THE BEAR FACTS November 2025 |
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Dear {Contact_First_Name},
Happy Halloween! When my kids were little, we often went trick-or-treating on Goldfinkstraße and Lützelsteinerweg - almost every house took part, and the whole neighborhood felt like a little American enclave. Or if you'd prefer to celebrate Halloween surrounded by nature, there are some lovely options at the Botanischer Garten, Britzer Garten, and Karls Erdbeerhof. However you choose to spend it, have a wonderfully gruselig (spooky!) time! Also this month, Happy Thanksgiving! Our American members celebrate Thanksgiving this month - a holiday with a complicated history, yet still a meaningful time to gather with loved ones, reflect, and give thanks. I hope this season brings you and your family good health, happiness, and many reasons to feel grateful. This year, we will not be holding a club-wide Thanksgiving gathering. We opted to have our big festive gathering just one week later at our Holiday Dinner on December 4th (see Special Event below). November may bring more grey weather, but no worries, we have many interesting, inspiring and fun activities planned for you this month. I would like to share some feedback I received - in the hope you will be encouraged to step out, join an activity and experience the friendliness and empowerment yourself: From an AWC member: “I attended so many AWC events recently of such variety and scope and feel each one has been enriching and rewarding. This AWC community is a kind of blessing for me personally ... These events have reignited my sense of vigor and been so intellectually and creatively challenging ... an amazing community of women.” xo My-Linh |
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My-Linh Kunst
President, The American Women's Club of Berlin The AWC Berlin is 100% member-run - we always welcome and appreciate your contribution, feedback and suggestions. Please email president@awcberlin.org. **Please note that, depending on your email program, you may need to click “View entire message” to see the Newsletter in its entirety.** |
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!
Katharina Anton-Erxleben Judith Fromm Unsang Jo Shannon Matsch Sylvia Parsons Ise Tullier Marie Zelies |
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If you know of anyone in our club who is going through a difficult time—whether it's due to illness, loss, or another challenge—please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Member Care team at membership@awcberlin.org. We’re here to offer support and encouragement when it’s needed most.
Thank you for helping us care for one another! |
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ARE YOU USING OUR MOBILE APP ?
AWC’s events calendar and membership directory live on a platform called Wild Apricot. Download the Wild Apricot App for Members to view and register for events, and access the membership directory. You can also add events to your personal calendar with just a click. |
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Logging In: You will have to log in the first time, using the same email and password you use for the AWC website member login (see AWC website section of this document).
Navigating: When first logging in, update your profile before registering for events. Select the Members tab to access the Members Directory. You can view and register for Events From the Events tab (iPhone only). To cancel your registration, go to “My Tickets”, click on the event, and click “Cancel”. If you have any questions, please write to: membership@awcberlin.org |
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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: AWC BERLIN BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2026 |
We will be electing a new Board of Directors at our Annual General Meeting on the evening of Thursday, December 4, 2025. The Nominating Committee is calling for nominations for all Board positions: President, Vice President Programs, Vice President Membership, Secretary and Treasurer. If you’re passionate about our mission, committed to community, and ready to lead, we encourage you to step forward - or to nominate someone who is. For further information, please contact Committee Chair Renee Johnsson at parliamentarian@awcberlin.org. Per the Club’s Bylaws, independent nominations, with the consent of the nominee, may be made in writing by 20% of the voting members (i.e., 56 Regular and Associate members) and submitted to the Secretary (secretary.awcberlin@gmail.com) by November 13, 2025, three weeks prior to the election meeting. Also required by the Club’s Bylaws, the Committee will present the slate of nominees in writing to each voting member (Regular and Associate members) by November 20, 2025, two weeks prior to the election at the AGM. Let your voice and vision help guide us into 2026 and beyond! |
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AN EVENING OF STORYTELLING NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING
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Join us for a night of inspiring readings of original works by our talented members—poetry, prose, and everything in between. A celebration of voices, stories, and the power of language.
If you know someone who is interested in our Club or this month’s program, invite her to join us, and add her to your registration in Wild Apricot. You are welcomed to bring guests who might want to become members of AWC Berlin. Event Timeline
6:30pm Arrival, Welcome Drink, Social Time, order drinks, and food if you are staying for dinner. 7pm Meeting Begins 8:15pm Meeting ends 8:15pm Optional a la carte dinner served |
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SPECIAL EVENT: 2025 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & HOLIDAY DINNER
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Thursday, December 4, 2025, starting at 6pm
You are invited to join us for the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Holiday Dinner. During the AGM, we’ll celebrate the past year, elect our 2026 Board of Directors, vote for a new Constitution and enjoy a festive holiday dinner with goose and vegetarian/vegan fare. There is also a special SURPRISE and our annual Raffle to raise funds for our charity, Donya Residence. Don’t miss it!
You are welcome to bring guests who might want to become members of AWC Berlin.
All Club members are invited to the Annual General Meeting. If you would prefer to attend the meeting only and not stay for dinner, please register for the event listing "AGM - not staying for dinner" so that we can keep a clear count.
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A big thank you to Antje Seidel for her generous €450 donation to our Berlin charity, Wildwasser/DonyA. The funds, which she raised at her recent birthday party, will help purchase a much-needed dryer. |
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Pictured: Kendra Valentine |
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We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Philanthropy Chair, Kendra Valentine. My name is Kendra Valentine and I’m a Story Strategist that helps companies, institutions, and creative projects to communicate the value they provide through a method I call Strategic Story Design. American-born but based in Berlin, my clients have included media companies such as Nickelodeon, corporations like Electrolux, multinational EU institutions, and many start-ups and small businesses. I also have a background in film and have worked extensively within the media and creative fields with a particular interest in kids and family entertainment and immersive storytelling (theme parks, location based entertainment, experiences). My book outlining my storytelling methodology will be published by Pearson Business in October 2025. You can see more on LinkedIn here. |
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  Support Wildwasser e.V. & DonyA with In-Kind Donations!
Wildwasser e.V. has been deeply moved by the generous response and thoughtful donations received so far — each contribution makes a real difference and is handled with great care.
We’ve updated our in-kind donation list for both DonyA and Wildwasser. Donations can be sent directly to Wildwasser e.V. or dropped off at Nelly H.’s (Zehlendorf). Lighter or smaller items can also be dropped off at Kirsten O’R.’s (Prenzlauer Berg).
If anyone has contacts who might be able to support with larger items (e.g. a dryer, vouchers for household goods, toiletries, etc.), please don’t hesitate to reach out to Kendra.
We’ve updated the list of requested items where you can see what’s needed and add what you’d like to donate.
 New or like-new items
 Donation receipt possible for new purchases
 See instructions on how to donate.
See list of requested items (if you donate an item, please let Kendra know to update the list)
Questions? Email Kendra: philanthropy.awcberlin@gmail.com  |
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CLUB VOLUNTEERS CORNER: NEW VOLUNTEERS/NEW ACTIVITIES
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WE NEED YOUR (WOMEN)POWER!
The club runs on volunteer power. We can only offer as much as we have volunteers for, so would you consider joining one of our teams to bring new energy and ideas to the club? Please let My-Linh know at president@awcberlin.org. We need help in the following areas:
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Monthly newsletter: are you interested in creating an electronic newsletter like ours? Gwen, our newsletter editor, could use a hand.
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Neighborhood Coordinator(s) for Charlottenburg
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(Co)-Coordinator for the following activities: Women’s Salon, Professional Women’s Networking, Excursions (Day Trips)
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Or start a new activity!
You can also join one of our Teams:
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AWC Berlin is a founding member of FAWCO, a network of American and international women's clubs around the world. As a member of AWC Berlin, you are automatically also a member of FAWCO, connecting you to philanthropy and advocacy on a global scale. Learn more at FAWCO.org. Go to www.fawco.org to register and subscribe to receive FAWCO newsletters, and for additional information, contact our FAWCO Rep, Veronica Riffle, at fawco.awcberlin@gmail.com
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FAWCO Announcements
The FAWCO Foundation Education Awards and Development Grants application period has started! See fawcofoundation.org. Application due date is January 27, 2026. Nine development grants (for YOUR charities) and 13 educational awards (for you, your children and grandchildren), including a new Aspiring Writers Award, are available, emphasizing the significance of member support in sustaining these programs. FAWCO's Region 5 (Germany, Austria, Moldova, Bratislava) conference is scheduled for November 7-9 in Heidelberg. Nearly 60 attendees are expected, mixing cultural tours and networking with educational workshops. The US Issues teams are mobilizing for voter registration drives starting in January 2026 to combat escalating threats to overseas voting rights affecting citizens' children in 37 jurisdictions. As an AWC Berlin member, you may participate in virtual meetings offered by other FAWCO clubs. Check out the Cross Club calendar - it is packed with diverse shared programs, promoting collaboration and community engagement among clubs worldwide. Our own My-Linh Kunst has been appointed as the new Club Presidents Coordinator!
If any interested members are interested in attending the 70th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) next March in NYC, contact unliaison@fawco.org. Calendar of Upcoming Events
*Thursday, October 30, 8:30pm: The Environment Team presents Ocean with David Attenborough. Register for this virtual film screening.
*Thursday, November 6, 6:30pm: Neurodiversity: Real Women, Real Stories, Part 1. Please register via AAWE Paris. Non-AAWE members use registration code ADHD2025.
*November 7–9: Region 5 Regional Meeting in Heidelberg, Germany is around the corner!
*Tuesday, November 11, 6pm: How to Prepare for the 2025 Tax Year in 2026 presented by MyExpatTaxes — virtual meeting
*Tuesday, November 18, 6:30pm: Neurodiversity: Real Women, Real Stories, Part II. Please register via AAWE Paris. Non-AAWE members use registration code ADHD2025.
*Thursday, November 20, 7pm: LAUNCH Webinar for College Bound Families – Admissions Insights: A Global Overview of the US, UK, and Europe — virtual meeting
*Tuesday, November 25, 7pm: Global Issues Book Discussion: In the Wars – hosted by the Health Team— virtual meeting
*Friday, November 28, 1pm: Global Issues Book Discussion: In the Wars – hosted by the Health Team— virtual meeting |
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INSPIRING WOMEN MAGAZINE
Out now, our latest issue, The Phases of Womanhood! Read about unique - sometimes familiar - concerns, issues and changes we all face. Don't miss the six AWC Berlin members featured: Claudia Tessier (page 50), Kim Douglass (page 51), Elizabeth Kang (page 51), Rebecca Kimmons (page 57), Vivian Birn (page 62) and Dina Honour (page 91).
Looking ahead, nominations for our first issue of 2026, Women Behind the Scenes, are due November 14th. Send your ideas to iw.editor@fawco.org.
We'll close out 2025 with our Women & the Visual Arts issue, out December 4th. Subscribe for free and it will be automatically delivered to your inbox. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with everything the magazine is doing, follow us on Facebook! |
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AWC BERLIN NOVEMBER EVENTS |
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WEEK OF OCTOBER 29
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026
Tuesday int/Adv., 10am-12pm
Wednesday int/ beginner 10am-12pm
Thursday beginner 10am-12pm
Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
Evening Book Club
Tuesday, October 28, 7pm-9pm
Special Screening: COPA 71 with Q&A
Wednesday, October 29, 6pm-8pm
New Members' Wine & Cheese Social
Thursday, October 30, 6:30-9pm
Day of the Dead Festival
Friday, October 31, 7pm
Diane Arbus: Konstellationen English Language Tour
Saturday, November 1, 1:45-3pm
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 3
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026
Tuesday int/Adv., 10am-12pm
Wednesday int/ beginner 10am-12pm
Thursday beginner 10am-12pm
Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
VOLUNTEERING at Berliner Tafel Sorting Hall
Monday, November 3, 9am-2pm
German Conversation
Monday, November 3, 9:30-10:30am
New Members' Coffee Morning
Tuesday, November 4, 10:30am-12:30pm
Potluck with a Difference- Women Who Gather
Tuesday, November 4, 7-10pm
An Evening of Storytelling- November Membership Meeting
Wednesday, November 5, 6:30-9pm
Ronald McDonald House - Cooking for Families
Thursday, November 6, 5:30-10pm
Women & Finance: Season 5- Artificial Intelligence (Zoom)
Thursday, November 6, 7-8:30pm
Monthly Coffee Morning, aka Kaffee Klatsch (morning)
Friday, November 7, 10:30am-12pm
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 10
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026
Tuesday int/Adv., 10am-12pm
Wednesday int/ beginner 10am-12pm
Thursday beginner 10am-12pm
Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
German Conversation
Monday, November 10, 9:30-10:30am Women on the Move - Griebnitzsee Monday, November 10, 11:30-1pm Thirsty Thursday
Thursday, November 13, 6:30-pm
Women & Finance: Designing a Global Life with Linda Sheehan (Zoom)
Thursday, November 13, 7-8:30pm
Parenting Workshop: Navigating Holiday Stress as Parents Friday, November 14, 10:30am-1pm
Southwest Stammtisch
Saturday, November 15, 10:30am-12pm
Performance Art/Dance Post-Orientalist Express
Sunday, November 16, 6pm
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 17
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026
Tuesday int/Adv., 10am-12pm
Wednesday int/ beginner 10am-12pm
Thursday beginner 10am-12pm
Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
German Conversation Monday, November 17, 9:30-10:30am
Crafting Together
Monday, November 17, 1-3pm
Regular Book Club
Tuesday, November 18, 7-9pm
Women Who Gather: Democracy Study Group
Wednesday, November 19, 7-9pm
Art & Culture- The Scharf Collection: Goya-Monet-Degas-Bonnard-Grosse
Thursday, November 20, 11am-1pm
Women & Finance: Season 5 - Artificial Intelligence (Zoom) Thursday, November 20, 7-8:30pm Women on the Move in Berlin - Schlactensee
Friday, November 21, 10:30am
250th US Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Saturday, November 22, 6:30pm-12am
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026
Tuesday int/Adv., 10am-12pm
Wednesday int/ beginner 10am-12pm
Thursday beginner 10am-12pm
Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
Classical Music at the Philharmonie - Gala Opera Concert on the 1st Sunday of Advent Sunday, November 30, 3:30pm
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AWC BERLIN ONLINE AWC members can manage their account, access the membership directory and sign up for events by logging into their AWC member account. You can access your account from your smartphone via the Wild Apricot Mobile app, or simply by going on any computer with internet and visiting the "Members Login" area of the AWC Berlin website. Calendar and Event Registration As a reminder, AWC Berlin members must log in with a user name and password to access events on our calendar and register for them. So that we know to expect you, please remember to register for events you wish to attend.
IN THE MEMBERS ONLY AREA, you can:
- Register for and cancel events
- See your event registration
- Add events to personal calendar
- See who else is going
- Much more...
Step 1: Go to the AWC website and click "Members Login" (request new password from the website if needed). Manage your events from the calendar.
Step 2: You could also download the Wild Apricot Member app to your smartphone or tablet and use your website login on the app.
Step 3: Poke around and get familiar with the tools. See the Instruction Guide for detailed steps and pictures of set up and navigation. Currently, the event registration feature of the app is not available to Android users, but otherwise the app is fine for Android users. Questions? email membership@awcberlin.org |
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AWC BERLIN & SOCIAL MEDIA |
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AWC BERLIN FACEBOOK POLICY The AWC Berlin Private Members Only Facebook group is open to current members only and is a casual, respectful and friendly forum for member announcements (for example, babies! weddings!, etc.), discussion, information and questions regarding AWC-related topics and/or life in Berlin. Thank you for your cooperation! AWC Berlin Facebook Page | AWCB Website |
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AWC BERLIN WHATSAPP COMMUNITY
AWC Berlin has a WhatsApp Community where all of our WhatsApp groups reside. If you are the administrator on a WhatsApp group that is not already in our "AWC Berlin" Community, please email membership@awcberlin.org. The benefits of a Community include:
- Visibility into all AWC Berlin-related WhatsApp groups.
- Group chats are restricted to group members, but as a Community member, you can see the title and description of all the groups. If you are eligible to join based on the group's description, you are welcome to "ask to join" any of the groups.
- Administrators can make announcements to the whole community (e.g., for last-minute event info)
Currently, we have the following WhatsApp groups which are run by an array of amazing coordinators:
Neighborhoods: Charlottenburg, Westend, Schöneberg/Wilmersdorf, Mitte, Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer-Berg/Friedrichshain, Reinickendorf, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Brandenburg
Interests: Advocacy and Human Rights, Afternoon Concerts, Berlinale, Book Club Charlottenburg, Book Club Southwest, Bowling, Citizenship, Classical Music, Community Volunteering, FAWCO, German learners, JFKS Families, Movie-Goers, Philanthropy, Professional Networking, Spanish, U30, U40, Vegan, Women on the Move - and a Travel Group is in the process of forming!
If you use WhatsApp and are not yet in the Community, write Nelly at membership@awcberlin.org - she will add you.
Our WHATSAPP policies are similar to our FACEBOOK policies
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Please do not post charity donation requests or political items not related to the AWC Berlin.
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No self-promotion. You are invited to let us know about your business on MARKETING MONDAY - in our private FACEBOOK group. Be sure to preface your post with MARKETING MONDAY. No more than one post per member each Monday.
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When in doubt, please send your questions to membership@awcberlin.org.
Thank you for your cooperation!
AWC Berlin Facebook Page | AWCB Website |
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