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Dear {Contact_First_Name},

Welcome back! I hope you've had a beautiful summer full of laughter, inspiration and reconnections; and that you're now re-energized for the Fall. I particularly enjoyed this summer because even after our US trip, we still had weeks and weeks of glorious Berlin weather - my family's favorite pastime was swimming in the local lakes.

Before we took a break for the summer, AWC Berlin hosted the FAWCO Youth Cultural Volunteers Program June 23-30. The 12 teenagers (aged 15-19) came from FAWCO clubs in the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Germany and France, representing 11 cultures and spoke 9 languages. They enjoyed a full week of volunteering,  global issues-awareness raising, a special conversation with Margot Friedlaender (96-year-old Holocaust survivor) and cooking with Syrian refugees. Thank you to FAWCO for giving AWC Berlin the opportunity, and to the AWC planning team, host families, and chaperones for all your hard work.  Read our report back on the week here.

Thanks to all of you who responded to my request for help in June - welcome to our new volunteers:

• Web Manager Alicia Minaya and her team Amelia Nalli, Emi Bevacqua and Janel Schermerhorn
  
• Assistant Treasurer Angela Andersen
  
• Kaffee Ost coordinator Jennifer Padfield, who also restarted the 20s & 30s activities
  
• and last but not least, Philanthropic Chair Stephanie Biery.

Looking forward to catch up with you soon!

Love,

My-Linh

My-Linh Kunst
President, The American Women's Club of Berlin
president@awcberlin.org

AWC Berlin has joined FAWCO to get out the Vote! Did you know that only 4% of eligible American voters living overseas vote in the last presidential election? Please REGISTER now – it’s an important year for your voice to be heard. Depending on your voting state, you most likely have to register every year.

If you are not already a member of our private members only Facebook group, please click here and join "AWC Berlin Members Only PRIVATE" for casual exchanges among AWC members.

Ask your friends to visit us on Facebook or on our website!

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 authorised 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 My-Linh at president@awcberlin.org.

Thank you for your cooperation!

AWC Berlin Facebook Page | AWCB Website

Welcome to our New Members

Keatyn Blaeser

Kelley Bloodworth

Laura Depta

Katja Dunn

Laura Hohm

Jana Jones

Kathryn Lyon

Kristie Pomerance

Natalie Ward

Yvonne Wilhelmi

We look forward to seeing you 

at one of the events below!

Invitation to Welcome Back Lunch

Join us for our Welcome Back Daytime event to reconnect after summer break at the beautiful PATIO restaurant.  We have reserved the whole restaurant and need to have a minimum of 50 people, so we look forward to see you there. Cost is 22 Euro for 2 course meal with water and coffee (to be paid at the door). We will email you the menu choices closer to the date.

From Top 10 Berlin: The elegant boat restaurant Patio is moored on Moabit's Bärenbrücke with a view either of Moabiter Brücke, the glass building Federal Ministry of the Interior or the beautiful vintage buildings on Holsteiner Ufer. Aboard the restaurant boat you feel like sitting on a floating terrace. Below deck you sit beneath light-weight green arches and the large window front gives you an unimpeded view of the water. (S-Bahn Bellevue).

Because we have to guarantee attendance to the restaurant, your RSVP is binding. Please email rsvp@awcberlin.org by September 5th.

Click here to see this event in the AWC calendar.

When: Wednesday, September 12th  12:00-2:00pm 
Where: PATIO Boat Restaurant, Entrance is at corner of Helgoländer Ufer / Kirchstraße in 10557 Berlin
RSVP: to rsvp@awcberlin.org by September 5th!

Welcome Back Evening Reception

Join us for the Evening Welcome Back Reception. Space is limited, therefore priority will be given to those who cannot make the Daytime Luncheon on the 12th and new members. But all are invited to RSVP. 

Thank you to host Stephanie Biery, with her centrally located home and beautiful rooftop terrace. Fingers crossed for good weather so we can catch up with views of the Berlin skyline. 

€10 collected at the door to cover the cost of wine, water and light buffet. 

Click here to see this event in the AWC calendar. 

When: Wednesday, September 19th  7:00-9:30pm 
Where: Stephanie Biery's by Friedrichstraße
RSVP: to rsvp@awcberlin.org by September 15th

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!

Did you know that the Club has a blog? Our Berlin Americana Blog posts musings from our members on global, local and personal issues and experiences. It's been quiet since March, 2017. Therefore effective immediately, we would like to do a weekly post of YOUR writings. Send your submissions to blog editor, Janel Schermerhorn, at blog@awcberlin.org. Musings can take any format - short or long, serious, tough, funny, or downright silly. But in keeping with our non-partisan status, please no political pieces. click on image below to read our latest posts.

 

Also, our LIFE STORIES project, envisioned to be a beautiful published book of stories from our members, is still accepting submissions. The project was conceived in the Moving Pen writing group and launched in June, 2017. There have been 10 submissions so far. As soon as we have 20, we will look into publication. You don't have to write your life story, just a snap shot, a small story, an experience which has given you knowledge or a realization that you did not have before - therefore answering the prompt, "What I know now that I didn't know then." If you think you are interested in submitting something, email Suzy and Janel at lifestories@awcberlin.org right away - you DO NOT need a finished piece, just an idea. Suzy and Janel will work with you to shape your writing. 

September 2018 Calendar of Events

Daytime Activities

Jewish Berlin Walking Tour €15 

Wed, September 5th 10:00am-1:00pm Location: Hackescher Marktstation, Am Zwirngraben 4, 10178  rsvp@awcberlin.og

Walk with us on a 3-hr Insider Tour of Berlin's rich, historic Jewish life. A unique and storied history, through the Enlightenment, the Holocaust, and up to present-day revival. We'll meet at Hackerscher Markt at 10am. For more information click here to see this event in the AWC calendar.

Give GOLF a try - FREE

Sunday, September 9th 3pm-6pm Location: Märkischer Golf Club Potsdam Kemnitzer Schmiedeweg Werder, Havel 14542 RSVP: ttpotsdam@t-online.de

We will have 90 minutes basic group training just for AWC members from 3 pm to 4.30 pm, followed by a 9 hole round on the „Kurzplatz“,  (including golf balls and golf clubs ), all free of charge. To register or for more informations, please contact Tassula Tillberg Email: ttpotsdam@t-online.de Mobile: 0160 2434748 RSVP by September 3rd! For more information click here to see this event in the AWC calendar.

Welcome Back Luncheon

Wednesday, September 12th 12:00-2:00pm Location: PATIO Boat Restaurant, Entrance is at corner of Helgoländer Ufer / Kirchstraße in 10557 Berlin RSVP by Sept 5th by emailing: rsvp@awcberlin.org

Featured event, details above.   Click here to learn more about this event in the AWC calendar.

Exhibit: Wanderlust €12

Friday, September 14th 11:00am-1:00pm  Location: Alte Nationalgalerie, Bodestraße 1-3, 10178  rsvp@awcberlin.org

We'll explore the central theme of the wanderer from the 19th century to contemporary times, beginning with Caspar David Friedrich's masterpiece depicted here, "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog".  View works by Auguste Renoir, Carl Blechen, Ferdinand Hodler, Gustave Courbet, Paul Gauguin, and many more. We will meet at the ticket desk, Audio guides are available for additional €5. If we are a large enough group, we will book an English guide.  See event here in AWC calendar.

New Members' Coffee 

Wednesday, September 26th 10:30am-12:00pm  Location: Karen Castellon's home in Zehlendorf RSVP: membership@awcberlin.org

Welcome to AWC Berlin!  Whether or not you have already had a chance to experience an event, outing, or meeting with our club, this is the perfect opportunity for you to meet other new members.  We hope to see you there!   See event here in AWC calendar.

Recurring Daytime Activities

German Conversation

Mondays, September 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th 10:00am - 12:00pm Location: Wiener Conditorei at Truman Plaza (Clayallee 175 in 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.

Kaffee Klatsch West

Friday, September 7th 10:30am-12:00pm Location: centrally located Park Cafe, Fehrbelliner Pl. 8, 10707 Berlin (at 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, with whom to chat. Click here to see this event in the AWC calendar. No RSVP needed, just show up.

Creative Writing Practice €100

Tuesdays, September 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th 10:00am - 12:30pm Cost: 8 wks/€100 To RSVP and get more info: writingclass@awcberlin.org

New 8-week series. Join this diverse group of writers, whether you're a novice or a seasoned professional. No previous experience necessary. At our weekly gatherings, we apply various writing prompts as springboards to unlock and unleash our authentic voices, and share these writings in an atmosphere of trust and deep listening. Uncover the building blocks of good storytelling and 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. No classes during school holidays, LIMITED SPACES.  See event here in AWC calendar.

Tennis - (Beginner to) Advanced

Will start in October Mondays and Thursdays 10am-12noon RSVP: by emailing tennis@awcberlin.org

Tennis will continue in October on Mondays and Thursdays 10am-12noon. We are a core advanced group of 4, so unfortunately if you are a beginner, we can only accommodate you if we have 4 beginners signed up. Beginners would have lessons (at extra cost) with a trainer and then play round-robbins with each other. Cost is 700 Euro for the Winter season. We play at the Steglitz Blue/Gold Club. Contact our Tennis coordinators for more information.

Evening Activities

Evening Book Club

Tuesday, September 4th 7:00pm-9:00pm Location: Sara Switzman's home (Mitte) RSVP: by emailing bookclub@awcberlin.org

We’ll be discussing Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner. Please bring a light snack to share. Sara will provide wine and water. Open to AWC Berlin members only, except nonmembers may attend once prior to joining. You can get Sara's address in your membership directory, or ask for it when RSVPing.  Click here to see this event in the AWC calendar.

Gipsy Jazz at Iconic Clärchens Ballhaus €11

Thursday, September 6th 7:30-10:00pm Location: Clärchens Ballhaus, Auguststr 24 10117 RSVP by September 1st: rsvp@awcberlin.org

Another fun evening of cocktails & conversation, this time with music & dance as well! We're reserving 10 tickets, will meet in front of Gipsy Restaurant entrance at the Clärchens Ballhaus and go in together. Music program starts at 8:30. For more information click here to see this event in the AWC calendar.

Evening Workshop: Mindfulness Toolkit - Learn to Surf! 

Tuesday, September 11th 7:00-9:00pm Location: TBD RSVP: rsvp@awcberlin.org

Jenn Wood guides a two-hour workshop exploring mindfulness, self-care, stress reduction, self-compassion and compassion for others. Load your toolkit with helpful practices such as mindful movement, eating, centering, breathing, listening, and setting intentions. No previous experience necessary, wear comfortable clothes.  For more information click here to see details about this event and Jenn Wood in the AWC calendar.

Ronald McDonald House

Thursday, September 13th 7:00pm-9:00pm Location: Ronald McDonald House, Seestrasse 28  Berlin, Germany RSVP: RMDH@awcberlin.org

Every quarter, we cook dinner for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Berlin (RMDH). The house provides housing for out-of- town parents of patients at the nearby Charité hospital. We go grocery shopping, cook and serve for sometimes up to 50 people. We look forward to seeing you there for this fun and worthwhile community service event. Thank you for bringing smiles to these families.  For more information click here to see this event in the AWC calendar.

Evening Welcome Back Reception €5

Wednesday, September 19th 7:00-9:30pm Location: Stephanie Biery's (Mitte) RSVP: rsvp@awcberlin.org

See featured event above. Click here to find details on the AWC calendar.

Evening Women's Salon: Dancer's Tales  

Thursday, September 20th 7:00pm-9:00pm Location: TBD RSVP: womenssalon@awcberlin.org

You may have seen her ballet performance at our Members Showcase in May, and you'll definitely want to hear her tell us about her life and work from Puerto Rico to Berlin. Please bring a dish to share. Click here to find this event on the AWC calendar.

20s & 30s at Markthalle Neun

Thursday, September 27th 6:30-9:00pm Location: Markthalle Neun, Eisenbahnstr 42/43, 10997  RSVP: jgianas@gmail.com

Specifically for (but not limited to) our members in their 20s & 30s: Let's meet up out front of Markthalle 9, an indoor international market, then we can go inside together and grab some food and a drink and catch up. Please be sure to RSVP to Jennifer Padfield so we'll know who we're waiting for! Click here to find this event on the AWC calendar.

Recurring Evening Activities

Creative Writing Evening Practice €100

Wednesdays, September 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th 6:30pm - 9:00pm Cost: 8 wks/€100 To RSVP and get more info: email writingclass@awcberlin.org

New 8-week series. Join this diverse group of writers, whether you're a novice or a seasoned professional. No previous experience necessary. At our weekly gatherings, we apply various writing prompts as springboards to unlock and unleash our authentic voices, and share these writings in an atmosphere of trust and deep listening. Uncover the building blocks of good storytelling and 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. No classes during school holidays, LIMITED SPACES.  See event here in AWC calendar.

FAWCO Update

We received a Thank You from the FAWCO Target Program for our donation of 1200 Euro in May (from Robin Goldsby's charity concert on May 14). Region 5 (Germany & Austria) FAWCO clubs are holding our regional meeting this year in Heidelberg the weekend of November 10th. Details here.  Hosted by Heidelberg International Women's Club - brand new club and FAWCO member - the meeting promises to be informative and fun! Please let me know if you are interested in attending. president@awcberlin.org. Read the Summer 2018 issue of the FAWCO Forum - the official FAWCO semi-annual newsletter or scroll through FAWCO's latest news. FAWCO also publishes special interest bulletins. To subscribe, register on the FAWCO website at www.fawco.org and click "Subscribe" at the top of the website. Here are a few of the latest: FAWCO Health Bulletin - July 2018 FAWCO Environment Bulletin - June 2018 FAWCO Education Bulletin - June 2018

Forward this newsletter to your friends in Berlin!