AWC BERLIN NEWSLETTER


THE BEAR FACTS

APRIL 2021


Dear {Contact_First_Name},

Happy Spring!  

Last month, the Club concluded the 90-Envelopes-Challenge for PAPATAYA, and wow, what a success!  I am thrilled to report that through this campaign, the Club raised 5,721 for PAPATYA!  Kudos to the wonderful team of volunteers, led by Philanthropy Chair Lissa Rosenbloom, who planned and organized the fundraiser; to our members who contributed their art for the envelopes; to those who contributed to the raffle prizes for the Closing Party; and, of course, to those who made donations.  The success of this campaign is truly a testament to the can-do attitude of our incredibly compassionate and generous AWC Berlin community.  You can find a complete report on the 90-Envelopes-Challenge later in this Newsletter.

Although the month starts off a little quiet on the programming front, we still have a fabulous lineup of events for you to enjoy, including a couple of brand new recurring events on our calendar.  This month, thanks to some awesome volunteer initiatives, we launch a new creative writing group called Women’s Writes (April 14), and a new monthly conversation group called Women & Finance (April 16).  Also mark your calendars for April 20, for our Monthly Membership Meeting when we will welcome Sabine Manke from the German Federal Criminal Police (Bundeskriminalamt).  She will talk about her incredible and fascinating career as a woman in law enforcement, and the conversation is not to be missed.  Finally, please mark your calendars for April 28, when our Speaker Series returns with guest speaker and AWC member, Emily Haines, for a timely session on US taxes.  We’d love to see you at any or all of these events!

I hope you get a chance to get out and about this month - safely and consistent with regulations, of course - to enjoy springtime in Berlin.  The city and surrounding areas come alive as the countless trees and flower beds all around us start to bloom.  This includes the cherry blossom trees with their delicate and beautiful blooms.  The story behind the presence of these seemingly countless Sakura trees in Berlin is fascinating.  Did you know that a Japanese television network raised money - nearly 1 million - so that the trees could be planted in Berlin as a show of support for German reunification?  Symbolically, some of the first trees were planted in locations where the Berlin Wall once stood.  Amazing!   

I wish you a beautiful start to spring!  Stay healthy, stay safe, and be well!

Cheers,
Shweta

**Please note that, depending on your email program, you may need to click “View entire message” to see the Newsletter in its entirety.**


Shweta Gupta
President, The American Women's Club of Berlin
president@awcberlin.org

CLUB NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Astrid Gottwald
Trhas Gutsche
Nicole Henzler
Hazel HooHerzog
Brittany Lucero
Soraya Nelson

We look forward to seeing you soon!

WELCOME NEW FAWCO REPRESENTATIVE

We are pleased to announce that Frances Durocher has been appointed as the new FAWCO Representative for AWC Berlin.  The role of the FAWCO Representative is to serve as a liaison between our Club and the FAWCO community. Congratulations, Frances!  

Thank you to Karen Castellon for serving in this role with tremendous dedication and passion for so many years. 

 

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Thank you, Suzy Nguyen!

Sometimes our members stay in Berlin for only a short period of time, but nevertheless make the most of every moment.  Suzy Nguyen joined the Club in 2016, and wasted no time in getting to know the Club and making long-lasting connections.  Presently, Suzy is spearheading a new activity - Women & Finance: Conversations into Actions - to bring members together to empower each other to become financially fluent. 

Shortly after she first joined the Club, Suzy jumped right into volunteering by sharing her talents and interests to bring members together.  A talented writer, she launched and organized a creative writing group called Moving Pen for novice and seasoned writers alike to explore their creative sides and practice their writing skills.  Later, completely undeterred by distance or time zones, Suzy was one of the first to volunteer to organize a virtual event for the Club.  When lockdown first began in Spring 2020, Suzy initiated and coordinated a weekly Virtual Dance Party, so that members could dance their lockdown blues away.  It was a creative and fun way to bring us all together at a time when connections, laughter and fun were most essential.  Then, earlier this year, when lockdown returned in full force during the dreary Berlin winter, Suzy took it upon herself to revive the weekly Virtual Dance Party.  As if that was not enough, she added a weekly weekend Qi Gong / Tai Chi event.  Suzy continued these activities for 12 weeks during some of the toughest months of the current lockdown. 

Suzy’s initiative, creative thinking, and compassion for the AWC Berlin community are truly inspiring and much appreciated.  Thank you, Suzy, for your continued involvement with the Club!

* * *

Without dedicated volunteers, there would be no AWC Berlin. From every activity to administrative function, there are members stepping up to make this club a rich social, cultural and philanthropic outlet for our 250+ members. If you'd like to nominate a member, please email newsletter@awcberlin.org

PHILANTHROPY

90-Envelopes-Challenge for PAPATYA

Dear lovely, generous AWC community, we did it! We successfully met our 90-Envelopes-Challenge to help fund much-needed renovations at PAPATYA, our 2021-2022 local charity.  102 people, including 99 members, participated in our first fundraising effort for the organization, from February 17 to March 8, raising a total of €5,721.  

When you include the €145 in donations from the Cooking Club, plus an extra €20 donation, we’ve raised a total of €5,886 for PAPATYA so far this year. 

PAPATYA's Director, Corinna, was extremely grateful in her message to the Club:   "This is really great news! Many thanks to Shweta, you [Lissa] and all your members, your donations are much appreciated and needed! We are overwhelmed by the quickness and the largeness of the total sum."  

The funds will be used to replace the flooring in the main living area and renovate bedrooms.  PAPATYA hopes to renovate the safe house this summer, but given the pandemic, the need to use trusted workers, and the requirement that women be housed elsewhere while the work is being done, the planning is complicated. PAPATYA will keep us updated on their plans regarding the work.

THANK YOU to the committee members for organizing a terrific fundraiser and to the members who donated artwork for the design of the envelopes.  And heartfelt gratitude, of course, to all of the donors themselves.

The 90-Envelopes-Challenge committee members included Karen C., Frances D., My-Linh K., Sandy K., Lissa R., Sieglinde T., Silvia M. and Stephanie B.

The final report on the 90-Envelopes-Challenge is available here.

MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Tuesday, April 20, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Via Zoom

Join our April Monthly Membership Meeting to get updates on the Club's latest news, socialize with members and hear from our guest speaker.

This month we welcome Sabine Manke, a senior detective at the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt). Sabine will talk about her incredible and varied 39 years of experience as a woman working in international law enforcement.

Her talk will include not only a discussion of the Bundeskriminalamt and policing in Germany, but also significant experiences in her career, including two international secondments/assignments, the first with the ICPO-Interpol and then with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in the Hague.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

US Tax Workshop with Emily Haines
Wednesday, April 28, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
via Zoom

Are you a U.S. citizen or green card holder living and working in Germany? Do you have questions about how US tax works for Americans living in Berlin or non-Americans with income in the US? Have you been putting off filing your US taxes for more years than you care to admit? Are you considering a move or business trips to the US and are wondering what tax issues that might trigger?

Join us for a Zoom workshop with AWC Berlin's own Emily Haines, CPA. Emily will talk to us about filing 2020 US taxes from abroad, the stimulus payments, additional refundable child tax credit, and other common things like the foreign earned income exclusion, foreign tax credits and how to avoid double taxation.

WHAT'S NEW IN PROGRAMMING

Join us for two new activities in April: a creative writing group, Women’s Writes, and a discussion group, Women & Finance: Conversation into Action. Both groups welcome participants at all stages of their journeys, whether with writing or personal finance. 

See the April Events section below for dates and times.


VOLUNTEER CORNER

Volunteer Initiative Is Ongoing!

Recently, we have launched an initiative to match our members to organizations that need volunteers. Many members have expressed interest already, and it's not too late to join!

* Do you have time and skills to offer? If you are interested in volunteering with organizations in Berlin, please fill out this form so we can start the matchmaking!

* Do you know a non-profit organization that needs volunteers?

If so, or if you have any questions about this new initiative, please email Annie at volunteering@awcberlin.org.

Help Wanted!

AWC Berlin is a 100% volunteer-powered organization, and we could still use your help. 

Some of the things we're looking for include:

*Buddies for New Members

*Activity Coordinators


*Neighborhood Coordinators

You can check out our complete list of volunteer needs here to see how you can help and get more involved with your Club!

FAWCO UPDATE

Inspiring Women's current issue, FAWCO’s 90th Anniversary”, features cover art by AWC member Karen Axelrad, and an article on “FAWCO Communications through the Ages” by My-Linh Kunst and Angelika McLarren. Melanie Baur is also featured in “FAWCO’s Future: Who's Next.”

FAWCO Virtual Biennial Meeting. FAWCO held its Biennial Conference virtually this year from March 18 - 21, 2021.  At the Conference, among other things, The FAWCO Foundation announced the recipients of its annual Development Grants and Educational Awards.

The Foundation’s Development Grants provide financial assistance to projects supported by member clubs.  This year, Ascend Athletics, who AWC Berlin has been supporting, is the proud recipient of the 2021 A Stitch in Time - Hope Through Education Development Grant.   Ascend will use this grant for its project, Sports for Health Teaching Curriculum for Afghan Girls.  This is very exciting news for Ascend and we couldn’t be more thrilled for them.  Read about all of the recipients of the Development Grants here.

Additionally, for the first time ever, AWC Berlin sponsored one of The FAWCO Foundation’s Education Awards - the Women in STEM and Medicine Award in memory of Rhonda Staudt.  This year during the annual conference, the Award was presented to Allison Kelliher, a member of AWC Dublin.  This award will help Allison achieve her dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.  You can learn about all of the recipients of Education Awards here.

***

The 65th session of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65) took place March 15 - March 26, 2021 with the theme the Full and Effective Participation of Women in Public Life.  This year, CSW65 was online instead of its usual New York City location, which allowed greater participation, including within FAWCO.  FAWCO was represented by a delegation of 68 women from member clubs around the world. This delegation included 10 AWC Berlin members, including 2 former club members who continue to be a part of the larger FAWCO community. 

***

For more information on FAWCO, please contact our FAWCO Representative, Frances Durocher at fawcorep@awcberlin.org.

THE BERLIN AMERICANA BLOG

Check out our new blog series, “Embracing Cultural Diversity,” in which we celebrate our diverse backgrounds (over 30 nationalities!) and multiple cultural identities. Our contributors share favorite holiday and seasonal traditions, beloved dishes and recipes, and unique crafts and costumes—all that connects them to their cultural roots. In March, we celebrated Holi with Shweta Gupta, and in April, Robina Lillecrapp will share how she celebrates Ramadan.

AWC BERLIN & SOCIAL MEDIA

Besides the private AWC Members Only group, did you know we have 2 private sub-groups on Facebook?  Click the links below and ask to JOIN. 

**AWC Berlin Second-Hand Postings (to buy, sell or swap):  https://www.facebook.com/groups/653200785262766 

**Bookmarked in Berlin (for book lovers to share and discuss their favorite reads): https://www.facebook.com/groups/302249127866608 

Also, come “like” our public Facebook page and follow us on Instagram @awcberlin!

APRIL EVENTS

Week of March 29
* Midday Mahjong
Thursday, April 1, 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Week of April 5
* Genre Book Club (SciFi & Fantasy)
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Wednesday, April 7, 3:00pm - 5:00pm

* German Conversation (Ost)
Friday, April 9, 10:00am - 11:30am

Week of April 12
* German Conversation (West)
Monday, April 12, 10:00am - 10:40am

* Morning Book Club
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Tuesday, April 13, 10:00am - 12:00pm

* Drink-Think-Drink
Tuesday, April 13, 8:00pm - 9:30pm

* Women's Writes
Wednesday, April 14, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

* Midday Mahjong
Thursday, April 15, 1:30pm - 3:00pm

* German Conversation (Ost)
Friday, April 16, 10:00am - 11:30am

* Women & Finance: Conversations into Actions
Friday, April 16, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

 
 

Week of April 19
* German Conversation (West)
Monday, April 19, 10:00am - 10:40am

* Monthly Membership Meeting
Guest Speaker:  Sabine Manke
Tuesday, April 20, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

* Game Night Online
Wednesday, April 21, 8:00pm - 9:00pm

* German Conversation (Ost)
Friday, April 23, 10:00am - 11:30am

Week of April 26
* German Conversation (West)
Monday, April 26, 10:00am - 10:40am

* Stitch 'n' Bitch
Monday, April 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

* Literature Book Club
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Tuesday, April 27, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

* Lunch & Learn: 20 Amazing Art Objects in Berlin for Kids
Wednesday, April 28, 12:30pm - 1:15pm

* US Tax Workshop with Emily Haines
Wednesday, April 28, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

* Midday Mahjong
Thursday, April 29, 1:30pm - 3:00pm

* German Conversation (Ost)
Friday, April 30, 10:00am - 11:30am

HOW TO AWC BERLIN

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? WA-Admin@awcberlin.org.

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 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 send your question to facebookpolicy@awcberlin.org.

Thank you for your cooperation!


AWC Berlin Facebook Page | AWCB Website

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