2017 may

Accent M ay 20 1 7

om I LOVE YOU

Accent

OUR MISSION The American Club in China is a non-profit organization established for the sole purpose of serving the American and International communities in a family atmosphere, providing the highest quality food, recreational and social activities. The club will endeavor to enhance a cultural exchange with the R.O.C., effectively utilizing all available resources and assuring proper responses to Members needs.

Contents | May 2017 President's Message

2

General Manager's Message

3

Do You Know

4

Food & Beverage News

6

Sports News

10

Social Events

15

Cover Story - Angie Chang: Doula Extraordinaire

16

Photo Gallery

20

Hair & Spa

23

ACC Classic Recipe

26

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Ellen Yin President

Stephen Tan

Vice President; HR Committee

Douglas Pierce

Treasurer; Finance Committee

Philip Chiang

Secretary; MIS Committee

Faye Angevine Mike Brennand Sports Committee

Ken Chen

House Committee

Louis J Christen III Rules Committee

Jesse Chuang Social Committee

William Hsu Jr. F&B Committee

Brian Li

Membership Committee

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Godwin Chang Sampson Mar Richard Yin

Security Ad Hoc Committee

MANAGEMENT TEAM Todd Bretzlaff

DAILY OPERATION HOURS Cashier & Member Services

Daily

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Library

Daily

10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Terrace Terrace Salad Bar

Rendezvous

Daily Lunch Daily Dinner Daily Daily Lunch Daily Dinner Daily Daily

ACC Market Banquet Office Game Room TV Room

Daily Mon - Fri Daily Daily

Nursery Fitness Center

Daily Mon - Fri Sat & Sun & Holiday Daily Daily Mon - Fri Sat & Sun

9:00 am 6:00 am 7:00 am 6:00 am 7:00 am 7:30 am 8:00 am

Swimming Pool & Jacuzzi

Mon - Fri Sat & Sun & Holiday

6:00 am - 8:30 pm 7:00 am - 7:30 pm

Hair & Spa

Mon - Sat Sun & Holiday

Sigis Gyoson

General Manager

Tommy Chan

Sports & Recreation Director

Sabrina Chen

Marketing & Communications Manager

Gerry Gibb IT Director

Stella Hou

Financial Controller

Peter Hu

Purchasing Manager

Steven Hung

Human Resource Director

Chi-Wen Lin

Engineering Director

Freeman Lin F&B Director

Fanny Tung

Senior Membership Manager

Emily Wang

Hair & Spa Manager

Racquet Courts Outdoor Playground Pro Shop & Reservations

7:00 am - 10:00 pm 11:00 am - 2:30 pm 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm 11:30 am - 10:00 pm 11:30 am - 2:00 pm 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm 11:30 am - 11:30 pm 10:00 pm last order for foods 10:00 am - 9:00 pm 10:00 am - 6:30 pm 9:00 am - 9:00 pm 9:00 am - 9:00 pm - 9:00 pm - 9:30 pm - 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm - 10:00 pm - 9:00 pm - 6:00 pm

10:00 am - 7:00 pm 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

To advertise in ACCENT, please contact 02 2885-8260 ext 488 Sabrina Chen For membership information, please contact 02 2885-8260 ext 888 Fanny Tung Email ACC : member.services@americanclub.org.tw Website: www.americanclub.org.tw

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear ACC Members,

Ellen Yin

Multi-Purpose Sports Complex

The design for the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex has been finalized. In addition to our original two squash courts, one multi-purpose court with retractable basketball hoop and a spacious ping pong table venue on the first floor, we will have a workout space with monkey bars, punching bag, speed bag, TRX, stretching track, sled track and a rock climbing wall on the second floor. The house committee and the management is very pleased with appointed contractor, C-Arch’s thoughtful adjustment to meet the demands from a wide varieties of interest groups in the club. With the limited amount of space and budget, the design team was able to accommodate a majority of the requests in the updated plan. We hope this space will be able to meet the increasing demand to workout and stay fit in the club. Construction is due to start on June 5 and be completed in 2 months.

Photos for The New RFID Membership Cards

Thank you all for taking the time to get your new ID photo taken at the membership office. We have, to date, over 2,000 photos updated in preparation to launch the Controlled Access. All members will be issued the new RFID-enabled membership cards. In addition to the ACC RFID membership cards, members can choose to have your Taipei City EASY card registered if you choose to use EASY card as your access card.

Controlled Access

. Lobby Front Desk Modification The modifications to the Front Desk are completed. The raised counter height is the most ergonomic position for members to make the online registration of guests. The cabinetry was enhanced for the organization and tidiness of the front desk area was an added bonus. Members and guests now can be greeted by the receptionists and the guards at eye level as we enter, making our guests feel more welcomed. . Staff Entrance The Control Access barriers for the employees will be completed in the first part of May. Our staff will be able to test out entering/exiting the club with RFID cards via their dedicated entrance. This first phase of roll-out will allow the management to tweak or adjust the logistics before the full launch for the club members. . Members Access Control Gates Date for delivery and installation of lobby barrier equipment has been delayed due to a manufacturing error. The updated delivery date is expected be in June. Our contractor, G4S, will take full responsibility for the unfortunate delay and a penalty for delay will be assessed. The security committee and the management are monitoring the progress closely. The updated installation date is expected to be during the summer time when the club is less busy.

HACCP Trash Project (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)

Why are we investing in storing our trash? We generate a large amount of food waste every day here at the club. The wet waste decomposes and releases a bad odor, which leads to unhygienic conditions and increases sanitation problems. Unattended waste lying around attracts flies, rats, and other creatures that affect the club surrounding environment. Our new garbage facility will allow us to recycle better and our wet waste will be stored chilled to reduce odor and reduce pest contamination. This is one of those investment that is less visible yet critical to the wellbeing of the club.

Celebrating Mothers’ Day

One of the most popular event ACC host is the Mothers’ Day lunch and dinner. In addition to the Sunday Brunch in the California Room, Sigis is offering a ‘set menu for four’ that will “WOW” the mothers at their table. The F&B committee tested the menu and everyone agreed the menu will make this year’s Mothers’ Day unforgettable. Seating at the Sigis is very limited, so book yours early.

See you around the club.

Ellen Yin President

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GENERAL MANAGER'S MESSAGE

Dear Members,

Todd Bretzlaff

April was a very comfortable month and perfect for the timely completion of our Spring Tennis Championship.

If you were not playing in the tournament, I hope that you were able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather during the last half of the month.

At the Club, we were busy finalizing the construction specs for the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. In addition to the renovation of the courts, updating the fit out, replacing the aged HVAC system, we have turned the second floor into a 2nd exercise and training area which is perfect for yoga, aerobics, TRX and body resistance training.

The completion of the construction is expected to be at the end of July. It is coming at the nick of time considering that the fitness center has been getting busier than ever before over the last several months. It will provide some needed space for all the various fitness classes during the peak times not to mention allowing a wonderful alternative for personal training sessions. If you are interested in seeing more detail, the plans will be posted in the lobby in the coming week.

The Controlled Access System is also requiring a lot of preliminary planning to anticipate all the various unique scenarios that will possibly arise once we go live. Although, due to delays in the manufacturing of the access barriers, the entire system will not be able to go live until the end of June / early July. We sincerely appreciate all the Members who have already come in to have their updated photos taken. I have also been receiving a lot of positive comments and questions from many Members. The two most common questions are “what will happen if a Member has guests that they were hoping to entertain at the Club but something came up and the Members are not able to accompany them” or “if something comes up and the Member is forced to send their children to their swimming lesson with the personal helper as an unexpected obligation arose where the Member is unable to accompany them.” In both cases, the Board of Governors understands that circumstances may arise where the primary Members are unable to accompany their guests or children to the Club for planned activities.

When this occurs, the Board has authorized management to make an exception provided that the guests or personal employees are properly registered in advance within the online system. The member only needs to send an email to the General Manager’s office so that the exception can be authorized and the respective staff can be informed and proper prepared.

April was quite a busy month for the Club. Congratulations to Mr. Stephen Tan and his team winning our second Annual TopChef Cooking competition and thank you to all of the teams who participated and entertained the crowd that enjoyed the culinary delights that were created. I would like to thank all Members who attended our annual Children’s Easter Celebration. I would like to thank our Social Committee and Events team for coming up with a number of great new games and activities to make this years party better than ever. We also held a party to recognize all the long standing Members who have faithfully supported the Club for a consecutive 25 years and beyond. It was a wonderful evening from this loyal group of Members while they reminisced over fond memories of the Club throughout the years. Then we finished up the month with a group Zumba class in the ballroom where all our ladies Members came to stay fit and the finals to the Spring Tennis Championship where we wish to say special thanks to Mr. Ricky Lee as our Interim Tennis Manager and the Tournament Director for the Championship.

As we approach the hectic summer, we would like to remind Members of a few important rules to help ensure an enjoyable environment for all. Flip-flops and tank tops are not permitted in the Rendezvous, Gyoson or Sigis Dining Outlets. Children who are over 90 cm tall are not permitted in the opposite sex bathrooms or locker rooms and children less than 18 years of age are not permitted in the indoor Jacuzzi located between the men’s and ladies tennis locker rooms.

We look forward to celebrating upcoming celebrations for all our graduating seniors at the Club as they prepare for their next journey to university. We have really enjoyed watching these children grow up in the Club and we are excited to see what they are able to achieve as adults.

We look forward to seeing you at the Club

Todd Bretzlaff General Manager

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DO YOU KNOW

A Warm Welcome to New Members

Kin Wah Chay & Lay Cheng Toh / Betty Hsu & Steven Huang / Haishan & Jiun-Li Jang Petra Jumpers & Patrick Armbruster / Patricia Lin / Mike Ma & I-Hsuan Liu / Simon & Michelle Maude-Roxby

Bon Voyage to Resigned Members Libby Driscoll / Joakim Kihlstroem & Olga Myasnova / Katie Peng & Dain Hasson / Ryan & Candice Searle Peng Fuh Yue & Sally Tay

Emergency Evacuation Routes Emergency evacuation route information notices have been posted around the Club.

These notices show the nearest exits and how to get to them from each of the notice points.

We recommend that you take some time to familiarize yourself with this information.

Locker Rental Fees Dear Members, Effective Thursday, June 1, 2017 : •The Rental Fee for an Indoor Permanent Locker will be NT$350 per month equal to NT$4,200 per year.

•The Rental Fee for an Outdoor Permanent Locker will remain at the current fee of NT$325 per month equal to NT$3,900 per year.

Thank you for your attention.

Special Thank You to Our Members and Volunteers for the Easter Party ACC Family Easter Party. Thank you to our Members for supporting our Calligraphy Pie Booth held on April 16.

A modest NT$300 benefit donation to the Eden Social Welfare Foundation in Taiwan (伊甸社會福利基金會) was made possible from this Easter Pie Booth Event.

Thank you so much to Board Member Mr. Mike Brennand and Member Mr. Jim Clark for being part of the excitement and for willing to stand behind the board and be the target for the children's pie throwing game!

Also, thank you to our Members Pia Chuang, Eline Bloemen, Jeannine Barati, Desta T. Selassie and TAS mom Waye who came to help us with the pre-arrangements for the Easter booths and egg hunts; thank you to our Members Anita Clark, Karina Clark and Lisa West, Jo and the many girls from the Girl Scouts who helped to run the booths on the event day; thank you for our teenager Members Katelyne Chuang, Alice Wikstrom and their friends who held the popular Slime Booth; thank you to all of volunteers, it was because of your generosity and fantastic skills you gave the Club that made this a very special Easter Family Party!!

4

Updates on Controlled Access

Implementation Date Preparations are going well, but we have moved the installation date for barrier equipment in the ACC Lobby back by around 3-4 weeks. The start date for controlled access will be confirmed soon.

Photographs for New Membership cards All Members should now have received an invitation to come and have photographs taken for the new Membership Cards that will be issued prior to start of controlled access. When controlled access begins your new RFID card will be required for entering and exiting the main body of the Club. Please make arrangements with the Front Desk team for a convenient time to have your family’s photographs taken. Your new card will look like similar to this:

Guest Registration When controlled access begins, a new way of registering Guests and Member Employees will also be introduced. Instead of using a sign-in book, registration will be computerized and done directly on the access control system. A new facility for Guest Registration will be provided in the ACC website enabling registration by Members up to 2 weeks in advance. Two dedicated Guest Registration PCs will also be provided at the Front Desk. Each guest or personal employee’s name will need to be entered individually, then on arrival each will be issued with a one-time-use access card by the Front Desk staff which your guests and personal employees will swipe to enter the Club, and feed into a special Guest Card collection slot when leaving (at the exit side of the access barriers).

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F&B NEWS

Terrace Monthly Specials

Malaysian Style Curry Noodles

Malaysian-style noodles with chicken, tofu, bean sprouts, chili, garlic, green vegetables and eggs in curry sauce

NT$350

Mexican Spicy Prawns Salad

Spicy prawns with mixed greens, red onions, walnuts, apple, cucumber, cheddar cheese, avocado and tomato; served with honey yogurt dressing.

NT$330

Gyoson Main Course

Special Salad

Seafood Bamboo Shoot Misoyaki

NT$250

Bamboo Shoot Salad

Special Roll

NT$180

1/ Chiyomusubi Yuzushu Special Price: NT$150/glass

Special Drinks

(100ml)

2/ Yuzushu Soda Lobster Salad Sushi Roll

Special Price: NT$250/glass

NT$200

Special Bread

ACC Market Mushroom Cheese Bread

Flour, Salt, Yeast, Egg White, Mushrooms, Cheese

NT$150 7

F&B NEWS

Sigis

Salad

Bell Peppers and String Beans with Ham

Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables Salad

Grilled Eggplant, Bell Peppers, Lolla Rossa, Zucchini, Avocado and Quinoa Salad

Main

NT$360

Sliced Beef Chuck with stewed Caramel Carrots

Dover Sole a la Meunière

Seared Boneless Sole Fish with Lemon Drizzle, accompanied with Potatoes and Broccoli

NT$650

Monthly Special Moroccan Lamb Shank

Business Lunch

11:30 am ~ 3:00 pm / Monday ~ Friday Price: NT$590+10%

Main

Spaghetti Mushroom with Chicken Liver

Braised Lamb Shank with Fried Polenta Cake and Broccoli

NT$680

Pappardelle Chicken with Capers

Pappardelle Stir Fried with Chicken Breast and Capers in Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce

NT$380

Rendezvous

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Main

Barramundi with Tomato Mint Salsa

Dessert Daily Selection with Coffee or Tea

Music Nights

GROUP LESSONS EVERYDAY

ACC SWIMMING

FOR AGES 2.5~12 Baby Swimming (May to October)

(For ages 4 months to 2.5 years) (Class size will be a minimum of 2 babies and a maximum of 6) Each Baby Swimming lesson will be 30 minutes. Your baby will be taught water adjustment and basic swimming skills.

Please note that each baby must be accompanied by at least one adult during each lesson.

Monday 10:00 - 10:30 am & Thursday 5:30 - 6:00 pm (30min) NT$350 per baby for each half-hour lesson.

Toddler Swimming

Bubble Maker & Submariner→We play and go under water.

(For ages 2.5 to 4 years) (Class size will be a minimum of 2 children and a maximum of 4)

Children will be taught water adjustment and basic swimming skills like blowing bubbles through playing fun games.

Each toddler will become used to swimming underwater through playing water games. Each toddler will learn how to swim back to the poolside unaided, should they accidentally fall into the water.

Monday & Thursday 4:00 - 4:30pm (30min) NT$2,200 total per toddler for 8 lessons.

Level 1 Pool Safety Swimmer

(For ages over 4 years including beginners) (Class size will be a minimum of 2 children and a maximum of 4)

At this level: The students will learn to have a stable breathing rhythm while swimming for more than 5 minutes and will learn basic self-lifesaving skills.

At this level: Students will learn four strokes and will be able to use one stroke style to swim across the pool.

Monday & Thursday 4:30 - 5:00 pm & 5:00 - 5:30 pm (30min) NT$2,200 total per person for 8 lessons.

Level 2 Advanced Swimmer

(For ages over 4 years and already a pool safety swimmer) (Class size will be a minimum of 2 children and a maximum of 8)

At this level, students will learn four strokes and be able to use two different stroke styles to swim across the pool.

Tuesday & Friday 4:30 - 5:00 pm & 5:00 - 5:30 pm (30min) NT$2,200 total per person for 8 lessons.

Level 3 Rescue Swimmer

(For ages more than 4 years and already an advanced swimmer)

Learn valuable lifesaving, basic water safety skills, CPR and first-aid techniques while getting some great exercise.

Students will also learn several techniques and methods (without jumping into the pool) to save people in distress in open water.

At this level, children will learn four stroke styles and be able to use three different stroke styles to swim across the pool.

At this level, the students will also learn basic self-rescue skills, snorkeling, and basic speed training and aquatic activities.

Monday & Thursday 5:00 - 6:00 pm (1- hour) NT$4,400 total per person for 8 lessons.

Level 4 Swim Master

(For ages more than 4 years and already an advanced swimmer) (Class size will be a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8)

At this level, children will learn four strokes and be able to use four different stroke styles to swim across the pool.

At this level, children will learn diving and turning skills, plus individual and relay medley skills.

At this level, children will be trained as a swim squad to improve their swimming speed and stamina.

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Tuesday& Friday 5:30 - 6:30 pm (1- hour) NT$4,400 total per person for 8 lessons.

S WIMMING S CUBA B ASKETBALL Group Lessons

SpeedMaster Training Course This group swimming is for adult swimmers and triathletes who are looking to keep fit or improve their performance in a fun, dynamic and comfortable team environment. The session is structured to cater for each swimmer’s ability and fitness level with swimmers being placed in lanes accordingly. The Adult SpeedMaster Swimming Squad is focused on developing swimming techniques, and race skills. Attendees will be challenged in a fun and exciting team environment. The squad is available to swimmers who are 18 years or older and already an advanced swimmer who can swim with more than two swimming strokes.

Limited to 10 swimmers per session. (Requires a minimum of one swimmer) Sign-up is open now.

Please contact the Aquatics Staff for further details.

Sunday 9:00 - 10:00 am (1-hour) NT$99 per person for 1-hour training.

Scuba Diving Lessons/ Discover Scuba Diving Lessons (For ages more than 8 years and already an advanced swimmer)

Now we are having Scuba Diving Lessons for ACC Members. It will be a group activity held in the ACC pool. Purpose of these lessons is to teach basic scuba diving skills as an introduction to the experience and enjoyment of diving and swimming underwater. The lessons will be conducted by PADI certified instructors.

NOTE! Parent’s participation is encouraged – enjoy the learning experience with your children.

The group lesson fee will be NT$1,200 per person for a 1-hour lesson.

Class size will be a minimum of 2 students and a maximum of 6.

Private lesson fee is NT$2,000 per hour. This course is by appointment only.

Water Basketball Games (May to October)

(For ages more than 6 years and already an advanced swimmer) (Game size will be a maximum of 10 players) Learn the basketball game rules and techniques for free and get lots of exercise and enjoy a refreshing pool basketball game!

No Charge!

Friday 6:00 - 6:30 pm (30min)

Slampros Basketball Lesson Experience the fun and passion from learning basketball skills.

Students will learn all the dribbling, passing, shooting, tactics as a professional basketball player!

This course is by appointment only.

NT$800 per half-hour lesson.

NT$1,600 per 1-hour lesson.

Private Swimming/Basketball Lessons

NT$800 per half-hour lesson.

NT$1,600 per 1-hour lesson.

NT$400 per person per half-hour lesson when 2 people NT$800 per person for each 1-hour lesson when 2 people NT$350 per person per half-hour lesson when more than 3 people

NT$700 per person for each 1-hour lesson when more than 3 people

Should you require a group or a private lesson in a different time slot; please check with the swimming pool staff for scheduling.

Please note that there will be no refunds for this group-swimming program.

ACC SIGNUP and CANCELLATION POLICY REMINDER Please signup one day in advance for each lesson.

Please inform the swimming pool staff as soon as possible of any cancellation.

Members will be charged half price if the instructor is not contacted within 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment Members will be charged full price for a ‘no show’ All lessons will be cancelled in the event of a typhoon or when lightning is in the area.

If such weather conditions are prevalent Members are encouraged to call us. 02 2885-8260 ext. 358.

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SPORTS NEWS

2017

Members children have first priority for ages 5 to 9

Fee : NT$12,000 / Time: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Sign up at the Fitness Center on Monday, May 15 for any or all of the five camps offered on the dates below : • June 5-9 ( Ages 7-9 ) & June 19 -23 ( Ages 5-7 ) • July 17-21 ( Ages 5-7) • August 7-11 ( Ages 7-9 ) & August 21- 25 ( Ages 5-7 )

Fitness Classes

Schedule

for

May

7:00 - 7:45 am

8:45 - 9:45 am

Functional X (Olivia/Ed)

11:00 - 11:45 am Cycle Fit (Billy)

2:00 - 3:15 pm

10:00 - 10:45 am

Group TRX (Vincent) Mind & Body Yoga (Nina)

Wednesday

11:00 - 11:45 am Rhythm Dance (Bryce) 10 th, 24 th

Thursday

12:45 - 1:30 pm

10:00 - 10:45 am

7:00 - 7:45 pm

11:00 - 11:45 am

Group TRX (Ivan) Cycle Fit (Billy)

Cardio Step (Tommy) Pilates (Jimmy)

7:00 - 7:45 pm

11:00 - 11:45 am

Group TRX (Michael)

Boxing Fit (Young) 3 rd, 17 th, 31 st

Friday

12:30 - 1:15 pm

Women’s Self Defense Group TRX (Kevin) * (Antoine)

10:00 - 10:45 am

10:45 - 11:30 am

PiYo (Bryce)

Total Body Fitness (Billy) Pilates (Jenny)

12:30 - 1:15 pm

Fusion Belly Dance (Wendy)

Zumba (Joanne)

Power (Billy/Michael/Vincent)

7:00 - 7:45 pm

10:00 - 10:40 am

11:30 - 12:15 pm

Cycle Fit (Lulu)

11:00 - 11:45 am

Monday

Strength Lab (Joanne)

Tuesday

9:25 - 10:45 am

The Mini Summer Camp is a terrific, supervised program for children aged 5-9 to hone their sports and social skills.

Groups are limited from 6 to 12 so that each child receives focused, caring attention.

Fun energetic activities include swimming, tennis, kinetics, arts, cooking etc.…

Lunch and refreshments are included. *This event is not included under ACC’s minimum charge policy.

Saturday

10:00 - 10:45 am

10:00 - 10:45 am

11:00 - 11:45 am Latin Fever (Amber)

11:00 - 11:45 am

3:00 - 4:00 pm

2:15 - 3:15 pm

Pilates (Jenny)

Kids Martial Arts * (Antoine)

Pilates (Joanne) Zumba (Joanne)

Boxing Fit (Nice) 14th, 28th

Sunday

2:15 - 3:30 pm

Power (Tommy/Vincent) 7th, 21st

3:45 - 4:45 pm Cycle Fit (Lulu)

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text by Rachel Sawatzky; photos from Angie Chang, Carol Youssif, and Chieni McCullough

We’re Pregnant - Now What?

G

iving birth to a child can be a nerve-wracking and emotional experience for both mothers and fathers, especially with their first child. For some expats, the unpredictability of childbirth is compounded by the unfamiliarity of living in a foreign country, which can create both uncertainty and fear. Often, expat women consider going back to their home countries to give birth, but that is not always a viable or affordable option. Finding a good doctor is paramount, but many women desire to have someone else come alongside them in their pregnancy. And that is when these women turn to a friendly Canadian named Angela Chang, who assists them during one of the most important times in their lives---the moment they become a mother to a beautiful, tiny human being.

My first pregnancy was the biggest and happiest surprise of my life, but I was also completely unprepared for giving birth. All of the birthing classes were in Chinese, and I had no idea what the maternity care was like in Taiwan. When I heard that there was a Westerner who was willing to be right by my side during the labor process, I didn’t hesitate to give her a call. Angie provided wonderful support during my labor and delivery: rubbing my back, telling me how to breathe, showing me how to use the birthing ball, giving me something to drink, and making me smile. She was my personal birth coach, which gave my husband the freedom just to hold my hand and provide extra emotional support. Angie answered my crazy questions in the midst of painful contractions, and coached me through my impulsive desire for an epidural, telling me that I didn’t need it. I was so grateful for her help during my son’s birth that I hired her for my next birth as well!

Becoming a Certified Doula

In the last nine years, Angie has assisted at around 300 births. She provides support, advice, and help to women before, during and after they give birth. Among the foreign community, Angie is well-known, and she has truly found her niche as both a doula and a childbirth coach. The vast majority of her clients are expat women living in Taipei, although she has also assisted at births in Taichung.

Angie never set out to become a doula; she didn’t even know what the word ‘doula’ meant a decade ago. But then a pregnant friend approached her, asking for her assistance during the labor and delivery process, and Angie realized that there was a real need for expat women to receive emotional and physical support during childbirth.

Angie had given birth in Taiwan three times already, and was both surprised and upset at the way expectant mothers were not encouraged to express their own wishes in a birth plan.

“I thought I was prepared for childbirth,” Angie explains. “But I realized that a lot of things were being done here that I didn’t know about. Episiotomies and fundal pressure are still common in Taiwan, and the rate of c-sections is one of the highest in the world.” She knew that many pregnant women feel powerless to convey their desires for a more Western or gentle birth experience, so she wanted to do something to help.

Angie went online and found a certification program for doulas called Childbirth International. Later, she also became certified as a childbirth educator, and she currently teaches birthing classes in English for her clients.

“I don’t do anything medical,” Angie explains. “I am there for emotional and physical support. I can’t guarantee a perfect birth, but I can guarantee that my clients will be supported and that their wishes are respected.”

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She’s Seen It All Having assisted at so many births, Angie has truly seen everything and has plenty of stories to tell, although she is very careful to protect her clients’ privacy. She did tell me that she has seen babies delivered at home, in cars, and on the floors of hospital rooms. At least 10 times, she has been the person to catch the baby since the doctor didn’t make it in time! She has helped at incredibly short labors and terribly long ones. One time, Angie spent 48 solid hours with a woman in labor, and these kinds of long labors are the reason she’s missed her own children’s birthdays or special events. She’s also spent many sleepless nights at the side of a woman in active labor, knowing that she will need to somehow try to catch up on sleep the next day.

After so many years in and out of hospital maternity wards, Angie is a familiar face with both nurses and doctors.

Many of the births she’s assisted at have been at the Shin Chuang Birth Center, where women have the option for a water birth. Speaking Chinese is also a big part of the job, and Angie effortlessly moves back and forth from Mandarin to English when speaking with her clients and the medical staff.

What’s Next?

“When I became a doula, I had no intention of it becoming a job,” Angie recalls. “I thought it was just a hobby- that I would help with maybe 3 births a year.” In reality, Angie usually has 2-3 births each month. This month alone, she has 4 clients who are expecting babies!

With such an unpredictable schedule, Angie has learned that she needs to take dedicated breaks each year so she can spend time with her family. She and her children love to go camping together and spend time at the beach.

As much as she loves her job, Angie knows that she can’t do this forever, and hopes that someone else will step up and become a certified doula.

Her fear is that if she takes time off, she will leave mothers unsupported. Perhaps another woman will join Angie on the ‘doula circuit’ in the near future. But in the meantime, she will continue to provide the physical and emotional support that pregnant mothers truly need.

Speaking on behalf of hundreds of expats mothers in Taipei, we are thankful for the wonderful service Angie provides!

Include: Angie’s website: www.beautifulbeginnings.com.tw 17

Client Testimonial - Carol

Youssif :

Angie's name was suggested to me by a number of expat moms raving about her. My husband and I signed up for her prenatal classes when we found out I was expecting my first child in 2014.

The prenatal classes helped us SO much, as we, like many parents, had the "Hollywood version" of what labor and delivery would be like. We asked so many questions! The day I went into labor I felt like I was somewhat under control and knew what to expect.

Being expats in Taipei has always been easy because so many people speak English, but we quickly realized that one thing that was difficult was communicating with the hospital staff once we needed something. Angie is an expert at handling issues so you (and your partner) can deal with the labor process. She kept me informed as to what was happening, as my labor was fast, and the nurses would talk to her but not me.

When it was go time, and I was in the delivery room, she was vital in vouching for what was in my best interest.

My doctor suggested an episiotomy nine minutes into pushing. NINE! My daughter was born after only 19 minutes of pushing, and had Angie not been there, the doctor would have gotten away with things I didn't need.

When I was pregnant for the second time, it was a no-brainer to have Angie as our doula again. Even though both my husband and I knew what to expect, I was aware things could be different. And boy, were they...

As I went into labor with my son, things were not progressing as they should. We got scared, because I was in so much pain for longer than I had anticipated, and throwing up for hours due to the intense contractions was making me weak. Angie was there to discuss options, talk to me about what an epidural is, and had she not been there, I would have panicked.

During this long labor Angie massaged my lower back in the exact spot I needed relief. She suggested different laboring positions and kept conversation light to make the time go faster.

After I begged for an epidural eight hours into labor, they brought in the anesthesiologist. As he put the needle in my back, my water broke. As he pulled the needle out, I felt my baby descend and in one push his head came out, and with the second push he fell onto the bed, against my legs that I was holding because of the epidural.

While my husband yelled "He's here! He's here!" Angie ran like the wind to get the nurses, since no one was in the room but the poor stunned anesthesiologist.

What I take away from being her client is how great it is to have one extra person there for support. My husband held my hand and cheered me on, but we were able to focus on the labor and our children when they arrived as opposed to the nurses, the check in process, etc. She is a cheerleader for you, keeps you informed of what's going on, provides emotional and physical comfort, and is overall an amazing person to work with.

Client Testimonial - Chieni

McCullough

Chineni and Angie

I chose to have Angie at our birth because I knew Angie as a mom first. She ran a playgroup for moms and toddlers and I got to know her over a few years before we were pregnant with our second child. She was someone I felt comfortable with. I also wanted someone knowledgeable at the birth to help us through the process since it would be a new experience of having the baby in Taiwan. My first birthing experience was in the US. We had gone through birthing our first child and had a friend as doula and thought it really helped us so decided we would have a doula with the second birth as well.

One memorable thing that happened at the birth--Angie and my husband left the birthing room for a bit, because I was still only a few centimeters dilated and everyone thought it would be at least a few hours before the baby would come. Angie thought it was best if everyone left the room so I could get some sleep before the contractions kicked into high gear.

But the contractions got stronger and stronger while I was supposed to be resting and within 30 minutes, my water broke and the baby was ready to come out. I called my husband on the phone but he didn't answer because he was asleep. I called Angie and thank God she answered. I told her my water broke and I felt like pushing. She woke my husband up in the next room, and rushed in and checked me. I think she said something like, "I can see the head!" The rest was history--the doctor and nurses rushed in and baby came after just a few minutes.

I am so thankful Angie answered the phone when my husband fell asleep. Otherwise who knows, I may have had to deliver the baby by myself!

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2017 TopChef Cooking Competition This is our second competition in the Club and three teams from ACC Members: MIRVAN, ACC Sweet Hearts and TBO (The Beautiful Ones); with one other team “ACC Chef”. The event was bustling, hectic and full of energy.

Our MC Jimbo and three main judges, Ms. Ellen Yin, Godwin and Guest judge Thomas Chiu from the Victoria Hotel, Taipei

Contesting teams shared the concept of their dishes

Congratulations to The People-Choice winner and the Champion, all awards went to “ACC Sweet Hearts”!!

Thank you so much to our main Sponsor Yuen Foong Yu Biotech Co (Green and Safe) for supporting our exciting TopChef Cooking Competition!

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2017 Family Easter Party

Our sponsor - TWINKLE TWINKLE Children manicure made little girls happy like a princess.

One of our most popular booths – Slime, made kids very happy!

We really enjoyed Handicraft and the games

We are Snipers!!

Make it easy on us!

Start of the Egg Hunt.

New game Running for Eggs.

Let’s Hunt eggs with friends!

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2017 Spring Camp

Our Divers are getting professional

Kids Cooking Class Apple Pops & Easter Nest Guys, Get ready to play basketball!

Wow….. Chocolate~~~ Can’t wait to taste it!

I love snack-making with Daddy / Mommy together.

Just can’t wait for food tasting.

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