AWA
Jan · Feb
Bamboo Telegraph All women, All walks of life, All Nationalities
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST WET AND WILD VACATION SPOT IN OUR NEW TRAVEL COLUMN HOW TO EMBRACE CHANGE DURING THIS DAWN OF A NEW DECADE THE AMAZING THINGS YOU CAN BUY AT A VENDING MACHINE IN SINGAPORE
2020
Showroom/Warehouse, No.1, Syed Alwi Road, #03-02, Song Lin Building, 207628
Contents
AWA Singapore's Membership Magazine
14
Jan Feb 2020 2 3 4
President's Message Board Nominations Financial Update
Bits & Bites of Expat Life 6 8 9 10 12 13 14 16 17
Exploring Singapore Watering Holes The Fork and Chopstick Member Spotlight You’re Not Alone Welcome Fair Tea Let's Go! Travel Tips Writers’ Block Decorating Advice
AWA Group Scoop 18 Local Tours 21 Community Service 22 Photography 24 Beauty & Fashion 24 Art & Culture 25 Art Gallery 30 Foreign Tour-Phuket 32 Tennis 34 Golf + Running 35 Bridge + Health & Fitness
Smiles & Snapshots 26 31
Fall Home Tour Get Your Groove On Editor-in-Chief Tori Nelson bt_editor@awasingapore.org
Staff Managing Editors - Prachi Rangan - Emily Oberton Technical Director - Celine Suiter Graphic Editor - Gina Vono Copy Editors - Helena A. Cochrane - Amanda Jaffe Local Tours Editor - Lorraine Graybill Online Editor Jennifer Schell bt_onlineeditor@awasingapore.org Advertising Katherine McCall bt_advertising@awasingapore.org
www.awasingapore.org
8 Visit us on the internet: www.awasingapore.org Facebook: American Women’s Association of Singapore - AWA Instagram: awaofsingapore Questions, comments and administrative issues, please email us: office@ awasingapore.org Printed by Xpress Print (Pte) Ltd 6880-2881, fax 6880-2998 von@xpress.com.sg MCI (P) 085/07/2019
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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 6 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.
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President's Message
American Women's Association Of Singapore Mel Rice President
Does the BT look a little different to you? It should! The BT team has been working very hard for the past couple of months to give it a new and fresh look. They have spent countless hours updating the format, layout, and the graphics. In addition to this new format we will also be launching the BT online. Just like the BT that you receive in the mail, this version will be just a click away. That way you can enjoy and catch up on all the events wherever you are. Many thanks to: Tori Nelson-BT Editor, Jennifer Schell-BT Online Editor, Celine Suiter-Technical Director, Gina Vono-Graphic Designer, Prachi Rangan-outgoing Managing Editor, Emily Obertonincoming Managing Editor and Lorraine GraybillCommunications Director for all of their hard work and dedication in putting together this amazing new BT :). Transparency is very important to us at AWA. We’ve always been very willing to share information about our finances. To make it even easier for you, on page 4 of this magazine, you can see the financial breakdown for the fiscal year 2018-2019. In a challenging expat environment, we are very happy that we ended the year with a positive financial result. This could not have been possible without the support of the board, the chairs, the committees and most importantly members like YOU who have supported all of the AWA events and activities, which has allowed us the opportunity to start to replenish our reserves. This progress is key to our continued growth as an organization. If you would like more information or see the final audited report, please stop into the AWA Office to see Sarah and she will happily go over it with you.
Our membership drive was such a success this past fall, we will be launching a small-scale version in February. Come and check us out at our Welcome Event at The American Club on Monday, February 24th from 2:00pm-4:00pm where we will have a representative from each of our groups and activities present. We encourage you to bring a friend, someone who is new to Singapore, or even someone who you think would really like to get involved with the AWA and see what we are all about. Come and enjoy a very special Singapore horseracing experience under the lights with us Friday, February 28th. Gather your friends and meet some new ones at the annual AWA Night at the Races. Watch live horse racing, enjoy a full buffet dinner and socialize in the air-conditioned grand setting of the Singapore Turf Club. It’s a night not to be missed and registration opens January 1st. Wishing you a New Year filled with happiness and good fortune! Mel
American Women’s Association of Singapore 15 Scotts Road #03-01 Singapore 228218 General Manager: Sarah Cockerill Main: 6734-4895 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm www.awasingapore.org
FAQ’s/Important Information • The AWA welcomes all nationalities, not just Americans. • AWA guest fees apply to Singapore residents. Out of town guests and family members pay the AWA member price. • Guests are entitled to attend 2 events (in total, not per year) before we ask them to join the AWA to continue participating. • You can register for membership and events any time on our website: www.awasingapore.org
AWA MISSION STATEMENT: The American Women's Association is a sisterhood of women from around the world, who come together to enhance their Singapore experience through fulfilling volunteer run events and activities.
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Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
A WA Board Nominations looking for a few g00d ladies!
For the AWA to thrive, it needs passionate, committed board members. The board guides the AWA throughout the year, making it the vibrant, active group it is today. If you have the time and ability to help lead this fantastic group from June 2020 to June 2021, we would love to hear from you. Please email nominations@awasingapore.org if you would like to stand for any of these positions, or if you would like to nominate another member. We will have a fun, exploratory coffee morning in March 2020. (More details to come.) If you are interested in learning more about what is involved in being a board member, we would love you to come and meet current board members and learn more – no obligation! You can register for the coffee on the website from Jan 1st. The deadline for nominations is in March 2020. The slate of officers for the Executive Board is presented to our membership for approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2020.
AWA's 2019-2020 Board Members
The Executive Board positions are as follows: President Leads and directs the affairs of the AWA, setting goals and the specific tone of the AWA during her term in office. Vice-President Responsible for our membership numbers, the General Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation. Secretary Responsible for accurate record keeping within the AWA, including board meeting minutes, and all official correspondence, including statutory filings, such as licenses and insurance. Treasurer The financial conscience of the AWA. Monitors P&L performance and communicates the financial health of the AWA to the board. Events & Activities Director Responsible for all the Social, Special Interest, Sports, and Major Events. Outreach Director Responsible for our interaction with the wider community through our outreach activities and our relationships with sponsors, vendors, and donors. Communications Director Responsible for AWA communications, which www.awasingapore.org
includes the Bamboo Telegraph magazine, website, broadcast email, and social media. Non-Executive board members are appointed positions that are equally involved in the running of the AWA. The Non-Executive board positions are as follows: Social, Special Interest, Sports & Major Events Chairs These positions act as a conduit between the board and sub-committees. Their duties are to maintain knowledge and awareness of all subcommittee activities and assist where needed. This may include chairing ad-hoc events if necessary. Community Service Chair Provides AWA members with information about community service agencies and organizations in Singapore and gives notice of volunteer opportunities in the wider community. Corporate Relations Manager Coordinates and maintains a database of all sponsor, donor and vendor relationships. Coordinates requests for sponsorship & donations with event committees. If you have questions or are considering getting involved, please email nominations@awasingapore.org. -- 3 --
A WA Financial Update
where does our money come from & how is it used?
The AWA Board is pleased to share an overview of our Fiscal Year 2018-19, showing a positive balance. That is also our goal this year, to allow us to replenish our reserves and improve the member experience by investing in the technology supporting our membership. Our top revenue source for the AWA is the membership dues that we collect. As you can see in the operating expenses chart, salary and government levies (29%), rent (25%) and online and website expenses (13%) take the largest chunks out of our budget. Looking closely at all the expense figures, you’ll see we run a lean organization, and please know we are constantly looking to be more efficient. Our complete and audited financial statement is available for review in the AWA Office on request.
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Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
Save the Date International Women’s Day 2020
Monday, March 9
th
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM The American Club The Galbraith Ballroom
Women
Shaping the World www.awasingapore.org
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Exploring Singapore
observations of an expat in singapore
Thinking Inside the Box
Written by and photographs by Amanda Jaffe
Singapore is undergoing a vending machine revolution. While thinking of new things to put inside a vending machine may seem the opposite of thinking outside the box, people here are rethinking what they can do with the box in the first place. Interest in a particular topic can lead you to new places. Love trees? A day exploring Singapore’s heritage trees can take you from Sentosa to Seletar. Even if you don’t have a plan mapped out, keeping an eye out for something that interests you while going about your day can make that day a lot more fun. Singapore’s vending machines do that for me. Here, then, are a few of my favorites. If I’ve listed a location, there are just a few, or it’s where I found the machine or confirmed its location. You may find them elsewhere in your travels -- that’s what exploration’s all about! If I haven’t listed a location, the machines are widespread, with locations often available online. Norwegian Salmon Singapore is home to the world’s first Norwegian Salmon ATM (actually, 79 at last count). The inventor thought it important that Norwegian salmon should be readily available at convenient times and good prices. Who can argue with that?
Chilli Crab Now you can get Singapore’s “national dish” piping hot (or piping frozen for home preparation) from the Chilli Crab vending machine. This machine positions itself a bit more modestly than some others as “1st in Singapore.” Someone else was first in the world? (Sentosa, Punggol) Self-Service Karaoke Coconuts World’s first Norwegian Salmon ATM? Meet the world’s first coconut vending machine. (When I was young, we called them “palm trees.”) This clever box, developed by NTU graduates with a grant from their alma mater, simultaneously vends and opens a young coconut. (Sentosa, Bugis, Suntec City, Cathay Building) -- 6 --
You’re walking down the street when the burning need to engage in some karaoke suddenly hits you. We’ve all been there, right? Fortunately, selfservice karaoke booths have arrived! They’re airconditioned, with a full range of songs. Following a test run of Abba’s Super Trouper (field research!), I now know that entering a self-service karaoke booth is not embarrassing. Exiting one, however, is an entirely different story. Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
Cars Honorable mention goes to the automobile “vending machine” at AutoBahn Motors. This is not actually a vending machine, but a car delivery system that looks like the biggest vending machine ever. (Jalan Bukit Merah, near Alexandra Road)
Fresh-Squeezed OJ Does self-service karaoke leave you thirsty? Look no further than a fresh-squeezed orange juice vending machine. Before you tell me you’ve seen these before, when did you last stop to (re)appreciate them? Sometimes exploring means giving something old a fresh look. Salad Shake Salad vending machines belie the idea that vending machine food can’t be fresh and good for you. Their machines include customizable fresh toppings, including baked salmon, smoked duck breast, and sous vide chicken breast. “Sous vide” plus “vending machine?” Revolutionary. Books
Reverse Vending “Reverse vending machines” sponsored by Recycle N Save identify, sort, and collect plastic drink bottles and aluminum cans, dispensing a 20 cent FairPrice coupon for every four pieces deposited. A go-green vending machine! (Just a few now, 50 island-wide by March 2020)
Some evenings you just want to curl up with a book. What offbeat thing gets you exploring? The mystery books under wraps in BooksActually’s book vending machines offer the excitement of a blind date without the drama. (BooksActually in Tiong In addition to exploring Bahru and Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari (Dempsey)) Singapore for Bamboo Telegraph, Amanda Jaffe writes Laundry about her travel adventures on More a vending location than a machine per se, her blog, Rambling Llama but an interesting concept that combines an app (www.ramblingllama.com). with a drop box to provide 24/7 dry cleaning access. Drop off when it’s convenient for you, get notified Any mention of a particular business or vending machine is not intended to endorse the business or its products. online when your items are ready. Revolutionary convenience! www.awasingapore.org
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Watering Holes
The best places in singapore to find coffee & cocktails Written by Silva Fernandez
The Social Space
333 Kreta Ayer Rd, SG 080333 & 5 Straits View(Marina Res.) #01-03, SG 018935 https://www.thesocialspace.co One day walking by the Chinatown area, I felt struck by luck when I discovered this café on Kreta Ayer Road. I talked to Cheryl Ou, the driving force behind this “socially conscious multiconcept store” and fell in love with all the fair-trade retail products and the “refill” concept of bring-your-own container and fill it. Sustainability is a mantra here so choosing what to have from the menu becomes an extra pleasure for your tastebuds, guaranteed. What makes me recommend this place is the commitment to the community: they provide training for various skills to individuals with different circumstances in life, so they can become self-sufficient in the future. They serve cakes prepared by the trainees from APSN (Association for Persons with Special Needs). There is the option of another “Social Space” located in Marina Residences. The one in Kreta Ayer provides a nail salon with a vocational training program for under-privileged women and uses only non-toxic and cruelty-free products. What else could I do on those days when I feel like a beverage can make a difference? I call a couple of friends for a coffee and a bite to eat and get a mani-pedi while helping out others.
photos from Social Space
Oxwell & Co
5 Ann Siang Rd, SG 069688 http://oxwellandco.com Do you want to meet for a drink after your other half has finished work on a Friday? Don’t be afraid of the temperature or the heat and head off to Ann Siang Hill. The restaurant and bar are located at a busy corner on Club Street. Don’t get distracted by beautiful people and the good vibes and go up to the rooftop. Take a minute and enjoy the view: picture perfect, framed by the CBD - a photoshoot right there! Find a spot and study the drink photo by Elena Boyce menu, which has a gin-based theme. Keep in mind the herb garden around the place while considering your options. I don’t want a “salad” in my cocktail but fresh herbs make a delightful touch. The bartenders are very quick on their feet to suggest a drink and while my husband had a refreshing modern version of the classic G&T, I went for a Piña Colada. Oh boy! If you like Piña Colada and getting caught in the rain, like the old Rupert Holmes song, I loved this innovative rendering with an Asian twist of a traditional (often misunderstood) cocktail. Now, don’t blame me for getting this song stuck in your head and plan your next Friday night out at this rooftop bar with a magnificent view to go with it! -- 8 --
Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
The Fork and Chopstick
featuring off the beaten path, heritage or just fun chomping grounds
Written by and Photographs provided by Jenni & Eric Lee
Fine Dining Bakery by Akira M.
207 River Valley Road, #01-59, UE Square, 238275 A new hidden gem of a bakery/cafe is Fine Dining Bakery, located a few steps away from Ippudo in Robertson Quay. Breakfast/Brunch Chomp Fine Dining Bakery is notable for its highquality handcrafted breads, made with flour flown in from Hokkaido, Japan. Akira M. hails from the fine dining establishments of Joel Robuchon and Beni. We headed there on a Sunday morning for their value bread sampler breakfast accompanied by a cup of fine coffee. All the breads were excellent, served with high quality butter and strawberry preserve. A wide range of breads were for sale, even different baguettes for red wine and white wine! Their sourdough comes in mild and strong (think smoked salmon or roast beef suitability). We sipped our long black coffee slowly, waiting for 10:30 a.m. when they start offering sandwich plates. Highly recommended is the smoked salmon openfaced sourdough sandwich ($19.80), consisting of quality smoked salmon and a leafy salad lightly doused with a homemade vinaigrette. Testifying to their attention to detail was a small dish of pickled pepper and celery that refreshed the palate. Their sought-after fluffy shokupan egg salad sandwich is NOT to be missed ($8.50).
Ambience/Decor/Clientele It has a glass seethrough bakery with a few tables, consisting of an inviting minimalist decor. It’s popular with the Japanese expat crowd, perhaps more often to take away than eat in. One weekday morning, a large group of Japanese ladies enjoyed their brunch and not one of them left without a takeaway bag of breads. What Others Are Saying: 4.7 and 4 out of 5 stars on Google and Ordinary Patrons. “Gorgeous breads esp their magic of the moon white breads. Just take my money kinda place,” “Do come early to get the best shokupan in town,” “The egg sandwich is a definite winner. The bread is super soft and moist...every bite transported me back to a memory of Japan.” Pre/Post Meal You may want to walk off the carb and caffeine overload (but totally worth it!) with a stroll along the Singapore River, or walk through Fort Canning Park to absorb a bit of history. You can download the “BALIKSG” app to travel through an interactive journey back to when it was known as Government Hill. The nine historical gardens are also enjoyable; or take a worthwhile tour of The Battle Box, the Underground Far East Command Centre during WWII. Happy Chomping!
Rant & Rave Service is warm and friendly. As a very popular intimate café, it can be difficult to get a table at times, although they do have outdoor rattan furniture to sit on as well. Wine and beer are also available. No GST or service charge are added, since you pay when you order at the cashier. Credit cards are not accepted. www.awasingapore.org
Jenni & Eric Lee live to eat and explore local eateries and bars. Originally from New York, they have lived in Singapore since 2012.
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Member Spotlight
getting to know our members beyond the usual chit chat Written by Christin Gustafson This issue's Spotlight is on Mary Anderson, who moved to Singapore from Texas a year ago. She and her husband are living their dream life on Sentosa.
do miss having my own classroom, but the time and freedom that I have now has allowed me to put more energy into working out, reading, and exploring new hobbies.
What did you do to meet people and form friendships?
Have you or do you volunteer and how has that enhanced your expat experience?
We began by forming friendships with my husband’s coworkers and their wives. They are a great group, and we spend a lot of time with them. We also have become good friends with our neighbors. And of course, AWA has been such a wonderful way to meet new people! What have you enjoyed more about Singapore than you thought you would? I have really enjoyed using public transportation. I have always been so dependent on having a car, so I expected that transition was going to be really tough. I enjoy the time spent on the MRT or bus though. It’s nice being able to read, listen to a podcast, or just zone out for a while. What hobby have you been able to enjoy in Singapore that you didn’t previously? I have learned how to play mahjong, and I have gotten into baking and decorating sugar cookies (thanks to fellow AWA member Patty Levy for giving me her recipe!) Have you tried something new (a class, a sport, etc.) in Singapore? Do you hope to continue when you return to the US? I have gotten into running since being in Singapore. My friends and family back home are genuinely surprised by this because I couldn’t even run a mile before moving here. I would love to continue running after leaving Singapore. The beauty of running is that you really can do it anywhere. All you need is a pair of running shoes. Is your quality of life different in Singapore than it was before you were an expat? I have more free time in Singapore than I did in the United States, where I was teaching full time. Now that I am in Singapore, I am tutoring part time. I -- 10 --
I just joined the kidsREAD program through AWA. This is a new volunteer opportunity that allows me to marry my love of kids with my desire to give back to the Singapore community. What life lesson have you learned during your time as an expat in Singapore? It’s been difficult for me not knowing what the next 5-10 years of my life will look like. We originally moved here thinking we would only be here for 2 years, but now it’s already a possibility that we will stay longer. I have learned that even though I want to plan out every detail of my life, sometimes you have to just go with the flow and see where life takes you. How do you treat yourself in Singapore? I love having a spa day in Batam! I will go get a massage, a facial, and a hair treatment. Back home, Mary Anderson I loved getting the occasional massage, but they are so much more affordable here. What do you miss from home that you can’t find in Singapore? Chick-Fil-A!!!!! I miss it so much. And, being from Texas, I LOVE chips and queso! It is possible to make queso here using Velveeta, but it is outrageously expensive!
Christin is a seasoned expat who enjoys learning how others adjust to their adopted hometown. She is a member of the AWA Writers Group, a busy mom of two sons and has lived in Singapore since 2018.
Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
2020
Fashii Show “Empowered by Fashion”
www.awasingapore.org
www.awasingapore.org
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You're Not Alone... Really
coping with the ups and downs of being an expat Written by Andrea McKenna Brankin
Embracing Change— How to Change your Life in 2020
1. What good can come from this change?
We’re all pretty tired of seeing the “New Year-New You” promos plastered all over the media year after year. It’s time to look at making some meaningful changes in your life that will last a lifetime. The question is, how? As examples of long-term, sustainable change, here are are a few people who made specific efforts to change their lives.
Since returning to Singapore, Carol has started a business as a transformation/confidence coach and speaker and has been featured in the Straits Times as well as the book, Break Through, published this year.
Singapore confidence coach Carol Gockel faced massive changes a few years ago as an expat in Germany. Her loneliness as an Asian lady in Europe was compounded by her dealing with language and cultural barriers, as well as the usual expat challenges, like how to get groceries. “The first few weeks I was in tears, wondering what I had gotten myself into. It was cold, I had no friends, no one to talk to. I’d spend my days staring out of the window and counting the minutes until my husband got home from work. It took me 3 months to finally move my buttocks to get connected to the American International Women’s Club of Cologne e.V. (AIWCC) to meet trailing spouses and mums like myself, and to be able to speak English to people other than my husband.” She says she had to learn the hard way that change is what you make of it. The meaning and feelings she was attaching to her big change were fear, uncertainty and insecurity. “My unwillingness to put my feelings out there to make real connections showed me I was afraid of the heartbreak when it was time to leave. I already had my wall up before I even moved! That prevented me from fully embracing the experience.” Carol says she got “unstuck” by developing a few rules to embrace change: 1. Be interested. “It isn’t every day someone is paying you for a life-changing experience,” she says. 2. Adopt a growth mindset. Be coachable. Be eager to learn, and share experiences, too. 3. Recall the reasons for making the change. Carol looked at why she had agreed to the move, why her family made the decision and what they had wanted to get from it. She also reminds us that most changes relate to health, wealth, and relationships. Questions she says to ask yourself when we find ourselves resisting change are:
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2. What will happen if I don’t make this change? 3. What end results do I want this change to bring me?
Rugby player and events planner Johnny Ashenhurst suffered from anxiety. Drinking alcohol was making it worse, he found, so…he stopped for a year. “I decided to do a year, to really flush the problem out of my system.” But he didn’t just stop drinking and hide from the world. He created additional goals for himself, to keep motivated to stay dry. “I set myself 100 things to do and ended up halving that to 50, to let it be feasible financially and time-wise with family.” He ended up doing 35 out of the 50, including things like swimming 30 Olympic lengths a day for a month, spending a day helping out at a dog shelter, eating durian for the first time, and cycling around the whole of Singapore. “At the end of the day my best motivation is personal health and the ability to support and be there for my family,” he says, adding that you should embrace totally what you are doing and tell all your family and friends. Don’t try to do it alone, as you put too much pressure on yourself. When faced with the inevitable peer pressure, he did not veer from the path. “Never be ashamed to admit why you made the decision in the first place. Anyone who asked me ‘why would you do that?’ I just came right out and said it was because I was dealing with stress and anxiety issues, it was affecting my family and I had to make a change.” He also suggests NOT withdrawing socially, but rather being open and honest about the new lifestyle choice. Singapore expat Rupinder Kaur decided in 2019 to focus more on self-care, helping herself to find her place “first at the heart of things,” including better diet and exercise. She says the three best self-care efforts to make in a week are: Watch your internal self-talk and dialogue. If you’re habitually critical of yourself, only you can change that. Move your body physically and spend time in nature. Activity in green space is the best healer of problems from small to big. Keep small promises to yourself each day for a week or 10 days or a month until it becomes a habit, e.g., stop sugar, carbs, overthinking, or drinking.
Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
Along the way, she found a lot of internal resistance. “I realized the initial process is hard and challenging, and the mind conjures all the ideas as to why you shouldn’t be doing this instead of finding reasons why you should allow yourself to do that.” She found that journaling was useful in soothing the urges to fall back into old, unwanted habits. “Journal three reasons why you need to give up a certain habit which is not healthy instead of justifying yourself and letting the ego play its tantrum. Acknowledge that your ego is playing a tantrum, as that is easier rather than mustering the courage to do the task of changing patterns." She continues, "Once you start observing the positive changes in your life, you are able to bear the fruits of your labor just like many other challenges you’ve faced, and that is when it starts becoming fun. Then it becomes a bit of an autopilot journey.” When it comes to embracing change, Rupinder says it can be uncomfortable, but that you have to stick with it. “You will initially feel disconnected from yourself, and drawing personal boundaries will feel like you are taking up too much space. Allow yourself to experience those feelings, rather than running away from them.” Keeping nay-sayers at bay also is a constant challenge when you try to make changes. “You get to define who you become in life, (so) stop people-pleasing. Other people’s issues and what they project onto you is none of your business. Draw boundaries. Define who you are now, when you have an adult choice, rather than letting the childhood voices inside define who you are.
In my own story, I turned my life around to better manage my mental health, specifically bipolar disorder. I wrote a yet-to-be-published book about how I pulled myself up from mental hospital stays to returning to a career in journalism and forming a new, healthy relationship, with a partner I am still with now. I found success by making changes in how I thought---I did mantra meditation, I listened to and read books by teachers such as Oprah, Deepak Chopra, and Rhonda Byrne, author of "The Secret". I owe my current happiness to having refocused my mind on how I wanted my life to be, and what new ways of acting and thinking could make it that way. It took a long time, but I eventually succeeded in transcending my endless suffering and moving into a functional mental health life where I could have friends, a job, relationships, and eventually, a baby. To regain my mental health, I had to consciously embrace events that were happening around me in a positive way. I had to learn to make changes as steps towards the person I want to be—free of the manacle of bipolar disorder. The bottom line for everyone is that to make and embrace change does take effort. But know that all kinds of people have been able to summon the strength to do it, and you are most certainly not alone. Share your exciting, daunting plans, and you may find support all around you! The only thing you have to do alone is to make the decision to take the first steps.
“The new you is the result of your efforts and victories at change. If you like that change, acknowledge it and keep it.” She says letting go of things that don’t serve you will make more room for something new to grow inside you.
Andrea runs the AWA Listen Ladies Group, providing confidential support at monthly meetings. listenladies@awasingapore.org
Welcome Fair Tea Get acquainted with AWA
Our Welcome Fair Tea gets you acquainted with the AWA. Whether you are brand new to Singapore or a returning member, whether you work at home or in an office, no matter what nationality you are, this is the place to come make friends and find fun and fulfilment.
(please find a nice generic 'tea' or some welcome image for this)
Our social, sports, special interest and community service volunteers will be on hand to introduce their activities and help you get started. In addition, you can find out more about our major annual events for the upcoming year. Registration for this event is not required - please stop in so we can welcome you!
Date: Monday, February 24 Time: 2pm – 4pm Place: The American Club, Galbraith Ballroom, 10 Claymore Hill, Singapore 229573 Cost: None Limit: 150 www.awasingapore.org
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Let's Go!
TRAVEL, TOURS AND FUN ITINERARY IDEAS AROund Southeast Asia Written by Meg Sine, Photographs by Yanna Ventures Travel
Thailand was my home for ten wonderful years. As a seasoned expat traveler, I have been to all of the beaches in the Land of Smiles at least once. My family’s first Thai beach vacation was to Phuket on an R&R holiday during our hardship posting to China in 1996. Leaving cold, dusty Beijing, we discovered paradise on the sparkling, white sand beaches of the Andaman Sea. However, our faraway favorite Phuket adventure was to drive across the island to the exotically beautiful Phang Nga Bay, location of James Bond Island, and in 2001, the sublime setting of Leonardo DiCaprio’s film, The Beach.
called Khao Lak. On a visit in 2016, we stayed at a JW Marriott offering every amenity of an all-inclusive beach resort for families. Other high-end hotel brands were nearby, collected together around a small commercial center with small boutiques and deliciously fresh and inexpensive Thai seafood. The village ice cream shop is also a getaway spot for teenagers bored of the beach.
In the last 25 years, Phuket has become increasingly more popular. Nearly wrecked by the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004, today Phuket “has the highest number of visitors per square mile per day of any tourist destination in the world,” according to the local Phuket News. Fortunately, for those looking for a less busy beach destination as well as to experience the natural wonders of Phang Nga Bay, there is a blissfully quiet alternative just north of Phuket. Allow me to recommend my vote for the best “wet and wild” destination for your next holiday in southern Thailand. About a 90-minute drive north of Phuket International Airport is a quieter string of Andaman beaches -- 14 --
Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
The public beach at Khao Lak is breezy and wide where tourists barely outnumber a few local fishermen. It is possible to walk this quiet beach in either direction for hours. The beauty of Khao Lak, however, is its combination of beach and bay -- like Phuket, only less well-known and therefore remarkably less crowded. The bay I refer to is not salt water, but a huge man-made lake called Cheow Lan. Best of all, the watershed of this immense body of water is a dense rainforest protected by national park. Our resort in Khao Lak arranged a car and driver to take us on well-maintained provincial roads to tour what I call the fresh water version of Phang Nga Bay. The panorama of Cheow Lan Lake was spellbinding. Just as our experience in Phang Nga Bay, human scale quickly became insignificant. The calm, tealblue water contrasts with the rugged rock isles on the horizon, some rising to 900 meters tall. Geologists call these rock islands, formed by ancient remnants of higher sea levels, limestone karst. Guilin in southern China and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam are two other famous tourist sites with similar scenery.
There are also many terrestrial points of interest around the lake such as wildlife spotting, waterfalls and hiking to caves and scenic overlooks. On one short hike, we left the boat at a place where the guide spotted a troop of dusky leaf monkeys moving around up in the tree canopy. Bring your telephoto lens, because these little creatures’ eyes look like they are wearing wire-rimmed spectacles. Our favorite part of the tour was a stopover at a resort of floating bungalows called Krai Son in Klong Yee, one of the most secluded sections of the lake. Twenty small bungalows are connected by narrow plank walkways, all fastened to large floating timbers as big as Roman columns. Amid this world of water, I was reassured to see that this modest accommodation had indoor plumbing and proper waste management. As we cruised around, we saw several other floating resorts of various degrees of sturdiness and comfort, from basic bamboo to luxurious teak cabins. I enjoyed allowing myself to feel lost and small in this tranquil wilderness.
To really appreciate the dramatic, wild environment of Cheow Lan Lake, of course we wanted to get on a boat. We hired a guide and long tail boat at the Ratchaprapha Marina on the eastern end of the dam for a 4-hour tour. The iconic long tail boat is uncovered and allows for the best views and photography, but covered boats are available too. The boatmen and guides navigate the lake’s six sprawling klongs, or tributary sections, past some uniquely shaped karst landmarks such as Buddha Rock and Khao Sam Kler (“Three Buddies Cliff”). www.awasingapore.org
On the highway between Khao Lak and Rachaprapha Dam, our driver pointed out a sanctuary for retired working elephants. Regretfully, we did not have time to stop -- the second reason I have to go back. A visit to Thailand without elephants is like a visit to Singapore without seeing Marina Bay Sands! Khao Lak and Cheow Lan Lake offer everything a visitor to the Land of Smiles could hope for: a restful beach resort, good food (and cooking classes), and a chance to indulge your wild side in spectacular, untamed scenery and wildlife. Meg lived and traveled all over Asia for almost 25 years before moving to SIngapore in 2018. She enjoys biking, walking and quilting with AWA Creative Hands.
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Writers' Block
from a member of our AWA Writers Group Written by Anne Morgan
My Friend Rong Xuan Friendships are forged in a myriad of ways, but ours by any definition is unusual. Rong Xuan is a twelve year old Singaporean girl, the fourth child after a long gap; her three siblings all adults. I’m a middle aged, childless woman from the UK who lives in the same condo building in Singapore. For many years our lives rattled along on separate tracks. Our intersection only coming as a consequence of Rong Xuan’s family’s strictly non-negotiable pet embargo. When their youngest child hankered after a dog, she knew options were limited. Resourceful and curious, she began local reconnaissance to assess her neighbors’ pets. Soon she spied our two profoundly ungrateful rescue cats and began an examination. Her no-nonsense pragmatism soon trumped her preference for a dog, and Rong Xuan accepted the two unpromising specimens as an adequate starting place upon which to explore the world of pets. I gradually became aware of her shadowy figure popping up from behind a bush or sitting quietly on the low wall, intently watching our cats. With smiles, then a few friendly words, I introduced Mona the tabby, and Scholsey the ginger Tom – she struggled with Scholsey’s name, never having heard of the legendary, similarly red-pelted Manchester United football player – so he immediately became Golzie. I too needed phonics for her name, mangling vowels wildly before gratefully settling upon “wrong chen.” To my surprise I soon learned that Rong Xuan had never stroked a cat before. Quickly enough, the slightly more amenable of our furry twosome was pressed into action, the proffered head tentatively, then confidently patted; the forging of a cat and human friendship began. Our patio doors are permanently open during the day to allow on-demand cat access. Rong Xuan soon availed herself of the same access rights. Within a remarkably short time she made herself comfortable, appeared often, hunkered down, and embarked upon a continuous quest to find out absolutely everything about everything. The full back story of each cat was exhaustively pored over, the tiniest detail forensically dissected. She shadowed, observations flew, my unimaginative cuisine called out with a cheerful “cooking salad again hahaha.” She loved to see how things worked. The washing
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racks, elevated by strings and pulleys, elicited an “Oh my, how satisfying!” Soon she was feeding the cats, precisely measuring their rations with scrupulous attention. If we were late home a stern WhatsApp would appear: “You are late, I will have to feed them.” Our conversations featured ever more elaborate scenarios, pitching the cats in prominent roles. “It’s Armageddon. You have no food. Which cat would you eat first?” After a few shrieks, the matter was given serious consideration, feline tummies kneaded to assess their degree of tenderness, ages re-established and a purring, potential victim selected. In our apartment Rong Xuan ate olives for the first time, then went to the supermarket and bought her own. We learned about her dancing prowess and how she was called back to her primary school to coach one of the graduating groups. Her damning verdict: “They could do better.” She proved herself eminently capable and volunteered to be the sole cat carer for two weeks when we swanned off back to the UK on holiday. We enjoyed detailed daily updates on the gruesome twosome’s shenanigans. “Mona caught a bat.” “I think she ate it.” “But some body parts were left in the house. Well I saw the bat head and the wings.” “But I cleared it up.” “Still have some blood stains in the bathroom.” “Grossed out hahaha.” Grossed out maybe, but gloriously understated and reigning supreme as the queen of capable. She dealt with all eventualities; the furry destroyers’ swishing lack of repentance never daunting her spirits. Rong Xuan doesn’t visit as often now, her dance card too full of study and friends. Whenever she does appear the sun comes out, and she is greeted with a chorus of squeaks, purrs and shameless rolling, the two cats transported. My clever young friend is growing up but some things don’t change; her family resolutely maintain their no pet stance.
The AWA Writers’ Group meets the second and fourth Thursday to discuss their work. For more information, send an email to writers@awasingapore.org
Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
Decorating Advice
for the newcomer to singapore
Moving to a new home can certainly be daunting, and moving to a new country even more so. Below are some suggestions from interior designer and AWA member Anne-Laure Bartholin to help you get settled.
Written by Anne-Laure Bartholin
Tips when negotiating your tenancy agreement Before signing the tenancy agreement, you should ask the landlord to remove anything that you do not like and consider paying for the replacement yourself. This could be built-in cabinetry, lighting, fans and curtains. In Singapore, the norm is for the landlord to provide an apartment with these items, but you may have a nice flat with ugly built-in cabinets, curtains or wall sconces, and it is worth considering changing these at your own cost if the landlord does not agree to make these changes. However, you will be stuck with this in your cupboards if you do not negotiate to remove them, and storage space can be an issue in Singapore. Lighting issues If you like warm atmospheric lighting in the evening, you might have a hard time finding the perfect place in Singapore! Singaporeans prefer a very bright and white light coming from the ceiling. This is something you will notice in most new houses and apartments here. If the place you are renting in Singapore is not equipped with dimmers, then you can decide not to use the ceiling lights, and easily replace ambient lighting with table and floor lamps all over the house. Mistakes to avoid in decorating your home Resist using all wood or all Asian furniture, and try not to buy too many Vietnamese paintings. And if you have budget constraints, it is always a good idea to combine high-end pieces with cheaper items from Ikea or similar suppliers. It is also nice to mix contemporary pieces with more classic or vintage ones. Where to shop For furniture Originals: this is one of our favorite shops for furniture. It has a very nice mix of teak wood furniture, plus it features not only brands from Europe, but also furniture and accessories from India and Africa. And it has a very good and dedicated after-sales service. The color palette, textures and selection are truly beautiful. Originals 1 Bukit Batok Street 22, #05-02/03, Singapore 659592. China Collection: this is the place to shop for beautiful Chinese benches, sideboards, bedside tables and decorative Chinese accessories. China Collection recently relocated to Joo Chiat Area which is a neighborhood with beautiful shophouses. China Collection 252 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427506.
www.awasingapore.org
Photography by Sandrine Capdouze
FC Furniture: for beautiful contemporary Italian pieces of furniture FC Furniture 315 Outram Road, #04-09 Singapore 169074. For Accessories Stylodeco: for beautiful accessories and lamps, you can do your shopping online (www.stylodeco.com) or visit the showroom in Seletar by appointment. Maissone: for a beautiful selection of Australian brands, Maissone Tiong Bahru at 25 Yong Siak Street Tiong Bahru, Singapore 168653. Vintage and Antiques Mobler: for beautiful Scandinavian XIXth and XXth century furniture and accessories. Mobler 81 Tagore Lane Tag A 02-11 787502 Singapore. Hot Lotz: an Interiors & Antiques auction house that holds auctions every Thursday at 8pm. Hot Lotz HotLotz Pte Ltd, 120 Lower Delta Road, #01-15 Cendex Centre, Singapore 169208.
Anne-Laure Bartholin is a partner at interior design firm AD Concept. For more information go to their website www.adconcept.com.sg.
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AWA Local Tour Policies
Crazy Rich Asians
Understanding Thaipusam
• Complete detailed tour descriptions are found at www.awasingapore.org. • You must register to participate in an AWA Local Tour. Registration begins on the first of the month at www.awasingapore.org. • If a tour is full, please complete the Waitlist Form. There is no charge to be on the waitlist; you will be charged only if you are added to the tour. (This often happens!) • You may cancel your attendance at an event by emailing office@ awasingapore.org no less than four working days prior to the event. We regret that cancellations received after that time cannot be refunded. • All AWA tours include a $5 nonrefundable cancellation charge. • You may transfer your registration to another AWA member, no less than four working days prior to an event for no fee by emailing office@ awasingapore.org. • Only adults over 18 years of age may attend AWA tours unless otherwise designated in the description. • Tour attire: If your tour includes a visit to a place of worship, please be certain to cover your knees and shoulders. Comfortable shoes and an umbrella are always a good idea. • All tour end times are approximate.
Tour Menu:
WALKING
BUS
ART/CULTURE
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NIGHT
FOOD
NATURE
SHOPPING
FEB
5
Wed
TIME: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm PLACE: Huber's Butchery carpark, Dempsey Hill COST: $81 Member, $95 Guest
LIMIT: 19 You’ve read the book, you LOVED the movie! Now you need to take the Crazy Rich Asians tour!
You’ll visit some of the wonderful sites featured in the best-selling book and blockbuster movie as well as places that inspired the storyline and characters. Whether you've lived in Singapore all your life or are a new arrival, you’ll want to hear some fascinating facts of our little island of contrasts. Singapore is one of the main characters in Kevin Kwan’s book with its unique blend of cultures and traditions. Likewise, it plays a starring role in the dazzling film adaption as well, given the full Hollywood treatment thanks to its eclectic mix of historic architecture and modern marvels. This tour includes real and fictional locations from the film and book with bona fide Singaporean culture and history along the way. If you haven’t yet gotten enough of Crazy Rich Asians, or can’t wait for the movie sequel, then you need to join this special AWA tour!
FEB
8
Sat
TIME: 6:30 am – 10:00 Am PLACE: Newton Food Centre COST: $62 Member, $77 Guest
LIMIT: 29
We board our buses and travel to Sri Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road, as our guide explains the customs and beliefs of this fascinating celebration. She explains the rituals Hindu devotees undergo in preparation for the ceremony, which makes this walk a not-to-be missed occasion. Upon arrival, we watch the devotees as their kavadis are attached with hooks and skewers to their bodies. Then we follow a portion of the route, accompanying the procession of devotees and chanting well-wishers as they walk toward the Chettiar Temple on Tank Road. The bus will take us to the Temple where we will observe the kavadis being removed after respects are paid, with much ceremony. Please note that this festival shows body piercing and might not be suitable for everyone. DRESS CODE: This is a religious festival. Please dress modestly (no short skirts, shorts or revealing tops).
Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
Food & Neighborhood Explorer 1
FEB
12
Wed
TIME: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm PLACE: Braddell MRT, Exit B (above ground) COST: $46 Member, $57 Guest
LIMIT: 14
St. John's Island
FEB
19
Wed
TIME: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm PLACE: Marina South Pier COST: $60 Member, $75 Guest
LIMIT: 10
A few kilometers south of Singapore lies a secret beach with clear waters and white sands on St John's Island, one of the country's many beautiful offshore islands.
80% of the population here live in public housing. To make it convenient for the residents of the area, there are many amenities accessible to them. You literally do not have to leave your estate to get most of what you need for your daily life.
St John's Island was once a quarantine center for immigrants coming into Singapore who had cholera, beri-beri and leprosy. It was later used to house political prisoners and drug rehabilitation you can still see the high barbed wire fences - and was also a refuge for Vietnamese boat people.
Our tour will end at a different MRT station, so best to use public transport for this tour. Please bring your EZ Link card for a short bus ride.
www.awasingapore.org
FEB
21 Fri
TIME: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm PLACE: Tanglin Gate Visitors Centre, Tanglin Rd. COST: $60 Member, $75 Guest
LIMIT: 19
This is the first part of a series of tours where we will explore the neighborhoods of the various public housing or HDB (Housing and Development Board) flats.
We will walk around two HDB neighborhoods to find out more about how the local folks live, shop and eat. We explore the neighborhood shops where bargains abound; you can get a haircut for $3(!) and get kitchen stuff that you cannot find easily at the malls. Singaporeans love to eat, so let’s join them and try food from various food stalls.
Botanic Gardens UNESCO Trail
Today, both St John's and its neighbor Lazarus Island are known as places for a day trip away from the city, so come join us as we explore the nature and history of these beautiful pieces of paradise! You will take a short ferry ride to the island. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and a water bottle are a great idea for this fantastic tour of nature.
On the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the Singapore Botanic Gardens situated right in the heart of our city. Come join our guide for a heritage walk through the Botanic Gardens that showcases the most spectacular of tropical flora and enjoy her stories and local anecdotes about the historical and cultural events that took place in the Gardens. With its opulent variety of plantings, historic features and buildings, the Singapore Botanic Gardens gives you a glimpse into Singapore’s colonial past of the 1800s. What started as a tropical colonial garden has now evolved into an important landmark of our rich culture. You’ll get to see the National Orchid Garden, and heritage trees that date back to two centuries ago. By the end of your experience, you will see why Time Magazine named this beauty Asia’s Best Urban Jungle.
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Local Designers Tour 1
FEB
26
Wed
TIME: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm PLACE: Junction of Arab Street & Beach Road COST: $39 Member, $48 Guest
LIMIT: 11
Don’t you wish there were more interesting and authentic souvenirs from Singapore besides the usual ‘I love SG’ T shirts and Merlion keychains? Look no further! Join this tour to meet three of Singapore’s most popular designers for lifestyle products, hear about their design journey story and take the opportunity to do some shopping as well. Thanks to their talent, grit and determination, they overcame obstacles to become successful in their own right, and their products now adorn many of our homes. Ranging from beautiful to quirky and definitely original, the products represent Singapore’s multiracial culture and history in fun, wacky and colorful ways and will surely bring on a smile. After meeting the first designer, we will stop for a quick drink/bite at a café (at own cost) before heading on to the other two. The tour will end at a different venue so best to use public transport to the meeting venue.
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Viva Funky Singapore
MAR
5
Thu
TIME: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm PLACE: Farrer Park MRT, Exit I COST: $60 Member, $75 Guest
LIMIT: 14
Go off the beaten track to check out this vibrant and eclectic neighborhood and visit the hidden gems. Join us on a voyage of discovery around the up and coming hipster 'hood of Jalan Besar. Explore the site of the former New World Amusement Park where in the heady days entertainment offerings included the Queen of Striptease. Admire and visit Petain Road shophouses in all their architectural glory. Find spiritual solace in a colorful 24hour Tibetan-Buddhist temple that never sleeps. Feel the new hipster vibe brought by popular coffee roasters and dessert joints. Hear the cheers of fans at the Jalan Besar Stadium, the birthplace of Singapore football. End with a mini art tour at the stylish Vagabond Club with its Parisian salon decor.
Fascinating Street Life of Waterloo Street
MAR
12 Thu
TIME: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm PLACE: Bus Stop in front Fu Lu Shou Complex COST: $45 Member, $56 Guest
LIMIT: 14
Waterloo Street is a microcosm of Singapore’s street life where the locals come to shop, play, eat and worship. Witness the multi-racial and multi-religious character of Singapore where different places of worship are situated along this colourful street – Buddhist and Hindu temples, Jewish synagogue and churches. The day of the tour is the Birthday of the Goddess of Mercy, where you can witness the devotees in their veneration of one of the most popular goddesses in Buddhism. Hear about the shenanigans of the infamous Bugis Street of the bygone era; muse on the things sold at the ‘Mall of Feng Shui’ and the ‘shop-temples.’ We will also visit the oldest surviving synagogue in Singapore and Southeast Asia. And since the tour falls on a Thursday, we will have a chance to purchase the fresh and yummy challah bread that is baked at the synagogue for Sabbath. There will be a stop for coffee at own expense.
Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
Community Service
awa members contributed over 1,900 volunteer hours last year
AWA’s Community Service supports five featured charities where we’ve designed programs so members can choose from a variety of volunteer options. Below is a description of one of those charities, The People's Association. Even before the birth of Singapore, future Singaporean leaders knew that integration and racial harmony would be key to the future of this great country. In July 1960, The People’s Association (PA) of Singapore was formed as a statutory board by the government. This board was tasked with promoting racial harmony and social cohesion.
opportunity for us to engage with a population with whom we normally do not have much interaction. We typically end up with a few members up onstage dancing with participants, and much fun is Face Painting by Girl Scouts in Troop 10 shared by all in this heart-warming experience. Additionally, we regularly take part in semi-annual Networking Sessions with Global Partners. There are currently 41 immigrant associations representing many of the foreigners living in Singapore. The aim of these groups is to create relationships among the participants, engage the immigrant groups in PAsponsored events, and brainstorm ways to make Singapore a more inclusive country to foreigners. AWA is proud to participate in these meetings, to help shape the culture of inclusivity in Singapore and to further network with other organizations in an effort to identify synergies of opportunity for the future.
AWA member Christa helps out at the Halloween event
Today the People’s Association continues its initial charter by offering a wide range of programs that appeal to people from all walks of life. The PA works with a network including 1,800 grassroots organizations, over 100 Community Clubs, and five Community Development Councils. On an annual basis, AWA participates in several PA-sponsored events. The first of these is the One Community Fiesta Halloween event, sponsored by the Tanjong Pagar GRC & Radin Mas SMC office. This year’s event was a carnival held at Tiong Bahru Park and featured over 3,000 participants. AWA had a prominent role in providing face painting, games and candy to the attendees. We'd like to offer a big thank you to Troop 10 of the Girl Scouts of Singapore for their volunteers who provided many face painters. A second major PA event AWA has participated in for the last three years is the Chinese New Years Eve Reunion dinner. This event hosts over 150 elderly members of the community who do not have family or friends to be with during this very important cultural meal. AWA members share the meal with the participants and assist them with serving their food and clearing their dishes. It is a wonderful www.awasingapore.org
.
If you are interested in getting involved in outreach opportunities with other immigrant associations or the People’s Association, please email outreach@awasingapore.org.
AWA member Claire (standing) at the CNY Reunion Dinner
SAVE THE DATE: CNY REUNION DINNER Date: Friday January 24 Time: 10am (Volunteers meet for briefing first, elderly will arrive at 10:30am) Place: Henderson Community Club 500 Bukit Merah View (TBC) -- 21 --
Photography Group
The awa Photography group welcomes both new and returning Members
Highlights from the Deepavali Festival Walk The Photography Group is pleased to welcome new co-chair, Christina Haist, who led our recent Photo Walk in Little India during the colorful Deepavali Festival. Despite the rainy start, the group enjoyed a lovely evening of photography, starting at City Square Mall, and then making their way down Serangoon Road, capturing the pop-up market, the beautiful street decorations, the atmospheric Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, and the hustle and bustle of Campbell Lane. photo by Christina Haist
Photo above shows AWA members at the Festival (counter clockwise from back); Cathy Barshop, Kelly Dhainaut, Christina Haist, Kendall Winterer, Jamie Jones
photo by Jamie Jones
Chinese New Year Photo Walk Join us as we experience and photograph the festivities leading up to Chinese New Year in bustling Chinatown. Enjoy the beautiful lantern displays and wander around the festive street bazaar where you’ll see many traditional crafts, dishes and Chinese New Year goodies on sale. This walk’s volunteer leader is Christina Haist. Date: Tuesday January 21 Time: 6pm – 8:30pm Price: Free Limit: 12 participants Meeting Point: Tourist Information Office, Kreta Ayer Square photo by Karen Lucas
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Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
Photography Group Photography OUTINGS FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS
Haw Par Villa Photo Walk Bring your camera or mobile phone to explore the fascinating and gaudily-colorful Haw Par Villa (Villa of the Tiger and Leopard). It was originally constructed in 1937 by "Tiger Balm King" Aw Boon Haw as a grand residence for his younger brother who helped create their fortune. The park's attraction is its colorful collection of over 1,000 statues and 150 giant tableaux centered around Chinese folklore, legends, history and Confucian ideology. These statues and their tales of morality provide excellent subjects for still life composition and the creation of vibrant, attention-grabbing photos that are fun, quirky and full of folklore stories. This walk’s volunteer leader is Alison Stanton. Date: Wednesday January 15 Time: 9am-11am Price: Free Limit: 20 particpants Meeting Point: Main entrance to Haw Par Villa on Pasir Panjang Road.
photo by Karen Lucas
New Gallop Extension Photo Walk Come and explore the Botanic Garden’s new ridge walk and arboretum with our group of photography enthusiasts of all levels. This 8-hectare extension off Tyersall Road includes a new ridge-top hiking trail that leads you to the highest point in the gardens – about 40 meters above sea level. As you stroll along, you can discover plants from habitats found in the tropical hills of Southeast Asia, including carnivorous plants like the Raffles' Pitcher Plant. If time permits, we’ll also visit the Learning Forest and SPH Walk of Giants. This walk’s volunteer leader is Karen Lucas. Date: Friday February 14 Time: 9am -11am Price: Free Limit: 12 participants Meeting Point: Gallop Extension Information Office, opp. 1 Tyersall Ave. To sign up for any walk, go to our website, www.awasingapore.org For any questions, please email photography@awasingapore.org photo by Karen Lucas
www.awasingapore.org
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Beauty & Fashion LOOKING GOOD WHILE HAVING FUN
It’s the first Beauty & Fashion event of 2020 so we invite you to come “FROST YOURSELF.” (in the words of actor Matthew McConaughey) Join us for this fun-filled morning as we learn about the 4 C’s of diamonds with MANJRIE, a Singaporebased bespoke fine jewelry brand. MANJRIE is the perfect amalgamation between rich culture and western aesthetics, for women, by women. MANJRIE will be offering 10% off to all fashionistas who join us on that day. Come raise a glass of bubbles and toast to LOVE, friendship and jewels. Date: Time: Place: Cost:
Monday February 3 10am – 1pm 6 Shenton Way, #22-08 OUE Downtown 2, 068809 Members $8/Guests $12
Sign up at our website www.awasingapore.org For questions, e mail beautyfashion@ awasingapore.org
Art & Culture discover NEW WORLDS
Meet Designer Raymond Wong
Private Group Tour of An Old New World
Date: Wednesday, January 15 Time: 1pm - 3pm Place: Kim Choo Shophouse, 111East Coast Rd Cost: $15 Member, $20 Guest Limit: 20 Persons max
Date: Wednesday, February 19 Time: 11am – 12:30pm Place: National Museum of Singapore Cost: $15 Member, $15 Guest Limit: 15 Persons max
Join us for a talk on Peranakan textiles and the evolution of the Sarong Kebaya, led by Raymond Wong, a Singaporean Nyonya Beadwork and Kebaya embroidery designer, followed by an opportunity to try on traditional Peranakan clothing. As you step into the upper heritage gallery of the Rumah Kim Choo shophouse, you are greeted by the feel of an old Peranakan house, or "rumah" in Malay. Rooms are filled with antiques and family heirlooms. And you can even purchase traditional food - such as the family's signature Kim Choo Kueh Chang glutinous rice dumplings. -- 24 --
Join us on a private, guided journey to An Old New World at the National Museum of Singapore. Explore the 200 years leading up to the establishment of an entrepôt in Singapore in 1819, beginning with the bustling world of trade in the East Indies that attracted the Dutch and British East India Companies from the early 17th century. The European entry into the region, for better or worse, was only part of its longer history. This exhibition is a telling of that story, and a reflection of the broader forces at play that culminated in the events of 1819. This exhibit features over 220 artifacts, including precious personal collections and treasures from top international museums. Sign up at our website www.awasingapore.org For questions, email artsandculture@awasingapore.org
Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
Art Gallery
rotating professional art displays at Awa
Art Talk AWA members gathered in the AWA office conference room on December 10 to hear textile artist Deborah McKellar (in photo below) discuss the technique and inspiration that formed her beautiful artwork. Founder of Talking Textiles, Deborah’s work is known for vibrant color and imagery that celebrates Singapore’s heritage. A selection of Deborah’s limited-edition fine art prints is available for purchase in the AWA offices through January.
For more information, please contact curator@awasingapore.org.
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ASIAN COOKING WITH CLASSES WITH VIDA Over 30 years cooking experience Spice up and experience the true harmony of Asian flavors! The menu changes monthly and features Thai, Indian and Malaysian cuisine with recipes and lunch included. Uses quality ingredients for each dish and share the techniques that will give the best results at home. Classes are done on my premises. Evening and Saturday classes are available, helpers welcome. CULINARY Wet Market and Indian Spice Shops Tours Full of information about all the produce you see in the markets including seafood, vegetables, fruit, herbs and spices. Contact 6468 2764 or vida.elizabeth.david@gmail.com
www.awasingapore.org
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Home Tour Highlights featuring five stunning homes in singapore
Photographs by jeremiah lee of
Hey Gorgeous Ph
The 2019 AWA Home Tour took place on October 8 and it was a fantastic event. AWA members gathered at homes65 before boarding coaches for the tour. As a perk of AWA membership, our members enjoyed a private visit to five homes of some fellow AWA members and local American community supporters. We were dazzled by historic architecture and stunning modern art. The range of Asian artifacts and antiques rivaled those found in local museums. It was a day to remember.
L to R: Mia and Queenie
Thank you to all of the volunteers who made the day possible, the gracious home owners and generous Lucky Draw donors. The Lucky Draws were highly appreciated with so many local businesses providing a fantastic array, that almost half the women on the tour received a prize. Returning back to homes65 we shopped and shared stories about the day. It was a wonderful AWA outing to inspire decorating ideas, make new friends and laugh with the ladies.
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Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
L to R: Anne, Christa, Paige and Toni
L to R: Toni and Caitlin
The Home Tour volunteer team
www.awasingapore.org
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More Home Tour Highlights
L to R: Maureen, Mel, Shanna and Denise
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Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
Official Event Partner: homes65 Premium Lucky Draw Sponsors: Eastern Carpets, Hacienda Blue, Just Anthony, Bungalow 55, Crate & Barrel, Arete Culture, & Talking Textiles Lucky Draw & Goodie Bag Sponsors: Manners in Mind, TTG wines, Shiva Designs, LaurentPerrier, Summer Moments, Island Living, Riau Candle Co, Taylor B, Temple Candles, Treasures of the Raj, Singapore Trading Post, Iggy’s, The Finder, American Association of Singapore, & Expat Living Enjoying a snack at homes65 after the tour
www.awasingapore.org
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Foreign Tours
a chance to travel with awa friends to phuket
If you’re looking for a few fun nights away with the girls where you can reconnect with old friends or make some new ones, then the next AWA Foreign Tour is for you. You’ll find your beach bliss on the golden sands of one of Phuket’s most iconic beaches, Patong Beach, staying at the exclusive Swissôtel Resort, where you can choose to stay in your own premium room or share a twin room. We’ll venture beyond the palm-fringed beaches to immerse ourselves in some of the cultural richness of this beautiful island by visiting the awe-inspiring 45-meter-high Buddha that sits grandly on one of Phuket’s finest vantage points and admire some of the architectural wonders of old town Phuket. We’ll also shop ‘til we drop on a custom-designed shopping expedition. We’ve included a few culinary delights to add to the experience including dinner at one of Phuket’s most renowned clifftop restaurants, Baan Rim Pa, where you’ll be treated to an authentic Royal Thai dining experience. You can also dial up the adventure by joining one of the optional tours (see details below), simply indulge in some spa pampering or just chill by the pool if that’s more your speed. Highlights & Inclusions: Travel dates: 13 – 16 May 2020 • Return economy airfares to Phuket from Singapore • Private return transfers to and from Phuket airport • 3 nights at the Swissôtel Resort Patong including daily breakfast • Dinner at the iconic Baan Rim Pa restaurant • Morning sightseeing tour with English-speaking guide • Sunset drinks and canapes one evening at the hotel Cost: Twin share: S$1280 per person* Single room: S$1460 per person*
* based on W class airfares available at time of booking
Optional extras (additional charges apply) Cooking class at the Blue Elephant cooking school including market tour @ S$155.00 per person Full day Phi Phi Island tour with lunch (weather permitting) @ S$100 per person Simon Cabaret Show in VIP area @ S$60 per person Discounted rates at the Swissôtel Thai Spa -- 30 --
Registration information:
• You can reserve your place by registering online at www. awasingapore.org no later than Friday February 21. You will be required to pay a $50 registration fee, which will hold your place for one week. • Please specify if you wish to reserve a single or a twin room (please include the name of your roommate or specify if available to match). • You will receive instructions from our travel partner, CPI Travel, to pay 50% of total cost within 7 days. • Final payment is required no later than Friday March 13. • Your AWA Girls Trip organizer will email you a release form.
Please note: We will need to book flights and make arrangements on your behalf so there will be cancellation fees if your plans change. Package excludes: • Travel insurance (strongly recommended) • Additional meals, drinks, laundry or room service charges • Any visas Please ensure that your current passport is valid for at least six (6) months from travel dates. Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
Smiles & Snapshots
Photo retrospective of 'get your groove on' Photographs by Lots of people got their groove on at this fabulous party on Friday night, November 1. Many AWA members, along with their spouses and friends, got decked out in funky threads inspired by the unique style from the 70's and 80's and boogied the night away at the Holiday Inn in the Orchard City Centre.
www.awasingapore.org
Moving Stills
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Tennis
Fun, Friendship and Fair Play
What have we been up to in AWA Tennis? Tennis Assessment: How old is your tennis assessment? We are sure your tennis has improved over the last 12 months. Remember to sign up to renew your assessment rating. All new AWA members participating in any AWA daytime tennis activity must have an AWA Court Assessment so that players are grouped by ability in our different programs to ensure fun and competitive games. It is also recommended for all AWA members to be re-assessed after 2 years. We have our popular Felicia Burch tournament in March, so remember to sign up for an assessment in order to be able to participate. Assessment Dates: January 21 & February 11 Doubles Match Play: Doubles Match Play is a social tennis event with a slightly competitive element. This event has been created to provide women with an opportunity to play relaxed social doubles with a different group of women each week, while tallying individual scores on a weekly basis. Thirteen ladies had a lot of fun on the court last season. Winners will be announced in next month’s BT and AWA bag tags will be presented to the winners at our end of season party in May. Our Spring season begins in February.
Rachel E., Helen K., Marangeli W., & Mayumi L.
Ghouls Night Out: October 31, 2019
Dressed to spook and scare on Halloween
Paige and Denise - Our GNO committee chairs
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Best dressed: Gemma and runner up Megan
Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
What is Happening in Tennis during January & February? Clinics: We now offer an intermediate clinic (Wednesday) and a beginner clinic (Monday). These programs are ideal for those who are new to the game of tennis or are still building confidence and want to learn and reinforce their skills. Savitar’s elite team of tennis coaches will cover all the fundamentals of tennis with an emphasis on enjoyment of the game.
Beginner dates: Monday January 13, 20, February 3, 10, 17, 24
Intermediate dates: Wednesday January 15, 22, February 5, 12, 19, 26
Rookie Round Robin: Mini half-day beginner tournament: Friday, January 17 Doubles Match Play: If we have enough ladies sign up in each division, Intermediate players will play on a Tuesday and Advanced players on a Thursday. The spring season will run for 8 weeks with the last week being held as a rain day.
February: 4 / 6, 11 / 13, 18 / 20, 25 / 27 March: 3 / 5, 10 / 12, 17 / 19 April: 14 / 16 Rain day: April 21 / 23
Girls Night Out: It's Valentines, come and celebrate on court. February 13. SAVE THE DATE: Don’t miss out on these upcoming spring AWA Tennis events: • Felicia Burch: Intermediate 3-day tournament: March 30 - April 1 • AWA Open: Advanced 4-day tournament May 11 – 14
To register for all events, or for full details, please see the tennis page on the AWA website.
• End of year AWA Tennis Party: May 8
Richie’s Custom Tailor Classic and distinctive hand-made tuxedos for men and cheongsams for women Orchard Plaza #01-68 150 Orchard Road, S 238841 6732-5654
www.awasingapore.org
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Golf Shots
New And experienced players ARE WELCOME TO TEE IT UP Happy New Year from the AWA Golfing Group. The theme for this issue is embracing change and that is certainly the case for our group right now. All AWA golfers are expats and have learned to embrace ongoing change in our lives, which is often seen as the key to happiness and success. On the positive side, we are thrilled to welcome new members, Florence Bickert, Celeste Ebbs, Sue Fazackerly and Gill Hinchliffe. They recently joined this season and are great additions to our group. But sadly, two long-time and very active members are leaving Singapore. Talented golfer Gina Auger as well as our AWA golf chair Hanna Appelt are both moving back to their homes in the United States after being in Singapore for almost 6 years. Fortunately, Peng Pavie will be our new AWA golf chair and her “back-up” will be Lily Giddens. Both golfers have many new ideas to advance this great group of wonderful ladies and talented golfers. We look forward to many more fun times on the links in 2020.
L to R: Marcela, Sue, Martina, Gina, Barbara, Megan, Suprimi, Yvette, Hanna, Joanne, Roselie
For more information, contact 18holegolf@awasingapore.org
Running
Running Around SIngapore.... And Beyond Embracing change is something the AWA Running group took to heart at the beginning of this season. After losing several key members due to expat moves, the group dwindled down to 13 members. Nevertheless, the group went all out during the AWA Welcome Fair and has continued to actively share the group’s fun approach to running. Today, we are up to 26 runners and growing every month. We’d like to officially welcome our new runners: Suzanne Murphy, Jennifer Whitesides, Florence Sorgini, Caroline Beaumont, Becca Meurer, Dafne Wesenaar, Jessica Robinett, Mona Lemp and Alfa. Although we have been embracing change this year, the AWA Running group has continued to maintain some of the activities that have made this group unique. In November the group embarked on their annual “Runcation” and went to Thailand to compete in the Phuketon 2019. The results were pretty impressive. All of our runners placed within the Top 100 Females to cross the finish line in the 10K or Half Marathon! In addition, our very own Anne Morgan came in 5th place overall in the 10K and made us proud by receiving a trophy at the podium.
AWA runners at Phuketon 2019
The year 2020 will continue to bring exciting activities to this dynamic group. We will be celebrating the start of the new year with a dinner and gift exchange in January and we plan to enter another race before the start of the summer. Does this sound like a group you would like to join? Can you run a 5k? Then come and join us for a run on Tuesdays at 8am at the Botanic Gardens. Please email us at running@awasingapore.org so you can start the new year running and embracing your own change. Hope to see you soon! -- 34 --
Anne Morgan
Bamboo Telegraph - Jan/Feb 2020
Bridge
DEALING UP GOOD TIMES FOR LADIES AND COUPLES AWA Duplicate Bridge: Welcome to the friendliest bridge game in Singapore! If you’ve played duplicate bridge and understand Basic Standard American bidding (SAYC), you are welcome to join us. Our more experienced players go out of their way to make sure new players feel welcome and supported. But be warned: their enthusiasm for the game is contagious! Date: Monday Time: 1pm - 4:30pm Place: The Hollandse Club, 22 Camden Park Cost: Member $7/Guest $14 Contact: duplicatebridge@awasingapore.org
AWA Couples’ Bridge: We are a diverse group of 12 couples who meet once a month for dinner, drinks and a lively game of duplicate bridge. This social group is currently at capacity. However, we are happy to add you to the wait/sub list. And if there is enough interest, we can help you start a second couples’ bridge group. Date: Saturday (once a month) Time: 6:30pm - 11:30pm Place: Members' homes on a rotating basis Contact: couplesbridge@awasingapore.org
Health & Fitness beat the heat with a new workout
Orangetheory is rated as the best 1-hour workout in the country, focusing on a cardio and high-intensity workout that’s suitable for all fitness levels. Backed by the science of Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC), Orangetheory’s heart-rate monitored training is proven to burn more calories post-workout than your average gym class. And it’s also guaranteed that you’ll see results from the inside out. Working out in a group setting and led by a coach, Orangetheory makes building up a sweat both fun and simple. Date: Wednesday Jan 22 Time: 11:15am (10:45am for first timers) Place: 38A Martin Road – 0201, Robertson Quay Cost: Free Limit: 20 people
Aquaspin™ combines the benefits of indoor cycling with aqua aerobics, giving you a full-body workout in 45 minutes. These fun and interactive group classes are perfect for anyone looking to keep fit, rehabilitate from an injury or get a high intensity low-impact workout. Burn up to 800 calories, get rid of cellulite and boost your blood flow while enjoying the view from the infinity pool @ Hotel Jen OrchardGateway! Date: Thursday February 6 Time: 9:30am Place: Hotel Jen Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road Cost: Free Limit: 10 people
To sign up for either class, just go to our website at www.awasingapore.org For any questions, please contact Stacey Raza at fitness@awasingapore.org
www.awasingapore.org
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A WA Events and Activities Social & Special Groups
After Ni Hao – Mandarin conversation every Thursday at 10am. Hyesung Laffey & Manju Banka, afternihao@awasingapore.org
Arts & Culture – Monthly talks and events focusing on Asian arts &
culture. Kristi Miller & Seema Shah, artsandculture@awasingapore.org
Bar Night – Ladies’ nights, couples’ nights each month.
Kristin Bemowski, barnight@awasingapore.org Beauty & Fashion - From fashion talks to workshops, there’s no age limit to brilliant beauty & unlimited style. Florence Sorgini, beautyfashion@awasingapore.org Book Groups – Morning, afternoon & evening books groups, held monthly. Kate Breslin, bookgroups@awasingapore.org Bunco – Play this simple dice game once a month in the afternoon or evening. Anne Roberts & Jo Cockerill, bunco@awasingapore.org Cancer Support Group – Meets the third week of the month, with a focus on mutual support and information sharing. Rosa Liu, cancersupport@awasingapore.org Christian Connection - Provides information and resources to help you connect with local Christian community groups. Barbara Winkler, christianconnect@awasingapore.org Couples’ Bridge – Meets monthly on a Saturday evening. Spouses are welcome. Amy Starling, couplesbridge@awasingapore.org Creative Hands - Bring your handiwork project to work on and share with other creative women every 2nd, 4th & 5th Thursday. Charisse Litteken, crafters@awasingapore.org Cultural Cooking – Ready to learn your way around the internatinal kitchen? Monthly cooking classes are for you! Donna Bose & Sarah Beutelschies, cooking@awasingapore.org DISH – Monthly lunches at a variety of interesting venues. Caitlin McNeal & Alison Coriel, dish@awasingapore.org Drop-In Coffees – Meets at Orchard Tangs Providore Café, on the 2nd floor every Wed & Fri from 10.30am - 12.30pm. Open to everyone, no need to register. Laurie Day, coffee@awasingapore.org Duplicate Bridge – American Standard five-card major rules every Monday. You don’t need a partner to join. Esme Parish, duplicatebridge@awasingapore.org High Tea - enjoy monthly teas at Singapore’s top hotels. Debra Minnock, hightea@awasingapore.org International Choir – Rehearses every Wednesday. Performances in the spring & winter. Michiko Kinoshita, intlchoir@awasingapore.org Listen Ladies – A compassionate group of ladies who have a confidential and supportive meeting every 2nd Monday. Andrea McKenna Brankin, listenladies@awasingapore.org Local Tours – Professionally guided tours of Singapore, multiple times each month. Lorraine Graybill, localtours@awasingapore.org Mahjong - International style in a low stress FUN friendly atmosphere on every Monday afternoon & 3rd Tuesday evening at Boomarang Robertson Quay. Siew-Wei Ngiam, mahjong@awasingapore.org Movie Lunch – Monthly lunch followed by a movie in the Orchard Road area. Michelle Reeb, movielunch@awasingapore.org Photography – Meets once a month to have fun practicing and improving our photography. All levels are welcome. Alison Stanton & Karen Lucas, photography@awasingapore.org Playgroup - For moms with kids under age 3. Meets every Firday morning at a member's home plus a monthly "Moms Night Out". Ashley Fagan & Morgan Steinman, playgroups@awasingapore.org
Podcasting – Meets every 3rd Wednesday to share information & ideas on the podcast process. All levels welcome. Anne Morgan, podcasting@awasingapore.org Quilting – for new or experienced quilters on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month. Jo Sochi, quilting@awasingapore.org Trivia Night – Trivia Night is a fun way to make new friends while testing your trivia knowledge! Meets monthly on a Monday night. Karla Popper, trivia@awasingapore.org Workshops - Expand your mind and learn something new about yourself, about Singapore or about the world - the possibilities are endless. Leezibet Heinzraiden, workshops@awasingapore.org Writers’ Group - Beginner and published writers discuss their work the 2nd & 4th Thursday of every month. Anne Morgan & Elissa Viornery, writers@awasingapore.org
Sports
Golf - The 18-hole group plays on Wednesday & the 9-hole group on Thursday. Hanna Appelt, 18holegolf@awasingapore.org
Health and Fitness – A variety of health and fitness activities &
informative seminars to help everyone stay fit. Stacey Raza, fitness@awasingapore.org Hiking – Meets at MacRitchie Reservoir every 1st & 3rd Thursday morning. Tori Nelson & Christine Schooling, hiking@awasingapore.org Pilates - Mixed ability classes bookable monthly. Jo Cockerill, pilates@ awasingapore.org Running - Group runs for all levels on Tuesday & Thursday mornings at locations around Singapore. Marangeli Wouda, running@ awasingapore.org Tennis - A variety of singles and doubles play including tournaments, and team tennis for players of all levels. Georgina Webster & Gigi Scott, tennischair@awasingapore.org Walking - Walk all over this amazing island. Mondays are 10K, Wednesdays are 5K. Andrea McKenna Brankin & Mercedes Bainbridge, walking@awasingapore.org
Community Service
Community Service - Connecting AWA members to volunteer opportunities with AWA’s featured organizations and more. Christa Boncimino, commservice@awasingapore.org Ronald McDonald House Charities - Support the families of children at Singapore’s National University Hospital. Sheila Weidner, rmhc@awasingapore.org Humanitarian Organization for Migrant Economies
Volunteer to assist residents at HOME’s shelter for migrant workers in Singapore. Christa Boncimino, home@awasingapore.org Food From The Heart - Help pack and/or distribute food bags to families in Singapore who cannot afford to feed themselves. Janet Stride, ffth@awasingapore.org
People’s Association (A Singapore Government Body)
Connecting AWA memebers to government volunteer opportunities. Christa Boncimino, outreach@awasingapore.org Willing Hearts - Monthly shifts to prepare food for the less fortunate. Allison Burden, willinghearts@awasingapore.org kidsREAD - Help local children develop a love of reading. Davida Mahoney, kidsread@awa.singapore.org For more information, visit our website: www.awasingapore.org
Enjoy a very special Singapore horse-racing experience under lights.
Night at the Races Gather your friends and come meet new ones at the annual AWA Night at the Races. Watch live horse racing, enjoy a full buffet dinner and socialize in the air-conditioned grand setting of the Singapore Turf Club.
Friday, February 28, 2020 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM Kranji Racecourse, Singapore Turf Club 1 Turf Club Avenue 739078
Dree Code
: Don your finest race wear, hats are encouraged!
Please bring plenty of cash for betting and cash bar.
Cost:
$75 Members & Spouses $90 Guests includes dinner, private room with betting facilities and direct views of the track.
Registration at www.awasingapore.org This is a NO CANCELLATION event.