AWC BERLIN NEWSLETTER


THE BEAR FACTS

OCTOBER 2020


Dear {Contact_First_Name},

Happy Autumn!

We have officially wrapped up the Summer of Fun-Raising campaign, and the results are incredible.  With the generosity and support of our members and guests, we successfully raised money to support both the FAWCO Target Project and the FAWCO Foundation.  Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign.  I also would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to Stephanie Biery, our Philanthropy Chair, for her vision and leadership with this initiative, and for all of her hard work and dedication to the Club and its philanthropic mission.

Our recently formed Nominations Committee is hard at work in identifying and recruiting potential candidates to serve on the Board of Directors in 2021. I am pleased to announce that Claudia Tessier is serving as the Nominations Chair.  Please read on below for all of the details on the nominations process, and get in touch with Claudia and her team if you are interested in learning more.  

We have some wonderful opportunities for you to get together with your fellow members this month.  We hope to continue to offer some in-person activities, as long as the local regulations allow it, and for outdoor events, as long as the weather cooperates.  We look forward to our Monthly Membership Meeting, where we will have an opportunity to hear from a remarkable guest speaker (and new member), Kathryn Watts, on the timely topic of presidential powers.  

Finally, as only 2020 can deliver, we get to enjoy two full moons this month, including one on Halloween.  As it’s the second one in a month, the full moon on Halloween is referred to as a “Blue Moon.”  An unusual year yields yet another somewhat unusual occurrence.  You could read about this occurrence, or better yet, listen to a song about it. The song “Blue Moon,” which originally was written back in 1934 has since been covered by a number of famous artists, but one of my personal favorite covers is the doo-wop version by The Marcels.  Enjoy the earworm!

I hope to see you soon.  Be well and continue to stay safe and healthy!

Cheers,
Shweta

Shweta Gupta

President, The American Women's Club of Berlin

president@awcberlin.org


CLUB NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS

SAVE THE DATE!
OCTOBER GENERAL MEETING

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

The October General Meeting will be held virtually on October 28, 2020, in the evening.  Our speaker will be Kathryn A. Watts, Professor of Law and the Pendleton Miller Chair in Law at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle.  Her research focuses on presidential control over the regulatory state, interaction between federal courts and executive agencies in the United States, and the U.S. Supreme Court decision making.  An invitation with details will be sent soon, so please watch your email inboxes.  In the meantime, please mark your calendars and plan to join us!


WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Belinda Abraham

Catherine Bassett

Sandra Doca

Lisa Peterson

Nicole Salven

Kathryn Watts

We look forward to seeing you!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

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

Thank you, Claudia Tessier!

Claudia Tessier, who joined the Club shortly after its relaunch in 2015, is always willing to step up and step in.  To say that she is committed to, and invested in, the Club is an understatement.  As a long standing member, Claudia has volunteered her time in myriad ways.  In 2017, Claudia served on the Board of Directors as Secretary.  As if serving on the Board wasn’t enough, she also is one of the Book Club coordinators, and has graciously hosted many book club meetings in her lovely home.  She also helped create and maintain the Member Recommendations resource that is invaluable for so many members.  At present, she is the Club’s Parliamentarian and Chair of the Nominations and Constitution Committees.  Claudia’s unwavering commitment to, and support for, the Club is remarkable.  A huge thank you to Claudia for all that she has done, and continues to do, for the Club!

Nomination submitted by Shweta Gupta.

* * *

All of our events are volunteer driven and any member can lead an event. If you have an idea for any programming, or if you wish to host an event, please contact Dawna Grand, First Vice-President - Programming, at vp-programs@awcberlin.org.

AWC PHILANTHROPY


2020 Summer of Fun-Raising 

In the summer of 2020, amidst COVID-19 social distancing, AWC Berlin successfully implemented the Summer of Fun-Raising Campaign for The FAWCO Foundation and the FAWCO Target Project. Over 40 online workshops were offered for the membership and guests from all around the world. You can read all about the Campaign in AWC Philanthropy Chair, Stephanie Biery’s, Summer of Fun-Raising 2020 Final Report.

Thanks to your generosity and support, with the funds raised through this campaign, AWC Berlin not only is donating to the FAWCO Target Project S.A.F.E., but also is sponsoring a FAWCO Foundation Education Award, namely the Women in Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (Women in STEM) award in memory of our member, Rhonda Staudt, an active FAWCO volunteer who passed away in the summer of 2020.

2021 Local Charity Selection

The selection process is underway for the local charity that the Club will support in 2021. Thank you to Elyzabeth Simpson (three nominations), Sandy Chen Kluth and Sieglinde Tuschy for submitting nominations. We have received applications for five fantastic organizations. Stephanie Biery and Silvia Malo have met with the directors and/or founders of the charities to see first-hand what services they are offering and to learn more about their projects.

Both Stephanie and Silvia have been so impressed and humbled by the work in the Berlin community to support refugees, women and children. It will be a challenge to select just one organization! As a next step, the five charities will be narrowed down to the top two finalists. These top two finalists will be presented to the general membership for the final vote.  Watch for more information as your time to vote nears!

2021 Local Charity Selection

The selection process is underway for the local charity that the Club will support in 2021. Thank you to Elyzabeth Simpson (three nominations), Sandy Chen Kluth and Sieglinde Tuschy for your nominations. We have applications for five fantastic organizations. Stephanie Biery and Silvia Malo have met with the directors and/or founders of the charities to see first-hand what services they are offering and to learn more about their projects.

Both Stephanie and Silvia have been so impressed and humbled by the work in the Berlin community to support refugees, women and children. It will be a challenge to select just one organization! As a next step, the five charities will be narrowed down to the top two finalists. These top two finalists will be presented to the general membership for the final vote. Watch for more information as the time to vote nears!

CALL FOR 2021 AWC BERLIN BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS

We will be electing a new Board of Directors at our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. All of the details regarding the meeting, including whether it will be virtual, will be provided at a later date.

The Nominations Committee for the 2021 AWC Berlin Board of Directors includes Karen Castellon, Maya Guice, Janel Schermerhorn, and Claudia Tessier (Chair).  The Committee's task is to prepare a slate of officers for each office to be filled:

President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer

You may view descriptions of the positions in the Club’s Bylaws. Those elected will serve on the Board for the 2021 calendar year. As required by the Club’s Bylaws, the Committee will present the slate of nominees to each voting member (Regular and Associate members) by November 25, 2020 (i.e., two weeks prior to the election meeting on Wednesday, December 9).

Per the Club’s Bylaws, independent nominations, with the consent of the nominee, may be made in writing by 20% of the voting members (48 Regular and Associate Members) by November 18, 2020 (i.e., three weeks prior to the election meeting).

If you are interested in being considered for the 2021 Board of Directors or recommending potential nominees to the Nominating Committee, or for further information, please contact the Chair at nominating@awcberlin.org.

FAWCO UPDATE

Education Awards. Did you know that you, your children or your grandchildren may be eligible for a FAWCO Foundation Education Award, valued at $4,000? Now is the right time to start thinking about applying, as applications are due January 27, 2021. If you applied previously and did not get an award, you can apply again.  For more information, including the awards available, how to apply and the timeline for applications, visit the FAWCO Foundation’s website here.

Please let Karen Castellon (KarenCastellon908@gmail.com) know if you or your children are applying so the application can be tracked.

FAWCO Youth.  FAWCO has launched a new program specially for young adults (ages 15-25) -- the Global Issues FAWCO Youth Group.  The group met for the first time last month virtually, and will meet for several more sessions, to learn about and discuss global issues.  Youth who are members themselves or children of members are all welcome to attend.  To learn more, please contact Mary Dobrian, VP of Global Issues for FAWCO, at globalissuesyouth@fawco.org.  

International Day of the Girl Child.  The FAWCO Education Team is holding a special event on the International Day of the Girl Child.  The special guest speaker will be AWC Berlin member, Rachna Reiter.  Rachna will talk about her journey to become an airline pilot and her education in the Netherlands, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering. 

AWC Berlin members and friends are invited to hear Rachna's inspiring story! Invite your daughters (and sons)!  This special event will be held on Sunday, October 11, from 8:00pm - 9:00pm.  For more details and to register, visit FAWCO's website and login to view the event on the calendar.  

The Berlin Americana Blog 

Contribute to Our New and Upcoming Blog Series: Diversity Matters

To deepen our engagement with anti-racism projects and foster inclusion within our Club, we are launching a new blog series, “Diversity Matters,” this month. We were inspired by recent FAWCO events, “The Anti-Racist Global Citizen”© and the “Women Speak Up Against Racism Workshop,” to share stories by Black women and women of Color who are engaged in anti-racist and social justice projects, stories to inspire both reflection and action.

Our first contributor, Bayo Callender, is an international human rights attorney and inclusion practice expert whose article will introduce us to The Anti-Racist Global Citizen,© the organization she founded that draws on the expertise of a team of professionals and activists to guide individuals and organizations in implementing sustainable anti-racist practice and engagement.

If you would like to learn more about the Blog, please contact the Blog Team at blog@awcberlin.org.

THE 2020 US VOTE

As of Oct. 1, there are only 33 days until the U.S. General Election on Nov. 3.  

So you've received your absentee ballot, and you're ready to return it?  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Return your completed ballot as soon as possible!

  • Know the deadlines for the state in which you vote.  To learn this information, and much more for your state, check the FVAP’s Voter Assistance Guide or visit the Overseas Vote Foundation website.

  • Follow the instructions that you received with your ballot to ensure that your ballot is counted.

    • NOTE on Secrecy Envelopes/Privacy Envelopes:  If your state requires you to place your ballot in a separate "secrecy" or "privacy" envelope before placing it in the mailing envelope, be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions on the use of this second envelope.  Some states, for example, require that this secrecy envelope contain no markings for your vote to remain valid.  

  • Use email or fax to return your completed ballot, if it is permitted in your state.

  • If you vote in one of the 21 states that require you to return your ballot by mail, do it quickly!   

    • use Deutsche Post, but do not use the Einschreiben service, as this may delay delivery of your ballot.

    • use a Courier, e.g., FedEx Express, DHL Express, UPS.  Be sure that your state does not have any particular requirements with the use of a courier.

  • Contact your local election office to check on the status of your ballot after you have returned it. 

Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB)

If you think your absentee ballot may not reach in time, you can complete the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB).  To learn more about the FWAB, please click here.

What are your state’s requirements and who is your local election official? Check the FVAP’s Voter Assistance Guide or visit the Overseas Vote Foundation website.

Every vote – including your overseas vote – counts! Act today!

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 and follow us on Instagram @awcberlin!

AWC ONLINE:  CALENDAR AND EVENT REGISTRATION

AWC members must log in with a user name and password to access events on our calendar and register for them. You can do this 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.

As always, so that we know to expect you, please remember to register for all events either through the AWC website or the Wild Apricot Member app (for iPhone users only). 

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 iPhone or Android device 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. The event registration feature of the app is not available to Android users yet (but we're working on it!). Android users can register via the Members only section of the website instead. Questions? WA-Admin@awcberlin.org.


OCTOBER EVENTS

Lunch & Learn: Federation of American Women´s Clubs Overseas (FAWCO)
Thursday, Oct. 1, 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Zoom (see registration confirmation email for link) 

Details & RSVP

Grab your lunch and learn about what FAWCO does for you, and you can benefit from your FREE membership in the FAWCO organization, from Karen Castellon, AWC´s FAWCO Representative. In this special session, Karen will talk about FAWCO´s educational awards, including what they are, who they can be awarded to and where to find all of the relevant information you need.

German Conversation (Ost)
Fridays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10:00am - 11:30am
Zoom (see registration confirmation email for link)

Details & RSVP

Are you a fear-rabbit (Angsthase) when it comes to speaking German?  I know, know!  Speaking German is no walk in the park (kein Ponyhof).  But even if you only understand train station (nur Bahnhof verstehen), you'll love our conversation sessions.  No judgement.  Just a fun way to meet new people and catch up with old friends.  We usually have a native speaker join us.  All are welcome, whether you studied German, are a native speaker, or just wish to practice!

Kaffee Klatsch
Friday, Oct. 2, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Location (see event link for details)

Details & RSVP

Kaffee Klatsch is our monthly Coffee Chat. Stop by to connect, catch up with old friends and make new ones.


Private Walking Tour: Cold War Prenzlauer Berg

Sunday, Oct. 4, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location (see event link for details)

Details & RSVP

On the occasion of German Unification (October 3), we take a private 2-hour walking tour of key Cold War sights in and around Prenzlauer Berg.  Join us as we learn about how the division of the city affected the daily lives of those who stayed, and also explore Prenzlauer Berg as a haven for young squatters before its gentrification. Event cost: €15-20, depending on number of participants.

German Conversation (West)
Mondays, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:00am - 10:40am
Zoom (see registration confirmation email for link)

Details & RSVP

Come and join us for German conversation in a safe and judgment-free environment. We always have a good time! Usually we are joined by AWC Berlin members who are native German speakers. Questions? Email german@awcberlin.org.

Daytime W.O.W. (Word of the Week)
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 9:00am - 9:30am
Tuesdays, Oct. 13, 20, 27, 10:00am -10:30am
Zoom (see registration confirmation email for link)

Details & RSVP

In this event you'll be taken on a word or expression journey. You'll leave the event enlightened with the history of the word, different uses for the word, and will do in a very fun, light-hearted and humorous way. 

Colonial Walking Tour
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 11:30am - 1:30pm
Location (see event link for details)

Details & RSVP

Why is there still German beer in Tsingtao, China? What was Otto von Bismark doing in New Guinea? Where is the pearl of the South Seas? And why is there an African Quarter in Berlin? Our city walk focuses on the everyday history of German colonialism in the north of Berlin. Cost is €15-18 per person depending on number of participants.

Literature Book Club
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Zoom (see registration confirmation email for link)

Details & RSVP

This month´s selection is Love in the Time of Cholera, by Gabriel Garcia Marques. From Goodreads: In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall passionately in love. When Fermina eventually chooses to marry a wealthy, well-born doctor, Florentino is heart-broken, but he is a romantic. As he rises in his business career he whiles away the years in 622 affairs-- yet he reserves his heart for Fermina. 

Lunch & Learn: Art Object of the Month
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 12:30pm - 1:15pm
Zoom (see registration confirmation email for link)

Details & RSVP

Join Dr. Frances Durocher each month to learn about some of the fantastic art objects in Berlin. This month we will focus on the commemorative head of a 16th century queen mother from the Kingdom of Benin (today southern Nigeria). Part of a group of objects known as the Benin Bronzes, the treasures are also a powerful symbol of the brutal legacy of European colonialism in Africa. We will be discussing the violent and controversial removal of the Benin Bronzes by British troops in 1897 and the international debate about the repatriation of objects from western museums to their place of origin. 

Women on the Move in Berlin
Thursday, Oct. 8, 9:00am - 11:00am
Location (see event link for details)

Details & RSVP

Join us as we explore Berlin with a walk in a new location each month.  Lakeside, forest and city neighborhoods; it's all fair game. 

Barberini Museum: The Hasso Plattner Collection
Monday, Oct. 12, 1:45pm - 3:30pm
Museum Barberini

Details & RSVP

Interested in impressionist art? Join us for a visit to the Barberini Museum to see the highly regarded Hasso Plattner Collection. Tickets are €14 per person and payment in advance would be appreciated. Ticket cost is non-refundable. 

Lunch & Learn: Surviving Encounters with Berlin´s Dangerous Species
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 12:30pm - 1:15pm
Zoom (see registration confirmation email for link)

Details & RSVP

In this presentation you will learn to identify, avoid and cope with encounters of two active and potentially dangerous species in Berlin: the wild boars and the public transportation harasser. 

Daytime Book Club
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Zoom (see registration confirmation email for link) 

Details & RSVP

This month´s selection is The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. From Amazon.com: Reclusive author Vida Winter has spent the past six decades penning a series of alternate lives for herself. Now old and ailing, she is ready to reveal the truth about her extraordinary existence and the violent and tragic past she has kept secret for so long.

Genre Book Club (Mystery-Crime-Thriller)
Date and Time To Be Confirmed
Virtual (see registration confirmation email for link)

Details & RSVP

October´s selection is The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware. From Goodreads: When she stumbles across the ad, she´s looking for something else completely. But it seems like too good an opportunity to miss-- a live-in nannying post, with a staggeringly generous salary. And when Rowan Caine arrives at Heatherbrae House, she is smitten by the luxurious smart home, by the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and by this picture-perfect family. What she doesn´t know is she´s stepping into a nightmare-- one that will end with a child dead and herself in prison awaiting trial for murder.

HOW TO AWC BERLIN

AWC ONLINE

AWC members can manage their account, access the membership directory and sign up for events by logging into their AWC member account, either through the AWC website or mobile app. 

BENEFITS

  • Register for and cancel events
  • See your event registration
  • Add events to personal calendar
  • See who else is going
  • Much more...

Step 1: log into the AWC website (request new password from the website if needed). Manage your events from the calendar.

Step 2: Download the Wild Apricot Member app and use your website email/login.

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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