The AWC Berlin Newsletter

The Bear FactsMay 2019


 


Dear {Contact_First_Name},

Community, community, community. Our club is about bringing people together to connect with each other, connect with Berlin, and support a full life for all women while having fun! Not only did the AWC Auction raise well over 15,000€ (and counting) for our charity, JACK, it also created a bunch of community building along the way. Here are some connections that were strengthened as a result of our event: 

  • Planning team and volunteers (and teens!)
  • AWC and Prachtwerk
  • Prachtwerk and JACK
  • JACK and AWC
  • AWC and local businesses
  • Members, partners, and friends with each other

A huge round of applause to Philanthropy Chair Stephanie Biery, for having the vision to make this event even cooler and bigger than first imagined, to My-Linh Kunst for bringing the idea to our club, to the entire Auction Team for incredible execution, to the whole membership for generously donating and bidding on items, to spouses, friends and family for participating, and to Prachtwerk for making it such an affordable evening. This was a huge community-building success and we look forward to sharing how JACK goes about supporting women with the money we raised. 

In the meantime, there is so much to look forward to in May. On top of art tours, Girls Night Out, a yoga/writing retreat, exploding rhododendrons at Britzer Gardens, and our regular monthly activities, the Mamma Mias will sing at our general meeting and AWC members will share their talents at the Member Showcase. Whew. I hope to see you all at one or ten of these events. Come be part of the AWC community!

Cheers,

Janel


Janel Schermerhorn
President, The American Women's Club of Berlin
president@awcberlin.org


 


Welcome, New Members!

Amanda Baker-Frommholz

Aida Bekele

Gwen Calisch

Catherine Featherston

Dawna Grand

Pessi Margulies

Carmen Osorio

Alexandra Scacco

We look forward to seeing you at one of the events below, all members welcome!

In the meantime, if you are not already a member of our private members only Facebook group, please request to join AWC Berlin Members Only PRIVATE for casual exchanges among AWC members. 




May General Meeting


How often are you treated to a free private concert? Come join our May General Meeting, and enjoy the upbeat and beautiful Mamma Mia Choir. After the meeting, all who choose to are welcome to stay for lunch - choose from a fixed 15 menu including coffee drink & water. Please look for an email invitation with details. We will likely not have room for guests this time.

If you're new to the club, AWC General Meetings take place monthly and are open to members (and guests, space permitting). This month's meeting will feature club updates on the success of our Auction as well as the latest from FAWCO, plus activities sign-ups, a guest speaker, and socializing. There is no cost to attend, but we often offer an optional meal at your own expense. 

When: Thursday, May 9th, 11:00am-1:00pm

Where: Kaffeehaus Mila, Grolmanstraße 40, Berlin 10623

RSVP: to your Evites


 



AWC Member Showcase

The second annual AWC Member Showcase is just weeks away! At this event, AWC members share their talents in a beautiful display or performance for all to enjoy. It's a gallery and theater all in one. 

WHAT DO YOU DO? Paint, knit, knot, pot, sew, sing, dance, play? Sculpt? Write? Take Photos? Share your talents with us. Whether you’d like to share something from 20 years ago, or that’s still just an idea, email 1stvp.awcberlin@gmail.com for guidance, more information or to sign up.  

Don’t have anything you’d like to share this time? Perfect, your job is to show up and enjoy! There will be wine and snacks. Family & friends welcome. 

When: Saturday, May 18th, 3:00pm-7:00pm, and Sunday, May 19th, 1:00pm-4:00pm

Where: Künstlerjaus 19, Wasgenstr. 75, Berlin 14129

RSVP:  rsvp@awcberlin.org

 
 


Our Auction of Talents Delivered!

On April 5th, 2019, the AWC of Berlin raised over 15,000€ for our charity, JACK Berlin, at its inaugural Auction of Talents. The event was held at Prachtwerk in Neukolln, just several km from JACK’s facility. 120 attendants, including three representatives from JACK, enjoyed the evening with an open bar, snacks and the auction for a 20€ entrance fee. This fee covered the cost of the event and enables AWC to give all proceeds of the auction to our charity. Janel Schermerhorn, our club President, auctioned off 40 “experiential” lots including dinners, tours, workshops, theater tickets, and outings on boats to enthusiastic members, partners and guests. Due to the generous donations we received from our members and local businesses, there were 280 winning bids for live auction experiences and 33 items and experiences in our silent auction in a price range of 8-450€. The majority of attendees participated in the auction with 86 winning bids at 20€ or lower and 240 winning bids under 50€. It was a wonderful evening filled with fun, fellowship and fundraising. See the full auction report that really put the FUN in FUNdraising, on our website!

 


May 2019
Calendar of Events


Daytime Activities

BERLIN TOUR: IRON KREUZBERG


Monday, May 6th, 11:00am-2:00pm 

Meeting place: Mehringplatz, at the Peace Column, 10969

RSVP: rsvp@awcberlin.org

Join us for an informative tour of Kreuzberg's sweeping history. From the Iron Cross to the Angel of Peace, expert tour guide Jan Brecuht will walk us through time including military victory at the War of Liberation and the capitulation of Berlin at WWII.  

See event here in AWC calendar.

GENERAL MEETING & MAMMA MIAS


Thursday, May 9th, 11:00am-1:00pm

Kaffeehaus Mila, Grolmanstraße 40 
Berlin, 10623

RSVP: to your Evites

Featured above.

Click here to find details on the AWC calendar.






OBJECTS OF WONDER 


Wednesday, May 15th, 11:30am-?pm

PalaisPopulaire, Unter den Linden 5, Berlin 10117

RSVP: rsvp@awcberlin.org

Join us for a visit to the newly redesigned Prinzessinnenpalais Berlin event space, now known as Palais Populaire!  Featured now is an amazing collection of over 70 masterpieces from the London Tate entitled Objects of Wonder, illustrating the revolution of contemporary sculpture since the middle of the twentieth century. The spectrum ranges from icons of postwar modernism like Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, to stars of the Young British Artists generation, including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. The show, conceived exclusively for the PalaisPopulaire, examines the transformation of everyday objects through distortion, recombination, and dramatic staging they become Objects of Wonder that tell stories and put things that were forgotten or only fleetingly perceived into a completely new light.

Click here to find details on the AWC calendar.

 RHODODENDRONS AND AZALEAS 

Tuesday, May 28th, 11:00am-1:00pm

Britzer Gardens, meet at the Mohriner Allee entrance, Berlin, 12357


RSVP: rsvp@awcberlin.org

Come join us for a stroll through one of Berlin’s most beautiful parks at peak rhododendron time! 

We will meet at the Mohriner Allee entrance of the Britzer Garten but please note, there are several different entrances to the park! 

Click here to find details on the AWC calendar.






Recurring Daytime Activities

TENNIS - NEW SEASON


Mondays: 11:00am-1:00pm

Thursdays: 10:00pm-12:00pm

May 2nd, 6th, 9th, 13th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 27th and 30th 


Blau-Gold, Steglitz 


RSVP: tennis@awcberlin.org

Our summer season has begun! Two days, two hours costs 160€ per person, with the season runs until September 19th. We welcome new advanced/intermediate players to join our core group of 4. If you are a group of four beginners, we can set you up with lessons and an instructor (at extra cost); you are welcome to contact our Tennis coordinators for more information.

Click here to learn more about this event in the AWC calendar. 

KAFFEE KLATSCH WEST

Friday, May 3rd, 10:30am-12:00pm

Park Cafe, Fehrbelliner Pl. 8, 10707 (U7/U3 stop)

Kaffee Klatsch is our monthly “Coffee Chat” from 10:30 to 12:00.

Stop by to connect, catch up with old friends or make new ones. No RSVP needed, just show up. There will always be someone there to chat with.

Click
 here to see this event in the AWC calendar.

GERMAN CONVERSATION



Mondays, May 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 

10:00am - 12:00pm


Wiener Conditorei at Truman Plaza (Clayallee 175, Dahlem)


RSVP: 
german@awcberlin.org

Come join us for weekly German conversation over coffee in a safe and judgement-free environment. We always have a good time! Usually we are joined by AWC Berlin members who are native German speakers. Please check the AWC Facebook page or email before heading over, to make sure that someone will be there.  

Click here to learn more about this event in the AWC calendar. 

CREATIVE WRITING PRACTICE 


Tuesdays, May 7th, 124h, 21st, 28th 10:00am-12:30pm


Cost: 8 wks/120


RSVP by April 25thwritingclass@awcberlin.org

Join this diverse group of writers, whether you're a novice or a seasoned professional. No previous experience necessary! Non-native English speakers with working knowledge of English also welcome. During this popular 8-week series, we apply various writing prompts - many of them build-on prompts - as springboards to unleash our imaginations and authentic voices. We share these writings in a  convivial atmosphere of trust and deep listening. Uncover the building blocks of good storytelling and narrative forms, discover the seeds of fuller, more developed pieces - from memoir to fiction. If you've never taken the class before, your first one is free.  


See event here in AWC calendar.


TRAVEL BUG FORUM

Friday, May 10th, 10:30am-12:30pm

Goldhahn & Sampson, 

Wilmersdorfer Straße 102/103, Charlottenburg


RSVP: Kathryn.Neubauer@hotmail.com

Our Travel Group meets every second Friday of the month at 10:30am to share their passion for seeing the world. If you are interested, join us!


Click here to see this event in the AWC calendar

KAFFEE KLATSCH OST


Wednesday, May 22nd, 10:30am-12:00pm

No Fire No Glory, 
Rykestraße 45, 10405 Berlin

RSVP: rose.finlay@gmail.com

Join us for Coffee Morning in the East at NO FIRE NO GLORY in Prenzlauer Berg.  If possible, please let Rose know ahead of time that you will be coming; or feel free to show up last minute to enjoy a cup of coffee and the company of your fellow AWC members. 

Click here to see this event in the AWC calendar.

 Evening Activities


DINNER AND A MOVIE


Thursday, May 2nd, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Janel's home in Schmargendorf, Berlin 14193 

RSVP: rsvp@awcberlin.org 

This event is free, but please bring along a dish to share for a pot-luck dinner. Limited to 15 members. 

Come join a screening of the multi-award winning documentary short entitled "Period. End of Sentence." 


In a rural Indian village outside Delhi, women lead a quiet revolution. They fight against the deeply rooted stigma of menstruation. Half a world away, in California, girls who raised initial money for a sanitary pad making machine and began a non-profit called "The Pad Project" end up empowering these women in India.


For more information click here to see this event in the AWC calendar. You will receive the host's address upon RSVPing. 



Recurring Evening Activities

EVENING BOOK CLUB


Tuesday, May 14th, 7:00pm-9:00pm


Sara Switzman's in Mitte 10117


RSVP: bookclub@awcberlin.org

We’ll be discussing Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by award winning journalist Reni Eddo-Lodge. Open to AWC Berlin members only (non-members may attend once prior to joining).

Please bring a light snack to share. Sarah will provide wine and water. 

Click here to see this event in the AWC calendar. You will receive the host's address upon RSVPing. 

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT


Tuesday, May 21st, 7:00pm - 9:00pm


Feinberg's, Fuggerstraße 35, 10777 Berlin

RSVP to Renee and Elyzabeth: evening@awcberlin.org

For this month’s Girl’s Night Out, we’re getting our mezze on! Join us at Feinberg’s for a taste of authentic Israeli cuisine.

Choose from a mix of mezze (small plates) like hummus, felafel balls, and a variety of salads, or enjoy one of their tasty main dishes like kosher hangar steak and fries. Whatever you choose, you won’t leave hungry! Feinberg’s is a Berlin staple located in the heart of Schöneberg. They also have a deli, so you can enjoy a taste of Israel at home.

Click here to see this event in the AWC calendar.


WOMEN'S SALON 


Thursday, May 23, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Claudia's home in Maerkisches Ufer, Berlin 10707 


RSVP: womenssalon@awcberlin.org    Event is limited to 15 members, drinks provided at no cost but please bring a potluck item to share. 

Women's Salons are an opportunity to hear about and discuss the work or expertise of a woman in our community in an intimate setting. The events include a potluck meal. Come meet a woman who is helping sexual assault victims by design. May's salon will feature Antya Waegemann (sister to member Christa Waegemann, and daughter to member Claudia Tessier's husband), a designer, creative strategist and storyteller passionate about working on complex problems. Antya is graduating from the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in NY with an MFA in Products of Design, and will share with us what she's been working on.

Antya's thesis titled, "When No One Believes You: Shifting Responses to Sexual Assault through the Redesign of and around Rape Kits," focused on how the redesign of rape kits can help shift behaviors and responses around sexual assault. Currently, there are over 400,000 untested rape kits in the U.S. 

Click here to see this event in the AWC calendar. You will receive the host's address upon RSVPing. 

WOMEN'S WELLNESS WEEKEND 

Friday evening, May 10th, and all day Saturday, May 11th 

Lake Studios in Friedrichshagen, Berlin

RSVP: kristintovson@gmail.com 
by May 3rd

Our Spring 2019 Yoga & Creative Writing Retreat will be held right here in Berlin. We'll meet on Friday evening, May 10th for a healthy meal (wine included!) in a cozy home setting to connect and share through creative writing practice. All you need is a pen, a journal, and an open heart and mind — good food, inspiration, and lots of laughs included. On Saturday, May 11th, we’ll head over to Lake Studios, a funky dance/yoga space in Friedrichshagen, mere steps from the lake. This studio in this picturesque former fishing village — and likely an unexplored part of former East Berlin for many — will make you feel as though you’ve left Berlin. An active yoga practice and meditation will start our day, followed by a delicious lunch in the outdoor garden of a local restaurant, more in-depth writing practice, and a deeply relaxing restorative yoga session to bring our experience to a close. This weekend is a perfect opportunity for those who’d like a taste of our full wellness weekends. Bring a friend and you both get a 10% discount! We look forward to welcoming you.  No overnight stay. Spaces limited.

 

For more information click here to see this event in the AWC calendar. 

MEMBERS SHOWCASE


Saturday May 18th 3:00pm-7:00pm   
Sunday, May 19th, 1:00pm-4:00pm 

Künstlerhaus 19, Wasgenstr. 75, House 19, Berlin 14129

RSVP: rsvp@awcberlin.org

See featured above. 

 

For more information click here to see this event in the AWC calendar. 

DINING OUT: RESTAURANT SCHEUNE


Saturday May 18th 7:00pm-9:00pm  

Die Scheune, Eichkampstraße 155
14055 Berlin 
Berlin


RSVP: diningout@awcberlin.org

Come to the Grunewald, for farmland gastronomic wonders from Berlin and Brandenburg! Betty Ehrman has arranged dinner for us and our willing partners at Restaurant Scheune this month.  With its locally-sourced, weekly-changing menu featuring seasonal highlights and wines that go well with, "The Barn" as it calls itself, is sure to please all comers. 


Click here to find this event on the AWC calendar.

GRUNEWALD WALK AND TALK WITH DOGS

Sunday May 26th 1:15pm-3:00pm  

Meet outside the Chalet Suisse, Clayallee 99, Im Jagen 5, 14195 Berlin

RSVP: dogwalk@awcberlin.org

Join Danielle and her darling schnauzer where dogs can run free off leash! Let’s do a casual walk and talk together in true German tradition. Spouses, families, and of course pets are welcome!    

 

Click here to find this event on the AWC calendar.


 






View the AWC May Calendar

 

Join the AWC Berlin

We are a vibrant group of women of all ages and our members come from not only the USA but from other countries around the world. Please spread the word and invite your friends to join!

 



FAWCO Update

At the end of March, AWC Berlin sent a delegation of 6 to the FAWCO Annual Conference in Edinburgh (see full report here). At May's General Meeting, the team that attended will share the value they are bringing back to AWC. 


A huge congratulations to Karen Castellon for receiving the FAWCO Representative Appreciation award at the conference. Karen has, indeed, enthusiastically worked on connecting our club with the value that FAWCO has to offer. Thank you, Karen! 


Because of Karen's encouragement, multiple AWC members applied for education awards this year. As a result, Maya Guice won a continuing education award for $5,000. Congratulations, Maya! 




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. 

  • Only authorized AWC Berlin events that are already listed on the AWC calendar (website) can be created as an event in our Facebook group.

  • Please do not post charity donation requests or political items not related to the AWC Berlin.

  • You are invited to let us know about your business, but please limit commercial, self-promotional posts to Mondays and be sure to preface your post with MARKETING MONDAY. No comments are allowed on these posts.

  • When in doubt, please contact Janel at president@awcberlin.org.

Thank you for your cooperation!

AWC Berlin Facebook Page | AWCB Website

 



Forward this newsletter to your friends in Berlin! 


          AWC Berlin Logo