BT November 2014 Bamboo Telegraph American Women’s
Transcription
BT November 2014 Bamboo Telegraph American Women’s
BT Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 American Women’s Association of Singapore BT NOVEMBER 2014 Contents American Women’s Association of Singapore 10 Claymore Hill Singapore 229573 General Manager: Sarah Cockerill Main: 6734-4895 Fax: 6733-6190 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm AWA Board & Committee President: Annette Foster First Vice-President: Kristina Thompson Second Vice-President: Erin Michaelis Third Vice-President: Mary Leadbetter Treasurer: Caryn Pesek Corresponding Secretary: Jennifer Daniels Recording Secretary: Stephania Moore Bamboo Telegraph: Coreen Knox Community Outreach: Janie Butler Membership: Peggy Bronner Social: Amy Buchan Special Interests: Tara Eastep Sponsorship: Valerie Castellana Sports: Amy Lovas Tours: Constance Hsia 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 15 16 18 20 22 24 25 27 29 30 32 President's Message Membership Monthly Luncheon/ Choir Holiday Concert Holiday Luncheon Cocktail Club Carpet Auction/ Arts & Culture Kids' Korner Book Review Holiday Lights Expat Expertise Nearly New Sale Community Outreach AWA Activities Red Lantern Diary Local Tours Foreign Tours Tennis Golf Writers' Block Recipe of the Month Member Benefits November/ December Calendars Parliamentarian: Schuyler House General Manager: Sarah Cockerill AWA Registration Policies Bookings open on the first working day of the month. You must register in advance to attend an event. If an event is full, please ask to be added to the waitlist. Events end at approximately the listed time. Only adults over 18 years may attend AWA events unless otherwise designated. AWA Cancellation Policies • All AWA event fees include a $5 non-refundable cancellation charge. This cannot be returned under any circumstances. • You may cancel your attendance at an event by calling the AWA office at 6734-4895, no less than 4 working days prior to the event. • Your money will be refunded to you in the following ways: If you registered online via Paypal or in person by cash, check or NETS, it will be refunded by cash (less the non-refundable $5 charge), which you must collect from the office no later than 1 month from the date of the event. If you do not collect the cash by this date, it will be forfeit. If you registered via phone or in person by credit card, it will be refunded to your credit card (less the non-refundable $5 charge). You will need to give your credit card details again to receive the refund. • You may transfer your attendance to another AWA member, no less than 4 working days prior to the event, by emailing [email protected] with the new attendee’s name. • Cancellations received within 4 working days of the event will not be refunded. • Exception for ongoing activity fees (e.g. Mahjong): You may transfer your attendance to a future date of the same activity, without incurring the $5 fee. At the time you transfer your attendance, you must specify which future date you wish to transfer to. You can transfer your attendance up to 4 working days prior to the event. Please be advised that any names listed in this publication, the AWA directory or any other material published by AWA are for the exclusive use of AWA members only. Any commercial use is strictly prohibited. The Bamboo Telegraph is published 10 times per year. The American Women’s Association and the Bamboo Telegraph neither endorse nor take responsibility for the opinions expressed herein. Please address all comments and queries to the Bamboo Telegraph Editor. AWA does not endorse or promote any product or service offered through any advertisement that may appear in the Bamboo Telegraph. Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org 1 President's Message November 2014 Bamboo Telegraph Production Team BT Editor Coreen Knox [email protected] BT Staff Niki Cholet Sue Levens Carolinn Sheely BT Advertising Karen Innes-Mulhall [email protected] Features Contributors Judith Agusti Jill Cordry Elizabeth Kain Annette Lang Carolinn Sheely Visit us on the internet: www.awasingapore.org Facebook: Awa Singapore Questions, comments and administrative issues, please email us: [email protected] Printed by Xpress Print (Pte) Ltd 6880-2881, fax 6880-2998 [email protected] President's Message...... As a longer term expat, it seems that time goes by even more quickly living overseas. Exactly my point- we are actually heading into November 2014. Where has this year gone? I am not sure about you, but the final few months of each year are always my favorite time. November, for instance, reminds me of family time with Thanksgiving events, enjoying following both college and professional football and the change to cold weather clothing (not so much in Singapore but we have all seen the coats and cold weather gear in the shop windows on Orchard Road and wondered why?!) I know some of our AWA members head home in November to spend time with friends and family. For those of us that stay in Singapore, enjoy your Singapore extended group of close friends as they will remain in your life forever. Keep on cherishing your time living overseas, and specifically in Singapore. October at the AWA was particularly memorable, as we had one of the year’s most anticipated events - The Home Tour. As usual, it was an absolutely full event and a great success. The ladies and gentlemen that opened up their homes to this event all had beautiful homes and were extremely inviting. I have to say a special thank you to the Chairs, Andrea Richards and Connie Hsia, who were the organizers of this year’s Home Tour event - your dedication and hard work made for a flawless event. We had a great start to the 2014 Home Tour at Hedger’s Carpet store on Dempsey Hill. Along with viewing an array of beautiful hand knotted carpets, Alice and Peter of Hedger’s also offered our members a wonderful continental breakfast. As the five full buses of AWA members left Dempsey Hill, we were welcomed at four homes and one luxury condo for the Home Tour journey. The 2014 version of the AWA tour included the spectacular condo of Mr. John Erdos. As most of you know, Mr. Erdos has a wonderful home furnishing store and is a top interior designer. We also had the honor of visiting the home of Valerie Brandt, the home of the United State Deputy Chief of Missions. Our AWA members were also honored to spend some time in two traditional Singaporean Black and White homes. One was the home of Kate Saynor, a well-known philanthropist in our community. The other Black and White was the home of Aarya Surindhara, a local restaurant owner and a leading hospitality entrepreneur. Finally, we visited Nina Beale’s beach bungalow home. Nina is a professional interior decorator and the proprietor of Bungalow 55. We could not have imagined a better line-up of beautiful residences for the 2014 AWA Home Tour. On behalf of the AWA, thank you John, Valerie, Kate, Aarya and Nina for making this event memorable for all. As you all know, the AWA is a not for profit organization, but it still needs exceptional volunteers to run it in a business-like manner. Over the years and especially now, the AWA has had a group of trailing spouses that are highly educated and professionally trained MICA [P] 156/03/2014 women. In this month’s publication of the Bamboo Telegraph, I would like to tell you about just one of functions of the AWA organization and the wonderful women that give their time to make our association successful. Our all-volunteer Treasury department controls the AWA’s finances. This function is now lead by our newly elected Treasurer Caryn Pesak. Within her team are Sally Raney, Carolinn Sheely and Jane Brooks. These women have done an outstanding job in 2014 and I wanted to pass along the thanks of all the AWA members for their hard work and effort, because we can say, show me the money, and they can….! As mentioned above, November is a month to give thanks. I want to personally say thank you to all our valued members. You make our organization vibrant. And, I keep in mind that we are a group of volunteers and volunteers are special people. Thank you to all our volunteers as you are the on-going heart of the AWA. Quote of the Month: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” - President John F. Kennedy 2 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 AWA Events and Activities for Working Women and Couples The AWA strives to listen to the feedback from our members and constantly improve our programs. Throughout the year there are many events and activities that are perfect for our professional members as well as couples. We also work very hard to ensure that there is something for our members who are looking for things to do in the evenings and on weekends! Join us for a fun and fashionable gathering! See old friends and meet new friends, as well as look at cool and comfy clothing for the steamy Singapore weather! You may even be a model! Date: Tuesday, November 11 Time:3 pm - 5 pm Venue: Island Shop Tanglin Mall, #02-11/12 Cost: Free of charge Membership November Meet and Greet & Monthly Meeting We had two great events in September that fit that bill! On the evening of September 26th we had a wine tasting with our wine sponsor, Benchmark Wines. On Saturday, September 27th there was a local tour that was enjoyed by all! If these events are of interest to you, keep an eye out for Cocktail Clubs, Carpet Auctions, Wine Tastings, the Holiday Lights Tour, among many others throughout the year! Register at www.awasingapore.org AWA MISSION STATEMENT T h e A m e r i c a n Wo m e n' s Association of Singapore is a volunteer run social organization whose mission is to bring together women with common interests through activities, events, and to build awareness of the greater Singapore community. Our Cover: 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City lev radin / Shutterstock.com Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org 3 Monthly Luncheon/ AWA International Choir AWA Monthly Luncheon You and Your Helper: Effective Employee Management Do you already have a helper but you're overwhelmed with information? Are you considering hiring a helper but just don’t know where to begin? Please join us for a guest speaker from Singapore Expat Solutions as they speak to the topic of “Domestic Helper Services.” Learn what to consider such as the Singaporean laws, interview tips, post hiring settling, and more. Date: Thursday, November 6 Time:12 noon – 2:30 pm Venue: Lime House, 2 Jiak Chuan Road Price: $40 Members/ $50 Guests, includes lunch Join the AWA at our regular monthly luncheons to hear interesting speakers and make new friends. You can register for the monthly luncheon via the AWA website at www.awasingapore.org. AWA International Choir presents.... Join us for a festive musical evening as the ladies of the AWA International Choir Sing Noel to Celebrate our Holidays. Date: Time: Venue: Cost: Thursday, December 11 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Colonial Room The American Club $20 Members/$26.50 Guests/$16.50 Child (under 12) Tickets include a buffet dinner, glass of wine, family, friends and a not so Silent Night. Tickets available for sale at the American Club Concierge Desk starting early November and are non- refundable. 4 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 DATE: Holiday Luncheon Friday, December 12 TIME: 11 am - Doors open for shopping and bubbles 12 noon - Lunch program 2 pm - More shopping VENUE: Tower Ballroom, Shangri-La Hotel COST: $85 Members/ $100 Guests Includes a 3 course lunch and wine (from Benchmark Wines), and a beautiful favor. Please join us for a festive day of shopping, eating, friendship, and holiday cheer! Enjoy a delicious lunch and last minute shopping with our favorite vendors. Register online at awasinagpore.org. Please note this a no cancellation event. Cocktail Club/ From our Advertisers Cocktail Club – Hyatt Martinis DATE: Wednesday, November 19 TIME: 7 pm – 10 pm VENUE: Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Martini Bar @ Mezza9 COST: Free of charge. Drinks at own cost. LIMIT: 50 DESCRIPTION: Get your glad rags on and join the ladies of the AWA Cocktail Club as we go Martini Mad at the Hyatt. With one of the largest selection of martinis in Singapore, you can choose from over 40 specially concocted martinis, including the signature lychee martini. All house-pour drinks are 50% off. This event is ladies only, feel free to invite your friends, and if the night goes well there may be dancing later! Dress: pull out your best cocktail frock – this is your chance to get dressed up for the night! Register via www.awasingapore.org. 6 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 Annual Carpet Auction Carpet Auction/ Arts & Culture The AWA Venue: Raffles Hotel- East India room Date: Friday, November 7 Time: 6:30 pm drinks, light dinner, and carpet viewing 7:30 pm auction starts Cost: $30 Members / $40 Guests Register online at www.awasingapore.org. ARTS & CULTURE Highlights of the Peranakan Museum What better way to dip into Singaporean life than by discovering the Highlights of the Peranakan Museum? The Malay term ‘peranakan’ meaning ‘locally born’ refers to the children of traders from throughout Southeast Asia and local women––the three main groups being Peranakan Chinese, Peranakan Indians, and Jawi Peranakans. The museum contains the most extensive collection of art and artifacts from this unique, hybrid culture that is part of Singapore’s living heritage. In this guided tour led by Friends of the Museum docent, Philippa Johnson, we will explore a carefully chosen selection of jaw-dropping visual arts and objets d’art representative of Peranakan culture. We will also be fortunate to visit the temporary special exhibition Auspicious Designs: Batik for Peranakan Altars, which features tok wi (altar cloths) produced for Peranakan Chinese on the north coast of Java that blend traditional Chinese symbols with designs from Europe and Southeast Asia. Date: Wednesday, November 19 Time: 10:45 am – 12:15 pm (please arrive at 10:30 am) Cost: $9 Members/$12 Guests Venue: Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian Street Limit: 12 You can register at www.awasingapore.org. Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org 7 K I D S K O R N E R CHILDREN'S THEATER EVENT! J unior Claus is the rebellious heir to an immense empire in the North Pole, where elves busily prepare for the biggest day of the year - Christmas. When Santa falls into a deep sleep because the Belief-o-Meter falls to a dangerously low level, Grumpo the greedy elf assumes power as Chief Inventor in Santa’s workshop. After Junior runs away from home, Grumpo attempts to achieve his sinister goal: ruin the Yuletide season forever. W ill Junior return home to save Santa? Can he rekindle the Christmas spirit? Join Junior and his friends, Chipper the elf and Pengy the penguin, as they race against time to bring Christmas back. Date: Time: Venue: Cost: Sunday, December 14 11 am - 12:30 pm DBS Arts Centre - Home of SRT 20 Merbau Rd., Robertson Quay $33 Members/$39 Guests Recommended for 5 years-old and above. Babies in arms must have tickets. Register by Tuesday, December 2. No refunds if cancelled. Book your tickets for these specially discounted Category 1 seats online at www.awasingapore.org. m o m 2 P s b e L A Y G R O U P S Expecting in 2014 or early 2015? Come chat with others every week about the joys and challenges of growing a baby. Share stories and advice and even swap books through the Bumps, Babies & Beyond – family books at the AWA office. We welcome ladies at all stages of pregnancy and experienced mommas as well as first timers alike. Join over 100 other moms involved in the AWA playgroups. Get out of the house and gather in a comfortable, safe, and stimulating setting for the little ones to interact and learn important social skills while moms chat over coffee. Meetings are held once a week at the homes of members. Stressed about hosting? Who has more sympathy for a messy house and smelly kids than other moms? Have some beverages and toys and all will be happy! Ranging in age from newborns to four years old we are sure to have a group for you. Please email Jennifer at [email protected] to join the AWA Kids’ Groups. 8 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 Travel Asia With Kids Traveling as a family involves unique and strategic planning logistics. Are you keen to explore the wonderful travel opportunities Asia has to offer but are unsure about where, how, and when to go? Then, come along to join travel expert and mom of three, Jess Yap of Country Holidays, as she shares her personal and professional tips and insights into traveling with kids. Equipped with 10 years of working for Country Holidays and a lifelong passion for travel, Jess claims her favorite memories are of the unforgettable trekking days in Nepal, as well as her close encounter with a charging elephant at the Sabi Sands in South Africa. Now, as a mother of an 8, a 6 and a 3 year old, Jess is eager to show her children the world, and takes them along her travels at every opportunity. Date: Wednesday, December 3 Time:7:30 pm – 9:30 pm OR Date: Wednesday, December 10 Time:9:30 am – 11:30 am Venue: The American Club The Atrium (Level 3) Price: $10 Members/ $15 Guests Kid's Korner/ AAS Turkey Trot AWA Kid's Social Network Talk The talks will last approximately 1.5 hours, including question time. This is an adult only event. No refund or cancellations received after Wednesday, November 26. Register via www.awasingapore.org. Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org 9 Book Review/ From our Advertisers AWA BOOK GROUP Review Me Before You by Jojo Moyes “I was twenty-six years old and I wasn’t really sure about what I was. You probably wouldn’t look at me twice. An ordinary girl, leading an ordinary life. It actually suited me fine.” With this introduction we meet Louisa Clark, sole breadwinner for her family of four generations, who lives in cottage in a small English village beside Stortfold Castle. Lou works as a waitress at the Buttered Rum café, serving breakfasts and chatting with tourists. That is, until the café is forced to close and she must find another job to support her family. Will Traynor had possessed his world. His wealthy family lives in Granta House, on the opposite side of the Castle. Will relished big business deals, loved high adventure sports, vacationed in exotic faraway places, and had his pick of many glamorous girlfriends. Until his accident. Now he is a quadriplegic - unable to walk, unable to feed himself, unable to control anything in his endless days. In Me Before You, author Jojo Moyes brings these two characters together in a journey that touches the heart and gives the reader much to think about. In desperate need of a job, Lou becomes caregiver and companion to Will in spite of her lack of experience. She is trapped in the limitations she and her family have imposed on her life. He is moody and acerbic; frustrated with the fate he has been dealt. Lou fears Will wants to end his life and makes it her goal to show him that in spite of his disabilities it is still worth living. He wants her to grow outside her self-imposed limits. Through Lou’s carefully planned adventures and Will’s desire to expand her narrow worldview, they experience sometimes painful, sometimes humorous, and sometimes touching insights and perspectives of each other’s lives. Their friendship grows into love, but is that enough for Will to choose to live? How will Louisa’s life be changed? The character development in this novel is very good. Moyes invents two very different families from opposite ends of the economic spectrum and gives a glimpse of the dynamics of each. The main characters and their family members are charismatic and engaging. Their pain, their perspectives, and their love for each other are credible. Moyes puts the reader in the shoes of various characters to understand their points of view and provides lots to think about. Our AWA book group felt Me Before You was a great discussion piece for its character’s viewpoints, its insights into quadriplegia issues, and the controversy of assisted suicide. The book, and our discussion, left each of us to ponder what we would do as a terminally ill or totally care-dependent patient or as their mother, father, sister, brother, caregiver, friend or lover. Who is in control? What do you do when the only control over your life is death? How do you cope when your head says “let him go” and your heart says “no”? When the only thing left is to give in? Or is it? Reviewed by Carolinn Sheely 10 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 Holiday Lights Bus Tour Holiday Lights Bus Tour It’s that time of year again when Singapore’s streets light up with seasonal cheer! Join us for our annual tradition of touring the spectacular Christmas lights on Orchard Road from an open top bus! Snacks and treats will be served as you arrive, prior to boarding the bus. New this year is Bus E - the Exclusively Adults (18+ years old) bus! Bring a bevvy for the bus ride, and continue the partying in town when you get dropped off in the Duxton neighborhood. Date: Saturday, December 6 Times: Choose from 5 departure options: Bus A at 7 pm, Bus B at 7:20 pm, Bus C at 7:40 pm, Bus D at 8 pm, Bus E (Adults 18+) at 8:20 pm. Check-in is 20 minutes before bus departure time. Rain or shine, we will ride! Cost: $25 Members/ $32 for Guests. Ticket price includes pre-tour refreshments and a 45 minutes bus tour. Register via the AWA website at www.awasingapore.org. Please note this a no cancellation event. Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org 11 Expat Expertise/ From our Advertisers EX PAT PERTISE by Jill Cordry Everyday Exhaustion When we are in our home country, we spend a good deal of our day on auto-pilot. In his book The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg describes 15 different actions and considerations involved in backing our car out of the garage. When we first learned to drive, this was a stressful exercise and took a great deal of concentration. But, once the actions were repeated often enough, they became a “habit” and we only had to focus on whether there was traffic in the street. Our brain was free to contemplate an upcoming meeting, listen to the news or to take a break while we sang along with the radio. According to one paper cited in the book, more than 40 percent of the actions people perform each day aren’t actual decisions, but habits. Obviously, they weren’t studying the life of an expat. Our brains are working on over-drive over-time. There is little room upstairs for the patience required when every store is out of your daughter’s favorite cereal. When trying to explain this aspect of expat challenge to people at home, the closest analogy I can find is the remodeling of a local grocery store. Daily. But still, familiar architectural cues will indicate where to park and enter. You know the sugar will be on the same aisle as the flour and the oil with the vinegar. In addition to navigating a foreign and seemingly constantly changing landscape, our time saving and brain easing automatic habits haven’t travelled with us. Therefore, our tasks take longer and require more thought. Hence, the cliché, “If you’ve crossed more items off your to-do list than you’ve added, you’ve had a successful Expat Day.” The good news is that our brains are wired to turn routines into habits. We just need to establish routines. If you take the MRT regularly, you probably experimented with different routes until you found the most efficient one. Then you took the same route everyday until it became a habit so strong that you can walk home without thinking and without remembering to step out of your way to pick-up the dry cleaning. And, this being Singapore, you still have to worry about cars accelerating when you try to cross the street and the MRT entrance being in a different place than the week before. Life moves quickly in Singapore, and dealing with uncertainty is part of being an expat. Experiencing “the new” isn’t the same as when we are traveling as a tourist. We are not seeking novelty and learning experiences, but rather trying to live our lives and fulfill our daily responsibilities. Doing things for the first time, or without an established routine, brings with it an element of uncertainty. We experience, whether we realize it or not, an anxiety which also saps our mental energy. By establishing routines, for ourselves and our families, we can reduce our mental expenditures and diminish the uncertainty in our lives. Your mind will then be freer to focus on finding running shoes for your teenage son. 12 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 Nearly New Sale GREAT DEALS ON MATERNITY, BABY & KIDS CLOTHES, TOYS AND BOOKS. Date: Saturday, November 15 Time:10 am - 12:30 pm Venue: Stamford American International School 279 Upper Serangoon Road Just 300 m from Woodleigh MRT (exit B) ALL ARE WELCOME! FREE ENTRANCE - FREE PARKING REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE AT CAFE STAMFORD CASH ONLY VISIT THE JUNIOR SALE & BUSINESSES Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org 13 From our Advertisers 14 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 The children from Lakeside Family Services enjoyed a Morning of Music Appreciation at the Yong Siew Toh Music Conservatory (YSTMC). Twenty-six children ages 7-14 attended the noon recital conducted by conservatory students playing various instruments such as, piano, violin, viola and flute. Dr. Bernard Lanskey, Director of the YSTMC, introduced the concert to the children. It was a beautiful morning of music for both the children and AWA volunteers. Thanks to all the AWA volunteers! Community Outreach COMMUNITY OUTREACH UPCOMING VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES To register please visit the AWA website at www.awasingapore.org. Food from the Heart Food from the Heart distributes bread and non-perishable food items to needy families and other needy beneficiaries island-wide. Join other AWA women to pack and sort food for needy families at the warehouse. *Please note: the FFTH warehouse has a new location. Date: Thursday, November 6 Time:9:30 am - 12 noon Location: Food from the Heart Warehouse 130 Joo Seng Road #03-01 Asian Women’s Welfare Association Asian Women’s Welfare Association and the AWA will be holding a baking lesson with the SMILES (special needs) children. Join a few other AWA women to bake and support these underprivileged children. Volunteers will be asked to contribute to baking ingredients for the session (details will be provided after sign up). Date: Tuesday, November 18 Time:9 am – 11 am Location: Asian Women's Welfare Association, No. 9 Lorong Napiri Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org 15 AWA Ac Special Interest Groups Euchre Rosanne Hebert, [email protected] Once a month on a Friday or Saturday evening, byob and munchie. Ice and mix to be provided by host. We will alternate homes/ party Lily Chen, [email protected] Ideal for those taking Mandarin lessons, who want more function rooms. Beginners and husbands welcome! Easy to learn! opportunity to speak, or native speakers willing to help International Choir enthusiastic learners. We meet every Thursday at 10 am to practice Terri Dougherty, [email protected] our speaking and listening skills. Our aim is to practice what we Under the direction of professional soprano singer, Masako have learned. Johnson, the AWA International Choir rehearses and performs two programs per year. New members are welcomed at the AWA Market Place beginning of each season: early September and mid-January. sites.google.com/site/awamarketplace Moving? Repatriating? Out with the old and in with the new? Rehearsals are every Wednesday from 10-12 at St. Bernadette's Market Place online is the place to sell it! Buy and sell personal Church. Main performances are at Christmas and in late spring, and household goods and include photos of your items. No when the choir sings at local old-age centers, schools for special merchandise and no advertising allowed. Access to the website needs children and a concert evening at the American Club. requires a free Google account (all email accounts accepted) and confirmation of AWA membership. Contact Cindy Macholan at Mahjong Zeenit Wise, [email protected] [email protected] for more information. We play the international style in a low-stress, FUN and ‘learnerBeading Buddies friendly’ atmosphere on Mondays at the American Club. A light Malu Kaul, [email protected] lunch and drinks are served throughout the afternoon. Sessions For all those who enjoy beading, want to improve your skill level start at 12:30 pm for lunch, play begins at 1 pm. Teaching sessions are or meet new friends, just bring along your beads, your tools and conducted twice a month and players need to attend two teaching your inspiration and join us! We meet every second and fourth sessions (AWA members only) before attending regular sessions. Thursday of the month from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm in a member’s Mahjong costs $20 for AWA members and you must register with home. the office by the preceding Thursday to play. After Ni Hao Bunco Motivational Book Groups Photography Jo Sochi, [email protected] Bunco is a simple dice game but mostly it’s a fun excuse to get together once a month, meet new people, see old friends and enjoy some adult beverages. Contact Jo if you would like to join the afternoon or evening group. Judy Agusti, [email protected] Traditional styled book groups allow you the opportunity to meet other women and to participate in a regular discussion of books. Book group members decide on the books to read in advance so that everyone has ample time to obtain and read them. For a more comprehensive listing of book groups’ meeting times, openings and book lists, contact the coordinator. Christian Connection Angel Corrigan, [email protected] Christian Connection provides valuable information and resources to help you and your family connect with local churches, youth organizations, Bible study groups and more. We act as a clearing house for information on ‘What’s On’ within the Christian Community in Singapore. Our Book Club reads women’s Christian fiction. We meet to discuss our books on the 3rd Monday of the month. To get connected contact Angel. Culture Vultures [email protected] Find out more about local theatre productions, shows, concerts, art exhibits and other cultural events around town. No organized events, just book your own tickets and meet up with others before, during, or after the event. Email to put your name on the email list. book group Mae-Ling Tien, [email protected] Focusing on promoting positive outlooks, attitudes and behaviors in our lives, our group meets once every two weeks on a Tuesday morning from 10 am to 12 noon to discuss a section of a personal development book. Books are selected by group consensus. Helga Herrera, [email protected] Meet people interested and skilled in photography and participate in regular monthly activities, such as photography field trips, workshops, exhibitions, competitions, fairs and much more. This group is a forum to discuss and share our views and skills about photography. Contact Helga for details. Quilting Caryn Pesek and Eileen Robinson, [email protected] This is an opportunity to pick up your quilting again! Perhaps you are looking for companions who share the passion of quilting. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 10 am -3 pm. Scrapbooking Susan Studebaker-Rutledge, [email protected] If you want to get all your priceless photos organized, this is the group for you. We usually meet the first and third Thursdays of the month at 10 am. Please contact Susan if interested. Social Bridge Jill Cordry, [email protected] Social Bridge is for ladies who want to improve their game in a relaxed conversational atmosphere. We play a "Chicago" Four-Deal Rotation, changing partners throughout the afternoon. We accept players from "experienced beginner" upward, with our more Duplicate Bridge advanced players happy to coach those newer to the game. Every Karol Crouse, [email protected] few weeks a new bidding convention is introduced or reviewed AWA Bridge meets Monday afternoons at the Colonial Room with set hands for practice. We play on Thursday afternoons at in the American Club. We play according to American standard Ardmore Park. five-card major rules. Players do not need a partner to join. We do play duplicate but we randomly determine partners on the Writers’ Group day of play or you are welcome to pair up ahead of time. Cost is Melissa Diagana and Vanessa Hangad, [email protected] $17 Members/$22 Guests for a sumptuous lunch at noon. A fun Explore your inner writer! Beginning and published writers meet afternoon of bridge play at the friendliest game in town! Contact to discuss their works in a non-threatening atmosphere. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 10 am to 12 noon Karol for more information or to sign up. at a member's home or coffee shop. 16 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 ctivities Social Activities Sports Children’s Playgroups Bowling Delphine Granger, [email protected] Standing playgroups for infants to 4 year olds meet weekly at a member’s home or a planned venue. Please contact Kimberly for more information or to join a group. DISH (Diner in Sensory Heaven) Andrea Masi and Lisa Wildeman, [email protected] DISH is a monthly social luncheon, located at various awesome restaurants throughout Singapore, held on the first Tuesday of every month. Grab the hand of a friend and join us. Please email or join AWA DISH Facebook group page for lunch and to RSVP. Kids’ Social Network Kelli Dunn, [email protected] AWA Fun Bowling is played on Fridays at 9:45 am at the American Club bowling alley. We don’t have teams, just come and bowl. If you are looking for a good time with friends that last a lifetime, come and join. You don’t have to be good. You just have to be FUN! Golf 18-hole group: Ann Min, [email protected] 9-hole group: Lola Finley, [email protected] Join the 18-hole group for a friendly round of golf every Wednesday morning on regulation courses in Singapore. Contact Connie for 18-hole tee times. The 9-hole group plays on Thursday mornings on an executive golf course. Contact Sharon for 9-hole information; perfect for beginners or to work on your short game. Delphine Granger, [email protected] Join the AWA Kids Social Network on Facebook and start interacting! Want to suggest KSN activities? Want to find out about Tennis AWA kids events? Do you simply want to connect? Lookup AWA Leslie Swift, [email protected] Kids Social Network and request to be added. No advertising; no The tennis committee offers a variety of singles and doubles play soliciting. Only AWA members and their trusted guests may join. for players of all levels. The seasons run from September through December, February through April. Other team tennis is offered Mom 2 Be Meetup in the off season from December through February. Tournaments Delphine Granger, [email protected] and an annual luncheon are offered in May. Please contact our Pregnant? Looking to meet other women who are pregnant too? assessment coordinators Emily Bodden and Janet Maurillo at Join us for a coffee hour and chat about whatever might be on [email protected] to set up a session. your mind, as you get ready for the arrival of your little one! A great way to meet other pregnant women who are experiencing Running Kie Young, [email protected] the same joys of pregnancy. Dust off your old trainers and join us for a Tuesday morning Movie Lunch run from 8 am till 10 am as we explore Singapore various areas of Anne Perng, [email protected] Singapore. Afterwards, we reward ourselves with the appropriate The Movie Lunch Group meets once a month for lunch and a movie 'cool down' at a nearby cafe. in the Orchard Road area. For more information or to be added to Walking our contact list, email Anne. Laura Duplantis, [email protected] A great way to kick-start your week. Join us every Monday morning at 9:45 am for a walk of about 1-1.5 hours. We walk in a variety of beautiful places to enjoy the exercise, scenery and Cancer Support Group friendly conversation. Each week, walking locations, directions Elissa Bayliss, [email protected] and rideshare information are posted in advance on our Facebook This group meets once a month during the third week of the group page - AWA Walking with Women. To join, go to our month. All are welcome to join. The focus is on mutual support Facebook page and request to join the group or email Laura. and sharing information among fellow cancer patients, survivors and friends. Contact the coordinator for additional information. Community Activities Regular Coffees Community outreach Janie Butler, [email protected] This group is for those interested in receiving regular communications about ways to volunteer in the community. If you would like to get even more involved, there is also a CO Committee which works with the AWA featured organizations and plans the activities. To be added to the group list or to join the CO Committee, please contact the CO chair. Mount Elizabeth Visitation Isabella Duncan, [email protected] Volunteers are needed to visit hospitalized expat patients. Please check with the coordinator for dates and times for visitations. Monthly magazines are donated by SPH Magazines and Expat Living; however, donations of other recent magazines are also needed. Please drop them off at the AWA Office. Just Coffee (alternate Fridays) Lynn Lees, [email protected] Just Coffee meets every other Friday at Coffee Bean at the Forum from 10 am to 12 noon. It’s a wonderful way to meet new friends or reconnect with old friends. Just show up. Women’s Social Network (Wednesdays) Jessica Fonseca, [email protected] Join our WSN Google group if you would like to exchange information and ask questions about life in Singapore. Whether you are looking for a friend to join you for a movie night or need help finding a store that sells shoes in your size, the WSN group can help. To join, email [email protected] to be added to the Google groups list. There is a coffee meet every Wednesday at 313 Somerset Starbucks; contact the coordinator for details. Meet & Greet (Monthly) Pegge Bronner, [email protected] Please join us for our monthly coffee as we welcome returning and new members to join us to learn about what the AWA has to offer and to provide help and information to make Singapore feel like home. Details on our membership page. Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org 17 Red Lantern Diary By Elizabeth Kain Singapore for Newcomers Singapore offers a wealth of cultural, recreational and historic sights. With its multi-lingual citizenry (who are happy to direct you) and excellent public transportation, the country is easily accessible to everyone. The only challenge you will have is deciding what to see first and finding the time to experience everything on your list. With respect to the former, I offer some our family favorites. I hope you’ll enjoy these excursions as much as we did when we first arrived. Relax in the Botanic Garden A stroll in the verdant Botanic Garden is one of Singapore’s highlights. The lovely and plentiful outdoor sculpture art adds to its appeal, and while bikes are prohibited, scooters are not and provide a fun way for kids to experience the park. If you love music, check the schedule for free concerts, and be sure to leave time for the spectacular Orchid Garden. The Park’s Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden provides a wonderful learning and play environment for youngsters under 12. Admission: Park is free; Orchid Garden is $5 for adults and $1 for students. Opening hours: 5 am to 12 midnight daily (Orchid Garden 8:30 am to 7 pm) Address: 1 Cluny Road Web site: www.sbg.org.sg Learn about the country’s history at The National Museum of Singapore Housed in a lovely colonial building, this is my daughter’s favorite museum in Singapore. It offers a fantastic History Gallery that takes visitors from Singapore’s beginnings to today. An added bonus is a special audio guide for children aged 7 and up. The interactive exhibits in the Living Galleries introduce newcomers to the country’s food and fashion. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for children (6 to 18), seniors and students. Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm daily for History Gallery; 10 am to 8 pm for Living Galleries. Address: 93 Stamford Road Web site: www.nationalmuseum.sg Cruise the Singapore River The Singapore River has long been the heart and soul of the city. Today, a cruise on a “bumboat” affords visitors an excellent sense of the country’s past and present. You can’t beat it for panoramic skyline vistas, and as you cruise, you’ll also get a good view of the country’s Merlion mascot (2002), Cavenagh Bridge (1870), neo-classical Fullerton Hotel (1928), statue of Singapore founder, Sir Stamford Raffles (1887), and the Esplanade (2002), Singapore’s iconic performing arts center. Getting there: You may board the boats at any of the jetties along the Singapore River. I recommend starting your journey at Clarke Quay, so you can have a tasty lunch before or after your cruise. You should expect to pay around $20 per adult and $12 per child. 18 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 Maxwell Food Centre: 1 Kadayanallur Street Opening hours: 8am to 10pm daily. Discover a bit of old Singapore at Pulau Ubin If you have not yet ventured to nearby Pulau Ubin, a small island off the northeast coast, you are in for a treat. It provides a reminder of what Singapore must have been like 50 years ago, before the arrival of glass towers and monolithic shopping malls. Indeed, it is a place where one may still find remnants of the country’s kampong village life: verdant hills, an abundance of wildlife, and the peace and solitude sometimes missing in our busy, everyday existence. Red Lantern Diary Eat at a hawker centre During the 1970’s the government of Singapore moved all the street food to central locations known as “Hawker Centres.” The move included a licensing and rating system that ensured cleanliness of these small eateries. Today, they offer affordable, and delicious meals. My favorite is Maxwell Centre, near Chinatown. Try Chicken Rice, often cited as Singapore’s national dish. Getting there: Go to Changi Jetty (Changi Point Ferry Terminal), located not far from the Changi Village Hawker Centre. Cost per person per ride is $2.50. Bumboats run from sunrise to sunset. Have a drink on the roof of the Marina Bay Sands Once you have admired the hotel’s unique architecture from a bumboat, ride the elevator to the top to enjoy a different kind of view. On a clear day, you can get a great bird’s eye perspective of the city. Tip: Instead of paying $23 for the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, go the Ku De Ta Sky Bar. You have free access to the top and can sit and sip a glass of wine while enjoying the same view. The price will come out about the same once you’ve paid for your drink, but – especially during off-peak hours - the overall experience is greatly enhanced. Admission: SkyPark is $23 for adults, $17 for children and $20 for seniors; Ku De Ta Sky Bar is free though one drink will cost approximately $20 per person. Opening Hours: SkyPark is open 9:30 am to 10 pm (11 pm on weekends); Ku De Ta is open from 12 noon to late. Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue Website: www.marinabaysands.com Try foot reflexology While in Singapore you should consider trying foot reflexology, an ancient Chinese custom still popular today. While many westerners consider this simply a foot massage, reflexology equates each area of your foot to a part of your body. This means that if you have a particular ache or pain, it can be remedied – or improved – by massaging the corresponding place on your foot. Whether you believe this outing will have a medicinal impact or not, it’s a relaxing way to spend an hour. We like to go to Frictiovilla located in the Orchard Road area. Reservations required. Explore Singapore’s multiculturalism with a walk through China town, Little India and Arab Street Singapore is well-known for its rich multicultural heritage, and there is no better way to experience this facet of the city than to walk through one of its ethnic neighborhoods. The three most popular destinations include Chinatown, Arab Street, and Little India. It is in these districts that a visitor truly gets a sense of Singapore’s history and diverse population. Plan to spend a day in each, visiting the historic churches, mosques, and temples, and don’t forget to stop in one of the many eateries to try local dishes. Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org 19 AWA Local Tours AWA LOCAL TOURS POLICIES: Bookings open on the first of the month. You must register with the AWA office to attend. If a tour is full, please ask to be added to the waitlist. Tours end at approximately the listed time. You may cancel your attendance at an event by calling the AWA office at 6734-4895, no less than 4 working days prior to the event. All AWA event fees include a $5 non-refundable cancellation charge. You may transfer your attendance to another AWA member, no less than 4 working days prior to the event, by emailing [email protected] with the new attendee’s name. Cancellations received within 4 working days of the event will not be refunded. Only adults over 18 years of age may attend AWA tours unless otherwise designated. Thank you for your understanding. You can now register for AWA Local Tours via the AWA website at www.awasingapore.org. nov 12 In the footsteps of the armenians new walking tour! DATE: Wednesday, November 12 TIME: 9 am – 12:30 pm PLACE: Armenian Church, Hill Street COST:$54 Members / $80 Guests LIMIT:22 As a major port, Singapore naturally attracted dynamic merchants from around the world; among these was the community that gave its name to Armenian Street, which runs toward the world-famous Raffles Hotel, founded and made famous by three Armenian brothers. At their most populous in the late 19th century, nov 14 or dec 5 U.S. Embassy TourS DATES: Friday, November 14 OR Friday, December 5 TIME 9:15 am – 12 noon PLACE: Corner Entrance of Tanglin Mall outside Starbucks COST: $10 Members / $15 Guests LIMIT:18 Armenians numbered less than one hundred. They may be small in numbers but they are huge in their impact on Singapore history. Armenians built the first church in Singapore and an Armenian woman, Agnes Joaquim, is responsible for discovering the national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid. Join us for a trail in the footsteps of the Armenians with our guide, Diana Chua, and enjoy anecdotal insights on a community that is fading fast into the main population due to a dwindling populace. This trail includes a tour of the Armenian Church - the main church building, the Parsonage House as well as the Garden of Remembrance. Stroll down Armenian Street for a glimpse into their past. The grand finale is a tour of Raffles Hotel including areas not accessible to the general public and ends with mid-morning tea. we will have the opportunity to meet members of the staff and ask questions. Although we’ll be restricted to a limited area in the embassy, we will be able to visit the shop for gift items bearing the United States seal. U.S. and Non-US citizens are welcome. Security requires that you provide us with your passport number at least one week prior to the tour; therefore, only registered tour participants will be allowed into the Embassy. Credit for cancellation cannot be given after passport details are submitted to the embassy. What goes on inside the US Embassy? Wouldn’t you Please respectfully wear business casual attire: no shorts, tank tops or flip flops. like to know? This is your chance for a small peek inside those imposing walls. The Community Liaison Officer or one of the other staff members will hold an information session for our group. We’ll learn about the many and diverse roles played by the embassy in support of U.S. citizens as well as within the Singaporean community; YOU MUST ALSO BRING YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOU ON THE DAY OF THE TOUR. NOTE: If you wish to purchase items in the shop you can pay with cash, Visa or Master Card. send us your tour photos! 20 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 churches of Singapore nov Thursday, November 20 9 am – 1:15 pm Newton Hawker Centre Car Park $40 Members / $60 Guests 22 Local Tours 20 DATE: TIME: PLACE: COST: LIMIT: After leaving Newton Hawker Centre with our guide, Diana, we will tour the lovely barn shaped St. George’s Church built in the Norman architectural style. Next, we will drive to St. Joseph’s Church, established by the Portuguese Mission and hear the story behind its beautifully crafted stained-glass windows and Portuguese azulejos. Moving on, we will drive past the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Singapore, which is also steeped in history. We will then visit St. Andrew’s Cathedral before moving on to our last stop to visit ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’ church built to cater to the needs of the Indian Catholics. Are you finding it hard to get into the Christmas spirit in 90 degree temperatures? Are you standing in lines in a bah humbug mood during this holiday season? If so, please join us for this new holiday local tour of some of Singapore’s more interesting and historic churches. We may not be able to help with the heat, but hopefully this Dress Code: We will be visiting places of worship, please dress appropriately. No bare shoulders and will help you to find the real spirit of Christmas. thighs. Refreshments are not included; feel free to bring water and/or a snack. dec 3 sacred telok blangah new tour! DATE: Wednesday, December 3 TIME: 9 am – 1:15 pm PLACE: Newton Hawker Centre Car Park COST: $40 Members / $60 Guests LIMIT:22 This tour brings us to the southern part of Singapore, to a charming and rarely visited district known as Telok Blangah. Its name means ‘Cooking Pot Bay’ in Malay, and is derived from the shape of the bay. The history of the area dates back to thirteenth century Singapore and it was once the enclave of Temenggong, the local dec 9 DATE: Tuesday, December 9 TIME: 2:15 pm – 5:30 pm PLACE: Raffles Hotel, Beach Road Foyer COST: $95 Members / $145 Guests LIMIT:28 Raffles Hotel became a national monument upon its centennial in 1987. With its unique blend of tropical garden setting and classical architecture, the hotel is the legendary symbol for all the “fables of the exotic East”. Rich in history, Raffles Hotel is part of the fabric of Singaporean Culture. Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 Chjimes On this bus tour, we will visit a Catholic church, a Chinese temple of the Eastern Hell, a Sikh temple, the former royal enclave of the island chief and a Hindu temple, among other landmarks. Join us as we head out of town to discover yet another intriguing area of Singapore. Dress code: Casual and suitable for temple visits. Low neckline, sleeveless tops and short shorts are not welcome at the temple. We will gather at the Beach Road foyer (beside the Bar and Billiard Room) at 2:30 pm for a short history talk and tour with Mr. Leslie Dan, the Hotel Historian. Mr. Dan will share delightful stories of this famous hotel. At 3:30 pm we will enjoy the English High Tea Buffet in the Tiffin Room. historical raffles and High tea St Andrews Cathedral island chief. Today, Telok Blangah is a fascinating area with many iconic landmarks including diverse places of worship. Out of respect for paying guests, we will not be touring the entire hotel or rooms, but we may just find ourselves in front of their GIANT decorated tree in the main foyer before heading off to High Tea (area off limits to nonhotel guests, but an exception may be made for lucky AWA ladies). We ask that you dress appropriately, no tank tops or shorts. Please sign up soon to avoid disappointment! Vanda Miss Joaquin Armenian Church and Parsonage house www.awasingapore.org 21 AWA n Foreig Tours Yogyakarta – Discover Javanese Culture and History Discover Javanese culture and history on this 4 Day/3 Night adventure to Yogyakarta, Indonesia. We will explore the ancient Hindu temple of Prambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 9th century and is the largest Hindu temples in Indonesia. We will also visit Borobudur, a 9th century Buddhist temple, and an equally impressive structure. Your trip is not complete without an evening show of the Ramayana, a cultural dance performance that depicts a great Hindu love story. We will also visit markets, take a becak ride, learn how batik is made, and visit a spa! This quick trip is a great getaway, so sign up soon. TRIP DATES: Tuesday, March 3, 2015 – Friday, March 6, 2015 COST: S$1655 twin share; S$250 single supplement; S$25 AWA admin fee. Please refer to awasingapore.org for a complete list of cost inclusions and exclusions. DEPOSIT: Full Payment by cash or check to Shanti Travel Asia Private Limited DEADLINE: Registration forms, deposit, and copy of passport and NRIC/FIN due to the AWA office by December 15, 2014. Space subject to availability. Call 6734-4895 or email [email protected] for more information. RESTRICTIONS: Maximum 12 people. Adult AWA Members, houseguests or family members only TOUR LEADER: Sonia Bhambri Day 1: Tuesday, March 3, 2015 Singapore - Yogyakarta via Prambanan and Ramayana Show (2h30 flight) Morning flight from Singapore to Yogyakarta with Silk Air. Welcome in Java! Your personal driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Yogyakarta. Around noon, proceed to Prambanan. Lunch at Prambanan Gallery Resto. After lunch, you will visit Prambanan, a 12 century-old Hindu complex. At sunset, admire the fine sculptures of the temples dedicated to Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. The colors of the sky, the reflections of the sun and the shadows playing with the temple casts a marvelous show of beauty. Around 6 pm, you will go to Purawisata Theatre for a dinner and traditional Ramayana Show. The Ramayanan ballet is based on an epic Hindu poem which tells the story of King Rama adapted in local dances, mixing Javanese style, culture and music. Transfer back to your hotel for a good night’s rest. Day 2: Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Yogyakarta - Excursion to Borobudur, Batik class, shopping silver (2h drive) After breakfast, your driver and guide will take you towards Borobudur Temple. The biggest Buddhist temple in the world, with its dozens of Buddha status sitting on terraces. Then you go for Lunch at BS Resto close to the temple. After lunch it's time to learn how to make your own Batik, this traditional technique of manual wax-resist dyeing applied to garments. Take your time to create your own design to bring back home. Then you'll head towards Kota Gede for a shopping session in Silver jewellery boutiques, hearings, necklaces and bracelets can be found at very fair prices. Dinner at Sekar Kedhaton and transfer back to your hotel. Day 3: Thursday, March 5, 2015 Yogyakarta – Excursion to Taman Sari, Kraton, becak ride, Bird Market, Spa Breakfast at hotel. Take a short a visit of Yogyakarta, including the Kraton Palace built in 1756: a fine example of Javanese architecture in the centre of “Jogja”, then to the Taman Sari also known as "The Water Castle", where the Sultan came to enjoy the pools. After this visit, you will go for a becak ride, a typical three-wheel mode of transportation in Yogyakarta. Visit the Bird Market, a very popular and intriguing place. Lunch at Bale Raos. After lunch, enjoy a walk in Yogyakarta's small streets and discover batiks and Wagans handicrafts. Then it's time for some rest at Martha Tilaar Spa where you will enjoy a traditional body massage during one hour. Before going for dinner at Sasanti Restaurant, you will enjoy a sunset walk in Jalan Malioboro to enjoy the animated atmosphere at night. Transfer back to your hotel. Day 4: Friday, March 6, 2015 Yogyakarta – Singapore (2h30 flight) Transfer to Yogyakarta airport for your morning flight to Singapore. Flight to Singapore. From our Advertisers Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org 23 Tennis TENNIS Monthly Update: Team Tennis Team Tennis Team Tennis is fast approaching and is a fantastic way to have fun with friends, old and new, playing this game we all love. For those who might be new to AWA team play, matches will be played over the course of December and January, taking a break for the holidays, and will be divided into two levels. Intermediates will play on Thursdays and the advanced group will play on Wednesdays. As stated on the website, “players are assigned to teams in order to achieve a competitive balance among each team.” Registration is now open on the website’s events page, and everyone rated 3.0- or higher is encouraged to participate. The deadline to sign up is Friday, November 7th so don’t wait! Upcoming Events: January Jubilee Tournament January Jubilee – Monday, January 26 - Tuesday, January 27 If you are new to competing in tournaments, or just feel that you aren’t quite ready to play with the more advanced ladies, the January Jubilee is a great way to get your feet wet, and get playing! If you have a rating of 3.0+ or below, this doubles tournament is for you! Registration will be open on the website towards the end of November, and we’ll update tennis members with more details as we approach the event. If you need to be assessed, check the website for available dates the first week of November. Tennis Tidbit of the Month: Bananas vs. Sodium From the USTA website: “…Contrary to what most tennis players and coaches have heard, clinical evidence clearly supports a relationship between heat-related muscle cramps and a high sodium loss, not potassium. Players will generally lose 3-10 times as much sodium as potassium during play. “ Insufficient sodium intake can lead to inadequate rehydration, muscle cramps, and an increase in heat exhaustion. As everyone’s body and tolerances are unique, ladies, please make sure you know what you need to stay healthy and hydrated on the courts. Monthly Update: Here are some shots of the 18-holers doing what it takes in finding their balls! In trees, in the jungle, in the deepest of bunkers! Each month the 18-holers will host a “Theme” day. This month it was “Flowers” and each of the ladies wore flowers in their cap, skirt, hats! Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org Golf/From our Advertisers GOLF CORNER 25 From our Advertisers 26 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 Writers’ Block AWA WRITERS’BLOCK Something Still Remains by Judy Agusti T he afternoon sun shines through the leaves of the ficus tree as my mother stirs the two spoonfuls of sugar into her coal-black Cuban coffee and leans back onto the cushions of her white verandah chair. Her eyes look to some distant place, a memory or dream, a childhood. The world of her Florida home still calls her back to me from that other world. I can feel, though, the illness pulling her away and, one day we will not be able to sit and reminisce about her days riding her horse along the empty white beaches of Baracoa on her way to work as a teacher in the mountains near her hometown. There are memories of swims in clear blue Caribbean waters, of palm trees blowing in gales before a hurricane, of the sweat of dancing and of the days when her dimples could still tease. Maria Luisa knows the monster of dementia waits for her in some near future, because the doctor declared it so. It is not a reality she has chosen, or wants to acknowledge. Yet she knows her words are not easy to retrieve. She knows there are missing pieces in memories, like jigsaw puzzles left undone. Gaps, gaps. What was it she meant to say? How long ago was that? Who was just on the phone who seemed to know her? All these torments she now has, and fears of getting lost somewhere on her way to…who knows where? At times the faces seem to blur and someone so dear to her has no name. Who is it? She knows that kind person loves her, but why? A nd so, I find myself mourning her loss, even while she is with me. I glimpse from time to time that sad, lost soul she may become. I want to hold on to that brave, spunky young woman who brought me up, who taught me honesty and courage, who criticized, but also praised. I don’t want to let go of that crazy Cuban babe, who once turned the heads of men as she walked down the street, catching their gaze with her dark hair, heart-shaped lips and big brown eyes. Now she is silver-haired and getting shorter and thinner every day. Her shoulders hunch a little. She is forgetful and afraid. But she is still a comic. Even as dementia claims her ability to speak, she lifts her eyebrows in exaggerated surprise at my sister’s low-cut blouse. She does a jig as we walk through the security gates at the airport. She mimics a singer’s high notes, throwing her head back and opening her mouth like a fish. Perhaps she will always be funny, even when there’s nothing else. I hope so. Writers' Block is a monthly contribution from our AWA Writer's Group members. Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org 27 From our Advertisers 28 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 Italian Lentil & Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce by Annette Lang Ingredients (Meatballs): Ingredients (Sauce): 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 celery sticks, finely chopped 2 carrots, grated 500 gm. lean minced beef 1 cup brown lentils from a can, rinsed and drained well 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons ketchup 2 eggs Small handful parsley, finely chopped Large handful breadcrumbs Salt and pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onions, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 bay leaves 2 tablespoons tomato puree 250 ml vegetable stock 2 cans (400 gm.) chopped tomatoes 1 handful fresh basil leaves, finely chopped Recipe of the Month/ From our Advertisers Recipe of the Month Here’s what to do: 1. Prepare the meatballs: Heat the half the oil in a large heavy-based saucepan and cook the chopped onions, celery and carrots for 5-10 minutes or until the onions and carrots have softened. Add garlic until fragrant, and then remove mixture from pot into a large bowl. Set aside to cool. 2. Make the tomato sauce: In the same large pot add oil and cook onions till slightly browned. Add garlic till fragrant. Add 2 cans chopped tomatoes, bay leaves, tomato puree and stock. 3. Bring to boil, lower the heat, cover the pan and simmer for 30 minutes. 4. Remove bay leaves and blend tomato sauce mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth. Return it to the pot and set aside. 5. Finish the meatballs: Once onion mixture has cooled in the large bowl add the minced beef, lentils, Worcestershire sauce and ketchup, eggs, parsley and bread crumbs. 6. Season well with salt and pepper and mix well. 7. Using wet hands shape the beef mixture into neat golf ball size. 8. Reheat the tomato sauce, add chopped basil. Once sauce is simmering slowly add ready rolled balls. With a soft arm rotate the pot slowly making sure all balls are covered in sauce. 9. Let simmer for 20 -25 minutes. 10. Serve with mashed potatoes or pasta. Serves 8 Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 www.awasingapore.org 29 Member Benefits AWA Member Benefits Australia Expat Travel AUD$50 discount off the consultancy fee if you book a holiday with us in 2014. www.ausxpattravel.com.au Test Rocker USD$75 and 6 month extended access for all AWA members. Enter the coupon code ‘AWA’ at checkout. www.testrocker.com Send Out Cards An affordable way to send cards and gifts from your computer to anwhere in the world. Send a free card today! www.SendOutCards.com/Blinkman Kathy Dunderdale 10% off on first time package of 3 sessions. www.jinshinjyutsu-singapore.com Eastern Carpets To celebrate our 26th anniversary... enjoy storewide discounts up to 50% for the months of September to November and be treated to a surprise gift with every purchase. www.easterncarpets.com.sg Littleones Photography $100 off usual session fee. Voted as top family photographers in Singapore for 3 years running. www.littleonesphotography.com Rorybird 10% discount off hand smocked and unique applique clothing for boys and girls ages 0-6 years. Enter THANK10 at checkout. www.rorybird.com Tomato Photography 50% off creative session fee. 50% off softcopies. 20% off all ala-carte products. Conditions apply. www.tomato.sg Grafika 10% discount for any Photography Package, not valid with any other promotion. http://grafikaphotographydesign.com Vida’s Asian Cooking Classes 20% off wet market tours with purchase of 2 cooking classes. [email protected] Hassan’s Carpets 50% off storewide on the tag price exclusively for AWA members. InTouch Stationery 10% off all stationery items and 5% off customized orders. Hedgers Carpets Spend $800 at the Dempsey Store and receive a handwoven Indian Kelim flatweave (5’6”x3’6”) worth $150 (while stocks last). www.hedgerscarpetgallery.com.sg Judith Agusti - Guitar Studies One free lesson in beginning guitar. No guitar required for first lesson. Music provided by the instructor. [email protected] The Teak Tree - Contemporary and Traditional Furniture 10% off for AWA members. [email protected] Mosaic Society 10% discount when a Mosaic course is booked. Hanis Group 10% for One Fair Booking. 20% for 4 Fair Bookings. Complimentary Goody Bag will be given to the first 50 AWA Members at any of our fairs. Keppel Bay Sailing Academy 10% o f f a l l Roya l Ya c ht i n g Association-accredited courses with professional and certified instructors. Valid until December 31, 2014, terms and conditions apply. www.kbsa.com.sg Present your AWA Membership card at these businesses to receive special discounts. 30 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 Class-i-fied: Please contact the class instructors directly. These are all private classes which are not AWA-endorsed. ASIAN COOKING CLASSES WITH VIDA Time:10 am to 1 pm Evening classes and private parties for special occasions. Form your own group. Helpers are welcome to all classes. Saturday morning classes too. Children’s classes. Couples evening classes, bring your wine. Date: Call or email for details. Cost: $68 per class (recipes and lunch/ dinner) Contact:Vida Berry, 6468-2764 [email protected] Over 29 years of teaching cooking experience. Spice up your cooking and experience the true harmony of Asian flavors! Each month the cooking courses feature all the famous dishes of Thai, Indian, Malaysian and Chinese cuisines with menus that change monthly. Classes are conducted at my premises in a comfortable atmosphere. All ingredients and recipes are supplied. Teaches how to select and use fresh, quality ingredients for each region and share cooking techniques that will give the best results when you cook at home. All dishes are cooked healthily and, of course, you will get to taste the dishes you prepare with a small lunch! CULINARY WET MARKET TOURS AND SPICE SHOPS($48) A must for newcomers and others! Full of information on all the produce you see with names and what they are used for and which are sticky, tasty, sour or bitter. Learn how to look for the freshness of fish and other seafood, veggies, fruits, Asian spices and herbs. Visit some Indian grocery shops and explain all types of rice, lentils and spices. Lots of tips and very popular tour! 10 am–12:15 pm. There are trips on Saturday and Sunday. 2 OR 3 DAY COOKERY COURSE FOR HELPERS Course covers Indian, Thai, Malaysian, Chinese cuisine. Email for details. Full monthly menu details, courses and wet market trips can be sent by email to you. Bamboo Telegraph November 2014 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS 6 Sessions of 3 hours each Class-i-fied/ From our Advertisers Class-i-fied Ads Dates: Mondays, January 5, 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 9 Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Place: Jervois Road Cost: $520 Contact: Geraldine, 9177-6797 [email protected] www.geraldineMphotography.com.sg PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES BY GRAFIKA NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY (5 hours) Date/Time: November 6, 10 am to 12:30 6 pm to 8:30 pm (fieldtrip) Cost: $190 pm, LONG EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY (5 hours) Date/Time: November 11, 10 am to 12:30 pm November 12, 8 am to 10:30 pm (fieldtrip) Cost: $190 SHOOTING SHALLOW (Control the Depth of Field) (5 hours) Date/Time: November 20, 10 am to 12:30 November 21, 8 am to 10:30 am (fieldtrip) Cost: $190 PHOTOGRAPHY CLINIC (2.5 hours) Date/Time: December 1, 10 am to 12:30 Cost: $100 CHRISTMAS PHOTOGRAPHY (5 hours) Date/Time: December 4, 10 am to 12:30 December 5, 5:30 pm to 8 pm Cost: $190 pm pm pm Sign up 2 weeks in advance and get a FREE 16 GB SD Card. Class size: 10 maximum, 4 minimum Place: Bukit Timah area/ fieldtrip locations Contact: Helga Herrera, 8233-0960 [email protected] www.awasingapore.org 31 November/ December Calendars 32 www.awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph November 2014