.30pm. Open to everyone, no need to register. This is a great way to get started with AWA! Laurie Day, [email protected] Bridge – We play American Standard five-card major rules every Monday at Bishan CC. You don’t need a partner to join. Esme Parish, [email protected] Tours – travel the world and make new friends! Visit exotic locations, experience a variety of cultures, join an adventure trek, or shop ‘til you [email protected] Choir – rehearses every Wednesday and holds performances in Spring and Winter. Michiko Kinoshita, [email protected] The Listen Ladies – A compassionate group of Listen Ladies who meet in a confidential and supportive monthly meeting. Andrea McKenna Brankin, [email protected] Local Tours – Professionally guided tours of Singapore, multiple times each month. Lorraine Graybill, [email protected] - International style in a low-stress, FUN and learner-friendly atmosphere on Mondays at Boomarang Robertson Quay. Siew-Wei Ngiam, [email protected] Book Group – Meets every 2 weeks on Tuesdays, to discuss a section of a personal development book chosen by the group. Lindley Craig, [email protected] Lunch – Monthly lunch followed by a movie in the Orchard Road area. Anne Perng, [email protected] Photography – Meets once a month to have fun practicing and improving our photography. All levels are welcome Alison Stanton & Karen Lucas, [email protected]

Scrapbooking – meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month to get all your priceless photos organized! Susan Studebaker-Rutledge, [email protected]’s lunch – Informative, thought provoking and fascinating speakers each month. Aarti Sonawala, [email protected] Night – Trivia Night is a fun way to make new friends while testing your trivia knowledge! meets monthly on a Monday night. Karla Popper [email protected] Workshops - Expand your mind! Learn something new about yourself, about Singapore or about the world - the possibilities are endless. Leezibet Heinzraiden [email protected]’ Group - Beginner and published writers discuss their work every other Thursday. Anne Morgan & Elissa Viornery, [email protected]

SPORTSGolf - Play 18-hole group on Wednesday, or 9-hole group on Thursday. 9-hole: PJ Wagner [email protected] 18-hole: Hanna Appelt, [email protected] Health and Fitness – A variety of health and fitness activities and informative seminars to help everyone stay fit. Stacey Raza, [email protected] – meets at MacRitchie Reservoir every Wednesday morning. Amanda Morris, [email protected] - Group runs for all levels on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8 am at locations around Singapore. Alison Larkin, [email protected] - A variety of singles and doubles play including tournaments, seasonal play, and team tennis for players of all levels. Georgina Webster & Gigi Scott, [email protected] - Walk all over this amazing island, each week, walks from 1 to 3 hours. Elaine Grout-Brown & Andrea McKenna Brankin, [email protected]

COMMUNITY SERVICECommunity Service - Connecting AWA members to volunteer opportunities with AWA’s featured organizations. Allison Burden, [email protected] McDonald House CharitiesShifts at both the Ronald McDonald House and Family Room to support the families of children at Singapore’s National University Hospital. Sheila Weidner, [email protected] Organization for Migrant EconomiesVolunteer to provide education, entertainment or exercise to the residents at HOME’s shelter for migrant workers in Singapore. Machelle Robbins, [email protected] From The HeartHelp pack and/or distribute food bags to families in Singapore who cannot afford to feed themselves. Janet Stride, [email protected]’s Association (A Singapore Government Body)Connecting AWA members to government volunteer opportunities, including working with the elderly and children, or the Chingay parade. Christa Boncimino, [email protected] HeartsMonthly shifts to prepare food for the less fortunate. Allison Burden, [email protected]

For more information, visit our website: www.awasingapore.org

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